Tinospora cordifolia modulates the seminal parameters, leakage of intracellular enzymes and seminal antioxidants in equilibrated and cryopreserved semen of Sahiwal bulls

The present study was undertaken to assess the effects of stem extract of Tinospora cordifolia (Giloy or Guduchi) in the semen extender on seminal parameters, leakage of intracellular enzymes and antioxidants in semen of Sahiwal bull. A total of 48 ejaculates from four bulls were selected for the study. Spermatozoa of 25×10⁶ were incubated in 100, 300 and 500 μg of stem extract of Guduchi as Gr II, III and IV, respectively and pre-freeze and post-thaw semen samples were analysed for seminal parameters (motility, viability, total sperm abnormality; TSA, plasma membrane integrity; PMI, and acrosomal integrity; AcI), intracellular enzymes (aspartate aminotransferase; AST and lactate dehydrogenase; LDH) and seminal antioxidants (superoxide dismutase; SOD and catalase) in comparison with an untreated control group (Gr I). The results revealed that stem extract treated semen had significantly (p<0.05) higher motility, viability, PMI, AcI, SOD and catalase and had significantly (p<0.05) lower TSA, AST and LDH compared to those in untreated control group at pre-freeze and post-thaw stages. Semen treated with 100 μg stem extract /25×10⁶ spermatozoa had significantly (p<0.05) higher motility, viability, PMI, AcI, SOD and catalase and had significantly (p<0.05) lower TSA, AST and LDH compared to those in control, 300, and 500 μg treated groups at pre-freeze and post-thaw stages. Further, these seminal parameters and antioxidants were showing decreasing trend and TSA and leakage of intra-cellular enzymes were showing increasing trend from Gr II to Gr IV at pre-freeze and post-thaw stages. Thus, 100 μg/25×10⁶ spermatozoa were optimum or suitable dose for cryopreservation of Sahiwal bull semen. The study concluded that T. cordifolia stem extract 100 μg/25×10⁶ spermatozoa in the semen extender can be effectively utilized to reduce the oxidative stress and improve the pre-freeze and post-thaw seminal parameters in Sahiwal bull. However, further studies on effects of different concentrations of stem extract on in-vitro or in-vivo fertility trials are to be conducted to assess the impact of the stem extract supplementation in the semen extender on field pregnancy outcome in bovine species.

Risk factors assessment of bovine tuberculosis among abattoir personnel in Gombe State, Northeastern Nigeria: A One-Health approach

Aim: Bovine tuberculosis (bTB) is an important milk-borne zoonosis that affects cattle production and poses serious threat to public health. This study aimed at assessing the risk factors as well as the level of awareness, attitude, and practices of abattoir personnel toward bTB in Gombe Township Abattoir, Gombe State. Materials and Methods: A prospective survey was conducted between October 2015 and December 2015. During the survey, a total of 112 close-ended structured questionnaires were administered to the abattoir personnel to assess their level of awareness of bTB. Results: Of these respondents, the majority were males (79%), butchers (49%) and about 40% were under the productive age brackets of 26-35 years. Majority of the respondents (85.7%) were aware of the zoonotic nature of the disease. However, only a few of the respondents (44.6%) wear personal protective equipments (PPEs) clothes while handling or in contact with carcasses during the slaughtering process. Only a few among the respondents (24.1% and 31.2%) consumed unpasteurized milk and unaware of eating of improperly cooked meat as a risk factor of bTB, respectively. About 75.7% of the respondents believed that the habit of eating and drinking inside the abattoir and during slaughtering operations has no any significant effects on their health. The results obtained show a statistically significant association between respondents' awareness of bTB and their occupational status, duration of exposure to cattle carcasses, and knowledge about the disease (p<0.05); and the odds of being aware of bTB was 10.0, 5.07, and 4.2, respectively. Conclusion: This study demonstrates the need for public health authorities to intervene in bTB prevention and control through the creation of avenues for enlightenment on the zoonotic risk associated with bTB. The risk factors associated with bTB transmission as indicated by the personnel's practice and awareness levels in Gombe township abattoir are preventable through the use of PPEs clothing.

Cadmium, carcinogen, co-carcinogen and anti carcinogen

As a stress agent, inducing apoptosis and blocking it, Cd can have both helpful and harmful effects. The atmosphere is a thin envelope which makes the worid a global village. Cd is the most toxic metal in air. As both the first and second messenger of the stress response, it is synergistically toxic with all other stressors, including many other carcinogens. Elimination of Pb and its replacement with added benzene in gasoline appears to have increased the toxicity of atmospheric Cd. With scientific understanding of the molecular basis of Cd's role in carcinogenesis and anti-carcinogenesis, primary cancer prevention can be practiced by reducing Cd and chemical air pollution and educating the public on smoke cessation, healthy eating habits and stress reduction. Using the existing information on Cd and its effects, determinations could be made on established cancers so that individualized treatment protocols can be developed to improve patient care.