Early Prediction of Corpus Luteum Functionality Using an Imaging Software

Abstract

The present study aimed to assess the applicability of luteal blood flow data acquired through the use of color Doppler ultrasonography and a post-processing analysis tool (ImageJ) for predicting pregnancy in buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis). The experiment was carried out on 59 multiparous Italian Mediterranean buffaloes that underwent synchronization of estrus and fixed-time artificial insemination (TAI). Corpus luteum features (size: CLS and blood flow: BFA) were taken from Day 5 to 10 after TAI and retrospectively measured with ImageJ. In the same period, blood samples were taken to assess progesterone (P 4) concentrations. Pregnancy diagnosis was carried out on Day 45 by ultrasound and confirmed on Day 70 post-TAI. Differences in CLS, BFA, and P 4 concentrations from Day 5 to 10 after TAI measured between groups were analyzed by ANOVA repeated measures as were differences within each day of measuring. Buffaloes that established a pregnancy (n = 29; 55%) had larger CLS (2.2 ± 0.1 vs. 1.9 ± 0.1 cm 2 ; P < 0.01), higher BFA (0.6 ± 0.0 vs. 0.4 ± 0.0 cm 2 ; P < 0.01), and higher P 4 blood level (1.8 ± 0.1 vs. 1.4 ± 0.1; P < 0.01) during Day 5-10 as compared to not-pregnant buffaloes (n = 22). Throughout the entire period, the first feature that changed between groups was P 4 blood concentration at Day 7 (1.7 ± 0.1 vs. 1.2 ± 0.1; P < 0.05) followed by BFA at Day 8 (0.6 ± 0.0 vs. 0.5 ± 0.0; P < 0.05), respectively, in pregnant and not-pregnant animals. The ROC analyses indicated that P 4 was able to predict pregnancy since Day 5 (P < 0.05) although a more reliable result could be obtained from Day 8 (P < 0.01). At Day 10, it was possible to set a cutoff value for every parameter taken into account. The logistic regression analysis showed that pregnancy was positively influenced by P 4 concentration (odds ratio 534.127; P < 0.01) and BFA (odds ratio 744.893; P < 0.01). In conclusion, the use of color Doppler ultrasonography, together with ImageJ, identified different patterns of BFA between pregnant and not-pregnant buffaloes starting from Day 8 post-TAI.

Digital postprocessing analysis of prostatic perfusion in neutered dogs

“…As a first step, this study aimed to evaluate postprocessing digital analysis of prostatic perfusion in healthy dogs. The ImageJ software has recently been shown to be a promising semi‐automated analysis tool, useful for quantifying vascularization detected by using color Doppler ultrasound 18,31 . Egger et al 30 .…”

“…The ImageJ software has recently been shown to be a promising semi-automated analysis tool, useful for quantifying vascularization detected by using color Doppler ultrasound. 18,31 Egger et al 30 successfully evaluated the applicability of ImageJ in the analysis of contrast-enhanced ultrasound of liver lesions in humans. Stock et al 32 applied the software to measure the perfusion intensity of the kidney and spleen in cats detected with CEUS.…”

“…Recently, the use of postprocessing software to analyze images has been proposed as an additional technique to optimize the interpretation of ultrasonographic images in terms of echotexture and vascularization of the targeted tissues. Several software have been tested to analyze and objectivize B‐mode and color Doppler images in animal reproduction 17,18,19,20 . Objective analysis of ultrasonographic images allows measurement of tissue characteristics 21 and enables detection of changes in echogenicity or vascular blood supply which may not be distinguished by the human eye 22,23 .…”

“…Several software have been tested to analyze and objectivize B-mode and color Doppler images in animal reproduction. 17,18,19,20 Objective analysis of ultrasonographic images allows measurement of tissue characteristics 21 and enables detection of changes in echogenicity or vascular blood supply which may not be distinguished by the human eye. 22,23 Our hypothesis is that the use of a free postprocessing tool such as ImageJ could be of advantage in animal andrology for the quantitative assessment of perfusion patterns following CEUS.…”

Application of Color Doppler Ultrasound in Egyptian Buffalo Reproduction

“…When compared to domestic cattle, the buffalo ovary is smaller and lighter in weight (2.5 cm vs. 3.7 cm of length and 3.9 grams vs. 8.5 grams of weight, respectively) [32]. The CL's morphological appearance has been described as well [27,33,34]. As deeply surrounded by the ovarian stroma as cattle, but smaller in size [35,36].…”