Validation of the Turkey semen cryopreservation by evaluating the effect of two diluents and the inseminating doses

This study was designed to test the fertilizing ability of cryopreserved turkey semen, and here, two experiments were performed: an in vitro analysis to assess the effects of Tselutin and Lake diluents and an in vivo test to determine the fertility and hatching rates by also studying the feat of three insemination doses (250, 400 and 600 7 106 sperm/hen). Pooled semen samples were diluted with Tselutin or Lake extender which contained 20% of dimethylsulfoxide and 1 mM of Ficoll at final sperm concentration of 3 7 109 sperm/mL. Thereafter, semen was packaged into straws and frozen on liquid nitrogen. The post-thaw sperm quality was evaluated considering motility (computer-aided sperm analysis\u2014CASA system) and membrane integrity (flow cytometry). Significantly higher values of progressive motility and some kinetic parameters in semen frozen with Lake were found. When we compared the extenders in vivo, no significant effects were detected, whilst sperm concentration significantly affected both fertility and hatching rates, with the best results obtained with the sperm concentration of 400 7 106 sperm/hen. From the results obtained, it emerged that the extender type only affected sperm motility characteristics, not the fertilizing ability of frozen-thawed semen, while inseminating dose markedly affected fertility and hatching rates

How and why community hospital clinicians document a positive screen for intimate partner violence: a cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND: This two-part study examines primary care clinicians' chart documentation and attitudes when confronted by a positive waiting room screen for intimate partner violence (IPV). METHODS: Patients at community hospital-affiliated health centers completed a screening questionnaire in waiting rooms that primary care providers (PCPs) were subsequently given at the time of the visit. We first reviewed the medical records of patients who screened positive for IPV, evaluating the presence and quality of documentation. Next we administered a survey to PCPs that measured their knowledge, attitudes and practice regarding IPV. RESULTS: Seventy-two percent of charts contained some documentation of IPV, however only 10% contained both a referral and safety plan. PCPs were more likely to refer patients (p < .05) who screened positively for mood or anxiety disorders, disclosed that they feared for their safety or were economically disadvantaged. Those that feared for their safety or endorsed mood or anxiety disorders were more likely to have notation of a safety plan in their records. When surveyed, 81.6% of clinicians strongly agreed that it is their role to inquire about IPV, but only 68% expressed confidence in their ability to manage it. In contrast, 93% expressed confidence in managing depression. Sixty-seven percent identified time constraints as a barrier to care. Predictors of PCP confidence in treating patients who have experienced IPV (p < .05) included hours of recent training and clinical experience with IPV. CONCLUSION: Mandatory waiting room screening for IPV does not result in high levels of referral or safety planning by PCPs. Despite the implementation of a screening process, clinicians lack confidence and time to address IPV in their patient populations suggesting that alternative methods of training and supporting PCPs need to be developed

Mapping Cadmium distribution in roots of Salicaceae through scanning electron microscopy with x-ray microanalysis

A screening in hydroponics was carried out to assess the potential of Cd uptake and metal accumulation in roots of 4 poplar and 2 willow clones. Rooted cuttings were exposed for 3 weeks to 50 μM Cd sulphate in a growth chamber. Salicaceae clones were discriminated in their potential to absorb and distribute Cd in root tissues considering the interaction between metal and macronutrients. SEM-EDXMA was useful to investigate structural modifications and to identify in situ concentration and distribution of elements in roots, establishing indirect correlations between accumulation and localization of the metal. Overall, observations suggested differential patterns between species and clones in accumulating Cd within the root profile. In conclusion, Cd accumulation in root levels would hardly be a useful indicator of the ability of plants to translocate metal, independently from other parameters, while Cd location in the root cross-section levels could suggest clone-specific control mechanism to mineral uptake

Molecular diffusion and perfusion of biological water quantified by MRI for the diagnosis of pathological human placentas

The study aimed to find biomarkers to characterize and differentiate healthy and pathological placentas using the nuclear magnetic resonance diffusion weighted imaging (DWI) technique. Fetal and maternal placentas tissues are characterized by a different diffusion behavior. Diffusion and perfusion can be quantified using intravoxel-incoherent-motion (IVIM) model of DWI signal acquired using a specific acquisition sequence. The dataset is divided into two groups: 33 healthy subjects and 15 pathological subjects classified as Fetal Growth Restriction (FGR) by an ultrasound investigation. The perfusion fraction f has a significant difference between fetal and maternal side which is connected to the role of the villi involved in the exchange of nutrients between fetal and maternal blood. It also discriminates healthy and FGR placentas. In conclusion, diffusion and perfusion of water quantified by DWI is a powerful non-invasive, radiation-free tool for prenatal diagnosis