Reduced sperm number of murrah (Bubalus bubalis) bull semen in french mini-straw affects kinetic and functional competence after cryopreservation.

BACKGROUND: Extensive dilution of cattle semen with tris-based extender compromises certain sperm kinetic and functional traits following cryopreservation. OBJECTIVE: To study sperm functions of buffalo bulls under high dilution rates. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-four ejaculates were harvested twice a week from four buffalo bulls, and diluted to sperm concentrations of 80, 60, 40 and 20 million/mL. Diluted samples were filled in straws, equilibrated at refrigeration temperature for 4 h, and frozen in liquid nitrogen. Frozen sperm samples were thawed for evaluation of kinetic and functional attributes. RESULTS: Compared to 20 million/mL (million/mL) sperm sample, the total motility, progressive motility and rapid motility were reduced (P < 0.05) in 5 million/mL sample. The proportion of live sperm were significantly (P < 0.05) higher in 10, 15 and 20 million/mL samples than in 5 million/mL sample. The percentage of moribund sperm, dead sperm, and sperm with lipid per oxidation increased significantly (P < 0.05) in 5 million/mL sample. CONCLUSION: The reduction of sperm concentrations to < 10 million/mL affects post-thaw Buffalo sperm kinetic and functional attributes.. https://doi.org/10.54680/fr24110110712.

Negligible radiological impact of Indian nuclear power plants on the environment and the public: Findings from a 20-year study.

Nuclear power plants, recognized for their extended operational life, minimal greenhouse gas emissions, and high-power density, are deemed as reliable energy sources. Nonetheless, concerns persist regarding the radioactive discharges from these plants and their potential impact on health and the environment. To comprehend the radiological implications of such releases, this study presents, for the first time, an analysis of radiological data from 7 Indian nuclear power plants (NPPs), collected by Indian environmental survey laboratories (ESL) over the past two decades (2000-2020). This dataset encompasses radioactivity concentrations in the atmospheric, aquatic, and terrestrial environments within a 30 km radius of each NPP, as well as the annual cumulative external gamma doses recorded by environmental thermoluminescence dosimeters (TLDs). The analysis yielded several key findings: (i) Radioactivity concentrations around the NPPs were low and comparable to values measured at other nuclear power plant sites worldwide; (ii) Tritium concentrations in receiving water bodies were <1 % of the internationally recommended limit of 10,000 Bq/l; (iii) The estimated total radiation doses to the public were at most 10 % of the stipulated regulatory dose limit of 1000 µSv and consistently decreased over the study period and (iv) Variations in doses among the NPP sites were primarily attributed to legacy technology used in specific reactors. These results indicate efficient and secure reactor operations and the minimal contribution of Indian nuclear power plants to anthropogenic doses in the country. The findings hold potential significance for reinforcing India's commitment to advancing its nuclear power program.