Prevalence of Abnormal Semen Parameters among the Infertile Couples Seeking Infertility Treatment

Infertility, affecting 60 to 80 million couples globally, is clinically defined as the inability to conceive after 12 months of unprotected sexual contact. Male factors contribute significantly, comprising 40.0% to 50.0% of infertility cases. While the prevalence ranges from 5.0% to 30.0% in developing countries, the exact global prevalence remains unknown. The study, conducted at CMH and Ibn Sina Hospital, Jashore from October 2020 to September 2023, utilized a cross-sectional approach; examining 4173 samples aged 21 to 41. Exclusion criteria considered known female reproductive abnormalities or medications impacting male fertility. Standardized procedures, in-depth questionnaires and SPSS software version 15.0 were employed, adhering to World Health Organization Guidelines. In a study of 4173 seeking infertility treatment, 63.0% had abnormal semen parameters, with 45.0% aged 31-40 years. Addiction patterns: 76.0% used tobacco, 14.0% reported alcohol and tobacco. Occupations: 43.0% government workers, 41.0% private workers. Marriage duration: 44.0% married 5-10 years, infertility duration: 64.0% less than 6 years. Semen analysis showed 40% with sperm count above 65 million, 46.0% with 60.0-90.0% motile sperm, and 78.0% with sperm morphology below 15.0%. The most prevalent abnormality is asthenozoospermia 59%, with oligozoospermia and azoospermia observed in 31% and 3% of cases, respectively. This study highlights the global complexity of male infertility, emphasizing genetic factors in infertile couples. Addressing sample bias and the lack of national epidemiological data underscores the ongoing need for comprehensive research to advance global infertility diagnosis and treatment.

Assessment of aquatic macro-invertebrates communities and water quality parameters of River Zhob, Balochistan, Pakistan

Abstract Environmental stress caused by pollution is often assessed by diversity of macro-invertebrate species in specific aquatic habitat. To find out seasonal fluctuations in various macro-invertebrates communities and different water quality parameters of River Zhob, a research trial was conducted on River Zhob, Balochistan. Samples of macro-invertebrates and water were taken from four different stations of River Zhob. A total 18 taxa of various macro-invertebrates were identified from the area. Phylum Arthropoda constitute 94.8% of the total population followed by Mollusca (3.6%) and Annelida (1.4%). A large number of arthropods were belonged to order Diptera (1148), while the order Trichoptera was stood second with respect to macro-invertebrate´s number (441). The maximum numbers of macro-invertebrates were observed in the month of January. All physico-chemical parameters of River Zhob such as air temperature, water temp, pH, dissolved oxygen (DO) and total dissolved solids (TDS) were within the range, suitable for the healthy growth of macro-invertebrates. Diversified populations of various macro-invertebrates confirm good ecological condition of environment and water in the studied site especially ample concentration of DO in River. The documented data on macro-invertebrates in studied site will provide a baseline for future research.

Antioxidant associated chemoprophylaxis effect of natural spice and green vegetable on hepatotoxicity

This is a case control and cohort study, conducted at Department of Biochemistry in FUAST, compressing 24 number of albino Wistar rats. Illicium verum (star anise) natural spice and green vegetable broccoli are used for chemo-preventive herbal treatment in relation with vitamin C antioxidant activity. Hepatotoxicity was induced in liver of model rats by giving interperitoneally single injection of 200 mg/kg bod weight (B.W) of N-nitrosodiethylamine and orally giving 1 mg/kg BW phenobarbital for 14 days during disease prorogation period. The vitamin C analysis from Illicium verum (star anise), green broccoli, orange juice, orange peel and orange pulp was done by iodometric quantitative and qualitative titration method. Rats were given compound according to their bodyweight as 1 mg/kg B.W. After 14 days (Disease Promotion and Propagation Period) and 28 days (Disease cure period) of treatment behavioral activity was monitored by locomotors activity in open field experiment, stimulatory activity in home cage and anxiolytic effects observed in light and dark apparatus and also in T maze. Behavioral activity were significantly increased in Illicium verum and green broccoli treated rats. Hematological study including hemoglobin (Hb), white blood cells (WBC), red blood cells (RBC), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), red cell distribution width (RDW) and Platelets was done by abbot laboratory analyzer cell. The value of Hb and RBC was also significantly increased in star anise and broccoli treated rats, showed proper function of RBC in microcirculation. WBC was also in normal range revealed that no disease regards to bone marrow and leukemia's. The biochemical activity of rats including urea, creatinine, total protein, albumin, globulin, A/G ratio, amylase and calcium in blood serum were analyzed while, liver health or performance was also determined by LFT (liver function test). Behavioral and laboratorial variables were analyzed by using SPSS v. 20 and p-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. The study report noticeable significant effect of Illicium verum and broccoli on hepatotoxicity of experimental model. Recent experimental study statistical outcomes show reciprocal relationship between the consumption of vegetable diet and natural spice with the risk of Hepatotoxicity. Thus, the aim of the study is to enhance the function of star anise or illicium verum natural spice and green vegetable broccoli as an anticancer or chemoprophylaxis agent.

Prevalence and risk factors associated with human Intestinal Parasitic Infections (IPIs) in rural and urban areas of Quetta, Pakistan

Intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) are endemic worldwide and more prevalent in countries with unhygienic conditions. The objective of the research was to identify the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections in rural and urban areas of Quetta, Balochistan and to check their associated risk factors including; age, gender, educational status, sanitary system and any other immunodeficiency. For this instance 204 stool samples were collected from the urban and rural population of Quetta, Balochistan. The participants with positive results for Intestinal Parasitic Infections were interviewed using close-ended questionnaire. From the findings of this study, it has been revealed that prevalence of Intestinal parasitic infections in rural and urban areas was 21%. Males were found more prevalent (66%) as compared to females (34%) due to higher risk of contacting to outer environment. The prevalence was higher in rural areas (23%). The most prevalent intestinal parasite was Entamoeba histolytica (48%). Other prevailing parasites were Hymenolepis nana (26%), Giardia Intestinalis (17%), Trichomonas hominis (5%) and Trichuris trichiura (5%). The majority of patients were having lower socio-economic (52%) and educational status (48%). Educational status of 48% patients was primary or below primary. Most of the participants with positive results did not have hand washing habit (62%) and didn't have the closed sanitary system (71%). The intestinal parasitic infections were more prevalent among children aged from 1-10 (33%). This may be a result of poor hygiene in children. The study will contribute to lower down the prevalence in the studied areas by the application of different preventive measures in future.

Effect of dimethylformamide on sperm quality and fertilizing ability of Indian red jungle fowl (Gallus gallus murghi)

The present study investigates the efficacy of dimehtlyformamide (DMF) as a permeable cryoprotectant and its effect on quality and fertility of Indian red jungle fowl sperm. Semen was collected from eight mature roosters, pooled, divided into five aliquots and diluted with red fowl extender having DMF (0%, 4%, 6%, 8% and 10%). Diluted semen samples were cooled from 37 °C to 4 °C, 20% glycerol added to control (0% DMF), equilibrated for 10 min and filled in 0.5 mL French straws, kept over liquid nitrogen vapors for 10 min and plunged into liquid nitrogen. Sperm motility, plasma membrane functionality, viability and acrosome integrity were assessed at post dilution, cooling, equilibration and freeze-thawing stage of cryopreservation. Cryopreservation stages had negative effects (P < 0.05) on semen quality parameters. Percentages of sperm motility, plasma membrane functionality, viability and acrosome integrity were recorded highest in extender having 8% DMF at post-dilution, cooling, equilibration and freeze-thawing stage. Fertility results after artificial insemination were recorded higher (P < 0.05) with 8% DMF compared to 20% glycerol. Dimehtlyformamide (8%) in red fowl extender improves the post thaw semen quality and fertility in Indian red jungle fowl and can be used effectively to avoid the contraceptive effects of glycerol.

Intravaginal insemination depth influences fertility outcomes in Indian red jungle fowl (Gallus gallus murghi)

The depth of intravaginal insemination to achieve optimum fertility with frozen-thawed semen is highly species specific in birds and differ even in breed and/or strains of a species. Therefore, study was designed to evaluate the influence of intravaginal insemination depths (2 and 4 cm) on fertility outcome in Indian red jungle fowl. Semen collected from eight mature cocks was pooled, diluted in extender and cooled to 4 °C. Glycerol (20%) was added to chilled semen, equilibrated for 10 min and cryopreserved. After 3 days of storage, frozen semen was thawed in water bath at 37 °C for 30 s. After glycerol removal, intravaginal Inseminations were performed at the depth of 2 and 4 cm. The no. of fertilized eggs (31.4 ± 1.6 vs. 27.7 ± 1.8), fertility rate (65.7 ± 3.6 vs. 58.8 ± 4.0), no. of hatched chicks (27.8 ± 1.9 vs. 23.5 ± 1.6), hatchability of set eggs (58.8 ± 4.3 vs. 49.7 ± 3.2) and hatchability of fertilized eggs (88.4 ± 2.8 vs. 84.3 ± 2.2) were recorded higher with intravaginal depth of 4 cm compared to 2 cm. It is concluded that intravaginal insemination at the depth of 4 cm enhances the fertility outcomes of the frozen-thawed Indian red jungle fowl semen.

Growth performance of local and genetically improved chicken of Bangladesh

The experiment was conducted to compare the growth performance among four genotypes of indigenous chicken namely Non-descriptive Native (ND), genetically Improved Native (IN), Hilly (HC) and Naked Neck (NN) of Bangladesh under free-range rearing system.  A total of 288 day old chicks (DOC) from four genotypes were divided into four treatments having eight replications of each for a period of 12 weeks under free-range system with supplementation of commercial broiler diet. During first 4 weeks, all chicks were kept together, whereas chicks of ND was brooded in the same room but separated by a partition. At 5 weeks of age chicks were randomly distributed to the selected farmers. Growth parameters were recorded to determine the comparative growth performance among four genotypes of chicken. The highest body weight (1110.76 g/bird) was achieved by HC, followed by IN (900.63 g/bird) and NN (831.13 g/bird) at 12 weeks of age. The lowest body weight (734.13 g/bird) however was found in ND chicken. During the growing period under free range rearing (5-12 weeks), HC group consumed the highest amount of feed (2697.02 g/bird) with an average FCR of 3.06 while the lowest feed consumption (2666.13 g/bird) with the highest FCR of 4.90 was observed in ND. IN consumed (2674.63 g/bird) feed with an average FCR of 3.92 and BLRI improved NN consumed (2668.13 g/bird) feed with an average FCR of 4.19. Live weight gains in all the four genotypes of indigenous chicken were changed almost in a similar pattern. Significant differences were observed in live weight, dressing percentage, breast meat, drumstick, thigh meat among the four genotypes of chicken. The HC was superior to other genotypes of indigenous chicken including ND in terms of growth performance, meat yield characteristics and net returns. Bang. J. Anim. Sci. 2018. 47 (2):76-84

Comparative Study of Alginate and Omeprazole in Symptomatic Treatment of Non-erosive Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease

Gastroesophageal reflux disease is widely reported most prevalent disease of the gastrointestinal tract. The burden of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is increasing in Asia and the majority of patients have non-erosive reflux disease. This prospective, open label, non random (consecutive), experimental study was performed due to compare the therapeutic efficacy of alginate and omeprazole in relieving symptoms of non erosive reflux disease (NERD) and was carried out in the Outpatient Department of Gastroenterology, Dhaka Medical College Hospital, Dhaka, Bangladesh from December 2013 to May 2014. Sixty patients were enrolled for this study and were divided into two groups. Among them, 30 subjects were assigned to the omeprazole group (Group I) and 30 subjects to the alginate group (Group II). Omeprazole 20mg enteric coated capsule daily and alginate 10ml three times daily were administered 14 days in this study. In ITT analysis, achieving complete symptom relief (heart burn) was 56.7% in alginate group & 60% in omeprazole group. Statistically which was not significant (p=0.793). In PP analysis, this was 65.4% and 66.7% respectively. In this study, the overall satisfaction of omeprazole & alginate was more than 86% and the mean duration of heart burn free was found 5.0±4.0 days in Group I and 3.65±2.8 days in Group II. The difference was not statistically (p>0.05) significant between two groups in this study. Therapeutic efficacy and safety profiles of alginate were comparable to omeprazole after two weeks treatment in NERD subjects. So alginate may be considered as a relevant and effective alternative medication in non-erosive reflux.

Cancer cervix: An uncommon malignancy in Kashmir, India

OBJECTIVE

To study the distribution of cancers among females with particular emphasis on cancer cervix in Kashmiri population, which is geographically and socio-culturally distinct from the rest of India.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

All patient records were screened from January 1, 2009 to December 31, 2011 at Regional Cancer Centre, Srinagar. Most common cancers among females were recorded and analysis of cancer cervix cases was performed.

RESULTS

Female cancers comprised of 40% of total cancers with oesophageal and breast cancer as most common malignancies. Cancer cervix did not figure in top ten cancers and only 45 (0.01%) cases were recorded of the total of 3084 adult female cancers.

CONCLUSION

We conclude that due to different socio-cultural and sexual practices, this cancer is highly uncommon in Kashmir and screening or possibly should be directed specifically at only high risk selective subjects.

Household Animal and Human Medicine Use and Animal Husbandry Practices in Rural Bangladesh: Risk Factors for Emerging Zoonotic Disease and Antibiotic Resistance

Animal antimicrobial use and husbandry practices increase risk of emerging zoonotic disease and antibiotic resistance. We surveyed 700 households to elicit information on human and animal medicine use and husbandry practices. Households that owned livestock (n = 265/459, 57.7%) reported using animal treatments 630 times during the previous 6 months; 57.6% obtained medicines, including antibiotics, from drug sellers. Government animal healthcare providers were rarely visited (9.7%), and respondents more often sought animal health care from pharmacies and village doctors (70.6% and 11.9%, respectively), citing the latter two as less costly and more successful based on past performance. Animal husbandry practices that could promote the transmission of microbes from animals to humans included the following: the proximity of chickens to humans (50.1% of households reported that the chickens slept in the bedroom); the shared use of natural bodies of water for human and animal bathing (78.3%); the use of livestock waste as fertilizer (60.9%); and gender roles that dictate that females are the primary caretakers of poultry and children (62.8%). In the absence of an effective animal healthcare system, villagers must depend on informal healthcare providers for treatment of their animals. Suboptimal use of antimicrobials coupled with unhygienic animal husbandry practices is an important risk factor for emerging zoonotic disease and resistant pathogens.

Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma by immunohistochemistry

Non Hodgkin's lymphomas (NHL) constitute a heterogeneous group of neoplasm of the lymphoid system. There are many histological subtype of NHL based on WHO classification of hematopoietic and lymphoid neoplasm. This cross-sectional study was carried out in the department of Pathology, Dhaka Medical College, Dhaka from January 2009 to December 2010 to observe the different subtypes of NHL using immunohistochemistry (IHC) with CD3. A total of 50 microscopically diagnosed case of NHL irrespective of age and sex were included in the study. The diagnostic morphologic criteria of each lymphoma subcategory were compiled and diagnosis was made. Mean age of the study subjects were 42.0±19.7 years with range 3-75 years and male female ratio was 1.8:1. Nodal NHL was 66% and extranodal cases were 34%. Maximum number of histolgic subtypes belonged to diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) and male was predominant in all histological subtypes, except peripheral T-cell lymphoma (PTCL). DLBCL was predominant in all B-cell NHL whereas PTCL was predominant in all T-cell NHL. The most childhood patients belonged to lymphoblastic lymphoma. Regarding cell lineage B-cell NHL was more common than T-cell NHL (88% vs. 12%), but high grade pattern was more predominant in T-cell type (83.3% vs. 65.9%). Among 50 study subjects histological (H & E) diagnosis reveals 46 cases as B-cell NHL and 4 as T-cell NHL but IHC confirms 6 cases as T-cell NHL.

Histological scoring and associated risk factors of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

Non alcoholic steatohepatitis is a hepatic disorder with histological features of alcohol induced liver disease that occurs in individual who do not consume significant alcohol. Liver biopsy is an important part of the evaluation in term of both grade & stage. A cross sectional study was carried out in the department of Pathology, Dhaka Medical College, Dhaka & department of Hepatology, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU) from July 2007 to June 2009. Total 55 adult subjects of both sex were included on the basis of predefined inclusion & exclusion criteria in this study to evaluate the histological pattern of non alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and its correlation with risk factors. Liver biopsy was done and H & E and Masson's Trichrome stain slides were examined to evaluate the grade and stage of NAFLD. Scoring and semiquantitative assessment of steatosis and NAFLD severity was done according to Kleiner scale known as NAFLD activity score (NAS). The results of Pearson correlation showed only BMI and triglyceride level significantly correlated with NAS score. The results of Spearman's rank correlation showed that BMI, central obesity, triglyceridaemia and age significantly correlated with staging of fibrosis. The results of multiple regression analysis showed that variation of NAS depend on BMI and triglyceride level. The study also revealed that risk factors contributed about 29% risk for the occurrence of non alcoholic steatohepatitis.

In vitro up-regulation of HLA-G using dexamethasone and hydrocortisone in first-trimester trophoblast cells of women experiencing recurrent miscarriage

The trophoblast cells at the maternal-fetal interface express an unusual combination of human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-C, HLA-E and HLA-G. Altered expression of HLA-G on the extravillous cytotrophoblast has been implicated in the etiology of recurrent miscarriages (RMs). We have assessed HLA-G expression in extravillous cytotrophoblast in cell cultures prepared from RM patients and compared with those of first-trimester voluntarily terminated normal pregnancies (control). Glucocorticoids, dexamethasone and hydrocortisone were examined for their role in modulation of the HLA-G expression. HLA-G promoter and 3'UTR variants were investigated for their effect on the transcription of HLA-G. Cultured cytotrophoblast cells from the first-trimester RM patients were treated with dexamethasone and hydrocortisone (dose concentration 0-1000 ng/ml). HLA-G gene transcription was determined by semiquantitative and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), while protein expression was determined by a specific enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), flow cytometry and western blot analyses. HLA-G polymorphisms were detected by PCR and/or sequence-based typing. Low level of HLA-G was observed in untreated trophoblast cells obtained from RM patients as compared with controls. Upon treatment with glucocorticoids, the expression of HLA-G in these cells was up-regulated in a dose-dependent manner (P < 0.05), with no change in cellular proliferation and viability. There was no significant association between HLA-G polymorphism in RM patients and controls. HLA-G is minimally expressed in cultured trophoblast cells of RM patients. It can be up-regulated upon exposure with both dexamethasone and hydrocortisone. Glucocorticoids have the potential to modulate HLA-G expression in vitro, and can be further examined for their therapeutic applicability in RM.

A Severe Leaf Curl Disease on Chilies in Pakistan is Associated with Multiple Begomovirus Components

Chili leaf curl disease is an important limiting factor for chilies in the Indian subcontinent and is associated with begomoviruses (2,3). Field visits of commercially grown chilies in 2007 and 2008 identified a very severe leaf curl disease with 100% incidence and severe yield losses at several locations in Faisalabad District, Punjab, Pakistan. Symptoms of the disease were severe leaf curl with cup-shaped, upward curling, yellowing, and stunted plant growth. To identify the causative agent, symptomatic plant samples were collected from 10 locations and total DNA was extracted with a cetyltrimethylammoniumbromide method. Universal primers that amplify begomovirus DNA A, Begomo F (ACGCGT GCCGTGCTGCTGCCCCCATTGTCC) and Begomo R (ACGCGT ATGGGCTGYCGAAGTTSAGAC), were used in PCR. A PCR product of the expected size (approximately 2.8 kb) was amplified from all symptomatic plants, and no amplification products of the expected size were obtained from healthy or asymptomatic plants, confirming the association of a begomovirus with the disease. When used as a probe in Southern hybridization, a full-length clone of Cotton leaf curl Multan virus detected characteristic viral DNA forms and further confirmed the association of begomovirus with the disease. To identify the begomovirus associated with the disease at the species level, the PCR product obtained with universal primers was cloned into a TA cloning vector and five clones were partially sequenced. Comparison of the DNA sequence of the coat protein gene of clones resulted in identification of two begomovirus species; the first clone (GenBank Accession No. FN179278) showed 94% DNA sequence identity with the bipartite virus Tomato leaf curl New Delhi virus (ToLCNDV), while the second clone (GenBank Accession No. FN252382) showed 97% sequence identity with the monopartite begomovirus Chili leaf curl Multan virus (ChLCMV). Rolling circle amplification was used to clone the DNA B of ToLCNDV from samples showing typical chili leaf curl disease symptoms. Sequence analysis of the DNA B clone (GenBank Accession No. FN179276) in the intergenic region and movement protein gene showed 94% identity with ToLCNDV DNA B. To confirm association of betasatellite with the disease, universal primers (β-01 and β-02) were used for the amplification of betasatellite by PCR (1). DNA sequence analysis of betasatellite (GenBank Accession No. FN179279) associated with the disease showed 90% identity with the previously cloned chili leaf curl betasatellite (1). No evidence for the association of alphasatellite with the disease was found. The multiple infection of a begomovirus complex, consisting of a monopartite virus with a bipartite begomovirus where DNA B is maintained in the presence of betasatellite, presents yet another example of rapid changes in begomovirus complexes that infect important crops in the region. The appearance of chili leaf curl disease at a higher incidence and symptom severity may be attributed to the synergistic action of geminivirus disease complex comprising a monopartite and a bipartite begomovirus along with DNA betasatellite. High yield losses resulting from this severe disease threatens chili cultivation in the area and is forcing farmers to grow other crops. References: (1) R. W. Briddon et al. Virology 312:106, 2003. (2) B. Chattopadhyay et al. Arch Virol. 10:7, 2007. (3) M. Hussain et al. Plant Pathol. 53:794, 2004.

Pyloric stenosis: is over-reliance on ultrasound scans leading to negative explorations?

AIM

To see whether increasing use of ultrasound scans in pyloric stenosis is leading to false-positive diagnoses, and even negative laparotomies.

METHODS

Over a 2-year period, 76 neonates underwent laparotomy with a preoperative diagnosis of pyloric stenosis (PS). There were 57 males and 19 females, age ranged from 10 days to 7 weeks.

RESULTS

Six patients proceeded straight to surgery after undergoing a test feed. The remaining 70 patients had one or more imaging investigations. Of these; 56 patients had an ultrasound only, 5 had a barium meal only while 9 patients had both investigations. Ultrasound showed evolving lesions in 2 patients. It was equivocal or falsely negative in 8 - all were diagnosed correctly after undergoing barium meals. Fifty-two patients were diagnosed correctly on ultrasound. There were, however, 3 false-positive ultrasonic diagnosis--i.e., at laparotomy the pylorus was found to be normal. One of these patients even had a "diagnostic" barium meal. The factors leading to these negative explorations are discussed.

CONCLUSION

Pyloric "tumours" can be difficult to palpate early in the evolution of the disease. Reliance upon the ultrasound appearance of the pylorus without taking into account other important diagnostic evidence will increase the risk of false-positive diagnoses and unnecessary laparotomy. The importance of clinical examination and test feed is emphasised.