Reproductive characteristics of native bucks at different ages

This study was devoted to evaluate reproductive parameters in native Egyptian bucks. Attention was also directed to evaluate variation of plasma testosterone levels and semen quality as well as correlate between the influence of age and physical body status [body weight, height, crown rump "CR" length and girth] as well as testis length and width in addition to scrotum circumference "SC" of bucks and their reproductive performance. Semen was collected twice a week for 12 successive weeks during the spring season 2006. Semen volume, sperm concentration, mass and progressive forward motility, percentage of live sperm in addition to percent of abnormal sperm as well as total number of live-normal sperm were also evaluated. The obtained data showed that semen volume, sperm motility, percent of live sperm and abnormal sperm, testicular size, scrotum circumferences, libido and testosterone hormone differed significantly [P <0.002] in bucks according to changes in physical conditions. Therefore, it was concluded from the present study that the optimal native bucks expected to be used for either natural service or artificial insemination should be of age >/= 2 years, body weight >/= 35.83 kg, CR >/= 63.16 cm, testis length >/= 12.40 cm, testis width >/= 5.30 cm, SC >/= 22.50 cm, body height > /=70.83 cm, girth >/= 75.33 cm, libido index [MPD] >/= 2.66 concomitant with serum testosterone level >/= 2.30 ng/ml

Effect of some technical processes on deep-freezing, enzyme leakage and fertility of buffalo spermatozoa

The present study was performed to clarity the effect of 2 diluents [Tris and Milk], 2 cooling rates [35°C to 5°C for 1 and 2 hr], 2 equilibration periods [1 and 2 hr] and their interactions on the freezability, alkaline phosphatase [AKP], Glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase [GOT] leakages and fertility of frozen-thawed semen in 24 ejaculates from 4 buffalo bulls. The present study revealed that the pre- and post-freezing motility, acrosomal integrity, AKP, GOT leakages and fertility rate were significantly [P<0.01] influenced by different cooling rates and equilibration periods, diluents and their interactions. The mean pre-freeze and post-thawing motility following 2 hr of cooling was significantly higher [P<0.01] than that following 1 hr Whereas, the mean pre-freeze and post-thawing acrosomal defects following 2 hr of cooling was significantly less [P<0.01] than that following 1 hr. The leakage of GOT was significantly lower [P<0.01], leakage of AKP was significantly higher [P<0.01] and the conception rates were higher for semen frozen after 2 hr [64.8%] than from 1 hr [38.4%]

Pesticides in shallow groundwater: exposure estimates and prediction of cancer risk

A Monitoring system of shallow groundwater samples gathered from 7 villages in Etay El-Baroud rural area aiming at detecting the extent of water contamination via pesticide residues and the potential health risks imposed on community residents consuming such water, were the main targets of the current study. Chronic daily intake [CDI] of the detected pesticides was estimated for different exposure pathways and different age categories at both 5[th] and 90[th] percentiles of probability. Data disclosed that organochlorine pesticides were prevalent and epsilon DDT, heptachlor and endrin represent the most critical contaminants. epsilon CDI values of ingestion pathway were higher than those resulting from dermal pathway in an age-dependent manner particularly among children at 90[th] percentile. Estimated cancer risk and non-cancer risk values resulting from oral exposure were higher than dermal exposure. Children cancer risk was age-dependent and the total risk due to exposure ranged from 1.02x10[-4] to 3.01x10[-4] and 5.76x10[-4] to 2.09x10[-3] at 50[th] and 90[th] percentiles, respectively. Adults are expected to be exposed to higher burden of risk than children through the both tested pathways where, risk values recorded 7.68x10[-4] and 3.07x10[-4] at 50[th] and 90[th] percentiles, respectively. Residents [either children or adults] may be at risk since under the current exposure estimations since the predicted risk values exceeded the EPA threshold value [1x10[-4] -1x10[-6]] particularly at 90th percentile. Furthermore, hazard index values showed a higher trend than unity [2.19-6.48] at 90[th] percentile in case of children while the value increased in case of adults [9.37]. Risk prevention could be reached by minimizing the use of pesticides, raising farmer awareness with particular emphasis on using low-leaching-potential pesticides over high risk areas

new physiologic profile for assessment of the severity of dyspnea in chronic idiopathic interstitial lung fibrosis

15 patients with the syndrome of idiopathic interstitial lung disease have been evaluated by the rate of change in arterial oxygen tension and oxygen consumption after a modest exercise [50 Watts for 3 minutes]. There was a positive correlation between the ratio delta PO[2] [A-a]/VO[2]/m and the clinical severity of dyspnea, while the ratio delta P[a]O[2]/VO[2]/m was not significantly correlated to the same clinical parameter