Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Relative And Quantitative Characterization Of The Bovine Bacterial Ocular Surface Microbiome In The Context Of Suspected Ocular Squamous Cell Carcinoma, Hannah B. Gafen, Chin-Chi Liu, Nikole E. Ineck, Clare M. Scully, Melanie A. Mironovich, Lauren Guarneri, Christopher M. Taylor, Meng Luo, Marina L. Leis, Erin M. Scott, Renee T. Carter, Andrew C. Lewin

School of Medicine Faculty Publications

The ocular surface microbiome is altered in certain disease states. The aim of this study was to characterize the bovine bacterial ocular surface microbiome (BBOSM) in the context of ocular squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). The conjunctiva of normal (n = 28) and OSCC (n = 10) eyes of cows aged 2 to 13 years from two farms in Louisiana and Wyoming were sampled using individual sterile swabs. DNA extraction followed by 16S ribosomal ribonucleic acid (rRNA) gene sequencing and real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) were performed to, respectively, assess the relative and absolute BBOSM. Discriminant analysis (DA) was performed using …

Mycobacterium Avium Subsp. Paratuberculosis Candidate Vaccine Strains Are Pro-Apoptotic In Raw264.7murinemacrophages, Raul G. Barletta, John P. Bannantine, Judith R. Stabel, Ezhumalai Muthukrishnan, Dirk Anderson, Enakshy Dutta, Vamsi Manthena, Mostafa Hanafy, Denise K. Zinniel

School of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences: Faculty Publications

Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP) is the etiological agent of Johne’s disease, a severe gastroenteritis of ruminants. This study developed a model cell culture system to rapidly screen MAP mutants with vaccine potential for apoptosis. Two wild-type strains, a transposon mutant, and two deletion mutant MAP strains (MOI of 10 with 1.2 × 10⁶ CFU) were tested in murine RAW 264.7 macrophages to determine if they induce apoptosis and/or necrosis. Both deletion mutants were previously shown to be attenuated and immunogenic in primary bovine macrophages. All strains had similar growth rates, but cell morphology indicated that both deletion mutants …

Liquid Chromatography With Tandem Mass Spectrometry Method Development For The Determination Of Β–Defensins In Bovine Milk, Symone T. Whalin

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

Bovine mastitis, caused by a wide array of pathogens, results in a substantial economic loss for the dairy cattle livestock industry. β-defensins are a part of the bovine’s innate immune system and act as the first line of defense against mastitis. Only foundational research has been done on β-defensins’ ability to treat and prevent mastitis. There have been no analytical methods reported in the literature for analyzing β-defensins in bovine milk. This research aims to create an analytical approach to determine β-defensins in bovine milk. It is challenging to determine an analyte in a complex sample matrix, and milk is …

Effect Of Daily Environment And Season In A Tropical Environment On The Expression Of Heat Shock Protein, And Steroidogenic And Apoptotic Genes In Bovine Cumulus-Oocyte Complex, S. Kanwichai, S. Panasophonkul, J. K. Bernard, W. Suriyasathaporn

The Thai Journal of Veterinary Medicine

The objectives of this study were to determine the differences in the expression of heat shock protein, and steroidogenic and apoptosis genes by cumulus-oocyte complex (COC) of beef cattle in a tropical environment as affected by seasonal and day effect of temperature and relative humidity. Real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was used to measure gene expression in COC in different seasons including cool (Jan to Feb), summer (Mar to Apr) and rainy (May to Jul) seasons. Ambient temperature and relative humidity recorded on the day before oocyte collection were used to classify environment groups as: low temperature and low …

Seroprevalence Of Bovine Viral Diarrhoea Virus, Bovine Herpesvirus Type 1 And Bovineherpesvirus Type 4 Infections In Cattle In Ağrı Province, Eastern Anatolia Region, Turkey, Mustafa Si̇nan Aktaş, Hasan Çeli̇k

Turkish Journal of Veterinary & Animal Sciences

This research was carried out to determine the seroprevalence of Bovine Viral Diarrhoea Virus (BVDV), Bovine Herpes Virus 1 (BoHV-1), and Bovine Herpes Virus 4 (BoHV-4) in cattle (n = 188) in Ağrı province of Eastern Anatolia Region, Turkey. The presence of BVDV, BoHV-1, and BoHV-4 antibodies in sera samples were determined by an ELISA test kit. It was determined that the highest seropositivity for BoHV-1 in Tutak disrict (9.9%), in ≤ 3 years age groups (3.39%), and in Simmental cattle (14.28%); for BoHV-4 in Doğubeyazıt disrict (4.16%), %), in ≤ 3 years age groups (1.70%), and in Simmental cross …

Oocyte Recovery And In Vitro Embryo Production In Cows Treated With A Single Dose Offollicle-Stimulating Hormone, Thiago Marquez Fernandes, Paulo Roberto Adona, Samuel Guemra, Tiago Henrique Camara De Bem, Moyses Dos Santos Miranda

Turkish Journal of Veterinary & Animal Sciences

Cows were treated with follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) in a single dose and then subjected to ovum pick-up (OPU) for evaluation of oocyte recovery and in vitro fertilization (IVF). Cows underwent OPU followed by application of FSH (200 mg) on day 2 and new OPU on day 3. This methodology was repeated 3 times sequentially. In FSH-free the cows (control), OPU was performed at intervals of one week. The number of oocytes recovered was higher in the control cows (22.2 ± 1.5) compared to the treated cows (16.9 ± 1.4; P < 0.05). There was no difference between the control (13.2 ± 0.6) and the treated (11.2 ± 1.1) cows in the number of viable oocytes (P > 0.05). There was no difference between the control cows (47.1 …

Evaluating The Epidemiology And Management Of Bovine Congestive Heart Failure, Adam Bassett

School of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

A form of congestive heart failure is increasingly reported as a cause of death in feedlot cattle located at moderate altitude (≤ 1524 m.). Significant knowledge gaps exist in the epidemiology and management of this form of bovine congestive heart failure (BCHF) regarding frequency and timing of BCHF cases and ways in which beef cattle producers and veterinarians can mitigate this condition. These knowledge gaps present major barriers to understanding the mechanism of BCHF and mitigating the consequences of BCHF. The purpose of this thesis is to summarize current knowledge about BCHF, define gaps in knowledge for which more research …

Occurrence And Profiles Of Melamine And Cyanuric Acid In Bovine Feed And Urine From China, India, And The United States, Hongkai Zhu, Bommanna G. Loganathan 8093044, Kurunthachalam Kannan

Bommanna Loganathan

Effect Of Nicotine On Gene Expression And Developmental Competence Of Bovine Oocytes, Seree Teerapong, Tassanee Faisaikarm, Natakarn Nimsanor, Chinarat Changsangfa, Kornkanok Promthep, Kulnasan Saikhun

The Thai Journal of Veterinary Medicine

Nicotine affected meiosis during oocyte maturation is associated with poor subsequent embryonic development. The aim of this study was to analyze the effects of nicotine exposure during in vitro maturation (IVM) on the outcomes of in vitro fertilization (IVF) and the expression of gene related development of oocytes and embryos. Immature (germinal vesicle, GV) oocytes were randomly cultured in IVM media containing nicotine at concentrations of 0.0 (control) 2.5, 5.0, and 10.0 mM. After culturing for 24 h, oocytes were assessed for their maturation rate, subjected to IVF and mRNA extraction for gene expression analysis using quantitative real time PCR …

Investigation Of Congestive Heart Failure In Beef Cattle In A Feedyard At A Moderate Altitude In Western Nebraska, Rodney A. Moxley, David R. Smith, Dale M. Grotelueschen, Tom Edwards, David Steffen

School of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences: Faculty Publications

Right-sided congestive heart failure (brisket disease) commonly occurs in cattle raised at elevations >2,500– 3,500 m. We investigated clinical cases resembling brisket disease at a western Nebraska feedyard at a moderate altitude (1,369 m). Over a 15-mo period (2009–2010), we examined 17 cases (16 steers and 1 heifer), all purebred Angus. All animals had clinical right-sided heart failure: brisket and ventral abdominal edema, and severe chronic passive congestion of the liver. Gross examination confirmed right ventricular hypertrophy (left ventricle plus septum: right ventricle weight ratio mean: 1.33 vs. 2.8–4.0 reference interval). Microscopically, all 17 cases had interstitial fibrosis (mean score: …

Bovine Cellular And Innate Immune Response To Hemostatic Polysaccharides, Brian Kobylkevich

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Chronic wounds are longstanding dermal wounds that do not heal in a normal amount of time and can commonly last for over a year. These wounds plague humans and farm animals alike. Wounds are characterized by chronic inflammation and are often painful, difficult to heal, have a high recurrence rate, and are potentially debilitating. Long term wounds that do not fully heal are distressing for both humans and animals, but understandably more resources have been directed towards humans. Some treatment options for humans may be suitable for adaptation into the field of animal care. Chronic lesions such as bovine digital …

Proteome Analysis Of Bronchoalveolar Lavage From Calves Infected With Bovine Respiratory Syncytial Virus-Insights In Pathogenesis And Perspectives For New Treatments., Sara Hägglund, Krister Blodörn, Katarina Näslund, Karin Vargmar, Sara Bergström Lind, Jia Mi, Mariluz Araínga, Sabine Riffault, Geraldine Taylor, John Pringle, Jean François Valarcher

Journal Articles: Pharmacology & Experimental Neuroscience

Human and bovine respiratory syncytial viruses (HRSV/BRSV) are major causes of severe lower respiratory tract infections in children and calves, respectively. Shared epidemiological, clinical, pathological and genetic characteristics of these viruses make comparative research highly relevant. To characterise the host response against BRSV infection, bronchoalveolar lavage supernatant (BAL) from i) non-vaccinated, BRSV-infected ii) vaccinated, BRSV-infected and iii) non-infected calves was analysed by tandem mass spectrometry. Proteins were semi-quantified and protein expression was validated by immunoblotting. Correlations between selected proteins and pathology, clinical signs and virus shedding were investigated. Calves with BRSV-induced disease had increased total protein concentrations and a decreased …

Assessment Of The Zoonotic Potential Of A Novel Bovine Influenza Virus, Laura Evelyn Eckard

Theses and Dissertations (ETD)

A novel orthomyxovirus was recently identified from pigs, with subsequent work suggesting the natural reservoir being bovine populations. The virus had genome characteristics most similar to influenza C viruses (ICV) but, due to the extent of sequence divergence, was proposed as a new genus, influenza D virus (IDV). Current literature on IDV has largely focused on the agricultural significance of the virus and provided evidence for the agricultural impact via observation of widespread prevalence and pathology in laboratory infected cattle. However, only one study, which identified 1.3% seroprevalence in a small cohort, has addressed the zoonotic potential of IDV to …

Comparative Efficacy Of Antioxidant Retinol, Melatonin, And Zinc During In Vitro Maturation Of Bovine Oocytes Under Induced Heat Stress, Jafrin Ara Ahmed, Devojyoti Dutta, Nawab Nashiruddullah

Turkish Journal of Veterinary & Animal Sciences

Both A and B grade cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) aspirated from cattle ovaries at slaughter were matured in vitro under normal (38.5 °C) and elevated temperatures (41 °C). Maturation competence based on cumulus expansion, COC diameter, and nuclear maturation were compared with and without antioxidant supplementation incorporating 7.5 µM retinol, 1 nM melatonin, and 1.5 µg/mL zinc chloride in an oocyte maturation medium. Heat stress significantly reduced cumulus expansion by approximately 20%, while only retinol could bring a significant (P ≤ 0.05) increase. Heat stress also decreased expansion of A (approximately 50%) and B (approximately 40%) grade COC diameter. All antioxidants …

Cell Type-Specific Modulation Of Cobalamin Uptake By Bovine Serum, Hua Zhao, Kalani R. Ruberu, Hongyun Li, Brett Garner

Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute

Tracking cellular ⁵⁷Co-labelled cobalamin (⁵⁷Co-Cbl) uptake is a well-established method for studying Cbl homeostasis. Previous studies established that bovine serum is not generally permissive for cellular Cbl uptake when used as a supplement in cell culture medium, whereas supplementation with human serum promotes cellular Cbl uptake. The underlying reasons for these differences are not fully defined. In the current study we address this question. We extend earlier observations by showing that fetal calf serum inhibits cellular ⁵⁷Co-Cbl uptake by HT1080 cells (a fibrosarcoma-derived fibroblast cell line). Furthermore, we discovered that a simple heat-treatment protocol (95^{o …}

The Ability Of Bull And Stallion Thawed Spermatozoa Refrozen Without Cryoprotectants To Activate Intra- And Interspecies Oocytes, Jose Len Yin

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

Semen cryopreservation has allowed the establishment of genome banks and the large scale propagation of species. The development of simple techniques to cryopreserve semen or alternatives to efficiently use cryopreserved semen from males of valuable genetics that have become infertile will permit continuous propagation of the genetics from these males and may serve as a model for preservation and propagation of endangered species. Sperm cryopreservation without cryoprotectants is a simple process, and offspring have been produced following intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI); however the ability of frozen-thawed sperm refrozen without the addition of cryoprotectants to activate oocytes following ICSI was unknown. …

Characterization Of Hypothalamic Neuropeptides In Mammalian Reproduction, Valeria Tanco

Doctoral Dissertations

Understanding of regulation of reproduction at the level of the brain changed dramatically with the discovery of reproductive neuropeptides. To date there have been no studies to characterize the distribution of reproductive neuropeptides in the bovine hypothalamus at different stages of the estrus cycle or to determine the physiological effects of peripheral administration of Gonadotropin inhibiting hormone (GnIH) in intact female cattle and ovariohysterectomized bitches.

The goal of the first study was to determine distribution and connectivity of kisspeptin, dynorphin, and GnIH in the hypothalami of sexually mature female cattle during the estrous cycle. To this end, hypothalami of female …

Cathelicidin Responded To Streptococcus Agalactiae And Associated With The Severity Of Subclinical Mastitis, Pongphol Pongthaisong, Suporn Katawatin, Chaiyapas Thamrongyoswittayakul

The Thai Journal of Veterinary Medicine

Cathelicidin in milk was reported as a possible protein marker for the assessment of the severity of subclinical mastitis. We hypothesized that cathelicidin would be elevated in the mastitic milk of the Streptococcus agalactiae-subclinical mastitis and the elevation of cathelicidin may be related to somatic cell count (SCC). Western blot was used to determine the amount of cathelicidin to differentiate between normal milk and S. agalactiae subclinical mastitic milk. The correlation between amount of cathelicidin and the SCC was also determined. We found that S. agalactiae subclinical mastitis induced cathelicidin expression in milk. There was a significant correlation between the …

How Microbiomes Can Feed The World: A Look Into Bovine Reproduction, Hannah Noel Mcdonald

Chancellor’s Honors Program Projects

No abstract provided.

Complete Genome Sequence Of Noncytopathic Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus 1 Contaminating A High-Passage Rk-13 Cell Line, Bora Nam, Ganwu Li, Ying Zheng, Jianqiang Zhang, Kathleen M. Shuck, Peter J. Timoney, Udeni B. R. Balasuriya

Maxwell H. Gluck Equine Research Center Faculty Publications

A high-passage rabbit kidney RK-13 cell line (HP-RK-13[KY], originally derived from the ATCC CCL-37 cell line) used in certain laboratories worldwide is contaminated with noncytopathic bovine viral diarrhea virus (ncpBVDV). On complete genome sequence analysis, the virus strain was found to belong to BVDV group 1b.

In Vitro Modulatory Effects Of Quercetin On Bovine Neutrophil Effector Functions, Phongsakorn Chuammitri, Chiradet Amphaiphan, Panupong Nojit

The Thai Journal of Veterinary Medicine

Bovine neutrophils perform numerous effector functions to overcome microbial invasions by utilizing innately-equipped intracellular and extracellular killing mechanisms. In this study, we explored the modulatory effects of quercetin hydrate (QH), an herbal flavonoid compound, on bovine neutrophil functional activities. Isolated neutrophils were incubated with various concentrations of QH (0-100 mM). Neutrophil viability results showed no signs of cytotoxicity (p = 0.33). In other assays, neutrophils were stimulated with a pre-defined concentration of QH (50 mM). Results showed promising effects of QH on enhancing intracellular ROS generation (p < 0.0001) compared to control. Phagocytic activity of fluorescently labeled E.coli was also augmented by the effects of this compound (p = 0.05). However, intracellular killing of live E.coli quantified by MTT assay demonstrated a slight decrease in activity (p = 0.304). Additionally, extracellular killing driven by NET-DNA release was remarkably higher in QH-stimulated cells (p = 0.0004). Supplementation of QH to LPS stimulated neutrophils resulted in significantly decreased pro-inflammatory cytokines, IL-1b (p < 0.0001) and TNF-a gene expression (p = 0.004). Taken together, quercetin could exert its noteworthy actions, both at cellular and molecular levels, at a certain physiological concentration.

Haemorrhagic Colitis Associated With Enterohaemorrhagic Escherichia Coli O165:H25 Infection In A Yearling Feedlot Heifer, Rodney A. Moxley, Zachary R. Stromberg, Gentry L. Lewis, John D. Loy, Bruce W. Brodersen, Isha R. Patel, Jayanthi Gangiredla

School of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences: Faculty Publications

Introduction: Enterohaemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC) cause haemorrhagic colitis and haemolytic uraemic syndrome in humans. Although EHEC infection typically results in haemorrhagic colitis in all ages of human patients, in cattle it is usually limited to 1- to 5-week-old nursing calves.

Case Presentation: A 1-year-old feedlot beef heifer was moribund with neurological signs and bloody diarrhoea. At necropsy, the colonic mucosa contained multiple grossly visible haemorrhagic erosions, each measuring <1 mm in diameter. Histologically, foci corresponding to the gross erosions had E. coli O165 antigen-positive bacterial rods adherent to the apical surfaces of degenerate and necrotic colonic mucosal epithelial cells in association with attaching and effacing lesions, and also within cytoplasmic vacuoles in …

Vitrification Of In Vitro-Produced Bovine Embryos Matured Inmodified Tcm-199 Medium, Asi̇ye İzem Sandal, Özen Banu Özdaş

Turkish Journal of Veterinary & Animal Sciences

In vitro-produced bovine embryos matured in modified Tissue Culture Medium 199 (TCM-199) were vitrified at the 7th and 8th days of culture, and development at 48 h after warming was recorded. Ovaries were obtained from a local abattoir, and the oocytes were recovered by slicing method and divided into two main groups. The first group included cysteamine in the TCM-199 (Group A) and the second did not (Group B). They were incubated for 24 h at 38.8 °C in an atmosphere of 5% CO2 in humidified air. Matured oocytes were fertilized with 1-2 × 106/mL of frozen-thawed bull semen. At …

The Effect Of Macromolecule And Growth Factor Combinations On In Vitrodevelopment Of Bovine Embryos, Alper Koçyi̇ği̇t, Mesut Çevi̇k, Uğur Şen, Mehmet Kuran

Turkish Journal of Veterinary & Animal Sciences

This study was conducted to determine the effects of different macromolecule sources added to synthetic oviduct fluid (SOF) culture medium supplemented with growth factors on the development of bovine embryos and blastocyst morphology. Zygotes were distributed into 5 treatment groups. Cleavage, morula, and blastocyst rates were evaluated under a stereomicroscope. Trophectoderm (TE) and inner cell mass (ICM) cells were determined by differential staining method. It was found that bovine serum albumin (BSA), either alone or in combination with growth factors, as compared to the control or polyvinyl-alcohol (PVA) resulted in higher embryo yield and faster development during early bovine embryo …

In Vitro Development Potentiality Of Expanded Bovine Blastocysts Subsequent To Cryotop Vitrification, Ashit Kumar Paul, Yuanyuan Liang, Takashi Nagai, Rangsun Parnpai

The Thai Journal of Veterinary Medicine

Embryo cryopreservation is a promising area of study in the field of reproductive research. One of the issues that have recently arisen is the discovery that the growing ability of embryos after cryopreservation varies depending on the culture period of the embryo prior to its cryopreservation. Therefore, the present study was designed to explore the in vitro development potentiality of bovine embryos at day 7 and day 8, as well as their survivability and hatchability after Cryotop vitrification. The blastocyst rate at day 8 (28.1%) was higher than that of day 7 (19.1%). Grade 1 (G1) and grade 2 (G2) …

An Investigation Of Epigenetic Contributions To Inter-Animal And Age Dependent Variation In The Bovine Innate Immune Response., Benjamin Green

Graduate College Dissertations and Theses

Mastitis represents a major issue within the dairy industry responsible for economic loss via decreased animal productivity and associated veterinary costs. Currently, there is a push to identify a phenotypic innate immune response that will yield dairy cows with an enhanced resistance to mastitis. Bovine dermal fibroblasts were used as a cell model to measure the response of individuals to Gram-negative bacterial stimuli through the TLR4 signaling pathway. Fibroblast cultures were isolated from 15 dairy heifers at 5, 11, and 16 months of age in order to determine the variability in responsiveness to LPS as well as to monitor the …

Ultrasonographic Evaluation Of Massive Abdominal Wall Swellings In Cattle And Buffaloes, Ashwani Kumar, Jitender Mohindroo, Vandana Sangwan, Shashi Kant Mahajan, Kiranjeet Singh, Arun Anand, Narinder Singh Saini

Turkish Journal of Veterinary & Animal Sciences

Eight cows and 7 buffaloes with massive abdominal wall swellings were examined. The aim of the ultrasonographic study was to learn the contents of the abdominal wall swellings. They were divided into 4 groups: Group I (prepubic tendon rupture or hernia), Group II (fibrino-cystic swelling), Group III (abscess), and Group IV (inflammatory swelling). Palpation of the swelling in semidorsal recumbency, needle aspiration, or surgery was used to confirm the diagnosis. In animals of Groups I, II, and III, in the ultrasound, the muscles appeared to separate from the skin at the margin of swelling, thus creating a gap. In this …

Study Of Insulin-Like Growth Factor 1 Effects On Bovine Type A Spermatogonia Proliferation And Viability, Babak Qasemi Panahi, Parviz Tajik, Mansoureh Movahedin, Gholamali Moghaddam, Mohammad Hossein Geranmayeh

Turkish Journal of Veterinary & Animal Sciences

Spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) are the best candidates for exploitation in genetic improvement of cattle herds. In fact, SSCs transmit genetic information to future generations. In vitro improvement in proliferation and frozen-thawed SSCs numbers is therefore needed. In the present study, bovine SSCs were cocultured with Sertoli cells, with or without insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1). During 16 days of incubation, 100 ng/mL IGF-1 showed higher efficacy in increasing the numbers and diameters of SSCs colonies than 40 and 150 ng/mL concentrations. Furthermore, 100 ng/mL IGF-1 increased the frozen/thawed cells’ viability rate. Overall, these data demonstrate that usage of 100 …

Clinical Characteristics, Hematology, And Biochemical Analytes Of Primary Omasal Impaction In Bovines, Syed Aashiq Hussain, Sanjeev Kumar Uppal, Charanjit Randhawa, Naresh Kumar Sood, Shashi Kant Mahajan

Turkish Journal of Veterinary & Animal Sciences

This study was conducted on 11 animals (7 buffaloes and 4 cows) diagnosed with primary omasal impaction. In all the cases, laparorumenotomy was performed and omasal impaction was confirmed based on the consistency of the omasal contents along with an empty abomasum. Signalment, history, clinical signs, clinic-pathologic findings, and treatment were determined. Clinical examination was found to be helpful in subjective assessment of omasal impaction but could not aid in definitive diagnosis. Pain on palpation of the omasal area along with rectal findings could be a diagnostic feature. Neutrophilic leukocytosis was observed in a majority of animals. Total bilirubin, glucose, …

Expression Patterns Of Cell Adhesion Molecules In Bovine Preimplantation Embryos Cultured In Vitro, Anucha Sathanawongs, Korakot Nganvongpanit, Supamit Mekchay

The Thai Journal of Veterinary Medicine

This study aimed to investigate gene expression patterns throughout preimplantation embryos and their comparative expression in morphological quality blastocysts using real-time RT-PCR. Bovine oocytes underwent maturation process, fertilized and were cultured in vitro. Degree of fragmentation and differentiation were the criteria to categorize day-7 blastocysts as of good and poor quality. All of the embryos from each developmental stage were used to quantify transcript abundance. It was found that E-cadherin was highly expressed in immature and mature oocytes, then it decreased at 2- to 16-cell stages, and later increased in morula and blastocyst stages. The β-catenin transcript was highly abundant …