Protective effects of different doses of MitoQ separately and combined with trehalose on oxidative stress and sperm function of cryopreserved Markhoz goat semen.

The mitochondria-targeted antioxidant MitoQ has been regarded as an effective antioxidant agent against cryo-induced oxidative cellular damage. This study aimed to evaluate the use of different doses of MitoQ combined with trehalose to minimize mitochondrial impairment and oxidative stress during sperm cryopreservation of Markhoz goat. For this, semen samples (n = 50) were collected by electroejaculation every 5 days from 5 bucks in 10 replicates. On each collection day, 5 ejaculates (one ejaculate for each buck) were pooled and then diluted in eight different Tris-based extenders as follows: no additives (control), 20, 200, 2000 nM of MitoQ (MT20, MT200, MT 2000, respectively), 150 mM of trehalose (Tr), MT20+Tr, MT200+Tr, MT2000+Tr. The semen samples were frozen using a standard protocol, and sperm function and oxidative stress were evaluated after thawing. The semen extender supplemented with MT200+Tr had higher (P < 0.05) total and progressive motility, acrosome and membrane integrity, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, total antioxidant capacity, and lower (P < 0.05) DNA fragmentation, malondialdehyde and intracellular hydrogen peroxide levels than the all other groups except MT200; meanwhile, MT200 was also improved (P < 0.05) in these parameters than in the control group. Furthermore, MT200 and MT200+Tr showed higher (P < 0.05) percentages of live cryopreserved sperm with high mitochondrial activity than other groups. However, abnormality percentage and catalase activity of frozen-thawed sperm were not affected by treatments (P > 0.05). To conclude, we have found that supplementation of 200 nM MitoQ alone or in combination with 150 mM trehalose to semen extender improved the quality of cryopreserved sperm in goats, which is associated with enhanced antioxidant enzymatic defense and mitochondrial activity and reduced DNA fragmentation.

Comparison of oral oxycodone and naproxen in soft tissue injury pain control: a double-blind randomized clinical trial.

OBJECTIVES: This randomized clinical trial compares the efficacy and safety of oral oxycodone (an oral opioid) with naproxen (a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug) in acute pain control in patients with soft tissue injury. It also evaluates the need for additional doses of analgesics in the first 24 hours of discharge from emergency department (ED). METHODS: Adult (>18 years old) patients with soft tissue injuries were enrolled in a teaching urban ED. Subjects were randomly allocated to receive a single dose of oral oxycodone (5 mg) or oral naproxen (250 mg). Pain scores and drugs' adverse effects were assessed before, 30 minutes, and 60 minutes after medication. OUTCOME: efficacy in pain control (reduction in pain scale >2 points) and safety (rate of side effects). The need for additional pain medication after discharge was assessed by follow-up phone call 24 hours after discharge. RESULTS: A total of 150 patients were enrolled. Pain scores were similar in oxycodone vs naproxen groups before (6.21 ± 0.9 in vs 6.0 ± 1.0), 30 minutes (4.5 ± 1.4 vs 4.4 ± 1.2), and 60 minutes (2.5 ± 1.3 in vs 2.6 ± 1.3) after medication, respectively. Twelve (16.0%) patients in oral oxycodone group and 5 (6.6%) patients in naproxen group needed more analgesics in first 24 hours after ED discharge. Adverse effects were more common in oxycodone group (statistically significant difference). The most common adverse effects in oxycodone group were nausea, (13.3%); vomiting, (8.0%); dizziness, (5.3%); drowsiness, 3 (4.0%); and pruritis, (2.7%). CONCLUSION: Oral oxycodone is as effective as naproxen in soft tissue injury pain control but has a less favorable safety profile.

Sustainable approach to control gastrointestinal nematodes using pelargonium quercetorum Agnew in goats.

The use of medicinal plants as a means of combating parasites is becoming increasingly popular due to general resistance to synthetic anthelmintics. Goats typically respond less well to anthelminthic treatments, which may increase their resistance to nematodes. For this purpose, the anthelmintic effect of Pelargonium quercetorum Agnew (P. quercetorum) extract was tested in an in vivo study against gastrointestinal parasites of goats. A total of 40 goats naturally infected with mixed gastrointestinal nematode species were divided into four groups: the first group was treated with albendazole (7.5 mg/kg), the second group received a single dose of closantel (7.5 mg/kg), the third group received plant extract (7.5 mg/kg), and the fourth group served as an untreated control. Fecal egg counts (FEC) were carried out on day 14, as well as day 0, which was prior to the first treatment dose. According to the results, maximum reduction in FEC percentage was observed in P. quercetorum treated group (63.41%). Furthermore, nematode parasites responded poorly to synthetic drugs, although there was a 4.72% and 45.54% decrease in FEC in the albendazole and closantel-treated groups, respectively. Although no significant difference was found between the treatment groups, the P. quercetorum treated group showed a significant reduction in fecal egg count after treatment. Based on findings, a P. quercetorum based anthelmintic could be a sustainable alternative to combat parasite infestation. Therefore, further studies are needed to determine the optimal dose rate and frequency of doses required for effective control of gastrointestinal parasites in goats.