Trypanosomiasis-induced infertility in dromedary (Camelus dromedarius) bulls: changes in plasma steroids concentration and semen characteristics.

The effect of Trypanosomiasis on concentrations of plasma steroids and semen characteristics was studied in 24 dromedary bulls. Based upon the parasitological and serological diagnosis, 18 bulls were found infected with Trypanosoma evansi (Group 2) and six were found to be free from infection and served as controls (Group 1). The infected animals exhibited signs of anaemia indicated by the decrease of packed cell volume (PCV) and haemoglobin concentration (Hb), pale mucus membranes, weight loss, lethargy, weakness and dullness. However, five animals (27.8%) of the infected group revealed elevated rectal temperatures and three animals (16.7%) revealed testicular degeneration upon palpation of their scrotal contents. Concentrations of plasma oestradiol-17beta (86.5 +/- 8.6 pg/ml versus 232.5 +/- 74.4 pg/ml) and testosterone (4.8 +/- 0.7 ng/ml versus 2.7 +/- 1.5 ng/ml) were significantly different (P < 0.05) between the control and infected bulls. Evaluation of the semen collected by electroejaculation and evaluated by a computerized cell motion analyzer revealed normal semen characteristics in the control animals compared to deteriorated ones in the infected bulls. There were highly significant (P < 0.01) decreases in sperm count (12.2 +/- 1.3/ml versus 6.5 +/- 4.9 x 10(6)/ml), motility percentage (68.2 +/- 6.7% versus 27.4 +/-15.6%), percentage of live spermatozoa (73.2 +/- 8.3% versus 35.8 +/- 8.2%) and increases in percentage of morphological abnormalities (3.3 +/- 0.6% versus 15.9 +/- 1.0%) in the infected group. An examination of the plasma hormonal profiles and semen characteristics in the infected bulls indicated that altered Sertoli cell function due to formation of immune complexes in four bulls (Group 2A), pituitary dysfunction in six bulls (Group 2B), testicular degeneration in three bulls (Group 2C) and finally trypanotolerancy in five bulls (Group 2D) are possible factors responsible for poor semen characteristics and infertility induced by T. evansi infection in dromedary bulls.

Use of a new computerized system for evaluation of spermatozoal motility and velocity characteristics in relation to fertility levels in dromedary bulls.

Three ejaculates from each of 14 dromedary bulls were collected at 7-day intervals and diluted to 50 x 10 (6) spermatozoa per ml with sodium citrate (2.9%) seminal extender. Spermatozoal concentrations, motility percentages and velocity measures were evaluated by a new computerized cell motion analyzer (CMA, medical Technologies Montreux SA, Switzerland) for assessing fertility rates in such animals. Greatest variability in concentrations and motility percentages was generally attributed to animal effect within the first ejaculate. Spermatozoal concentrations and kinematic variables in particular percentages of progressive motility, amplitude of lateral head displacement (ALH) and linearity (LIN) percentage were strongly correlated (P<0.01) with fertility rates of dromedary bulls. The CMA-derived measurements of velocity straight line (VSL), velocity curve line (VCL), and velocity averaged line (VAP) were significantly affected by the type of spermatozoal tracks. The present results evidenced that the CMA is a reliable system for determining spermatozoal concentrations, motility percentages and velocity measures and is considered as an accurate and rapid method for evaluating and predicting fertility in the one-humped camel bulls.

Liquorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) and the adrenal-kidney-pituitary axis in rats.

The effect of oral administration of a water freeze-dried extract of Glycyrrhiza glabra (liquorice) has been studied at doses of 100, 250 and 500 mg/kg in rats on the plasma concentration of cortisol, adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH), aldosterone, renin, sodium (Na) and potassium (K). The results indicated that treatment induced dose-dependent and mostly significant decreases in the concentration of cortisol, ACTH, aldosterone and K. There were concomitant dose-dependent increases in the concentrations of renin and Na. The results suggest a strong and dose-dependent suppression of the adrenal-pituitary axis, accompanied by stimulation of renin production from the kidney.

Effect of lead exposure on the erythrocytic antioxidant levels in goats.

Fifteen adult female goats were orally exposed to 5.46 mg lead (as lead acetate) per kg body weight daily for 2 weeks to study the antioxidant enzymes of the erythrocyte, lipid peroxide level, total thiol groups and total antioxidant status (TAS) in plasma. Ten goats served as unexposed control. Blood samples were collected before exposure (day 0) and on days 7 and 14. Ten per cent erythrocyte haemolysate was prepared and analysed for glutathione peroxidase (GPx), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), total thiol groups and lipid peroxide. TAS was determined in plasma. There was a significant (P < 0.05) increase of erythrocytic GPx, SOD, CAT, total thiol groups and TAS on day 7 which was followed by a significant (P < 0.05) decrease of all these parameters on day 14. Lipid peroxide level increased significantly (P < 0.05) and the maximum level was attained by day 14. The results obtained indicate a possible role of free radicals in lead poisoning pathogenicity.

Intratesticular morphometric, cellular and endocrine changes around the pubertal period in dromedary camels.

We obtained the paired testes from 66 clinically healthy camels during two consecutive breeding seasons. Testicular tissues were examined for peripubertal changes in histological structure as well as spermatogenic and steroidogenic activities. Cellular sizes (length microm x width microm) increased linearly (P< 0.05) throughout the first three years of the animal's life for Leydig cells and between two and a half and five years of age for Sertoli cells. A clear increase in the percentage of tubules demonstrating primary and secondary spermatocytes occurred between less than one and five years and a cohort of elongated spermatids was produced in 3.5 +/- 0.2% tubules in males of two and a half years old; the appearance of spermatozoa in 3.1 +/- 0.3% tubules was evident six months later. The basal values for intratesticular and plasma concentrations of oestradiol-17 beta and testosterone respectively, were measured in all animals up to one and a half years for oestradiol-17 beta and three years for testosterone. Thereafter, both steroids increased markedly (P< 0.01) peaking to 269.5 +/-27.1 pg/g and 83.4 +/- 8.3 pg/mL at three years for oestradiol-17 beta and to 164.7 +/- 16.8 ng/g and 6.8 +/- 0.7 ng/mL at five years for testosterone. The results suggested that a steroid hormonal shift around four and a half to five years of age could demarcate the beginning of pubertal period which culminates with the production of the first ejaculum containing higher concentrations of spermatozoa by dromedary camels of six years old.

Some studies on nutritional muscular dystrophy in Qassim region in Saudi Arabia. Effect of administration of Vitamin E-selenium preparation to pregnant ewes on serum muscle-specific enzymes in their lambs.

The prophylactic effect of parentral administration of a single dose of Vitamin E-selenium preparation given to pregnant ewes during the last third of pregnancy for protection against nutritional muscular dystrophy (NMD) in their lambs was studied. Based on determination of serum muscle-specific enzymes in the lambs, it was found that administration of Vitamin E-selenium preparation to pregnant ewes from a flock with a known history of NMD was associated with a significant decrease in serum muscle-specific enzymes levels in their lambs when compared with those from non-treated dams in the same flock. It was also observed that serum muscle-specific enzyme levels in lambs from non-treated dams in the flock with a known history of NMD were significantly higher than those in lambs from non-treated dams in a flock with no history of NMD (control group). The serum creatine phosphokinase (CPK) level was significantly higher in lambs of treated dams as compared to lambs from the control group, but no significant differences were seen between the two groups of lambs for the other serum muscle-specific enzymes measured. No lambs from the treated group showed clinical signs of NMD up through the time of weaning. It is concluded that administration of Vitamin E-selenium preparation to pregnant ewes in a flock with a known history of NMD was effective in preventing NMD in their lambs.

The effect of aqueous extracts of Cynomorium coccineum and Withania somnifera on testicular development in immature Wistar rats.

The effect of lyophilized aqueous extract of Cynomorium coccineum and Withania somnifera on testicular development and on serum levels of testosterone, ICSH and FSH was studied in immature male Wistar rats. There was a notable increase in testicular weight of animals treated with both extracts. Histological examination revealed an apparent increase in the diameter of seminiferous tubules and the number of seminiferous tubular cell layers in the testes of treated rats as compared with control ones. Extracts of both plants elicited notable spermatogenesis in immature rats but C. coccineum was more effective than W. somnifera in that respect. Serum testosterone and FSH levels were lower in animals treated with plants extracts than controls, whereas ICSH levels was higher in treated animals, specially in those treated with C. coccineum. It was concluded that extracts of both plants have a direct spermatogenic influence on the seminiferous tubules of immature rats presumably by exerting a testosterone-like effect.

Age-related changes in plasma testosterone concentrations and genital organs content of bulk and trace elements in the male dromedary camel.

There is a paucity of information regarding the influence of plasma testosterone concentrations and inorganic cations secreted in the different seminal fractions on the spermatozoon activity throughout the reproductive life of the one-humped camels. To demonstrate these relationships, the genital organs of 12 prepubertal (<3 years), 9 peripubertal (3-<5 years), 16 mature (5-<15 years) and 15 aged (>/=15 years) camels were collected from the Buraidah slaughter house (Al-Qassim Province, Saudi Arabia) during two consecutive breeding seasons (November-April) over 2 years. Plasma testosterone concentrations (mean+/-S.E.) did not exceed 1.4 ng/ml in prepubertal animals with a 3-4 fold increase in peripubertal (3.2+/-0.4 ng/ml) and mature (4.8+/-0.6 ng/ml) camels followed by about 50% decrease (2.6+/-0.3 ng/ml) in aged ones. These hormonal changes were correlated significantly with concentrations of certain elements in the testes (highest Na, Ca and Cu contents), epididymides (highest P and Fe contents), prostate (highest Zn content), and bulbo-urethral glands (highest K and Mg contents). The significance of some interrelationships among the different cations and their biological effects on sperm production and metabolic activity were discussed.

The effect of extracts of Cynomorium coccineum and Withania somnifera on gonadotrophins and ovarian follicles of immature Wistar rats.

The effects of water extracts of Cynomorium coccineum and Withania somnifera on ovarian follicular development and serum levels of FSH and LH were studied in immature 17-day-old and 25-day-old-Wistar rats. Water extracts of the plants were given to the animals per os in a dose of 47 mg/100 g body weight for 6 days. Serum levels of FSH and LH were measured by ELISA. Folliculogenesis was studied with a light microscope. In 25-day-old rats, extracts of both plants elicited significant changes in gonadotrophin levels coupled with a significant increase in ovarian weight and profound folliculogenesis. Numerous primary, secondary, tertiary and antral follicles were present. A distinct zona pellucida was not seen and the oocyte was often detached. In 17-day-old animals there was a significant increase-in body weight but without significant changes in the ovarian weight and folliculogenesis.

Fatal suffocation by rubber balloons in children: mechanism and prevention.

This paper presents five autopsy cases of children who died as a result of an accidental choking on latex (rubber) balloons. All of the investigated cases suffocated by an intact (non-broken), pear-shaped and medium-sized balloon of less than 9 cm in length and 4 cm in width. The mouthpieces of all the involved balloons were upward and above the vocal cords, while the nosepieces were downward in the larynx and the trachea. The application of continuous suction forces to uninflated or partially air-filled balloon is considered the most crucial factor in causing asphyxiation by rubber balloon. An uninflated balloon is usually placed outside the mouth cavity where the child sucks the balloon into the mouth, either during a repeated trial of inverting the balloon inside-out or during the application of a direct suction to their bulb. A partially air-filled balloon is usually placed inside the mouth cavity then it is pushed further inside by movements like sucking or chewing. Other important factors are a sudden slippage of the mouthpiece from the fingers or teeth of the child, as well as the panic of the suffocation. The process of suffocation is also facilitated by the counterforce, which results from a sudden pressure of the mouth cavity over the bulb of the balloon, and the consistency of the balloons as pliable objects. Once the balloon enters the airway, it is less likely to be expelled. Supervision of children by adults and proper education programs are needed to decrease this problem.

An epidemiological study of cancer breast in greater Cairo.

This study was carried out to get a picture of risk factors associated with the occurrence of cancer breast. Three hundred and seventy two females (180 breast cancer patients and 192 controls) were selected from Ain Shams and Benha University Hospitals to be the subjects of this study. The results showed that the important risk factors affecting the development of cancer breast were: parity, age at first birth, age of menarche, age of the patient, family history, number of pregnancies and age of natural menopause. Mostly these factors are interrelated to each other.

Risk factors of gallstone disease in a sample of patients in Benha City.

This study included one hundred cases of gallstone disease diagnosed by ultrasonography and a similar group of matched controls chosen from Benha University and General Hospitals. Both cases and controls were subjected to a specially designed questionnaire, clinical examination, anthropometric measurements, ultrasonography and laboratory investigations to find out some risk factors that may contribute to the development of gallstone disease. Females constituted the majority of cases (87%) while males were a minority (13%). In both sexes, the highest percentages of cases were among patients aged fifty years or more (53.8% and 33.3% for males and females respectively). Bad dietary habits including increased consumption of animal fats and frequent use of snacks between meals, obesity as indicated by body mass index and body fat percent, positive family history of gallstones and liver cirrhosis were found to be significant risk factors in the predisposition to gallstones in the present study. On the other hand, factors suggesting hormonal role in the pathogenesis of gallstones such as age of menarche, duration of menstrual life, age at first pregnancy, multiparity and duration of contraceptive pills use did not show any significant difference between female cases and controls.

Estrogen-androgen balance in anovulation.

The balance of estradiol (E2) and testosterone (T) in 15 anovulatory patients was evaluated by measuring the daily plasma concentration of E2 and T, and their free and protein-bound fractions for a 3- to 4-week period. Similar daily plasma E2 and T data were obtained from five normal ovulatory cycles as a control group. The daily concentration of the free, non-testosterone-estradiol-binding globulin (TeBG)-bound (index), and total E2 fluctuated in a wider range than that of the T in the ovulatory as well as in the anovulatory cycles. The percentage of free (%F) and TeBG-bound (%TeBG) fractions of both E2 and T were relatively constant. The concentration of the free, index, and total E2 and T showed a parallel pattern even in anovulatory cycles. An increased %F fraction associated with a decreased %TeBG fraction of E2 and T was observed in anovulatory patients who were hypo- or normoestrogenic; however, an opposite shifting of these two fractions was observed in anovulatory patients who were severely hypoestrogenic. In a hyperestrogen-normoandrogenic state, there was a significant increase in the binding of E2 and T. The daily binding capacity of plasma TeBG revealed a greater fluctuation than the binding fractions, and it decreased in anovulatory patients, especially in the hyperandrogenic state. E2:T ratio of concentration showed a curve-linear relationship to %F, %TeBG, and binding capacity of sex steroids.

Pharmacokinetics of ethynyloestradiol in women for different populations.

The pharmacokinetics of a dose of 50 microgram ethynyloestradiol administered orally was studied in fourteen centres. Absorption was rapid and the highest serum concentrations of total ethynyloestradiol were found in most subjects at 1 h and by 24 h concentrations were less than 250 pg/ml. Calculation of the half-lives for absorption, distribution and elimination showed wide variations between subjects, the half-life of elimination varying from 2.5 h to more than 30 h. Bioavailability as measured by the area under the serum ethynyloestradiol concentration-time curve also showed more than a ten-fold variation. Intra-centre differences in the various parameters measured were as large as the inter-centre differences.

Rate of metabolism of norethisterone in women from different populations.

The rate of metabolism of orally administered norethisterone was compared in fourteen centres by measuring plasma levels of the steroid by radioimmunoassay at varying times after oral administration of a 1 mg dose. The inter-centre differences were of the same order as the intra-centre differences. Variations in metabolism appeared not to be due to variations in body size.

Free and protein-bound plasma estradiol-17 beta during the menstrual cycle.

Methods are described for the measurement of the estradiol-binding capacity of TeBG and of the free, TeBG-bound, and non-specifically protein-bound fractions of plasma estradiol. Each determination used undiluted plasma at 37 C, and a total volume of less than 2.0 ml of plasma was required to complete all the assays. The measurement of the per cent of free estradiol was affected by changes in plasma dilution. The measurement of the other fractions of estradiol was not influenced by changes in either the dilution or the volume of plasma. The distribution of plasma estradiol was determined daily throughout 5 individual menstrual cycles. The per cent of free, the per cent of TeBG-bound, and the TeBG binding capacity of estradiol remained constant throughout the cycle with mean values of 2.21 +/- 0.04% (SE), 38.4 +/- 0.7%, and 16.6 +/- 0.43 ng/ml, respectively. The mean association constant of TeBG for estradiol was 6.58 +/- 0.25 x 10(7)M-1. The concentration of the free and non-specifically protein-bound fractions of estradiol paralleled the total plasma concentration of estradiol. The results show that biologic events related to normal cyclic changes of plasma estradiol may be attributed to fluctuations in the free estradiol and to estradiol which is bound with low affinity to non-specific plasma proteins.