Effect of asiatic acid supplementation in tris-extender on post-thaw functional competence, antioxidant enzyme activity and in vivo fertility of bull sperm

Reactive oxygen species at supra-physiological levels trigger oxidative stress during cryopreservation, which can be neutralised by incorporating suitable antioxidants into the semen extender medium. This study was intended to explore the effect of asiatic acid (AA) as an antioxidant in semen extender on frozen-thawed sperm quality and in vivo fertility of bull sperm. Semen was collected from Holstein Friesian bulls for 10 consecutive weeks (total ejaculates = 60). Semen was cryopreserved with a Tris citric acid egg yolk-based extender supplemented with 0 (control), 20, 40, 60, and 100 μM AA. The supplementation of the extender with 40 and 60 μM AA improved (p < 0.05) post-thaw motility kinematics, plasma membrane integrity, acrosome integrity, sperm viability, and DNA integrity of bull sperm. Mitochondrial membrane potential was high (p < 0.05) with 60 μM of AA concentration in extender media. The catalase activity in seminal plasma was maintained (p < 0.05) when semen was added with 20, 40, and 60 μM of AA. The in vivo fertility was found to be significantly high with the semen extended with 60 μM AA. Conclusively, this study showed that AA supplementation in semen extender significantly improved sperm motility kinematics and cell integrity, conserved antioxidant enzyme activity, and improved in vivo fertility.

Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of the Effects of Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass and Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy on Dyslipidemia

The aim of this meta-analysis was to compare the effects of LRYGB and LSG on dyslipidemia. Studies comparing the effects of LRYGB and LSG on dyslipidemia with follow-up of 12 months or more were included. Twenty-four studies comprising seven RCTs and 17 comparative observational studies were included. Meta-analysis of RCTs (n=487) showed that improvement/resolution of dyslipidemia was better after LRYGB (68.5%, n=161/235) compared to LSG (48.4%, n=122/252). Patients undergoing LRYGB were more than twice as likely to experience improvement/resolution in dyslipidemia compared to those undergoing LSG (OR 2.28, 95% CI 1.21-4.29, p=0.010). Both LRGYB and LSG appears effective in improving dyslipidemia at >12 months after surgery; however, this improvement is more than twice higher after LRYGB compared to LSG.

In vivo studies could not confirm in vitro prophylactic synergism between Moringa essential oil and Lactobacillus reuteri (MT180537)

Abstract Aerobic vaginitis (AV) is a recently defined vaginal recurring infection, which is treated with antibiotics. However, excessive and prolonged use of antibiotics disrupts healthy vaginal microflora and leads to the emergence of antibiotic resistance among pathogens. This situation has directed researchers to explore alternative antimicrobials. The current study describes in vitro and in vivo antimicrobial efficacy and pharmaceutical interactions between plant essential oils (EOs) and five lactic acid bacteria (LABs), isolated from the healthy vagina, against E. faecalis, one of the major etiological agents of AV. In vitro experiments confirm good antimicrobial activity of both plant EOs and cell free supernatant (CFS) from LABs. Based on high antimicrobial efficacy, Moringa essential oil (MO) was selected to determine its nature of interaction with CFS of five LAB strains. Synergism was recorded between MO and CFS of L. reuteri (MT180537). To validate in vitro findings, prophylactic responses of individual and synergistic application of MO and L. reuteri (MT180537) were evaluated in an E. faecalis (MW051601) induced AV murine model. The prophylactic efficacy was evidenced by a reduction in intensity of clinical symptoms, E. faecalis (MW051601) count per vaginal tissue along with a reduction in AV associated changes in histological markers of infection in animals receiving Moringa essential oil and L. reuteri (MT180537) alone or in combination. However, significant synergism between Moringa essential oil and L. reuteri (MT180537) could not be observed. Our data confirms the importance of in vivo experiments in deducing pharmacological interactions.

Sub-1.4 cm3 capsule for detecting labile inflammatory biomarkers in situ

Transient molecules in the gastrointestinal tract such as nitric oxide and hydrogen sulfide are key signals and mediators of inflammation. Owing to their highly reactive nature and extremely short lifetime in the body, these molecules are difficult to detect. Here we develop a miniaturized device that integrates genetically engineered probiotic biosensors with a custom-designed photodetector and readout chip to track these molecules in the gastrointestinal tract. Leveraging the molecular specificity of living sensors1, we genetically encoded bacteria to respond to inflammation-associated molecules by producing luminescence. Low-power electronic readout circuits2 integrated into the device convert the light emitted by the encapsulated bacteria to a wireless signal. We demonstrate in vivo biosensor monitoring in the gastrointestinal tract of small and large animal models and the integration of all components into a sub-1.4 cm3 form factor that is compatible with ingestion and capable of supporting wireless communication. With this device, diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease could be diagnosed earlier than is currently possible, and disease progression could be more accurately tracked. The wireless detection of short-lived, disease-associated molecules with our device could also support timely communication between patients and caregivers, as well as remote personalized care.

Environmental sustainability assessment of softwood and hardwood seedlings production in forest nurseries: A case study from Pakistan

This article describes the environmental impacts of producing a single seedling in forest nurseries of selected districts (i.e., Haripur, Abbottabad, and Mansehra) of Hazara Division of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan using the life cycle assessment (LCA) approach. This study was based on the cradle-to-gate approach which begins with the pre-nursery stage and progresses toward the main nursery before transplanting seedlings into the plantation site. Data or life cycle inventory (LCI) of seedling production were collected through questionnaire surveys and personal meetings with forest nurseries managers and workers regarding consumption of different inputs such as electricity, diesel, fertilizers, herbicides, and polyethylene bags, organic manure, and water consumption. The SimaPro software version 8.5 and the CML2000 v2.05 environmental model was applied to perform life cycle impact assessment (LCIA) for a single seedling production in forest nurseries in the study area. In line with the objectives of the study, primary data regarding inputs and outputs of the nurseries were collected from 35 nurseries in the study area by using a random questionnaire method. In addition, secondary data were taken from online databases such as Eco-invent v.3.2 CORRIM and peer-reviewed published literature. For this study, a functional unit of a single seedling was considered. Production weighted average data were modeled in the latest environmental modeling software i.e., SimaPro v.8.5 for ten US-EPA most wanted environmental impacts, such as global warming potential (GWP), abiotic depletion (AD), eutrophication potential (EP), acidification potential (AP), freshwater aquatic eco-toxicity (FAE), marine water eco-toxicity (MWE), terrestrial eco-toxicity (TE), ozone layer depletion (OLD), photochemical oxidation (PO), and human toxicity (HT). The results showed that the highest environmental impact posed by a single seedling was marine aquatic eco-toxicity (11.31360 kg 1,4-DB eq), followed by global warming potential (0.02945 kg CO2 eq) and (0.01227 kg 1,4-DB eq) human toxicity. The primary reason for these environmental burdens was the use of synthetic fertilizers in forest nurseries and the consumption of fossil fuels in nursery mechanization and transportation activities. The total cumulative energy demand for a single seedling was (0.800 MJ) with more than 90% contribution from fossil fuel energy resources such as petrol and diesel. It is therefore highly recommended to use renewable energy resources and organic fertilizers instead of chemical fertilizers in forest nurseries to avoid and minimize greenhouse gas emissions (GHS) and other toxic emissions in the study area.

Primary retrograde urinary drainage using image and endoscopy guidance via urostomies

AIM

To report the technical success of image and endoscopy-guided retrograde trans-urostomy urinary drainage as a primary catheter placement method performed by interventional radiology (IR).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Nine patients (15 attempted drain placements) with ureteric obstruction following radical cystectomy and urostomy creation were included. The patients were referred to IR for urinary drainage. All patients underwent primary image and endoscopy-guided retrograde trans-urostomy urinary drainage.

RESULTS

Primary image and endoscopy-guided retrograde trans-urostomy urinary drainage was successful in 13/15 (86.6%) attempts. The proposed technique had a limited complication rate omitting the percutaneous nephrostomy access step.

CONCLUSION

Primary image and endoscopy guided retrograde trans-urostomy urinary drainage should be considered before percutaneous nephrostomy in all patients with a urostomy.

P-OGC71 Five positive lymph nodes are a significant negative indicator of survival in Oesophago-Gastric Cancer surgery: an 8-year study

Background

Number of positive lymph nodes involved is an important prognostic indicator in Oesophago-Gastric cancer survival post surgery. We present an 8 year study examining the number of lymph nodes involved and its impacts on long term cancer survival and in particular to determine whether there is a threshold after which survival is significantly worsened.

Methods

A prospectively maintained single-institution database containing data from all patients from Jan 2012 to Dec 2020 was analysed. Survival analyses were undertaken to determine the association between lymph node positivity and survival. 

Results

A total of 430 patients underwent surgery for gastro-oesophageal cancer (oesophagectomy: n = 311, 72.3%; gastrectomy n = 119, 27.7%) of which 80.2% were male and the median age was 68 years old (IQR: 61-74). A median of 23 nodes were examined (IQR 18-33) and a median of one lymph node was positive for cancer (IQR 0-3 lymph nodes). The majority of patients (59.3%) had a T3 tumour, 24.0% had T2, and 12.1% had a T1 tumour. Over a median follow up of 30 months (IQR 13-61), 61.2% of the study population were alive. Kaplan Meier analyses demonstrated that patients who had five or more positive nodes had a survival of 36.3 months (IQR: 24.4-48.3 months) compared to those with four or fewer nodes (45.8 months, IQR: 27.6-64.1 months, p &gt; 0.001). Survival did not worsen further with a higher number of positive nodes.

Conclusions

This study shows that having five or more positive lymph nodes significantly worsens Oesophago-gastric cancer survival. These results may suggest that from the threshold of 5 positive nodes, OG cancer behaves as a systemic disease and thus impact on adjuvant treatment strategies.

P-OGC70 Chyle leak management and long-term survival post esophagectomy for oesophageal cancer

Background

Chyle leak can be a serious complication following oesophagal cancer resection. The aim of this study is to determine the rate of chyle leak, its management and impact on short-term surgical outcomes and overall long-term survival.

Methods

Analysis of a prospectively maintained database of patients undergoing esophagectomy for oesophagal cancer between January 2011 and April 2019 were undertaken. Short term and survival comparisons were made between the chyle leak and non-chyle leak groups.

Results

A total of 190 patients underwent esophagectomy at our hospital over this time period, of whom 3.7% (n = 7/190) had a chyle leak. The length of stay was longer in the chyle leak group  (27 days, IQR 13-55 vs 12 days, IQR 11-14 days,  P=0.001), they had a higher rate of return to theatre (42.9% vs 8.8%, P = 0.003) and higher rate of overall mortality (57.1% vs 35.0%, p = 0.039) compared to the non-leak group. They also experienced worse survival ( 9.0 months, 95% CI 5.5-12.4 vs 66 months, 95% CI 59.6-73.6, P = 0.001).  

Conclusions

Chyle leak can occur in approximately 1 in 25 patients and is associated with prolonged intensive therapy unit stay, higher risk of return to theatre as well as a lower overall cancer survival.

Physiological and biochemical changes induced by Qiangdi nano-863 biological assistant growth apparatus during rice seed priming under temperature stress

A huge amount of rice cultivation and consumption occur in Asia particularly in Pakistan and China. However, multiple abiotic stresses especially high and low-temperature proved to be a substantial threat for rice production ultimately risks for food security. To overcome various types of abiotic stress; seed priming is among the effective approaches to improve the rice seed germination and growth vigor. Therefore, the present study was planned to evaluate physiological and biochemical modifications in Chinese and Pakistani rice varieties by Qiangdi 863 biological assistant growth apparatus nano treated water (NTW), Osmopriming Calcium chloride (CaCl2), redox priming hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and hormonal priming by Salicylic acid (SA) under temperature stress conditions. The experiment was performed with completely randomize design conditions. Five rice varieties, nomenclature as Zhongzoa 39, (Chinese rice variety) KSK 133, KS 282, Super basmati and PK 1121 aromatic (Pakistani rice variety) were sown under low temperature (LT) (17ºC), optimal temperature (OT) 27ºC and high temperature (HT) 37ºC conditions. The present study indicated that nanopriming were the most effective treatments increased Germination Energy Percentage (GEP) (96.1, 100, 100%), Speed of Germination (SG) (27.2, 35.45, 37.1), Final Germination Percentage (FGP) (98.2, 99.1, 99.4%), Seedling Dry Weight Biomass (DWB) (0.1, 0.137, 0.14g), Total Chlorophyll Content (0.502, 13.74, 15.21), antioxidant enzymes Superoxide Dismutase (SOD)(3145, 2559, 3345 µg-1FWh-1), Catalase (CAT) (300, 366, 3243 µg-1FWh-1) and decreased Malondialdehyde (MDA) (6.5, 12.2, 6.5 µmol g-1 FW) for Zhongzao 39 and KSK 133 rice varieties under low (LT+NTW), optimal temperature (OP+NTW) and high temperature (HT+NTW) stress., Therefore, nano-priming is recommended to cope with the high and low-temperature stress conditions along with improved productivity of rice.

Electroosmosis modulated bio flow of nanofluid through a rectangular peristaltic pump induced by complex travelling wave with zeta potential and Heat source

Electrokinetic micro peristaltic pumps are important biomechanical devices that help in targeted drugging of sick body parts. The current article is written to focus on mathematical modelling and analysis of some important aspect of such flows in a rectangular duct with wall properties. Effects of zeta potential, heat source and deby length are focused. Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) in the Newtonian base fluid is assumed as drugging material. A comparison of single-walled CNTs (SWCNTs) and multiwalled CNTs (MWCNTs) is also presented. It is considered that the walls are flexible and encapsulating the region with limited permeability. The defined flow problem is modelled and analyzed analytically for the transport of CNT-water nanofluid. It is accepted that the flow is steady, nonturbulent and propagating waves do have a considerably longer wavelength when compared to amplitude. The conditions and assumptions lead to a model of coupled partial differential equations of order two. The exact results by Eigenfunction expansion method are procured and shown accordingly. The predictions about the behaviour of important appearing parameters are displayed for SWCNT and MWCNT -water nanofluid behaviour using figures. The impact of sundry parameters is analyzed. The application of the current study involved transporting/ targeted drug delivery system using Peristaltic micropumps and magnetic field in pharmacological engineering. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Circulating and Endometrial Regulatory T Cell and Related Populations in Endometriosis and Infertility: Endometriosis Is Associated with Blunting of Endometrial Cyclical Effects and Reduced Proportions in Moderate-Severe Disease

Evidence to date supports regulatory T cell (Treg) alterations in endometriosis; however, the relationship remains unclear, and Tregs have not previously been investigated with respect to infertility in endometriosis. This prospective cross-sectional cohort study details circulating and endometrial tissue-specific disturbances in Tregs and broader gated populations in women of reproductive age with and without endometriosis (n = 57 and 29, respectively) using flow cytometry and immunohistochemistry. Participants were characterised by menstrual cycle phase, r-ASRM endometriosis disease stage and fertility status.In the endometrium of women with endometriosis, endometrial Tregs and CD4+ lymphocyte proportions did not change between the proliferative and secretory phases, while in women without the disease, they significantly decreased (p = 0.045 and p = 0.039, respectively). In women with endometriosis, endometrial Tregs were lower than in women without endometriosis overall (p = 0.050 as a proportion of all CD45+ immune cells). We have shown for the first time that proportions of CD4+ lymphocytes (p = 0.021), overall lymphocytes (p = 0.034) and non-granulocytes (p = 0.027) were significantly decreased in the endometrium of women with moderate-severe (r-ASRM stages III and IV) compared to minimal-mild (r-ASRM stages I and II) endometriosis. During the secretory phase, circulating Treg proportions were significantly increased in infertile compared to fertile women (p = 0.049). This study confirms differences in endometrial Tregs in women with endometriosis, with blunting of normal menstrual cyclical variations, reduced proportions during the proliferative phase and disease stage-specific relationships.

55 Donor age has the least influence on recovery, quality, and in vitro developmental competence of ovum pickup–based Holstein Friesian oocytes under subtropical conditions

The use of oocytes obtained from younger donors for invitro fertilization followed by embryo transfer represents an opportunity to accelerate genetic gain by reducing generation interval. The present study was designed to evaluate the effect of age of donor on the follicular population, recovery, quality and invitro developmental competence of ovum pickup based Holstein Friesian oocytes under subtropical conditions. A total of eight (n=8) Holstein Friesian (with proper oestrus cyclicity) were selected for the study and divided into 2 groups based on animal age: (1) heifers (n=4), 1.5 to 2 years of age, and (2) adults (n=4), 5 to 6 years of age. The study was conducted near Lahore (31°33′ N, 74°19′ E), Punjab, Pakistan, from November 2019 to February 2020. The animals were wave synchronized using the physiological method of wave synchronization. After 4 days of second dominant follicle puncture, the first ovum pickup was carried out and a total of nine (n=9) OPU sessions were held for each group. The COCs from the follicles were aspirated using a transvaginal ultrasound–guided needle. Following searching and grading, COCs of grade A, B and C were processed for IVM in 100-µL droplets of BO-IVM under mineral oil at 37°C, 5% CO2, and 95% humidity for 24h. The frozen semen of a high-pedigree bull was thawed at 37°C and observed for post-thaw sperm motility. The semen samples of the same bull having motility &gt;50% were processed using the sperm swim-up method throughout the study. The IVF was carried out by placing the COCs and required amount of sperm in 100-µL droplets of BO-IVF at similar conditions for a maximum of 18h. The presumptive zygotes were denuded by gentle pipetting and cultured for a period of 7 days after placing in 100-µL drops of BO-IVC at 37°C, 5% CO2, 5% O2, and maximum humidity. The presumptive zygotes were observed for cleavage rate and blastocyst rate on Days 2 and 7 following COCs-sperm co-incubation. Data on the follicular population, oocytes recovered, and viable oocytes were analysed by the PROC GLIMMIX of SAS (SAS Institute Inc.), and proportional data were analysed by the Chi-squared method using SAS 9.1. COCs of grade AB (35.2 vs. 25.4%) were higher (P&gt;0.05) in the adult group than in the heifer group, respectively. Similarly, COCs with grade CD (57.5 vs. 71.9%) were lower (P&lt;0.05) in the adult group compared with the heifer group, respectively. However, the total follicles (6.55±0.42 vs. 6.39±0.39), number of COCs recovered (3.33±0.32 vs. 3.17±0.41), viable oocytes (3.08±0.29 vs. 3.08±0.39), cleavage rate (60.3 vs. 68.7%), and blastocyst rate (38.7 vs. 48.8%) did not differ (P&gt;0.05) between the groups. To conclude, donor age up to third lactation, under subtropical conditions, does not affect invitro embryo production in Holstein Friesian undergoing repeated OPU.

54 Effect of clinical endometritis on the follicle growth dynamics, oocyte recovery, oocyte quality, and invitro developmental competence of oocytes using ovum pickup in Sahiwal cattle

Sahiwal cattle is the premium quality milk breed of cattle in Pakistan. Uterine infections often lead to culling of valuable animals from a herd, resulting in genetic drain. The genetic potential of problematic females could be reaped by invitro embryo production. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effect of clinical endometritis on follicle growth dynamics, recovery, quality, and invitro developmental competence of oocytes using ovum pickup (OPU) in Sahiwal cattle. The animals, 5–7 years of age, third or fourth parity, and 160 to 170 days in milk (DIM), were inspected for any discharge at the vulva or inside the vagina. Then, B-mode ultrasonography was performed to measure the diameter of cervix and to examine the uterus for the presence of pus. The animals (n=12) were divided into 2 groups: (1) healthy (n=6), and (2) clinical endometritis (n=6), based on the presence or absence of pus at the vulva or in the vagina. The first OPU was performed after 7 days of dominant follicle puncture and subsequently repeated OPUs (54 and 50), after every 7 days over 9 OPU sessions, were performed in the healthy group and clinical endometritis group, respectively. Follicles were aspirated using transvaginal ultrasound–guided needle. Viable COCs were considered for further processing only and were placed in the 100-µL droplets of BO-IVM medium and incubated at 37°C, 5% CO2, and 95% humidity for 24h. Nuclear maturation was estimated by staining the oocytes with Hoechst 33342. Frozen semen from the same Sahiwal bull was thawed and processed for IVF throughout the study. Sperm were prepared using swim-up protocol. Sperm and COCs were co-incubated in 100-µL droplets of BO-IVF for 18h. Finally, presumptive zygotes were cultured in 100-µL drops of BO-IVC medium at 37°C, 5% CO2, 5% O2, and 95% humidity for a period of 7 days. Cleavage rate and blastocyst rate were recorded on Day 2 and 7 following IVF, respectively. The data were analysed using the GLIMMIX procedure of SAS (SAS Institute Inc.). The results revealed that the number of medium-sized follicle (1.32±0.11 vs. 0.56±0.11) and total follicles (9.14±0.70 vs. 6.58±0.72) were higher (P&lt;0.05) in the healthy group than in the clinical endometritis group, respectively. Similarly, the number of oocytes recovered (5.05±0.39 vs. 2.78±0.41), viable oocytes (2.87±0.25 vs. 1.46±0.26), COCs with grade AB, having minimum of 2 cumulus cell layers and homogeneous cytoplasm, (33 vs. 20%) and nuclear maturation (68 vs. 55%) were also higher (P&lt;0.05) in the healthy group than in the clinical endometritis group, respectively. However, cleavage rate (55 vs. 46%) and blastocyst rate (29 vs. 26%) did not differ (P&gt;0.05) between the groups. In conclusion, clinical endometritis has a negative effect on follicle growth dynamics, oocyte recovery, oocyte quality, and nuclear maturation; however, the developmental competence of COCs is not compromised by it.

Critical number of lymph node involvement in esophageal and gastric cancer and its impact on long-term survival-A single-center 8-year study

BACKGROUND

Nodal disease in esophageal and gastric cancer is associated with poor survival.

OBJECTIVES

To determine the critical level of lymph node involvement where survival becomes significantly compromised.

METHODS

Survival analyses using multivariable Cox regression and receiver operator characteristics (ROC) were undertaken to determine what number of positive lymph nodes were most sensitive and specific in predicting survival.

RESULTS

A total of 317 patients underwent esophagectomy (n = 190, 59.9%) and gastrectomy (n = 127, 40.1%) for adenocarcinoma. At multivariable analyses, four nodes positivity (irrespective of T-category) was associated with nearly a fivefold increased risk of mortality when compared to node-negative patients (hazard ratio [HR], 4.9; interquartile range 2.0-11.5; P < .001). A positive ratio of up to 50.0% was not associated with worse survival than having four nodes positive (HR, 4.6; 95% confidence interval, 2.6-8.1; P < .001). ROC analysis demonstrated four lymph nodes positive to have a sensitivity of 80.5%, a specificity of 60.1%, and an accuracy of 77.8 (P < .001).

CONCLUSION

The absolute number of nodes positive for cancer is more important than the proportion of positive nodes in predicting survival in esophageal/gastric cancer. Four positive lymph nodes are associated with a fivefold increase in mortality. Beyond this, increasing numbers of positive lymph nodes make no appreciable difference to survival.

International Nosocomial Infection Control Consortium (INICC) report, data summary of 45 countries for 2012-2017: Device-associated module

BACKGROUND

We report the results of International Nosocomial Infection Control Consortium (INICC) surveillance study from January 2012 to December 2017 in 523 intensive care units (ICUs) in 45 countries from Latin America, Europe, Eastern Mediterranean, Southeast Asia, and Western Pacific.

METHODS

During the 6-year study period, prospective data from 532,483 ICU patients hospitalized in 242 hospitals, for an aggregate of 2,197,304 patient days, were collected through the INICC Surveillance Online System (ISOS). The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention-National Healthcare Safety Network (CDC-NHSN) definitions for device-associated health care-associated infection (DA-HAI) were applied.

RESULTS

Although device use in INICC ICUs was similar to that reported from CDC-NHSN ICUs, DA-HAI rates were higher in the INICC ICUs: in the medical-surgical ICUs, the pooled central line-associated bloodstream infection rate was higher (5.05 vs 0.8 per 1,000 central line-days); the ventilator-associated pneumonia rate was also higher (14.1 vs 0.9 per 1,000 ventilator-days,), as well as the rate of catheter-associated urinary tract infection (5.1 vs 1.7 per 1,000 catheter-days). From blood cultures samples, frequencies of resistance, such as of Pseudomonas aeruginosa to piperacillin-tazobactam (33.0% vs 18.3%), were also higher.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite a significant trend toward the reduction in INICC ICUs, DA-HAI rates are still much higher compared with CDC-NHSN's ICUs representing the developed world. It is INICC's main goal to provide basic and cost-effective resources, through the INICC Surveillance Online System to tackle the burden of DA-HAIs effectively.

193 Effect of clinical metritis on oocyte recovery, oocyte quality, and early invitro developmental competence of embryos in Bos indicus dairy cattle

Unhygienic practices at the time of parturition or AI lead to uterine infections. The uterine infections ultimately result in genetic drain by culling the elite animals. The invivo developmental competence of embryos is compromised in clinically metritic animals. The genetic potential of problematic females could be harvested by invitro embryo production (IVEP). Therefore, the objective of the present study was to evaluate the effect of clinical metritis on oocyte recovery, oocyte quality, and early invitro developmental competence of embryos in Bos indicus dairy cattle. This experiment was carried out from December 2017 to April 2018. Ovaries were collected from a local abattoir (Bos indicus; 5- to 8-year-old dairy cattle, body condition score 2.75±0.25, mixed parity). These ovaries (n=982) were divided into two groups: (1) clinically metritic (n=184), and (2) healthy (n=798), based upon the presence or absence of pus in the uterine lumen. Oocytes were aspirated from follicles using an 18G needle attached to a 10-mL syringe. Cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) were categorized into A, B, C, and D grades based on the number of layers of cumulus cells and integrity of ooplasm. The oocytes of grades A and B were subsequently transferred in groups (10/group) in four-well plates containing 100-μL droplets. The droplets with oocytes were covered with prewarmed mineral oil and incubated for 24h at 38.5°C, 5% CO2, and 95% relative humidity. The oocytes were evaluated for IVM on the basis of cumulus expansion. Frozen semen was thawed and prepared using the sperm swim-up procedure for each group. Spermatozoa and oocytes were incubated together for a period of 18h. The presumptive zygotes were invitro cultured for 4 days in a CO2 incubator under similar culture conditions. The cleavage rate, 4-cell, and 8-cell stages were recorded on Days 2, 3, and 4 after the day of insemination, respectively. Data on oocyte recovery, oocyte quality, IVM, cleavage rate, and 4-cell and 8-cell stages were analysed by Chi-squared test using SPSS software (version 20; IBM Corp.) for Windows. Results demonstrated that recovery rate was lower (63.8% vs. 71.7%; P&lt;0.05) in clinically metritic compared with healthy cattle. Similarly, oocytes of grade A and B quality were lower (41.0% vs. 51.1%; P&lt;0.05), whereas those of C and D quality were higher (59.0% vs. 48.9%; P&lt;0.05) in clinically metritic compared with the healthy group. Moreover, 4-cell (38.2% vs. 54.8%) and 8-cell stage embryos (11.3% vs. 29.1%), were lower (P&lt;0.05) in the clinically metritic compared with the healthy group, respectively. However, maturation rate and cleavage rate did not differ (P&gt;0.05) between groups. In conclusion, metritis in slaughterhouse ovaries negatively affects oocyte recovery rate, oocyte quality, and early invitro developmental competence of embryos in Bos indicus dairy cattle.

A Safe and Effective Technique of Paraesophageal Hernia Reduction Using Combined Laparoscopy and Nonsutured PEG Gastropexy in High-Risk Patients

BACKGROUND

Paraesophageal hernias (PHs) can cause significant morbidity and even mortality in untreated patients. While formal surgical repair remains the ideal treatment option, patients who are elderly and/or frail and who have with multiple comorbidities may be unsuitable candidates for a surgical repair. We present a case series of 5 patients treated with a combined laparoscopic reduction of PH and 2-point percutaneous endoscopic gastropexy (PEG).

METHODS

Data on the 5 patients were collated, and a review of the literature was performed to determine similar cases and outcomes.

RESULTS

Five elderly patients (mean age 80 y, range 71-89 y) with significant existing comorbidities (average ASA 3) presented acutely with large PH at our institution. All had abdominal pain, nausea/vomiting, symptoms of gastric outlet obstruction, and an element of hypoxia. Computed tomography examination results confirmed the diagnosis. Because the patients were elderly and frail, a formal surgical repair of the PHs was not feasible. A combined laparoscopy/PEG gastropexy was undertaken to reduce the PH, and a 2-point PEG fixation was performed. Four of the 5 patients returned to normal oral intake before discharge. A fifth patient was successfully fed via the PEG. There were no complications, and all were discharged to their usual place of residence.

CONCLUSION

A combination of laparoscopic reduction and nonsutured PEG gastropexy is a safe and effective alternative treatment for high-risk patients (with significant morbidity and mortality) with symptomatic PHs. Most patients (80%) returned to normal oral intake postprocedure and were discharged home within 3 d.

In vitro selection and in vivo confirmation of the antioxidant ability of Lactobacillus brevis MG000874

AIMS

This study aimed at isolating a probiotic strain from a collection of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) with the high antioxidant property and confirms its potential in d-gal-induced oxidative stress (OS) murine model.

METHODS AND RESULTS

The in vitro antioxidant ability of 16 LAB strains was determined in the cell-free supernatant of 3- to 5-day-old culture, intact cells and cell lysates using three different methods for determining the reactive oxygen species scavenging activity and inhibition of lipid peroxidation. The strain, An28, presented the best antioxidant activity and was identified as Lactobacillus brevis MG000874 on the basis of 16 sRNA gene sequencing. The antioxidant potential of L. brevis MG000874 was confirmed in an OS murine model. Albino mice were exposed to d-galactose at a dose of 150 mg kg^-1 BW and fed with L. brevis MG000874 (0·2 ml of 10¹⁰ CFU per ml cell suspension per animal per day). Antioxidant enzymes were quantified spectrophotometrically in the liver, kidney and serum. Subcutaneous administration of d-gal resulted in decrease in superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione (GSH) and increase in glutathione-S-transferase (GST) levels in animals. The L. brevis MG000874-treated animals displayed improvement in SOD, CAT and GST in all tissues and GSH in the liver and serum. The safety assessment of L. brevis MG000874 was performed by comparing liver and renal function tests. None of the selected indicators was significantly different from the negative control group.

CONCLUSIONS

The antioxidant potential of 16 strains was noticed to be strain specific and in vivo performance of L. brevis MG000874 was found satisfactory in a d-gal murine model.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

Lactobacillus brevis MG000874 was identified for its admirable antioxidant property. This strain or/and its metabolites could be further investigated for possible applications in humans and veterinary fields.