Effect of asiatic acid supplementation in tris-extender on post-thaw functional competence, antioxidant enzyme activity and in vivo fertility of bull sperm

Reactive oxygen species at supra-physiological levels trigger oxidative stress during cryopreservation, which can be neutralised by incorporating suitable antioxidants into the semen extender medium. This study was intended to explore the effect of asiatic acid (AA) as an antioxidant in semen extender on frozen-thawed sperm quality and in vivo fertility of bull sperm. Semen was collected from Holstein Friesian bulls for 10 consecutive weeks (total ejaculates = 60). Semen was cryopreserved with a Tris citric acid egg yolk-based extender supplemented with 0 (control), 20, 40, 60, and 100 μM AA. The supplementation of the extender with 40 and 60 μM AA improved (p < 0.05) post-thaw motility kinematics, plasma membrane integrity, acrosome integrity, sperm viability, and DNA integrity of bull sperm. Mitochondrial membrane potential was high (p < 0.05) with 60 μM of AA concentration in extender media. The catalase activity in seminal plasma was maintained (p < 0.05) when semen was added with 20, 40, and 60 μM of AA. The in vivo fertility was found to be significantly high with the semen extended with 60 μM AA. Conclusively, this study showed that AA supplementation in semen extender significantly improved sperm motility kinematics and cell integrity, conserved antioxidant enzyme activity, and improved in vivo fertility.

In vivo studies could not confirm in vitro prophylactic synergism between Moringa essential oil and Lactobacillus reuteri (MT180537)

Abstract Aerobic vaginitis (AV) is a recently defined vaginal recurring infection, which is treated with antibiotics. However, excessive and prolonged use of antibiotics disrupts healthy vaginal microflora and leads to the emergence of antibiotic resistance among pathogens. This situation has directed researchers to explore alternative antimicrobials. The current study describes in vitro and in vivo antimicrobial efficacy and pharmaceutical interactions between plant essential oils (EOs) and five lactic acid bacteria (LABs), isolated from the healthy vagina, against E. faecalis, one of the major etiological agents of AV. In vitro experiments confirm good antimicrobial activity of both plant EOs and cell free supernatant (CFS) from LABs. Based on high antimicrobial efficacy, Moringa essential oil (MO) was selected to determine its nature of interaction with CFS of five LAB strains. Synergism was recorded between MO and CFS of L. reuteri (MT180537). To validate in vitro findings, prophylactic responses of individual and synergistic application of MO and L. reuteri (MT180537) were evaluated in an E. faecalis (MW051601) induced AV murine model. The prophylactic efficacy was evidenced by a reduction in intensity of clinical symptoms, E. faecalis (MW051601) count per vaginal tissue along with a reduction in AV associated changes in histological markers of infection in animals receiving Moringa essential oil and L. reuteri (MT180537) alone or in combination. However, significant synergism between Moringa essential oil and L. reuteri (MT180537) could not be observed. Our data confirms the importance of in vivo experiments in deducing pharmacological interactions.

Sub-1.4 cm3 capsule for detecting labile inflammatory biomarkers in situ

Transient molecules in the gastrointestinal tract such as nitric oxide and hydrogen sulfide are key signals and mediators of inflammation. Owing to their highly reactive nature and extremely short lifetime in the body, these molecules are difficult to detect. Here we develop a miniaturized device that integrates genetically engineered probiotic biosensors with a custom-designed photodetector and readout chip to track these molecules in the gastrointestinal tract. Leveraging the molecular specificity of living sensors1, we genetically encoded bacteria to respond to inflammation-associated molecules by producing luminescence. Low-power electronic readout circuits2 integrated into the device convert the light emitted by the encapsulated bacteria to a wireless signal. We demonstrate in vivo biosensor monitoring in the gastrointestinal tract of small and large animal models and the integration of all components into a sub-1.4 cm3 form factor that is compatible with ingestion and capable of supporting wireless communication. With this device, diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease could be diagnosed earlier than is currently possible, and disease progression could be more accurately tracked. The wireless detection of short-lived, disease-associated molecules with our device could also support timely communication between patients and caregivers, as well as remote personalized care.

Performance evaluation of phosphonium based deep eutectic solvents coated cerium oxide nanoparticles for CO2 capture

The critical challenge being faced by our current modern society on a global scale is to reduce the surging effects of climate change and global warming, being caused by anthropogenic emissions of CO₂ in the environment. Present study reports the surface driven adsorption potential of deep eutectic solvents (DESs) surface functionalized cerium oxide nanoparticles (CeNPs) for low pressure CO₂ separation. The phosphonium based DESs were prepared using tetra butyl phosphoniumbromide as hydrogen bond acceptor (HBA) and 6 acids as hydrogen bond donors (HBDs). The as-developed DESs were characterized and employed for the surface functionalization of CeNPs with their subsequent utilization in adsorption-based CO₂ adsorption. The synthesis of as-prepared DESs was confirmed through FTIR measurements and absence of precipitates, revealed through visual observations. It was found that DES6 surface functionalized CeNPs demonstrated 27% higher adsorption performance for CO₂ capturing. On the contrary, DES3 coated CeNPs exhibited the least adsorption progress for CO₂ separation. The higher adsorption performance associated with DES6 coated CeNPs was due to enhanced surface affinity with CO₂ molecules that must have facilitated the mass transport characteristics and resulted an enhancement in CO₂ adsorption performance. Carboxylic groups could have generated an electric field inside the pores to attract more polarizable adsorbates including CO₂, are responsible for the relatively high values of CO2 adsorption. The quadruple movement of the CO₂ molecules with the electron-deficient and pluralizable nature led to the enhancement of the interactive forces between the CO₂ molecules and the CeNPs decorated with the carboxylic group hydrogen bond donor rich DES. The current findings may disclose the new research horizons and theoretical guidance for reduction in the environmental effects associated with uncontrolled CO₂ emission via employing DES surface coated potential CeNPs.

Template-based textural modifications of polymeric graphitic carbon nitrides towards waste water treatment

The composite materials based on graphitic carbon nitrides (g-C₃N₄) are remarkably better semiconductors, but the inherent photocatalytic performance in its generic synthesis form is not up to the mark. Eminence efforts have been made to improve its performance and photocatalytic efficiencies. Recently, extensive investigations have been performed to develop their texturally modified and highly porous structures to get around the big flaws of bulk g-C₃N₄. One significant disadvantage is the increase in the polycondensation while preparation at 550 °C results in g-C₃N₄ materials with restricted specific surface area (SSA) (<10 m²/g) and no textured pores. Textural modification has emerged as an efficient and progressive way to improve optical and electronic characteristics. The final texture and shape of CN are influenced by the precursor's interaction with the template. Researchers are interested in developing CN materials with high SSA and changeable textural properties (pore volume and pore size). Based on the literature review it is concluded that the soft templating approach is relatively simple, and straightforward to induce textural changes in the g-CN type materials. This review focused on improving the textural properties of bulk g-C₃N₄ via templating method, and the major advances in the modified g-C₃N₄ materials for the treatment of wastewater. The procedures and mechanisms of numerous approaches with varying morphologies are thoroughly explained.

Knowledge, attitude, and behaviour of dentists working during the COVID-19 pandemic: A cross-sectional survey

BACKGROUND: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has immensely affected the world’s population at physical and psychosocial levels. Dentists are no different from other healthcare providers, as they are equally if not more exposed to the threat of getting infected. OBJECTIVE: To assess the experience and behavior of public and private sector dentists practicing during the COVID-19 pandemic and their knowledge about it. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was conducted online by sharing google forms through email, WhatsApp, and Facebook. The survey included questions on the knowledge, attitude, and behavior of dentists practicing during COVID-19. The data was interpreted by SPSS 24 using a chi-square test, and a value of p < 0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: A considerable number of general dentists (26.9%) and specialists (39.4%) adopted partial suspension of clinics. Restriction’s ease allowed 50.2% of the clinicians to resume their duties. 67.9% of the patients were medicated online during the lockdown phase. There was no significant difference regarding years of experience and willingness to treat/care (p-value 0.648). Personal protective equipment (PPE) was readily available for use in public or private practices, and the respondents agreed with its efficacy in protecting the operators. Compliance with PPE wear was 50% in all the respondents. CONCLUSION: The psychosocial repercussion of the pandemic continues to affect dental practices. Our attitude needs to improve as far as PPE is concerned, with regular training workshops and continuous updates of the developing Knowledge on COVID-19.

Environmental sustainability assessment of softwood and hardwood seedlings production in forest nurseries: A case study from Pakistan

This article describes the environmental impacts of producing a single seedling in forest nurseries of selected districts (i.e., Haripur, Abbottabad, and Mansehra) of Hazara Division of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan using the life cycle assessment (LCA) approach. This study was based on the cradle-to-gate approach which begins with the pre-nursery stage and progresses toward the main nursery before transplanting seedlings into the plantation site. Data or life cycle inventory (LCI) of seedling production were collected through questionnaire surveys and personal meetings with forest nurseries managers and workers regarding consumption of different inputs such as electricity, diesel, fertilizers, herbicides, and polyethylene bags, organic manure, and water consumption. The SimaPro software version 8.5 and the CML2000 v2.05 environmental model was applied to perform life cycle impact assessment (LCIA) for a single seedling production in forest nurseries in the study area. In line with the objectives of the study, primary data regarding inputs and outputs of the nurseries were collected from 35 nurseries in the study area by using a random questionnaire method. In addition, secondary data were taken from online databases such as Eco-invent v.3.2 CORRIM and peer-reviewed published literature. For this study, a functional unit of a single seedling was considered. Production weighted average data were modeled in the latest environmental modeling software i.e., SimaPro v.8.5 for ten US-EPA most wanted environmental impacts, such as global warming potential (GWP), abiotic depletion (AD), eutrophication potential (EP), acidification potential (AP), freshwater aquatic eco-toxicity (FAE), marine water eco-toxicity (MWE), terrestrial eco-toxicity (TE), ozone layer depletion (OLD), photochemical oxidation (PO), and human toxicity (HT). The results showed that the highest environmental impact posed by a single seedling was marine aquatic eco-toxicity (11.31360 kg 1,4-DB eq), followed by global warming potential (0.02945 kg CO2 eq) and (0.01227 kg 1,4-DB eq) human toxicity. The primary reason for these environmental burdens was the use of synthetic fertilizers in forest nurseries and the consumption of fossil fuels in nursery mechanization and transportation activities. The total cumulative energy demand for a single seedling was (0.800 MJ) with more than 90% contribution from fossil fuel energy resources such as petrol and diesel. It is therefore highly recommended to use renewable energy resources and organic fertilizers instead of chemical fertilizers in forest nurseries to avoid and minimize greenhouse gas emissions (GHS) and other toxic emissions in the study area.

Primary retrograde urinary drainage using image and endoscopy guidance via urostomies

AIM

To report the technical success of image and endoscopy-guided retrograde trans-urostomy urinary drainage as a primary catheter placement method performed by interventional radiology (IR).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Nine patients (15 attempted drain placements) with ureteric obstruction following radical cystectomy and urostomy creation were included. The patients were referred to IR for urinary drainage. All patients underwent primary image and endoscopy-guided retrograde trans-urostomy urinary drainage.

RESULTS

Primary image and endoscopy-guided retrograde trans-urostomy urinary drainage was successful in 13/15 (86.6%) attempts. The proposed technique had a limited complication rate omitting the percutaneous nephrostomy access step.

CONCLUSION

Primary image and endoscopy guided retrograde trans-urostomy urinary drainage should be considered before percutaneous nephrostomy in all patients with a urostomy.

Salivary Diagnosis of COVID-19

Dear Editor, It is indeed an honour for us to contribute towards the ongoing research regarding the latest contagion, Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) as caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) leading to global pandemic with variable clinical outcomes. COVID-19 positive individuals present with a variety of signs and symptoms as sore throat, cough, fever, dyspnoea, headache, myalgia, nausea, and vomiting whereas, some develop severe acute respiratory distress syndrome with a fatality rate of about 10%.1 Possible oral findings include xerostomia, hypogeusia, and chemosensory alterations. Common routes of transmission being person-to-person via direct sneeze, cough, and droplet inhalation or by contact through mucosa of eyes, nose and saliva.

What Makes People Hide Knowledge? Influence of Passive Leadership and Creative Self-Efficacy

Although numerous studies have been conducted in the field of knowledge sharing with a focus given to its importance, very little attention has been given to knowledge hiding practices. A very few studies have been found to make an attempt to figure out its impact and antecedents. Likewise, the negative role of passive leadership in the project management literature has not been evidenced enough despite its existence in project-based organizations. Both knowledge hiding and passive leadership are the highly neglected areas in the project management literature. Therefore, this study not only attempts to investigate the influence of passive leadership on knowledge hiding but also aims to explore the role of creative self-efficacy between them. IT project organizations were chosen to collect data because of their high failure rate due to an insufficient knowledge transfer. The findings of this study revealed that the neglected passive leadership greatly influences the knowledge hiding practices among individuals. However, according to the results, knowledge hiding practices are found to reduce the presence of creative self-efficacy. Thus, the antecedents of knowledge hiding should be considered to create an innovative and successful business environment. The results are highly significant not only for the field of project management but also for other practitioners.

Physiological and biochemical changes induced by Qiangdi nano-863 biological assistant growth apparatus during rice seed priming under temperature stress

A huge amount of rice cultivation and consumption occur in Asia particularly in Pakistan and China. However, multiple abiotic stresses especially high and low-temperature proved to be a substantial threat for rice production ultimately risks for food security. To overcome various types of abiotic stress; seed priming is among the effective approaches to improve the rice seed germination and growth vigor. Therefore, the present study was planned to evaluate physiological and biochemical modifications in Chinese and Pakistani rice varieties by Qiangdi 863 biological assistant growth apparatus nano treated water (NTW), Osmopriming Calcium chloride (CaCl2), redox priming hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and hormonal priming by Salicylic acid (SA) under temperature stress conditions. The experiment was performed with completely randomize design conditions. Five rice varieties, nomenclature as Zhongzoa 39, (Chinese rice variety) KSK 133, KS 282, Super basmati and PK 1121 aromatic (Pakistani rice variety) were sown under low temperature (LT) (17ºC), optimal temperature (OT) 27ºC and high temperature (HT) 37ºC conditions. The present study indicated that nanopriming were the most effective treatments increased Germination Energy Percentage (GEP) (96.1, 100, 100%), Speed of Germination (SG) (27.2, 35.45, 37.1), Final Germination Percentage (FGP) (98.2, 99.1, 99.4%), Seedling Dry Weight Biomass (DWB) (0.1, 0.137, 0.14g), Total Chlorophyll Content (0.502, 13.74, 15.21), antioxidant enzymes Superoxide Dismutase (SOD)(3145, 2559, 3345 µg-1FWh-1), Catalase (CAT) (300, 366, 3243 µg-1FWh-1) and decreased Malondialdehyde (MDA) (6.5, 12.2, 6.5 µmol g-1 FW) for Zhongzao 39 and KSK 133 rice varieties under low (LT+NTW), optimal temperature (OP+NTW) and high temperature (HT+NTW) stress., Therefore, nano-priming is recommended to cope with the high and low-temperature stress conditions along with improved productivity of rice.

Electroosmosis modulated bio flow of nanofluid through a rectangular peristaltic pump induced by complex travelling wave with zeta potential and Heat source

Electrokinetic micro peristaltic pumps are important biomechanical devices that help in targeted drugging of sick body parts. The current article is written to focus on mathematical modelling and analysis of some important aspect of such flows in a rectangular duct with wall properties. Effects of zeta potential, heat source and deby length are focused. Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) in the Newtonian base fluid is assumed as drugging material. A comparison of single-walled CNTs (SWCNTs) and multiwalled CNTs (MWCNTs) is also presented. It is considered that the walls are flexible and encapsulating the region with limited permeability. The defined flow problem is modelled and analyzed analytically for the transport of CNT-water nanofluid. It is accepted that the flow is steady, nonturbulent and propagating waves do have a considerably longer wavelength when compared to amplitude. The conditions and assumptions lead to a model of coupled partial differential equations of order two. The exact results by Eigenfunction expansion method are procured and shown accordingly. The predictions about the behaviour of important appearing parameters are displayed for SWCNT and MWCNT -water nanofluid behaviour using figures. The impact of sundry parameters is analyzed. The application of the current study involved transporting/ targeted drug delivery system using Peristaltic micropumps and magnetic field in pharmacological engineering. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Cyclic oxygen exchange capacity of Ce-doped V2O5 materials for syngas production via high-temperature thermochemical-looping reforming of methane

Synthesis gas production via solar thermochemical reduction-oxidation reactions is a promising pathway towards sustainable carbon-neutral fuels. The redox capability of oxygen carriers with considerable thermal and chemical stability is highly desirable. In this study, we report Ce-doped V₂O₅ structures for high-temperature thermochemical-looping reforming of methane coupled to H₂O and CO₂ splitting reactions. Incorporation of fractional amounts of large cerium cations induces a V⁵⁺ to V³⁺ transition and partially forms a segregated CeVO₄ phase. More importantly, the effective combination of efficient ion mobility of cerium and high oxygen exchange capacity of vanadia achieves synergic and cyclable redox performance during the thermochemical reactions, whereas the pure vanadia powders undergo melting and show non-cyclic redox behaviour. These materials achieve noteworthy syngas production rates of up to 500 mmol mol_V⁻¹ min⁻¹ during the long-term stability test of 100 CO₂ splitting cycles. Interestingly, the cerium ions are mobile between the lattice and the surface of the Ce-doped vanadia powders during the repeated reduction and oxidation reactions and contribute towards the cyclic syngas production. However, this also causes the formation of the CeVO₄ phase in Ce-rich powders, which increases the H₂/CO ratios and lowers fuel selectivity, which can be controlled by optimizing the cerium concentration. These findings are noteworthy towards the experimental approach of evaluating the oxygen carriers with the help of advanced characterization techniques.

Cerium doping into the V₂O₅ lattice forms a reversible V₂O₃/VO redox pair after sequential methane partial oxidation and CO₂/H₂O splitting reactions and produces syngas (H₂, CO) with fast rates and high oxygen exchange capacity.

Circulating and Endometrial Regulatory T Cell and Related Populations in Endometriosis and Infertility: Endometriosis Is Associated with Blunting of Endometrial Cyclical Effects and Reduced Proportions in Moderate-Severe Disease

Evidence to date supports regulatory T cell (Treg) alterations in endometriosis; however, the relationship remains unclear, and Tregs have not previously been investigated with respect to infertility in endometriosis. This prospective cross-sectional cohort study details circulating and endometrial tissue-specific disturbances in Tregs and broader gated populations in women of reproductive age with and without endometriosis (n = 57 and 29, respectively) using flow cytometry and immunohistochemistry. Participants were characterised by menstrual cycle phase, r-ASRM endometriosis disease stage and fertility status.In the endometrium of women with endometriosis, endometrial Tregs and CD4+ lymphocyte proportions did not change between the proliferative and secretory phases, while in women without the disease, they significantly decreased (p = 0.045 and p = 0.039, respectively). In women with endometriosis, endometrial Tregs were lower than in women without endometriosis overall (p = 0.050 as a proportion of all CD45+ immune cells). We have shown for the first time that proportions of CD4+ lymphocytes (p = 0.021), overall lymphocytes (p = 0.034) and non-granulocytes (p = 0.027) were significantly decreased in the endometrium of women with moderate-severe (r-ASRM stages III and IV) compared to minimal-mild (r-ASRM stages I and II) endometriosis. During the secretory phase, circulating Treg proportions were significantly increased in infertile compared to fertile women (p = 0.049). This study confirms differences in endometrial Tregs in women with endometriosis, with blunting of normal menstrual cyclical variations, reduced proportions during the proliferative phase and disease stage-specific relationships.

55 Donor age has the least influence on recovery, quality, and in vitro developmental competence of ovum pickup–based Holstein Friesian oocytes under subtropical conditions

The use of oocytes obtained from younger donors for invitro fertilization followed by embryo transfer represents an opportunity to accelerate genetic gain by reducing generation interval. The present study was designed to evaluate the effect of age of donor on the follicular population, recovery, quality and invitro developmental competence of ovum pickup based Holstein Friesian oocytes under subtropical conditions. A total of eight (n=8) Holstein Friesian (with proper oestrus cyclicity) were selected for the study and divided into 2 groups based on animal age: (1) heifers (n=4), 1.5 to 2 years of age, and (2) adults (n=4), 5 to 6 years of age. The study was conducted near Lahore (31°33′ N, 74°19′ E), Punjab, Pakistan, from November 2019 to February 2020. The animals were wave synchronized using the physiological method of wave synchronization. After 4 days of second dominant follicle puncture, the first ovum pickup was carried out and a total of nine (n=9) OPU sessions were held for each group. The COCs from the follicles were aspirated using a transvaginal ultrasound–guided needle. Following searching and grading, COCs of grade A, B and C were processed for IVM in 100-µL droplets of BO-IVM under mineral oil at 37°C, 5% CO2, and 95% humidity for 24h. The frozen semen of a high-pedigree bull was thawed at 37°C and observed for post-thaw sperm motility. The semen samples of the same bull having motility &gt;50% were processed using the sperm swim-up method throughout the study. The IVF was carried out by placing the COCs and required amount of sperm in 100-µL droplets of BO-IVF at similar conditions for a maximum of 18h. The presumptive zygotes were denuded by gentle pipetting and cultured for a period of 7 days after placing in 100-µL drops of BO-IVC at 37°C, 5% CO2, 5% O2, and maximum humidity. The presumptive zygotes were observed for cleavage rate and blastocyst rate on Days 2 and 7 following COCs-sperm co-incubation. Data on the follicular population, oocytes recovered, and viable oocytes were analysed by the PROC GLIMMIX of SAS (SAS Institute Inc.), and proportional data were analysed by the Chi-squared method using SAS 9.1. COCs of grade AB (35.2 vs. 25.4%) were higher (P&gt;0.05) in the adult group than in the heifer group, respectively. Similarly, COCs with grade CD (57.5 vs. 71.9%) were lower (P&lt;0.05) in the adult group compared with the heifer group, respectively. However, the total follicles (6.55±0.42 vs. 6.39±0.39), number of COCs recovered (3.33±0.32 vs. 3.17±0.41), viable oocytes (3.08±0.29 vs. 3.08±0.39), cleavage rate (60.3 vs. 68.7%), and blastocyst rate (38.7 vs. 48.8%) did not differ (P&gt;0.05) between the groups. To conclude, donor age up to third lactation, under subtropical conditions, does not affect invitro embryo production in Holstein Friesian undergoing repeated OPU.

54 Effect of clinical endometritis on the follicle growth dynamics, oocyte recovery, oocyte quality, and invitro developmental competence of oocytes using ovum pickup in Sahiwal cattle

Sahiwal cattle is the premium quality milk breed of cattle in Pakistan. Uterine infections often lead to culling of valuable animals from a herd, resulting in genetic drain. The genetic potential of problematic females could be reaped by invitro embryo production. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effect of clinical endometritis on follicle growth dynamics, recovery, quality, and invitro developmental competence of oocytes using ovum pickup (OPU) in Sahiwal cattle. The animals, 5–7 years of age, third or fourth parity, and 160 to 170 days in milk (DIM), were inspected for any discharge at the vulva or inside the vagina. Then, B-mode ultrasonography was performed to measure the diameter of cervix and to examine the uterus for the presence of pus. The animals (n=12) were divided into 2 groups: (1) healthy (n=6), and (2) clinical endometritis (n=6), based on the presence or absence of pus at the vulva or in the vagina. The first OPU was performed after 7 days of dominant follicle puncture and subsequently repeated OPUs (54 and 50), after every 7 days over 9 OPU sessions, were performed in the healthy group and clinical endometritis group, respectively. Follicles were aspirated using transvaginal ultrasound–guided needle. Viable COCs were considered for further processing only and were placed in the 100-µL droplets of BO-IVM medium and incubated at 37°C, 5% CO2, and 95% humidity for 24h. Nuclear maturation was estimated by staining the oocytes with Hoechst 33342. Frozen semen from the same Sahiwal bull was thawed and processed for IVF throughout the study. Sperm were prepared using swim-up protocol. Sperm and COCs were co-incubated in 100-µL droplets of BO-IVF for 18h. Finally, presumptive zygotes were cultured in 100-µL drops of BO-IVC medium at 37°C, 5% CO2, 5% O2, and 95% humidity for a period of 7 days. Cleavage rate and blastocyst rate were recorded on Day 2 and 7 following IVF, respectively. The data were analysed using the GLIMMIX procedure of SAS (SAS Institute Inc.). The results revealed that the number of medium-sized follicle (1.32±0.11 vs. 0.56±0.11) and total follicles (9.14±0.70 vs. 6.58±0.72) were higher (P&lt;0.05) in the healthy group than in the clinical endometritis group, respectively. Similarly, the number of oocytes recovered (5.05±0.39 vs. 2.78±0.41), viable oocytes (2.87±0.25 vs. 1.46±0.26), COCs with grade AB, having minimum of 2 cumulus cell layers and homogeneous cytoplasm, (33 vs. 20%) and nuclear maturation (68 vs. 55%) were also higher (P&lt;0.05) in the healthy group than in the clinical endometritis group, respectively. However, cleavage rate (55 vs. 46%) and blastocyst rate (29 vs. 26%) did not differ (P&gt;0.05) between the groups. In conclusion, clinical endometritis has a negative effect on follicle growth dynamics, oocyte recovery, oocyte quality, and nuclear maturation; however, the developmental competence of COCs is not compromised by it.

International Nosocomial Infection Control Consortium (INICC) report, data summary of 45 countries for 2012-2017: Device-associated module

BACKGROUND

We report the results of International Nosocomial Infection Control Consortium (INICC) surveillance study from January 2012 to December 2017 in 523 intensive care units (ICUs) in 45 countries from Latin America, Europe, Eastern Mediterranean, Southeast Asia, and Western Pacific.

METHODS

During the 6-year study period, prospective data from 532,483 ICU patients hospitalized in 242 hospitals, for an aggregate of 2,197,304 patient days, were collected through the INICC Surveillance Online System (ISOS). The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention-National Healthcare Safety Network (CDC-NHSN) definitions for device-associated health care-associated infection (DA-HAI) were applied.

RESULTS

Although device use in INICC ICUs was similar to that reported from CDC-NHSN ICUs, DA-HAI rates were higher in the INICC ICUs: in the medical-surgical ICUs, the pooled central line-associated bloodstream infection rate was higher (5.05 vs 0.8 per 1,000 central line-days); the ventilator-associated pneumonia rate was also higher (14.1 vs 0.9 per 1,000 ventilator-days,), as well as the rate of catheter-associated urinary tract infection (5.1 vs 1.7 per 1,000 catheter-days). From blood cultures samples, frequencies of resistance, such as of Pseudomonas aeruginosa to piperacillin-tazobactam (33.0% vs 18.3%), were also higher.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite a significant trend toward the reduction in INICC ICUs, DA-HAI rates are still much higher compared with CDC-NHSN's ICUs representing the developed world. It is INICC's main goal to provide basic and cost-effective resources, through the INICC Surveillance Online System to tackle the burden of DA-HAIs effectively.

Concentration-Dependent Solar Thermochemical CO2/H2O Splitting Performance by Vanadia-Ceria Multiphase Metal Oxide Systems

The effects of V and Ce concentrations (each varying in the 0–100% range) in vanadia–ceria multiphase systems are investigated for synthesis gas production via thermochemical redox cycles of CO₂ and H₂O splitting coupled to methane partial oxidation reactions. The oxidation of prepared oxygen carriers is performed by separate and sequential CO₂ and H₂O splitting reactions. Structural and chemical analyses of the mixed-metal oxides revealed important information about the Ce and V interactions affecting their crystal phases and redox characteristics. Pure CeO₂ and pure V₂O₅ are found to offer the lowest and highest oxygen exchange capacities and syngas production performance, respectively. The mixed-oxide systems provide a balanced performance: their oxygen exchange capacity is up to 5 times higher than that of pure CeO₂ while decreasing the extent of methane cracking. The addition of 25% V to CeO₂ results in an optimum mixture of CeO₂ and CeVO₄ for enhanced CO₂ and H₂O splitting. At higher V concentrations, cyclic carbide formation and oxidation result in a syngas yield higher than that for pure CeO₂.

193 Effect of clinical metritis on oocyte recovery, oocyte quality, and early invitro developmental competence of embryos in Bos indicus dairy cattle

Unhygienic practices at the time of parturition or AI lead to uterine infections. The uterine infections ultimately result in genetic drain by culling the elite animals. The invivo developmental competence of embryos is compromised in clinically metritic animals. The genetic potential of problematic females could be harvested by invitro embryo production (IVEP). Therefore, the objective of the present study was to evaluate the effect of clinical metritis on oocyte recovery, oocyte quality, and early invitro developmental competence of embryos in Bos indicus dairy cattle. This experiment was carried out from December 2017 to April 2018. Ovaries were collected from a local abattoir (Bos indicus; 5- to 8-year-old dairy cattle, body condition score 2.75±0.25, mixed parity). These ovaries (n=982) were divided into two groups: (1) clinically metritic (n=184), and (2) healthy (n=798), based upon the presence or absence of pus in the uterine lumen. Oocytes were aspirated from follicles using an 18G needle attached to a 10-mL syringe. Cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) were categorized into A, B, C, and D grades based on the number of layers of cumulus cells and integrity of ooplasm. The oocytes of grades A and B were subsequently transferred in groups (10/group) in four-well plates containing 100-μL droplets. The droplets with oocytes were covered with prewarmed mineral oil and incubated for 24h at 38.5°C, 5% CO2, and 95% relative humidity. The oocytes were evaluated for IVM on the basis of cumulus expansion. Frozen semen was thawed and prepared using the sperm swim-up procedure for each group. Spermatozoa and oocytes were incubated together for a period of 18h. The presumptive zygotes were invitro cultured for 4 days in a CO2 incubator under similar culture conditions. The cleavage rate, 4-cell, and 8-cell stages were recorded on Days 2, 3, and 4 after the day of insemination, respectively. Data on oocyte recovery, oocyte quality, IVM, cleavage rate, and 4-cell and 8-cell stages were analysed by Chi-squared test using SPSS software (version 20; IBM Corp.) for Windows. Results demonstrated that recovery rate was lower (63.8% vs. 71.7%; P&lt;0.05) in clinically metritic compared with healthy cattle. Similarly, oocytes of grade A and B quality were lower (41.0% vs. 51.1%; P&lt;0.05), whereas those of C and D quality were higher (59.0% vs. 48.9%; P&lt;0.05) in clinically metritic compared with the healthy group. Moreover, 4-cell (38.2% vs. 54.8%) and 8-cell stage embryos (11.3% vs. 29.1%), were lower (P&lt;0.05) in the clinically metritic compared with the healthy group, respectively. However, maturation rate and cleavage rate did not differ (P&gt;0.05) between groups. In conclusion, metritis in slaughterhouse ovaries negatively affects oocyte recovery rate, oocyte quality, and early invitro developmental competence of embryos in Bos indicus dairy cattle.

Fractionation of Lignocellulosic Biomass over Core-Shell Ni@Al2 O3 Catalysts with Formic Acid as a Cocatalyst and Hydrogen Source

Highly dispersed, core-shell Ni@Al₂ O₃ on activated carbon (AC) catalysts were prepared to develop an effective, external-hydrogen-free fractionation process for various types of lignocellulosic biomass. In a mixture of formic acid, ethanol, and water at 190 °C, the conversion of oak wood produced 23.4 C% lignin-derived phenolic monomers (LDPMs) and highly delignified pulp-rich solid. At an early stage, formic acid acted as a cocatalyst to enhance the delignification by solvolysis, and at a later stage, it acted as a hydrogen source to stabilize the phenolic monomers by hydrodeoxygenation and hydrogenation. Based on the positive correlation between spillover hydrogen on the catalysts and LDPM yields, a new suite of catalyst design criteria was proposed to develop highly active, non-noble-metal based catalysts for realizing economically viable biorefineries. Enzymatic saccharification of the pulp-rich solid indicated that the pulp-rich solid is an excellent source of fermentable sugars.