Low concentrations of soybean lecithin nanoparticles had a positive impact on Holstein bulls' cryopreserved semen.

Spermatozoa can experience negative changes when subjected to freezing and thawing, including lowered motility, viability and acrosome response. Herein, the effects of different concentrations of soybean lecithin nanoparticles on cryopreserved Holstein bull semen were examined. Semen was collected, cryopreserved and utilized for sperm kinetic parameter analysis following dilution, equilibration and thawing with 0.5% soybean lecithin (E1), the control extender, and 0.75% (E2), 0.5% (E3), 0.25% (E4) and 0.125% (E5) of lecithin nanoparticles. Results revealed that following dilution, the progressive motility (PM) at E3, E4 and E5 of lecithin nanoparticles was higher (p < .05) than it was for E2. After equilibration, compared to the E1, E2, and E3 values, the PM, vitality, normal morphology, membrane integrity and intact acrosome values at the E5 were consistently greater (p < .05). Comparing the percentages of intact acrosome and membrane integrity at E2 and E3 to E4 and E5, a substantial decrease (p < .05) was seen. Following thawing, the percentage of PM improved at E2 and E5, even though their mean PM values were similar (p > .05) compared to E1, E3 and E4. Vigour and progression parameters of sperm (DAP, DCL, DSL, VAP, VCL, VSL and STR) at E5 were higher (p < .05) than those at E1, E2, E3 and E4. In conclusion, the cryopreserved sperm from Holstein bulls revealed outstanding properties both after equilibration and after thawing with 0.125% lecithin nanoparticles, and they were sensitive to high dosages.

Studying the Influence of Copper on the Growth Behavior, Antioxidative Status, and Histology of the Intestine and Liver of Striped Catfish (Pangasianodon hypophthalmus).

Microelements are well recognized as an essential approach in the field of aquaculture nutrition. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate copper (Cu) inclusion (0, 0.5, 1, and 2 mg/kg) on Striped catfish performances. Fish fed the Cu-incorporated diets for 60 days, then their growth behavior, antioxidative capacity, and intestinal and liver histological features were evaluated. The results showed a marked enhancement in Striped catfish's growth behavior fed 1-2 mg/kg of Cu, as shown by the final weight, weight gain, and specific growth rate. The feed and protein efficiency ratios were significantly affected by Cu in a dose-dependent manner. The highest level of Cu was accumulated in the whole body, muscle, liver, and gills of fish fed 2 mg/kg of Cu. The carcass composition of Striped catfish showed higher protein content in groups received 0.5, 1, and 2 mg/kg Cu in a linear and quadratic manner (p=0.001). The ash content was quadratically increased in Striped catfish fed 2 mg/kg Cu (p=0.001). However, no marked effects were observed on the moisture and lipid contents and the somatic indices (p>0.05). The incorporation of Cu showed meaningfully increased superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase but decreased malondialdehyde level in Striped catfish. The villous height exhibited visible growth and branching with increased doses of Cu without a significant increase in the goblet cells. No abnormal features were observed in the liver and hepatocytes of fish treated with Cu. It can be concluded that Cu is required at 1-2 mg/kg for better performances of Striped catfish.

Selenium nanoparticles are required for the optimum growth behavior, antioxidative capacity, and liver wellbeing of Striped catfish (Pangasianodon hypophthalmus).

Selenium (Se) is a multifunctional trace element required in specific amounts for the optimal growth of aquatic finfish species. For this reason, this study investigated the effect of Se nanoparticles on the growth behavior, antioxidative capacity, and liver wellbeing of Striped catfish (Pangasianodon hypophthalmus). Striped catfish fed varying Se nanoparticles levels (0. 0.5, 1, and 2 mg/kg) in triplicate units and kept for 60 days. Striped catfish delivered dietary Se nanoparticles had markedly increased growth performance, specific growth rate (SGR), consumed feed, and protein efficiency ratio but reduced feed conversion ratio (FCR). The whole body, liver, muscle, and gills have higher Se accumulation levels in fish that received Se nanoparticles than the control with the highest level in fish fed 2 mg/kg. The carcass composition showed higher protein content in fish fed 1 and 2 mg/kg (p = 0.001 and 0.001) and higher ash content (p = 0.001 and 0.002) in fish fed 2 mg/kg than the remaining groups. Superoxide dismutase was meaningfully activated in Striped catfish delivered 1 and 2 mg Se nanoparticles/kg compared with the control (p < 0.05). Also, catalase and glutathione peroxidase activities were higher, and malondialdehyde level was lower in Striped catfish fed Se nanoparticles at 0.5, 1, and 2 mg/kg than the control (p < 0.05). The villi exhibited a visible increase in both height and branching with an increased level of Se nanoparticles in addition to the increased number of goblet cells. The Se nanoparticles-treated fish revealed dose-dependent modifications fluctuated from diffuse fatty vacuolization in hepatocytes with eccentric pyknotic hepatocytes nuclei. In conclusion, Se nanoparticles are required for the optimum growth behavior, antioxidative capacity, and liver wellbeing of Striped catfish. Based on SGR and FCR data's regression analysis, Se nanoparticles are recommended at 1.02-1.11 mg/kg diet.

Gene expression of bovine endometrial epithelial cells cultured in matrigel.

Glandular epithelial cells (GE) in the endometrium are thought to support the elongation and survival of ruminant embryos by secreting histotrophs. In the present study, the gene expression of bovine endometrial epithelial cells cultured in matrigel was analyzed and examined whether it could be an in vitro model of GE. Bovine endometrial epithelial cells (BEE) and stromal cells (BES) were isolated from the slaughterhouse uteri and cultured in DMEM/F12 + 10% FBS. BEE showed the gland-like structure morphological changes when cultured in 15% matrigel but could not be identified in higher concentrations of the matrigel (30% or 60%). The expression of typical genes expressed in GE, SERPINA14 and GRP, was substantially high in matrigel-cultured BEE than in monolayer (P  <  0.05). P4 and INFα have no significant effect on the SERPINA14 expression of BEE cultured in matrigel without co-culture with BES. On the other hand, when BEE were co-cultured with BES in matrigel culture, the expression of FGF13 was increased by the P4 treatment (P  <  0.05). Furthermore, SERPINA14 and TXN expressions were increased by P4 + IFNα treatment (P  <  0.05). These results demonstrate the appropriate conditions for BEE to form glandular structures in matrigel and the effect of co-culture with BES. The present study highlighted the possible use of matrigel for the culture of BEE to investigate the expression of cell-specific glandular epithelial genes as well as P4 and type-I IFN as factors controlling endometrial function during the implantation period.

Copper Nanoparticles Mitigate the Growth, Immunity, and Oxidation Resistance in Common Carp (Cyprinus carpio).

The present investigation aimed to evaluate the influence of copper nanoparticles (Cu-NPs) on the growth, immunity, and oxidation resistance of common carp (3.02 ± 0.01 g, initial mean weight ± S.E.). Five groups of fish fed diets with Cu-NPs at 0, 0.5, 1, 2, and 4 mg/kg for 8 weeks. The results suggested that Cu-NPs in diets increased the growth performance and reduced FCR with linear and quadratic model (P < 0.05). Also, common carp fed Cu-NPs showed increased carcass protein, lipid, and ash contents in a dose-dependent manner (P < 0.05). The Cu accumulation in the carcass, liver, muscle, and gills increased by Cu-NPs and showed the maximum at 4 mg Cu-NPs/kg (P < 0.05). No significant alterations were found in the blood variables due to Cu-NP supplementation except for the Hb, RBCs, total protein, albumin, and globulin levels which showed the highest level in 2 mg/kg (P < 0.05). IgM level, phagocytic, lysozyme, SOD, CAT, and GPX activities were boosted by Cu-NPs with decreased malondialdehyde (MDA) content (P < 0.05). Based on regression analysis, the requirement of dietary Cu-NPs for common carp was estimated to be 2.19 to 2.91 mg/kg diet.

Effects of fruit drinks on surface roughness of two esthetic restorative materials.

OBJECTIVES: Restorative materials may be exposed in the oral cavity to chemical agents found in beverages, which may lead to their biodegradation. The purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate the effect of two fruit drinks commonly used by children on surface roughness of two esthetic restorative materials. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One resin composite (RC), one resin-modified glass ionomer (RMGI) and two fruit drinks (orange and cocktail) were used in this study. Specimens (n=20) of each material were fabricated against Mylar strip. Baseline measurements of surface roughness were recorded for each group using noncontact surface profilometer. Each specimen was placed in the tested fruit drinks for 24 hours and then surface roughness was recorded. RESULTS: The mean (±SD) surface roughness of RC before and after immersion in orange and cocktail were 0.04±0.02, 0.12±0.05, 0.06±0.03 and 0.11±0.06, respectively and for RMGI were 0.72±0.14, 0.60±0.19, 0.56±0.11, and 0.52±0.15. For RC there was significant difference between surface roughness (Sa) before and after immersion in orange and cocktail (P<0.05). For RMGI, there was significant difference between surface roughness before and after immersion in orange (P<0.05), but no significant difference before and after immersion in cocktail (P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The surface roughness of the RC and RMGI examined showed a significant change in the surface roughness after immersion for 24 hours in the tested fruit drinks.

Premature ovarian failure of autoimmune etiology in 46XX patients: is there a hope?

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the efficacy of live bee stings at fertility points and acupuncture in treating symptoms and managing infertility in premature ovarian failure (POF) of autoimmune etiology. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients with primary POF were allocated randomly into two groups: group I: subjected to acupuncture at specific fertility points and group II: subjected to live bee stings at sites of fertility points. RESULTS: A total of 24 cases show significant reduction of Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) level to normal range with gradual decline over the study duration: 13 cases in group I and 11 cases in group II. Eight cases got pregnant while the other 13 cases regained normal menses but still infertile. CONCLUSIONS: Both bee sting therapy and acupuncture were effective in reduction of FSH levels with restoration of regular menstrual patterns and restoration of fertility. The bee sting therapy was superior in the pregnancy rate, while acupuncture was superior in alleviation of symptoms.

Development of an in vitro model to study uterine functions and early implantation using rat uterine explants.

This study was conducted to develop an in vitro model using rat uterine explants to explore complex uterine functions. Rat uterine explants (1-2 mm) were isolated, cultured and further characterized. Steroid hormone treatment of cultured explants showed that both Muc1 and Pr were significantly up-regulated (P < 0.05) by E2. Areg was significantly up-regulated (P < 0.05) by P4 and Igfbp1 was significantly up-regulated (P < 0.05) by the combination of E2 and P4, although, in rat, Igfbp1 is E2-dependent. In vitro decidualization of cultured explants was induced and two potential markers of decidualization, Prl8a2 and Bmp2, were examined. Real-time quantitative PCR data revealed that both Prl8a2 and Bmp2 were significantly up-regulated (P < 0.05) in MPA- and db-cAMP-treated explants compared to the control group of explants. Then, an individual hatched blastocyst and cultured explant was placed in a 96-well (round-bottom U-shaped) plate. Co-culture results showed that stable attachments were observed after 48 h, where embryos were stably attached to the explants and could not be dislodged after mild shaking and/or pipetting. The rates of attachment of embryos to the explants were increased significantly in the P4-treated group (63.6%) compared to the control group (35.5%), after steroid hormone treatment. The rates of attachment were reduced significantly in the E2-treated group (0.0%), where no stable attachments were observed. Despite the necessity of comprehensive investigation, our results suggest that the cultured rat uterine explants can be a useful in vitro model to study uterine functions and early implantation.

Effect of organic and inorganic selenium supplementation on semen quality and blood enzymes in buffalo bulls.

The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of organic and inorganic selenium (Se) supplementation on semen quality and blood serum profiles of buffalo bulls. Nine mature buffalo bulls were divided into three groups: control (non-supplemented); organic Se (10 mg Sel-Plex®/head twice weekly) and inorganic Se (10 mg sodium selenite/head twice weekly). Semen was collected twice a week for 3 months during Se supplementation. Semen properties were evaluated from fresh ejaculate. Moreover, fructose concentration, aspartate and alanine transaminase (AST and ALT) activities, total protein and total cholesterol were assayed in seminal plasma. Additionally AST, ALT, testosterone and Se levels were determined in the blood serum. Results showed that Se supplementation significantly (P < 0.05) influences the semen parameters during 3 months of treatment. Organic Se significantly (P < 0.05) increased the percentage of viable sperms compared to inorganic Se and the control group. Fructose concentration was significantly higher (P < 0.05) in the seminal plasma of organic Se-treated bulls. Serum testosterone and Se concentrations were significantly (P < 0.05) increased in the Se supplemented groups than the control group. In conclusion, Se supplementation improved the parameters of buffalo bull semen and more precisely, organic Se was more effective for the improvement of semen quality and some blood components than inorganic Se.

Kid depletion in mouse oocytes associated with multinucleated blastomere formation and inferior embryo development.

This study investigated the knockdown (KD) of Kid on maturation developmental competence and multinucleation of mouse germinal vesicle (GV) oocytes after parthenogenetic activation. Data revealed that Kid messenger RNA (mRNA) was expressed in GV and MII stage oocyte and 1- and 2-cell embryos. Additionally, Kid mRNA expression in the Kid KD group decreased by nearly 46% compared to the control small interfering RNA (siRNA) groups. The rate of multinucleated embryos in the Kid KD group (52.4%) was significantly higher (P < 0.05) than the control siRNA group (4.7%). Finally, the developmental rates were significantly lower in the Kid siRNA group at > 4-cell stage (28.6% vs. 53.5%) and the blastocyst stage (2.4% vs. 23.3%) compared to the control siRNA groups. Suppression of Kid using siRNA caused multinucleation in early embryos with high frequency and it may increase 2- to 4-cell arrested embryos and reduce the developmental competence to blastocyst.

An attempt to improve the reproductive efficiency of Nile tilapia brood stock fish.

A field study was conducted on brood stock Nile tilapia to increase the propagation. Both sexes were individually stocked into Habas (enclosures) in an earthen pond and fed for 19 days on a basal diet supplemented with different additives at graded levels of each (0.5, 1.0 and 2.0 g Therigon®; 1.0, 2.0, and 3.0 g Nuvisol Hatch P®; 20, 40 and 60 mg Gibberellic acid and 700, 900 and 1,100 mg L-carnitine/Kg diet). The obtained results were evaluated, and the best treatment for each sex was chosen for mating. Results indicated that all pretreatments for male and female brood stocks of Nile tilapia positively affected the total count of the offspring produced. Yet, the Haba, in which the females were pretreated with 0.5 g Therigon®/Kg diet and the males pretreated with 700 mg L-carnitine/Kg diet, gave the highest total count of the offspring comparing with the other Habas. But, because of the high feed cost due to the additives cost, 0.5 g Therigon®/kg diet as pretreatment for ♀ only (3rd Haba), 2 g Nuvisol Hatch P®/Kg diet as pretreatment for ♀ only (5th Haba), followed by 0.5 g Therigon® and 700 mg L-carnitine/Kg diet for ♀ and ♂, respectively (4th Haba), respectively were the best economically.