Ice Chest Research Articles

Physicochemical Characteristics of Water in the Bontanga Irrigation Dam in the Guinea Savannah Agro-Ecological Zone of Ghana

Fresh water resource is one of the most significant natural assets of a country. Irrigation dams are usually used for irrigation purposes and also often serve as a source of water for domestic use. Due to this, there is a need for proper maintenance, assessment, and sustainable use of irrigation dams. This study assessed the physicochemical properties of the water in the reservoir of Bontanga irrigation dam situated in the Guinea Savannah Agro-Ecological Zone of Ghana. The study assessed four (4) physical and fourteen (14) chemical water quality parameters of the water for irrigation to know whether they are within the acceptable threshold set by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Health Organization (WHO). Sampling techniques used in this study were stratified and purposive samplings. The reservoir of the dam was divided into nine (9) strata and in each stratum, 5 samples were taken making a total of 45 samples. Samples taken in each strata were composited making it a total of 9 samples. The water samples were collected into well-labelled polythene bottles and kept in an ice chest with ice cubes. The samples were transported to the Ecological Laboratory of the University of Ghana for analysis. The parameters analyzed were pH, electrical conductivity (EC), temperature, total dissolved solutes (TDS), chloride (Cl-), sulphate (SO42-), bicarbonate (HCO3-), carbonate, PO4-P, nitrites/nitrate (NO3-N), total dissolved solids (TDS), magnesium (Mg2+), calcium (Ca2+), sodium (Na+), boron, total alkalinity, ammonia (NH4-N) and potassium (K+). A greater percentage of the results obtained were within acceptable limits except potassium which was slightly higher. This could be the result of farming activities in the catchment of the dam. In general, the water in Bontanga irrigation dam can be considered suitable for irrigation purposes.

Testicular biometry and certain aspects of epididymal semen of abattoir derived Murrah bull testes

The aim of this study to assess the biometric parameters of abattoir derived testicles of Murrah buffalo bull. Thirty-six pair of Murrah buffalo bull testicles were collected immediately after slaughter from different abattoir, packed in ice chest (4oC) and transferred to DFS Laboratory, College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, Acharya Narendra Deva University of Agriculture and Technology, Ayodhya, UP, India. The tests were processed within six hours of collection. Various biometric parameters testes (testicular length, circumference, diameter, volume, and weight) epididymis (weight, length and width of caput and corpus as well as length and circumference of cauda) was measured. The epididymal semen was harvested and measured; Volume (0.43±0.02 to 0.52±0.05 ml), concentration (1708±105.2 to 1958±126.8 million/ml) and total sperm output (804.2±30.73 to 931.7±103.2 million) was estimated. All biometric parameters were significantly higher in left testicles than those of right contemporaries. Present findings suggest that aforementioned biometric parameters can be used to judge the normality of testis, furthermore, epididymal semen can be harvested from meritorious Murrah buffalo bulls with sudden or unexpected death.

Determination of the Concentrations of Heavy Metals in Borehole Water near Refuse Dump Sites around the University of Cross River State (UNICROSS) Calabar, Nigeria

The contamination of groundwater from the infiltration of leachates into aquifers and health risks on residents drinking from boreholes around dumpsites informed this study on the levels of heavy metals in the boreholes around the University of Cross River State (UNICROSS) dumpsite. Borehole water samples were aseptically collected from 3 boreholes at 50, 80, and 200 meters respectively from the dumpsite into a one-liter sampling bottle and preserved in an ice chest. The samples were then analyzed for heavy metals using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer. The values obtained were compared with WHO permissible standards for drinking water. The mean concentrations of Pb (0.614 ± 0.008), Cd (0.399 ± 0.053), As (0.023 ± 0.002), and Co (0.002 ± 0.001 mg/l) in the borehole water were significantly higher than WHO permissible limits, while the concentrations of Cr (0.002 ± 0.001) and Ni (0.056 ± 0.004) were significantly lower than the WHO permissible limits. The increasing trend of heavy metals in the borehole water was Cr = Co < As < Ni < Cd <Pb. Due to the health risks associated with drinking water contaminated with heavy metals, we recommend that Government should relocate the dumpsite far away from its current location.

Health risk assessment of heavy metals in Coptodon zillii and Parachanna obscura from a tropical reservoir

In this study, the concentrations of trace metals were examined in commercially important fish, Coptodon zillii and Parachanna obscura from Osu reservoir. These were with a view to providing baseline information on the levels of heavy metals and its associated risks to human health through fish consumption. Fish samples were collected fortnightly for five months using fish traps and gill nets with the assistance of local fisherman. They were brought into the laboratory in an ice chest for identification. The fish samples were dissected and the gills, fillet and liver kept in freezer and later analyzed for heavy metals based on Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometric (AAS) method. The data collected were subjected to appropriate statistical software packages. The results revealed that the concentration of the heavy metals in P. obscura and C. zillii across the tissues were not significantly different (p > 0.05) from each other. Also, the mean concentration of heavy metals in the fish were below the recommended limits of FAO and WHO. The target hazard quotient (THQ) for each heavy metals were below one (1) while the estimated hazard index (HI) for C. zillii and P. obscura showed no threat to human health risk through the consumption of the fish species. However, continuous consumption of the fish could probably cause health risk to the consumers of the fish. According to the study's findings, human consumption of fish species with low concentration of heavy metals at the current accumulating level is safe.

Epublic Health Significance of Nutrients, Heavy Metal and Total Heterotrophic Bacteria Interaction in Water Bodies in Port Harcourt and Its Environs

Water is an essential commodity for all living things. It is an inorganic compound that can exist in solid, liquid and gaseous state under normal condition. The quality of any water body depends on certain factors such as the absence and or very neglectable amount of Total Heterotrophic bacteria count, heavy metal including physicochemical parameters among others. This study was carried during the dry season of 2021, and accounts for groundwater, surface and well water in Abuloma, Borikiri, Eagle-Island, Fimie, Macoba-Isaka, Ruekini and Rumuokoro respectively. Water samples were collected in 10ml sterile containers and labeled appropriately. Sample for the River was collected at the pelegial level stoppered while submerged. Sample from the boreholes and hand-dogged wells were collected in line with the American Public Health Association (APHA, 2107). The samples for the determination of heavy metal contents were fixed with 2 drops of concentrated trioxonitrate (V) acid (HNO3) while that for microbial analysis were preserved in ice chests to inhibit the activity of microbes and were sent to the laboratory for further analysis. Results indicated that the nutrients (NO3-, SO43- and PO42-) values appeared insignificant (i.e., values are within the acceptable levels) when compared with European Union guidelines for water consumption except PO42- for well water at Rumuekini and Rumuokoro respectively. The THBC factor was high in Abuloma for all the nutrients in surface water. Also, in well water, at Eagle-Island, Pb appeared elevated above the European Union standard for drinking water quality. Thus, it is recommended that well water from Eagle-Island be treated (i.e., the removal of Pb) to ensure it quality and safety for human consumption.

Gross testicular morphometric parameters and sperm reserves in indigenous Ghanaian West African dwarf goats


 
 
 The West African Dwarf (WAD) goat has genetic potentials that can be exploited for improved goat production. However, their testicular morphometric parameters and sperm reserves in Ghana are not well known. A cross-sectional study was conducted at the Sabtiu Musah abattoir in Kumasi, Ghana, to evaluate the gross testicular morphometric parameters and sperm reserves in 10 indigenous WAD goats. The samples were stored on an ice chest and transported to the Regional Veterinary Laboratory for analysis on the day of collection. In the laboratory, the testes and epididymis were separated by dissection and then freed of all connective tissue and the Tunica albuginea. The weight, length, width and volume of the testis were determined. A segment of testicular parenchyma was incised and homogenized in a 20 ml normal saline solution. The resulting homogenate was stored in the refrigerator overnight and a filtered aliquot used for estimating spermatid concentration and sperm reserves. The weight, length, width, volume of the testis and the gonadosomatic index were 70.09 ±14.19 gm, 7.46 ± 0.52 cm, 5.08 ± 0.62, cm, 102.40 ± 29.40 ml and 5.09 ± 0.07%, respectively. The sperm reserves per the whole testis, sperm reserves per gramme testis, Daily Sperm production (DSP), and DSP per gramme testis of Ghanaian WAD bucks were 146.0 ± 50.95, 2.2 ± 0.62, 41.01 ± 14.3 and 0.62 ± 0.17 x109 spermatozoa, respectively. Indigenous West African Draft goats have a high potential for sperm production. It is recommended that further research be conducted on the semen quality parameters of this breed.
 
 

Modifications Of Exertional Heat Illness Policies In Us High School Athletics Over An Academic Year

PURPOSE: To evaluate the modifications of Exertional Heat Illness (EHI) policies in United States (US) high schools over a period of one academic year (Fall to Spring) as reported by athletic trainers (ATs). METHODS: An 11-item pre-validated questionnaire was developed using the National Athletic Trainers’ Association Position Statement on EHI. ATs at high schools throughout the US were invited (via email or social media platforms) to complete an online questionnaire related to their school’s written EHI policies (yes/no written policy) at two time points (Fall 2018 and Spring 2019). A total of 105 ATs (female = 59.6%) employed at high schools (with a majority located in Southeast = 37.1%, school size = 1133 ± 935 students) completed the questionnaire at both time points. Data were aggregated and summarized using frequencies. Differences in modifications between time points were assessed using McNemar’s tests (P < 0.05). RESULTS: The proportion of ATs reporting the existence of a policy for the prevention and management of EHI was significantly higher in the Spring (75.7%) than in the preceding Fall (66.0%, p = 0.033). Further, the proportion of schools reporting the component “requires a cold-water immersion tub to be set up (including: filled with water, ice chests nearby) during warm weather activities)” was significantly higher in the Spring (72.6%) compared to the Fall (58.1%, p = 0.039). No other modifications in EHI policies were observed (p > 0.05, Table 1). CONCLUSION: Findings indicate that written EHI policies are not comprehensively and uniformly adopted at the start of the school year and adaptations appear to be marginal through the year. Intervention efforts targeted at improving written policies during the summer break may be warranted as EHI rates are highest in pre-season (i.e., Fall) practices.

Assessment of Some Heavy Metals in Two Species of Goby (Porogobius Schelegelii and Bathygobius Soporator) From Buguma Creek, Niger Delta

This study investigated the heavy metal concentrations in different organs such as gills, muscles, liver and gatro-intestinal tract (GIT) of two species of Goby: Porogobius schelegelii and Bathygobius soporator from Buguma Creek, Rivers State, Nigeria. The fish samples were collected from the creek and were preserved in ice chest box and transported to the laboratory for analysis. Samples were digested by using standard laboratory methods. The concentrations of metals were analyzed using a Varian AA240 Fast Sequential Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS). The Results obtained indicated that heavy metals such as Chromium (Cr), Lead (Pb), Zinc (Zn), Cadmium (Cd), and Nickel (Ni) were significantly higher (p&lt;0.05) in the liver of the two species than in the muscle, gills and the GIT. Comparatively, the concentrations of these metals were higher in the specie B.soporator than P. schelegelii in all the organs of the fishes under consideration. The heavy metal concentrations recorded in this study were above the limits recommended by Food and Agricultural Organization/ World Health Organization. The high concentration of heavy metals above permissible level suggests the need for caution during the consumption of these species from Buguma Creek due to health implications associated with heavy metals.

Determination of microbial quality of tsire offered for sale at Hadejia Local Government Area, Jigawa state

Microorganisms grow on meat causing visual, textural and organoleptic changes when they release metabolites. A lot of factors affect the growth of microorganisms on meat, which include temperature, pH, water availability, presence of nutrients, gaseous requirement and atmosphere of storage. Microbial quality of raw meat and tsire sold at retail outlets from Yayari, Yankoli and Matsaro of Hadejia metropolis, Jigawa State were evaluated. Three samples from each outlet were collected fortnightly into sterile plastic bags, stored at 4°C in ice chest filled with ice and transported immediately to the laboratory for Total Viable Count (TVC), Total Coliform Count (TCC), Total Staphylococcus Count (TCS) and Total Fungal Count (TFC) analyses using Nutrient Agar, Mac Conkey Agar, Mannitol Salt Agar and Potato Dextrose Agar, respectively. They were incubated at 37°C for 24 hours except for the detection of fungi, which was incubated at 25°C for 5 days. Tsire samples collected from Matsaro had the highest TVC (6.0 x 104) while that from Yankoli had the highest TCS (4.0x102). The study concluded that tsire sold at Hadejia Local Government Area was safe for consumption, due to its less microbial load.

Total Levels of Mercury Concentrations in Marine Fish - Kumasi, Ghana

Fish is an excellent source of high biological value protein, is low in saturated fat, and contains polyunsaturated fatty acids and some vitamins. Mercury occurs naturally in the environment as a result of human activities. In aquatic environments, inorganic mercury is converted into methylmercury (the most common form of organic mercury) by microorganisms present in sediment through accumulations in the aquatic food chain, including in fish and shellfish. Fish absorb methyl mercury from water as it passes over their gills and as they feed on organisms. The objective of the study is to determine mercury pollution levels in fresh fish in Central Market, Kumasi, Ghana. A total of 42 fished were sampled randomly in separate labelled zip lock bags and stored in cold ice chest at different periods comparing of 27 different species after identification. Individual edible fish dorsal muscle tissue was taken and wet dried and analyzed using Cold Vapor Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (CV-AAS) method which is really simple, accurate and rapid. The concentration of mercury in fish samples from the marine sea were determined with a mixture of HNO3, HClO4 and H2SO4 for complete oxidation of the organic tissue. The results showed that there was substantial amount of mercury in the fish samples ranged from 15.29 - 981.99 ng/g or ppb wet weight which is less than the FAO/WHO limits of 0.5 ppm wet weight. The study showed low concentrations of mercury in the fish species which do not appear to contribute any significant mercury exposure to the general population. It suggests that a relatively clean marine environment due to minimal industrial activity in the region that has not yet been significantly impacted by mercury contamination.

Comparison on Mechanical Property of PLA/PBAT Film under Simulate Weathering Tests

The mechanical property changes of PLA/PBAT packaging films under different weathering tests were conducted. After manufactured by plant-size equipment, the tensile strength, elongation rate and tearing strength of printed/non-printed fully-biodegradable packaging films were evaluated after eight-days testing under different weathering conditions including xenon-lamp aging, salt spraying, cooling and freezing, simulating the use of commercial fully-degradable bags in outdoor environment, ocean or coast environment, and in the ice chest of supermarkets. The results demonstrate that printing process led to a decrease of mechanical properties of the fully-biodegradable films. Moreover, the weathering tests had remarkable negative impact on the toughness of fully-biodegradable films, and had large impact on the tearing resistance of the films, while the strength of films were less influenced. Additionally, the low-temperature conditions show less influence on the mechanical properties of fully-biodegradable films, and the high salinity and high humidity environment exhibits tremendous impact on the fully-biodegradable films. The proposed research demonstrates the capability of commercial fully-biodegradable films for different application scenarios, as well as the referrible disposal treatment for fully-biodegradable films.

Drinking Water Security in the Mid-hill Region of Nepal

Drinking water security is increasingly becoming a global concern in recent decades. The mid-hill region of Nepal is also experiencing serious water shortages in recent years. In order to assess the availability of drinking water in the mid-hill regions of Nepal, we studied hydrogeology, land use types and collected water samples from 30 springs in Kavre, Kahmandu Valley, Nuwakot and Tanahu in Nepal between July 17-September 12, 2017. For each sampling spring, while surrounding land use type (mixed, agriculture, urban, vegetation) and spring type (fracture, depression, contact) were determined through field observation, the field pH, conductivity and temperature was determined using relevant probes and thermometers. Water samples were collected in 1L and 165mL plastic bottles for chemical and total coliform determination, respectively, in the lab. Bottles were rinsed twice using spring water before filling them with sample water, then stored in an ice chest, and brought to the lab. In the laboratory, turbidity, conductivity, Ca, Mg, HCO3, SO4, Na, NO3, Cl, Fe, As, and total coliform were determined using standard methods. Spring water in agricultural areas showed significantly higher suspended solids compared to other land use types whereas spring water in urban areas showed significantly higher dissolved substances. By spring type, turbidity and conductivity values and the concentration of dissolved constituents (Ca, Mg, HCO3, SO4, NO3, and Cl) were ranked in the order of fracture &lt; contact &lt; depression. Na and Fe concentration were in the order of fracture = contact &lt; depression. By land-use type, conductivity and dissolved constituents (Ca, Mg, HCO3) were in the order of agriculture &lt; vegetation &lt; mixed &lt; urban. Whereas urban land use had the highest values for SO4, Na, NO3, and Cl, other land use types showed variable order. Fe concentration was ranked in the order of urban &lt; mixed &lt; vegetation &lt; agriculture. Total coliform was in the order of mixed &lt; agriculture &lt; urban &lt; vegetation. These results indicate that land use type and surface condition, which is possibly associated with human activities, heavily affect spring water properties in the region. These results suggest that drinking water security of mid-hill region of Nepal is threatened heavily due to poor spring water quality. Protection of drinking water sources should be specific to land use type and activities around the springs. Index Terms— three to six pertinent, specific to the paper, keywords added after the abstract, separated by commas.

Enhancing the Smart Refrigerator using the IoT

The refrigerator which can be carried out for the nourishment stockpiling for superb kitchen apparatus. The smart fridge which can be utilized in the expulsion of nourishment decay, reduce infection and make more wi-fiuseful manner of presence of cutting-edge age human. The wise ice chest is in shape for detecting and observing its substance and offers surprising talents and moreover prepared to do remotely on-off manage and tell the purchaser kind of uncommon product through thru wireless module(internet)on person's flexible android programming software program. Its usefulness is to maintain up least exertion dinners devices which we want to shop for as they ran out, the person receives the awareness every time thru there cellwhich can be advanced with the useful resource of net of factors, Sensors, Bump transfer. Our Proposed work will deliver the higher alternative to deal with the superwireless refrigerator regardless of whether or not or now not the purchaser aren't reachable close to-through. this could make the purchaser extra fantastic and can employ least electricity usage

Effect of storage time on the quality of cauda epididymal spermatozoa of West African dwarf (WAD) rams

The objectives of the study were to develop a protocol for preserving Western African Dwarf (WAD) ram cauda epididymal semen that could be applied in preserving and storing the semen of endangered species/genetically valuable animals in case of death and to study the morphometric characteristic of epididymides after refrigerated storage. Thirty testes-epididymides were collected immediately after slaughter from mature WAD rams and transported in ice chest at (4.5–6 °C) to the laboratory. The samples were either processed immediately or stored in a refrigerator at 5 °C for 6, 12, 24, 48 h. The results indicate that the semen motility decreased (P < 0.05) when compared to the control [87.5 ± 2.1% (0 h), to 85.0 ± 1.8% (6 h), 73.3 ± 3.6% (12 h), 53.3 ± 2.5% (24 h) and 50.0 ± 2.9% (48 h)]. The sperm concentration also decreased (P < 0.05) as duration of storage increased (0 h) 157.5 ± 8.2, (6 h) 152.3 ± 5.8, (12 h) 125.3 ± 4.4, (24 h) 106.2 ± 2.9, (48 h) 98.5 ± 3.5. Semen viability decreased as duration of storage increased from the 0 h to 48 h [(P < 0.05; 84.0 ± 1.4%, 82.8 ± 2.2%, 77.3 ± 1.7%, 69.8 ± 1.5%, and 66.5 ± 1.2%, respectively]. Furthermore, there was a decrease (P < 0.05) in percentage of intact acrosome as duration of storage increased [(0 h) 90.7 ± 1.0%; (6 h) 89.3 ± 2.0%; (12 h) 85.5 ± 1.6%; (24 h) 70.0 ± 2.4%; and (48 h) 73.3 ± 2.1%]. The results from this study indicate that epididymal semen of WAD rams recovered and preserved at 5 °C for 48 h may be used for artificial insemination.

How to Leave Her, and: Moment in Which the Self Moves under Song

How to Leave Her, and: Moment in Which the Self Moves under Song Amber Flora Thomas (bio) How to Leave Her As a beautiful cut inthe frantic school of light,crouching on the gray rocksabove the trail. Her temple self,hissing. As forgotten whenthe mountain lion is gonein three exact leaps. My running the sun down,seven miles from roads and homes,her tongue’s needle under every rib.A leg cramp through my fearwhen I stop to press a knucklein the knot. The sun and dust and Icatching up. As a change inside, not dying.A report I will keep from rangersand neighbors—her beautiful cutlost on the rocks above the trail.I am changed by her not dying.The two of us in one story now. [End Page 43] Moment in Which the Self Moves under Song I drew into mea salt and bitter tongue that crestedand soaked the numb ladder through my limbs and let you climb in,rung after rung. I meant to breathe,but I swallowed. And a world that was spirit sang out.A redwood eased her clawon the window. I quivered. Pulled off my knees, to slip outside the inlet,where a foghorn groaned like an old cowused to what was tearing through her. Then fishing boats returningto Noyo Harbor ahead of a fog bankmotored in, gulls’ erratic circles twisting after each boat, saviorsin mast lines screeching for castoffs.Across docks, passages filled with men, ice chests, and netting.A dog trotted through the parking lot.Neon signs woke with blinking. The quick agreement between tireand metal grating on the bridgeabove the harbor clipped and roared toward town. Laughter and yellingbelow. Light through cypress gapsstung rooftops across the way. A thrumming in my throat. Why can’t I getto the door? The numb ladder throughmy knees shook, and I tried [End Page 44] not to be a child for the last time.The gulls soared. Heavy ropes knottedaround anchors strained. I choked like a girl finished crying, mascaraand eyeshadow running from her gaze. I told her:You are flesh, now bow. Uncross your legs. Your curve is open bounty pleasure.I kept my eyes closed.Boats gulped against the docks. The redwood drew her craggy noteson the window through the fog.I climbed her branches out. I made my mouth pretendto be seaworthy while the waveswashed in. I could not angle myself into any further distance.I stood outside and watched the moonput her shadows away. [End Page 45] Amber Flora Thomas amber flora thomas is the author of Red Channel in the Rupture, forthcoming in fall 2018; The Rabbits Could Sing, released in 2012; and Eye of Water, released in 2005, which won the Cave Canem Poetry Prize. A recipient of the Dylan Thomas American Poet Prize, the Richard Peterson Prize, and the Ann Stanford Prize, she is currently an associate professor of creative writing at East Carolina University. Copyright © 2018 University of North Carolina Wilmington

Association of CYP3A5*3 polymorphisms and prostate cancer risk: A meta-analysis.

Background:Perturbations of antioxidant levels and lipid peroxidation, but not oxidative DNA damage as a biomarker of oxidative stress have been reported in uterine myoma patients.Aims:The study aimed at examining the patterns and influence of oxidative stress/damage biomarkers, 8-isoprostane (8-IP) and 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8OHdG), on the ovulatory and luteal phases of normal and fibroid women.Settings and Design:Twenty women diagnosed of fibroids (1–5 years) and 20 nonfibroid women were age-matched. Selection was randomly done at the National Obstetrics and Gynaecology Department.Subjects and Methods:Three successive samples of urine were taken at 8:00 am on the 14th, 18th, and 21st days of the menstrual cycle. Mid-stream urine was collected from subjects, after they had cleaned genitals. The samples were kept in an ice chest, transported to the laboratory, and stored at − 70°C until the time of analysis. Samples were analyzed by ELISA technique using commercial kits for 8OHdG and 8-IP. Results were calculated using a computer program.Statistical Analysis Used:Statistical Package for Social Sciences, version 20.0, was used for data management and statistical analysis. The results were expressed as mean ± standard deviation. Differences in continuous data were compared using Student's t-test (two groups) and one-way ANOVA (three or more groups) followed by Bonferroni post hoc test. Relationship between variables was ascertained by Spearman's correlation coefficient. All results were considered significant at 5% level of probability.Results:Significant differences were observed between day 14 and day 21 in control and test groups' estrogen levels (P = 0.0047 and P = 0.004, respectively). Significant progesterone differences were observed between control and test groups on the same days (P = 0.002 and P = 0.001, respectively). A positive correlation was observed between day 21 estrogen and progesterone levels (P = 0.0003) of the control group. Test group had higher levels of 8-IP and 8OHdG than control groups on day 21, with 8OHdG at maximum in the test group but minimum in the control group. The influence of 8OHdG was seen by a negative correlation with estrogen and progesterone on day 21 (P = 0.0002) and a positive correlation between 8OHdG and 8-IP on the same day in the test group. Finally, there was a positive correlation between 8-IP and 8OHdG on day 14, but a negative correlation on day 21 (P = 0.0016).Conclusions:Oxidative damage was absent in the control group but was very much present in the test group on day 14 and day 21 with progesterone and estrogen acting in concert with oxidative damage biomarkers. An inverse pattern of biomarkers was observed between control and fibroid groups. Oxidative stress biomarkers influenced hormonal levels and pattern of the fibroid group.

Low Density Lipoproteins at 2% Concentration Can Replace Whole Egg Yolk in TES-Tris-Milk Extender for Freezing Buffalo Sperm Cells

Background: Over the years, the most commonly used extenders for semen cryopreservation contain egg yolk as cryoprotectant. However, more recent studies have used the low density lipoproteins, extract of hen egg yolk which is responsible for the cryoprotective effect. Nevertheless, little was known about its required minimum concentration as well as its interaction with other extra cellular cryoprotectants, like skimmed milk. The present study aimed at investigating the effect of replacing whole egg yolk by adding low density lipoproteins at low concentrations, in TES-Tris-skim milk based extender, on the post-thaw quality of buffalo bull sperm.Materials, Methods &amp; Results: Eighteen ejaculates were collected from six buffalo bulls and diluted with TES-Tris-skim milk based extender containing LDL, extracted from hen egg yolks, at the concentrations of 2%, 4%, 8% and 14%, against a control extender containing 20% fresh egg yolk. After semen collection, analyses of subjective motility, vigor, force tourbillon, sperm concentration (Neubauer chamber) and sperm morphology (phase contrast microscopy) were performed. The diluted semen was packaged in 0.25 mL straws, and cooling was performed on computerized machine (TK 4000®), using a cooling rate of -0.25°C/min to 5°C. Semen was kept in balance at 5°C for 4 h. The straws were frozen in an ice chest, kept at 5 cm from the surface of liquid nitrogen for 20 min and then immersed in liquid nitrogen. The samples were kept in cryogenic container until thawing. Post-thaw kinetic parameters during incubation at 37°C (CASA), sperm membrane integrity (SYBR-14/PI), membrane functionality (hypo-osmotic swelling test) and DNA fragmentation (%DFI - SCSA) were evaluated after thawing. Immediately post-thaw, total motility was higher in the control (56.53 ± 9.73) than in the tested extenders; however, after 30 min the difference was no longer detected. All other kinetic parameters presented significantly better results in extenders containing 2%, 4% and 8% LDL, compared with the control. There was no difference between treatments regarding the integrity of membranes or fragmentation of the DNA after freezing/thawing procedures.Discussion: The molecules of low density lipoproteins of egg yolk have the known action of sequestering BSP ( binder of sperm proteins) protein, due to the chemical affinity of their main components, phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylethanolamine. The BSP are responsible for removing cholesterol from the plasma membrane of the sperm, preparing it for the sperm capacitation phase. Low density lipoproteins by inhibiting the action of the BSP increase the stability of the plasma membrane during the freeze-thaw process. The milk caseins micelles have a similar ability to bind the BSP, but with lower affinity. The present study has shown that the use of purified low density lipoproteins has an advantage over the use of whole egg yolk, especially with regard to the kinetic parameters of the spermatozoa after thawing. Furthermore, it was observed that low concentrations of low density lipoproteins, such as 2%, in extenders containing skim milk, could preserve the sperm cell during the freeze-thawing process like that higher LDL concentrations and whole egg yolk. Further studies are needed to determine if the cryoprotectant action found in this study was a result of the synergistic action of skim milk with lipoproteins or even at low concentrations like 2% the lipoproteins can provide protection to the buffalo spermatozoa during freezing, as it has been reproduced in other domestic species. In conclusion, our results indicated that the extender TES-Tris-skim milk containing 2% LDL extracted from egg yolk could be used successfully in the cryopreservation of buffalo sperm cells.

Effects of different preservation methods on inter simple sequence repeat (ISSR) and random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) molecular markers in botanic samples

To evaluate the effects of different preservation methods (stored in a −20°C ice chest, preserved in liquid nitrogen and dried in silica gel) on inter simple sequence repeat (ISSR) or random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) analyses in various botanical specimens (including broad-leaved plants, needle-leaved plants and succulent plants) for different times (three weeks and three years), we used a statistical analysis based on the number of bands, genetic index and cluster analysis. The results demonstrate that methods used to preserve samples can provide sufficient amounts of genomic DNA for ISSR and RAPD analyses; however, the effect of different preservation methods on these analyses vary significantly, and the preservation time has little effect on these analyses. Our results provide a reference for researchers to select the most suitable preservation method depending on their study subject for the analysis of molecular markers based on genomic DNA.

Microbiological quality of ice and ice machines used in food establishments.

The ice used in the food industry has to be safe and the water used in ice production should have the quality of drinking water. The consumption of contaminated ice directly or indirectly may be a vehicle for transmission of pathogenic bacteria to humans producing outbreaks of gastrointestinal diseases. The objective of this study was to monitor the microbiological quality of ice, the water used in producing ice and the hygienic conditions of ice making machines in various food enterprises. Escherichia coli was detected in seven (6.7%) ice and 23 (21.9%) ice chest samples whereas E. coli was negative in all examined water samples. Psychrophilic bacteria were detected in 83 (79.0%) of 105 ice chest and in 68 (64.7%) of 105 ice samples, whereas Enterococci were detected only in 13 (12.4%) ice samples. Coliforms were detected in 13 (12.4%) water, 71 (67.6%) ice chest and 54 (51.4%) ice samples. In order to improve the microbiological quality of ice, the maintenance, cleaning and disinfecting of ice machines should be carried out effectively and periodically. Also, high quality water should be used for ice production.

Use of antioxidants reduce lipid peroxidation and improve quality of crossbred ram sperm during its cryopreservation

Ram sperm are subjected to extreme oxidative stress during their preservation at −196 °C resulting in reduced quality at post thaw. Therefore, the main objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of antioxidants taurine, quercetin and reduced glutathione on the post thaw quality of crossbred ram sperm. A total of twenty four ejaculates from six crossbred rams were collected and extended with tris-based extender with no antioxidant (Control), with taurine (40 mM), quercetin (5 μg/ml) and reduced glutathione (5 mM). The post thaw sperm quality was determined by percent sperm motility, live sperm count, intact acrosome and hypo-osmotic swelling test (HOST) reacted spermatozoa and lipid peroxidation was measured in terms of malondialdehyde (MDA) level both in seminal plasma and sperm cell. At post thaw, percent sperm motility and live sperm count were significantly (p < 0.05) higher for taurine than control and reduced glutathione but did not differ significantly (p > 0.05) from quercetin. The percent HOST reacted spermatozoa were significantly higher for taurine than control, quercetin and reduced glutathione. Seminal plasma MDA level was significantly (p < 0.05) lower for taurine than control and non-significantly lower than quercetin and reduced glutathione. However, spermatic MDA level did not differ significantly (p > 0.05) among the control and antioxidants. In conclusion, taurine at 40 mM reduced lipid peroxidation and improved post thaw sperm quality of cryopreserved crossbred ram semen. Further, transportation time of semen samples in an ice chest at 4–5 °C may be included as a part of equilibration period, when collection shed and frozen semen unit are located at a distance.