Uterotubal junction of the bovine (Bos taurus) versus the dromedary camel (Camelus dromedarius): Histology and histomorphometry.

This study aims to conduct a comparative analysis of the uterotubal junction in two distinct mammalian species, the bovine (Bos taurus) and the dromedary camel (Camelus dromedarius), focusing on histological and histomorphometric parameters. Uterotubal junction (UTJ) was dissected from 8 cows and 12 camels with dominant follicles, and processed for H&E staining for histology, and histomorphometry examination. The results showed that the camel uterotubal junction papillae (UTJP) existed only in camels and was completely absent in cattle. Histologically, the cow UTJ appears with a star-shaped lumen, and the mucosa is lined by a simple columnar epithelium with ciliated and non-ciliated cells. Superficial (SG) and deep glands (DG) were abundant in the submucosa. Camel UTJP is a conical structure, it has a pale yellowish colour, 0.5 ± 0.2 cm height, and 0.3 ± 0.1 cm width, and it has a distinct sphincter at the tip towards the uterine lumen. In the camel UTJP, the lumen is wider, and the mucosa showed large multiple folds lined with ciliated and non-ciliated cells in a pseudostratified columnar epithelium. The submucosa showed no mucosal glands. Lumen area, lumen epithelial height, luminal epithelial density, the thickness of the muscular layer, number of folds, fold height, epithelial height, fold area and epithelial perimeter were higher in camel UTJP (p < .001) than cow UTJ, while the total endosalpinx area and glandular epithelial density were lower in camel UTJP (p < .001) than in cow UTJ. In conclusion, this study elucidates potential variations in the uterotubal junction between bovines and dromedary camels, providing valuable insights into their reproductive adaptations. The epithelial lining, absence of glands and the thick layer of tunica muscularis might indicate that camel UTJP could play a mechanical role in selecting spermatozoa and assisting the hatching of blastocysts during their passage into the uterus.

Economics of treatment with GnRH agonist 7-14 days after artificial insemination in repeat breeder lactating dairy cows.

This study looked at the effectiveness and financial benefits of treating repeat breeder (RB) dairy cows with the GnRH agonist gonadorelin 7-14 days after artificial insemination (AI). A total of 188 healthy dairy cows (2.4 ± 1.3 lactations) with an average milk yield of 42.1 ± 6.8 kg milk/day, at 179 ± 38.4 days in milk with 3.8 ± 1 AIs were divided into two groups, experimental (E group, n = 98) and control (C group, n = 90). The GnRH agonist gonadorelin was given 7-14 days after AI to the E group to evaluate the embryo survival in RB cows. The control group did not receive any treatment. Recorded pregnancy rates and cumulative pregnancy rates were superior in the E group (49% and 64.3%) compared with the C group (37.8% and 55.5%). The interaction between therapy and RB had a significant impact on the pregnancy rate and accessory corpus luteum (CL), according to a binary logistic regression study. The UW-DairyRepro$ decision support tool utilized in this experiment demonstrated that by implementing this approach, the net present value can be increased by US dollars (US$)30.2/RB cow/year. Thus, the single therapy with GnRH agonist gonadorelin between 7 and 14 days after AI enhanced the potential for a second CL in repeat-breeder pregnant cows, presumably favouring embryo survival.

Platelet-rich plasma in animal reproductive medicine: Prospective and applications.

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is the fraction of the plasma enriched with a platelet level above baseline, and it plays an essential role in tissue regeneration. The attention to PRP as unconventional therapy has increased during the past two decades. In animals, applications of PRP showed various degrees of success in a wide range of medical applications, from musculoskeletal injuries to ovarian insufficiency. Therapeutic applications with PRP in farm animals are still scarce, but the promising results offered by several studies are expected to trigger more interest in its application by both veterinarians and farmers. In this review, we highlight some efforts made in the field of animal reproduction regarding the use of PRP to potentiate the ovarian hypofunction, treat endometritis, improve the follicular development, oocyte competence and uterine environment for embryo implantation as well as restore testicular and erectile function in male, and as a treatment for mastitis.

Age-related changes in testicular morphometry and function in Egyptian donkeys.

This study aimed to assess the effects of age on testicular morphometry and function in donkeys. Testes and epididymides of 57 donkeys were harvested immediately after slaughtering. The donkeys were grouped: young (1-4 years old, n = 13); adult (5-15 years old, n = 25) and aged (>15 years old, n = 19). Each testis and epididymis were weighed separately. Testicular volume was calculated. Epididymal sperm was harvested by retrograde flushing method, and sperm parameters were evaluated. The testicular parenchyma was immunolabelled for BAX and COX2. Adult and aged donkeys had greater testicular weight and volume than young (p < .05). Epididymal sperm concentration, motility and viability were greater (p < .05) in adults and aged (931.8 ± 39.3 and 858.2 ± 33.2 × 106 /ml) than in young animals (316.3 ± 72.8 × 106 /ml). Aged donkeys had a higher percentage of morphological sperm defects than the other categories (p < .05). Histological examination revealed the presence of age-related degenerative changes in testicular tissue of donkeys. Aged donkeys had higher COX2 protein expression than adult and young donkeys. BAX protein was overly expressed in adults than aged or young animals. In conclusion, advancement of age affects the testicular morphometry and function in donkeys.

Effect of body condition score on the testicular biometrical measures, semen characteristics and testosterone level in jackass.

This study was undertaken to evaluate the effect of body condition score (BCS) on testicle and epididymis biometrics, semen characteristics and testosterone level in Egyptian Jack. This study was conducted on 50 mature Jacks divided according to their body condition score into four groups: Poor (G1), moderate (G2), good (G3) and fat (G4). The complete testis was collected immediately after execution in the Giza Zoo abattoir; then, the epididymis was carefully dissected at the testicular junction. Biometrical measures including length, weight and volume were determined for the right and left testis and epididymis. Also, epididymal sperm was collected from all examined animas and evaluated for sperm concentration, progressive motility, viability and sperm abnormalities. Serum samples were collected for determination of total testosterone level. Results showed that the body condition score of the examined animal affects their biometrical measure of testicles and epididymis. There is a significant decrease (p < .05) in biometrical measures for the testicles and epididymis, sperm concentration, motility, viability and testosterone level in poor BCS animals (G1). The highest values were recorded in Good BCS (G3) Jacks. Conclusion: Jacks with good BCS (G3) should be selected for breeding activity in donkey.

Brachial Plexus Block with Liposomal Bupivacaine for Shoulder Surgery Improves Analgesia and Reduces Opioid Consumption: Results from a Multicenter, Randomized, Double-Blind, Controlled Trial.

OBJECTIVE: The utility of single-injection and continuous peripheral nerve blocks is limited by short duration of analgesia and catheter-related complications, respectively. This double-blind, multicenter trial evaluated the efficacy, safety, and pharmacokinetics of single-injection, ultrasound-guided brachial plexus block (BPB) with liposomal bupivacaine (LB) added to a standardized pain management protocol for shoulder surgery. METHODS: Adults undergoing total shoulder arthroplasty or rotator cuff repair were randomized to receive LB 133 mg, LB 266 mg (pharmacokinetic and safety analyses only), or placebo, added to a standardized analgesia protocol. The primary end point was area under the curve (AUC) of visual analog scale pain intensity scores through 48 hours postsurgery. Secondary end points were total opioid consumption, percentage of opioid-free patients, and time to first opioid rescue through 48 hours. Pharmacokinetic samples were collected through 120 hours and on days 7 and 10. Adverse events were documented. RESULTS: One hundred fifty-five patients received treatment (LB 133 mg, N = 69; LB 266 mg, N = 15; placebo, N = 71). BPB with LB 133 mg was associated with significantly improved AUC of pain scores (least squares mean [SE] = 136.4 [12.09] vs 254.1 [11.77], P < 0.0001), opioid consumption (least squares mean [SE] = 12.0 [2.27] vs 54.3 [10.05] mg, P < 0.0001), median time to opioid rescue (4.2 vs 0.6 h, P < 0.0001), and percentage of opioid-free patients (treatment difference = 0.166, 95% confidence interval = 0.032-0.200, P = 0.008) through 48 hours vs placebo. Adverse event incidence was comparable between groups. CONCLUSIONS: Single-injection BPB with LB 133 mg provided analgesia through 48 hours postsurgery with reduced opioid use compared with placebo after shoulder surgery.

Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study of Intravenous Amisulpride as Treatment of Established Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting in Patients Who Have Had No Prior Prophylaxis.

BACKGROUND: Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) occurs commonly in surgical patients despite widespread prophylactic antiemetic use. Rescue options are currently limited. 5HT3 antagonists are most frequently used for prophylaxis, but if they fail, additional doses are not effective as rescue medication. Intravenous (IV) amisulpride, a well-studied D2/D3 antagonist, has been shown in trials to prevent PONV. This study was designed to determine if amisulpride could be used to treat established PONV in patients at low-to-moderate risk of PONV who had not received any prior prophylaxis. METHODS: Men and women aged over 18 years were permitted to enroll if they were to undergo general inhalational anesthesia, expected to last at least 1 hour, for an outpatient or inpatient surgical procedure. Patients who then suffered PONV were randomized equally to 1 of 3 single-dose IV regimens: placebo or 5 or 10 mg amisulpride. The primary end point was complete response, defined as no emesis in the period 30 minutes to 24 hours after study drug treatment and no use of rescue medication in the entire 24-hour period. RESULTS: One thousand nine hundred eighty-eight patients were enrolled preoperatively, of whom 560 were randomized to a treatment arm. Complete response occurred in 39 of 181 patients (21.5%) in the placebo group compared to 60 of 191 patients (31.4%; P = .016) and 59 of 188 patients (31.4%; P = .016) in the amisulpride 5 and 10 mg groups, respectively. The adverse event profile of amisulpride at either dose was similar to placebo. CONCLUSIONS: IV amisulpride at 5 and 10 mg was safe and efficacious in the treatment of established PONV in surgical patients undergoing general anesthesia with no prior PONV prophylaxis.

Expressions and characterization of MuRFs, Atrogin-1, F-box25 genes in tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus, in response to starvation.

Muscle accretion is affected by the difference between protein synthesis and its degradation. Studies on different species revealed that muscle proteolysis is mediated by different pathways including the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway in which the ubiquitin protein ligases play an important role. These muscle atrophy associated ligases were not well studied in tilapia. In this study, we characterized the ubiquitin protein ligases MuRF1/2/3, Atrogin-1 and F-box25, members of the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway in tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus, and their expressions in the muscle of starved, fed, refed, and control fish. Sequences of these genes revealed presence of Ring finger, B-box, and Cos domains in all MuRF genes, as well as F-box domain in Atrogin-1 and F-box25 genes. Real-time qPCR data analysis showed that expression of MuRF1/2/3, Atrogin-1, F-box25, and proteasome complex genes was significantly upregulated in starved fish compared to fed fish. Concurrently, the proteasome activity was 1.7-folds elevated in the starved fish compared to fed fish. These results confirm the important role of these genes in muscle degradation and suggest potential usage as markers of muscle accretion in tilapia.

Development and validation of HPLC-DAD method for the simultaneous determination of amoxicillin, metronidazole and rabeprazole sodium. Application to spiked simulated intestinal fluid samples.

This work deals with the development, validation and application of an HPLC-DAD method for the determination of a ternary mixture containing amoxicillin (AX), metronidazole (MZ) and the proton pump inhibitor rabeprazole sodium (RB). This triple therapy is used for treatment of Helicobacter pylori infection. Effective chromatographic separation between the three drugs was achieved using Thermo Hypersil BDS-C8 (4.6×250mm, 5µm particle size) column and a mobile phase composed of phosphate buffer pH 7 and acetonitrile (70: 30, by volume). The mobile phase was pumped isocratically at a flow rate of 1 mL/min. Quantification of the analytes was based on measuring their peak areas at 230nm for both AX and RB, and at 319nm for MZ. AX, MZ and RB eluted at retention times 2.36, 3.55 and 8.72min respectively. The reliability and analytical performance of the proposed HPLC procedure were statistically validated with respect to linearity, ranges, precision, accuracy, selectivity, robustness, detection and quantification limits. The linear dynamic ranges were 25-250, 25-250 and 5-50µg/mL for AX, MZ and RB respectively with correlation coefficients>0.9998. The validated method was successfully applied to the analysis of several laboratory-prepared mixtures as well as simulated intestinal fluid samples spiked with the three drugs.

Novel composite fatty acid vesicles-in-Pluronic lecithin organogels for enhanced magnolol delivery in skin cancer treatment.

A novel composite carrier composed of Pluronic lecithin organogels and fatty acid vesicles was used to enhance the stability and facilitate the topical delivery of a natural bioactive drug, magnolol (Mag), for treatment of skin cancer. Jojoba oil was incorporated in the organogel (OG) base to provide a synergistic effect in treatment of skin cancer. The organoleptic properties, rheological behavior, morphology, and drug content of the OG formulations were investigated with emphasis on the impact of vesicle loading on the OG characteristics. The effect of OG on Mag release and ex-vivo permeation studies were evaluated and compared to free Mag in OG. The biological anti-tumor activity of the OG formulae was assessed using a skin cancer model in mice. All OG formulations exhibited uniform drug distribution with drug content ranging from 92.22 ±â€¯0.91 to 100.45 ±â€¯0.77 %. Rheological studies confirmed the OG shear-thinning flow behavior. Ex-vivo permeation studies demonstrated that the permeation of Mag from all OG formulations surpassed that obtained with free Mag in the OG. The anti-tumor activity studies revealed the superior efficacy of 10-hydroxy-decanoic acid (HDA)-based vesicles incorporated in OG formulations in mitigating 7,12- dimethylbenz(a)anthracene (DMBA)-induced skin cancer, thereby offering a promising platform for the local delivery of Mag.

The protective effects of some herbs on mitigating HFD-induced obesity via enhancing biochemical indicators and fertility in female rats.

The potential of plant-based diets and drugs to prevent and control obesity has been attributed to the presence of several biologically active phytochemicals. The study aimed to assess herb consumption's impact on alleviating the risks and hazards associated with obesity induced by a high-fat diet (HFD) and the promotion of fertility. Eighty rats were allocated into four distinct groups. Group 1 (G1) was provided with a basal diet and acted as the control group. Group 2 (G2) was provided with an HFD. Group 3 (G3) was provided with HFD supplemented with chia seeds and Hibiscus sabdariffa L. The fourth group of subjects was provided with HFD supplemented with Foeniculum vulgare (fennel) and Coriandrum sativum L. (coriander). The feeding session was sustained for 10 weeks, and the biochemical parameters were evaluated. The administration of Foeniculum vulgare (fennel) and Coriandrum sativum L. (coriander) (G4) resulted in a more significant reduction in all biochemical parameters compared to G3, which received a diet consisting of chia seeds and Hibiscus sabdariffa L. Additionally, the average number of embryonic lobes and the average number of offspring after birth were found to be considerably more significant in the normal control group (G1) and group (G4) compared to the HFD group (G2) and group (G3) (P < 0.01). Group 4 (G4) was administered a diet enriched with Foeniculum vulgare (fennel) and Coriandrum sativum L. (coriander), which demonstrated superior outcomes in many biochemical indicators and the promotion of fertility in obese female rats.

10-Hydroxy Decanoic Acid-Based Vesicles as a Novel Topical Delivery System: Would It Be a Better Platform Than Conventional Oleic Acid Ufasomes for Skin Cancer Treatment?

10-hydroxy decanoic acid (HDA), a naturally derived fatty acid, was used for the preparation of novel fatty acid vesicles for comparison with oleic acid (OA) ufasomes. The vesicles were loaded with magnolol (Mag), a potential natural drug for skin cancer. Different formulations were prepared using the thin film hydration method and were statistically evaluated according to a Box-Behnken design in terms of particle size (PS), polydispersity index (PDI), zeta potential (ZP), and entrapment efficiency (EE). The ex vivo skin permeation and deposition were assessed for Mag skin delivery. In vivo, an assessment of the optimized formulae using 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA)-induced skin cancer in mice was also conducted. The PS and ZP of the optimized OA vesicles were 358.9 ± 3.2 nm and -82.50 ± 7.13 mV compared to 191.9 ± 6.28 nm and -59.60 ± 3.07 mV for HDA vesicles, respectively. The EE was high (>78%) for both types of vesicles. Ex vivo permeation studies revealed enhanced Mag permeation from all optimized formulations compared to a drug suspension. Skin deposition demonstrated that HDA-based vesicles provided the highest drug retention. In vivo, studies confirmed the superiority of HDA-based formulations in attenuating DMBA-induced skin cancer during treatment and prophylactic studies.

Incidence and risk factors for postoperative gastrointestinal dysfunction occurrence after gastrointestinal procedures in US patients.

BACKGROUND: Incidence of, and potential risk factors for, postoperative gastrointestinal dysfunction (POGD) after gastrointestinal procedures performed in US hospitals were examined. METHODS: This retrospective study used hospital discharge data of inpatients who underwent ≥1 gastrointestinal procedures from 1-Jan-2016 to 30-Apr-2019. POGD incidence was calculated based on all hospitalizations for MDC-06 procedures. Predictors of POGD were assessed using multivariable logistic regression. RESULTS: POGD incidence was 5.8% among 638 611 inpatient hospitalizations. Major bowel procedures, peritoneal adhesiolysis, and appendectomy were the most notable predictors of POGD among gastrointestinal procedures assessed (adjusted odds ratios [95% confidence intervals]: 2.71 [2.59-2.83], 2.48 [2.34-2.64], and 2.15 [2.03-2.27], respectively; all p < 0.05). Procedures performed by colorectal/gastroenterology specialists (0.86 [0.84-0.89]), and those performed percutaneously (0.55 [0.54-0.56]) were associated with significantly lower odds of POGD (both P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Findings may help clinicians tailor management plans targeting patients at high-risk of POGD.

Lyophilized equine platelet-rich plasma (L-GFequina) antagonize the Reproductive toxicity and oxidative stress Induced by Cyclophosphamide in female rats.

BACKGROUND: The antineoplastic agent Cyclophosphamide (CP) induces reproductive toxicity. New strategies for protecting ovarian tissue damage in women with chemotherapy-induced reproductive toxicity are essential. This study was designed to evaluate the possible protective effect of combined treatment with L-GFequina on CP-induced reproductive toxicity in the mature female rat. METHODOLOGY: Forty mature female rats were assigned into four groups: First group, control: rats were intraperitoneally injected (IP) with 200 µl sterile saline solution on days 1 and 10; Group 2 (CP): were IP injected with 75 mg/kg on days 1 and 10 to induce POI); Group 3 (CP + L-GFequina): as in group 2 + IP injected with 200 µl rehydrated L-GFequina half-hour after CP injection on day 1 and 10); Group 4 (L-GFequina): rats were IP injected with 200 µl L-GFequina on day 1 and 10). Blood samples were collected for a complete blood picture and determinations of nitric oxide and malondialdehyde. Animals were sacrificed on Day-21, and genitalia was dissected, weighed, and fixed in 10% formalin for histopathological and morphometric evaluation. RESULTS: On day 21 of the experiment, body weight, ovarian parameters (Ovarian weight, uterine weight, the number of ovarian follicles, and corpora lutea (CL) were determined, and histopathological changes, blood profile, as well as antioxidant activity assessment, were performed. CP significantly suppresses ovarian and uterine functions and increased MAD, NO levels, RBCs, hemoglobin, WBCs, and platelet count compared to the control group ( P < 0.05). While, in CP + L-GFequina group, gross, histomorphometry parameters, blood, and biochemical markers were similar to that in the control. IP injection of L-GFequina alone significantly (P < 0.05) increased body weight, and ovarian and uterine morphometry compared with the control. CONCLUSION: co-administration of L-GFequina with CP might protect the reproductive organs in rats through its high antioxidant capacity.

Effects of Gabapentin Enacarbil on Postoperative Pain After Hip and Knee Arthroplasty: A Placebo-controlled Randomized Trial.

OBJECTIVES: Total joint arthroplasties are among the most common elective procedures performed in the United States, and they are associated with postoperative pain. Gabapentin enacarbil is a prodrug with an extended-release formulation that has been proposed for multimodal postoperative analgesia, but the drug's efficacy for major arthroplasties remains unclear. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We enrolled 60 adult patients scheduled for primary knee or hip arthroplasty expected to remain hospitalized for at least 3 days. Eligible patients were randomly assigned to placebo or gabapentin enacarbil 600 mg twice daily starting the day before surgery continuing for 3 days thereafter.The primary outcome was analyzed using a joint hypothesis framework of pain (0 to 10 verbal response scores) and cumulative opioid consumption (mg of morphine equivalent) within the first 72 hours. Secondary outcomes were nausea and vomiting, pain persisting 90 days after surgery, duration of hospitalization, and early postoperative health status using quality of recovery score (QoR-15). RESULTS: Twenty-eight patient in gabapentin enacarbil group and 32 in placebo group were analyzed. Since pain scores did not differ significantly (difference of means: -0.2 in pain scores; 95% confidence interval: -1.1, 0.7), nor did opioid consumption, conditions for joint hypothesis testing were not met. Moreover, there were no significant differences between groups for secondary outcomes. DISCUSSION: We did not identify statistically significant or clinically meaningful differences in our primary and secondary outcomes related to perioperative use of gabapentin enacarbil in patients having primary hip or knee arthroplasties.

Intraovarian Injection of Reconstituted Lyophilized Growth-Promoting Factor Extracted from Horse Blood Platelets (L-GFequina) Increases Oocytes Recovery and In Vitro Embryo Production in Holstein Cows.

The purpose of this study was to determine the impact of intraovarian injections of a reconstituted lyophilized growth-promoting factor extracted from horse blood platelets (L-GFequina) on the number of ovarian follicles, the recovery of cumulus−oocyte complexes (COCs), and embryo development to the blastocyst stage in Holstein cows. Thus, 12 Holstein cows were assigned to three protocols. According to the number of punctured follicles in protocol 1, ovum pick-up (OPU) was conducted on days 6 and 14 of the cycle (day 0 = estrus). In protocol 2, every large follicle (more than 7 mm) was removed, and 1 mL of L-GFequina was intraovarian injected (day 0). Two days later, equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG) was administered, and OPU sessions were conducted on days 6, 10, and 14. The same ovarian stimulation procedure as that in protocol 2 was performed in protocol 3, except that equine L-GFequina was not supplied. OPU was carried out on days 6 and 10 of the cycle. The results indicate that the intraovarian injection of L-GFequina significantly (p < 0.05) increased the number of OPU sessions per cycle, the recovery of cumulus−oocyte complexes (COCs), and the production of blastocysts. In conclusion, an intraovarian injection of L-GFequina can improves OPU-IVEP results in Holstein cows.

Effect of gold nanoparticles shape and dose on immunological, hematological, inflammatory, and antioxidants parameters in male rabbit.

Background and Aim: Gold nanorods (AuNRs) have gained much attention recent years due to their promising optical and chemical properties and are hence used in applied research and industrial nanotechnology. This study was designed to investigate the effect of gold nanoparticle shape (Gold nanorods vs. gold nanosphere) on immune response in rabbit. Materials and Methods: Thirty New Zealand white rabbits were divided into six groups (n=5 rabbits). The first group is the control negative received an intravenous (IV) injection of normal saline 0.9%; the second group (vaccinated) is the control positive, and the other four groups were vaccinated and received a single-dose or repeated five consecutive IV doses of 300 mg/kg body weight 50 nm AuNRs or 50 nm gold nanosphere (50 nm AuNSs) dissolved in ultrapure water. Blood and serum were collected for the hematological and biochemical analysis. Results: White blood cells (WBCs) count, lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils, and basophils showed significantly (p<0.05) higher values with the repeated-dose AuNRs. g-globulin levels showed a significant difference after 15 days in the single-dose AuNSs. Single-dose AuNSs significantly (p<0.05) increased the immunoglobulin G (IgG) and significantly (p<0.05) decreased the tumor necrosis factor-alpha. In addition, it elicited a significant (p<0.05) decrease in the malondialdehyde levels and a significant (p<0.05) increase of the superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and catalase levels. Moreover, evoked red blood cells count, mean corpuscular volume, and mean corpuscular hemoglobin were significantly (p<0.05) lower than the control group. The platelet count, lysozymes, and nitric oxide were significantly (p<0.05) higher in repeated-dose AuNRs. Conclusion: The effect of AuNPs is shape and dose-dependent. The repeated 5 days IV 50 nm AuNRs doses over 15 days showed a significant antioxidant effect, with no considerable toxicity or vascular reactions.

Effect of oxygen tension and antioxidants on the developmental competence of buffalo oocytes cultured in vitro.

AIM: Oxidative stress (OS) is one of the major disruptors of oocyte developmental competence, which appears due to the imbalance between the production and neutralization of reactive oxygen species (ROS). MATERIALS AND METHODS: In Experiment 1, buffalo oocytes were in vitro matured, fertilized, and cultured at 38.5°C under 5% CO2 + 20% O2 in standard CO2 incubator (OS) or under 5% O2 + 5% CO2 + 90% N2 (Multi-gas incubator, low O2). In Experiment 2, buffalo cumulus oocytes complexes (COCs) were matured in Basic maturation medium (BMM) composed of TCM199+ 10% FCS+ 10 µg/ml FSH+ 50 µg/ml gentamicin (control group) or in BMM supplemented with 50 µM ascorbic acid (ascorbic acid group) or 3.0 mM glutathione (glutathione group) or 10-5 M melatonin (melatonin group) and cultured at 38.5°C under 20% O2 for 24 h. Matured buffalo oocytes in control, ascorbic acid, or melatonin groups were fertilized and zygotes were cultured for 8 days under the same conditions. RESULTS: In both experiments, maturation, cleavage, and blastocyst rates were recorded. Results showed that culture of buffalo oocytes under low O2 (5% O2) significantly increased maturation, cleavage, and blastocyst rates (p<0.05). Meanwhile, under 20% O2, addition of 10-5 M melatonin or 50 µM ascorbic acid to in vitro maturation (IVM) medium significantly improved cumulus cell expansion, nuclear maturation rates of buffalo oocytes (p<0.05), and increased cleavage and blastocyst rates (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: About 5% O2 is the optimum condition for in vitro production of buffalo embryos, and addition of 10-5 M melatonin to IVM medium for oocytes cultured under 20% O2 could alleviate the adverse effect of high oxygen tension and increased embryo yield.

Effect of acute gold nanorods on reproductive function in male albino rats: histological, morphometric, hormonal, and redox balance parameters.

In this study, we investigated the effect of acute administration of gold nanorods (AuNRs) on testicular function, sexual hormones, and oxidative stress parameters in male albino rats. Forty mature male albino rats were divided into two equal groups (n = 20/each). The first group received 1 ml saline solution intraperitoneally (i.p.). The second group received single i.p. injection of 75 µg 50 nm AuNRs/kg/bwt. Five rats from each group were sacrificed on days 1, 3, 7, and 14 post treatment and blood samples were collected for hormonal and biochemical analysis. Testes were collected from each group at each time point for histopathology, morphometric, and transmission electron microscope analyses of testis and epididymis. Results indicated that i.p. injection of AuNRs did not produce any histopathological changes. Morphometric analysis of testicular samples revealed that the height of lining epithelium was significantly (P < 0.05) higher in AuNR group on days 3 and 14 post treatment, and the minor axis of seminiferous tubules was higher (P < 0.05) in AuNR-injected rats than in control group. For the epididymis, the number of spermatozoa was significantly (P < 0.05) higher on days 7 and 14 after AuNR injection when compared with control rats. AuNRs were not detected by TEM at all time points of the experiment. Serum analysis demonstrated that total and free testosterone values significantly (P < 0.05) increased on days 1, 3, 7, and 14 post AuNR injection. LH was higher (P < 0.05) in AuNRs-injected rats on days 3, 7, and 14 post injection, while FSH values were higher (P < 0.05) in AuNR group on days 3 and 14. Malondialdehyde significantly (P < 0.05) decreased on days 3, 7, and 14 in AuNR group, while catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and superoxide dismutase values were significantly (P < 0.05) elevated on days 3, 7, and 14 in AuNRs-injected rats compared with control group. In conclusion, intraperitoneal injection of 50 nm AuNRs is safe on the reproductive function and has an antioxidant action.

A Phase 3, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Evaluation of the Safety of Intravenous Meloxicam Following Major Surgery.

An intravenous (IV) formulation of meloxicam is being studied for moderate to severe pain management. This phase 3, randomized, multicenter, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial evaluated the safety of once-daily meloxicam IV 30 mg in subjects following major elective surgery. Eligible subjects were randomized (3:1) to receive meloxicam IV 30 mg or placebo administered once daily. Safety was evaluated via adverse events, clinical laboratory tests, vital signs, wound healing, and opioid consumption. The incidence of adverse events was similar between meloxicam IV- and placebo-treated subjects (63.0% versus 65.0%). Investigators assessed most adverse events as mild or moderate in intensity and unrelated to treatment. Adverse events of interest (injection-site reactions, bleeding, cardiovascular, hepatic, renal, thrombotic, and wound-healing events) were similar between groups. Over the treatment period, meloxicam IV was associated with a 23.6% (P = .0531) reduction in total opioid use (9.2 mg morphine equivalent) compared to placebo-treated subjects. The results suggest that meloxicam IV had a safety profile similar to that of placebo with respect to numbers and frequencies of adverse events and reduced opioid consumption in subjects with moderate to severe postoperative pain following major elective surgery.