Unveiling how vitrification affects the porcine blastocyst: clues from a transcriptomic study

Background

Currently, there is a high demand for efficient pig embryo cryopreservation procedures in the porcine industry as well as for genetic diversity preservation and research purposes. To date, vitrification (VIT) is the most efficient method for pig embryo cryopreservation. Despite a high number of embryos survives in vitro after vitrification/warming procedures, the in vivo embryo survival rates after embryo transfer are variable among laboratories. So far, most studies have focused on cryoprotective agents and devices, while the VIT effects on porcine embryonic gene expression remained unclear. The few studies performed were based on vitrified/warmed embryos that were cultured in vitro (IVC) to allow them to re–expand. Thus, the specific alterations of VIT, IVC, and the cumulative effect of both remained unknown. To unveil the VIT-specific embryonic alterations, gene expression in VIT versus (vs.) IVC embryos was analyzed. Additionally, changes derived from both VIT and IVC vs. control embryos (CO) were analyzed to confirm the VIT embryonic alterations. Three groups of in vivo embryos at the blastocyst stage were analyzed by RNA–sequencing: (1) VIT embryos (vitrified/warmed and cultured in vitro), (2) IVC embryos and (3) CO embryos.

Results

RNA–sequencing revealed three clearly different mRNA profiles for VIT, IVC and CO embryos. Comparative analysis of mRNA profiles between VIT and IVC identified 321, differentially expressed genes (DEG) (FDR < 0.006). In VIT vs. CO and IVC vs. CO, 1901 and 1519 DEG were found, respectively, with an overlap of 1045 genes. VIT-specific functional alterations were associated to response to osmotic stress, response to hormones, and developmental growth. While alterations in response to hypoxia and mitophagy were related to the sum of VIT and IVC effects.

Conclusions

Our findings revealed new insights into the VIT procedure-specific alterations of embryonic gene expression by first comparing differences in VIT vs. IVC embryos and second by an integrative transcriptome analysis including in vivo control embryos. The identified VIT alterations might reflect the transcriptional signature of the embryo cryodamage but also the embryo healing process overcoming the VIT impacts. Selected validated genes were pointed as potential biomarkers that may help to improve vitrification.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s40104-021-00672-1.

Identification by volatolomics of hydrocarbon, oxygenated, sulfur and aromatic markers of livestock exposure to α-hexabromocyclododecane

Volatile organic compounds (VOC)-based metabolomics, or volatolomics, was investigated for revealing livestock exposure to chemical contamination. Three farm animals, namely laying hens, broilers, and pigs, were experimentally exposed to 5 or 50 ng α-HBCDD g^-1 feed. Liver and egg yolk for hens were analysed by headspace-SPME-GC-MS to reveal candidate markers of the livestock exposure to α-HBCDD. For hens, 2-butanol was found as marker in egg. In liver, twelve VOCs were highlighted as markers, with three aromatic VOCs - styrene, o-xylene, α-methylstyrene - highlighted for the two α-HBCDD doses. For broilers, six markers were revealed, with interestingly, styrene and phenol which were also found as markers in hen liver. For pigs, ten markers were revealed and the seven tentatively identified markers were oxygenated and sulfur VOCs. The candidate markers tentatively identified were discussed in light of previous volatolomics data, in particular from a γ-HBCDD exposure of laying hens.

A PBPK model to study the transfer of α-hexabromocyclododecane (α-HBCDD) to tissues of fast- and slow-growing broilers

A physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) model was developed to investigate the production-specific factors involved in the transfer of α-hexabromocyclododecane (α-HBCDD) to broiler meat. The model describes growth and lipid deposition in tissues of fast- (FG) and slow- (SG) growing broilers from hatching to slaughter and simulates the exposure through the ingestion of contaminated feed or expanded polystyrene insulation material. Growth parameters were obtained from the literature while parameters relative to uptake, distribution, and elimination of α-HBCDD were adjusted using results of a previous experiment involving broilers exposed through feed throughout the rearing period or allowed to depurate before slaughter. The model was used to compare the two main edible tissues, breast and leg meat, as well as skin, and to investigate the variability within strain. Between strains and within strain, α-HBCDD assimilation efficiency (AE) is higher when the animals are slaughtered young or heavy. However, increasing slaughter age will lower α-HBCDD concentration in tissues, due to dilution. Based on fresh weight, the concentration of α-HBCDD in breast muscles and skin tends to be lower in SG than in FG broilers (-30 to +10%), while it is 10% to 80% higher in leg muscles. Compared to breast muscles, consuming leg muscles would elicit an exposure 9 and 16 times higher in FG and SG broilers, respectively. The consumption of skin together with muscles would multiply the exposure by up to 36 times compared to breast muscle alone. In case of acute exposure, the α-HBCDD concentration in tissues increased sharply, all the more since the animals are lighter in weight, and then decreased rapidly. In FG broilers, dilution through growth contributed for up to 37%, 28% and 97% to the decontamination of breast muscles, leg muscles and skin, respectively, depending on the duration of depuration before slaughter.

Classification of trace elements in tissues from organic and conventional French pig production

This study assesses the impact of the farming system on the levels of copper, zinc, arsenic, cadmium, lead and mercury in pig tissues from three types of production (Organic (n = 28), Label Rouge (n = 12) and Conventional (n = 30)) randomly sampled in different slaughterhouses. All the concentrations were below regulatory limits. In muscles, Cu, Zn and As were measured at slightly higher levels in organic samples but no differences between organic and Label Rouge was observed. Livers from conventional and Label Rouge pig farms exhibited higher Zn and Cd contents than the organic ones, probably due to different practice in zinc or phytase supplementation of fattening diets. Principal component analysis indicated a correlation between Cu and As concentrations in liver and carcass weight, and between Zn and Cd liver levels and lean meat percentage. The linear discriminant analysis succeeded in predicting the farming process on the basis of the lean meat percentage and the liver Cd level.

[Treatment of malar mounds by direct excision]

OBJECTIVES

The treatment of malar mounds is challenging. We report a case series of direct excision of malar mounds and review the existing literature.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The procedure is carried out under local anesthesia with light sedation. A pinch test allows to estimate the width of the resection. The skin is resected, and if needed, some of the sub-orbicularis oculi fat. The orbicularis muscle is not closed, and the skin is closed in two layers.

RESULTS

Eight patients were treated by the same surgeon between January and December 2013. The ages ranged from 41 to 74, with an average of 53. The patients were highly satisfied. The results were considered excellent for 5 patients and good for 3. There were no complications, in particular no scleral show, no ectropion, and no hematoma.

CONCLUSION

Direct excision of malar mounds is simple, efficient, and reproducible. The scars are most often inconspicuous, in particular in the elderly.

Collaborative Methods for Real-Time Localization in Urban Centers

This article presents an effective solution for the localization of a vehicle in dense urban areas where GNSS-based methods fail because of poor satellite visibility. It advocates the use of a visual-based method processing georeferenced landmarks obtained after a learning path and stored in a new layer of the geographical information system (GIS) used for navigation. Real-time localization gives, with few failures, accurate results in the areas covered by the GIS. The integrity of the localization is obtained by running another algorithm in parallel, processing odometric data combined with the geometric model of the drivable area and, when available, GNSS data in tight coupling. An ellipsoidal confidence domain is updated by using both extended Kalman filtering (EKF) and set-membership estimation. Although less accurate, this estimation is reliable and, when the visual method fails, the availability of a confidence domain enables us to speed up the restart of the visual method while navigating cautiously. A large-scale experiment (>4 km) was conducted in the centre of Paris. We compare the absolute localization results with the ground truth obtained by combining RTK-GPS and a high-end inertial measurement unit (IMU).

Effects of feeding 10% rapeseed meal (Brassica napus) during gestation and lactation over three reproductive cycles on the performance of hyperprolific sows and their litters

Quiniou, N., Quinsac, A., Crépon, K., Evrard, J., Peyronnet, C., Bourdillon, A., Royer, E. and Etienne, M. 2012. Effects of feeding 10% rapeseed meal (Brassica napus) during gestation and lactation over three reproductive cycles on the performance of hyperprolific sows and their litters. Can. J. Anim. Sci. 92: 513–524. Largely due to increased production of biodiesel, there is a greater availability of solvent-extracted rapeseed meal (RM) in France, making it competitive for feeding pigs. Nevertheless, the long-term effects of dietary glucosinolates (GSL) when feeding RM on sow reproductive and litter performance are a persistent concern to feed manufacturers. Four batches of 24 hyperprolific sows were fed to evaluate the effects of including 0 or 10% RM [14.5 µmol GLS g−1dry matter (DM) basis] in the gestation and lactation diets over three reproductive cycles. Intake of dietary GLS remained below 5 mmol d−1over the gestation period and averaged 8 mmol d−1over the lactation period, corresponding to less than 2 µmol GLS g−1DM basis. Lactation feed intake, sow body weight and backfat, and the length of the weaning-to-estrus interval were not different (P>0.05) between treatment groups. Sows fed diets with 10% or no RM farrowed 43.6 and 43.8 piglets over three reproductive cycles, respectively (P>0.05). Piglet weight at birth or weaning, survival and litter weight gain were not affected (P>0.05) by dietary RM inclusion. Similar (P>0.10) plasma thyroxin levels of sows and piglets indicated that thyroid function was not altered by RM inclusion. In conclusion, feeding gestation and lactation diets including 10% RM to hyper prolific sows over three parities was safe and did not affect sow longevity, reproductive or litter performance.

Genetic and non-genetic parameters related to embryo production in superovulated Large White (LW) gilts

The aim of this study was to identify genetic and non genetic factors which might affect results of embryo production of Large White (LW) cyclic gilts from data collected in one herd during 6 years. Donors (n=1060) were synchronized with a progestogen treatment and luteolysis was induced 13-15 days later by 2 injections of cloprostenol. To stimulate follicular development 800IU eCG was then injected 24h later, followed by 500IU hCG 48h later. Donors were inseminated twice; depending on the onset of oestrus, the interval between hCG treatment and first insemination (hCGAI1) was either 24 or 41 h. Embryos were collected at 5-6 days after the 1st AI by flushing uterine horns. Traits of interest were the number of corpora lutea (CL), the number of flushed embryos (FE), the number of transferable embryos (TE) and the number of unfertilized embryos (UE). The average number of TE was 18.8 ± 9.0. The main sources of variation for CL, FE and TE were the season (P≤0.002) and hCGAI1 (P≤0.001) effects. For the interval of 24h of hCGIA1 the number of TE was increased by 4 compared with the TE obtained for the 41 h interval of hCGIA1. Maternal and paternal genetic effects were estimated using restricted maximum likelihood methodology applied to the univariate animal model, whereas genetic covariance components were estimated in bivariate models. Estimates of maternal heritability were 0.45 for CL, 0.32 for FE, 0.29 for TE and 0.05 for UE whereas for the paternal effect, heritabilities were very low (<0.06). Genetic correlation between CL, FE and TE variables were very high (>0.89) for the maternal effect. A breeding scheme based on CL selection in response to superovulation could thus improve the number of transferable embryos.

Determination by echography of uterine changes around puberty in gilts and evaluation of a diagnosis of puberty

Three experiments were carried out to evaluate the use of ultrasonography in assessing the onset of puberty in gilts. In experiment 1, gilts (n = 17) were scanned 3 times per week beginning at 133 and continuing until 187 days of age. The ultrasonic appearance of the uterus was described, quantified and compared with the reproductive status observed at slaughter. The quantification of the pictures showed a different correlation in time for infantile, impubertal, prepubertal and pubertal stages. For pubertal females, "uterine area" increased at around 180 days of age, well-defined sections of the uterine horns appeared 3 +/- 0.5 days before puberty. In infantile and impubertal gilts during the same period of age, uterine images remained dark and homogeneous; no significant change in the "uterine area" was observed. This difference in images allowed an evaluation of the diagnosis of puberty. In experiment 2, the gilts (n = 123) were scanned, the result was verified at slaughter the day after by examination of the genital tract. The uterine weight of the gilts that had reached a prepubertal or pubertal stage was significantly greater (P = 0.0001) than that in impubertal gilts. The sensitivity and the specificity of the diagnosis were 91.9% and 96.5% respectively. Experiment 3 was performed on a farm and echographic examinations were carried out one and five days after gilts (n = 117) arrived at the piggery. Oestrus detection or blood sampling for progesterone determinations were used as tools to determine the reproductive status. The sensitivity and the specificity of the diagnosis were 98.9% and 100% respectively. This diagnosis of puberty is thus accurate.

[A French questionnaire to assess quality of life of the aphasic patient: the SIP-65]

OBJECTIVES

To develop and demonstrate validity and reliability of a aphasic-adapted version of the Sickness Impact Profile (SIP-136), a generic widespread questionnaire used to measure quality of life (QoL).

DESIGN

Survey, outpatient oral interviews.

POPULATION

Aphasic people from 20 to 80 years old, with a time from stroke or trauma of more than 12 months, living at home for more than six months, able to understand the questions with a Z-score profile at Boston Diagnostic Aphasia Examination above average for oral comprehension.

METHOD

1. Developments of the short version of the SIP-136, from a first sample of aphasic people; 35 patients were included with a mean time from stroke or trauma of 17 months. This first step consisted in excluding the least relevant items and/or subscales, rewriting some items to make them easier to understand, studying redundancy by multiple components analysis (MCA) and deleting some redundant items. 2. Validity compared with initial SIP-136 and reliability (inter-rater and test-retest) from a second sample of 55 aphasic people (mean time from stroke or trauma = 23 months).

RESULTS

- 1. The first step of development led to a short version with eight subscales and 65 items (SIP-65) exploring physical, psychological and social components of QoL; it took about 16 min to fill it, less than half of the time necessary for the SIP-136. 2. Linear correlation of the responses between SIP-65 and SIP-136 was good: r = 0.97; p < 10(-6). SIP-65 demonstrated a good test-retest (r = 0.97; p < 10(-6)) and inter-rater (r = 0.92; p < 10(-6)) reliability.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

SIP-65, a short version of SIP-136, is feasible and clinically sound and must be recommended to assess health-related functional status of French aphasic people.

[Deglutition disorders in the elderly. Evaluation methods]

FROM DISCOVERY TO CLINICAL DIAGNOSIS: Dysphagia is easy to diagnose in its acute stage and when complicating a known neurological disease. However diagnosis may be greatly delayed when expressed by respiratory or nutritional symptoms, or when the patient presents cognitive disorders, as is frequent in the elderly. In such instances, simple tests such as the water test are clearly indicated. However, although they are reliable for diagnosing dysphagia, they are not precise in diagnosis of inhalation. Clinical examination is essential for diagnosing the etiology of the disorder. In the absence of clinical orientation, a nasofibroscopy is mandatory and digestive endoscopy debatable. SPECIALIZED EXAMINATIONS: The first-line supplementary examination is a videoradiography. It consists in the patient swallowing a liquid or solid barium sulfate bolus. This detects any anatomical or functional abnormalities. It is the examination of choice for the diagnosis of inhalation and its mechanism. Videoendoscopy is complementary to videoradiography. It can be conducted in first intention in patients who cannot be transported to the radiology unit. It provides precise information on glottal closing and pharyngeal contraction. IMPACT ON MANAGEMENT: In a restricted number of patients, the precise knowledge of the mechanism of dysphagia can help to orientate specific treatment. In others, such examinations will orient re-education, postural adaptation and the modification of food texture. In many patients, precise diagnosis of the mechanism at the origin of dysphagia has no impact on the management of dysphagia.

[Internalized and externalized disorders in children witness to conjugal violence and their associated variables: a literature review.]

This article presents a literature review on externalized and internalized disorders in children who are witness to conjugal violence as well as the major variables associated with the development of these disorders. Among these variables, there are age and gender of the child, the type of violence they witness, maternal stress, educational skills of parents as well as physical and sexual abuse. The limits of major studies published over the last two decades are also exposed. Finally, new avenues of research that might shed new light on a more recent knowledge of the issue, are proposed.

A comparison of ondansetron with metoclopramide in the prophylaxis of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting: a randomized, double-blind study. International Emesis Study Group

The efficacy of ondansetron was compared with metoclopramide in the prophylaxis of nausea and vomiting induced by cyclophosphamide greater than or equal to 500 mg/m2 in combination with doxorubicin greater than or equal to 40 mg/m2 or epirubicin greater than or equal to 40 mg/m2. complete anti-emetic protection in the 24 h following chemotherapy was achieved in 26 of 40 (65%) patients treated with ondansetron compared with 17 of 42 (41%) patients treated with metoclopramide. Severe nausea was present in 3% of patients in the ondansetron group and 31% in the metoclopramide group. A worst day analysis of control of emesis and nausea on days 2 and 3 following chemotherapy also demonstrated ondansetron to be more effective than metoclopramide. Both treatments were well tolerated. Ondansetron is more effective as an anti-emetic than metoclopramide in this type of cytostatic therapy.

Cyclic AMP and cyclic GMP production in normal and psoriatic epidermis

cAMP and cGMP production was determined in normal and psoriatic (involved or uninvolved) epidermis. After homogenization, epidermal strips were incubated with saturating concentrations of ATP or GTP, respectively, for cAMP and cGMP production. Cyclic nucleotides were measured by radioimmunoassay before and after 5, 10, 20 min of incubation. The kinetics of cAMP and cGMP production were linear during the 20 min of incubation. Comparison of normal skin, uninvolved and involved psoriatic skin, prior to and after 20 min of incubation showed the following results: cAMP levels were significantly higher in normal skin than in psoriatic skin at zero time (p less than 0.01) and after incubation (p less than 0.05). cGMP levels were not significantly different in the three tissues at zero time. After incubation, psoriatic involved epidermis exhibited a higher production of cGMP than normal skin (p less than 0.05). Thus, the ratio cAMP/cGMP was higher in normal skin than in psoriatic skin at the basic level (p less than 0.05) and after incubation (p less than 0.01). These results indicate an imbalance in cyclic nucleotides metabolism in psoriatic skin without a significant difference between uninvolved and involved epidermis.