scholarly journals The effect of a canine semen activator supplementation or addiction on the long-term refrigeration quality of dog spermatozoa

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marcelo Martinez Barbitta ◽  
Claudio RIVERA SALINAS

Within modern biotechnology, different tools have been developed to maximize canine semen conservation protocol to optimizing reproductive results and making their handling more flexible. In the last decades, the survival of refrigerated semen has been prolonged from 2-3d with the first basic diluents, to 10-14d using the most modern extenders. Semen activators ( SA ) have been produced to provide the molecules necessary to maximize the sperm survival and quality with the aim to enhance fertility and prolificacy. In this study, the effect of SA was recorded by daily evaluation of  chilled semen 14d. For this experiment, Six adult healthy  Neapolitan Mastiff dogs, were used as donors semen  was manually collected. Spermatozoa-rich fractions  of each subject was chilled using a new generation extender for long periods of time   (d0) s tarting from the d1   to d1 4, different aliquot, with (experimental trial)   and without SA (control trial), were  evaluated daily for motility vigor, morphology and membrane integrity. The initial sperm concentration of extended semen was 417. 3±170 . 4x10 6 /mL (mean ± SEM) with 85.89±4.76% of MNS (morphologically normal sperm), 84.47±5.22 % vital sperm and a pH of 6.2±2.8. The initial vigor was 3.83±0.48, but after one min with SA , it rose to 4.45 ± 0.45 (P<0.001). The semen motility parameter increase significantly (P < 0.05) in experimental trial , respect to control,  starting to d 2 at finish ( except for d 7). The vigor analysis significantly increase in experimental trial (P < 0.05) during the most day of the study with the exclusion of d 3 and d 14. For evaluate the semen characteristics over time, the experiment was divided into T1 (d0-d5), T2 (d6- d 10) and T3 (d11-d14) (P<0.001) in evaluation of morphology and membrane stability. The MNS reached 70% at d10 and finally 65% at −d14, being considered normal and possibly fertile. With Host-s, 65% of MNS were also achieved at d14. The presence of glucose and fructose in the diluents used for refrigeration can exert very important effects given the fact that metabolic routes have been found in both sugars, providing both different and complementing effects. It can be concluded that the use of SA prior to artificial insemination improves the quality of chilled semen significantly, although it does not reverse the effects of deterioration due to cellular metabolism over time.

2020 ◽  
Vol 22 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. ii40-ii41
Author(s):  
Joshua Palmer ◽  
Brett Klamer ◽  
Karla Ballman ◽  
Paul Brown ◽  
Jane Cerhan ◽  
...  

Abstract PURPOSE We investigated the long term impact of SRS and WBRT in two large prospective phase III trials. METHODS Patients with 1–4 BMs +/- resection were randomized to SRS or WBRT. Cognitive deterioration was a drop of &gt;1 standard deviation from baseline in &gt;2/6 cognitive measures (CM). Quality of life (QOL) scores were scored 0–100 point scale. CM and QOL scores were modeled using baseline adjusted Linear Mixed Models (LMM) with uncorrelated random intercept for subject and random slopes for time. Differences over time between groups and the effect of &gt;2 cognitive scores with &gt;2 SD change from baseline were assessed. RESULTS 88 patients were included with median follow up of 24 months. We observed decreasing CM over time (SRS: 4/6; WBRT: 5/6). Mean CM was significantly higher in SRS for Total recall and Delayed Recall at 3, 6, 9, 12 months. More patients in WBRT arm declined 1 SD in &gt;1 and &gt;2 CM at the 3, 6, 9, and 12 months. A 1 SD decline in &gt;3 CM at 1 year was 21% SRS vs 47% WBRT (p=0.02). SRS had fewer patients with a 2 SD decline in &gt;1 CM at every time point. SRS had fewer patients with a 2 SD decline at &gt;2 and &gt;3 CM. WBRT had lower QOL at 3 months, but switched to SRS having lower QOL at 24 months for PWB, EWB, FWB, FactG, BR, and FactBR (p&lt; 0.05). A 2 SD decline in cognition decreased mean FWB by 6.4 units (95% CI: -11, -1.75; p=0.007) and decreased QOL by 5.1 units (95% CI: -7.7, -2.5; p&lt; 0.001). CONCLUSIONS We report the first pooled prospective study demonstrating the long term outcomes of patients with BMs after cranial radiation. WBRT was associated with worse cognitive outcomes. Impaired cognition is associated with worse QOL.


Sensors ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (4) ◽  
pp. 1387
Author(s):  
Oswaldo Sebastian Peñaherrera-Pulla ◽  
Carlos Baena ◽  
Sergio Fortes ◽  
Eduardo Baena ◽  
Raquel Barco

Cloud Gaming is a cutting-edge paradigm in the video game provision where the graphics rendering and logic are computed in the cloud. This allows a user’s thin client systems with much more limited capabilities to offer a comparable experience with traditional local and online gaming but using reduced hardware requirements. In contrast, this approach stresses the communication networks between the client and the cloud. In this context, it is necessary to know how to configure the network in order to provide service with the best quality. To that end, the present work defines a novel framework for Cloud Gaming performance evaluation. This system is implemented in a real testbed and evaluates the Cloud Gaming approach for different transport networks (Ethernet, WiFi, and LTE (Long Term Evolution)) and scenarios, automating the acquisition of the gaming metrics. From this, the impact on the overall gaming experience is analyzed identifying the main parameters involved in its performance. Hence, the future lines for Cloud Gaming QoE-based (Quality of Experience) optimization are established, this way being of configuration, a trendy paradigm in the new-generation networks, such as 4G and 5G (Fourth and Fifth Generation of Mobile Networks).


Spinal Cord ◽  
2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Florian Möller ◽  
Rüdiger Rupp ◽  
Norbert Weidner ◽  
Christoph Gutenbrunner ◽  
Yorck B. Kalke ◽  
...  

Abstract Study design Multicenter observational study. Objective To describe the long-term outcome of functional independence and quality of life (QoL) for individuals with traumatic and ischemic SCI beyond the first year after injury. Setting A multicenter study in Germany. Methods Participants of the European multicenter study about spinal cord injury (EMSCI) of three German SCI centers were included and followed over time by the German spinal cord injury cohort study (GerSCI). Individuals’ most recent spinal cord independence measure (SCIM) scores assessed by a clinician were followed up by a self-report (SCIM-SR) and correlated to selected items of the WHO short survey of quality of life (WHO-QoL-BREF). Results Data for 359 individuals were obtained. The average time passed the last clinical SCIM examination was 81.47 (SD 51.70) months. In total, 187 of the 359 received questionnaires contained a completely evaluable SCIM-SR. SCIM scores remained stable with the exception of reported management of bladder and bowel resulting in a slight decrease of SCIM-SR of −2.45 points (SD 16.81). SCIM-SR scores showed a significant correlation with the selected items of the WHO-QoL-BREF (p < 0.01) with moderate to strong influence. Conclusion SCIM score stability over time suggests a successful transfer of acquired independence skills obtained during primary rehabilitation into the community setting paralleled by positively related QoL measurements but bladder and bowel management may need special attention.


Author(s):  
Ann M. Novak ◽  
David F. Treagust

AbstractWe explore how students developed an integrated understanding of scientific ideas and how they applied their understandings in new situations. We examine the incremental development of 7th grade students’ scientific ideas across four iterations of a scientific explanation related to a freshwater system. We demonstrate that knowing how to make use of scientific ideas to explain phenomena needs to be learned just as developing integrated understanding of scientific ideas needs to be learned. Students participated in an open-ended, long-term project-based learning unit, constructing one explanation over time to address, “How healthy is our stream for freshwater organisms and how do our actions on land potentially impact the water quality of the stream?” The explanation developed over several weeks as new data were collected and analyzed. Students discussed evidence by revisiting scientific ideas and including new scientific ideas. This research investigates two questions: (1) As students engage in writing a scientific explanation over time, to what extent do they develop integrated understanding of appropriate scientific ideas? and (2) When writing about new evidence, do these earlier experiences of writing explanations enable students to make use of new scientific ideas in more sophisticated ways? In other words, do earlier experiences allow students to know how to make use of their ideas in these new situations? The results indicated statistically significant effects. Through various iterations of the explanation students included richer discussion using appropriate scientific ideas. Students were also able to make better use of new knowledge in new situations.


Author(s):  
K. G. Ambily ◽  
Malati Naik ◽  
Hiron M. Harshan ◽  
C. Jayakumar ◽  
M. P. Unnikrishnan ◽  
...  

Boar semen is voluminous and ejaculated as jets or fractions of pre-sperm, sperm rich (SRF) and post-sperm rich fractions. Recent studies have reported more resilient characteristics of sperm in initial portions of SRF towards cold shock and cryopreservation. The present study was conducted to assess the quality of specific fractions of SRF, namely, first 10mL of SRF (F1) and rest of SRF (F2) in Large white Yorkshire (LWY) boar semen. Ejaculates were collected using gloved-hand technique and were subjected to quality assessments of volume, pH, sperm progressive motility, concentration, plasma membrane integrity, abnormality, acrosome integrity and sperm membrane cholesterol. Upon statistical analysis, significant differences were noticed in volume, pH, sperm concentration and sperm membrane cholesterol between fractions of the ejaculate.


The main purpose of this chapter is to analyze the categories of brand equity assets through the prism of radical transparency. The results reveal that the brand equity requires investment and disappears over time if not maintained consistently with the selected business model and the company's values. The chapter is dedicated to systemize the theoretical and practical findings over the brand equity elements. Brand loyalty is the first element of the brand equity model. The benefits for the company which uses the radical transparency practices can be simply synthesized into one big advantage - satisfied and loyal customers who generate stable revenues and profits for the company in the long term. Radical transparency has a major impact on stimulating brand awareness as a factor that is particularly important in the sense that the brand must first enter into the considerations set. The company should be ready and open for cooperation with all interested parties and provide positive feedback whenever necessary. This enhances the perceived quality of the brand and the trust. The application of the radical transparency concept in the overall operation of the company enables the creation of a special set of brand associations that create long-lasting relationships with consumers, mixed with positive emotional mix that seals the success in the long term.


2020 ◽  
Vol 33 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
E Jezerskyte ◽  
H Laarhoven ◽  
M Sprangers ◽  
W Eshuis ◽  
M Hulshof ◽  
...  

Abstract   Despite the attempts to reduce postoperative complication incidence after esophageal cancer surgery, up to 60% of patients endure postoperative complications. These patients often have a reduced health related quality of life (HR-QoL) and it may also have a negative effect on long-term survival. The aim of this study is to investigate the difference in short- and long-term HR-QoL in patients with and without a complicated postoperative course. Methods A retrospective comparative cohort study was performed with data from the Dutch Cancer Registry (IKNL) and QoL questionnaires from POCOP, a longitudinal patient reported outcomes study. All patients with esophageal and gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) cancer after an esophagectomy with or without neoadjuvant chemo(radio) therapy in the period of 2015–2018 were included. Exclusion criteria were palliative surgery, patients with a recurrence, reconstruction with a colonic or jejunal interposition, no reconstruction and emergency surgery. HR-QoL was investigated at baseline and at 3, 6, 9, 12, 18 and 24 months postoperatively between patients with and without complications following an esophagectomy. Results A total of 486 patients were included: 270 with and 216 without postoperative complications. The majority of patients were male (79.8%) with a median age of 66 years (IQR 60–70.25). Significantly more patients had comorbidities in the group with postoperative complications (69.6% vs 57.3%, p = 0.001). A significant difference in HR-QoL over time was found between the two groups in “choked when swallowing” score (p = 0.028). Patients that endured postoperative complications reported more problems with choking when swallowing at 9 months follow-up (mean score 12.9 vs 8.4, p = 0.047). This difference was not clinically relevant with a mean score difference of 4.6 points. Conclusion Postoperative complications do not significantly influence the short- and long-term HR-QoL in patients following an esophagectomy. Only one HR-QoL domain showed difference over time, however, this was not clinically relevant.


2020 ◽  
Vol 32 (7) ◽  
pp. 849-861
Author(s):  
Darina V. Petrovsky ◽  
Karen B. Hirschman ◽  
Miranda Varrasse McPhillips ◽  
Justine S. Sefcik ◽  
Alexandra L. Hanlon ◽  
...  

ABSTRACTObjectives:Daytime sleepiness is associated with multiple negative outcomes in older adults receiving long-term services and supports (LTSS) including reduced cognitive performance, need for greater assistance with activities of daily living and decreased social engagement. The purpose of this study was to identify predictors of change in subjective daytime sleepiness among older adults during their first 2 years of receiving LTSS.Design and Setting:Secondary analysis of data from a prospective longitudinal study of older adults who received LTSS in their homes, assisted living communities or nursing homes interviewed at baseline and every 3 months for 24 months.Participants:470 older adults (60 years and older) newly enrolled in LTSS (mean = 81, SD = 8.7; range 60–98; 71% women).Measurements:Subjective daytime sleepiness was assessed every 3 months through 2 years using the Epworth Sleepiness Scale. Multiple validated measures were used to capture health-related quality of life characteristics of enrollees and their environment, including symptom status (Symptom Bother Scale), cognition (Mini Mental Status Exam), physical function (Basic Activities of Daily Living), physical and mental general health, quality of life (Dementia Quality of Life, D-QoL), depressive symptoms (Geriatric Depression Scale) and social support (Medical Outcomes Survey-Social Support).Results:Longitudinal mixed effects modeling was used to examine the relationship between independent variables and continuous measure of daytime sleepiness. Increased feelings of belonging, subscale of the D-QoL (effect size = −0.006, 95% CI: −0.013 to −0.0001, p = 0.045) and higher number of depressive symptoms (effect size = −0.002, 95% CI: −0.004 to −0.001, p = 0.001) at baseline were associated with slower rates of increase in daytime sleepiness over time.Conclusions:Comprehensive baseline and longitudinal screening for changes in daytime sleepiness along with depression and perceived quality of life should be used to inform interventions aimed at reducing daytime sleepiness among older adults receiving LTSS.


2013 ◽  
Vol 31 (2) ◽  
pp. 272-279 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sophia K. Smith ◽  
Deborah K. Mayer ◽  
Sheryl Zimmerman ◽  
Christianna S. Williams ◽  
Habtamu Benecha ◽  
...  

Purpose Little is known about change in quality of life (QOL) among long-term cancer survivors. We examined change over time in QOL among long-term survivors of non-Hodgkin lymphoma and identified demographic, clinical, and psychosocial risk factors for poor outcomes. Methods Surveys were mailed to 682 lymphoma survivors who participated in a study 5 years earlier, when on average they were 10.4 years postdiagnosis. Standardized measures of QOL, perceptions of the impact of cancer, symptoms, medical history, and demographic variables were reported at both time points and examined using linear regression modeling to identify predictors of QOL over time. Results A total of 566 individuals participated (83% response rate) who were a mean of 15.3 years postdiagnosis; 52% were women, and 87% were white. One third of participants (32%) reported persistently high or improved QOL, yet a notable proportion (42%) reported persistently low or worsening QOL since the earlier survey. Participants who received only biologic systemic therapy reported improvement in physical health despite the passage of time. Older age, more comorbidity, and more or increasing negative and decreasing positive perceptions of cancer's impact were independent predictors of poor QOL. Lymphoma symptom burden, less social support, and having received a transplantation were related to negative perceptions of cancer's impact. Conclusion Moderate to severe symptom burden, limited social support, or having received a transplantation should alert the clinician to potential need for supportive services. Perceptions of cancer's impact are associated with QOL cross-sectionally and longitudinally; modifying these perceptions may thus provide a strategy for improving QOL.


2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 189-190
Author(s):  
Justine Sefcik ◽  
Karen Hirschman ◽  
Darina Petrovsky ◽  
Liming Huang ◽  
Nancy Hodgson ◽  
...  

Abstract Approximately 85% of older adults have at least one chronic health condition. The onset of chronic health conditions and mobility issues can constrain activities, including outdoor recreation. There is limited knowledge of older adults receiving long-term services and supports (LTSS) and their satisfaction with outdoor activities over time after enrolling in services. This study examined predictors of change in ratings of satisfaction with outdoor activities. A secondary analysis was conducted of data involving structured interviews with older adults (N=470) over the first two years of receiving LTSS (Health-Related Quality of Life: Elders in Long-Term Care; R01AG025524). Participants lived in assisted living communities, nursing homes, or their home. A single item on satisfaction with outdoor activities (assessed using a 5-point Likert scale: not at all to extremely satisfied) was the primary outcome. Mixed effects linear regression modeling using a backward elimination process was used for building a final multivariable model. In the final model, older age (p&lt;0.001) and higher overall quality of life ratings (p&lt;0.001) at baseline were associated with slower rates of increase in outdoor satisfaction over time. Higher education level (p=0.035) at baseline was associated with a faster rate of increase in outdoor satisfaction over time. Additionally, those who moved into an assisted living community (p=0.024) or nursing home (p=0.016) at baseline were associated with faster rates of increase in outdoor satisfaction over time compared to those in the home. Knowledge of factors influencing satisfaction with outdoor activities can assist interdisciplinary teams implement interventions for individual or organizational changes.


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