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Aim OvSynch is a hormonal protocol for synchronization of estrus and use of artificial insemination (AI) at an optimal time without adverse effects on the ovaries or uterus. This study investigated the use of noninvasive color Doppler ultrasound to assess changes in uterine and vaginal blood flow during the Ovsynch program for synchronization of estrus and its relation to the pregnancy rates in Holstein cows. Materials and methods The experimental cows received an intramuscular dose of 10 μg of a GnRH analogue (G1), followed 7 days later with an intramuscular injection of synthetic prostaglandin F2α (P: PGF2α) analogue (500 μg cloprostenol sodium), and given a 10 μg, injection of the GnRH analogue (G2) i.m. 48 h after the PGF2α treatment, and the cows were bred 14-16 h after. Uterine and vaginal perfusion were investigated by performing transrectal Doppler ultrasonography of both the uterine and vaginal arteries in Holstein cows at different time points during the Ovsynch program to determine: peak systolic velocity (PSV), time-averaged maximum velocity (TAMV), the volume of blood flow (BFV), pulsatility index (PI), resistance index (RI), resistance impedance (S/D) and diameters of uterine (UA) and vaginal (VA) arteries. Steroid hormones were also assayed. Transrectal ultrasonography (TUS) was performed at 32 and 60 days to confirm the pregnancy per artificial insemination (P/AI). Results The uterine PSV, TAMV, and PV were greater at the time of the cloprostenol sodium and second GnRH injections ( p< 0.05) than at the time of the first GnRH injection. The vaginal PSV, PV were greater at the time of the cloprostenol sodium than at the time of the first and second GnRH injections ( p< 0.05). The receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC curve) indicated a high correlation between the uterine and vaginal blood flow and the rate of the pregnancy ( p< 0.05). The area under the ROC curve was 0.920 and 0.87 ( p< 0.05) for vaginal and uterine arteries respectively at time of G2. The serum levels of progesterone, estrogen and cortisol were correlated with the P/AI ( p< 0.05). The P/AI significantly decreased from 43.9 % at 32 d to 35.37 % at 60 d. Conclusion These results indicate that noninvasive Doppler ultrasonography is a valid method to evaluate changes in the characteristics of uterine and vaginal blood flow in cows during the Ovsynch protocol. Furthermore, vaginal and uterine blood flow are two determinant factors for the higher conception rates in Holstein dairy cows.

<b><i>Introduction:</i></b> Recently, several mindfulness-based programs showed promising clinical effects in the treatment of psychiatric disorders including substance use disorders. However, very little is known about the effects of mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) on brain structure in such patients. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> This study aimed to detect changes in gray matter volume (GMV) in opioid-dependent patients receiving MBI during their first month of treatment. Thirty patients were assigned to either 3 weeks of MBI (<i>n</i> = 16) or treatment as usual (TAU, <i>n</i> = 14) and were investigated using structural magnetic resonance imaging before and after treatment. Longitudinal pipeline of the Computational Anatomy Toolbox for SPM (CAT12) was used to detect significant treatment-related changes over time. The identified GMV changes following treatment were related to clinically relevant measures such as impulsivity, distress tolerance, and mindfulness. <b><i>Results:</i></b> After treatment, increased mindfulness scores were found in individuals receiving MBI compared to TAU. In the MBI group, there were also significant differences with respect to distress tolerance and impulsivity. Effects on mindfulness, distress tolerance, and impulsivity were also found in the TAU group. Longitudinal within-group analysis revealed increased left anterior insula GMV in individuals receiving MBI. Anterior insula volume increase was associated with decreased impulsivity levels. In the TAU group, significant GMV changes were found in the right lingual gyrus and right entorhinal cortex. <b><i>Discussion/Conclusion:</i></b> MBI can yield significant clinical effects during early abstinence from opioid dependence. MBI is particularly associated with increased insula GMV, supporting an important role of this region in the context of MBI-induced neural changes.