Lipid peroxidation in avian semen.

The main cause of sperm chromatin damage is oxidative stress related to embryo development failure and adult infertility in mammals and also avian. Oxidative stress results in lipid peroxidation (LPO) causing cell damage. Lipid peroxidation is the oxidation of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) in biological systems and causes changes in the physical structure and characteristics of the cell membrane. Due to the high amounts of PUFAs in the avian sperm membrane, its sperm seem susceptible to pe-roxidative damage and is a substantial factor in the fertilization capacity of sperm. The most commonly used methods for measuring LPO or its by-products, such as malondialdehyde (MDA) and 4-hydroksy-2-nonenal (4-HNE), in bird semen are based on the colorimetric method TBARS (thiobarbituric acid reactive substances) and on the use of a fluorescence probe (CC 11-BODIPY 581/591) as a marker to evaluate membrane lipid peroxidation. This review aims first to introduce LPO in avian semen and its effects on avian sperm and second to summarize the commonly applied methods of evaluating LPO and its damage in fresh and stored avian semen.

Response of irrigated tomato (Solanum lycopersicum Mill) to mulch application rates.

Rapid decline in available water for crop production has led to the adoption of irrigation schedules for meeting water supply throughout cropping seasons. Nonetheless, the loss of water from soil often results in spells of water stress between schedules, which adversely affect crop yield. Hence, the use of mulch in conserving soil moisture in irrigated farming is becoming popular among farmers. In this study, a two-year screenhouse pot experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of Pennisetum purpureum (Pp) mulch on tomato (Roma variety) grown in daily irrigation (IFdaily), irrigation at 3-days interval (IF3), and irrigation at 5-days interval (IF5) conditions. The Pp mulch was chopped to 5 cm and applied on the soil surface of each experimental pot at 1 t ha-1 (Pp1), 2 t ha-1 (Pp2), 3 t ha-1 (Pp3), and 4 t ha-1 (Pp4). These rates were compared against a bare soil as control (Pp0). The treatments were laid in a completely randomised design with four replicates. Tomato yield decreased by 53.6% and 26.6% in IF3, and 86.2% and 65.0% in IF5 compared with IFdaily in years 1 and 2, respectively. Among mulch rates, Pp4 and Pp3 increased tomato yield respectively by 107.5% and 99.9% compared with Pp0, while Pp2 and Pp1 were similar in year 1. In year 2, mulch increased tomato yield by 84.1% (Pp1) - 215.3% (Pp4) and contributed substantially to tomato yield in IFdaily (R2 = 0.99; p < 0.01); IF3 (R2 = 0.93; p < 0.01); and IF5 (R2 = 0.25; p < 0.05). However, withdrawing irrigation at 5 days interval was detrimental to tomato yield production.

3, 3', 5-Triiodo-L-thyronine affects polarity proteins of bovine Sertoli cells via WT1/non-canonical Wnt signaling pathway.

To determine the role of 3, 3', 5-triiodo-L thyroxine (T3) in the differentiation of Sertoli cells (SCs) and the factors influencing maturity via the Wilms' tumor 1 (WT1)/non-canonical Wnt signaling pathway, high purity SCs were isolated from newborn calves' testes and cultured in vitro. The SCs were stimulated with T3, and co-treated with short interference (si) RNA to knockdown endogenous WT1 and non-canonical Wnt signalling inhibitor Wnt-c59. Our results suggested that the addition of different concentrations (0, 25, 50, and 100 nM) of T3 in the culture medium changed the expression of KRT-18 (SCs immature marker) and accelerated the differentiation of SCs. T3 (100 nM) treatment induced up-regulated expression of WT1 over time (p < 0.05), while the expression of polarity proteins (Par3, Par6b, and E-cadherin) and Wnt4 were affected to varying degrees (p < 0.05). SCs were treated simultaneously with T3 + Wnt-c59 and T3 + WT1 siRNA, and the results showed that T3 could affect the expression of polarity proteins via WT1/non-canonical Wnt signaling pathway. These data put together indicate that T3 plays a dependent role in the induction of bovine SCs differentiation via WT1/non-canonical Wnt signaling pathway in vitro. This study proposes for the first time that WT1 is a major target for T3.

Wilms' tumour 1 (WT1) negatively regulates the expression of connexin 43 via a non-canonical Wnt signalling pathway in cultured bovine Sertoli cells.

The gap junction protein connexin (Cx) 43 between adjacent Sertoli cells (SCs) is the main testicular factor regulating the growth and development of SCs, and plays a vital role in controlling cell differentiation and maturation. However, the endogenous testicular factors that regulate Cx43 and the downstream signalling pathways that mediate Cx43-dependent SC differentiation are unclear. In this study, high-purity SCs were isolated from newborn calves' testes by differential adherence. The SCs were then cultured invitro and treated with short interference RNA to knockdown endogenous Wilms' tumour 1 (WT1). In WT1-knockdown SCs, Cx43 expression was upregulated. To elucidate the intracellular signalling mechanism of Cx43 in the differentiation and maturation of immature SCs, SCs were treated simultaneously with non-canonical Wnt signalling inhibitors CCG-1423 and GO-6983; in these SCs, Cx43 expression was upregulated. Together, these data indicate that WT1 negatively regulates the expression of Cx43 produced from SCs via a non-canonical Wnt signalling pathway in cultured bovine SCs.

Influence of Wilms' tumor suppressor gene WT1 on bovine Sertoli cells polarity and tight junctions via non-canonical WNT signaling pathway.

Sertoli cells (SCs) are polarized epithelial cells and provide a microenvironment for the development of germ cells (GCs). The Wilms' tumor suppressor gene WT1 which support spermatogenesis is expressed explicitly in SCs. This study investigated the effect of WT1 on the polarity and blood-testis barrier (BTB) formation of bovine SCs in order to provide theoretical and practical bases for the spermatogenic process in mammals. In this study, newborn calf SCs were used as research material, and the RNAi technique was used to knockdown the endogenous WT1. The results show that WT1 knockdown did not affect the proliferation ability of SCs, but down-regulated the expression of polarity-associated proteins (Par3, Par6b, and E-cadherin), junction-associated protein (occludin) and inhibits transcription of downstream genes (WNT4, JNK, αPKC, and CDC42) in non-canonical WNT signaling pathway. WT1 also altered ZO-1 and occludin protein distribution. Overexpression of WNT1 did not affect the expression of Par6b, E-cadherin, and occludin, whereas the non-canonical WNT signaling pathway inhibitors wnt-c59, CCG-1423, and GO-6983 down-regulated the expression of Par6b, E-cadherin, and occludin respectively. This study indicates that WT1 mediates the regulation of several proteins involved in bovine SCs polarity maintenance and intercellular tight junctions (TJ) by non-canonical WNT signaling pathway.

Thyroid hormone (T3) is involved in inhibiting the proliferation of newborn calf Sertoli cells via the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway in vitro.

The experiment was designed to study the effects of Thyroid hormone (T3) on the proliferation and differentiation of newborn calf Sertoli cells (SCs) to provide a theoretical and practical basis for increased testicular semen production. In this experiment, the cck8 method was used to detect the effects of different concentrations of T3 on the proliferation rate of newborn calf SCs. qPCR and Western Blot methods were used to explore the effects of T3 on the proliferation and differentiation of calves SCs and whether T3 through Wnt/ß-catenin and PI3K/Akt pathways can regulate the proliferation and differentiation of SCs. We found that dosage (T3) and time correlated with proliferation inhibition of SC. T3 inhibited the proliferation of SC by down-regulating cyclinD1, upregulating p21Cip, p27Kip1, and other cell-cycle factors. By up-regulating AR and down-regulating KRT-18, T3 promoted the maturated differentiation of SC. T3 could not affect the expression of ß-catenin in SC of newborn calf, indicating that T3 may not regulate SCs proliferation through the Wnt pathway. T3 also negatively regulated the gene expression and protein levels of some genes in the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. We concluded that T3 inhibited newborn calf SCs proliferation through the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway and possibly promoted their differentiation.

Microcystin-leucine arginine (MC-LR) induced inflammatory response in bovine sertoli cell via TLR4/NF-kB signaling pathway.

Sertoli cells were treated with 0, 20, 40, 60 and 80 µg/L of MC-LR to investigate its toxic effects, mechanism of action and immune response of the cells. Our results revealed that treatment containing 20 µg/L of MC-LR was non-toxic to the cells. Treatments containing 40, 60 and 80 µg/L of MC-LR reduced the cell viability, induced nuclear morphological changes and downregulated the blood-testis barrier constituent proteins within 48 h after treatment. The toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) and nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kB) were activated and significantly (P < 0.05) upregulated in cells treated with 40, 60 and 80 µg/L of MC-LR compared to the control. The pro-inflammatory cytokines were upregulated within 48 h after treatment. However commencing from 72 h, upregulation of anti-inflammatory cytokines and expression of blood-testis barrier constituent proteins was observed. This study indicates that MC-LR induced inflammatory response in bovine Sertoli cell via activation of TLR4/NF-kB signaling pathway.

Sodium Selenite inhibits mitophagy, downregulation and mislocalization of blood-testis barrier proteins of bovine Sertoli cell exposed to microcystin-leucine arginine (MC-LR) via TLR4/NF-kB and mitochondrial signaling pathways blockage.

This study was conducted to investigate the ameliorative effect of selenium on microcystin-LR induced toxicity in bovine Sertoli cells. Bovine Sertoli cells were pretreated with selenium (Na2SeO3) for 24 h after which selenium pretreated and non-pretreated Sertoli cells were cultured in medium containing 10% heat activated fetal bovine serum FBS+ 80 µg/L MC-LR to assess its ameliorative effect on MC-LR toxicity. The results show that selenium pretreatment inhibited the MC-LR induced mitophagy, downregulation and mislocalization of blood-testis barrier constituent proteins in bovine Sertoli cells via NF-kB and cytochrome c release blockage. The observed downregulation of electron transport chain (ETC) related genes (mt-ND2, COX-1, COX-2) and upregulation of inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, TNF-α, IL-1ß, IFN-γ, IL-4, IL-10, 1 L-13, TGFß1) in non-pretreated cells exposed to MC-LR were ameliorated in selenium pretreated cells. There was no significant difference (P > 0.05) in the protein levels of blood-testis barrier constituent proteins (ZO-1, occludin, connexin-43, CTNNB1, N-cadherin) and mitochondria related genes (mt-ND2, COX-1, COX-2, ACAT1, mtTFA) of selenium pretreated Sertoli cell compared to the control. Taken together, we conclude that selenium inhibits MC-LR caused Mitophagy, downregulation and mislocalization of blood-testis barrier proteins of bovine Sertoli cell via mitochondrial and TLR4/NF-kB signaling pathways blockage.

Flexible fiberoptic bronchoscopy in respiratory care: Diagnostic yield, complications, and challenges in a Nigerian Tertiary Center.

INTRODUCTION: Flexible fiberoptic bronchoscopy (FOB) is a key diagnostic and therapeutic procedure in pulmonology. Experience with fiberoptic bronchoscopy is scanty in most developing countries. OBJECTIVES: The goal of this study was to report our experience and clinical utility of fiberoptic bronchoscopy. METHODS: A review of bronchoscopy requests, services, and reports performed over a 5-year period was performed. Demographic characteristics were extracted. Indications for the procedures, type of bronchoscopic sampling done, final diagnosis, and complications were reported. Sensitivities, specificities, and overall diagnostic yield of the procedures were determined. RESULTS: About 163 diagnostic bronchoscopies were performed during the study. Ninety-nine patients with complete data were analyzed. Mean age was 54.8 ± 19.2 years, with males constituting the majority, 56.6%. Suspected bronchial cancer and pleural effusion were the main indications for bronchoscopy (33% and 19.1%, respectively). A total of 80, 39, and 99 bronchial washings, brushings, and bronchial biopsies were performed, respectively. Bronchial cancer was confirmed in 51.5% and was diagnostic in 57% of suspected pleural effusion. Pulmonary tuberculosis was confirmed in 50% of suspected cases and additional 8 cases were diagnosed. The overall diagnostic yield of bronchoscopy was 62%. Specificities of bronchial brushing and washing cytology for excluding bronchial cancer were 90.9 and 83%, respectively, and sensitivities of detecting bronchial cancer were 64.3% and 59%, respectively, P< 0.05 each. Serious complication occurred in about 1%. There was no mortality. CONCLUSIONS: These results show that FOB is a useful and safe procedure with a low complication rate in our setting.

Plasma Malondialdehyde (MDA): An Indication of Liver Damage in Women with Pre-Eclamsia.

BACKGROUND: One of the features associated with pre-eclampsia is elevated liver transaminases. The reason this happens has not been fully described. However, the hepatocytes are not known to be spared by free radical injury. This study was conducted to examine the relationship between product of free radical injury (malondialdehyde) and transaminases in pre-eclamptic women. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 98 and 115 pre-eclamptic and apparently normal pregnant women were selected from the booking clinic of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology Teaching Hospital, Osogbo. Non-pregnant women were selected from volunteered members of staff. Malondialdehyde (MDA), aspartate transaminase (AST) and alanine transaminase (ALT) analyses were determined on collected venous blood sample. Statistical analyses of variables were done using SPSS 17 taking level of significance to be p<0.05. RESULTS: Subjects with plasma AST between 10 and 20U/L had mean plasma MDA of 0.92µmol/l whereas those with plasma levels greater than 41U/L had mean plasma MDA of 4.72µmol/l. Similarly, Subjects with plasma ALT between 10 and 20U/L had mean plasma MDA of 0.86µmol/l, and subjects with plasma ALT greater than 51 U/L had mean plasma MDA of 4.71µmol/l. Positive correlation was observed between AST and ALT(r=0.79; p=0.047), between AST and MDA(r=0.690; p=0.061) as well as between ALT and MDA(r=0.571; p=0.049). CONCLUSION: The elevated liver enzymes seen in women with pre-eclampsia may be due to free radical injury to the liver. Pre-eclamptic women without free radical injury did not have elevated transaminases.

Prevalence of and risk factors for gestational diabetes using 1999, 2013 WHO and IADPSG criteria upon implementation of a universal one-step screening and diagnostic strategy in a sub-Saharan African population.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the impact of the new consensus diagnostic criteria on the prevalence of gestational diabetes, evaluate risk factors, and missed opportunities for diagnosis if selective screening strategy was employed. STUDY DESIGN: A prospective observational data of 1059 women with singleton pregnancy screened for gestational diabetes between 24 and 32 weeks gestation in a universal one-step screening and diagnostic strategy using 75-g oral glucose tolerance testing in an obstetric unit in Nigeria. Logistic regression was used to identify risk factors for GDM. RESULTS: The prevalence of gestational diabetes in accordance with 1999 WHO, new 2013 WHO modified IADPSG and IADPSG criteria was 3.8%, 8.1%, 7.5%, and 8.6%, respectively. Overt diabetes was diagnosed in 1.03% of the study population. Using the new consensus criteria, approximately 20% of GDM cases would have been missed if selective screening strategy was employed. Using multivariable analysis, glycosuria [aOR 8.60 (3.29-22.46)] and previous poor obstetric outcome [aOR 3.01 (1.23-7.37)] were significantly associated with GDM on 1999 WHO criteria. Glycosuria [aOR 2.54 (1.10-6.42)] was the only risk significantly associated with increased risk of developing GDM diagnosed based on new 2013 and IADPSG criteria. CONCLUSION: Using the new consensus screening and diagnostic guidelines, gestational diabetes is prevalent in our obstetric population. Missed opportunities exist with selective screening approach.

Free radical attack on membrane lipid and antioxidant vitamins in the course of pre-eclamptic pregnancy.

BACKGROUND: Despite the volume of knowledge and daily reports on pre-eclampsia, its pathogenesis is still yet to be ascertained. Oxidative stress (oxidant (free radical) in excess of antioxidant) injury is one of the recently suggested pathogenetic mechanisms. This study, however, was designed to determine second and third trimesters of plasma malondialdehyde (product of free radical attack on membrane lipid) and vitamins C and E in pre-eclamptic Nigerian women. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A Total of 100 subjects, each for pre-eclamptic, apparently normal and non-pregnant women qualified for the study. Venous blood samples were taken in the second and third trimesters of pregnancy and at the point of contact for non-pregnant women. Variables were analyzed using SPSS version 16, taking level of significance to be 0.05. RESULTS: Plasma malondialdehyde in the third trimester of normal pregnancy (2.03±0.71µmol/l) was found to be significantly higher than the one in the second trimester (1.65±0.62µmol/l) (p<0.0001). For pre-eclamptic subjects, the malondialdehyde in the third trimester (3.13±0.61µmol/l) was also higher than the malondialdehyde in the second trimester (3.00±1.21µmol/l). The mean vitamin C values for subjects with normal pregnancy were similar in the second and third trimesters (38.25±19.66 vs. 38.66±19.40; p=0.882). For subjects with pre-eclampsia, the mean Vit C values were also similar in the 2(nd) and 3(rd) trimesters (35.05±18.37 vs. 37.20±24.44µmol/l; p=0.175). Mean vitamin E values in the second and third trimesters were also similar for subjects with normal pregnancy (28.62±13.85 vs. 28.50±13.35µmol/l; p=0.950). A similar finding was observed in pre-eclamptic subjects (25.09±12.79 vs. 28.00±14.83µmol/l; p=0.067). CONCLUSION: There was an increased product of membrane lipid attack (malondialdehyde) with no change in plasma levels of vitamins C and E as pregnancy advances into the third trimester of both normal and pre-eclamptic pregnancies. Antioxidant vitamins may not be useful in stopping the progression of free radical attack on membrane lipid to control pre-eclampsia.

An unusual complication of penile piercing: a report and literature review.

Body piercing has been practiced for many centuries and is thought to have its origins in the Hindu religion. As traditional ear piercings have given way to more adventurous anatomical sites, so too have the associated complications of these practices. We present the case of a 35 year old man who presented 12 months after a penile piercing with an extensive fistula of the glans penis resembling an acquired glanular hypospadius.

Comparison of entrance surface doses of some X ray examinations with CEC reference doses.

Entrance surface dose (ESD) measurements have been carried out in Nigeria as part of the ongoing dose reduction programme. Thermoluminescence dosemeters (TLD) were used to measure skin entrance doses for four common radiographic views in three hospitals. The mean ESD for the PA chest examination in all the participating hospitals was in the range 0.12 - 4.46 mGy. The mean ESD for the AP skull. PA skull and LAT skull were 8.55, 5.17 and 6.97 mGy respectively. The mean ESD values are greater than the CEC reference doses, except for rooms 1 and 2 in UCH where the entrance surface doses for PA chest examination are below the CEC reference dose. The QA test results show non-compliance of the accuracy of tube voltage with acceptance limit in three rooms. The timer accuracy is also not within the acceptance limit in two rooms. The reproducibility of both the kVp and timer in all the rooms is good.

Evaluation of lysine and methionine production in some Lactobacilli and yeasts from ogi.

Lysine and methionine producing cultures of Lactobacillus and yeasts in batch fermentation of ogi were selected by growth in the presence of the analogues, S-2-aminoethyl]-L-cysteine (thialysine) and ethionine respectively. The study shows that 42.5% of the Lactobacillus and 83.3% of the yeast isolates tested were capable of lysine production while 25.0% of the Lactobacillus and 87.8% of the yeast isolates produced methionine. The lysine and methionine yields of Lactobacillus were significantly (P <0.01) higher than that of yeasts. The majority of the yeast isolates excreted most of the lysine and methionine produced. More lysine was produced than methionine in all tested isolates.

A review of radiation protection facilities at the University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria.

Ionizing-radiation causes health hazards to human beings if exposed to it. Observation of measures allows continued applications of radiation for whatever purpose throughout the world. There are many departments in the University College Hospital that make use of ionizing radiation in some of their services to patients. Radiation protection facilities in the departments were looked into using carefully designed questionnaires. Inadequacies in radiation protection measures were discovered and suggestions for improvements were proffered.

Soluble immune complexes and immunoglobulin (IgG, IgA and IgM) levels in Nigerians with primary liver cell carcinoma.

Circulating soluble immune complexes and serum immunoglobulins (G,A and M) levels were determined in patients with primary liver cell carcinoma (PLCC) and healthy subjects by the polyethylene glycol precipitation and single radial immunodiffusion methods respectively. A considerably higher proportion of the patients than the controls had elevated levels of soluble immune complexes, IgG and IgM were significantly higher in the patients than the controls, that of IgA was lower. Correlation studies showed association between serum concentration of IgG, IgA and IgM and the levels of circulating soluble immume complexes. Several factors may influence our findings of elevated concentrations of soluble immune complexes and serum immunoglobulins G and M as well as the positive correlations between these indices. It could be as a result of increased rate of production and release of antigen from the tumour; enhanced interaction of antibody with membrane antigens at the tumour cell surface which promoted release of immune complexes or/and decreased rate of elimination of the complexes from the body of phagocytosis. That antibodies are required for the formation of immune complexes may explain our observation of increased levels of IgG and IgM.

Complement proteins and soluble immune complex levels in Nigerians having primary liver cell carcinoma.

Serum Complement (C3), proteins and circulating immune complex levels were estimated in Nigerians having primary liver cell carcinoma and control subjects by immunodiffusion in agar, biuret and polyethylene glycol precipitation methods respectively. The patients were observed to have diminished mean C3 and albumin concentrations whereas the mean total proteins, globulins and soluble immune complex levels were elevated. About 80 percent of the patients who had depressed serum C3 concentrations also had elevated levels of circulating immune complexes. There is however no correlation between the complement (C3) concentrations and the serum levels of immune complexes.

Complement proteins and soluble immune complex levels in Nigerians having primary liver cell carcinoma

Serum complement(C3); proteins and circulating immune complex levels were estimated in Nigerians having primary liver cell carcinoma and control subjects by immunodiffusion in agar; biuret and polyethylene glycol precipitation methods respectively. There is however no correlation between the complement (C3) concentrations and the serum levels of immune complexes