CHANGES IN MALE REPRODUCTIVE HORMONES IN PATIENTS WITH COVID-19.

COVID-19 is a global, highly contagious, predominantly respiratory viral illness caused by coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV2). Although COVID-19 is mainly a respiratory disease, it can affect other organ systems causing a lot of extrapulmonary manifestations and multiple organ dysfunctions. The aim of the study is to discover if COVID-19 affects male reproductive hormones (testosterone and luteinizing hormone) or not, and whether this effect (if present) is negatively associated with the severity of the disease. In this prospective case-control study we recruited 120 reproductive-aged male patients, they represent group (A) which is subdivided into 3 groups according to the severity of the disease (mild, moderate, and severe). A control group consisting of another 120 age-matched males was randomly selected and they represent group (B). The hormone profile of the diseased group is then compared to that of the control group. The testosterone/LH ratio of both groups was calculated and compared. The age of cases had a mean of 41.96±10.18 and that of the control was 41.85±10.2 years. The age distribution of both groups did not show significant statistical differences (0.937). Patients with COVID-19 exhibited considerably lower levels of total blood testosterone (P=0.043) and T/LH ratio (P value 0.0001) compared to the control group, although serum LH levels were significantly higher in the COVID-19 group (P value 0.0001). Conclusions: In addition to the hematological, biochemical, inflammatory, and immune biomarkers abnormality in patients with COVID-19, the current study demonstrated that total testosterone level, LH level, and T/LH ratio might be affected by the disease according to severity. Recommendations: Due to the novelty of COVID-19, only a few studies about its effect on male reproductive hormones are available worldwide and no similar study in our locality. Further studies are required for a better understanding of this issue.

Exploring applications of blockchain in healthcare: road map and future directions.

Blockchain technology includes numerous elements such as distributed ledgers, decentralization, authenticity, privacy, and immutability. It has progressed past the hype to find actual use cases in industries like healthcare. Blockchain is an emerging area that relies on a consensus algorithm and the idea of a digitally distributed ledger to eliminate any intermediary risks. By enabling them to trace data provenance and any changes made, blockchain technology can enable different healthcare stakeholders to share access to their networks without violating data security and integrity. The healthcare industry faces challenges like fragmented data, security and privacy concerns, and interoperability issues. Blockchain technology offers potential solutions by ensuring secure, tamper-proof storage across multiple network nodes, improving interoperability and patient privacy. Encrypting patient data further enhances security and reduces unauthorized access concerns. Blockchain technology, deployed over the Internet, can potentially use the current healthcare data by using a patient-centric approach and removing the intermediaries. This paper discusses the effective utilization of blockchain technology in the healthcare industry. In contrast to other applications, the exoteric evaluation in this paper shows that the innovative technology called blockchain technology has a major role to play in the existing and future applications of the healthcare industry and has significant benefits.

Applications of cognitive internet of medical things in modern healthcare.

The sudden outbreak of the novel coronavirus disease in 2019, known as COVID-19 has impacted the entire globe and has forced governments of various countries to a partial or full lockdown in the fear of the rapid spread of this disease. The major lesson learned from this pandemic is that there is a need to implement a robust system by using non-pharmaceutical interventions for the prevention and control of new contagious viruses. This goal can be achieved using the platform of the Internet of Things (IoT) because of its seamless connectivity and ubiquitous sensing ability. This technology-enabled healthcare sector is helpful to monitor COVID-19 patients properly by adopting an interconnected network. IoT is useful for improving patient satisfaction by reducing the rate of readmission in the hospital. The presented work discusses the applications and technologies of IoT like smart and wearable devices, drones, and robots which are used in healthcare systems to tackle the Coronavirus pandemic This paper focuses on applications of cognitive radio-based IoT for medical applications, which is referred to as "Cognitive Internet of Medical Things" (CIoMT). CIoMT is a disruptive and promising technology for dynamic monitoring, tracking, rapid diagnosis, and control of pandemics and to stop the spread of the virus. This paper explores the role of the CIoMT in the health domain, especially during pandemics, and also discusses the associated challenges and research directions.

Determination of natural radioactivity material concentrations consumed widely during Corona pandemic in Thi Qar province.

The present study was carried out to assess the potential radiation hazards to the public, especially the persons who consumed onion and garlic plants widely during coronavirus disease in Thi Qar province South of Iraq. Nine samples collected from the market (5 samples onion and 4 sample Garlic), which classified according to their origin. Using 3″x3″ NaI (Tl) gamma ray spectroscopy system, the radioactivity concentrations of the natural radionuclides radium-226, thorium-232 and potassium-40 were determined. The results obtained showed that the average concentration of radioactivity of radium-226, thorium-232 and potassium-40 is 3.398 Bqkg-1, 4.667 Bqkg-1 and 216.738 Bqkg-1, respectively, for onion and 2.808 Bqkg-1, 3.524 Bqkg-1, and 172.064 Bqkg-1 for garlic. The results also showed that the average annual total effective dose of the three nuclides is 122.955 µ S v . y - 1 for onion and 97.231 µ S v . y - 1 for garlic. Other relevant risk parameters were also calculated, such as equivalent activity concentrations, absorbed dose, excess lifetime cancer risks, and other health risk parameters. One of the most important conclusions reached by this study is that the natural radioactive elements in onions and garlic do not pose a great danger to their consumers, especially those infected with the COVID-19. Because the concentrations of these radioactive elements do not exceed the permissible limits recommended by recognized scientific organizations and agencies such as International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP), United Nations Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation (UNSCEAR), and World Health Organization (WHO).

A systematic review on AI/ML approaches against COVID-19 outbreak.

A pandemic disease, COVID-19, has caused trouble worldwide by infecting millions of people. The studies that apply artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) methods for various purposes against the COVID-19 outbreak have increased because of their significant advantages. Although AI/ML applications provide satisfactory solutions to COVID-19 disease, these solutions can have a wide diversity. This increase in the number of AI/ML studies and diversity in solutions can confuse deciding which AI/ML technique is suitable for which COVID-19 purposes. Because there is no comprehensive review study, this study systematically analyzes and summarizes related studies. A research methodology has been proposed to conduct the systematic literature review for framing the research questions, searching criteria and relevant data extraction. Finally, 264 studies were taken into account after following inclusion and exclusion criteria. This research can be regarded as a key element for epidemic and transmission prediction, diagnosis and detection, and drug/vaccine development. Six research questions are explored with 50 AI/ML approaches in COVID-19, 8 AI/ML methods for patient outcome prediction, 14 AI/ML techniques in disease predictions, along with five AI/ML methods for risk assessment of COVID-19. It also covers AI/ML method in drug development, vaccines for COVID-19, models in COVID-19, datasets and their usage and dataset applications with AI/ML.

Effects of endocrine disruptor furan on reproductive physiology of Sprague Dawley rats: An F1 Extended One-Generation Reproductive Toxicity Study (EOGRTS).

The present study investigated the reproductive toxicity of furan in an Extended One-Generation Reproductive Toxicity Study in rats. Sprague Dawley F0 weaning rats (30 per sex per group) were exposed to furan orally at 0, 1, 2.5, 5, and 10 mg kg-1 for 10 weeks (males) and 2 weeks (females) and then mated. Results of F0 indicated that in the furan-treated groups (5 mg kg-1 and 10 mg kg-1), body weight (bw) gain decreased during prebreed and gestational period while increased during lactation periods. F0 animals prebreeding exposure resulted in head tilt and foot splay at 10 mg kg-1. Number of live pups at birth were decreased (p < 0.001) at 10 mg kg-1. At postnatal day (PND) 70, a significant (p = 0.03) decrease in testosterone levels of male rats and estrogen levels of female rats (p = 0.05) was observed in 10 mg kg-1 furan-treated group in F1 generation. Luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, and progesterone levels were also reduced, but their reduction was not statistically significant in all groups. In higher dose furan group (10 mg kg-1), testicular and ovarian weights were reduced in F1 generation at PND 70, with decreased daily sperm production (p = 0.01) and disturbed estrous cyclicity (p < 0.01). Some histopathological changes were also observed in testis and ovaries in groups whose parents were previously exposed to 10 mg kg-1 bw of furan group. Based on the above results, it is suggested that exposure to food-based contaminant furan induced remarkable changes in the F0 (parental stage) and F1 (offspring, pubertal, and adult stage) generations of Sprague Dawley rats.

Interdisciplinary-driven hypotheses on spatial associations of mixtures of industrial air pollutants with adverse birth outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Adverse birth outcomes (ABO) such as prematurity and small for gestational age confer a high risk of mortality and morbidity. ABO have been linked to air pollution; however, relationships with mixtures of industrial emissions are poorly understood. The exploration of relationships between ABO and mixtures is complex when hundreds of chemicals are analyzed simultaneously, requiring the use of novel approaches. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to generate robust hypotheses spatially linking mixtures and the occurrence of ABO using a spatial data mining algorithm and subsequent geographical and statistical analysis. The spatial data mining approach aimed to reduce data dimensionality and efficiently identify spatial associations between multiple chemicals and ABO. METHODS: We discovered co-location patterns of mixtures and ABO in Alberta, Canada (2006-2012). An ad-hoc spatial data mining algorithm allowed the extraction of primary co-location patterns of 136 chemicals released into the air by 6279 industrial facilities (National Pollutant Release Inventory), wind-patterns from 182 stations, and 333,247 singleton live births at the maternal postal code at delivery (Alberta Perinatal Health Program), from which we identified cases of preterm birth, small for gestational age, and low birth weight at term. We selected secondary patterns using a lift ratio metric from ABO and non-ABO impacted by the same mixture. The relevance of the secondary patterns was estimated using logistic models (adjusted by socioeconomic status and ABO-related maternal factors) and a geographic-based assignment of maternal exposure to the mixtures as calculated by kernel density. RESULTS: From 136 chemicals and three ABO, spatial data mining identified 1700 primary patterns from which five secondary patterns of three-chemical mixtures, including particulate matter, methyl-ethyl-ketone, xylene, carbon monoxide, 2-butoxyethanol, and n-butyl alcohol, were subsequently analyzed. The significance of the associations (odds ratio > 1) between the five mixtures and ABO provided statistical support for a new set of hypotheses. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated that, in complex research settings, spatial data mining followed by pattern selection and geographic and statistical analyses can catalyze future research on associations between air pollutant mixtures and adverse birth outcomes.

Half-metallicity of the (001), (111) and (110) surfaces of CoRuMnSi and interface half-metallicity of CoRuMnSi/CdS.

Recent studies have indicated that the quaternary Heusler alloy CoRuMnSi shows a half-metallic ferromagnetism (Kundu et al., Sci. Rep., 7, (2017), 1803). The (111), (110), and (001) surfaces and the interfaces with CdS (111) substrate of the quaternary Heusler alloy CoRuMnSi were explored by carrying out a first-principles investigation based on a density functional theory. Calculations showed that the half metallicity can be preserved for the Si-terminated (111) surface and subsurface while the half-metallicity approved in the bulk CoRuMnSi is destroyed at Co, Ru, and Mn-terminations (111) surfaces and subsurfaces. Regrettably, the surface states ruin the gap in the spin-down channel at both MnSi- and CoRu-terminated (001) surfaces and subsurfaces. Remarkably, the (110) surfaces and subsurfaces have a nearly half-metallicity property with a high spin polarization. Based on spin magnetic character calculations, the spin magnetic moments of surface and subsurface atoms are larger and smaller than those in the bulk quaternary Heusler alloy CoRuMnSi. For the interface of CoRuMnSi/CdS (111), the bulk half-metallicity is destroyed at Si-Cd and Si-S configurations.

Vaccination with Combination DNA and Virus-Like Particles Enhances Humoral and Cellular Immune Responses upon Boost with Recombinant Modified Vaccinia Virus Ankara Expressing Human Immunodeficiency Virus Envelope Proteins.

Heterologous prime boost with DNA and recombinant modified vaccinia virus Ankara (rMVA) vaccines is considered as a promising vaccination approach against human immunodeficiency virus (HIV-1). To further enhance the efficacy of DNA-rMVA vaccination, we investigated humoral and cellular immune responses in mice after three sequential immunizations with DNA, a combination of DNA and virus-like particles (VLP), and rMVA expressing HIV-1 89.6 gp120 envelope proteins (Env). DNA prime and boost with a combination of VLP and DNA vaccines followed by an rMVA boost induced over a 100-fold increase in Env-specific IgG antibody titers compared to three sequential immunizations with DNA and rMVA. Cellular immune responses were induced by VLP-DNA and rMVA vaccinations at high levels in CD8 T cells, CD4 T cells, and peripheral blood mononuclear cells secreting interferon (IFN)-γ, and spleen cells producing interleukin (IL)-2, 4, 5 cytokines. This study suggests that a DNA and VLP combination vaccine with MVA is a promising strategy in enhancing the efficacy of DNA-rMVA vaccination against HIV-1.

Effects of Varying Levels of Fungal (Arachniotus sp.) Treated Wheat Straw as an Ingredient of Total Mixed Ration on Growth Performance and Nutrient Digestibility in Nili Ravi Buffalo Calves.

The study was carried out to explore the effects of replacing wheat straw with fungal treated wheat straw as an ingredient of total mixed ration (TMR) on the growth performance and nutrient digestibility in Nili Ravi buffalo male calves. Fungal treated wheat straw was prepared using Arachniotus sp. Four TMRs were formulated where wheat straw was replaced with 0 (TMR1), 33 (TMR2), 67 (TMR3), and 100% (TMR4) fungal treated wheat straw in TMR. All TMRs were iso-caloric and iso-nitrogenous. The experimental TMRs were randomly assigned to four groups of male calves (n = 6) according to completely randomized design and the experiment continued for four months. The calves fed TMR2 exhibited a significant improve in dry matter intake, average daily weight gain, feed conversion ratio and feed economics compared to other groups. The same group also showed higher digestibility of dry matter, crude protein, neutral-, and acid detergent fibers than those fed on other TMRs. It is concluded that TMR with 33% fungal-treated wheat straw replacement has a potential to give an enhanced growth performance and nutrient digestibility in male Nili Ravi buffalo calves.

Influence of weaning regimen on intake, growth characteristics and plasma blood metabolites in male buffalo calves.

Experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of weaning age on growth performance, feed intake, feed efficiency (FE) and blood metabolites in Nili-Ravi male buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) calves. Twenty-four male buffalo calves were assigned to one of the three treatment groups: continuous milk feeding (CMF), limited milk feeding (LMF) and early weaning (EW), and weaned off milk at 12, 10 and 8 weeks of age, respectively. For the first 3 days after birth, calves in all three treatments were fed colostrum, and were then moved to individual milk feeding at 10% of BW for the next 6 weeks. Thereafter, the provision of milk to the CMF group was gradually tapered to zero through week 12, using week 6 intakes as a base. The LMF calves were fed milk at 7.5%, 5.0%, 3.5%, and 1.5% of BW during weeks 7 to 10, respectively. Lastly, calves in the EW group were fed milk at 5.0% and 2.5% of BW at weeks 7 and 8, respectively. Calf starter (CS) feed was also provided ad libitum from weeks 2 to 12 and individual intakes were recorded on a daily basis. Blood samples were taken from weeks 6 to 12, on a weekly basis; whereas, the BW, heart girth, withers height and hip width were measured at the start of experiment and later on a weekly basis. Weight gain, average daily gain, and body measurements were the same across all three groups. Milk intake was lower (P < 0.05), whereas CS intake was greater (P < 0.05) in the EW calves compared with the other treatment groups. Dry matter intake was greater (P < 0.05) in the EW and LMF calves compared with the CMF calves. The FE was greater (P < 0.05) in the CMF calves compared with the LMF and EW treatment groups. Blood glucose concentration was similar among the treatments; however, blood urea nitrogen was greater (P < 0.05) in the EW calves compared with the CMF and LMF groups. Plasma concentration of non-esterified fatty acids was higher (P < 0.05) in the EW calves compared with the CMF calves. In light of these results, it is evident that buffalo calves can be successfully weaned as early as 8 weeks of age without negatively affecting their growth performance.

Physical activity and associated factors among young adults in Malaysia: an online exploratory survey.

The burden of non-communicable diseases is increasing in Malaysia. Insufficient Physical Activity, which is an important risk factor for non-communicable diseases, is less researched in Malaysia. We aimed to assess the level of physical activity and identify its correlates. An online survey was carried out during October, 2011 in the University Tunku Abdul Rahman by the opinion poll research committee. Young adults answered the Short International Physical Activity Questionnaire and a questionnaire about factors according to a socio-ecological model which was adapted from published studies. Metabolic equivalent (MET)-hours and MET-minutes were calculated. Physical activity was classified as sufficient when MET-minutes were > 840. The mean age of the 474 participants was 22.4 years (S.D. = 4.7), and 253 (53.4%) were females. Their mean and median of MET-hours of PA done during the previous seven days were 31.36 (S.D., 52.19) and 14.7 (IQR, 5.77-32.07), respectively. Physical activity done was sufficient among 242 (51.1%) participants. Using univariate analysis, being male, good self-rated health, positive intention, self-efficacy, perceived benefits, social support, and availability of facilities were associated with sufficient physical activity. Using multivariate analysis sufficient physical activity was associated with participants' intention (OR 0.75, 95% CIs 0.64, 0.88), self-efficacy (OR 0.91, 95% CIs 0.85, 0.97) and facility availability (OR 0.81, 95% CIs 0.73, 0.91). The proportion of participants with sufficient physical activity was low. Positive intention and self-efficacy associated with sufficient physical activity should be supported by availability of facilities and a safely-built environment. A nationwide survey about physical and associated socialecological factors is needed to design rational health promotion strategies.

A note on water quality associated with slaughter premises in Bangladesh.

Water quality used for washing carcasses and abattoir premises was assessed at two sites in southeast Bangladesh. In addition, the effect of discharging untreated washings from slaughter premises on water purity in the receiving waterways was assessed from pH, dissolved oxygen and electrical conductivity measurements. Premises effluents did not have a significant effect on the physico-chemical properties of the water in the receiving canals, as determined from the difference between the 4 m upstream and 4 m downstream samples, relative to the entry point of the effluent. When a water shortage occurred at one of the premises, water was sourced for washing the carcasses and premises from a canal that was also used for conveying municipal effluent. The discharge water from the premises at this time had a pH, dissolved oxygen content and conductivity of 7.93, 1.84 mg/L and 6.06 mS/cm respectively, and this would be a threat to survival of freshwater animal life.

Skin injuries identified in cattle and water buffaloes at livestock markets in Bangladesh.

Skin injuries were assessed in 560 imported and local cattle and water buffaloes at two livestock markets in Bangladesh. The body of each animal was divided into 11 anatomical regions, and abrasions, lacerations, penetrations, ulcerations, bleeding, swelling, hyperkeratosis and scars were recorded for each region. Among the 560 animals studied, 501 were found to have at least one injury. The prevalence of skin injuries was 89 per cent, with 84 per cent of the cattle and 99 per cent of the water buffaloes having obvious skin injuries. The most common types of injury were abrasions that were found in 73 per cent of the animals, followed by scars (50 per cent), and lacerations (41 per cent). Buffaloes had more abrasions (95 per cent), lacerations (57 per cent), swelling (15 per cent) and hyperkeratosis (32 per cent) compared with cattle, whereas scars (60 per cent) were more common in cattle (P<0.001). Within the 11 different anatomical regions, all types of injuries were present but in different proportions. The buttock region had a higher proportion of abrasions (36 per cent) followed by the hip, hindlimb and back regions. Penetration, ulceration, bleeding and swelling were present at lower frequencies in all regions. Causes for these injuries included rubbing against the inside wall of vehicles used for transportation and stock-handler abuse (59 per cent and 13 per cent, respectively). Buffaloes sustained more transport injuries than cattle, and the number of injuries was higher in imported than local animals.

Sensory evaluation and consumer acceptance of eggs from hens fed flax seed and 2 different antioxidants.

The sensory attributes and consumer acceptance of eggs from flax seed-fed hens were evaluated by trained and untrained panelists. Hens were fed diets containing 0% flax seed (control), 10% flax seed (flax), 10% flax seed+100 IU/kg of vitamin E (flax+α-tocopherol), or 10% flax seed+100 mg/kg of butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) (flax+BHT). Fresh eggs collected within 24 h were hard-boiled, coded, and were offered to trained panelists in 4 testing sessions. Sensory traits evaluated were aroma, flavor, off-flavor, and overall difference. The trained panelists rated flax, flax+α-tocopherol, and flax+BHT eggs to be different from control eggs (P<0.001). In a second study, sensory attributes were tested by untrained panelists. The majority (75 to 80%) of the panelists could not distinguish flax seed-fed versus control eggs for aroma and flavor. A consumer preference test was also conducted to gauge end-user response to flax seed-fed eggs. Consumer acceptance testing did not find any significant difference (P>0.05) between control and flax seed-fed eggs. These results suggest that flax seed when incorporated at 10% in the layer diet can produce eggs that are acceptable to untrained panelists and consumers. However, trained panelists are able to detect differences in flavor, aroma, and off-flavor and overall difference in eggs from hens fed flax seed. Antioxidant supplementation (vitamin E, BHT) did not enhance the acceptability of flax seed-fed eggs by trained panelists.

Oxidative stability and lipid components of eggs from flax-fed hens: effect of dietary antioxidants and storage.

An experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of dietary antioxidants and storage on fatty acid profile, oxidative stability, and vitamin E concentration of n-3 fatty acid-enriched eggs. Eggs (384, 48/diet) were collected from ISA Brown layers fed diets containing corn-soy (control) with 100 g/kg of flax seed and 2 types of antioxidants [alpha-tocopherols (alpha-TOC) and butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT)] at 0, 50, 100, or 150 IU or mg/kg. Eggs were stored at 4 degrees C. On d 0, 20, 40, and 60 of storage, 2 eggs were selected randomly from each replicate (totaling 12 eggs per treatment) and analyzed. Eggs from hens fed flax had increased alpha-linolenic (18:3n-3), eicosapentaenoic (20:5n-3), and docosahexaenoic acids (DHA, 22:6n-3) and decreased arachidonic acid (20:4n-6) and total n-6:n-3 ratio when compared with control eggs (P<0.05). The n-6:n-3 fatty acid ratio was lowest in the flax+50 IU of alpha-TOC, flax+100 IU of alpha-TOC, and flax+BHT supplemented group when compared with the flax group (P<0.05). With the exception of flax+100 mg of BHT, addition of antioxidants led to a reduction in palmitic acid in fresh eggs (P<0.05). During the first 20 d of storage, over a 17% reduction in total n-3 fatty acids was observed in eggs from flax+50 mg of BHT supplemented groups (P<0.05). Docosahexaenoic acid was the predominant long-chain n-3 fatty acid in egg and was stable during storage in the control, flax, flax+100 IU of alpha-TOC, flax+150 IU of alpha-TOC, and flax+150 mg of BHT groups. However, antioxidant supplementation had no effect on DHA upon storage in flax+50 IU of alpha-TOC and flax+50 mg of BHT eggs where over 13 to 17% reduction in DHA content was observed during 20 to 60 d of storage (P<0.05). Inclusion of alpha-TOC led to over 4.5- to 12-fold increases in alpha-TOC in eggs. Egg storage for 40 d or longer led to over 50% reduction in egg alpha-TOC (P<0.05). Feeding flax seeds led to an increase in TBA reactive substances in eggs (P<0.05). alpha-Tocopherol was better in preventing lipid oxidation than BHT at d 0 of storage. However, neither had a significant effect on egg TBA reactive substances upon 60 d of storage (P>0.05). These studies demonstrate that the level and type of antioxidants and duration of egg storage significantly affected the fatty acid profile, alpha-TOC status, and oxidative stability of chicken eggs.

Association of lipid profile with ischemic stroke.

This study is an observational case control study conducted in the Neurology department of Dhaka Medical college Hospital (DMCH) to see the relation of ischemic stroke with different components of serum lipids. Cases and controls were selected following certain inclusion and exclusion criteria. Result showed that ischemic stroke was more common after the age of 50 years with mean age of 63.58+/-10.22 years. Male suffered more than female from ischemic stroke (M:F=2.57:1). 80% of the stroke patients belong to middle class economic condition who avail free services of Govt. hospitals. Hypertension and diabetes mellitus (DM) were found to be significant risk factors for ischemic stroke (P<0.01 and P<0.05 respectively). High level of serum total cholesterol and low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol showed significant risk in ischemic stroke (p<0.05). In contrast, low level of high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol appeared as a significant risk factor (p<0.01) indicating beneficial effect of HDL cholesterol on atherosclerotic process. Serum triglyceride level showed no significant effect on ischemic stroke (p>0.05).

Improvement of liquid and frozen-thawed semen quality of Nili-Ravi buffalo bulls (Bubalus bubalis) through supplementation of fat.

The aim of the study was to investigate the effects of dietary fat on quality of liquid and frozen-thawed semen of Nili-Ravi buffalo bulls. Adult bulls (n=21) were fed a balanced ration (Con; n=7) or the same ration either containing sunflower oil (SF-O; n=7) or whole sunflower seeds (SF-S; n=7) for 63 days. Body weight and body condition score of each bull was recorded on days 0, 30 and 60 of the experiment. Semen was collected on days 39, 46, 53 and 60, frozen by a fast method and stored at -196 degrees C for 24h. Sperm motility was assessed using a bright field microscope. Plasma membrane integrity of fresh and frozen-thawed spermatozoa was assessed using a hypo-osmotic swelling (HOS) assay. The concentration of spermatozoa and volume of semen was not different among groups on various days of collection. Sunflower-enriched diets did not affect the motility and number of HOS-positive spermatozoa in the fresh semen. Motility and HOS of post-thawed spermatozoa were higher (p<0.05) in bulls fed the sunflower-enriched diets. Similarly, diets did not affect the body condition score and body weight of bulls. In conclusion, feeding of sunflower oil or sunflower seed as fat sources can improve the quality of buffalo bull spermatozoa.

Kinetics of batch single cell protein production from rice polishings with Candida utilis in continuously aerated tank reactors.

Single cell protein was produced from the defatted rice polishings by fermentation with Candida utilis in an aerated 14-L fermentor to optimize bioprocess variables. Maximum values of specific growth rate coefficient (mu, h(-1)), cell mass yield (Y(X/S), g/g) and cell mass productivity (g/Lh) were 0.31, 0.65, and 1.24, respectively under optimized conditions of aeration rate (1 v.v(-1) m(-1)), dissolved oxygen (50%), corn steep liquor (5%), temperature (35 degrees C), and substrate concentration (90 g rice polishings/L) in yeast salt medium (pH 6.0). The kinetic parameters for 50-L fermentor under same conditions were 0.33 h(-1), 0.66 g/g, 1.33 g/Lh, 2.25 g/Lh, 1.23 g/Lh, 0.45 g/g substrate and 0.20 g/g cell h for mu, Y(X/S), Q(X), Q(S), Q(CP), Y(TP/S), and q(CP), respectively and were significantly higher than their respective values reported on C. utilis in batch culture studies. This biomass protein contained 23.6%, 32.75%, 11.50%, 12.95%, 10.5%, and 0.275% true protein, crude protein, crude fiber, ash, cellulose and RNA content respectively. This implied that the fermentation process could be up scaled to manufacture animal feed. Gross metabolizable energy content of dried SCP was 29,711 kcal/kg and indicated that the SCP could serve both as energy as well as a protein source. Yeast can replace expensive feed ingredients currently being incorporated in poultry feed and can reduce cost of poultry ration by 0.33 US dollars-0.51 US dollars/100 kg bag and improve the economics of feed production in our country.