Evaluation of carboxylated poly l-lysine for cryopreservation of Labeo rohita sperm

Carboxylated poly l-lysine (CPLL) is an anti-freeze agent having pronounced non-permeating yet membrane stabilizing cryoprotective capabilities. The objective was to evaluate the CPLL supplementation in extender in terms of post thaw quality (sperm), total antioxidant activity (milt) and fertilization potential of cryopreserved Labeo rohita sperm. For this purpose, male brood fish reared at fish seed hatchery, Rawal Town Islamabad, Pakistan were captured from different rearing ponds and acclimatized in hatchery ponds for 6 hours. The brooder were injected with Ovaprim (0.2 ml/kg), milt was collected after 8 hours in cooled sterilized falcon tubes, maintained at 4°C and evaluated for sperm motility. The milt collected from three brooders (n=3) was diluted in extenders viz., modified Kurokura-2 extender having 10% methanol (control); experimental extenders with CPLL supplementation at the rate of 0.5%, 1% and 1.5%. Diluted milt was filled in 0.5ml straws, exposed to liquid nitrogen vapors and cryopreserved. Cryopreserved milt was thawed at 25⁰ C and assessed for post-thaw sperm quality. Sperm motility, motility duration, viability, total antioxidant capacity and DNA integrity was significantly higher (P<0.05) in extender having 1.5% CPLL than control. To evaluate the fertilization rates, male and female brooders were injected with Ovaprim at 0.2ml/Kg and 0.5ml/Kg body weight respectively. Fresh eggs and milt were collected through abdominal stripping. Batches of 10g of eggs from each female (n=2) were fertilized with one straw, each from frozen sperm with KE+methanol (control), KE+methanol+1.5% CPLL and 50 μl fresh milt (negative control). After 1.5 hours of fertilization, eggs were collected from all jars and a total of 200 eggs were counted. The fertilized eggs appeared clear and transparent while unfertilized eggs looked opaque with disintegrated nucleus. Sperm fertilization rate (%) was higher (P<0.05) in extender KE+methanol+1.5%CPLL (78.7±0.5) compared to control (KE+methanol) (52.0±0.4) however, it was lower compared to that of negative control, the fresh milt (85.2±0.6). In conclusion, supplementation of carboxylated poly l-lysine (1.5%) to modified Kurokura-2 extender having 10% methanol improves post thaw motility, motility duration, viability, DNA integrity, anti-oxidant capacity (milt) and fertilizing ability of cryopreserved L. rohita sperm.

Pregnancy and Calving Rates Improved By Using Modified Swim Up Method For Buffalo Semen Sexing

Present study aimed to evaluate field fertility rate and calf sex ratio of Nili Ravi buffalo semen sexed through modified swim-up method (Husna et al., 2017). For this purpose, five mature Nili-Ravi buffalo bulls kept at semen production unit, Qadirabad, Pakistan, were selected. Two consecutive ejaculates per week were collected with artificial vaginą for three weeks. Qualified semen ejaculates were pooled and divided into two aliquots. The first aliquot was processed by routine procedure (control), while the second was processed by modified swim-up technique. After separation, semen was diluted in tris-citric acid extender and cryopreserved using standard techniques. Sexed semen was evaluated for fertility trials during peak breeding season. Artificially inseminated animals were examined for pregnancy rate through rectal palpation at least 3 months after insemination under field conditions. Calving ratio of female and male calves were recoded after Parturition. The fertility rate was higher (P<0.05) in X sorted sperm (70%) as compared to control (47%). The female calf ratio was higher (P<0.05) in X sorted sperm (78.58%) compared to control (53.3%). In Conclusion, conception rate and production of female calf was significantly higher with sexed semen separated through modified swim-up method compared to unsexed control.

Synergistic impact of α-linolenic acid and α-tocopherol on in vitro maturation and culture of buffalo oocytes

The objective of the current study was to investigate the synergistic impact of α-Tocopherol and α-Linolenic acid (100 µM) on IVM and IVC of Nili Ravi buffalo oocytes. Oocytes were obtained from the ovaries of slaughtered buffaloes within two hours after slaughter and brought to laboratory. Buffalo cumulus oocyte complexes were placed randomly in the five experimental groups included; GROUP 1: Maturation media (MM) + 100 µM ALA (control), GROUP 2: MM + 100 µM ALA + 50μM α-Tocopherol, GROUP 3: MM + 100 µM ALA + 100μM α-Tocopherol, GROUP 4: MM + 100 µM ALA + 200 μM α-Tocopherol and GROUP 5: MM + 100 µM ALA + 300 μM α-Tocopherol under an atmosphere of 5% CO2 in air at 38.5 °C for 22-24 h. Cumulus expansion and nuclear maturation status was determined (Experiment 1). In experiment 2, oocytes were matured as in experiment 1. The matured oocytes were then fertilized in Tyrode's Albumin Lactate Pyruvate (TALP) medium for about 20 h and cultured in synthetic oviductal fluid (SOF) medium to determine effect of α-Linolenic acid (100 µM) and α-Tocopherol in IVM medium on IVC of presumptive zygotes. To study the effect of α-Linolenic acid (100 µM) in IVM media and increasing concentration of α-tocopherol in the culture media on early embryo development (Experiment 3), the presumptive zygotes were randomly distributed into the five experimental groups with increasing concentration of α-tocopherol in culture media. Higher percentage of MII stage oocytes in experiment 1(65.2±2.0), embryos at morula stage in experiment 2 (30.4±1.5) and experiment 3 (22.2±2.0) were obtained. However, overall results for cumulus cell expansion, maturation of oocyte to MII stage and subsequent embryo development among treatments remain statistically similar (P > 0.05). Supplementation of α-tocopherol in maturation media having α-Linolenic acid and/or in embryo culture media did not further enhance in vitro maturation of oocyte or embryo production.

Gender-based incidence, recovery period, and mortality rate of COVID-19 among the population of district Attock, Pakistan

COVID-19 is reported as an extremely contagious disease with common symptoms of fever, dry cough, sore throat, and tiredness. The published literature on incidence and gender-wise prevalence of COVID-19 is scarce in Pakistan. Therefore, the present study was designed to compare the distribution, incubation period and mortality rate of COVID-19 among the male and female population of district Attock. The data were collected between 01 April 2020 and 07 December 2020 from the population of district Attock, Pakistan. A total of 22,962 individuals were screened and 843 were found positive for RT-qPCR for SARS-CoV-2. The confirmed positive cases were monitored carefully. Among the positive cases, the incidence of COVID-19 was 61.7% among males and 38.2% among females. The average recovery period of males was 18.89±7.75 days and females were 19±8.40 days from SARS-CoV-2. The overall mortality rate was 8.06%. The death rate of male patients was significantly higher (P<0.05) compared to female patients. Also, the mortality rate was higher (P<0.05) in male patients of 40-60 years of age compared to female patients of the same age group. Moreover, the mortality rate significantly increased (P<0.05) with the increase of age irrespective of gender. In conclusion, the incidence and mortality rate of COVID-19 is higher in males compared to the female population. Moreover, irrespective of gender the mortality rate was significantly lower among patients aged <40 years.

Effect of Supplementation of Polyvinylpyrrolidone in Extender on Buffalo Semen Parameters

The current study was planned to evaluate the supplementation of Polyvinylpyrrolidone in extender on cryopreservation of Nili-Ravi buffalo bull semen. The semen samples were collected from Nili-Ravi buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) bull kept at SPU Qadirabad, District Sahiwal, Pakistan. Qualifying semen ejaculates having motility >60%, volume >5-6ml and concentration >0.5 billion/ ml were diluted 50 × 106 motile sperm ml approximately at 37°C in Tris-citric acid extender supplemented with different concentrations of PVP (0.01, 0.05, 0.1mM). The extender without PVP was kept as control. Semen was stored at 4°C for a period of 2 h and kept at 4°C for 4h. Semen was filled in 0.5 ml French straws using suction pump at 4°C, plunged and stored in liquid nitrogen (-196°C). Semen straws were rewarmed at 37°C for 30 seconds and assessed for sperm motility, plasma membrane integrity (PMI), dead sperm percentage and the live sperm percentage. The data on the role of PVP on different parameters of semen quality were analyzed by using ANOVA and RCBD. Higher percentage (P< 0.05) of sperm motility (66.1±7.51 and 59.4±10.72) and PMI (72.9±5.39 and 75.7±6.5) was observed in extenders having 0.05 mM and 0.1mM PVP compared to extenders having 1.5mM PVP and control. The percentage acrosomal integrity was observed greater (P< 0.05) in extended semen containing 0.1mM (68.2±0.50) PVP compared to extenders having 0.01 and control.

A Novel Recombinant Eel Pout (Macrozoarces americans) Type III Antifreeze Protein Improves Cryosurvival of Buffalo Sperm

BACKGROUND

The quality of cryopreserved buffalo semen is low due to high susceptibility of sperm membranes to cold shock.

OBJECTIVE

The present study was designed to investigate the effect of recombinant type-III antifreeze protein from the eel pout Macrozoarces americanus (rAFPIII) on freezability of buffalo semen.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Semen was collected from three buffalo bulls for three weeks (replicates). Qualified ejaculates (N=18) were split into four aliquots and diluted in Tris-citric acid extender containing 0.0, 0.1, 1 and 10 µg mL^-1 of rAFPIII. Semen was cooled to 4 C, evaluated for sperm motility and PMI, cryopreserved and assessed for post-thaw quality.

RESULTS

Supplementation of the extender with rAFPIII didn't affect motility and PMI of chilled semen. Post-thaw sperm motility and PMI were higher in extender supplemented with rAFPIII (10µg mL^-1) compared to control. Sperm viability and acrosome integrity remained the same.

CONCLUSION

Addition of rAFPIII in extender improved motility and PMI of cryopreserved buffalo semen.

Biostatistical Options for Quantitative Diet Analysis

Sufficient statistics knowledge is crucial for the correct design of a research plan. The elucidations of results are interpretive only if appropriate statistical methods are applied. Statistical strategies are a particular approach to demonstrate complicated information in broad and explicable conclusions. The emergence of biostatistical approaches for diet evaluation has improved the accuracy of diet estimation, and different methodologies of data integration promise to magnify our understanding of ecological communities. The present study aimed to compile multiple statistical methods used for diet analysis. More specifically, the significant analysis used in diet assessment, central expectations, and preferences related to each measure was conceptualized. In addition, the ability of each test to evaluate diversity, richness, differentiation, fluctuation, similarity, and quantification of multiple diet items was summarized. Moreover, different options were proposed for researchers to select the appropriate statistical tests. This study covers a framework, aim, and understanding of the statistical test methods of diet analysis.

CHANGES IN IRISIN RELEASE IN RESPONSE TO PERIPHERAL KISSPEPTIN-10 ADMINISTRATION IN HEALTHY AND OBESE ADULT MEN

Context

Kisspeptin role in metabolism has been implicated recently. However, the nature of the signals that may connect body fat/muscle tissues with the central nervous system governing energy homeostasis remains to be elucidated.

Objective

The present study was designed to investigate the effects of peripheral kisspeptin-10 administration on irisin release in human males.

Subjects and methods

Kisspeptin-10 was administered to normal weight (n=8) and obese (n=8) men. Sequential blood sampling was performed for 30 minutes pre and 210 minutes post kisspeptin injection at 30 minutes interval. ELISA kit was used to detect plasma irisin levels.

Results

There is a significant (P<0.0001) effect of Kisspeptin-10 administration on irisin release in both normal weight and obese participants. Mean irisin levels (96.24 ± 1.351 ng/mL) at 210 minutes were significantly (P<0.0001) enhanced as compared to pre-kisspeptin (59.18 ± 4.815 ng/mL) in normal weight subjects. In obese subjects mean irisin levels (75.76 ± 4.06 ng/mL) were significantly (P<0.0001) elevated at 180 minutes post-kisspeptin when compared with pre-kisspeptin irisin levels (41.28 ± 2.89 ng/mL).

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that kisspeptin may have a novel therapeutic potential to induce irisin release in humans which may have anti-obesity effects.

Cryopreservation Of Nili-Ravi Buffalo Bull Sperm in Cryodiluent Supplemented with Lolium perenne Protein Preparations

BACKGROUND

Semen from the Nili-Ravi buffalo bull, Bubalus bubalis, shows poor survival after freeze storage compared to bovine (Bos taurus and Bos indicus) semen. Freeze-susceptibility distinctions in these two genera have been attributed to differences in sperm membranes.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We measured the impact of protein preparations derived from a frost-resistant perennial grass, Lolium perenne, with ice recrystallization inhibition activity on the low temperature storage of B. bubalis semen.

RESULTS

When the L. perenne preparations (0.1, 1, 10 µg/mL) were added to buffalo semen [2 ejaculates per bull (N=3) per replicate (r=3)] in Tris-citrate extender (50×10⁶sperm mL^-1), there was no impact on semen quality, as measured by sperm motility and plasma membrane integrity, after storage at 4 degree C (P>0.05). However, when semen supplemented with the grass proteins (0.1 and 1 µg mL^-1) was evaluated after freezing and storage in liquid nitrogen for 24 h, post-thaw sperm progressive motility and plasma membrane integrity was higher (P<0.05) than in control samples. Post-thaw sperm viability and sperm acrosome integrity was similar (P > 0.05) to controls.

CONCLUSION

The improvement in cryopreserved buffalo sperm progressive motility and plasma membrane integrity suggests that the use of these easily-made preparations may improve fertility after cryopreservation and offers the prospect of improved conception rates after artificial insemination with cryopreservation.

Efficiency of antifreeze glycoproteins for cryopreservation of Nili-Ravi (Bubalus bubalis) buffalo bull sperm

Experiments were conducted to evaluate the effect of Antarctic fish antifreeze glycoproteins, (AFGP) size 1-5 (34-10.5 kDa) and 7-8 (3.2 and 2.4 kDa) in extender on buffalo bull sperm at cooling (4 °C) and at post thawing. Semen was collected from three Nili-Ravi buffalo bulls with artificial vagina for 3 weeks. Qualifying ejaculates from each buffalo bull were diluted (at 37 °C having 50×10(6) sperm/mL) in tris-citric acid extender containing AFGP at 0 (control), 0.1, 1 and 10 μg/mL. An aliquot of diluted semen was evaluated for sperm progressive motility and plasma membrane integrity, while the remaining fraction was cooled to 4 °C in 2 h. Further, an aliquot of cooled semen was evaluated for the previously described variables and the remaining fraction was cryopreserved (-196 °C). After 24 h of storage, straws were thawed at 37 °C for 30 s to assess post-thaw sperm quality. Inclusion of AFGP in the extender did not affect (P>0.05) sperm progressive motility and plasma membrane integrity of buffalo bull sperm at cooling stage (4 °C). However, at post thawing, improvement (P<0.05) in sperm progressive motility and plasma membrane integrity was recorded in extender containing AFGP 1-5 and AFGP 7-8 at 1 μg/mL compared to the control. Percentage of live sperm with an intact acrosome remained similar (P>0.05) in extenders containing different amounts of AFGP and control. In conclusion, supplementation of 1 μg/ml of AFGP in extender improved the motility and plasma membrane integrity of Nili-Ravi buffalo sperm after thawing.

Arachidic acid in extender improves post-thaw parameters of cryopreserved Nili-Ravi buffalo bull semen

Cryopreservation process reduces lipids and phospholipids from buffalo bull spermatozoa. It was therefore hypothesized that supplementation of fatty acid to extender may improve the post-thaw quality of buffalo semen. The objective was to evaluate the effect of arachidic acid supplementation in extender on post-thaw quality of buffalo bull (Bubalus bubalis) spermatozoa. Semen was collected from three adult Nili-Ravi buffalo bulls of similar age group with artificial vagina (42°C) for 3 weeks (replicate). Qualified semen ejaculates (n = 18) were split into four aliquots and diluted in tris-citric acid extender containing 0.0 (control), 5.0, 10.0 and 20.0 ng/ml at 37°C having approximately 50 × 10(6) spermatozoa/ml. Diluted semen was cooled to 4°C in 2 h and equilibrated for 4 h at 4°C. Cooled semen was filled in 0.5-ml straws at 4°C, kept on liquid nitrogen vapours for 10 min and plunged in liquid nitrogen for storage. Thawing of frozen semen was performed after 24 h at 37°C for 30 s. Sperm progressive motility (%) was improved in a dose-dependent manner by supplementing arachidic acid at 5.0, 10.0 and 20.0 ng/ml compared with control. Structural and functional integrity of sperm plasma membrane (%), number of acrosome-intact live sperm (%) and sperm chromatin integrity (%) were better (p < 0.05) in extender having 5.0 ng/ml of arachidic acid compared with control. At 10.0 ng/ml, these values did not vary (p > 0.05) from those at 5.0 ng/ml. Further improvement in structural and functional integrity of sperm plasma membrane, number of acrosome-intact live sperm and chromatin integrity was observed at 20.0 ng/ml of arachidic acid in extender. In conclusion, arachidic acid supplementation in extender improved the post-thaw quality parameters of cryopreserved Nili-Ravi buffalo bull spermatozoa. Among the arachidic acid concentrations studied, maximum improvement in post-thaw semen quality parameters was observed at 20.0 ng/ml.