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Biomedical subjects

J S Boyd

Publications and source records attributed to J S Boyd.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1997

Use of the polymerase chain reaction to sex the bovine fetus using cells recovered by ultrasound-guided fetal fluid aspiration.

The aim of this study was to carry out first trimester fetal sex diagnosis using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to amplify DNA from bovine fetal cells recovered by transvaginal ultrasound-guided uterine puncture and fetal fluid aspiration. For sex determination, a nested, allele-specific, PCR amplification of the bovine zfx and zfy gene fragments was utilised. The PCR assay was validated using fetal fluids recovered from uteri post mortem. Cells were harvested from the fetal fluids, genomic DNA extracted and the PCR assay applied. A technique which was developed for transvaginal ultrasound-guided follicle aspiration was modified to recover fetal fluid from live animals. Small volumes of fetal fluid (0.5-5 ml) were recovered between days 61-97 of gestation and the PCR assay applied. The gender determined by PCR of fetal fluid cells was in all cases confirmed by visual inspection (n = 15 abattoir specimens) or ultrasound scanning (n = 7 live animals). Fetal death, attributed to the introduction of intrauterine infection, occurred in 4/4 cows in the first series of aspirations but in only 1/3 heifers in the second series of aspirations.

Abattoirs↗
PubMed1997

Gross and ultrasonographic anatomy of the carpal flexor tendon sheath in horses.

This study was undertaken to establish the gross anatomy and the ultrasonographic appearance of the carpal digital flexor tendon sheath (carpal sheath) and the palmar carpal region in normal horses. The isolated forelimbs from 15 horses were used to study the morphology of the sheath and associated structures, including a detailed study of the location of the main blood vessels and nerves in that region. These limbs and the forelimbs of five live, sound horses were also examined ultrasonographically. The examination yielded good soft tissue detail of the tendons and ligaments, synovial and perisynovial tissues and larger blood vessels. There was a good correlation between the ultrasonographic and gross anatomical appearance of the limbs. The sheath cavity was only identified after it had been distended with water, and the various synovial recesses at the level of the carpal canal were poorly imaged.

Animals↗
PubMed1997

Endoscopic examination of the carpal flexor tendon sheath in horses.

This study was undertaken to design a safe technique to examine the carpal flexor tendon sheath (carpal sheath) of horses endoscopically, using an arthroscope. The limbs from 15 horses were used to study the normal anatomy of the carpal sheath and related structures, establish a safe approach and endoscopic technique, and determine the normal endoscopic appearance of the sheath. Major arteries, veins and nerves, present within and around the sheath, left few 'safe' areas to insert the endoscope. Several portals were assessed and a distal lateral approach was found to be safest and to allow adequate visualisation of most of the sheath. The surgical technique and normal endoscopic findings are described in detail and discussed.

Animals↗
PubMed1996

Ultrasonographic examination of the femorotibial articulation in horses: imaging of the cranial and caudal aspects.

The aim of this study was to determine the normal ultrasonographic features of the cranial and caudal aspects of the femorotibial articulation and, in particular, to establish a method of examining the menisci, cruciate and meniscal ligaments ultrasonographically. Twenty hindlimbs isolated post mortem from 10 horses were used to study the normal ultrasonographic and gross anatomy of the femorotibial joint. Five stifles from 3 normal, live horses were also examined with B-mode, real-time ultrasound imaging. The results of the anatomical study are presented. The joint surfaces, menisci, cruciate and meniscal ligaments could be imaged adequately in all the specimens. No obvious variations in shape or echotexture, that might impair visualisation of potential lesions, were observed. The authors suggest that ultrasonography is a potential, noninvasive means of diagnosing soft tissue lesions in the femorotibial joint.

Animals↗
PubMed1994

Technical aspects of transvaginal ultrasound-guided follicular aspiration in cows.

A 7.5 MHz rectal transducer adapted for transvaginal use was compared with a human microcurvilinear 6 MHz transvaginal transducer for follicular aspiration in cows. Some of the problems encountered while developing an accurate and repeatable technique are discussed, including the preparation of the cow, and the selection of the needle and suction apparatus. Proficiency in the retrieval of oocytes was improved through practice. Four cows were aspirated on days 2 to 4, 9 to 12 and 15 to 16 after oestrus in two successive oestrous cycles. The initial recovery rates were poor (7 per cent) and the oocytes were of poor quality, being almost completely denuded. However, after five weeks' practice recovery rates of 41 per cent were achieved and the oocytes were suitable for in vitro maturation.

Animals↗
PubMed1994

Polyethylene glycol versus low-ionic-strength solution in pretransfusion testing: a blinded comparison study.

BACKGROUND: Polyethylene glycol (PEG) has been shown to potentiate antigen-antibody reactions. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: To investigate the utility of PEG in pretransfusion testing, a blinded comparison study of PEG and a low-ionic-strength additive solution (LISS) was conducted. A total of 500 patient samples were tested in parallel with reagent antibody-detection cells using blind-coded PEG and LISS potentiators. RESULTS: In 34 (34%) of 100 samples with known antibodies in the Rh, Kell, Duffy, Kidd, and MNS systems, PEG antiglobulin reactions were stronger (total score, 382) than LISS antiglobulin reactions (total score, 216), and in 66 cases (66%), they were equal to those of LISS. Of 400 samples without detectable antibodies, 384 were negative with PEG and LISS, and 16 were positive in PEG tests and negative in LISS. Seven of the 16 were clinically important antibodies (D, 1; E, 3; Fya, 1; Jka; 1; Jkb, 1), and four were clinically benign antibodies (Le(a), 2; McCc, 1; Sda, 1). Five of the 16 demonstrated inconclusive PEG reactions, for a false-positive rate of 5 in 400 (1.3%). Of the 500 samples, none was negative in PEG tests and positive in LISS (0% false-negative rate). CONCLUSION: Although PEG demonstrates a relatively high false-positive rate, PEG is more sensitive than LISS in detecting clinically significant antibodies.

Blood Transfusion↗
PubMed1993

Factors affecting the clinical outcome of injuries to the superficial digital flexor tendon in National Hunt and point-to-point racehorses.

Ultrasonographic examination was used to define the severity of injuries to the superficial digital flexor tendon in 73 National Hunt or point-to-point racehorses and the factors influencing the outcome of the cases were examined. Thirty-four of the horses (46 per cent) returned to work with an average time out of training of 13.5 months. The rate of recurrence of the injury was 35 per cent. The severity of the lesions was related to the outcome; all the mildly affected horses returned to work, with 63 per cent of them racing and an average time out of training of 10.2 months; 50 per cent of the moderately affected horses returned to work, and 30 per cent raced with an average time out of training of 11.3 months; 30 per cent of the severely affected horses worked, and 23 per cent raced with an average time out of training of 18.3 months. The differences in outcome between unilateral and bilateral injuries within each severity group were not statistically significant. Seventy-six per cent of horses treated with polysulphated glycosaminoglycans returned to work, compared with 46 per cent of conservatively managed horses and 50 per cent of horses treated with laser therapy. However, these differences were not statistically significant and the rate of recurrence of the injury in the horses treated with polysulphated glycosaminoglycans was 50 per cent compared with only 31 per cent in the conservatively managed horses. Seventy per cent of the mares and 47 per cent of the geldings were retired from racing.

Age Factors↗
PubMed1993

Ultrasonographic and histopathological findings in equine superficial digital flexor tendon injury.

The ultrasonographic and histopathological findings in 12 normal and 28 injured superficial digital flexor tendons, with lesions ranging in duration from 2 days to 15 months, were compared. A consistent relationship between the ultrasonographic and histological findings was demonstrated. The echogenicity of lesions, the distinctness of their delineation from the surrounding tissue, and the presence and arrangement of the linear echoes were useful features by which to assess the ultrasonograms. Acute lesions were anechoic, a complex mixture of anechoic and hypoechoic areas, or diffusely hypoechoic. These appearances represented haemorrhage, fibrolysis and early granulation tissue. Fibroplasia and granulation tissue produced well to moderately well defined hypoechoic lesions. Chronic fibrosis was characterised by heterogeneously echogenic areas which were poorly defined from the surrounding tissue and had irregularly-arranged linear echoes on longitudinal images. Intratendinous scar formation resulted in multiple hyperechoic foci. Extensive peritendinous lesions were readily apparent on ultrasonograms, but intertendinous adhesions were more difficult to assess, and produced ill-definition of the borders between the superficial and deep digital flexor tendons.

Animals↗
PubMed1993

Problems associated with ultrasonography of the canine ovary around the time of ovulation.

Real-time B-mode ultrasound imaging was carried out, using a scanner of moderate quality, on 40 fresh bitch cadavers to identify the presence of ovaries and significant ovarian structures. The results indicated that accurate identification of the ovaries depended on the presence of significant follicles or corpora lutea (CL). The findings were verified at post-mortem examination. The study was continued by scanning 35 live bitches using three different scanning units of increasingly improved quality to show that the process of ovulation could be assessed with reasonable accuracy with improved quality of equipment, although the exact fate of the follicle could not be imaged. The results were judged against assays for blood circulating progesterone. A final group of seven live bitches were scanned with a high-grade scanner using an annular phased-array transducer to attempt to image the process of ovulation. The non-echogenic follicle disappeared and was replaced by the CL that was hypoechoic with respect to surrounding tissue, thus allowing accurate assessment of the time of ovulation. This was confirmed by progesterone assay.

Animals↗
PubMed1993

Acute phase proteins in canine pregnancy (Canis familiaris).

An acute phase response has been identified during mid-gestation in bitches by determination of the serum C-reactive protein (CRP) concentration. In four pregnant bitches, a large increase in CRP during mid-gestation was followed by a second increase after parturition. In three pregnant bitches, a similar increase was observed during mid-gestation but the second (post parturition) increase was not detected. In two pregnant bitches only a small rise was observed in mid-gestation. No increase in CRP was observed in the serum of two bitches that were not mated following oestrus or in the serum of two bitches that were mated but did not become pregnant. One bitch was diagnosed as pregnant by palpation but did not produce a litter and did not have a mid-gestation increase in CRP. However, this animal did show an acute phase response shortly after oestrus.

Animals↗
PubMed1993

Molecular biological methods for monitoring oocyte maturation and in vitro fertilization in bitches.

Oocytes were collected from ovaries of bitches, at various stages of the oestrous cycle, after routine sterilization. Cumulus-enclosed oocytes were cultured for 0-72 h in a modified M-199 medium containing 10% oestrous bitch serum and 20 micrograms oestradiol ml-1. For oocytes surrounded by two or more layers of cumulus cells, an increase in the expression of mRNA transcripts for zona pellucida glycoprotein 3 (ZP3) was seen and reached peak levels after 48 h culture in vitro. Histological assessment showed that 39% of these oocytes had extruded their first polar body after 24 h culture in vitro. When these in vitro matured oocytes were transferred to oviduct cell monolayers and inseminated with fresh dog spermatozoa in Medium-199 supplemented with 10% fetal calf serum and 50 mg gentamicin sulfate ml-1, penetration of the zona pellucida started 1 h after insemination for oocytes that had been cultured for 48 and 72 h. At 12 h after insemination both male and female pronuclei were seen in 37.5% and 20% of the oocytes incubated for 48 and 72 h, respectively. No further development was seen.

Animals↗
PubMed1993

Observations on the treatment and diagnosis of open pyometra in the bitch (Canis familiaris).

Eight bitches presenting with vaginal discharges were diagnosed as having open pyometra, as assessed by ultrasonographic, radiographic, haematological and clinical investigation. Plasma progesterone was assessed before treatment with prostaglandin F2 alpha (Dinoprost) and three of the bitches had low concentrations. Each bitch was given multiple injections of PGF2 alpha and monitored during and after treatment. All bitches had basal progesterone concentrations after treatment and the uterine diameters were markedly reduced by that time. One bitch has subsequently produced a litter of seven pups. Five of six bitches that were subjected to ovariohysterectomy 1-2 months later had normal uteri, although one had caseated areas in the uterine wall.

Animals↗
PubMed1992

Ultrasonographic study of early embryonic loss induced by Actinomyces pyogenes in cattle.

Four cows were inoculated into the uterus with Actinomyces pyogenes between 30 and 41 days of gestation. Gross morphological changes were monitored by rectal palpation and with a realtime B-mode two-dimensional scanner with a 7.5 MHz transrectal linear transducer, shortly before infection and afterwards at three to 12 hours intervals. Two control groups of cows 27 to 50 days pregnant were used: two cows were inoculated with 6 ml of sterile saline into the uterine lumen and four cows were treated with cloprostenol (prostaglandin F2 alpha analogue). There was a change in the uterine fluid from a black, non-echogenic image before infection to a grey or cloudy echogenic image as early as 21 hours after infection. There was an increase in the thickness of the endometrium of the horns and body of the uterus. The embryonic membranes thickened and separated from the endometrium as early as four hours after infection, followed by cessation of the embryonic heart beat, opening of the cervix and abortion. Abortion was followed by an increase in the amount of echogenic intrauterine fluid leading to an increase in the size of the uterus, and the cervix remained open for at least eight days. The area of the corpus luteum remained greater than 2 cm2 throughout the whole period. Intrauterine inoculation with sterile saline had no effects, but the administration of cloprostenol was followed by the death of the embryo and abortion within 72 hours, and the regression of the corpus luteum from greater than 2 cm2 at treatment to 0.4 cm2, 24 hours after abortion.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Abortion, Veterinary↗
PubMed1992

Comparison of endocrine changes and ultrasound as means of identifying ovulation in the bitch.

Twenty bitches were monitored through pro-oestrus and oestrus using both circulating plasma hormone levels and ultrasonic examination of the ovaries. Using luteinising hormone (LH) as being the generally accepted optimum indicator of the day of ovulation, comparisons were made of the accuracy of progesterone and ultrasound to identify ovulation. Progesterone agreed with LH in 12 of 20 bitches and was within one day in seven of the other eight. Ultrasound was less accurate in that only four of the 16 estimates agreed, with a further six being within one day. However, if only the bitches which were examined by ultrasound with the latest equipment were included, while only three of 11 coincided, six of the remaining eight were within one day of the LH estimated ovulation. It is concluded that, at present, of the rapid assessments, the measurement of plasma progesterone is a better estimator of ovulation than ultrasound.

Animals↗
PubMed1991

Early abortion in cattle induced by experimental intrauterine infection with pure cultures of Actinomyces pyogenes.

Actinomyces pyogenes from a case of endometritis was used to study the effects of infection of the bovine embryo between days 27 and 41 of pregnancy. From 10(9) to 10(10) washed organisms were introduced into the uterine lumen of four pregnant cows. Two pregnant cows were inoculated with sterile saline and four pregnant cows were treated with cloprostenol. Embryonic death and abortion followed 29 to 144 hours after the inoculation of the live bacteria. The aborted embryos were macerated or clearly degenerating and yielded profuse pure cultures of A pyogenes. Abortion was accompanied by a sustained increase in uterine tone, opening of the cervix, presence of vaginal pus and a vulval discharge and the persistence of the corpus luteum for at least eight days after abortion. Intrauterine inoculation with saline did not affect pregnancy, but embryonic death, abortion and regression of the corpus luteum occurred 66 to 72 hours after the treatment with cloprostenol. The results suggest that A pyogenes is a primary pathogen and is capable of causing embryonic death and abortion.

Abortion, Veterinary↗
PubMed1991

Ovulation, fertilization and early embryonic development in the bitch (Canis familiaris).

Using circulating plasma hormone estimations, ovulation was monitored in bitches. The results obtained indicate that the timing of ovulation bears little relationship to alterations in sexual behaviour. The bitches were killed and reproductive tracts were removed at various intervals after ovulation and ova or embryos were recovered. The embryo stages were assessed visually and some were investigated histologically. Embryonic development, to early blastocyst stage, took place within the oviducts during the first 12 days after ovulation and there was a marked increase in size between the early and late blastocyst. A culture system using cells from the uterine tube supported the development of one 1-cell embryo to the morula stage.

Animals↗
PubMed1991

Human immunodeficiency virus infection in Northern Ireland 1980-1989.

To 31st December 1989, 71 persons are known to have attended medical practitioners in Northern Ireland with a diagnosis of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection. Twenty-one of these persons have had the diagnosis of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) and 11 have died. The distribution of reports in the "at risk" categories of homosexual/bisexual males, injecting drug users, heterosexual males and females was significantly different (p less than 0.001) from those reported in the United Kingdom as a whole. Of tests for HIV infection carried out in patients attending the genitourinary medicine department of the Royal Victoria Hospital between 1987-1989, 0.16% have been positive. The prognostic value of the T4 lymphocyte count at presentation for the subsequent development of AIDS was significant (p = 0.0011). The commonest AIDS indicator disease diagnosed was Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia which was seen in seven of the 21 patients (33%).

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗