Improvement in embryo recovery using double uterine flushing

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effects of double uterine flushing on the recovery of embryos/ova in cattle. Two hundred and ten embryo recovery procedures were conducted using a double uterine flushing method, and the results were compared with 432 conventional single-flushing procedures. Cyclic Limousin (n = 403) and Guzera (n = 239) donor cows received an intravaginal progesterone releasing device and 2 mg of estradiol benzoate on Day 0. Between Days 5 and 9, donors received decreasing doses of FSH, which ranged from 200 to 300 IU (Bos indicus) and 300 to 500 IU (Bos taut-us). on the afternoon of Day 7, donors received an injection of 500 mu g cloprostenol and progesterone implants were removed 12 It later (morning of Day 8). Artificial insemination was performed between 14 and 26 h after first detection of behavioral estrus. Cows were randomly assigned to have embryos recovered by a double-flushing method (n = 210) or the conventional single-flushing procedure (n = 432). For the double-flushing procedure, after first flushing the whole uterus with 1 L of Dubelco's Phosphate Buffered Saline (DPBS), a Foley catheter was positioned in the uterine body to permit refilling of the uterus with fresh DPBS (80-150 mL). The catheter was closed with the plunger of a disposable 5 mL syringe, and the donors were allowed to rest in a holding area for 30 min. Thereafter, a second flush was performed to recover the solution remaining in the uterus. Animals from the control group were subjected to a single uterine flush. From 2 10 double-flushing procedures, 1409 viable embryos were recovered. In comparison, from 432 cows receiving the single-flushing procedure, 1993 embryos were recovered. Double flushing increased (P < 0.05) the number of embryos recovered per procedure compared to single flushing (6.7 +/- 0.4 versus 4.6 +/- 0.2, respectively; mean +/- S.E.M.). When double flushing was performed, average recovered embryos/ova increased (P < 0.05) from 8.3 +/- 0.4 to 12.7 +/- 0.7 in Limousin and from 7.9 to 11.5 in Guzera. Also, utilization of double flushing increased (P < 0.05) the number of viable embryos from 4.7 +/- 0.3 to 6.9 +/- 0.5 in Limousin and from 4.5 +/- 0.4 to 6.4 +/- 0.7 in Guzera. Mean total embryos/ova was similar (P > 0.05) between the control group and after the first uterine flushing in the double-flushing group; therefore, both flushings were conducted efficiently. In conclusion, double uterine flushing increased embryo recovery in cattle. (C) 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

A simple and green analytical method for determination of glyphosate in commercial formulations and water by diffuse reflectance spectroscopy

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

Detection of propranolol in pharmaceutical formulations by diffuse reflectance spectroscopy

This paper describes an analytical reflectometric method that has an objective not only the industrial quality control but also to detect possible falsifications and/or adulterations of propranolol in pharmaceutical formulations. The method is based on the diffuse reflectance measurements of the colored product (III) of the spot test reaction between propranolol hydrochloride (I) and 2,6-dichloroquinone-4-chloroimide (II) using filter paper as solid support. Spot test conditions have been investigated using experimental design in order to identify and optimize the critical factors. The factors evaluated were DCQ concentration, propranolol solvent and DCQ solvent. The best reaction conditions were achieved with the addition of 30 mu L, of propranolol solution in ethanol 35% (v/v) and 30 mu L of DCQ solution at 70 mg mL(-1) in acetone, in this order. All reflectance measurements were carried out at 500 nm and the linear range was from 8.45 x 10(-4) to 8.45 x 10(-2) mol L-1 (r= 0.998). The limit of detection was 1.01 x 10(-4) mol L-1. No interference was observed from the assessed excipients and drugs. The method was applied to determine propranolol in commercial brands of pharmaceuticals. The results obtained by the proposed method were favorably compared with those given by the British Pharmacopoeia procedure. (C) 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Determination of nitrite in meat products and water using dapsone with combined spot test/diffuse reflectance on filter paper

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

Determination of hydrochlorothiazide in pharmaceutical formulations by diffuse reflectance spectroscopy

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Determination of ambroxol in syrups using diffuse reflectance spectroscopy

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Arterial diffuse intimal thickening associated with enzootic calcinosis of sheep

Foram feitos estudos morfométrico, imunoistoquímico e ultra-estrutural do espessamento intimal difuso (DIT) das artérias de 7 ovinos com sinais clínicos de calcinose enzoótica espontânea causada pela ingestão da planta Nierembergia veitchii. As lesões caracterizavam-se por deposição de sais de cálcio na média como placas e estrias que, com frequência faziam saliência para a luz, criando rugosidades e irregularidades da íntima. Não foram observadas calcificações na artéria pulmonar e no sistema venoso. Microscopicamente, as calcificações das artérias restringiam-se quase que exclusivamente à média. Na imunoistoquimica, foi verificada a-actina nas células da média e nas do espessamento intimal. Receptores para 1,25(OH)2D3 foram evidenciados nos núcleos das células musculares da média, da íntima e das células endoteliais. As análises morfométricas em microscopia ótica revelaram, nas artérias, DIT irregularmente distribuido sem relação com a intensidade dos processos de calcificação subjacente nem com a espessura da média remanescente. A morfometria das alterações ultra-estruturais das células musculares lisas da média e da íntima espessada, mostrou que nessas últimas foi verificado aumento de até 318% na fração volumétrica das organelas de síntese em detrimento dos elementos contráteis, quando comparados com os valores das células da média. Essas modificações indicam a transformação das células musculares lisas de um tipo contrátil para células de tipo sintético. Entre essses dois extremos foram evidenciadas diversas formas intermediárias. Foram observadas evidências histológicas e ultra-estruturais da transformação e migração de células da média através das fenestras da lâmina elástica interna, para a íntima, onde proliferam e formam o DIT. Foi concluído que o DIT é um componente constante nas lesões arterioscleróticas nas calcinoses dos ovinos induzidas pela planta N. veitchii e que as células predominantes são células musculares lisas provenientes de predecessoras da média. Foi constatado que o DIT só excepcionalmente apresenta calcificação, vascularização, presença de células espumosas e fendas de colesterol. Não foram vistas áreas de necrose. Sugere-se que o fator indutor das alterações arteriais é o 1,25(OH)2D3 contido em N. veitchii.

Determination of furosemide in pharmaceutical formulations by diffuse reflectance spectroscopy

In this report an analytical method to determine furosemide by using diffuse reflectance spectroscopy is presented. This study shows that this technique can give quantitative results using spot test analysis, particularly in the case of pharmaceuticals containing furosemide. The color spot test could be obtained by reaction between furosemide with p-dimethylaminocinnamaldehyde, in acid medium. This reaction produced a stable complex on filter paper after heating to 80degreesC for 5 min. All reflectance measurements were carried out at 585 nm and the linear range was from 7.56 x 10(-3) to 6.05 x 10(-2) mol l(-1), with a correlation coefficient of 0.999. The limit of detection was estimated to be 2.49 x 10(-3) mol l(-1) (R.S.D. = 1.7%) and the effect of common excipients on the reflectance measurements was evaluated. The method was applied to determine furosemide in commercial brands of pharmaceuticals. The results obtained by the proposed method were favorably compared with those of the official method, showing for the first time ever that quantitative spot test analysis by diffuse reflectance could be successfully used to determine furosemide in tablets. (C) 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Correlation models of diffuse solar-radiation applied to the city of São Paulo, Brazil

Measurements of global and diffuse solar-radiation, at the Earth's surface, carried out from May 1994 to June 1999 in São Paulo City, Brazil, were used to develop correlation models to estimate hourly, daily and monthly values of diffuse solar-radiation on horizontal surfaces. The polynomials derived by linear regression fitting were able to model satisfactorily the daily and monthly values of diffuse radiation. The comparison with models derived for other places demonstrates some differences related mainly to altitude effects. (C) 2002 Elsevier B.V. Ltd. All rights reserved.

A new shadow-ring device for measuring diffuse solar radiation at the surface

A new shadow-ring device for measuring diffuse solar radiation at the surface is presented. In this device the seasonal variation of shadow is followed by moving the detector horizontally. This unique characteristic facilitates its application for long and continuous periods of time. The blocking effect caused by the ring and other related geometric properties are formulated considering the diffuse solar radiation isotropic. The correction factor, shadow size, and ring-detector distance are derived as a function of radius and width of the ring, sun position, and local latitude. The largest blocking occurs during summer, when the ring-detector distance and the shadow width are the smallest, and it is compensated by a smaller blocking effect in the winter period. The performance of the new device is verified comparing daily values of diffuse solar radiation measured simultaneously with a similar device from Kipp & Zonen, Inc. The results show a very good agreement (within 2.5%) between both devices. The new device was also able to reproduce the radiometric properties of the local atmosphere based on 3-yr-long measurements of direct solar radiation using a pyrheliometer. The new device can be applied to estimate daily values of diffuse solar radiation at the surface in the range of 30degreesN-30degreesS with results comparable to other similar apparatuses.

Validation of hysteroscopic view in cases of endometrial hyperplasia and cancer in patients with abnormal uterine bleeding

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To validate hysteroscopic view with histology in cases of endometrial hyperplasia and cancer in patients with abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB)DESIGN: Retrospective study.(Canadian Task Force classification II-3).SETTING: University teaching hospitals in Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo, and private office in Rio de Janeiro.PATIENTS: Four thousand and fifty-four patients with AUB in whom hysteroscopic views were complete and the histologic result was conclusive.INTERVENTION: Four thousand and fifty-four office hysteroscopies with complete views and conclusive histologic results. The material for histologic examination was obtained through biopsy of the lesion in an outpatient unit or through the resection of the entire lesion in patients who underwent surgery. Histology was considered the gold standard and compared with the hysteroscopic view.MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: In the histology of the 4054 examinations, 613 (15.2%) were endometrial hyperplasia, and 105 (2.6%) were endometrial cancer. The most frequent hysteroscopic finding was endometrial polyps (31.2%). In endometrial hyperplasia, the sensitivity of the hysteroscopic view was 56.3% (95% CI 52.21-60.2%), specificity was 89.1% (95% CI 88.0%-90.1%), positive predictive value (PPV) was 48.0% (95% CI 44.3%-51.7%), negative predictive value (NPV) was 92.0% (95% Cl 90.1%-92.9%), and accuracy was 72.7% (95% CI 70.7%-74.7%). Accuracy was defined as the proportion of correct results among the hysteroscopic examinations. In endometrial cancer, the sensitivity of the hysteroscopic view was 80.0% (95% Cl 71.1%-87.2%), specificity was 99.5% (95% CI 99.2%-99.7%), PPV was 81.5% (95% Cl 72.7%-88.5%), NPV was 99.5% (95% CI 99.2%-99.7%), and accuracy was 89.8% (95% CI, 85.9%-93.6%). In the 814 patients (20.0%) in whom the hysteroscopic view was normal, there were no false negatives for endometrial cancer; however, there were 37 (4.5%) false negatives for endometrial hyperplasia. In the histologic cases of endometrial cancer, 101 (96.2%) hysteroscopic views were compatible with cancer or hyperplasia (80.0% and 16.2%, respectively). Ninety-seven out of 103 hysteroscopic views with cancer findings (94.2%) had histologic diagnosis of cancer or hyperplasia (81.5% and 12.6%, respectively).CONCLUSION: It seems that even in face of good validity of hysteroscopic view for endometrial hyperplasia and cancer, histologic study is mandatory in the presence of any lesion as the hysteroscopic view cannot completely replace the histologic study in patients with AUB. (C) 2006 AAGL. All rights reserved.

Uterine leucocyte infiltration after artificial insemination in bitches

In the present study, polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMN) were enumerated to evaluate acute uterine inflammation after artificial insemination in the bitch. It was concluded that the canine seminal plasma possessed an immunomodulating action. However, the most commonly used extender for freezing canine semen (Tris glucose with egg yolk and glycerol) was a potential inducer of uterine inflammation. (c) 2006 Published by Elsevier B.V.

A Raman and dielectric study of a diffuse phase transition in (Pb1-xCax)TiO3 thin films

Dielectric and Raman scattering experiments were performed on polycrystalline Pb1-xCaxTiO3 thin films (x=0.10, 0.20, 0.30, and 0.40) as a function of temperature. The results showed no shift in the dielectric constant (K) maxima, a broadening with frequency, and a linear dependence of the transition temperature on increasing Ca2+ content. on the other hand, a diffuse-type phase transition was observed upon transforming from the cubic paraelectric to the tetragonal ferroelectric phase in all thin films. The temperature dependence of Raman scattering spectra was investigated through the ferroelectric phase transition. The temperature dependence of the phonon frequencies was used to characterize the phase transitions. Raman modes persisted above the tetragonal to cubic phase transition temperature, although all optical modes should be Raman inactive. The origin of these modes was interpreted in terms of a breakdown of the local cubic symmetry due to chemical disorder. The lack of a well-defined transition temperature and the presence of broad bands in some temperature interval above the FE-PE phase transition temperature suggested a diffuse-type phase transition. This result corroborates the dielectric constant versus temperature data, which showed a broad ferroelectric phase transition in these thin films.

Uterine evaluation and gestation diagnosis in owl monkey (Aotus azarai infulatus) using the B mode ultrasound

Background Gynecological and obstetrical ultrasonography has become an indispensable tool in the routine management, health evaluation and research on captive non-human primates.Methods Ultrasound was used to evaluate the uterus and estimate the gestation of owl monkeys. Twelve couples were selected, where five were primiparous and seven multiparous females from the National Primate Center reproductive colony, Ananindeua-PA, Brazil. The procedures were carried out using the GE (R) Logiq 100 MP, equipped with a 7.5 MHz linear probe.Results the females showed a simple uterus, of elongated shape, regular outline and homogeneous echogenic texture. In the uterine measurements craniocaudal diameter, dorsoventral diameter and uterine volume (UV), significant differences were identified (P < 0.05) between ultrasound examinations of primiparous and multiparous females. The UV showed a positive correlation with the number of births. The gestational sac and the embryonic echo were visible between 28 and 38 days after mating. Between 48 and 68 days after mating, embryonic death was identified in all the gestations.Conclusions the chemical (use of tranquilizers) and husbandry factors (capture stress) may be related to the prenatal death. The establishing methods of conditioning the female to the ultrasonographic exam may offer a solution to this problem.