FRESH AND CRYOPRESERVED SEMEN CHARACTERISTICS OF BUFFALO BULLS AS INFLUENCED BY MELATONIN IMPLANTATION

This study explored the effect of melatonin implantation on the fresh and cryopreserved semen quality of Iraqi buffalo bulls (Bubalus bubalis). Nine adult bulls were used and divided equally into three groups. The first group was left without treatment and regarded as control (T1), whereas the second (T2) and third (T3) groups were subcutaneously implanted with 72 and 90 mg of melatonin respectively on the left ear base and repeated one month post the first implantation. Semen was collected for 12 weeks and evaluated weekly for fresh, cooling, and post-cryopreserved (PC) protocols. The T3 group exhibited a higher (P≤0.05) sperm cell individual motility percentage, whereas, the T1 and T2 groups recorded better (P≤0.05) sperm acrosome integrity percentage for fresh semen. A lesser (P≤0.05) total sperm abnormality (TSA) percentage in the T2 and T3 groups and a greater (P≤0.05) sperm acrosome integrity (SAI) percentage in the T3 group were noticed during the cooling preservation. Moreover, the T3 group exhibited a lesser (P≤0.05) TSA percentage whereas, the T2 and T3 groups revealed a leaser (P≤0.05) SAI percentage during the PC period. Concomitantly, lower (P≤0.05) PC malondialdehyde concentration in seminal plasma was observed in the T2 and T3 groups than control group. In conclusion, the melatonin implantation (72 and 90 mg) ameliorated some fresh and PC semen attributes of the Iraqi buffalo bulls

ASSOCIATION BETWEEN ATP1A1 GENE POLYMORPHISMS WITH SEMEN CHARACTERISTICS IN HOLSTEIN BULLS

This study was conducted to identify the polymorphism of ATP1A1 gene, distribution ratios, and its association with semen characteristics of Holstein bulls. Twenty-five Holstein bulls were used currently. Blood samples were collected via venipuncture to separate the DNA and identify the polymorphism of the ATP1A1 gene. Semen was collected using an artificial vagina for fresh evaluation. Results were showed the change of cytosine (C) nucleotide at site 15738 to adenine (A) at the exon 17 (SNP C15738A) of the ATP1A1 gene. Two polymorphisms were obtained according to this change, the first is wild (CC; allele frequency 0.84), and the second is heterogeneous (CA; allele frequency 0.16). The CC polymorphism of the ATP1A1 gene exhibited a highly significant (p<0.01) superiority for ejaculate volume, sperm concentration, and mass activity, and for sperm’s cell individual motility (p<0.05), compared with the CA polymorphism of Holstein bulls. The other semen characteristics did not differ between the two mentioned polymorphisms. This polymorphism exhibited obvious semen characteristics despite stress conditions of feed shortage and poor management practices accompanied with the covid-19 pandemic. This gene can be used to predict the fertility and stress resistance of bulls before they reach sexual maturity and its reflection on the economic return of breeding these bulls at the artificial insemination centers

METABOLITES AND SEMEN CHARACTERISTICS IN DIFFERENT BULLS FERTILITY

This study was investigated the relationship between Holstein bulls' fertility with some biomarkers (amino، fatty، and organic acids) and semen characteristics. The study included exploring the relationship among the fertility of Holstein bulls، several biomarkers، and semen characteristics in straws (20-25 straws/bull) preserved for three years. The cows were artificially inseminated (9-10 cows/bull) from semen. Based on the fertility rate، the bulls were divided into three groups، the first bulls of medium fertility (˂65%)، the second of good fertility (65-79%)، and the third of high fertility (>80%). The semen characteristics were evaluated، and the concentration of some amino acids and organic fatty acids was measured in the seminal plasma of bulls using gas chromatography and HPLC. The results revealed significant differences in the fertility rate among the different groups of bulls in favor of the highly fertile bulls. The results did not show any differences in most of the characteristics of the semen، except for a significant increase in the percentage of live sperm in good bulls compared to highly fertile ones. There were no significant differences for all the concentrations of carboxylic and most amino and fatty acids concentrations، except for an increase in the concentration of glycine acid (P˂0.05) and a decrease in the concentration of omega 9 (P˂0.05) in the highly fertile bulls compared to the medium fertile ones. In conclusion، glycine and omega-9 in the seminal plasma of bulls can be regarded as biomarkers of their fertility and the level of carboxylic acids (volatile fatty acids) can be adopted as an indicator of semen quality or energy level in the die

SOME FATTY ACID AND SEMEN CHARACTERISTICS OF HOLSTEIN BULLS AS INLUENCED BY DIFFERENT SPERM FREEZABALITY

This study was conducted to investigate the relationship between the concentration of some fatty acids in seminal plasma and semen characteristics of Holstein bulls with different sperm freezabilities. The semen straws that cryopreserved for two years were divided into three groups according to the sperm’s freezability: medium (MF,73.02%), good (GF,83.76%), and high (HF,91.20%). The sperm’s cell individual motility (SCIM) in fresh semen was superior (P≤0.05) in bulls with MF and GF as compared with HF bulls. Concomitantly, the HF bulls were significantly (P≤0.05) superior to those MF bulls in total fatty acid concentrations. Moreover, HF bulls recorded lesser (P≤0.05) DNA damage percentage as compared with those of GF bulls.  The differences among the three groups in concentrations of some fatty acid and SCIM at 48 hours and two years post-cryopreservation lacked significance. In conclusion, greater SCIM in bull's fresh semen recorded the lowest freezability, which indicated more sensitivity to freezing conditions and may reflect fertilizing ability of these bulls.  

EFFECT OF PRE- AND POST-MATING VITAMINS AD3E TREATMENT ON REPRODUCTIVE PERFORMANCE OF AWASSI EWES

This study was designed to investigate the influence of pre-estrus (PE) synchronization and post-mating (PM) vitamins AD3E treatment on the reproductive performance of Awassi ewes raised at four Iraqi provinces. Seventy six Awassi ewes were randomly divided within each province into two groups. The first group (n=15, except for Karbala, n= 11) were im injected with five AD3E injections (150 IU / dose), biweekly interval. The 1st injection was 1.5 months PM, while the 2nd and 3rd injections were at the time of progestagen-impregnated vaginal sponges insertion. The 4th injection was at the time of the vaginal sponge’s removal, whereas the 5th injection was 14 days PM. The control group (n=5) was intramuscularly injected with 5 ml normal saline at similar periods. The AD3E groups exhibited higher (P≤0.01) fertility and conception rates as compared to the control groups in Al-Najaf and Karbala provinces. Higher (P≤0.01) lambing rate and liter size were noticed in AD3E groups than those of the control group for all provinces. In conclusion, pre-estrus synchronization and post-mating vitamin AD3E treatment improved the reproductive performance of Awassi ewes

A population-based study of 15,000 people on Knowledge and awareness of lung cancer symptoms and risk factors in Saudi Arabia

Background: Lung cancer is currently the most fatal form of cancer worldwide, ranking as the fourth most prevalent type in Saudi Arabia, particularly among males. This trend is expected to increase with growing population, lifestyle changes, and aging population. Understanding the awareness of the Saudi population regarding the risk factors and symptoms of lung cancer is necessary to attenuate the predicted increase in cases. Method: A cross-sectional, population-based survey was performed using a previously validated questionnaire (Lung CAM). Multiple linear regression analysis was used to assess variables associated with deficiency in knowledge and awareness of risk factors and symptoms of lung cancer. Results: Majority of the 15,099 respondents were male (65%), aged between 18 and 30 years (53%), 50% of which were educated up to a bachelor’s degree level. Overall awareness of lung cancer signs and symptoms was 53%, with painful cough and coughing up blood being the best-known symptoms. Conversely, persistent shoulder pain (44%) and clubbing fingers (47%) were the least known lung cancer symptoms. Also, 60% of the respondents showed low confidence in identifying the signs and symptoms of lung cancer. The overall awareness of the risk factors for lung cancer development was 74%, with first-hand (74%) and second-hand (68%) smoking being the most known risk factors. However, only ≤ 62% know the other non-smoking risk factors. Awareness of the risk factors and symptoms of lung cancer depended on age, gender, education, marital and employment status (p &lt; 0.001). Conclusion: Public awareness of the risk factors and symptoms of lung cancer in Saudi Arabia is inadequate and heavily dependent on education and socio-economic status. Awareness can be improved through campaigns to raise awareness about other lesser-known lung cancer risk factors and symptoms

A population-based study of 15,000 people on Knowledge and awareness of lung cancer symptoms and risk factors in Saudi Arabia

Background: Lung cancer is currently the most fatal form of cancer worldwide, ranking as the fourth most prevalent type in Saudi Arabia, particularly among males. This trend is expected to increase with growing population, lifestyle changes, and aging population. Understanding the awareness of the Saudi population regarding the risk factors and symptoms of lung cancer is necessary to attenuate the predicted increase in cases. Method: A cross-sectional, population-based survey was performed using a previously validated questionnaire (Lung CAM). Multiple linear regression analysis was used to assess variables associated with deficiency in knowledge and awareness of risk factors and symptoms of lung cancer. Results: Majority of the 15,099 respondents were male (65%), aged between 18 and 30 years (53%), 50% of which were educated up to a bachelor’s degree level. Overall awareness of lung cancer signs and symptoms was 53%, with painful cough and coughing up blood being the best-known symptoms. Conversely, persistent shoulder pain (44%) and clubbing fingers (47%) were the least known lung cancer symptoms. Also, 60% of the respondents showed low confidence in identifying the signs and symptoms of lung cancer. The overall awareness of the risk factors for lung cancer development was 74%, with first-hand (74%) and second-hand (68%) smoking being the most known risk factors. However, only ≤ 62% know the other non-smoking risk factors. Awareness of the risk factors and symptoms of lung cancer depended on age, gender, education, marital and employment status (p &lt; 0.001). Conclusion: Public awareness of the risk factors and symptoms of lung cancer in Saudi Arabia is inadequate and heavily dependent on education and socio-economic status. Awareness can be improved through campaigns to raise awareness about other lesser-known lung cancer risk factors and symptoms

Value of hospital antimicrobial stewardship programs [ASPs]:a systematic review

Abstract Background Hospital antimicrobial stewardship programs (ASPs) aim to promote judicious use of antimicrobials to combat antimicrobial resistance. For ASPs to be developed, adopted, and implemented, an economic value assessment is essential. Few studies demonstrate the cost-effectiveness of ASPs. This systematic review aimed to evaluate the economic and clinical impact of ASPs. Methods An update to the Dik et al. systematic review (2000–2014) was conducted on EMBASE and Medline using PRISMA guidelines. The updated search was limited to primary research studies in English (30 September 2014–31 December 2017) that evaluated patient and/or economic outcomes after implementation of hospital ASPs including length of stay (LOS), antimicrobial use, and total (including operational and implementation) costs. Results One hundred forty-six studies meeting inclusion criteria were included. The majority of these studies were conducted within the last 5 years in North America (49%), Europe (25%), and Asia (14%), with few studies conducted in Africa (3%), South America (3%), and Australia (3%). Most studies were conducted in hospitals with 500–1000 beds and evaluated LOS and change in antibiotic expenditure, the majority of which showed a decrease in LOS (85%) and antibiotic expenditure (92%). The mean cost-savings varied by hospital size and region after implementation of ASPs. Average cost savings in US studies were $732 per patient (range:$2.50 to $2640), with similar trends exhibited in European studies. The key driver of cost savings was from reduction in LOS. Savings were higher among hospitals with comprehensive ASPs which included therapy review and antibiotic restrictions. Conclusions Our data indicates that hospital ASPs have significant value with beneficial clinical and economic impacts. More robust published data is required in terms of implementation, LOS, and overall costs so that decision-makers can make a stronger case for investing in ASPs, considering competing priorities. Such data on ASPs in lower- and middle-income countries is limited and requires urgent attention

EFFECT OF SWIM-UP AND GLASS WOOL TECHNIQUES, WITH ADDING ANTIOXIDANTS TO TRIS EXTENDER ON IMPROVING POST-CRYOPRESERVED SOME SEMEN ATTRIBUTES OF LOW SEMEN QUALITY FOR HOLSTEIN BULLS

This study was conducted to investigate the effect of swim-up and glass wool as sperm separation techniques with adding vitamin E and superoxide dismutase (SOD) to Tris extender on improving some post-cryopreserved semen quality for Holstein bulls. Low and good of semen were extended using Tris extender. Good semen quality (GSQ) was divided into 3 groups (L1; Tris extender, L2; 2 mM vitamin E, L3; 200 IU SOD) Low semen quality (LSQ) was divided into two main groups, and subdivided into 3 sub-groups (L4; Tris extender, L5; 2 mM vitamin E, L6; 200 IU SOD). In the second main group, swim-up and glass wool techniques were used with adding vitamin E and SOD and subdivided into 3 sub-groups with each technique, and referred to L7, L8 and L9 for swim-up technique and L10, L11 and L12 for glass wool technique. Improving sperms’ cell motility and live sperm and reducing total sperms’ abnormalities percentages of low semen quality were noticed using swim-up and glass wool techniques were used with adding vitamin E and SOD.  In conclusion, glass wool filtration separates out dead, abnormal and immotile sperm cells, a good sperm harvested by this technique.

SYNERGISTIC EFFECT OF SPERM FILTRATION TECHNIQUES AND ANTIOXIDANTS ADDED TO EXTENDER OF IRAQI BUFFALO SEMEN

This study investigated the synergistic effect of glass wool and sephadex sperm filtration techniques on improving the low semen quality of buffalo bulls with or without antioxidants. Semen was collected for 14 weeks, evaluated weekly, and divided into 12 groups. Good and low semen have extended using a Tris extender. Good semen quality is divided into three groups [S1: Tris extender; S2: Tris + vitamins E (2 mM) and C (5 mM); S3: Tris + glutamine (20 mM) and arginine (1 mM)]. Low semen quality was divided into three main groups and subdivided into three sub-groups (S4; Tris extender; S5: Tris +vitamins E (2 mM) and C (5 mM); S6: Tris + glutamine (20 mM) and arginine (1 mM)). In the 2nd and 3rd main groups, glass wool and sephadex techniques are used with or without adding vitamins (E+C) and amino acids (Glutamine and arginine) and subdivided into three sub-groups with each technique, referred to as S7–S9 for glass wool and S10–S12 for sephadex techniques. Improving (P<0.01) motility, normal morphology, acrosome, and plasma membrane integrity and reducing total sperm abnormalities of low semen quality were noticed using sephadex with or without adding vitamins or amino acids post-cryopreservation. In conclusion, the sephadex technique removed immotile sperm, dead, abnormal, and good sperm harvested by this technique, which in turn may reflect positively on improving the pregnancy rate