• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.28 no.8
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• pp.1133-1139
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• 2015

This study aimed to determine the effects of parenteral selenium (Se) and vitamin E supplementation on economic impact, milk yield, and some reproductive parameters in high-yield dairy cows in the dry period and in those at the beginning of lactation. At the beginning of the dry period, cows (n = 323) were randomly divided into three groups as follows: Treatment 1 (T1), Treatment 2 (T2), and Control (C). Cows in group T1 received this preparation 21 days before calving and on calving day, and cows in group T2 received it only on calving day. The cows in the control group did not receive this preparation. Supplementation with Se increased Se serum levels of cows treated at calving day (p<0.05). Differences in milk yield at all weeks and the electrical conductivity values at the 8th and 12th weeks were significant (p<0.05). Supplementation with Se and Vitamin E decreased the incidence of metritis, the number of services per conception and the service period, but had no effects on the incidence of retained fetal membrane. A partial budgeting analysis indicated that Se supplementation was economically profitable; cows in group T1 averaged 240.6$ per cow, those in group T2 averaged 224.6$ per cow. Supplementation with Se and Vitamin E has been found to increase serum Se levels, milk yield, and has positive effects on udder health by decreasing milk conductivity values and incidence of sub-clinical mastitis.

• Journal of Veterinary Clinics
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• v.35 no.2
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• pp.39-45
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• 2018

We evaluated the effects of green tea extract (GTE) supplementation at different dilution steps on boar sperm freezing and in vitro fertilization. Sperm intracellular hydrogen peroxide ($H_2O_2$), motility, viability, acrosome integrity and morphology were determined. In addition, sperm IVF parameters (penetration and monospermy) and glutathione (GSH) levels of presumptive zygotes (PZs) were evaluated. Semen was diluted in lactose egg yolk (LEY) and cooled at $5^{\circ}C$ for 3 h (first dilution step) and then diluted in LEY with 9% glycerol and maintained at $5^{\circ}C$ for 30 min (second dilution step). Four experimental groups were compared: first and second dilution steps without GTE (control), first dilution step with GTE (Step 1), second dilution step with GTE (Step 2) and first and second dilution step with GTE (Step 1+2). The spermatozoa were frozen in nitrogen vapor. Higher sperm motility, viability and acrosome integrity after thawing were observed in Step 1, Step 2 and Step 1+2 groups compared with the control (P < 0.05). Lower $H_2O_2$ level was observed in Step 1+2 compared with control and Step 1 (P < 0.05). For IVF, matured oocytes were co-cultured with spermatozoa frozen according to the experimental groups. GSH levels of PZs were significantly higher in Step 2 and Step 1+2 than in control and Step 1 (P < 0.05) without a significant difference in IVF parameters. In conclusion, supplementation with GTE in both first and second dilution steps during the freezing process resulted in better boar sperm cryopreservation and might be beneficial for further embryo development.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• v.42 no.3
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• pp.101-105
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• 2015

Objective: Several publications have established a relationship between sperm DNA damage and male factor infertility, based on data from America, Europe, and Asia. This study aimed to compare the extent of sperm DNA damage in sperm samples from Nigerian men with unexplained infertility and in sperm samples from a fertile group composed of sperm donors who had successfully impregnated a female partner naturally or through assisted conception. Methods: A total of 404 men underwent male fertility evaluation at Androcare Laboratories and Cryobank participated in this study. Semen analysis and a sperm chromatin structure assay (SCSA) were performed on all subjects. Results: The men in the unexplained infertility group were slightly older than the men in the fertile sperm group ($36{\pm}10$ years vs. $32{\pm}6$ years, p=0.051). No significant difference was observed between the two groups in semen analysis parameters ($p{\geq}0.05$). Men in the unexplained infertility group with normal semen parameters had a significantly higher DNA fragmentation index (DFI) than men in the fertile sperm group ($27.5%{\pm}7.0%$ vs. $14.1%{\pm}5.3%$, p<0.05). In the unexplained infertility group, 63% of the men had a DFI greater than 20%, compared to 4% in the fertile sperm group. In the unexplained infertility group, 15.2% of the subjects had a DFI greater than 30%, compared to 1% in the fertile sperm group. Conclusion: Our study showed that the SCSA may be a more reliable predictor of fertility potential than traditional semen analysis in cases of unexplained infertility.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• v.41 no.2
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• pp.92-95
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• 2014

Objective: This study sought to evaluate platelet volume indices (mean platelet volume [MPV], platelet distribution width [PDW], and platelet large cell ratio [P-LCR]) in varicocele patients, and compare it with platelet volume parameters in healthy controls. Methods: This cross-sectional study involved 2 groups: group 1 included 51 varicocele subjects and group 2 consisted of 50 healthy control subjects of similar ages. Peripheral venous blood samples were collected with ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid-K2 anticoagulant between 8:30 AM and 10 AM following an overnight fast. Platelet volume parameters (MPV, PDW, and P-LCR) were measured in both groups within 2 hours of sampling. Results: The mean PDW, MPV, and P-LCR were $13.9{\pm}2.5%$, $10.1{\pm}1.3fL$, and $27.3{\pm}7.8%$ in varicocele patients, respectively, and were $12.6{\pm}2.4%$, $9.3{\pm}1.1fL$, and $21.9{\pm}6.4%$ in the control group, respectively. The mean PDW, MPV, and P-LCR were significantly higher in the varicocele group than the control group. Conclusion: The results of the present study suggest that vascular components may play an important role in the pathophysiology of varicocele; therefore, there is a great need for prospective studies to confirm this relationship.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• v.18 no.1
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• pp.73-80
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• 1991

We compared fertilizing potential measurements by the zona-free hamster egg penetration assay with the in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer program was evaevulated for their ability to fertilize zona free hamster egg. Spermatozoa from 12 presumeably fertile donors and from the male partners of 56 infertile couples were evaluated for their ability to fertilizing potentials. Penertration rates of fertile donors were $36.2{\pm}27.7%$ ; Fertilization rates of infertile couples between with normal semen parameters and with abnormal semen parameters were $28.7{\pm}19.1$, $5.7{\pm}8.9%$, respectively. Sperm motility of couples with penetration rates between on 15-30% and on 30> were $54.1{\pm}4.6$, $55.5{\pm}8.3%$ respectively. Hamster penetration rates of couples participating in an in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer program was $38.9{\pm}29.9%$. But in one case, a positive fertility assessment was obtained in the absence of fertilization of the wife's eggs attributable to egg immaturity. This method may have potential value as a diagnostic tool in evaluation human sperm fertilization capacity which avoids the ethical and logistical problems associated with fertilizing of human eggs in vitro.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.18 no.7
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• pp.909-914
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• 2005

This study was conducted to estimate phenotypic and genetic parameters of body condition score (BCS) and reproductive traits in Hanwoo cows. DFREML procedures were applied to obtain variance-covariance components and heritability estimates with single or two-trait models. Estimates of phenotypic correlations of BCS at service with BCS at calving was 0.16 and 0.26 with calving interval, 0.08 with gestation length, and 0.06 with number of services per conception, respectively. Estimates of phenotypic correlation of BCS at calving was 0.10 with calving interval, 0.13 with gestation length, and 0.10 with number of services per conception, respectively. Estimates of phenotypic correlation were low and negative, -0.11 between calving interval and gestation length and -0.13 between gestation length and number of services per conception. Estimates of direct genetic correlation were -0.06, between BCS at service and BCS at calving, 0.37 between BCS at service and BCS at weaning, and -0.18 between BCS at calving and BCS at weaning. Estimates of direct genetic correlation of days from calving to the 1st service were 0.17 with number of services per conception and -0.21 with BCS at service. Estimates of direct genetic correlation for BCS at calving were -0.02 with number of services per conception and -0.08 with BCS at service. Estimates of direct genetic correlation for BCS at weaning were 0.02 with number of services per conception and -0.07 with BCS at service. Estimates of direct heritability from single trait analyses were 0.13 for BCS at service, 0.20 for BCS at calving, 0.02 for BCS at weaning, and 0.20 for number of service per conception, respectively. Estimates of direct heritability were 0.20 for birth weight and 0.10 for weaning weight.

• Reproductive and Developmental Biology
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• v.35 no.4
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• pp.435-439
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• 2011

Sildenafil citrate (SIL) a phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitor (PDE5I) has been used for long time as a first line oral drug for erectile dysfunction. Though it has beneficial effects on erectile organ it also has some adverse effects in other cells and/or tissues related to reproductive system when exposed to longer duration. The objective of the present study is to evaluate the long term effect of SIL on sperm parameters in Wistar albino rat. The animals are divided into two groups, for group I - rats were treated with saline (vehicle alone) and group - II oral administration of 5 mg/kg b.w. of SIL was administrated orally once in a day for 120 days. At the end of the trial period animals were sacrificed and epididymal sperm were subjected to various analysis. Results showed significant reduction in sperm count, motility, viability and morphologically intact sperm in long term PDE5I exposed animals when compared to control. Acrosomal status and fertility test also showed significant reduction in long term PDE5I exposed animals. The present study clearly indicated that long term SIL has shown to induce alteration in sperm quality and quantity, leading to decline in fertility rate. Indicate that SIL impinge on spermatogenesis as well as epididymal function. Understanding the molecular down-stream events involved in long-term exposure to PDE5 inhibitor can be valuable to supervise on related infertility issues and to suggest corrective measures.

• International Journal of Industrial Entomology and Biomaterials
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• v.2 no.2
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• pp.173-180
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• 2001

The stink bug, Eocanthecona furcellata (Wolff.) is a natural and potential biocontrol agent of Spilarctia obliqua (Walk.). The present investigation reveals the biology, predatory efficiency and reproductive parameters of the predator which feeds on S. obliqua caterpillars in mulberry plantation. In order to find out the role of prey sine on the biology of the predators the predatory insects were separately fed with small and large caterpillars of S. obliqua. The incubation period of the eggs of E. furcellata was 8.37${\pm}$0.44 days, while the nymphal duration varied as per the prey sine. The predator when supplied with small larvae of prey, consumed 61.1 larvae and completed nymphal stage in 19.9 days; while those fed with larger prey, consumed 36.1 larvae and completed their nymphal stage in 21.55 days. The prey size also influences the reproductive parameters of the predator, The adult female predator is more voracious feeder than the adult male and consumed 41.9${\pm}$0.64 small larvae and 42.2${\pm}$0.87 large larvae during their life span. The longevity of male and female was observed as 20.7 and 29.4 days respectively. Visualization of the predator as well as the movement of the prey increases the predatory efficiency. Scanning electron microscopic studies on the feeding part explain its support in effective predation. Field observations indicated a drastic fall in the incidence of the mulberry pest, S. obliqua with the increased population E. furcellata in mulberry plantation.

• The korean journal of orthodontics
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• v.45 no.6
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• pp.308-321
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• 2015

Objective: The efficacy of mandibular advancement devices (MADs) in the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) ranges between 42% and 65%. However, it is still unclear which predictive factors can be used to select suitable patients for MAD treatment. This study aimed to systematically review the literature on the predictive value of cephalometric analysis for MAD treatment outcomes in adult OSA patients. Methods: The MEDLINE, Google Scholar, Scopus, and Cochrane Library databases were searched through December 2014. Reference lists from the retrieved publications were also examined. English language studies published in international peer-reviewed journals concerning the predictive value of cephalometric analysis for MAD treatment outcome were considered for inclusion. Two review authors independently assessed eligibility, extracted data, and ascertained the quality of the studies. Results: Fifteen eligible studies were identified. Most of the skeletal, dental, and soft tissue cephalometric measurements examined were widely recognized as not prognostic for MAD treatment outcome; however, controversial and limited data were found on the predictive role of certain cephalometric measurements including cranial base angle, mandibular plane angle, hyoid to mandibular plane distance, posterior nasal spine to soft-palate tip distance, anterior nasal spine to epiglottis base distance, and tongue/oral cross sectional area ratio thus justifying additional studies on these parameters. Conclusions: Currently available evidence is inadequate for identification of cephalometric parameters capable of reliably discriminating between poor and good responders to MAD treatment. To guide further research, methodological weaknesses of the currently available studies were highlighted and possible reasons for their discordant results were analyzed.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• v.43 no.2
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• pp.90-96
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• 2016

Objective: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is known to cause many systemic complications as well as male infertility. Astaxanthin (ASTX) is a powerful antioxidant that is involved in a variety of biologically active processes, including those with anti-diabetes effects. The present study investigates the effect of ASTX on the spermatozoa function in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. Methods: We divided 30 adult rats into three groups (10 rats per group), with a control group that received corn oil mixed with chow. DM was induced by intra-peritoneal injection of STZ. Eight weeks after the STZ injection, half of the diabetic animals were used as diabetic controls, and the rest were treated with ASTX for 56 days. Then the parameters and chromatin integrity of the epididymal sperm were analyzed using chromomycin A3, toluidine blue (TB), and acridine orange (AO) staining. Results: The count, viability, and motility of the epididymal sperm were decreased significantly in the STZ group in comparison with the control group (count and viability, p<0.001; motility, p<0.01). ASTX increased normal morphology and viable spermatozoa compared to the STZ group (morphology, p=0.001; viability, p<0.05). The percentage of abnormal chromatins in TB and AO staining was higher in the STZ group compared to the control group (p<0.001). The mean percentage of TB and AO positive spermatozoa in STZ rats was significantly lower in the STZ+ASTX group (TB, p=0.001; AO, p<0.05). Conclusion: This study observed that in vivo ASTX treatment partially attenuates some detrimental effect of diabetes. Conversely, ASTX improved sperm viability, normal morphology, and DNA integrity.