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Oltedal A, Gaustad AH, Peltoniemi O, Björkman S, Skaare A, Oropeza-Moe M. Experiences with transvaginal Ovum Pick-Up (OPU) in sows. Theriogenology 2024; 214:157-165. [PMID: 37879285 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2023.09.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2023] [Revised: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 09/24/2023] [Indexed: 10/27/2023]
Abstract
Transvaginal ultrasound-guided Ovum Pick-Up (OPU) is an established technique in other species. Due to several challenges, there are few publications addressing the procedure in sows. An efficient OPU technique may allow for the collection of numerous oocytes from valuable sows for porcine in vitro embryo production, gene editing and cloning programmes, or cryopreservation. We aimed to improve transvaginal OPU and equipment for this technique in sows. In experiment 1, we conducted 13 OPU sessions on three Landrace x Large White hybrid sows under general anaesthesia, while the second experiment explored OPU in non-sedated animals (N = 6) physically restrained in a commercial claw trimming chute. The experiments resulted in 6.6 ± 5.6 (mean ± SD) and 7.7 ± 8.9 recovered cumulus-oocyte complexes per session, respectively. Post-mortem examination of the pelvic and abdominal cavities of the three sows subjected to repeated OPU sessions did not reveal major acute or chronic pathological lesions. The only sow which was inseminated after the experiment delivered 16 liveborn piglets at term. Salivary cortisol levels increased during the procedure in non-sedated and physically restrained sows but returned to baseline 1 h later (n = 5), indicating a short-term stress response. The described OPU technique and equipment have the potential to retrieve considerable numbers of oocytes by repeated procedures on valuable mature sows. Follow-up studies are needed to optimize the efficiency of the aspiration of high-quality oocytes and to describe the developmental competence of these OPU-derived oocytes. It is also essential to further investigate sow welfare during and after the procedure before recommending porcine transvaginal OPU as a sustainable and welfare-friendly procedure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aslak Oltedal
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Sandnes, Norway.
| | | | | | | | | | - Marianne Oropeza-Moe
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Sandnes, Norway
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Rahim-Tayefeh A, Talebkhan-Garoussi M, Daliri-Joupari M, Heidari F, Vahidi M, Bakhshesh M, Shirazi A. Sperm and oocyte as carriers for bovine viral diarrhoea virus biotypes during in vitro fertilization. Reprod Domest Anim 2023; 58:1448-1455. [PMID: 37642243 DOI: 10.1111/rda.14460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Revised: 08/05/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023]
Abstract
Bovine viral diarrhoea virus (BVDV) is an important viral agent causing the reproductive failure in cattle. The objectives of the study were to assess the role of male and female gametes, as carriers of cytopathic (CP) and non-cytopathic (NCP) BVDV to embryonic cells during in vitro fertilization. In this respect, sperm and oocytes were separately exposed to concentrations of 104.5 or 105.5 TCID50 /mL CP and NCP BVDV, for 2 h before fertilization. After washing, the intact gametes with the infected gametes were inseminated. Seven days post-fertilization, the virus-exposed embryos were examined for presence of the viral genome by RT-PCR. One-way anova with post-hoc Tukey's HSD test and an independent samples t-test were used to compare within and between groups, respectively. The results presented a significant decrease in the blastocyst rates for CP-infected groups than NCP-infected groups (p ≤ .01). Compared to the controls and the infected oocyte groups, the cleavage rates of the infected sperm groups (NCP and CP BVDV) were significantly reduced both in low (104.5 TCID50 /mL) and high (105.5 TCID50 /mL) titres of the virus (p ≤ .01). The proportion of embryos which was developed to blastocyst stages was significantly lower for CP and NCP-infected groups than the control groups (p ≤ .001). According to the molecular results, all samples of the retarded/degenerated embryos (at least one blastocyst within each one) in CP and NCP groups, one sample (at least one blastocyst in that) within a CP-infected group, and six samples (at least one blastocyst in each one of those) of NCP-infected groups contained the viral nucleic acid. Likewise, the results of viral enrichment showed all reactions in which RT-PCR were positive induced CPEs in MDBK monolayers. In conclusion, it is clear that CP and NCP BVDV were able to traverse zona pellucida during fertilization, and they had also negative effects on embryo development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aidin Rahim-Tayefeh
- Department of Theriogenology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Animal Biotechnology, National Institute of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (NIGEB), Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Morteza Daliri-Joupari
- Department of Animal Biotechnology, National Institute of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (NIGEB), Tehran, Iran
| | - Farid Heidari
- Department of Animal Biotechnology, National Institute of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (NIGEB), Tehran, Iran
| | - Maryam Vahidi
- Department of Animal Biotechnology, National Institute of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (NIGEB), Tehran, Iran
| | - Mehran Bakhshesh
- Department of Animal Virology, Research and Diagnosis, Razi Vaccine and Serum Research Institute (AREEO), Karaj, Iran
| | - Abolfazl Shirazi
- Reproductive Biotechnology Research Center, Avicenna Research Institute (ACECR), Tehran, Iran
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Besenfelder U, Havlicek V. The interaction between the environment and embryo development in assisted reproduction. Anim Reprod 2023; 20:e20230034. [PMID: 37700910 PMCID: PMC10494886 DOI: 10.1590/1984-3143-ar2023-0034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2023] [Accepted: 06/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/14/2023] Open
Abstract
It can be assumed that the natural processes of selection and developmental condition in the animal provide the best prerequisites for embryogenesis resulting in pregnancy and subsequent birth of a healthy neonate. In contrast, circumventing the natural selection mechanisms and all developmental conditions in a healthy animal harbors the risk of counteracting, preventing or reducing the formation of embryos or substantially restricting their genesis. Considering these facts, it seems to be obvious that assisted reproductive techniques focusing on early embryonic stages serve an expanded and unselected germ cell pool of oocytes and sperm cells, and include the culture of embryos outside their natural habitat during and after fertilization for manipulation and diagnostic purposes, and for storage. A significant influence on the early embryonic development is seen in the extracorporeal culture of bovine embryos (in vitro) or stress on the animal organism (in vivo). The in vitro production per se and metabolic as well as endocrine changes in the natural environment of embryos represent adequate models and serve for a better understanding. The purpose of this review is to give a brief presentation of recent techniques aimed at focusing more on the complex processes in the Fallopian tube to contrast in vivo and in vitro prerequisites and abnormalities in early embryonic development and serve to identify potential new ways to make the use of ARTs more feasible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Urban Besenfelder
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Animal Breeding and Genetics, Vienna, Austria
| | - Vitezslav Havlicek
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Animal Breeding and Genetics, Vienna, Austria
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Analysis of trophectoderm markers in domestic cat blastocysts cultured without zona pellucida. ZYGOTE 2022; 30:841-848. [PMID: 36043362 DOI: 10.1017/s096719942200034x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Domestic cat embryos generated by in vitro fertilization (IVF) and cultured without the zona pellucida have a reduced implantation capacity after embryo transfer at the blastocyst stage. The objective of this study was to evaluate the expression of trophectoderm markers in domestic cat blastocysts cultured without the zona pellucida. Two experimental groups were selected: (1) domestic cat embryos generated by IVF and cultured in vitro normally (zona intact group, ZI); and (2) domestic cat embryos generated by IVF and cultured in vitro without a zona pellucida (zona-free group, ZF). In the ZF group, the zona pellucida of the presumptive zygote was removed and these were cultured using the well of the well (WOW) system. In vitro culture was carried out for 7 days. The cleavage, morula and blastocyst rates were estimated. Finally, the relative expression levels of the trophectoderm markers TEAD4, YAP1, CDX2 and EOMES, the cell adhesion marker E-cadherin and the apoptosis marker CASP3 were evaluated by RT-qPCR in the blastocysts. The Wilcoxon test was used to evaluate differences (P < 0.05). No differences were observed in the cleavage, morula and blastocyst rates between the ZF and ZI groups. No differences were found in the expression of TEAD4, CDX2, E-cadherin and CASP3 between groups. The expression of YAP1 and EOMES was higher in ZF blastocysts than in ZI blastocysts. In conclusion, the in vitro culture without the zona pellucida generates an overexpression of YAP1 and EOMES in the domestic cat blastocysts. More studies are needed to confirm if this overexpression might affect in vivo development.
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Extracellular vesicles in mammalian reproduction: a review. ZYGOTE 2022; 30:440-463. [PMID: 35652626 DOI: 10.1017/s0967199422000090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Over the last decades, extracellular vesicles (EVs) have been found to be implicated in a complex universal mechanism of communication between different cell types. EVs are nanostructures of lipid nature that have an exosomal or ectosomal biogenesis, responsible for the intercellular transport of proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, nucleic acids, ions, among other molecules. The content of EVs can vary due to various factors such as hormonal stimuli, non-physiological conditions, metabolic state, etc. Once EVs reach their target cell, they can modulate processes such as gene expression, metabolism, response to external factors, and can even be associated with the delivery of molecules involved in epigenetic inheritance processes in germ cells. In mammalian reproduction, EVs have been shown to play an important role, either in vivo or in vitro, modulating a variety of processes in sperm, oocytes and embryos, and in their respective environments. Moreover, EVs represent a biodegradable, harmless and specific vehicle, which makes them attractive allies to consider when improving assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs). Therefore, the present review aims to describe the content of the main EVs involved in mammalian reproduction and how they can vary due to different factors, as well as to detail how EVs modulate, directly or indirectly, different molecular processes in gametes and embryos. In addition, we will highlight the mechanisms that remain to be elucidated. We will also propose new perspectives according to the characteristics of each particular EV to improve the different ARTs.
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Guo YL, Gurung C, Fendereski M, Huang F. Dicer and PKR as Novel Regulators of Embryonic Stem Cell Fate and Antiviral Innate Immunity. JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY (BALTIMORE, MD. : 1950) 2022; 208:2259-2266. [PMID: 35577384 PMCID: PMC9179006 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.2200042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Embryonic stem cells (ESCs) represent a unique cell population in the blastocyst stage embryo. They have been intensively studied as a promising cell source for regenerative medicine. Recent studies have revealed that both human and mouse ESCs are deficient in expressing IFNs and have attenuated inflammatory responses. Apparently, the ability to express IFNs and respond to certain inflammatory cytokines is not "innate" to ESCs but rather is developmentally acquired by somatic cells during differentiation. Accumulating evidence supports a hypothesis that the attenuated innate immune response may serve as a protective mechanism allowing ESCs to avoid immunological cytotoxicity. This review describes our current understanding of the molecular basis that shapes the immune properties of ESCs. We highlight the recent findings on Dicer and dsRNA-activated protein kinase R as novel regulators of ESC fate and antiviral immunity and discuss how ESCs use alternative mechanisms to accommodate their stem cell properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan-Lin Guo
- Cell and Molecular Biology Program, University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, MS; and
| | - Chandan Gurung
- Cell and Molecular Biology Program, University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, MS; and
| | - Mona Fendereski
- Cell and Molecular Biology Program, University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, MS; and
| | - Faqing Huang
- Chemistry and Biochemistry Program, University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, MS
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Madani S, Machaty Z, Vajta G. An Alternative Way to Improve Mammalian Embryo Development In Vitro: Culture of Zona Pellucida-Free Embryos. Cell Reprogram 2022; 24:111-117. [PMID: 35506897 DOI: 10.1089/cell.2022.0012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
An increasing number of data proves that the presence of the zona pellucida is not essential to mammalian embryo production, including maturation, fertilization, and embryo culture. In fact, the structure of the zona pellucida of in vitro-produced embryos differs significantly from its in vivo counterpart, influencing metabolism and requiring disproportionate efforts to crack open at the time of hatching. This review aims to focus attention on this field and stimulate research in zona-free embryo culture. In domestic animals, extensive application of purpose-designed culture systems for zona-free embryos proved the feasibility of this approach. It may open new possibilities and increase efficiency in both transgenic research and human-assisted reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Madani
- Department of Biology and Physiology of Organisms, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Science and Technology, Houari Boumedien, Algiers, Algeria
| | - Zoltan Machaty
- Department of Animal Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA
| | - Gábor Vajta
- RVT Australia, Cairns, Australia.,VitaVitro Biotech Co., Ltd., Shenzhen, China
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Structure and permeability of the egg capsule of the placental Australian sharpnose shark, Rhizoprionodon taylori. J Comp Physiol B 2022; 192:263-273. [PMID: 35118516 PMCID: PMC8894161 DOI: 10.1007/s00360-021-01427-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2021] [Revised: 09/23/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Shark placentae are derived from modifications to the fetal yolk sac and the maternal uterine mucosa. In almost all placental sharks, embryonic development occurs in an egg capsule that remains intact for the entire pregnancy, separating the fetal tissues from the maternal tissues at the placental interface. Here, we investigate the structure and permeability of the egg capsules that surround developing embryos of the placental Australian sharpnose shark (Rhizoprionodon taylori) during late pregnancy. The egg capsule is an acellular fibrous structure that is 0.42 ± 0.04 μm thick at the placental interface between the yolk sac and uterine tissues, and 0.67 ± 0.08 μm thick in the paraplacental regions. This is the thinnest egg capsule of any placental shark measured so far, which may increase the diffusion rate of respiratory gases, fetal wastes, water and nutrients between maternal and fetal tissues. Molecules smaller than or equal to ~ 1000 Da can diffuse through the egg capsule, but larger proteins (~ 3000–26,000 Da) cannot. Similar permeability characteristics between the egg capsule of R. taylori and other placental sharks suggest that molecular size is an important determinant of the molecules that can be exchanged between the mother and her embryos during pregnancy.
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Lee S, Kim HJ, Park JI, Cho HB, Park JS, Park KH. Organelle targeting using a fluorescent probe that selectively penetrates the zona pellucida. Int J Pharm 2021; 610:121282. [PMID: 34774691 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2021.121282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2021] [Revised: 11/02/2021] [Accepted: 11/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The characteristics of oocytes, which are female germ cells, have not been studied using optical materials. The structural layers (zona pellucida, ZP) around oocytes make it difficult to deliver drugs aimed at treating infertility. Here, we investigated whether the fluorescent probes sulforhodamine, fluorescein 5(6)-isothiocyanate, tetramethylrhodamine isothiocyanate, cyanine 3 carboxylic acid, and cyanine 5 carboxylic acid penetrate oocytes. By targeting the ZP layer of the oocyte, the characteristics of the model drug, a fluorescent probe, were analyzed, and the position of the probe in the oocyte was confirmed for differences in the characteristics. Penetration of the ZP and delivery into the cytoplasm differed between the fluorescent probes. This was due to their different physiochemical properties, including hydrophobicity (contact angle and surface tension), surfactant activity, and electrical charge. Among the fluorescent probes delivered to cytoplasm, unlike TRITC, Cy3 and Cy5 perturbed oocyte development. These results suggest that in oocytes with high physical barriers (cell membrane, zona pellucida), the delivery efficiency can be estimated by considering the properties (molecular weight and structure, solubility and functional structure, etc.) of the drug. In addition, it suggests that an encapsulated or bound carrier of a drug with properties similar to that of a fluorescent probe can be efficiently delivered into oocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sujin Lee
- Laboratory of Nano-regenerative Medical Engineering, Department of Biomedical Science, College of Life Science, CHA University, 618, CHA Biocomplex, Sampyeong-Dong, Bundang-gu, Seongnam-si 13488, Republic of Korea
| | - Hye Jin Kim
- Laboratory of Nano-regenerative Medical Engineering, Department of Biomedical Science, College of Life Science, CHA University, 618, CHA Biocomplex, Sampyeong-Dong, Bundang-gu, Seongnam-si 13488, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji-In Park
- Laboratory of Nano-regenerative Medical Engineering, Department of Biomedical Science, College of Life Science, CHA University, 618, CHA Biocomplex, Sampyeong-Dong, Bundang-gu, Seongnam-si 13488, Republic of Korea
| | - Hui Bang Cho
- Laboratory of Nano-regenerative Medical Engineering, Department of Biomedical Science, College of Life Science, CHA University, 618, CHA Biocomplex, Sampyeong-Dong, Bundang-gu, Seongnam-si 13488, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji Sun Park
- Laboratory of Nano-regenerative Medical Engineering, Department of Biomedical Science, College of Life Science, CHA University, 618, CHA Biocomplex, Sampyeong-Dong, Bundang-gu, Seongnam-si 13488, Republic of Korea.
| | - Keun-Hong Park
- Laboratory of Nano-regenerative Medical Engineering, Department of Biomedical Science, College of Life Science, CHA University, 618, CHA Biocomplex, Sampyeong-Dong, Bundang-gu, Seongnam-si 13488, Republic of Korea.
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Hakim BA, Tyagi V, Agnihotri SK, Nath A, Agrawal AK, Jain A, Singh D, Konwar R, Sachdev M. Electroporation of Mouse Follicles, Oocytes and Embryos without Manipulating Zona Pellucida. J Dev Biol 2021; 9:jdb9020013. [PMID: 33915920 PMCID: PMC8167572 DOI: 10.3390/jdb9020013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2021] [Revised: 03/23/2021] [Accepted: 03/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Electroporation is an effective technique of transfection, but its efficiency depends on the optimization of various parameters. In this study, a simplified and efficient method of gene manipulation was standardized through electroporation to introduce a recombinant green fluorescent protein (GFP) construct as well as RNA-inhibitors in intact mouse follicles, oocytes and early embryos, where various electroporation parameters like voltage, pulse number and pulse duration were standardized. Electroporated preantral follicles were cultured further in vitro to obtain mature oocytes and their viability was confirmed through the localization of a known oocyte maturation marker, ovastacin, which appeared to be similar to the in vivo-derived mature oocytes and thus proved the viability of the in vitro matured oocytes after electroporation. Standardized electroporation parameters, i.e., three pulses of 30 V for 1 millisecond at an interval of 10 s, were applied to manipulate the expression of mmu-miR-26a in preantral follicles through the electroporation of miR inhibitors and mimics. The TUNEL apoptosis assay confirmed the normal development of the electroporated embryos when compared to the normal embryos. Conclusively, for the first time, this study demonstrated the delivery of exogenous oligonucleotides into intact mouse follicles, oocytes and embryos without hampering their zona pellucida (ZP) and further development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bilal Ahmad Hakim
- Division of Endocrinology, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute (CDRI), Sector 10, Jankipuram Extension, Lucknow 226031, India; (B.A.H.); (V.T.); (S.K.A.); (A.N.); (A.K.A.); (A.J.); (D.S.); (R.K.)
| | - Vaishali Tyagi
- Division of Endocrinology, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute (CDRI), Sector 10, Jankipuram Extension, Lucknow 226031, India; (B.A.H.); (V.T.); (S.K.A.); (A.N.); (A.K.A.); (A.J.); (D.S.); (R.K.)
| | - Saurabh Kumar Agnihotri
- Division of Endocrinology, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute (CDRI), Sector 10, Jankipuram Extension, Lucknow 226031, India; (B.A.H.); (V.T.); (S.K.A.); (A.N.); (A.K.A.); (A.J.); (D.S.); (R.K.)
| | - Amar Nath
- Division of Endocrinology, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute (CDRI), Sector 10, Jankipuram Extension, Lucknow 226031, India; (B.A.H.); (V.T.); (S.K.A.); (A.N.); (A.K.A.); (A.J.); (D.S.); (R.K.)
| | - Ankit Kumar Agrawal
- Division of Endocrinology, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute (CDRI), Sector 10, Jankipuram Extension, Lucknow 226031, India; (B.A.H.); (V.T.); (S.K.A.); (A.N.); (A.K.A.); (A.J.); (D.S.); (R.K.)
| | - Ankita Jain
- Division of Endocrinology, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute (CDRI), Sector 10, Jankipuram Extension, Lucknow 226031, India; (B.A.H.); (V.T.); (S.K.A.); (A.N.); (A.K.A.); (A.J.); (D.S.); (R.K.)
| | - Deependra Singh
- Division of Endocrinology, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute (CDRI), Sector 10, Jankipuram Extension, Lucknow 226031, India; (B.A.H.); (V.T.); (S.K.A.); (A.N.); (A.K.A.); (A.J.); (D.S.); (R.K.)
| | - Rituraj Konwar
- Division of Endocrinology, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute (CDRI), Sector 10, Jankipuram Extension, Lucknow 226031, India; (B.A.H.); (V.T.); (S.K.A.); (A.N.); (A.K.A.); (A.J.); (D.S.); (R.K.)
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), New Delhi 110001, India
| | - Monika Sachdev
- Division of Endocrinology, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute (CDRI), Sector 10, Jankipuram Extension, Lucknow 226031, India; (B.A.H.); (V.T.); (S.K.A.); (A.N.); (A.K.A.); (A.J.); (D.S.); (R.K.)
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), New Delhi 110001, India
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +91-9026561774
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Fertility preservation during the COVID-19 pandemic: mitigating the viral contamination risk to reproductive cells in cryostorage. Reprod Biomed Online 2020; 41:991-997. [PMID: 33032909 PMCID: PMC7490241 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2020.09.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2020] [Revised: 09/09/2020] [Accepted: 09/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Reopening fertility care services across the world in the midst of a pandemic brings with it numerous concerns that need immediate addressing, such as the impact of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) on the male and female reproductive cells and the plausible risk of cross-contamination and transmission. Due to the novelty of the disease the literature contains few reports confirming an association of SARS-CoV-2 with reproductive tissues, gametes and embryos. Cryobanking, an essential service in fertility preservation, carries the risk of cross-contamination through cryogenic medium and thus calls for risk-mitigation strategies. This review aims to address the available literature on the presence of SARS-CoV-2 on tissues, gametes and embryos, with special reference to the possible sources of cross-contamination through liquid nitrogen. Strategies for risk mitigation have been extrapolated from reports dealing with other viruses to the current global crisis, for safety in fertility treatment services in general, and specifically for oncofertility.
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González Altamiranda EA, Arias ME, Kaiser GG, Mucci NC, Odeón AC, Felmer RN. Upregulation of interferon-alpha gene in bovine embryos produced in vitro in response to experimental infection with noncytophatic bovine-viral-diarrhea virus. Mol Biol Rep 2020; 47:9959-9965. [PMID: 33226564 PMCID: PMC7681760 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-020-05958-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2020] [Accepted: 10/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
In-vitro fertilization is a routine livestock-breeding technique widely used around the world. Several studies have reported the interaction of bovine viral-diarrhea virus (BVDV) with gametes and in-vitro-produced (IVP) bovine embryos. Since, gene expression in BVDV-infected IVP bovine embryos is scarcely addressed. The aim of this work was to evaluate the differential expression of genes involved in immune and inflammatory response. Groups of 20-25 embryos on Day 6 (morula stage) were exposed (infected) or not (control) to an NCP-BVDV strain in SOF medium. After 24 h, embryos that reached expanded blastocyst stage were washed. Total RNA of each embryo group was extracted to determine the transcription levels of 9 specific transcripts related with antiviral and inflammatory response by SYBR Green real time quantitative (RT-qPCR). Culture media and an aliquot of the last embryos wash on Day 7 were analyzed by titration and virus isolation, respectively. A conventional PCR confirmed BVDV presence in IVP embryos. A significantly higher expression of interferon-α was observed in blastocysts exposed to NCP-BVDV compared to the controls (p < 0.05). In this study, the upregulation of INFα and TLR7 genes involved in inflammatory and immune response in BVDV-infected IVP bovine embryos is a new finding in this field. This differential expression suggest that embryonic cells could function in a manner like immune cells by recognizing and responding early to interaction with viral pathogens. These results provide new insights into the action of BVDV on the complex molecular pathways controlling bovine early embryonic development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erika A González Altamiranda
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas CONICET, Buenos Aires, Argentina. .,Laboratorio de Virología Veterinaria, Instituto de Innovación para la Producción Agropecuaria y el Desarrollo Sostenible INTA CONICET, Balcarce, Argentina.
| | - María E Arias
- Laboratorio de Reproducción Centro de Biotecnologia Reproductiva CEBIOR-BIOREN Facultad de Ciencias Agrícolas y Forestales, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco, Chile
| | - Germán G Kaiser
- Laboratorio de Biotecnología de la Reproducción, Instituto de Innovación para la Producción Agropecuaria y el Desarrollo Sostenible INTA CONICET, Balcarce, Argentina
| | - Nicolás C Mucci
- Laboratorio de Biotecnología de la Reproducción, Instituto de Innovación para la Producción Agropecuaria y el Desarrollo Sostenible INTA CONICET, Balcarce, Argentina
| | - Anselmo C Odeón
- Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias, Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata, Balcarce, Argentina
| | - Ricardo N Felmer
- Laboratorio de Reproducción Centro de Biotecnologia Reproductiva CEBIOR-BIOREN Facultad de Ciencias Agrícolas y Forestales, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco, Chile
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Choucair F, Younis N, Hourani A. IVF laboratory COVID-19 pandemic response plan: a roadmap. MIDDLE EAST FERTILITY SOCIETY JOURNAL 2020; 25:31. [PMID: 33046958 PMCID: PMC7542571 DOI: 10.1186/s43043-020-00043-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2020] [Accepted: 09/22/2020] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The potential of COVID-19 severe pandemic necessitates the development of an organized and well-reasoned plan for the management of embryology/andrology laboratories while safeguarding the wellbeing of patients and IVF staff. MAIN BODY A COVID-19 pandemic response plan was proposed for embryology and andrology laboratories for pre-pandemic preparedness and pandemic management in anticipation of a possible second coronavirus wave. Preparation involves many plans and logistics before a pandemic risk rises. Many operational changes can be considered during the pandemic. This plan includes logistical arrangements, reducing labor needs, conserving supplies, and protective measures for embryologists and gametes/embryos. CONCLUSION The unpredictable emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic dictates the need for a preparedness plan for embryology/andrology laboratories, which includes an action-oriented plan to secure the safety of all stakeholders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fadi Choucair
- Middle East Fertility Society Embryology Specialty Interest Group, Beirut, Lebanon
- American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Nagham Younis
- Middle East Fertility Society Embryology Specialty Interest Group, Beirut, Lebanon
- University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan
| | - Alia Hourani
- Middle East Fertility Society Embryology Specialty Interest Group, Beirut, Lebanon
- Quttainah Medical Center, Kuwait City, Kuwait
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van der Kuyl AC, Berkhout B. Viruses in the reproductive tract: On their way to the germ line? Virus Res 2020; 286:198101. [PMID: 32710926 DOI: 10.1016/j.virusres.2020.198101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2020] [Revised: 07/17/2020] [Accepted: 07/18/2020] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Studies of vertebrate genomes have indicated that all species contain in their chromosomes stretches of DNA with sequence similarity to viral genomes. How such 'endogenous' viral elements (EVEs) ended up in host genomes is usually explained in general terms such as 'they entered the germ line at some point during evolution'. This seems a correct statement, but is also rather imprecise. The vast number of endogenous viral sequences suggest that common routes to the 'germ line' may exist, as relying on chance alone may not easily explain the abundance of EVEs in modern mammalian genomes. An increasing number of virus types have been detected in human semen and a growing number of studies have reported on viral infections that cause male infertility or subfertility and on viral infections that threaten in vitro fertilisation practices. Thus, it is timely to survey the pathway(s) that viruses can use to gain access to the human germ line. Embryo transfer and semen quality studies in livestock form another source of relevant information because virus infection during reproduction is clearly unwanted, as is the case for the human situation. In this review, studies on viruses in the male and female reproductive tract and in the early embryo will be discussed to propose a plausible viral route to the mammalian germ line.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antoinette Cornelia van der Kuyl
- Laboratory of Experimental Virology, Department of Medical Microbiology, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Ben Berkhout
- Laboratory of Experimental Virology, Department of Medical Microbiology, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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15
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Assessment and management of the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection in an IVF laboratory. Reprod Biomed Online 2020; 41:385-394. [PMID: 32693991 PMCID: PMC7320666 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2020.06.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2020] [Revised: 06/18/2020] [Accepted: 06/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Research question The study set out to identify corrective measures aimed at reducing the risk of aerosol-mediated viral infection within an IVF laboratory. Design A failure modes and effect analysis (FMEA) was conducted by a multidisciplinary IVF team. A schematic representation of new protocols and procedures adopted during COVID-19 emergency has been defined, including directives about the behaviour to adopt when entering the clinic and the laboratory, in case of face-to-face contact with patients and between staff members. In addition, the risk of cross-contamination between samples belonging to different patients during cell handling and manipulation has been evaluated. Potential failure modes for each phase of the emergency have been analysed, focusing on possible sources of error. Risk priority numbers have been calculated as products of Occurrence × Severity × Detection scores. Results Except for cell–cell contamination, which was considered highly unlikely, failure modes during patient–staff, staff–staff and staff–cell interactions were estimated as carrrying a moderate to high risk of infection. The main corrective measures entailed precautionary logistic measures, the implementation of additional personal protective equipment and changes in the IVF laboratory procedures and scheduling of the daily routine. Some procedures were also revised, aiming to increase staff's awareness and caution. Conclusions Standard laboratory protocols are insufficient to face a virus whose transmission is aerosol mediated. The measures outlined in this FMEA should thus be considered not only for facing this pandemic, but also for the future to promptly manage any aerosol-mediated virus infection, whose impact on the management of an IVF laboratory might be less severe than COVID-19 although not completely negligible.
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16
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Dissanayake K, Nõmm M, Lättekivi F, Ressaissi Y, Godakumara K, Lavrits A, Midekessa G, Viil J, Bæk R, Jørgensen MM, Bhattacharjee S, Andronowska A, Salumets A, Jaakma Ü, Fazeli A. Individually cultured bovine embryos produce extracellular vesicles that have the potential to be used as non-invasive embryo quality markers. Theriogenology 2020; 149:104-116. [PMID: 32259747 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2020.03.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2020] [Revised: 03/06/2020] [Accepted: 03/08/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are membrane-bound biological nanoparticles (NPs) and have gained wide attention as potential biomarkers. We aimed to isolate and characterize EVs from media conditioned by individually cultured preimplantation bovine embryos and to assess their relationship with embryo quality. Presumptive zygotes were cultured individually in 60 μl droplets of culture media, and 50 μl of media were collected from the droplets either on day 2, 5 or 8 post-fertilization. After sampling, the embryo cultures were continued in the remaining media until day 8, and the embryo development was evaluated at day 2 (cleavage), day 5 (morula stage) and day 8 (blastocyst stage). EVs were isolated using qEVsingle® columns and characterized. Based on EV Array, EVs isolated from embryo conditioned media were strongly positive for EV-markers CD9 and CD81 and weakly positive for CD63 and Alix among others. They had a cup-like shape typical to EVs as analyzed by transmission electron microscopy and spherical shape in scanning electron microscopy, and hence regarded as EVs. However, the NPs isolated from control media were negative for EV markers. Based on nanoparticle tracking analysis, at day 2, the mean concentration of EVs isolated from media conditioned by embryos that degenerated after cleaving (8.25 × 108/ml) was higher compared to that of embryos that prospectively developed to blastocysts (5.86 × 108/ml, p < 0.05). Moreover, at day 8, the concentration of EVs isolated from media conditioned by degenerating embryos (7.17 × 108/ml) was higher compared to that of blastocysts (5.68 × 108/ml, p < 0.05). Furthermore, at day 8, the mean diameter of EVs isolated from media conditioned by degenerating embryos (153.7 nm) was smaller than EVs from media conditioned by blastocysts (163.5 nm, p < 0.05). In conclusion, individually cultured preimplantation bovine embryos secrete EVs in the culture media and their concentration and size are influenced by embryo quality and may indicate their prospective development potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keerthie Dissanayake
- Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia; Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka
| | - Monika Nõmm
- Chair of Animal Breeding and Biotechnology, Estonian University of Life Sciences, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Freddy Lättekivi
- Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Yosra Ressaissi
- Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia; Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Italy
| | - Kasun Godakumara
- Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Arina Lavrits
- Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Getnet Midekessa
- Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Janeli Viil
- Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Rikke Bæk
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Aalborg University Hospital, Denmark
| | - Malene Møller Jørgensen
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Aalborg University Hospital, Denmark; Department of Clinical Medicine, Aalborg University, Denmark
| | - Sourav Bhattacharjee
- School of Veterinary Medicine, University College Dublin (UCD), Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - Aneta Andronowska
- Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research, Polish Academy of Sciences, Poland
| | - Andres Salumets
- Competence Centre on Health Technologies, Tartu, Estonia; Institute of Genomics, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Ülle Jaakma
- Chair of Animal Breeding and Biotechnology, Estonian University of Life Sciences, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Alireza Fazeli
- Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia; Department of Oncology and Metabolism, University of Sheffield, United Kingdom.
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17
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Haegeman A, Vandaele L, De Leeuw I, Oliveira AP, Nauwynck H, Van Soom A, De Clercq K. Failure to Remove Bluetongue Serotype 8 Virus (BTV-8) From in vitro Produced and in vivo Derived Bovine Embryos and Subsequent Transmission of BTV-8 to Recipient Cows After Embryo Transfer. Front Vet Sci 2019; 6:432. [PMID: 31867345 PMCID: PMC6907088 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2019.00432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2019] [Accepted: 11/15/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The behavior of BTV-8 in cattle is different from most other serotypes not only with regards to clinical signs but certainly with respect to virus transmission (transplacental, contact). Therefore, the possibility of virus transmission by means of embryo transfer was examined by in vitro exposure of in vitro produced and in vivo derived bovine blastocysts to BTV-8 followed by different washing protocols, including longer exposure times (up to 120 s) to 0.25% trypsin at room temperature or at 37°C. None of the washing protocols used was successful in removing the viral genome completely from the in vitro produced and in vivo derived embryos as was demonstrated by real-time PCR. Moreover, BTV-8 virus was transmitted to recipient cows after embryo transfer of in vivo derived BTV8-exposed embryos, which had been subjected to routine decontamination as recommended by IETS, consisting of 5 washes in PBS followed by a double treatment of 0.25% trypsin for 45s at 37°C, and an additional 5 washes in PBS with 2% FCS. This study clearly demonstrates the necessity of vigorous application of the directives for screening of potential donors and the collected embryos, especially in regions with BTV-8, to prevent transmission of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andy Haegeman
- Unit of Exotic and Particular Diseases, Sciensano, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Leen Vandaele
- Department of Reproduction, Obstetrics and Herd Health, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Ilse De Leeuw
- Unit of Exotic and Particular Diseases, Sciensano, Brussels, Belgium
| | - André P Oliveira
- Department of Reproduction, Obstetrics and Herd Health, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium.,EPAMIG, Escola de Veterinaria da UFMG, Bolsista CAPES, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Hans Nauwynck
- Laboratory of Virology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Ann Van Soom
- Department of Reproduction, Obstetrics and Herd Health, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Kris De Clercq
- Unit of Exotic and Particular Diseases, Sciensano, Brussels, Belgium
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18
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Pavani KC, Hendrix A, Van Den Broeck W, Couck L, Szymanska K, Lin X, De Koster J, Van Soom A, Leemans B. Isolation and Characterization of Functionally Active Extracellular Vesicles from Culture Medium Conditioned by Bovine Embryos In Vitro. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 20:ijms20010038. [PMID: 30577682 PMCID: PMC6337605 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20010038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2018] [Revised: 12/18/2018] [Accepted: 12/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) play a possible role in cell–cell communication and are found in various body fluids and cell conditioned culture media. The aim of this study was to isolate and characterize EVs in culture medium conditioned by bovine embryos in group and to verify if these EVs are functionally active. Initially, ultracentrifuged bovine serum albumin (BSA) containing medium was selected as suitable EV-free embryo culture medium. Next, EVs were isolated from embryo conditioned culture medium by OptiPrepTM density gradient ultracentrifugation. Isolated EVs were characterized by nanoparticle tracking analysis, western blotting, transmission, and immunoelectron microscopy. Bovine embryo-derived EVs were sizing between 25–230 nm with an average concentration of 236.5 ± 1.27 × 108 particles/mL. Moreover, PKH67 EV pre-labeling showed that embryo-secreted EVs were uptaken by zona-intact bovine embryos. Since BSA did not appear to be a contaminating EV source in culture medium, EV functionality was tested in BSA containing medium. Individual embryo culture in BSA medium enriched with EVs derived from conditioned embryo culture medium showed significantly higher blastocyst rates at day 7 and 8 together with a significantly lower apoptotic cell ratio. In conclusion, our study shows that EVs play an important role in inter embryo communication during bovine embryo culture in group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krishna Chaitanya Pavani
- Department of Reproduction, Obstetrics and Herd Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, B-9820 Merelbeke, Belgium.
| | - An Hendrix
- Laboratory of Experimental Cancer Research, Department of Radiation Oncology and Experimental Cancer Research, Ghent University, C. Heymanslaan 10, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium.
- Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), C. Heymanslaan 10, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium.
| | - Wim Van Den Broeck
- Department of Morphology-Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, B-9820 Merelbeke, Belgium.
| | - Liesbeth Couck
- Department of Morphology-Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, B-9820 Merelbeke, Belgium.
| | - Katarzyna Szymanska
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences-Physiology group, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, De Pintelaan 185, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium.
| | - Xiaoyuan Lin
- Department of Nutrition, Genetics, and Ethology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, B-9820 Merelbeke, Belgium.
| | - Jenne De Koster
- Department of Reproduction, Obstetrics and Herd Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, B-9820 Merelbeke, Belgium.
| | - Ann Van Soom
- Department of Reproduction, Obstetrics and Herd Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, B-9820 Merelbeke, Belgium.
| | - Bart Leemans
- Department of Reproduction, Obstetrics and Herd Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, B-9820 Merelbeke, Belgium.
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Pellerin JL, Oseikria M, Moreno D, Rodolakis A, Vorimore F, Laroucau K, Bruyas JF, Roux C, Michaud S, Larrat M, Fieni F. Risk of Chlamydia abortus transmission via embryo transfer using in vitro produced early bovine embryos. Theriogenology 2018; 126:114-120. [PMID: 30551017 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2018.11.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2018] [Revised: 11/27/2018] [Accepted: 11/30/2018] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
The objectives of this study were to determine (i) whether Chlamydia (C.) abortus would adhere to the intact zona pellucida (ZP-intact) of early in vitro produced bovine embryos; (ii) whether the bacteria would adhere to the embryos (ZP-free) after in vitro infection; and (iii) the efficacy of the International Embryo Transfer Society (IETS) washing protocol. The experimentation was made twice. For each replicate 100 (8-16-cell) bovine embryos produced in vitro were randomly divided into 10 batches. Height batches (4 ZP-intact and 4 ZP-free) of 10 embryos were incubated in a medium containing 4 × 107Chlamydia/ml of AB7 strain. After incubation for 18 h at 37 °C in an atmosphere of 5% CO2, the embryos were washed in accordance with the IETS guidelines. In parallel, two batches (1 ZP-intact and 1 ZP-free) of 10 embryos were subjected to similar procedures but without exposure to C. abortus as a control group. The 10 washing fluids from each batch were collected and centrifuged for 1 h at 13,000×g. Each batch of washed embryos and each wash pellets were tested using PCR. C. abortus DNA was found in all ZP-intact and ZP-free batches of 10 embryos after 10 successive washes. For ZP-intact infected embryos, Chlamydia-DNA was also detected in all 10 wash baths for two batches (2/8) of embryos, whereas for ZP-free infected embryos, Chlamydia-DNA was detected in all 10 wash baths for 6/8 batches of embryos. In contrast, none of the embryos or their washing fluids in the control batches was DNA positive. The bacterial load for batches of 10 embryos after the 10 wash baths was significantly higher for batches of ZP-free embryos (20.7 ± 9 × 103 bacteria/mL) than for batches of ZP-intact embryos (0.47 ± 0.19 × 103 bacteria/mL). These results demonstrate that C. abortus adheres to the ZP as well as the early embryonic cells of in vitro produced bovine embryos after in vitro infection, and that the standard washing protocol recommended by the IETS fails to remove it.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean-Louis Pellerin
- LUNAM University, Oniris, Nantes-Atlantic National College of Veterinary Medicine, Food Science and Engineering, Sanitary Security of Reproduction Biotechnology Unit, Nantes, France
| | - Mouhamad Oseikria
- LUNAM University, Oniris, Nantes-Atlantic National College of Veterinary Medicine, Food Science and Engineering, Sanitary Security of Reproduction Biotechnology Unit, Nantes, France
| | - Diego Moreno
- LUNAM University, Oniris, Nantes-Atlantic National College of Veterinary Medicine, Food Science and Engineering, Sanitary Security of Reproduction Biotechnology Unit, Nantes, France
| | - Annie Rodolakis
- INRA, Animal Infectious Diseases and Public Health Tours, France
| | - Fabien Vorimore
- ANSES, Animal Health Laboratory, Bacterial Zoonosis Unit, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Karine Laroucau
- ANSES, Animal Health Laboratory, Bacterial Zoonosis Unit, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Jean-Fancois Bruyas
- LUNAM University, Oniris, Nantes-Atlantic National College of Veterinary Medicine, Food Science and Engineering, Sanitary Security of Reproduction Biotechnology Unit, Nantes, France
| | - Cécile Roux
- LUNAM University, Oniris, Nantes-Atlantic National College of Veterinary Medicine, Food Science and Engineering, Sanitary Security of Reproduction Biotechnology Unit, Nantes, France
| | - Sandrine Michaud
- LUNAM University, Oniris, Nantes-Atlantic National College of Veterinary Medicine, Food Science and Engineering, Sanitary Security of Reproduction Biotechnology Unit, Nantes, France
| | - Myriam Larrat
- LUNAM University, Oniris, Nantes-Atlantic National College of Veterinary Medicine, Food Science and Engineering, Sanitary Security of Reproduction Biotechnology Unit, Nantes, France
| | - Francis Fieni
- LUNAM University, Oniris, Nantes-Atlantic National College of Veterinary Medicine, Food Science and Engineering, Sanitary Security of Reproduction Biotechnology Unit, Nantes, France.
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20
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Okotrub KA, Mokrousova VI, Amstislavsky SY, Surovtsev NV. Lipid Droplet Phase Transition in Freezing Cat Embryos and Oocytes Probed by Raman Spectroscopy. Biophys J 2018; 115:577-587. [PMID: 30099990 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2018.06.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2018] [Revised: 06/08/2018] [Accepted: 06/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Embryo and oocyte cryopreservation is a widely used technology for cryopreservation of genetic resources. One limitation of cryopreservation is the low tolerance to freezing observed for oocytes and embryos rich in lipid droplets. We apply Raman spectroscopy to investigate freezing of lipid droplets inside cumulus-oocyte complexes, mature oocytes, and early embryos of a domestic cat. Raman spectroscopy allows one to characterize the degree of lipid unsaturation, the lipid phase transition from the liquid-like disordered to solid-like ordered state, and the triglyceride polymorphic state. For all cells examined, the average degree of lipid unsaturation is estimated as ∼1.3 (with ±20% deviation) double bonds per acyl chain. The onset of the lipid phase transition occurs in a temperature range from -10 to +4°C and does not depend on the cell type. Lipid droplets in cumulus-oocyte complexes are found to undergo abrupt lipid crystallization shifted in temperature from the ordering of the lipid conformational state. In the case of mature oocytes and early embryos obtained in vitro, the lipid crystallization is broadened. In the frozen state, lipid droplets inside cumulus-oocyte complexes have a higher content of triglyceride polymorphic β and β' phases than estimated for mature oocytes and early embryos. For the first time, to our knowledge, the temperature evolution of the phase state of lipid droplets is examined. Raman spectroscopy is proved to be a promising tool for in situ monitoring of the lipid phase state in a single embryo/oocyte during its freezing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Konstantin A Okotrub
- Institute of Automation and Electrometry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk, Russia.
| | - Valentina I Mokrousova
- Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk, Russia; Department of Natural Sciences, Novosibirsk State University, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | | | - Nikolay V Surovtsev
- Institute of Automation and Electrometry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk, Russia; Department of Physics, Novosibirsk State University, Novosibirsk, Russia
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21
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Pavani KC, Alminana C, Wydooghe E, Catteeuw M, Ramírez MA, Mermillod P, Rizos D, Van Soom A. Emerging role of extracellular vesicles in communication of preimplantation embryos in vitro. Reprod Fertil Dev 2017; 29:66-83. [PMID: 28278795 DOI: 10.1071/rd16318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
In vitro, efficient communication between mammalian embryos in groups or between embryos and cocultured somatic cells implies that there is a sender, a message and a receiver that is able to decode the message. Embryos secrete a variety of autocrine and paracrine factors and, of these, extracellular vesicles have recently been implicated as putative messengers in embryo-embryo communication, as well as in communication of the embryo with the maternal tract. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are membrane-bound vesicles that are found in biofluids and in culture media conditioned by the presence of embryos or cells. EVs carry and transfer regulatory molecules, such as microRNAs, mRNAs, lipids and proteins. We conducted a systematic search of the literature to review and present the currently available evidence regarding the possible roles of EVs in in vitro embryo communication and embryo development. It is important to note that there is limited information available on the molecular mechanisms and many of the biologically plausible functions of EVs in embryo communication have not yet been substantiated by conclusive experimental evidence. However, indirect evidence, such as the use of media conditioned by embryos or by somatic cells with improved embryo development as a result, may indicate that EVs can be an important asset for the development of tailor-made media, allowing better embryo development in vitro, even for single embryo culture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krishna C Pavani
- Department of Reproduction, Obstetrics and Herd Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Ghent, Salisburylaan 133, B-9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Carmen Alminana
- INRA, Reproductive Physiology and Behavior, UMR085, INRA, CNRS, Université de Tours, IFCE, 37380 Nouzilly, France
| | - Eline Wydooghe
- Department of Reproduction, Obstetrics and Herd Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Ghent, Salisburylaan 133, B-9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Maaike Catteeuw
- Department of Reproduction, Obstetrics and Herd Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Ghent, Salisburylaan 133, B-9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Miguel A Ramírez
- Departamento de Reproduccion Animal, Instituto Nacional de Investigacion y Tecnologia Agraria y Alimentaria (INIA), Madrid 28040, Spain
| | - Pascal Mermillod
- INRA, Reproductive Physiology and Behavior, UMR085, INRA, CNRS, Université de Tours, IFCE, 37380 Nouzilly, France
| | - Dimitrios Rizos
- Departamento de Reproduccion Animal, Instituto Nacional de Investigacion y Tecnologia Agraria y Alimentaria (INIA), Madrid 28040, Spain
| | - Ann Van Soom
- Department of Reproduction, Obstetrics and Herd Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Ghent, Salisburylaan 133, B-9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
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22
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Shafei RA, Syrkasheva AG, Romanov AY, Makarova NP, Dolgushina NV, Semenova ML. Blastocyst hatching in humans. Russ J Dev Biol 2017. [DOI: 10.1134/s1062360417010106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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23
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Zhao H, Zhao G, Wang W. Susceptibility of porcine preimplantation embryos to viruses associated with reproductive failure. Theriogenology 2016; 86:1631-6. [PMID: 27423729 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2016.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2015] [Revised: 04/13/2016] [Accepted: 06/03/2016] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
In the modern biological area, the applications of pig as a laboratory model have extensive prospects, such as gene transfer, IVF, SCNT, and xenotransplantation. However, the risk of pathogen transmission by porcine embryos is always a topic to be investigated, especially the viruses related to reproductive failure, for instance, pseudorabies virus, porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus, porcine parvovirus, and porcine circovirus type 2. It should be mentioned that the zona pellucida (ZP) of porcine embryos can be a barrier against the viruses, but certain pathogens may stick to or even pass through the ZP. With intact, free, and damaged ZP, porcine preimplantation embryos are susceptible to these viruses in varying degrees, which may be associated with the virus-specific receptor on embryonic cell membrane. These topics are discussed in the present review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haijing Zhao
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, P. R. China
| | - Guangyuan Zhao
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, P. R. China
| | - Wenjun Wang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, P. R. China.
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Munk M, Ladeira LO, Carvalho BC, Camargo LSA, Raposo NRB, Serapião RV, Quintão CCR, Silva SR, Soares JS, Jorio A, Brandão HM. Efficient delivery of DNA into bovine preimplantation embryos by multiwall carbon nanotubes. Sci Rep 2016; 6:33588. [PMID: 27642034 PMCID: PMC5027538 DOI: 10.1038/srep33588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2016] [Accepted: 08/24/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The pellucid zone (PZ) is a protective embryonic cells barrier against chemical, physical or biological substances. This put, usual transfection methods are not efficient for mammal oocytes and embryos as they are exclusively for somatic cells. Carbon nanotubes have emerged as a new method for gene delivery, and they can be an alternative for embryos transfection, however its ability to cross the PZ and mediated gene transfer is unknown. Our data confirm that multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) can cross the PZ and delivery of pDNA into in vitro-fertilized bovine embryos. The degeneration rate and the expression of genes associated to cell viability were not affected in embryos exposed to MWNTs. Those embryos, however, had lower cell number and higher apoptotic cell index, but this did not impair the embryonic development. This study shows the potential utility of the MWNT for the development of new method for delivery of DNA into bovine embryos.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michele Munk
- Department of Biology, Federal University of Juiz de Fora, 36036-900, Juiz de Fora, Brazil
| | - Luiz O Ladeira
- Department of Physics, Federal University of Minas Gerais, 31270-901 Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Bruno C Carvalho
- Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation, Embrapa Dairy Cattle (CNPGL), 36038-330 Juiz de Fora, Brazil
| | - Luiz S A Camargo
- Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation, Embrapa Dairy Cattle (CNPGL), 36038-330 Juiz de Fora, Brazil
| | - Nádia R B Raposo
- Department of Biology, Federal University of Juiz de Fora, 36036-900, Juiz de Fora, Brazil.,Center of Research and Innovation in Health Sciences (NUPICS), Federal University of Juiz de Fora, 36036-900 Juiz de Fora, Brazil
| | - Raquel V Serapião
- Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation, Embrapa Dairy Cattle (CNPGL), 36038-330 Juiz de Fora, Brazil
| | - Carolina C R Quintão
- Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation, Embrapa Dairy Cattle (CNPGL), 36038-330 Juiz de Fora, Brazil
| | - Saulo R Silva
- Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation, Embrapa Dairy Cattle (CNPGL), 36038-330 Juiz de Fora, Brazil
| | - Jaqueline S Soares
- Department of Physics, Federal University of Ouro Preto, 35400-000 Ouro Preto, Brazil
| | - Ado Jorio
- Department of Physics, Federal University of Minas Gerais, 31270-901 Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Humberto M Brandão
- Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation, Embrapa Dairy Cattle (CNPGL), 36038-330 Juiz de Fora, Brazil
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Igonina TN, Brusentsev EY, Rozhkova IN, Naprimerov VA, Amstislavsky SY. A comparison of different cryoprotectant solutions and thawing methods for the cryopreservation of embryos of mice and rats. RUSSIAN JOURNAL OF GENETICS: APPLIED RESEARCH 2016; 6:384-388. [DOI: 10.1134/s2079059716040080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/04/2023]
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Ragaeva DS, Abramova TO, Rozhkova IN, Brusentsev EY, Kalinichenko EV, Igonina TN, Amstislavsky SY. Effects of reproductive technologies and SPF status on some physiological and behavioral characteristics in rats with arterial hypertension (ISIAH Strain). RUSSIAN JOURNAL OF GENETICS: APPLIED RESEARCH 2016; 6:389-393. [DOI: 10.1134/s207905971604016x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/04/2023]
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Gonçalves RF, Soares RM, Orlandi CMB, Richtzenhain LJ, Visintin JA, D'Angelo M. In vitro interaction of bovine herpesvirus 1 with uterine tube epithelial cells and oocytes. ARQUIVOS DO INSTITUTO BIOLÓGICO 2016. [DOI: 10.1590/1808-1657000272013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The aims of this study were to assess in vitro if bovine oocytes and oviductal epithelial cells from slaughterhouses for in vitro fertilization use may be infected with bovine herpesvirus 1; to analyze whether the treatment with trypsin according to the International Embryo Transfer Society guideline is efficient to inactivate the bovine herpesvirus 1; to morphologically study the virus-oocyte interaction through optical microscopy. In this study, Madin Darby Bovine Kidney (MDBK) cells that were co-cultured with oocytes matured in vitro and exposed to bovine herpesvirus 1 showed a cytopathic effect. The nested polymerase chain reaction for the supernatant was positive for the bovine herpesvirus 1, thus suggesting that the cytopathic effect observed in the MDBK monolayer was seen due to virus replication and not because of any culture toxicity. It was also observed cytopathic effect and positive nested polymerase chain reaction in MDBK cells co-cultured with in vitro maturated oocytes free of virus, but that were co-cultured in uterine epithelial cells pre-infected with bovine herpesvirus 1 and washed or not with trypsin, demonstrating an oocyte contamination by the virus. When trypsin-washing efficacy was evaluated, we could observe that the trypsin treatment was not able to eliminate the bovine herpesvirus 1 of the oocytes, and it was not observed any morphological difference in the infected oocytes.
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Wydooghe E, Vandaele L, Heras S, De Sutter P, Deforce D, Peelman L, De Schauwer C, Van Soom A. Autocrine embryotropins revisited: how do embryos communicate with each other in vitro when cultured in groups? Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2015; 92:505-520. [PMID: 26608222 DOI: 10.1111/brv.12241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2015] [Revised: 10/15/2015] [Accepted: 10/21/2015] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
In the absence of the maternal genital tract, preimplantation embryos can develop in vitro in culture medium where all communication with the oviduct or uterus is absent. In several mammalian species, it has been observed that embryos cultured in groups thrive better than those cultured singly. Here we argue that group-cultured embryos are able to promote their own development in vitro by the production of autocrine embryotropins that putatively serve as a communication tool. The concept of effective communication implies an origin, a signalling agent, and finally a recipient that is able to decode the message. We illustrate this concept by demonstrating that preimplantation embryos are able to secrete autocrine factors in several ways, including active secretion, passive outflow, or as messengers bound to a molecular vehicle or transported within extracellular vesicles. Likewise, we broaden the traditional view that inter-embryo communication is dictated mainly by growth factors, by discussing a wide range of other biochemical messengers including proteins, lipids, neurotransmitters, saccharides, and microRNAs, all of which can be exchanged among embryos cultured in a group. Finally, we describe how different classes of messenger molecules are decoded by the embryo and influence embryo development by triggering different pathways. When autocrine embryotropins such as insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) or platelet activating factor (PAF) bind to their appropriate receptor, the phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate 3-kinase (PI3K) pathway will be activated which is important for embryo survival. On the other hand, the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway is activated when compounds such as hyaluronic acid and serotonin bind to their respective receptors, thereby acting as growth factors. By activating the peroxisome-proliferator-activated receptor family (PPAR) pathway, lipophilic autocrine factors such as prostaglandins or fatty acids have both survival and anti-apoptotic functions. In conclusion, considering different types of messenger molecules simultaneously will be crucial to understanding more comprehensively how embryos communicate with each other in group-culture systems. This approach will assist in the development of novel media for single-embryo culture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eline Wydooghe
- Department of Reproduction, Obstetrics, and Herd Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, B-9820, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Leen Vandaele
- Animal Sciences Unit, Institute for Agricultural and Fisheries Research (ILVO), B-9090, Melle, Belgium
| | - Sonia Heras
- Department of Reproduction, Obstetrics, and Herd Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, B-9820, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Petra De Sutter
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, University Hospital, Ghent University, B-9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Dieter Deforce
- Laboratory for Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Ghent University, B-9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Luc Peelman
- Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, B-9820, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Catharina De Schauwer
- Department of Reproduction, Obstetrics, and Herd Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, B-9820, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Ann Van Soom
- Department of Reproduction, Obstetrics, and Herd Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, B-9820, Merelbeke, Belgium
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Park CH, Jeong YH, Lee DK, Hwang JY, Uh KJ, Yeom SC, Ahn C, Lee CK. Availability of empty zona pellucida for generating embryonic chimeras. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0123178. [PMID: 25919298 PMCID: PMC4412630 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0123178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2014] [Accepted: 02/17/2015] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
In the present study we used an empty zona pellucida derived from hatched blastocysts as an alternative source for embryo aggregation and compared results with the conventional microwell method. Denuded 4-cell stage porcine embryos were aggregated by introduction into an empty zona or placement within a concave microwell. The present study showed that although the rate of aggregate formation was similar, the blastocyst rates and allocation of more cells to the inner cell mass (ICM) in the resultant aggregates were increased significantly more in the empty zona than in the microwell. Notably, using an empty zona showed no limitations with regards to the increased number of embryos aggregated or embryonic stages for aggregation, while partial or no aggregation frequently occurred in the microwell. The discrepancy may be due to the difference of microenvironments where the embryos were placed namely, the presence/absence of zona pellucida. We hypothesize the success of the empty zona in generating aggregates is due to the physical aggregation of individual embryos allowing closer contact between the blastomeres and/or embryos compared with a concave microwell. These results indicate that aggregation conditions could influence overall production efficiency and developmental potential of aggregates, suggesting physical restraint via empty zona that provide three-dimensional pressures is an important factor for successful embryo aggregation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chi-Hun Park
- Institute of Green Bio Science and Technology, Seoul National University, Pyeong Chang, Kangwon do, Korea
| | - Young-Hee Jeong
- College of Agriculture and Life Science, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, Korea
| | - Dong-Kyung Lee
- Department of Agricultural Biotechnology, Animal Biotechnology Major, and Research Institute of Agriculture and Life Science, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jae Yeon Hwang
- Department of Agricultural Biotechnology, Animal Biotechnology Major, and Research Institute of Agriculture and Life Science, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Kyung-Jun Uh
- Institute of Green Bio Science and Technology, Seoul National University, Pyeong Chang, Kangwon do, Korea
| | - Su-Cheong Yeom
- Institute of Green Bio Science and Technology, Seoul National University, Pyeong Chang, Kangwon do, Korea
- International Agriculture Technology Graduate School, Seoul National University, Pyeong Chang, Kangwon do, Korea
| | - Curie Ahn
- Institute of Green Bio Science and Technology, Seoul National University, Pyeong Chang, Kangwon do, Korea
- Division of Nephrology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Chang-Kyu Lee
- Institute of Green Bio Science and Technology, Seoul National University, Pyeong Chang, Kangwon do, Korea
- Department of Agricultural Biotechnology, Animal Biotechnology Major, and Research Institute of Agriculture and Life Science, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea
- * E-mail:
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Zhao H, Ji Q, Zhao G, Song Z, Du B, Nie Y, Chen Y, Cong P. Damage of zona pellucida reduces the developmental potential and quality of porcine circovirus type 2-infected oocytes after parthenogenetic activation. Theriogenology 2014; 82:790-9. [PMID: 25062959 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2014.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2014] [Revised: 05/04/2014] [Accepted: 06/01/2014] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The present aimed to study if porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2), which adhered to zona pellucida (ZP), was able to enter mature porcine oocytes with intact and damaged ZP. Four groups, including uninfected ZP-intact oocytes (UOZI), uninfected ZP-damaged oocytes (UOZD), PCV2-infected ZP-intact oocytes (POZI), and PCV2-infected ZP-damaged oocytes (POZD) were studied. The oocytes were incubated with 1 mL minimum essential medium, containing 3.1 × 10(8) copies of PCV2 DNA for 1 hour. Mechanical procedure of the insertion by microneedle induced injuries to the ZP of porcine oocytes. At the blastocyst stage, the percentage of PCV2-infected embryos and the ratio of viral antigen-positive cells per embryo were determined by indirect immunofluorescence. To assess the effect of ZP injury on the developmental competence and quality of porcine PCV2-infected oocytes after parthenogenetic activation, blastocyst formation rates and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated deoxyuridine triphosphate nick-end labeling staining were analyzed. Moreover, real-time polymerase chain reaction was used to evaluate the expression of genes related to apoptosis and pluripotency at different developmental stages. The results of indirect immunofluorescence showed that only POZD group presented PCV2-infected embryos and viral-positive cells. The blastocyst rate of POZD group dropped down to approximately half of POZI group's (7.1 ± 1.5 vs. 14.5 ± 3.3). At the blastocyst stage, ZP injury increased apoptotic index of PCV2-infected embryos. The relative expression levels of Caspase 3 were higher in POZD group than the ones in POZI group at the two- and four-cell stages (not statistically significant). Compared with the one in POZI group, the ratio of antiapoptotic Bcl-xl gene to proapoptotic Bax gene, an indicator of the ability to resist apoptosis, was lower in POZD group at the one-cell stage, but higher at the two- and four-cell stages. Expression levels of Oct4 and Nanog associated with pluripotency were lower in POZD group than the ones in POZI group at the morula stage (not statistically significant). Noteworthily, the expression of Nanog was significantly lower in POZD group versus POZI group (P < 0.05), whereas relative expression of Oct4 was significantly higher in the former at the blastocyst stage (P < 0.01). In conclusion, PCV2, which attached to ZP, was able to enter mature porcine oocytes with damaged ZP and subsequently reduced the developmental competence and quality of the oocytes after parthenogenetic activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haijing Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, PR China
| | - Qianqian Ji
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, PR China
| | - Guangyin Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, PR China
| | - Zhenwei Song
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, PR China
| | - Baozhu Du
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, PR China
| | - Yu Nie
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, PR China
| | - Yaosheng Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, PR China
| | - Peiqing Cong
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, PR China.
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Saadeldin IM, Kim SJ, Choi YB, Lee BC. Improvement of cloned embryos development by co-culturing with parthenotes: a possible role of exosomes/microvesicles for embryos paracrine communication. Cell Reprogram 2014; 16:223-34. [PMID: 24773308 DOI: 10.1089/cell.2014.0003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 106] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
It is well known that embryos cultured in a group can create a microenvironment through secretion of autocrine and paracrine factors that can support and improve the embryos' development when compared to the embryos cultured individually. In this study, we used a co-culture system for paracrine communication between different kinds of embryos. The results showed that co-culture of porcine parthenogenetic (PA) embryos significantly improved the in vitro development of cloned (nuclear transfer, NT) embryos. To reveal the possible mechanism of communication between the two groups, we isolated exosomes/microvesicles (EXs/MVs) from the PA embryos conditioned medium (PA-CM) through differential centrifugation and identified them through transmission electron microscope and immunoflourescence against exosomal/membrane marker CD9. Furthermore, these EXs/MVs were found to contain mRNA of pluripotency genes (Oct4, Sox2, Klf4, c-Myc, and Nanog), and the PKH67-labeled EXs/MVs could be internalized by the NT embryos. The current study demonstrates that cloned embryos' developmental competence can be improved through co-culturing with PA embryos and revealed, for the first time, that in vitro-produced embryos can secrete EXs/MVs as a possible communication tool within their microenvironment. Moreover, it provides a new paradigm for embryo-to-embryo communication in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Islam M Saadeldin
- 1 Department of Theriogenology and Biotechnology, College of Veterinary Medicine and the Research Institute for Veterinary Science, Seoul National University , Seoul, 151-742, Republic of Korea
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Bielanski A. Biosafety in Embryos and Semen Cryopreservation, Storage, Management and Transport. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2014; 753:429-65. [DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-0820-2_17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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Bielanski A, Algire J, Lalonde A, Garceac A. Risk of Transmission of Bovine Herpesvirus-1 (BHV-1) by Infected Semen to Embryo Recipients and Offspring. Reprod Domest Anim 2013. [DOI: 10.1111/rda.12249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- A Bielanski
- Canadian Food Inspection Agency; Animal Health Microbacteriology Laboratory (Germplasm); Ottawa Canada
| | - J Algire
- Canadian Food Inspection Agency; Animal Health Microbacteriology Laboratory (Germplasm); Ottawa Canada
| | - A Lalonde
- Canadian Food Inspection Agency; Animal Health Microbacteriology Laboratory (Germplasm); Ottawa Canada
| | - A Garceac
- Canadian Food Inspection Agency; Animal Health Microbacteriology Laboratory (Germplasm); Ottawa Canada
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Distinct subtypes of zona pellucida morphology reflect canine oocyte viability and cumulus-oocyte complex quality. Theriogenology 2013; 80:498-506. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2013.05.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2012] [Revised: 05/15/2013] [Accepted: 05/19/2013] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Besenfelder U, Havlicek V, Brem G. Role of the oviduct in early embryo development. Reprod Domest Anim 2013; 47 Suppl 4:156-63. [PMID: 22827365 DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0531.2012.02070.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
This review highlights the role of the oviduct in early embryo development, which has to fulfil many aligned and well-tuned tasks during early embryogenesis. The oviductal lining is subjected to dynamic changes to timely accomplish gamete transport, fertilization and embryo development and to deliver a competent and healthy conceptus to the endometrium which can implant and develop to term. Although knowledge about the role of the oviduct is limited, we know that embryos are very sensitive to the environment in which they develop. The success of in vitro embryo production techniques demonstrates that it is possible to bypass the oviduct during early development and, to a certain extent, replicate the conditions in vitro. However, comparative studies show that embryos developed in vivo are superior to their in vitro produced counterparts, underlining our relatively poor knowledge of the biology of the oviduct. Oviduct activity is orchestrated by various factors, depending on cyclic dynamics, which crucially affect the success of tubal transfer and/or (re-)collection of embryos in embryo transfer studies. This paper reviews data which demonstrate that in vivo culture of embryos in the bovine oviduct is a useful tool for the assessment of embryos developed under various conditions (e.g. superovulation vs single ovulation, lactating dairy cows vs non-lactating cows). It is concluded that more work in the field of early embryo development within the oviduct would contribute to improved ART protocols leading to healthy pregnancies and offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
- U Besenfelder
- Reproduction Centre Wieselburg, Department for Biomedical Sciences, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria.
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36
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Rozhkova IN, Brusentsev EY, Amstislavsky SY. Coats of preimplantation mammalian embryos as a target of reproductive technologies. Russ J Dev Biol 2012. [DOI: 10.1134/s1062360412050074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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37
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Machaty Z, Peippo J, Peter A. Production and manipulation of bovine embryos: Techniques and terminology. Theriogenology 2012; 78:937-50. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2012.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2011] [Revised: 04/06/2012] [Accepted: 04/06/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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38
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Peippo J, Machaty Z, Peter A. Terminologies for the pre-attachment bovine embryo. Theriogenology 2012; 76:1373-9. [PMID: 21855984 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2011.06.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2010] [Revised: 06/09/2011] [Accepted: 06/16/2011] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
There are numerous publications regarding bovine embryos, ranging from descriptions of their appearance and development to emerging techniques in the field of assisted reproductive technology (ART). Concurrently, several specialized terms have been developed to describe the bovine embryo. Many of these terms are simple, some are difficult to understand and use, and others are antiquated and may not be scientifically accurate. For example, use of terms such as syngamy, conception rate, implantation and embryo resorption should be revisited. This review presents a brief overview of current knowledge regarding the pre-attachment period of the bovine embryo and attempts to define the terms. In this process, conventional terminology is presented, and contemporary and novel terms are proposed from a biological perspective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaana Peippo
- MTT Agrifood Research Finland, Biotechnology and Food Research, FI-31600 Jokioinen, Finland
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39
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Bielanski A. A review of the risk of contamination of semen and embryos during cryopreservation and measures to limit cross-contamination during banking to prevent disease transmission in ET practices. Theriogenology 2012; 77:467-82. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2011.07.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2011] [Revised: 07/12/2011] [Accepted: 07/29/2011] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
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40
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Wydooghe E, Vandaele L, Beek J, Favoreel H, Heindryckx B, De Sutter P, Van Soom A. Differential apoptotic staining of mammalian blastocysts based on double immunofluorescent CDX2 and active caspase-3 staining. Anal Biochem 2011; 416:228-30. [PMID: 21684250 DOI: 10.1016/j.ab.2011.05.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2011] [Revised: 05/13/2011] [Accepted: 05/20/2011] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Several approaches have been described for differential staining of blastocysts, but these methods are often time-consuming and unreliable. Here we describe a method for simultaneous differential staining and detection of apoptosis. The differential staining is based on the transcription factor CDX2 which is localized in the nucleus of trophectoderm (TE) cells but absent in the inner cell mass (ICM). Apoptosis is detected by staining of active caspase-3, a key player in several apoptotic pathways. This new approach represents a robust method for quantifying simultaneously ICM/TE ratio and apoptotic cell ratio in bovine, murine, porcine, and human blastocysts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eline Wydooghe
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, B-9820 Merelbeke, Belgium.
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Goossens K, Vandaele L, Wydooghe E, Thys M, Dewulf J, Peelman LJ, Van Soom A. The importance of adequate fixation for immunofluorescent staining of bovine embryos. Reprod Domest Anim 2011; 46:1098-103. [PMID: 21366723 DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0531.2011.01770.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Immunofluorescent staining is often used to investigate the expression of specific proteins in pre-implantation embryos. The success of this method is determined by the specificity of the antibodies, but also by the protocol used for fixation and permeabilization of the samples. In this study, different fixatives are compared in combination with immunofluorescent staining of caudal-type homeobox 2 (CDX2), fibronectin 1 (FN1) and integrins (ITGs) on bovine blastocysts. For both CDX2 and the ITGs, the outcome of the staining was largely dependent on the fixation methods. Paraformaldehyde fixation was best for the intracellular CDX2 protein, whereas acetone fixation gave the best results for the transmembrane ITGs. No difference was observed for the FN1 staining between samples fixed with paraformaldehyde or acetone. These examples demonstrate that the choice of fixation and permeabilization agents is very important for the outcome of the experiment, and this choice is dictated by the (extra)cellular location of the protein under investigation. Inappropriate fixation and/or permeabilization methods can lead to erroneous conclusions regarding the site and amount of protein expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Goossens
- Department of Nutrition, Genetics and Ethology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium.
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42
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Vajta G, Rienzi L, Bavister BD. Zona-free embryo culture: is it a viable option to improve pregnancy rates? Reprod Biomed Online 2010; 21:17-25. [PMID: 20466592 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2010.03.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2009] [Revised: 12/14/2009] [Accepted: 02/04/2010] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Sporadic reports published during the previous decade have documented pregnancies achieved with transfer of zona-free human embryos. Although the overall efficiency seems to be good and some authors have suggested systematic application for special infertility problems, there have been only a few attempts to compare the benefits of zona-free embryo culture and transfer with the traditional approach using zona-intact embryos. So far, the majority of instances in which zona-free culture has been applied have occurred accidentally. This review summarizes the known functions of the zona pellucida, analyses natural and artificial situations where its function is compromised, including zona hardening and difficult hatching that seem to be related to in-vitro embryo culture, and discusses possible methods and timing for artificial zona removal. With the availability of in-vitro systems capable of replacing important functions of the zona pellucida, routine use of zona-free culture for the whole in-vitro period, after or even before fertilization, is a realistic possibility with potential additional benefits. Based on the increasing amount of animal studies, a systematic comparison is suggested that may eventually diminish the handicaps of the in-vitro situation and lead to simplification of manipulations as well as higher success rates after embryo transfer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gábor Vajta
- James Cook University, Cairns Campus, 20 Slate Close Brinsmead, Cairns QLD-4870, Australia.
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