Pregnancy diagnosis in dairy cows by whey progesterone analysis: An ROC approach

Concentration of progesterone in milk may be used to predict pregnancy status of dairy cattle by the 21st day after insemination. However, the accuracy of this method may be affected by fat-solubility of progesterone and sample storage conditions. After coagulation of a milk sample with rennet, an alternative method is to quantify progesterone concentration in whey with a novel, validated EIA. In this experiment, a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was performed to estimate the optimal discrimination point for whey progesterone concentration, using a sample of 991 Friesian cows evaluated between the 42nd and 44th day after insemination. Cows also were diagnosed for pregnancy by rectal palpation at this time. The overall conception rate at palpation was 57%. ROC analysis indicated that 259 pg/mL progesterone in whey was the most effective cutoff to discriminate correctly between pregnant and non-pregnant cows. Using this point for prediction, sensitivity was 98.2%, specificity was 70.9% and the area under ROC curve was 0.859, levels generally considered to denote moderate accuracy. The negative likelihood ratio at the cutoff of 259 pg/mL was 0.02, indicating satisfactory performance in detecting negative subjects, while the positive likelihood ratio (+LR=3.37) suggested average performance. In conclusion, EIA of progesterone concentration in whey is a viable method for predicting pregnancy status in cows. However, operators should take management objectives for the herd into account in determining the cutoff point and also considering important influencing variables such as conception rate in the herd. This method can provide diagnostic support for efforts to improve reproductive success, especially in low-fertility herds.

Detection and treatment of depressive and anxiety disorders among cancer patients: feasibility and preliminary findings from a liaison service in an oncology division

Our aim in this observational study was to evaluate the feasibility of a multiphasic screening project for the detection and treatment of mood and anxiety disorders among cancer patients in a natural setting. One hundred sixty-five patients with cancer, consecutively admitted to the Oncology Division of San Camillo-Forlanini Hospital, were recruited to the study. All patients had solid tumors; the majority of them were colon, breast, and lung cancers. All patients completed the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Patients screened as positive were administered the following instruments by a psychiatrist: the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV (SCID-I), the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HARS), and a validated scale for the rapid dimensional assessment of psychopathology (SVARAD). The BDI, HARS, and SVARAD were administered again at 4 and 10 weeks to all treated patients. Out of 45 patients administered the SCID-I, 37 had a mood or anxiety disorder. Adjustment disorders were identified in 20 patients, depressive disorders in 14, and anxiety disorders in three patients. Most patients were prescribed psychotropic medications: mirtazapine was prescribed to 15 patients, citalopram to 13 patients, and escitalopram to four patients. A significant improvement in symptoms of depression and anxiety was observed on all measures (P<.001). Although the design of the study prevents any firm conclusions about effectiveness, this study suggests that including psychiatric expertise in an oncology division is feasible and may lead to improved detection and treatment of psychiatric disorders among cancer patients. Further randomized trials are needed to elaborate on our findings.

Effects of Mating on Plasma Concentrations of Testosterone, Cortisol, Oestrone Sulphate and 15-Ketodihydro-PGF2? in Stallions

Very little information is available regarding the physiological mechanisms involved in the normal sexual activity in the stallion and, in particular, the endocrine control of reproduction is still not clearly understood. This experiment was designed to determine the short-term effect of sexual stimulation on plasma concentrations of testosterone, cortisol, oestrone sulphate and 15-ketodihydro-PGF(2alpha) in stallions. Semen samples were collected from 10 lighthorse stallions of proven fertility using a Missouri model artificial vagina. At the same time, blood samples were collected from the jugular vein with heparinized tubes, 20 and 10 min before oestrous mare exposure, at exposure and 10, 20, 30 min after dismounting. Testosterone concentrations showed a sharp rise 10 min after mating (p < 0.001), reached a plateau, and then showed a further increase 30 min after mating (p < 0.001). Cortisol concentrations increased 10 min after mating (p < 0.001) and remained at high levels in the subsequent samples taken. A peak of oestrone sulphate was observed 10 min after mating (p < 0.001). 15-Ketodihydro-PGF(2alpha) concentrations decreased rapidly at the moment of the exposure of the stallions to an oestrous mare (p < 0.05), returned to pre-mating concentrations and then decreased again 30 min after mating (p < 0.05).

Oxytocin-induced PGF2alpha Release in Mares With and Without Post-breeding Delayed Uterine Clearance

The aim of the present study was to evaluate within 24 h post-ovulation oxytocin-induced PGF(2alpha) release in mares with and without post-breeding delayed uterine clearance (DUC). Twenty-one of 34 mares with a variable amount of intrauterine fluids accumulation were considered to be affected by delayed uterine clearance (DUC group), while the other 13 mares did not show any uterine fluid accumulation, and were considered as controls (WDUC group). Both DUC and WDUC mares were administered with 20 IU oxytocin i.m. 90 min after the ultrasound examination performed 24 h after breeding. Immediately before, 5 and 10 min after oxytocin administration, blood samples were collected for 15-ketodihydro-PGF(2alpha) (PG-metabolite), 17beta-estradiol, and progesterone analysis. Ultrasonography performed 24 h after oxytocin treatment showed a complete uterine clearance in all DUC mares. The oxytocin-induced PG-metabolite increase was detected in 71.4% DUC mares compared with 38.5% in WDUC group, with a positive trend of release, as evidenced from 5 min after oxytocin administration. In WDUC mares, no significant differences in oxytocin-induced PG-metabolite trend of release were observed. In conclusion, the results of the present study showed the importance of PGF(2alpha) involvement in the pathogenesis of post-breeding DUC in the mare.

Comparison between cloprostenol-induced and spontaneous oestrus fertility in dairy cows

A short calving to conception interval is of main importance to achieve high economic efficiency in dairy cow industry. In order to reduce this interval, several hormonal treatments have been put on the market, in which cloprostenol, a synthetic analogue of prostaglandin F2alpha (PGF2alpha). The aim of this study was to compare fertility of cloprostenol-induced oestrus to that of spontaneous oestrus in dairy cows. In a group of 525 cows, 280 (treated group) were administered 0.5 mg cloprostenol i.m. after transrectal corpus luteum (CL) detection, and inseminated at detected oestrus during the following week. The other 245 cows (control group) were inseminated during spontaneous oestrus. Whey progesterone concentrations were checked at treatment and at insemination in order to remove from the study cows whose P4 levels indicate a non-functional CL, or a lack of luteolysis respectively. Moreover, cows that were not inseminated due to genital problems were also excluded from this study. Conception (59% vs 54.5%) and calving rates (93.7% vs 93%) were not significantly different between the two groups.

Technical Note: Direct Enzyme Immunoassay of Progesterone in Bovine Milk Whey

A simple extraction-free or direct quantitative ELISA for progesterone in bovine milk whey was developed. Whey samples are easy to collect, transport, and store. This method also allows for monitoring progesterone levels in cattle, which is important in reproductive management. The assay was designed to cover the concentration range 0.05 to 2 ng/mL, and the sensitivity of the method was 1.5 pg/mL. The intra- and interassay coefficients of variation were 8 and 12%, respectively. A high correlation (r = 0.90) between ELISA and radioimmunoassay measurements of progesterone in the same milk whey samples was obtained. The method can be easily applied in practice because samples can be stored at room temperature (22 to 26 degrees C) for 4 d. Moreover, because analysis requires milk coagulation, that process can be initiated during transport by standard mail services to the laboratory. Upon arrival at the laboratory, whey can be kept refrigerated for 1 wk before analysis. This tool is useful for monitoring luteal activity of dairy cows.

Relationship between pharmacological induction of estrous and/or ovulation and twin pregnancy in the Thoroughbred mares

The aim of this study was to evaluate the possible relationship of pharmacological induction of estrous and/or ovulation with the occurrence of twin pregnancies in Thoroughbred mares. Out of 680 mares, 356 received one of the following treatments during the estrous cycle in which they became pregnant: injection of 0.5mg of cloprostenol at the ultrasonographic detection of a CL (n=86); injection of 5000 IU human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) immediately before mating (n=221); injection of 0.5mg of cloprostenol at the ultrasonographic detection of a CL plus injection of 5000 IU hCG immediately before mating on cloprostenol-induced estrous (n=49). The other 324 mares, not treated for induction of estrous or ovulation in the estrous cycle resulting in pregnancy, were used as control group. The occurrence of twin and single pregnancies in treated and control mares underlines that the percentage of twin pregnancy in treated mares (16.6%) was statistically significantly higher (P<0.0001; odds ratio, OR=2.87) than the percentage of twinning in the control group (6.5%). Comparison of the occurrence of twins between treatments revealed a statistically significant difference between mares treated with hCG alone compared to animals given prostaglandin F2alpha (PGF2alpha) plus hCG. The results show a statistically significant difference for each treatment compared to controls, with the least difference (P<0.05; OR=2.18) for the comparison between hCG treatment group and controls, a significance of P<0.01; OR=3.05 for the comparison between PGF2alpha treatment and controls, and a highly statistically significant difference (P<0.0001; OR=6.37) for the comparison between PGF2alpha plus hCG-treated animals and controls.

17beta-estradiol, progesterone and testosterone concentrations in cystic fluids and response to GnRH treatment after emptying of ovarian cysts in dairy cows

The aim of this study was to determine possible links between steroidogenic activity of single ovarian cysts and response to intramuscular treatment with 20 microg of buserelin (GnRH-analogue) after cyst emptying, in pluriparous Friesian cows bearing a singleton cyst treated not earlier than 55 days post-partum. Progesterone, 17beta-estradiol and testosterone were determined in cystic fluids collected by needle aspiration of the cyst. Of the cows, 75.6% began ovarian cyclicity within 30 days after treatment with a conception rate of 64.7%. In this study it was found that as progesterone concentration in cystic fluids rose, the number of positive responses to the treatment fell.

Ultrasonographic appearance of tissue is a better indicator of CL function than CL diameter measurement in dairy cows

In this study, the ovaries of 99 randomly selected Friesian cows were examined by ultrasonography measuring the diameter and evaluating the appearance of corpora lutea (CLs) in order to assess the most reliable method for their functional classification. Concurrently, blood samples were taken and analyzed for plasma progesterone (P4) concentration. On the basis of the ultrasonographic measurement of the diameter of the CL, three groups were established: (A) CL not detected (n = 30), (B) CL psi < 20 mm (n = 22), and (C) CL psi > or = 20mm (n = 47). On the basis of the ultrasonographic appearance, three different groups were established: (A) CL not detected (n = 30), (B) evolving CL (n = 25), and (C) mid-cycle CL (n = 44). On the basis of the P4 values, CLs were functionally classified in the following three groups: (A) CL not detected when plasma P4 was lower than 1 ng/ml (n = 27), (B) evolving CL when plasma P4 was between 1 and 4 ng/ml inclusive (n = 29), and (C) mid-cycle CL when plasma P4 was more than 4 ng/ml (n = 43). The degree of agreement between plasma P4 concentrations and either ultrasonographic classification (diameter or appearance) was highly significant (P < 0.001). However, the results of the present study suggest that for the evaluation of functional classification of the CL in cows ultrasonographic appearance is more reliable than the evaluation of the diameter.

Correlations among body temperature, plasma progesterone, cortisol and prostaglandin F2alpha of the periparturient bitch

The results of this study suggest that, besides the irrelevant role of body temperature measurement to predict the impending parturition in the bitch, progesterone and 15-ketodihydroprostaglandin F2alpha plasma level records could be more suitable to detect the approaching whelping in this species. More interesting was the statistically significant substantial increase in body temperature beginning 12 h after the onset of parturition. Therefore, if any significant increase in body temperature is recorded at the end of pregnancy without the beginning of the expulsion of fetuses, it could indicate problems at parturition. In this study, cortisol levels increased significantly at the time of delivery and remained high 12 h after the beginning of parturition, decreasing within 36 h after the onset of whelping. 15-ketodihydro-prostaglandin F2alpha levels increased significantly 24 h before parturition and again at the onset of whelping. Progesterone levels decreased significantly, starting 24 h before the onset of whelping and remained low after delivery.

Agreement between ultrasonographic classification of the CL and plasma progesterone concentration in dairy cows

We evaluated the agreement between ultrasonographic characteristics of the corpus luteum (CL) and plasma progesterone (P4) concentration in dairy cows. In Phase I of the study, the ovaries of 8 cows were ultrasonographically examined, and P4 was analyzed daily from estrus (Day 0) to Day 4, then at Day 7 and Day 10, and again daily from Day 17 to the onset of next estrus. In Phase 2, the ovaries of 157 randomly selected Friesian cows were examined once by ultrasonography, and blood samples collected concurrently were analyzed for plasma P4. On the basis of the P4 values, the function of CLs was classified as follows: 1) non-secretory CL when plasma P4 was lower than 1 ng/mL (n=41); 2) evolving CL when plasma P4 was between 1 and 4 ng/mL (n=55); and 3) mid-cycle CL when plasma P4 was more than 4 ng/mL (n=61). On the basis of ultrasonographic examination, 3 additional groups were established (absence of CL, evolving CL, midcycle CL). Ultrasonographic characteristics and size of Day 3 to 4 CLs and their respective plasma P4 concentrations were not distinguishable from those of CLs observed 3 to 4 d before the subsequent estrus. The degree of agreement between the two classification was 72%. The data indicate that the functional classification of CLs is difficult to determine based on ultrasonography alone.

The use of oxytocin for the reduction of cow placental retention, and subsequent endometritis

Oxytocin was administered to reduce incidence of retained placenta and uterine infections that could delay subsequent conception. Three hundred and fifty multiparous Friesian cows, each with spontaneous delivery of a single calf were divided randomly into two groups. Some (n = 175) were injected with 30 IU of oxytocin immediately after delivery and again 2-4 h later, while the remainder formed an untreated control group. The placental retention 24 h after parturition was 24.6% and 10.9% in control and treated animals respectively (P < 0.01). Endometritis occurred in 51.6% of the animals following placental retention as compared to 10.4% of those with normal expulsion of the fetal membranes (P < 0.001). A comparison of reproductive indices showed a statistically significant improvement of fertility in treated cows with the average interval from calving to conception being reduced from 124.4 d to 93.7 d (P < 0.0001).

Ultrastructure as a basis for dating of rat endometrium

Studies on the endometrial cycle depend upon the precise dating of the cycle stage. In the present paper the generally applied method of vaginal smear was carefully verified through the measurement of the hormones relevant to the endometrial cycle. From rats predated through vaginal smear cytology, the hormone levels of estradiol-17-beta (E2) and progesterone (P), luteinizing hormone (LH), and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) were measured. The values obtained were then compared to the standardized values of our reference curve. Animals with values that did not fit within the standard deviation of our reference curve were excluded from this investigation. Thus, for the first time exactly dated rat endometrial morphology was studied with electron microscopy. The morphology of the surface epithelium of rat endometrium from all four stages of the cycle is described in detail. In addition a semiquantitative morphometric analysis of the following parameters was performed: cell volume, nuclear volume, the volume density of secretory granules, digestive vacuoles, mitochondria, Golgi apparatus, rough endoplasmic reticulum, and lipid vacuoles as well as the size of lipid vacuoles. With the cellular content of lipid vacuoles and their diameter, it is possible to differentiate between proestrus/estrus and diestrus I/diestrus II, the latter possessing definitely more and larger lipid vacuoles. During estrus the greatest cytoplasmic volume develops. In addition to this, secretory granules are only present during estrus. Finally, diestrus I can be well differentiated from diestrus II, because diestrus I exhibits more digestive vacuoles and during diestrus II a high percentage of free ribosomes is present. On the basis of distinct morphological features, described in this paper, it is now clearly possible to distinguish between the four different cycle stages.

Efficacy of oxytetracycline and tetracycline-benzydamine in the prevention of infection after placental retention in cattle

The efficacy of intrauterine oxytetracycline and a combination of benzydamine and tetracycline in preventing uterine infections in 150 Italian Friesian cows with retained placentas were compared. The animals were divided into three equal groups. Sixteen per cent of the oxytetracycline-treated group, 12 per cent of the benzydamine-tetracycline-treated group and 76 per cent of the untreated group developed endometritis. The difference between the two treatment groups was not significant but both treatments were effective in preventing septic complications in cows with retained placentas.

Flow cytometric analysis of cellular DNA content in paraffin wax-embedded specimens of canine mammary tumours

Flow cytometric analysis of DNA content was performed on 72 formalin-fixed, paraffin wax-embedded samples of canine mammary tumours. DNA content was correlated with histological appearance, stage of the tumour, and survival after mastectomy. All benign tumours (14 cases) were diploid. Amongst the malignant tumours, a higher incidence of aneuploid tumours (50 per cent) was observed in cases with lymph nodal metastases in comparison with those without metastases (26 per cent). All dogs with benign tumours survived for at least two years after mastectomy and so did 26 (81 per cent) of 32 DNA diploid malignant cases without metastases. A 67 per cent (eight of 12 cases) survival rate was found in the dogs with DNA aneuploid malignant tumours without metastases, while a very low survival rate (17 per cent) was observed in the group with malignant tumours with metastases, independently of the extent of ploidy.

Modulation of receptor levels in canine breast tumors by administration of tamoxifen and etretinate either alone or in combination

Steroid receptors were measured in a series of 30 operable canine mammary gland tumors; both cytoplasmic estrogen (ERc) and progesterone (PgRc) receptor mean concentrations were very low with respect to the mean levels found in humans. Therefore a study was designed to modulate receptor levels by administration of Tamoxifen and Etretinate, either alone or in combination. Forty dogs with resectable, histologically documented mammary gland tumors were subdivided into the following treatment groups: a. Etretinate (1 mg/kg/d) p.o. for 7 days followed by Tamoxifen (0.7 mg/kg/d) p.o. for 7 days; b. Tamoxifen (0.7 mg/kg/d) p.o. for 14 days; c. Etretinate (1 mg/kg/d) p.o. for 14 days; d. 14 days placebo, and cytoplasmic ERc and PgRc and nuclear ER (ERn) were measured before and after the treatment. An increase of ERc and ERn was observed after administration of Tamoxifen, while an increase of ERc only was seen after treatment with Etretinate. We conclude that canine mammary tumors are indeed hormone sensitive despite their very low receptor concentrations and a suitable treatment can in fact modulate receptor levels. However, further studies are needed better to define the optimal treatment regimen in order to achieve maximal steroid receptor induction.

Reproductive performance of female goats given progestagen associated with PMSG and/or HMG in deep anestrus

During deep anestrus and after a 21-day fluorogestone acetate (FGA) treatment, 200 pluriparous lactating Alpine goats were given randomly one of four treatments: (A) 500 IU of pregnant mare serum gonadotropin (PMSG) 48 h before sponge removal; (B) 500 IU of PMSG 48 h before sponge removal and an ampoule of human menopausal gonadotropin (HMG) at sponge removal; (C) two ampoules of HMG at sponge removal; (D) four ampoules of HMG at sponge removal. All the goats were mated naturally during estrus. The percentage of goats kidding (fertility rate) was 6, 34, 40 and 36% for groups A, B, C, and D, respectively; the number of kids/pregnant female (prolificacy) averaged between 1.33 and 1.72. The accuracy of pregnancy diagnosis on the basis of plasma progesterone concentration 20 to 22 days after mating was not particularly satisfactory, mainly because many pregnant goats, and especially group A goats, showed abnormally prolonged luteal activity. The determination of total estrone 60 days after mating gave almost 100% overall accuracy.

Progesterone, estrogen, LH, FSH and PRL concentrations in plasma during the estrous cycle in goat

Progesterone, estrogen, LH, FSH and PRL variations in plasma were measured in 7 goats by RIA. Mean progesterone level was 0.0-0.8 ng/ml in estrus and 1-4 ng/ml in diestrus. Estrogen levels ranged from 10 to 20 pg/ml in diestrus; around estrus, a peak of 26.9 +/- 3.18 pg/ml was observed. LH values were 0.5-3.0 ng/ml with a preovulatory peak (40.7 +/- 10.12 ng/ml) 8 to 24 h after the onset of estrus. Except for a peak (14.0 +/- 3.09 ng/ml) coincident with LH surge, plasma FSH level ranged between 2 and 4 ng/ml. PRL level averaged 2-5 ng/ml in diestrus but high concentrations of this hormone were seen around estrus.