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Assessing inorganic phosphate levels seems crucial in deciphering the biochemical state of organisms or tissues. The concentration of inorganic phosphate in the blood is an order of magnitude smaller than in tissues. On top of that, it is dynamically used to fill temporary gaps in tissues. This is the reason blood inorganic phosphate level is considered a poor proxy for tissue levels. Therefore, tissue biopsy seems to be the dominant method when assessing inorganic phosphate levels for instance in muscles. In this study, we attempted to derive a non-invasive biomarker for phosphate tissue levels. We analyzed surface electromyography signals taken during 31P spectroscopy of leg muscles in five adult pigs. We induced hypophosphatemia via 20 minutes-long hyperventilation. It turned out that the proportion of amplitude from the low-frequency band and the high-frequency band is significantly (p = 0.002) correlated with relative phosphate levels. The electromyographic signal didn’t correlate significantly with pO2 levels in the blood, which suggests that the changes in the signal are a result of inorganic phosphate levels, not hyperventilation. The results might lead to the development of real-time phosphate fluctuations measurement procedure.

Different strategies are used to meet optimal reproductive performance or manage reproductive health. Although exogenous human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) and gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists (A) are commonly used to trigger ovulation in estrous cycle synchronization, little is known about their effect on the ovarian follicle. Here, we explored whether hCG- and GnRH-A-induced native luteinizing hormone (LH) can affect the endocrine and molecular milieus of ovarian preovulatory follicles in pigs at different stages of sexual development. We collected ovaries 30 h after hCG/GnRH-A administration from altrenogest and pregnant mare serum gonadotropin (eCG)-primed prepubertal and sexually mature gilts. Several endocrine and molecular alternations were indicated, including broad hormonal trigger-induced changes in follicular fluid steroid hormones and prostaglandin levels. However, sexual maturity affected only estradiol levels. Trigger- and/or maturity-dependent changes in the abundance of hormone receptors (FSHR and LHCGR) and proteins associated with lipid metabolism and steroidogenesis (e.g., STAR, HSD3B1, and CYP11A1), prostaglandin synthesis (PTGS2 and PTGFS), extracellular matrix remodeling (MMP1 and TIMP1), protein folding (HSPs), molecular transport (TF), and cell function and survival (e.g., VIM) were observed. These data revealed different endocrine properties of exogenous and endogenous gonadotropins, with a potent progestational/androgenic role of hCG and estrogenic/pro-developmental function of LH.

Background The horses’ backs are particularly exposed to overload and injuries due to direct contact with the saddle and the influence of e.g. the rider’s body weight. The maximal load for a horse’s back during riding has been suggested not to exceed 20% of the horses’ body weight. The common prevalence of back problems in riding horses prompted the popularization of thermography of the thoracolumbar region. However, the analysis methods of thermographic images used so far do not distinguish loaded horses with body weight varying between 10 and 20%. Results The superficial body temperature (SBT) of the thoracolumbar region of the horse’s back was imaged using a non-contact thermographic camera before and after riding under riders with LBW (low body weight, 10%) and HBW (high body weight, 15%). Images were analyzed using six methods: five recent SBT analyses and the novel approach based on Gray Level Co-Occurrence Matrix (GLCM) and Gray Level Run Length Matrix (GLRLM). Temperatures of the horse’s thoracolumbar region were higher (p p > 0.05), regardless of used SBT analysis method. Effort-dependent differences (p p Conclusion The GLCM and GLRLM analyses allowed the differentiation of horses subjected to a load of 10 and 15% of their body weights while horseback riding in contrast to the previously used SBT analysis methods. Both types of analyzing methods allow to differentiation thermal images obtained before and after riding. The textural analysis, including selected features of GLCM or GLRLM, seems to be promising tools in considering the quantitative assessment of thermographic images of horses’ thoracolumbar region.

Hereby the possible applications of oxide nanoparticles in the cancer diagnostics and therapy are presented. Cancer diseases are nowadays one of the most common causes of death in the highly-developed countries. Discussed will be the current clinical cancer detection methods with their shortcomings. The role of nanomedicine in cancer medicine and the potential applications of nanoparticles debated in the literature will be critically evaluated. In the second part, the most common methods for the nanoparticle synthesis will be discussed. Finally, the system for cancer detection based on the enhanced permeation-retention of multimodal high-k oxide nanoparticles doped with lanthanides will be proposed for both for themagnetic resonance imaging (non-gadolinium contrast agents) and for fluorescence guided biopsy and surgery.

During the puerperium, pregnancy-associated changes of the uterus need to be reversed. The duration of this process is of importance in terms of breeding efficiency and thus monitoring and treatment of the disturbed puerperium are essential. Aim of this investigation was to identify changes over time in the cellular composition of samples from endometrium and lochia in 120 mares with different obstetrical and puerperal history. In regular examinations up to 10 days post-partum the uterine involution was assessed by transrectal palpation and ultrasound. The vagina and cervix were examined using a speculum. Mares were classified as having an undisturbed or disturbed puerperium based on history and clinical findings. Uterine cytology samples were obtained with a cytology brush and lochia were obtained by manual withdrawal. Smears were done by rolling the brush or the swab on slides. They were stained using Hemacolor®-staining. In total, 238 cytology and 150 lochia smears were examined. Endometrial cells, neutrophils, and erythrocytes were distinguished by light-microscopy. Changes in the neutrophil granulocyte count in cytology and lochia smears were determined. The correlation between the number of neutrophils in cytology and lochia smears was not significant (p = 0.22). There was a significant influence of the puerperium on the percentage of neutrophils in the cytology samples (p = 0.001) but not in the lochia smears (p = 0.83). A significant decline of erythrocytes was detected in cytologies (p 0.0001) and lochia smears (p = 0.12) of mares after eutocia but not after dystocia. Retention of fetal membranes (p = 0.0004) and time (p = 0.0034) had a significant influence on the percentage of neutrophils in the endometrial cytology. The type of birth (p = 0.0018) and the time (p = 0.0011) significantly affected the decrease in neutrophils in the cytology samples but not in the lochia smears. The influence of time was also found for the decrease of erythrocytes in cytology (p 0.0001) and lochia (p = 0.0082) samples. A constant decline in neutrophils (p 0.001) was found in the cytologies of mares with an undisturbed puerperium. Therefore, endometrial cytology seems to be more appropriate than lochia assessment for the evaluation of puerperal development in mares.

Europium doped hafnium dioxide nanoparticles were crystallized using biologically friendly microwave hydrothermal method and employed in observation of small rodents tissues. Main solvent in synthesis is water, in consequence nanoparticles are found surrounded by thin hydroxide layer. Size of the nanoparticles is controlled by temperature of calcination. 1200 °C heating causes drop of luminescence intensity, explained as damage of high symmetry surface emission centers in the nanocrystals. On the other hand, growth of crystallites increases intensity of X-ray and electron beam excited luminescence. This makes them promising activator in photodynamic therapy.

Intrauterine growth restricted (IUGR) piglets are born at term but have low birth mass and a characteristic shape of the head. Impaired general condition, especially in intestinal function, leads to an increase in the occurrence of diarrhoea and high mortality in the first days of life. So far, the mechanical and immunological gut barrier functions in IUGR are poorly understood. The aim of this study was to microscopically evaluate the early postnatal changes in the gut mucosa occurring in IUGR piglets. Whole-tissue small intestine samples were collected from littermate pairs (IUGR and normal) on postnatal day (PD) 7, 14 and 180 and analysed by light microscopy. We found that in the IUGR piglets, the percentage of intraepithelial leukocytes was reduced in the duodenum on PD 7, but it increased in the proximal and middle jejunum both on PD 7 and PD 14, which suggested the development of an inflammatory process. The number of goblet cells was also reduced on PD 14. The average size of the Peyer’s patches in the distal jejunum and ileum showed significant reduction on PD 7 as compared to normal pigs, however, on PD 14, it returned to normal. On PD 180, we did not find any differences in the measured parameters between the IUGR and the normal pigs. In conclusion, we found that in one-week-old IUGR pig neonates, the gut barrier and the immune system structures display signs of retarded development but recover within the second postnatal week of life.

Leisure riding is a popular way of using horses however, unlike sport or racing horses, those are mostly not associated with one rider with high skills. Constant overload of equine musculoskeletal system causes pathologies, which are affecting horse mobility and decreases the horse-rider communication. The aim was to propose the new scoring system of thermograph analysis as an aspect of differences in heat distributions on horseback before and after leisure ridings. The study was conducted on sixteen Polish warmblood horses, scanned with a non-contact thermographic camera. Heat pattern of the thoracolumbar area was evaluated on thermograms taken before and after exercise. The criteria with point values for horse-rider-matching were created: heat points on the dorsal midline of saddle-back contact area and degree of muscle unit overload. The results of thermograph analysis were compared with the results of a questionnaire on horse-rider communication during riding in order to estimate the relevance of matching. The maximum score was obtained in 38.3% and 39.8% of combinations based on the thermograph analysis and questionnaire, respectively. Results of both scoring systems were strongly positive correlated (r = .937), demonstrating high sensitivity (61.72%) and specificity (90.23%) of the matching. The horse-rider matching may improve horse comfort during leisure type of work.

In this chapter, we demonstrate a number of more frequently observed pig diseases characterized by intestinal inflammation. The diseases are divided into those specific for the neonatal period, the postweaning period, and the growing-finishing period. Microscopic examination is only useful when the intestinal samples are taken immediately after the animal’s death. Instead, a detailed anatomopathological examination may be of help in obtaining the diagnosis.

This chapter presents the postnatal development of the small intestine, in particular the intestinal mucosa, in pigs using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). SEM allows three-dimensional observation of the small intestinal mucosa, which is impossible to obtain by other microscopic methods and the use of a large range of magnifications. The analysis of the preparations in the SEM makes it possible to observe the shape and size of the villi, the presence of the transverse furrows, the prolapse zones at the villus tops, the epithelial cells undergoing apoptosis along the entire length of the intestinal villi, the surface of individual types of the epithelial cells, and many other details.

Intrauterine growth restricted (IUGR) pigs are characterized by high perinatal mortality and dysfunction of internal organs, adipose, and muscle tissues. However, little is known about the post-weaning performance and meat quality of the IUGR pigs. The aim of this study was to compare normal pigs and pigs with IUGR from birth until slaughter, also with respect to their meat quality. Pigs with the IUGR achieved lower slaughter weight but did not differ significantly from normal pigs in terms of their meat content. The IUGR did not negatively affect the culinary quality of the obtained meat, including its content of basic chemical components and energy value, as well as hardness, chewiness, cohesiveness, elasticity, and penetration force. The meat of the IUGR pigs, when compared to the meat of normal pigs, was characterized by higher pH, lower EC (Electrical Conductivity) and drip loss, it was also tenderer and obtained higher scores in sensory evaluation of taste, smell, and general desirability. Therefore, such raw material can be appreciated by the consumers and can be used for the production of culinary portions similarly to the raw material obtained from normal pigs.

Stroke is the second leading cause of death and disability worldwide. Current treatments, such as pharmacological thrombolysis or mechanical thrombectomy, re-open occluded arteries but do not protect against ischemia-induced damage that has already occurred before reperfusion or ischemia/reperfusion-induced neuronal damage. It has been shown that disrupting the conversion of glyoxal to glycolic acid (GA) results in a decreased tolerance to anhydrobiosis in C. elegans, dauer larva, while GA itself can rescue this phenotype. During the process of desiccation/rehydration, a metabolic stop/start similar to the one observed during ischemia/reperfusion occurs. In this study, we tested the protective effect of GA in different ischemia models, including commonly used stroke models in mice and swine. Our results show that GA, given during reperfusion, strongly protects against ischemic damage and improves the functional outcome. We provide evidence that GA exerts its effect by counteracting the glutamate-dependent increase in intracellular calcium during excitotoxicity. These results suggest that GA treatment has the potential to reduce the mortality and disability caused by stroke in patients.

The weaning period in piglets draws significant attention from researchers, veterinarians, and breeders. A substantial change in diet accompanied by enormous stress has health and welfare implications (abnormal feeding intake, infections, umbilical lesions, etc.). While the parameters like optimal age or weight for the weaning have been studied extensively, relatively less attention has been devoted to the study of stress effects in the piglets&rsquo, biochemistry. As one of the effects of stress is hyperventilation, a gasometric analysis supported by measurements of hypoxia biomarkers was conducted. Piglets blood and urine, one day and seven days before and one day and seven days after the weaning, were tested. There was no evidence of hyperventilation, but phosphaturia and hypophosphatemia were observed one and seven days postweaning, respectively. A statistical analysis across the population also pointed to minor tissue hypoxia. Our work contributes to an understanding of biochemical dynamics and helps in the interpretation of physiological changes observed in piglets in this critical period.

The regulation of head and neck position during physical exercise may be obtained using lunging aids (LAs): Chambon (CH), rubber band (RB), or triangle side reins (TR). The use of LAs would shift the center of horse mass caudally, thereby change the limb load. The aim is to evaluate the pattern of superficial temperatures (PST) of hoof wall (HW), the coronary band (CB), and the dorsal aspect of the fetlock joint (FJ) obtained before and after lunging with LAs and freely moving head (FMH). Sixteen horses were imaged using an infrared camera. The temperatures of HW, CB, and FJ were measured, and differences between images obtained before and after lunging were evaluated. The correlations between HW, CB, and FJ were then described using respective coefficients (r, rho). Before lunging PST was similar (P.05) in FMH, CH, RB, and TR, with the strong positive correlations for forelimbs (HW/CB:rho = 0.9022; HW/FJ:rho = 0.7064; CB/FJ:rho = 0.8010) and hindlimbs (HW/CB:rho = 0.7287; HW/FJ:r = 0.7831; CB/FJ:r = 0.7233). After lunging, PST and correlations changed (P.05) depending on LAs application. No correlations for FMH and CH, and positive correlations for RB and TR were noted: HW/CB for forelimbs (RB:r = 0.6813; TR:r = 0.8396), CB/FJ for hindlimbs (RB:r = 0.5621; TR:rho = 0.4579). The PST of the distal portion of limbs and relations between measured temperatures change depending on used LAs.

Altrenogest with gonadotropins is commonly used to synchronize the estrous cycle, but it can also lead to follicular cyst formation, especially in prepubertal gilts. Here, we aimed to investigate how maturity and altrenogest treatment affect the development, endocrine milieu, and molecular control of ovarian follicles. Crossbred prepubertal and mature gilts were challenged or not (control) with altrenogest, and ovaries were collected in the morning on the first day of behavioral estrus. In prepubertal gilts, altrenogest decreased the percentage of primordial and atretic small follicles, but increased large antral follicles when compared with controls. In mature gilts, altrenogest reduced the percentage of primary follicles and elevated the total number of antral follicles. Maturity affected the estradiol level in the follicular fluid of preovulatory follicles, luteinizing hormone (LH)-stimulated cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) generation, and LH receptor messenger RNA (mRNA) expression in granulosa. Moreover, cytochrome P45017A1 (CYP17A1) mRNA levels in the theca layer were affected and correlated with follicular androstendione and estradiol concentration. Altrenogest negatively affected follicular fluid progesterone concentration and decreased levels of prostaglandin (PG) E2 in prepubertal gilts and PGF2alpha metabolite in mature gilts. LH-stimulated cAMP release in granulosa cells of mature gilts as well as human chorionic gonadotropin- and forskolin-induced cAMP were also affected. In addition, altrenogest downregulated CYP17A1 mRNA in the prepubertal theca layer and PGF2alpha synthase expression in the granulosa and theca layer of mature gilts. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to report multiple effects of maturity and altrenogest on the endocrine milieu and molecular regulations governing ovarian follicle development in gilts.

Genome-wide association studies in the FTO gene have identified SNPs correlating with obesity and type 2 diabetes. In mice, lack of Fto function leads to intrauterine growth retardation and lean phenotype, whereas in human it is lethal. The aim of this study in a pig model was to determine the localization of the FTO protein in different tissues and cell compartments, in order to investigate potential targets of FTO action. To better understand physiological role of FTO protein, its expression was studied in pigs of different age, metabolic status and nutrition, using both microscopic methods and Western blot analysis. For the first time, FTO protein was found in vivo in the cytoplasm, of not all, but specific tissues and cells e.g. in the pancreatic β-cells. Abundant FTO protein expression was found in the cerebellum, salivary gland and kidney of adult pigs. No FTO protein expression was detected in blood, saliva, and bile, excluding its role in cell-to-cell communication. In the pancreas, FTO protein expression was positively associated with energy intake, whereas in the muscles it was strictly age-related. In IUGR piglets, FTO protein expression was much higher in the cerebellum and kidneys, as compared to normal birth body weight littermates. In conclusion, our data suggest that FTO protein may play a number of distinct, yet unknown intracellular functions due to its localization. Moreover, it may play a role in animal growth/development and metabolic state, although additional studies are necessary to clarify the detailed mechanism(s) of action.

Forty years of research has proven beyond any doubt that p53 is a key regulator of many aspects of cellular physiology. It is best known for its tumor suppressor function, but it is also a regulator of processes important for maintenance of homeostasis and stress response. Its activity is generally antiproliferative and when the cell is damaged beyond repair or intensely stressed the p53 protein contributes to apoptosis. Given its key role in preventing cancer it is no wonder that it is the most frequently mutated gene in human cancer. Surprisingly, a subset of missense mutations occurring in p53 (gain-of-function) cause it to lose its suppressor activity and acquire new functionalities that turn the tumor suppressor protein into an oncoprotein. A solid body of evidence exists demonstrating increased malignancy of cancers with mutated p53 in all aspects considered “hallmarks of cancer”. In this review, we summarize current findings concerning the cellular processes altered by gain-of-function mutations in p53 and their influence on cancer invasiveness and metastasis. We also present the variety of molecular mechanisms regulating these processes, including microRNA, direct transcriptional regulation, protein−protein interactions, and more.

Background Over the last few decades tick-borne diseases have emerged as an increasingly significant public health problem. The distribution and prevalence of zoonotic pathogens infecting ixodid ticks from Western Europe have been extensively examined. However, data on ticks and tick-borne pathogens in Eastern Europe, particularly Ukraine are scarce. The objective of the current study was, therefore, to investigate the prevalence rates of Anaplasma phagocytophilum , the Anaplasmataceae family, Rickettsia spp., Babesia spp., Bartonella spp., and Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato in engorged and questing ixodid ticks collected from five administrative oblasts (regions) of Ukraine, namely Chernivtsi, Khmelnytskyi, Kyiv, Ternopil, and Vinnytsia.Methods The ticks were collected from both wild and domestic animals and from vegetation. Of 524 ixodid ticks collected, 3, 99, and 422 ticks were identified as Ixodes hexagonus , Ixodes ricinus, and Dermacentor reticulatus , respectively. DNA samples individually extracted from 168 questing and 354 engorged adult ticks were subjected to pathogen-specific PCR analyses.Results The mean prevalence rates in all I. ricinus and D. reticulatus ticks were, respectively: 10.3% (10/97) and 2.8% (12/422) for A. phagocytophilum ; 69.1% (67/97) and 52.1% (220/422) for the Anaplasmataceae family; 24.7% (24/97) and 27.7% (117/422) for Rickettsia spp.; 3.1% (3/97) and 1.4% (6/422) for Babesia spp.; and 9.3% (9/97) and 4.7% (20/422) for Bartonella spp. Overall, between the five cities, there was no significant difference in the prevalence rates of any of the pathogens for the respective ticks ( p >0.05). The prevalence of B. burgdorferi s.l. in the engorged and questing I. ricinus ticks varied from 26.7% and 0% to 44.4% and 14.3%, respectively, with no statistical significance identified between the five cities ( p >0.05).Conclusions In addition to reporting the updated data for Kyiv and Ternopil, this study is the first to provide the prevalence rates of the tick-borne pathogens for Chernivtsi, Khmelnytskyi, and Vinnytsia. This investigation is also the first to detect Ca. N. mikurensis in ixodid ticks from Ukraine. These new data will be useful for medical and veterinary practitioners as well as public health officials when diagnosing infections and when implementing measures to combat tick-borne diseases in Ukraine.

Iron is the crucial element for living organisms and its deficiency is described as the most common nutritional disorder all over the world. Nowadays, more effective and safe iron supplementation strategies for both humans and animals become one of the most important challenges in the therapy of nutritional deficiencies. Our previous in vivo studies confirmed safety and biodegradability of in-house manufactured zinc oxide-based nanoparticles and their rapid distribution to majority of organs and tissues in the body. In vitro examinations performed on Caco-2 cell line, a model of epithelial cells of the gastrointestinal tract, revealed a low toxicity of studied nanomaterials. In the current study, we investigated biodegradable zinc oxide nanoparticles doped with Fe(III) as a perspective supplementation strategy for iron deficiency. Biodegradable ZnO:Fe nanoparticles were intra-gastrically administered to adult mice and following 24 h, animals were sacrificed with collection of internal organs for further analyses. The iron concentration measured with atomic absorption spectrometry and histological staining (Perl’s method) showed a rapid distribution of iron-doped nanoparticles to tissues specifically related with iron homeostasis. Accumulation of iron was also visible within hepatocytes and around blood vessels within the spleen, which might indicate the transfer of Fe-doped nanoparticles from the bloodstream into the tissue. Reassuming, preliminary results obtained in the current study suggest that biodegradable ZnO nanoparticles doped with Fe might be a good carriers of exogenous iron in the living body. Therefore, subsequent investigations focus on determination an exact mechanisms related with an iron deposition in the tissue and influence of nanoparticle carriers on iron metabolism are required.

Zinc oxide nanoparticles were synthesized with microwave hydrothermal technique and tested as luminescent contrast for biological imaging. Luminescence was activated by Eu3+ ions embedded in the nanoparticle matrix in the increasing concentrations of 1, 5 and 10 %mol. It was found that europium did not create a separate crystalline phase up to the concentration as high as 5 %mol. However, Eu3+ ions did not substitute Zn2+ in the host lattice, but allocated in the low symmetry environment. It was proposed that europium was locating in the inter-grain space or on the surface of nanoparticles. The luminescence intensity in ZnO:Eu, as well as the size of particles, increased with the Eu ion concentration. Moreover, in 10 %mol Eu sample, the separate phase of Eu-hydroxide was identified with crystals of micrometre length. Interestingly, in vivo study revealed, that contrary to the in silico experiments, following gastric gavage, the brightest nanoparticle-related luminescence signal was observed at 1 %mol. concentration of Eu. Since the alimentary uptake of nanoparticles was related to their size, we concluded that the increase in luminescence at 5 and 10 %mol. Eu concentrations was associated with the largest ZnO:Eu and Eu-hydroxide particles that did not cross the gastrointestinal barrier.

The use of nanoparticles in medicine is a rapidly growing research field with numerous potential applications, especially in the field of cancer diagnosis and therapy. Nanoparticles can be intrinsically diagnostic of therapeutic, or they can be conjugated with diagnostic or therapeutic compounds. Nanoparticles may also passively or actively target tumor cells specifically using the enhanced permeation and retention (EPR) effect, or the addition of targeting ligands to their surface. This may provide a diagnostic or/and therapeutic tools to target primary as well as metastatic tumors. The transport, distribution and toxicity of nanoparticles depends greatly on their size and composition, thus every new formulation needs to be extensively researched. This work was focused on the development of Tb-doped ZrO2 nanoparticles (NPs) for application in cancer imaging. Obtained nanoparticles were below 10 nm with very low influence of Tb concentration on size. Terbium stabilization of ZrO2 had influence on the luminescence properties of obtained material. Partially stabilized zirconium dioxide exhibited broad host related emission peaking at 500 nm, disappearing with the terbium content. We confirmed alimentary absorption and wide distribution of luminescent ZrO2:Tb nanoparticles in mice with their gradual accumulation in the experimentally induced mammary cancers. Furthermore, a high concentration of NPs was found within the lung metastases as opposed to healthy lung tissue, where no NPs-related signal was observed.

NEW FINDINGS What is the central question of this study? The aim of present study was to record and analyse the myoelectrical activity in the female pig reproductive tract (uterus and oviduct) during early pregnancy. What is the main finding and its importance? Understanding the contractile activity of the uterus and oviducts is indispensable for understanding the physiological mechanisms as well as all irregularities associated with the period of conception and early pregnancy. The aim of the present study was to record the myoelectrical activity of the reproductive tract in sows during the oestrous phase and early pregnancy via a telemetry recording system. In a total of eight non-pregnant pigs, the bioelectrical activity was recorded through three silicone electrodes sutured on the oviduct (isthmus and ampulla) and the uterine horn. Blood samples were collected to monitor the concentrations of progesterone (P4) and luteinizing hormone (LH). The oestrous cycle was synchronized with equine chorionic gonadotrophin (eCG) and human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG), and the animals were subjected to artificial insemination. Analysis of the EMG activity of the oviduct and uterus in the oestrous phase and in early stages of pregnancy suggests explicitly that telemetry could enable in vivo assessment of myoelectrical activity of parts of the reproductive system in sows. Off-line analysis of the duration of EMG activity bursts in the uterus, isthmus and ampulla were significantly higher during early pregnancy (phases II and III) than in the oestrous phase. The EMG signals demonstrated low mean amplitudes of activity in the oviduct and uterus during early pregnancy (phases I-III). Significant differences between the root mean square signals were observed in the isthmus and ampulla both during oestrus and in early pregnancy (phase I; P 4 ng ml-1 . In contrast, during early pregnancy, the P4 and LH concentrations were estimated at >4 and

Simple Summary The motility of the smooth muscle of the rumen and the reticulum is tightly synchronized since they are responsible for degrading the ingested fibrous diet. It involves mixing contractions of partially digested material (cycle A), cyclic eructation of fermented gases (cycle B), and contractions associated with regurgitation and rumination (cycle C). Disorders of cycles A, B, and C in reticulo-rumen contraction occurred in cases of many metabolic diseases. Since the smooth muscle electromyography (EMG) is closely associated with the motility pattern, our study aimed to implement the long-term EMG telemetry recording method to analyze the basic reticulo-rumen motility pattern in conscious unrestrained sheep. The study was conducted on nine ewes chronically fitted with bipolar electrodes in the rumen and reticulum. Cycles A and B occurred constantly in a similar share, whereas cycles C appeared every 30 min and lasted for the most part 15–30 min. EMG signal analysis showed more differences at the level of single bursts than on burst bundles. Recording reticulo-rumen EMG signal with a long-term telemetry approach offers a reliable tool to assess the forestomach motility in conscious, unrestrained sheep, allowing for easy recognition of reticulo-rumen cycles. Abstract The reticulum and rumen are considered a single functional unit (the reticulo-rumen) with regards to myoelectrical and contractile activities. The specialized contractions of the reticulo-rumen provide constant mixing of partially digested material (cycle A), its flow into the omasum during eructation (cycle B), and regurgitation-rumination (cycle C). This study aimed to investigate the feasibility of electromyography (EMG) registered by a long-term telemetry method for assessment of the basic reticulo-rumen myoelectrical activity in sheep, to develop the effective recognition of the reticulo-rumen cycles at rest with no food stimulation, and to investigate the relationship between cycles A, B, and C in such basic conditions. The experiment was carried out on nine ewes. Myoelectric activity of the rumen, reticulum, and abomasum was recorded by the combination of three silver bipolar electrodes and a 3-channel transmitter implant. The myoelectrical activity registered successfully in the reticulum and rumen was determined as three characteristic patterns of cycles A, B, and C. The percentage of each type of cycle changed at different intervals from equally cycles A (43–50%) and B (50–56%), occurring when cycle C was not observed to the domination of cycle C (57–73%) with a decrease of cycles A (6–14%) and B (20–28%). The long-term EMG telemetry registration is feasible in the assessment of the reticulo-rumen myoelectrical activity in sheep.

Circulating miRNAs were proposed to be indicators of normal or complicated pregnancies. Based on this knowledge and our recent transcriptomic approach showing expression of miRNAs in the porcine endometrium, conceptuses and uterine extracellular vesicles during pregnancy, we have hypothesized that signs of ongoing local embryo-maternal crosstalk involving miRNAs can be detected in the circulation of pregnant gilts as early as a few days after maternal recognition of pregnancy. By applying several molecular biology techniques that differ in dynamic range and precision in maternal serum of Day 16 pregnant pigs, we were able to show for the first time increased levels of several miRNAs, previously reported to be expressed in either conceptuses and extracellular vesicles (miR-26a and miR-125b) or pregnant endometrium (miR-23b). Our results clearly showed that real-time RT-PCR and digital PCR are the most reliable methods, being able to detect small-fold changes of low-abundant circulating miRNAs. Further validation in a separate group of gilts confirmed an increase in miR-23b and miR-125b levels. In silico analyses identified pregnancy-related biological processes and pathways affected by these miRNAs. Target prediction analysis revealed hundreds of porcine transcripts with conserved sites for these miRNAs, which were classified into signaling pathways relevant to pregnancy. We conclude that a unique set of miRNAs can already be observed in the circulation of pigs during the first weeks of pregnancy, as a result of the initiation of embryo-maternal communication.

Background Interstitial Cajal cells have been suspected as being the pacemaker cells of smooth muscle motor activity and discharging slow triggering waves in the gut as well as in other organs containing smooth muscles where they are known as interstitial Cajal-like cells (ICLC). The present study describes ICLC localization and density in the porcine oviduct and uterus. Differences in ICLC density were examined using histological, immunohistochemical and immunofluorescent methods and c-kit expression was determined. Results interstitial Cajal-like cells with characteristic morphological and immunological phenotypes were found. Star-like or spindle-shaped cells with very long, moniliform processes were localized in the muscle layers of the oviduct and uterine walls at variable densities that decreased progressively from high in the oviduct to low in the uterus. Conclusions The detailed description of ICLC in the porcine reproductive tract may lead to a better understanding of reproductive tract motility. Our approach is inexpensive and effective for ICLC evaluation and may in the future be applied to clinical diagnosis.

Recent decades have brought rapid development in the field of nanotechnology, which has led to applications of nanoparticles in many industries. Unique properties of nanoparticles and their biocompatibility increase their potential as drug carriers in drug-delivery systems. Prof. Marek Godlewski’s team from the Institute of Physics PAS has developed wide band-gap metal oxide nanoparticles doped with rare-earth metals for applications as fluorescent markers. The potential of those nanoparticles to cross the closed gut barrier after alimentary application has prompted their use in drug delivery systems. In this study, we show that after conjugation with a model bioactive substance, lectin (Phaseolus vulgaris), these nanoparticles retained their advantageous properties and, following oral administration (10 mg/ml in RO, 0.3 ml/mouse), entered a variety of organs in the mouse model. Internal organs collected at key time points were analysed under a scanning cytometer and a confocal microscope. The results show that the conjugation reduced, but did not completely abolish, the capacity of nanoparticles to penetrate physiological barriers (intestinal, blood-brain barrier) in the organism.

A three-week-old Arabian female foal and a three-week-old Silesian male foal were diagnosed with carpal valgosity confirmed by radiographic evaluation. In both cases, the wire bridge method was used for treatment. After the operation, mobility restriction was recommended. Even though the foals differed significantly in weight, the outcome was good. This confirms that the wire bridge method is an effective method of treating carpal valgosity and leads to fast recovery (within 3-4 weeks).

Microcytosis is observed in healthy Japanese breed dogs. The aim of the study was to evaluate the frequency and intensity of asymptomatic anisocytosis using a three-grade scale in Japanese dog breeds with special emphasis on the following indices: mean cell volume, mean cell haemoglobin, mean cell haemoglobin concentration, and red blood cell distribution width. The retrospective study included analyses of blood morphology and blood smear for clinically healthy Japanese dog breeds Shiba, Akita, and Hokkaido aged from 6 months to 14 years, performed as a part of preventative care. A total of 74 dogs of both sexes were qualified for the study. The group included both neutered and non-neutered animals (Akita – 17 females, 12 males, Shiba – 24 females, 18 males, Hokkaido – 2 females, 1 male). The blood smear revealed significant anisocytosis in 60.8% and mild anisocytosis in 28.4% of the tested dogs – 89.2% in total. Microcytosis was reported for 25.7% of the tested Japanese breed dogs. Reduced mean cell haemoglobin and mean cell haemoglobin concentration were diagnosed in 75.7% and 40.5% of dogs, respectively. Red blood cell distribution width as an anisocytosis indicator exceeded the norm in 12% of the tested dogs. Compared to mixed breed dogs, the Japanese breeds had a reduced mean cell volume, mean cell haemoglobin concentration and significant anisocytosis in the blood smear as well as a higher red blood cell distribution width indicator. Veterinarians should consider these differences when interpreting the results of morphological blood tests.

The intestine of intrauterine growth retarded (IUGR) neonates showed different morphology compared to neonates born with normal body weight (NBW). The aim of the present study was to investigate the ultrastructure and proteomic profile of the gut epithelium in IUGR pig neonates with special attention to the digestive and absorptive function. Intestine tissue samples were investigated in 7-day-old IUGR and NBW littermate piglets using histometry, immunofluorescence, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and mass spectrometry analysis. IUGR piglets have shown reduced mucosa and muscularis thickness and an enhanced number of foetal type enterocytes (FTE). SEM studies have shown the lack of the characteristic large-size vacuole in IUGR’s enterocytes. Delayed removal of FTE in IUGR neonates was probably due to the inhibited apoptosis in the apical part of villi and increased apoptosis and reduced mitosis in the crypt region. In the expression of proteins in the intestinal mucosa such as hexokinase I, histones, and prelamin A/C, carbamoyl phosphate was reduced in IUGR neonates. Finally, IUGR intestines showed higher expression of HSPA9 and HSPA5 as apoptosis markers. The data indicate modifications of gut mucosa in IUGRs that may result in slower gut mucosa maturation and reduced utilisation of nutrient as compared to NBW pig neonates.

Cell therapy is emerging as an alternative treatment of stress urinary incontinence. However, many aspects of the procedure require further optimization. A large animal model is needed to reliably test cell delivery methods. In this study, we aim to determine suitability of the goat as an experimental animal for testing intraurethral autologous cell transplantation in terms of urethral anatomy and cell culture parameters. The experiments were performed in 12 mature/aged female goats. Isolated caprine muscle derived cells (MDC) were myogenic in vitro and mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) population was able to differentiate into adipo-, osteo- and chondrogenic lineages. The median yield of cells after 3 weeks of culture amounted 47 × 10(6) for MDC and 37 × 10(6) for MSC. Urethral pressure profile measurements revealed the mean functional urethral length of 3.75 ± 0.7 cm. The mean maximal urethral closure pressure amounted 63.5 ± 5.9 cmH2 O and the mean functional area was 123.3 ± 19.4 cm*cmH2 O. The omega- shaped striated urethral sphincter was well developed in the middle and distal third of the urethra and its mean thickness on cross section was 2.3 mm. In the proximal part of the urethra only loosely arranged smooth muscle fibers were identified. To conclude, presented data demonstrate that caprine MDC and MSC can be expanded in vitro in a repeatable manner even when mature or aged animals are cell donors. Results suggest that female caprine urethra has similar parameters to those reported in human and therefore the goat can be an appropriate experimental animal for testing intraurethral cell transplantation. Anat Rec, 00:000-000, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Anat Rec, 300:577-588, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Evaluation of synchronization between myoelectric signals can give new insights into the functioning of the complex system of porcine myometrium. We propose a model of uterine contractions according to the hypothesis of action potentials similarity which is possible to detect during propagation in the uterine wall. We introduce similarity measures based on the concept of synchronization as used in matching linear signals such as electromyographic (EMG) time series data. The aim was to present linear measures to assess synchronization between contractions in different topographic regions of the uterus. We use the cross-correlation function (ƒx,y[l], ƒy,z[l]) and the cross-coherence function (Cxy[ƒ], Cyz[ƒ]) to assess synchronization between three data series of a diestral uterine EMG bundles in porcine reproductive tract. Spontaneous uterine activity was recorded using telemetry method directly by three-channel transmitter and three silver bipolar needle electrodes sutured on different topographic regions of the reproductive tract in the sow. The results show the usefulness of the cross-coherence function in that synchronization between uterine horn and corpus uteri for multiple action potentials (bundles) could be observed. The EMG bundles synchronization may be used to investigate the direction and velocity of EMG signals propagation in porcine reproductive tract.