Management of triggering factor effects in sensitive skin syndrome with a dermo-cosmetic product.

Objective: Environmental factors are important in the generation or aggravation of sensitive skin syndrome (SSS). Creams can be useful for patients with SSS, particularly when triggering factors cannot be avoided. Several clinical studies have investigated the safety and efficacy of specific creams in patients with SSS, but the majority were assessed with a single type of triggering factor and were non-comparative.

Insights into alternative cryoprotectants to freeze sperm of domestic cats.

Globalization and habitat destruction pose a significant threat to wildlife felids. Even though conservation banks for genetic materials have been created, the sperm cryopreservation with minimal cell damage is still a great challenge. Thus, this study aimed to compare the effects of two commercial extenders with different concentrations of alternative cryoprotectants on thawed sperm quality of domestic cats.

Embedded Processing for Extended Depth of Field Imaging Systems: From Infinite Impulse Response Wiener Filter to Learned Deconvolution.

Many works in the state of the art are interested in the increase of the camera depth of field (DoF) via the joint optimization of an optical component (typically a phase mask) and a digital processing step with an infinite deconvolution support or a neural network. This can be used either to see sharp objects from a greater distance or to reduce manufacturing costs due to tolerance regarding the sensor position. Here, we study the case of an embedded processing with only one convolution with a finite kernel size.

Positive and ecobiological contribution in skin photoprotection of ectoine and mannitol combined in vivo with UV filters.

Background: Chronic exposure to ultraviolet (UV) irradiation causes immunosuppression, photoaging, and carcinogenesis by induction of a cascade of skin damages. Sunscreens currently on the market are not absorbing UV rays uniformly throughout the full UV range, high sun protection factor (SPF) sunscreens absorb most of UVB rays but are less effective in absorbing the UVA part of the spectrum. In the context, one approach could consist of preserving the skin natural resources and mechanisms, which is the foundation of the ecobiological approach, by combing UV filters and antioxidants to enhance their photoprotective effect.

Causes of pregnancy arrest in the canine species.

In the canine species, early pregnancy arrest before 30-40 days of pregnancy will induce intra-uterine embryonic or foetal resorption, with very few clinical signs. If no genital examination by ultrasound is performed at that time, it will often remain unnoticed and the bitch will be qualified as infertile. It is only when pregnancy stops at a later stage, mostly after 40 days, that clinical signs will be seen.

Uterine issues in infertile queens: Nine cases.

This prospective case series investigated potential uterine causes of infertility in queens. Purebred queens with infertility (failure to conceive, embryonic death, or failure to maintain pregnancy and produce viable kittens), but no other reproductive disorders were examined approximately 1-8 weeks before mating (Visit 1), 21 days after mating (Visit 2), and 45 days after mating (Visit 3) if pregnant at Visit 2. Investigations included vaginal cytology and bacteriology, urine bacteriology, and ultrasonography.

Prevalence of Overweight and Obesity in France: The 2020 Obepi-Roche Study by the "Ligue Contre l'Obésité".

Obepi-Roche 2020 by the "Ligue Contre l'Obésité" (League Against Obesity) estimated overweight and obesity prevalence in France. The adopted methodology was chosen to be as similar as possible to that of a series of quota-based surveys conducted every three years from 1997 to 2012 (Obepi-Roche studies). The 2020 survey was conducted online from 24th September to 5th October 2020 by the Odoxa polling institute on a sample of metropolitan French subjects aged 18 years or over.

End-to-end optimization of optical systems with extended depth of field under wide spectrum illumination.

We study a way to take into account the scene illumination spectrum during end-to-end optimization of optical-digital hybrid systems that include annular binary phase masks to enhance their depth of field (DoF). We show that a phase mask specifically optimized for wide spectrum panchromatic imaging performs better under this type of illumination than phase masks optimized under monochromatic illumination assumption. Indeed, thanks to spectral averaging, the modulation transfer functions of such a phase mask are very close to each other.

Improved performance of a hybrid optical/digital imaging system with fast piecewise Wiener deconvolution.

We quantitatively investigate how spatially varying deblurring algorithms can improve the imaging performance of hybrid optical/digital systems affected by field aberrations. To this end, we validate a theoretical model of the maximal gain that linear and spatially varying deblurring can bring to any given lens, and derive a practical algorithm to implement this type of deblurring with low computational complexity. The results demonstrate the usefulness to properly coordinate and balance the roles of the imaging optical system and raw image post-processing: optimal final imaging quality can be obtained by a lens that has been optically designed to reduce field aberrations at the price of lower average raw optical quality, associated with a fast and "slightly" spatially varying piecewise Wiener deconvolution algorithm.

Infertility In Queens: Clinical approach, experiences and challenges.

Clinical Challenges: It is not easy for a veterinarian to determine the cause of infertility in a queen. The simplest method is to start by investigating the most common causes and then progress by successive elimination to the less common causes. For example, mating problems are commonly responsible for reproductive failure, and owners should be particularly vigilant in checking that the mating is progressing satisfactorily.

Comparison of methods for end-to-end co-optimization of optical systems and image processing with commercial lens design software.

We compare three different methods to co-optimize hybrid optical/digital imaging systems with a commercial lens design software: conventional optimization based on spot diagram minimization, optimization of a surrogate criterion based on a priori equalization of modulation transfer functions (MTFs), and minimization of the mean square error (MSE) between the ideal sharp image and the image restored by a unique deconvolution filter. To implement the latter method, we integrate - for the first time to our knowledge - MSE optimization to the software Synopsys CodeV. Taking as an application example the design of a Cooke triplet having good image quality everywhere in the field of view (FoV), we show that it is possible, by leveraging deconvolution during the optimization process, to adapt the spatial distribution of imaging performance to a prescribed goal.

Hypo-Osmotic Swelling Test (HOST) for Feline Spermatozoa: The Simplified Procedure and the Aspect of Sperm Morphology.

Hypo-osmotic swelling test (HOST) is used to assess the functional integrity of sperm plasma membranes in many species. The primary aim of this study was to test a simplified HOST procedure for the evaluation of feline semen. The second objective was to check if sperm abnormalities can influence the results of this test.

Profile of Dogs' Breeders and Their Considerations on Female Reproduction, Maternal Care and the Peripartum Stress-An International Survey.

Dogs are part of many households worldwide and in recent years in some western countries, more and more people describe them as members of the family. The accurate number of dogs per household and the actual demand for puppies are hard to estimate correctly. The sources of dogs seem to be an important element to consider before acquiring a dog since some behavioural disorders are more likely observed in dogs coming from puppy mills and pet stores.

Evaluation of surface plasmon field-enhanced fluorescence spectroscopy for rapid measurement of progesterone concentration in bitches.

Objective: To compare progesterone (P4) concentrations measured with surface plasmon field-enhanced fluorescence spectroscopy (SPFS) and chemiluminescence immunoassay (CLIA) in serum and plasma samples of client-owned bitches of various ages and breeds and to determine reference ranges for P4 concentrations at various stages of the estrous cycle.

Samples: 102 serum samples and 104 plasma samples.

Procedures: In experiment 1, 1 aliquot each of serum and plasma was analyzed for P4 concentration by use of SPFS incorporated in a veterinary-specific point-of-care immunologic analyzer and CLIA.

Influence of ADAPTIL during the Weaning Period: A Double-Blinded Randomised Clinical Trial.

ADAPTIL, a dog-appeasing pheromone, was shown to modify the dam-puppies' interactions during the neonatal period but could also influence the weaning period. Fourteen bitch/litter dyads continuously exposed to ADAPTIL from the third/fourth weeks until the seventh/eighth weeks postpartum were compared to 11 dyads exposed to a placebo. Maternal and puppy behaviours were video-recorded, and at three time points (weeks three/four, weeks five/six and weeks seven/eight) after parturition.

Correction: HMGA2, the architectural transcription factor high mobility group, is expressed in the developing and mature mouse cochlea.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.

Infertility in purebred cats - A review of the potential causes.

Although purebred cat breeding is growing in popularity in European countries, most research and publications concern dog reproduction. Infertility in queens has been poorly studied. It may not come as a surprise as common domestic shorthair cats are well known for their excellent fertility.

Temporal variation in prevalence, awareness and control of hypertension in urban and rural areas in Northeast Brazil between 2006 and 2016.

To assess the evolution in prevalence, awareness and control of hypertension for over 10 years in Pernambuco State, Northeast Brazil, two cross-sectional studies were conducted based on random samples of households in urban and rural areas, in 2006 and 2015/2016, involving adults aged 20 years or older. Hypertension was defined as systolic blood pressure of at least 140mmHg or diastolic blood pressure of at least 90mmHg as well as the reported use of antihypertensive medication. A logistic regression analysis was conducted to estimate the influence of the social, behavioral and anthropometric determinants on hypertension.

Small animal reproduction: Scientific facts versus dogmas or unverified beliefs.

Small Animal Reproduction is a rather recent topic in the field of Animal Reproduction. Although some continuing educational societies aim to improve the level of general knowledge, published scientific facts are still limited, and there are many hypotheses or affirmations that remain unverified or even sometimes dogmatic or empirical. Through examples, this article reviews the main causes that may sometimes challenge a veterinary practitioner faced with a dog or a cat presenting reproductive problems.

Contraceptive implants used by cat breeders in France: a study of 140 purebred cats.

Objectives: Deslorelin 4.7 mg and melatonin 18 mg subcutaneous implants were studied in purebred male and female cats, via questionnaires sent to French cat breeders, to assess breed, age, duration of the contraceptive effect, fertility after use, changes in behaviour and side effects.

Methods: Reproductive data were collected in 57 tom cats and 41 queens implanted with deslorelin 4.

The View of the French Dog Breeders in Relation to Female Reproduction, Maternal Care and Stress during the Peripartum Period.

In France, as in many other western countries, dogs are an important part of the society as pets or working animals. The exact demand for puppies in France is unknown, as is the proportion of dogs coming from different breeding sources. Nevertheless, the origin of puppies is important since young dogs from puppy mills and pet stores appear to be more likely to develop behavioral disorders.

Influence of dog-appeasing pheromone on canine maternal behaviour during the peripartum and neonatal periods.

Background: Parturition and the initial postpartum period are important moments in the reproductive cycle of dogs.

Methods: A study assessed the effect of ADAPTIL, a dog-appeasing pheromone, on maternal behaviour during peripartum. Bitches were continuously exposed to ADAPTIL (n=20) or placebo (n=21) in double-blinded conditions from an average of about seven days before parturition up to 21 days postpartum.

A review of maternal behaviour in dogs and potential areas for further research.

Here we review information on maternal behaviour in dogs, defined as a combination of all the acts of the mother towards her offspring, which begins before parturition and continues until weaning. In dogs, maternal care is measured using the most commonly observed behaviours, such as the time spent in contact, licking/grooming and nursing of the puppies. Since newborn puppies have a very limited capacity for movement, maternal interaction is essential to their survival, nourishment and protection.