Abstract Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) has been the first severe contagious disease to emerge in the 21st century. The available epidemic curves for SARS show marked differences between the affected regions with respect to the total number of cases and epidemic duration, even for those regions in which outbreaks started almost simultaneously and similar control measures were implemented at the same time. The authors developed a likelihood-based estimation procedure that infers the temporal pattern of effective reproduction numbers from an observed epidemic curve. Precise estimates for the effective reproduction numbers were obtained by applying this estimation procedure to available data for SARS outbreaks that occurred in Hong Kong, Vietnam, Singapore, and Canada in 2003. The effective reproduction numbers revealed that epidemics in the various affected regions were characterized by markedly similar disease transmission potentials and similar levels of effectiveness of control measures. In controlling SARS outbreaks, timely alerts have been essential: Delaying the institution of control measures by 1 week would have nearly tripled the epidemic size and would have increased the expected epidemic duration by 4 weeks.
Andrea Priego-González, Ana Munoz-Maceda, Raquel González
et al.
The Iberian lynx (Lynx pardinus), once considered the most endangered felid in the world, has become a remarkable example of conservation success thanks to intensive ex situ and in situ management efforts. However, the long-term viability of the species remains under threat. The implementation of assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs) would contribute to ensure the species viability, but the use of ARTs is limited in this species and there are still important gaps in the knowledge of its physiology. Here, we report the first in vitro fertilization (IVF) and early embryo development in the Iberian lynx using oocytes retrieved post-mortem and cryopreserved spermatozoa. Oocytes from six females were subjected to in vitro maturation using two sets of conditions. In the first series, oocytes incubated in vitro for 24 h, exhibited a very low proportion (0–37 %) reaching metaphase II (MII). Attempted IVF with cryopreserved spermatozoa resulted in no fertilization. In a second series, oocytes were incubated in vitro for 28 h; grade I-II oocytes exhibited 40 % maturation rate (MII), whereas grade III oocytes showed 28 % maturation rate. Matured oocytes from one female were co-incubated with cryopreserved sperm for 18 h resulting in cleavage rates of 39.3 % (grade I–II) and 7.1 % (grade III) and the opportunity to vitrify one blastocyst and six morulae. These results demonstrate the feasibility of using ARTs in this species, validating domestic cat protocols for Iberian lynx gametes, and providing a foundation for further refinement of IVF protocols, embryo cryopreservation, and ultimately, embryo transfer strategies for use in conservation programs.
Faten A. Alrashaid, Mohammed S. Moqbel, Marwa A. M. Babiker
et al.
Osteopontin (OPN) is a phosphorylated acidic glycoprotein that serves various purposes across various systems. Principally, it aids in adhesion and signaling. It is an important protein related to reproduction, which has been discovered in several species, among which is the dromedary camel, where it has been detected in the endometrium and conceptuses at the time of implantation. The objective of this research is to investigate and examine the expression patterns of OPN mRNA and protein in both endometrial uterine horns with their associated fetal membranes during the first trimester of camel pregnancy. Endometrial and fetal membranes were collected from eight pregnant female camels during the first trimester of pregnancy (Days 70–110 of pregnancy). The temporospatial expression of OPN was studied in endometrial tissues and their conceptuses from the left uterine horn (LUH) and right uterine horn (RUH) using quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) and immunohistochemistry (IHC) techniques. The results showed a gradual increase in OPN mRNA expression with advancing pregnancy in both LUH and RUH of endometrial and fetal membranes tissue. OPN protein was predominantly found in the uterine luminal epithelium (LE) and fetal trophectoderm (Tr), stroma, and uterine glands. In conclusion, our findings demonstrate that OPN is consistently present in both the endometrium and fetal membranes throughout the first trimester of pregnancy. This observation advances previous knowledge by confirming OPN expression even during the early first trimester, suggesting its crucial role in supporting embryo attachment, implantation, and placentation processes in the dromedary camel.
A numerical simulation experiment is conducted to study the first-ever waterspout observed in Victoria Harbour, Hong Kong, in 2024, namely, a mesoscale meteorological model with a spatial resolution of 200 m coupled with a computational fluid dynamics model with a spatial resolution of 4 m. It is found that the simulation could reproduce the observed wind field near the surface reasonably well, as well as the location of the waterspout and showers, as shown in the weather image. By conducting simulations with and without buildings, it is found that the inclusion of buildings is essential for the successful reproduction of the flow fields near the surface and up to several hundred metres high. This may suggest that urbanization plays a role in the occurrence of this waterspout. The resultant horizontal vorticity is then stretched by strong vertical motion at around 850 hPa, resulting in the waterspout, though no closed circulation could be simulated at the location of the waterspout. Moreover, the cyclonic feature for the flow field near the surface has a time lag of about 30 min compared with the actual waterspout occurrence. Nonetheless, the simulation is considered to be generally satisfactory and provides useful insight into the occurrence of the waterspout.
Abstract Objective To study the correlation between anti-Müllerian hormone levels and pregnancy outcomes after in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection in women with polycystic ovary syndrome, which remains controversial. Methods This retrospective cohort study recruited 4,719 women with infertility and polycystic ovary syndrome aged 20–40 years who underwent treatment at the Reproductive Center of Peking University Third Hospital between February 2017 and June 2023. We divided the participants into three groups according to the 25th and 75th percentile cutoffs of serum anti-Müllerian hormone: low (≤ 4.98 ng/mL, n = 1,198), average (4.98 − 10.65 ng/mL, n = 2,346), and high (≥ 10.65 ng/mL, n = 1,175). Pregnancy outcomes included live birth rate, miscarriage rate, clinical pregnancy rate, and cumulative live birth rate. Results The live birth rate for fresh embryo transfer was 39.8%, 35.9%, and 30.4% in the low, average, and high anti-Müllerian hormone groups, respectively. The miscarriage rate was 11.3%, 17.1%, and 21.8% in the low, average, and high anti-Müllerian hormone groups, respectively. Significant intergroup differences were observed in the live birth rate (P = 0.017) and miscarriage rate (P = 0.018). No significant intergroup difference was observed in the clinical pregnancy rate (P = 0.204) or cumulative live birth rate (P = 0.423). After adjusting the confounders by multivariable logistic regression analysis, anti-Müllerian hormone was associated with decreased live birth rate in the high anti-Müllerian hormone group compared with that in the low anti-Müllerian hormone group (odds ratio: 0.629, 95% confidence interval: 0.460–0.860). Anti-Müllerian hormone was associated with increased miscarriage rate in the average and high anti-Müllerian hormone groups compared with that in the low anti-Müllerian hormone group (average vs. low: odds ratio: 1.592, 95% confidence interval: 1.017–2.490); high vs. low: odds ratio: 2.045, 95% confidence interval: 1.152–3.633). Conclusion High anti-Müllerian hormone is a prognostic factor for reduced live birth rate after fresh embryo transfer in women with polycystic ovary syndrome aged 20–40 years undergoing in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection, and is associated with increased miscarriage rate in these patients.
Juliana Cristina Rego Ribas, Joseph Kaled Grajales-Cedeño, Isadora Gianeis
et al.
This study aimed to evaluate the effects of no tail docking on the performance, health, and behavior of piglets raised under commercial conditions in Brazil. The study included 768 weaned piglets from the Pietrain synthetic line, randomly divided into two groups: DT = the final third part of the tail-docked (n = 384) and NTD = non-tail-docked (n = 384). Tail docking was performed on day two using an electrocautery clipper for piglets from the DT group, and both groups were subjected to standard environmental enrichment with branched chains. In cases of tail biting, a contingency plan was adopted to mitigate this problem by enriching the pen with a sisal rope. Behavioral measurements were performed using scan sampling. Tail biting, reactivity to humans, and health were assessed using a methodology adapted from the Welfare Quality Protocol<sup>®</sup>. The piglets were weighed at 140 days of age and inspected according to the parameters established by the Pig Genealogical Registration Service to be used as reproduction animals. The off-test rate was calculated based on the total number of piglets approved for animal use relative to the total number evaluated. During the nursery stage, the NDT piglets showed a trend toward significance (<i>p</i> = 0.07) toward a higher occurrence of tail biting than the DT piglets and exhibited a higher incidence of severe lesions. They also engaged more frequently (<i>p</i> < 0.05) in exploratory behavior, interacting with branched chains and sisal rope, than the DT piglets. During the finishing phase, tail biting was observed only in the NDT piglets (<i>p</i> = 0.001). The NDT piglets that did not require the contingency plan exhibited lower fear responses (<i>p</i> = 0.02) during human interactions in the nursery phase than the DT piglets. Conversely, the NDT piglets that required a contingency plan showed higher fear levels (<i>p</i> < 0.001). Productivity performance was not affected (<i>p</i> > 0.05), and new cases of tail biting ceased after the contingency plan was implemented. The number of animals that died or were removed did not differ between the treatments (<i>p</i> > 0.05). In conclusion, managing piglets with intact tails on commercial farms presents a significant welfare challenge. By contrast, docking the final third of the tail, in accordance with regulations, was associated with fewer negative welfare outcomes, even when best management practices were applied.
Obukohwo Mega Oyovwi, Benneth Ben-Azu, Edesiri Prince Tesi
et al.
Oxidative stress and aberrant inflammatory response have important implications in cyclosporin-induced reproductive functions. Previous studies have shown that agents with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities might be beneficial in reversing cyclosporin-induced reproductive impairment. Lutein is a naturally occurring compound with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. However, the effect of lutein against cyclosporin-induced reproductive impairment remains in complete. Hence, we investigated the protective effect of lutein, specifically focusing on the role of nuclear factor erythroid 2 related factor-2 (Nrf2)/heme-oxygenase-1 (HO-1)/connexin-43 (Cx-43) upregulation system against cyclosporine-induced reproductive impairment. Six male Wistar rats were allotted into 5 groups and given daily gavage of cyclosporine (40 mg/kg) and/or lutein (30 mg/kg) for four (4) weeks or in combination, respectively. The testicular antioxidant scaffolds: superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), reduced glutathione (GSH), add to sulfhydryl (T-SH), non-protein sulfhydryl (NP-SH), glutathione reductase (GR), glutathione-S -transferase (GST), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), myeloperoxidase (MPO), testicular proinflammatory cytokines, apoptotic related protein, nucleic acids, sialic acid, testicular proton pump ATPase, stress responsive protein, BTB-related protein and total protein levels in the testes were assayed thereafter. Cyclosporin significantly increased NOX-1, TNF-α, IL-1β, MPO, caspase-3 and -9 levels, which were reversed by lutein. Lutein reversed cyclosporin-induced decreases in Nrf2, HO-1, BCL-2, cytochrome C, with corresponding increase in CAT, SOD, GSH, T-SH, NP-SH, GST, GR, GSH-Px, and Cx-43 levels compared to cyclosporin groups. Lutein also abates cyclosporin-induced alterations Na + -K + -ATPase activities. Our findings showed that lutein's protective effect against cyclosporin-induced reproductive impairment might be associated with mechanisms linked to its antioxidant, anti-apoptotic, and anti-inflammatory properties, notably through up-regulation of Nrf2/HO-1/Cx-43 signaling and down-regulation of NOX-1 signaling.
Elham Bagherian, Sahar Jokari, Parnaz Borjian Boroujeni
et al.
Abstract Background: Intrauterine insemination (IUI) is often the first-line treatment for unexplained infertility. β -Microsemino protein (MSMB) is an abundant protein in seminal plasma that has an inhibitory effect on spontaneous acrosome reaction. Objective: The present study aimed to evaluate MSMB gene variations and protein expression on IUI success rate in unexplained infertile men. Materials and Methods: A case-control study was performed on 100 unexplained infertile Iranian men referred to the Royan Institute, Tehran, Iran for IUI (50 men with IUI positive result [IUI+], and 50 men with IUI negative result [IUI-]). Couples with female infertility factors (such as hormonal disorders, infrequent menstrual period, abnormality in uterus, fallopian tubes, or ovaries) and men with infections of the male accessory glands, hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, clinical varicocele, retractile testis, genital trauma, drug use, or concurrent hormonal treatment Y chromosome microdeletions, and abnormal karyotype were excluded from the study. The polymerase chain reaction sequencing was performed for the promoter and the coding regions of MSMB functional domains. To study the protein expression, the total protein of sperm was extracted, and sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was performed. Results: 4 variations were detected (rs12770171, rs10993994, rs2075894, and rs4517463). None of them showed significant differences between the IUI+ and IUI- groups. The mean value of protein expression did not show any differences between the groups. Conclusion: In conclusion, there is no association between genetic variations of promoter and coding regions of MSMB functional domains as well as its expression with IUI success in unexplained infertile men.
In this article, a fractional-order epidemic model for cholera is proposed and analyzed. Two transmission routes for cholera are considered to develop the compartmental epidemic model. The basic biological properties of the solutions of the fractional-order model are investigated. The global asymptotic stability of the equilibrium points have been established using appropriate Lyapunov functional. Moreover, a fractional-order control problem is presented, and its analytical solution is derived using Pontryagin’s maximum principle. Also, some graphical visualizations of the theoretical results are provided. It is found that the factional-order derivative only affect the time to reach the stationary states. Sensitivity analysis reveals that by reducing the rates of new recruitment and both the disease transmission rates, it may be possible to reduce the value of the basic reproduction number.
Łukasz Łopusiewcz, Natalia Śmietana, Elżbieta Lichwiarska
et al.
In recent years, there has been increasing consumer interest and research into plant-based dairy alternatives, due to the increasingly negative impact of animal products on human health, animal welfare, and the environment. The purpose of this study was to investigate the physicochemical and microbiological changes in a Camembert alternative based on the seeds of sweet lupine (<i>Lupinus angustifolius</i> L cv. ‘Boregine’). After heat treatment and homogenization, the seeds were incubated with lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and <i>Penicillium camemberti</i> mold. After fermentation at room temperature, the samples were stored at 12 °C for 14 days, and then ripened until day 49 at 6 °C. Changes in microbial population, acidity, texture, content of polyphenols, flavonoids, reducing sugars, and free amino acids were monitored. In addition, the antioxidant capacity of the samples during ripening was determined. The results showed that LAB and fungi were able to grow well in the lupine matrix. Initially, a decrease in pH was observed, while in the further stages of ripening, alkalization of the product linked with progressive proteolysis associated with an increase in free amino acid content was noted. Hydrolysis of polysaccharides and an increase in antioxidant activity were observed. This indicates the potential of lupine seeds as a raw material for the development of a new group of plant-based ripened cheese alternatives.
Nurul Athira Mohammad Afandi, Norsida Man, Anjas Asmara Shamsudin
et al.
This study determined the extent to which improved husbandry practices in the study area were adopted by ranchers of small ruminants. A total of 100 respondents of small ruminant ranchers were selected for this study, using simple random sampling. Data were analyzed using descriptive percentage and cross tabulation to determine the adoption of improved small ruminant husbandry practices among ranchers. The study revealed that reproduction, healthcare and feeding had a higher adoption rate among the key management practices of small ruminant husbandry compared to general management. The findings revealed the majority of the respondents (65%) were classified as medium level adopters of improved animal husbandry practices, with an average adoption index of 65. The adoption rates of animal husbandry among small ruminant ranchers should be enhanced by promoting guidance, education and their evaluation on the practices.
Hamideh Jafari, Khadigeh Mirzaiinajmabadi, Robab Latifnejad Roudsari
et al.
Abstract Background: In recent years, the incidence of male infertility has increased worldwide. It is necessary to study the factors that influence male infertility in each area/region for better management. Objective: To determine the factors affecting male infertility in the Iranian male population. Materials and Methods: An online search was conducted in electronic databases including PubMed, Google Scholar, SID, and Scopus to identify articles on the factors associated with male infertility, published in English and Persian. The keywords used to perform the search included “factor", “epidemiology", “causes of infertility", and “male infertility". The search was conducted without a time restriction, up to April 2020. Results: The search resulted in a total number of 691 studies. After an assessment of the articles, finally 14 studies were included in this study with a total number of 26,324 infertile males. The factors associated with male infertility included semen abnormalities, varicocele and testis disorder, smoking, exposure to heat, obesity, anabolic steroids, vascular abnormalities, anti-spermatogenesis factors, antidepressants, taking ranitidine and cimetidine, penile discharge and genital ulcers, painful micturition, occupational factors, alcohol, chronic disease, sexual disorder, Surgical and urological diseases, genetic factors and herpes infection. Among these, the semen and varicocele disorders were common in most studies. Conclusion: The present review suggests that the factors affecting male infertility in Iran are similar to those reported from other countries. The results of this study can be used in adopting appropriate strategies for infertility management in Iran.