scholarly journals EFFECTS OF AESTIVATION DURATION ON REPRODUCTIVE TRACT DIMENSION AND SPERMATOZOA PRODUCTION OF GIANT AFRICAN LAND SNAIL (Archachatinamarginata) DURING DRY SEASON

2019 ◽  
Vol 17 (2) ◽  
pp. 106-115
Author(s):  
J. A. ABIONA ◽  
A. C. ESHORUN ◽  
F. M. MSHELBWALA

Aestivation is a process of metabolic suspension which plays a key role in the survival of land snails during a period of drought. Human shave also used this process to transport the animal for commercial purpose. To examine the effect of this physiological process on reproductive apparatus, thirty (30) Giant African Land snail (Archachatinamarginata) with average weight of 130 -150g were used for this study. The snails were allotted to three different treatments with ten (10) replicate each after four weeks of acclimatization period which include: zero (0) week, three (3) weeks and six (6) weeks of aestivation. Parameters measured were: Internal organ weight, ovo-testis weight, reproductive tract length (cm) and weight (g). Also gonado-somatic index and spermatozoa concentration were also determined. Results showed that aestivation duration had significant influence on organ weight, ovo-testis weight, reproductive tract length and weight and spermatozoa concentration. However, gonado-somatic index (GSI) was not significantly influenced. It was observed that organ weight decreased as aestivation duration increased. For ovo-testis, snails with aestivation duration of six weeks had smaller weight compared to the control (0 week) while those at three weeks aestivation duration were not significantly different from the control group and those of six weeks aestivation duration. For reproductive tract weight, there was a significant(P<0.01)decrease in weight of the tract for both snails under three and six weeks aestivation duration compared to the control group (0 week). Spermatozoa count also decreased as aestivation duration increased. It can therefore be concluded that aestivation duration had significant effect on organ weight, ovo-testis weight, reproductive tract weight and spermatozoa concentration. For quick target of reproduction and snail economic value, it is recommended that aestivation duration should not be allowed to reach three weeks and above for whatever reason.      

2018 ◽  
Vol 51 (4) ◽  
pp. 147-154
Author(s):  
John Adesanya Abiona ◽  
Taiwo Gabriel Olaoye ◽  
Monsuru Oladimeji Abioja ◽  
Okanlawon Mohammed Onagbesan

Abstract Demand for Giant African Land Snail in Nigeria is so high such that it is very difficult to meet up with the supply as a protein source. However, during dry season, production at intensive level is often challenged with decline in growth and reproduction despite interventions to boost production. This study therefore evaluates the effect of zinc oxide on liveweight, reproductive organ dimensions and spermatozoa production of Giant African Land Snail (Archachatina marginata) during dry season. Thirty-two (32) snails with an average weight of 100 – 180 g were used for this experiment. The snails were allotted to four different feeding treatments which included concentrate diet only, concentrate +10 mg/kg of zinc oxide, concentrate +15 mg/kg of zinc oxide and concentrate +20 mg/kg of zinc oxide, respectively. Each treatment contained eight replicates. After nine weeks, five snails were selected from each treatment and dissected. Variables monitored were: weekly weight gain, shell circumference, shell length and shell diameter. Other reproductive data collected after dissections were: organ weight, reproductive tract weight, albumen weight, ovo-testis weight, gonado-somatic index (GSI) and spermatozoa concentration. The result showed that dietary zinc oxide significantly (P < 0.001) influenced feed intake, shell parameters, organ weight ovo-testis weight, albumen weight, gonado-somatic index, reproductive tract weight and spermatozoa concentration. Snailsfed zinc oxide supplemented diet had better shell measurements, organ weight, ovo-testis weight, albumen weight, gonadosomatic index and reproductive tract weight. Considering spermatozoa concentration, 10 mg/kg of zinc oxide inclusion into concentrate diet gave the highest concentration. The results of the present study showed that dietary zinc oxide positively influenced feed intake, shell measurements, organ weight, ovo-testis and albumen weight. Similarly, gonado-somatic index and spermatozoa production were also positively influenced. Therefore, 10 mg/kg inclusion of zinc oxide is recommended for better reproductive tract development, and spermatozoa production at the desirable economic level during the dry season production of Archachatina marginata.


2020 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
pp. 17-28
Author(s):  
J. A. ABIONA ◽  
O. M. ADEEYO ◽  
M. O. ABIOJA ◽  
C. K. AINA ◽  
O. Y. AYO-AJASA ◽  
...  

Aestivation is a process of metabolic inactivity under which energy reserve are manipulated for survival. Reproductive apparatus and haemolymph biochemical agents also undergo phase manipulation as the duration continues. To determine the physiological influence on key hormone of reproduction and reproductive apparatus, seventy five A. marginata snails were used for this study. The snails were divided into five treatments with fifteen replicate each. Treatment include: Zero (0) week, Three (3) weeks, Six (6) weeks, nine (9) weeks and six (6) weeks post-aestivation. Parameters measured were: Testosterone concentration, haemolymph biochemical parameters (Total protein, albumin, globulin, Aspartate transaminase (AST) and Alanine transaminase (ALT), dimensions (length) and weight of the organs and tissues of the reproductive tracts (Ovo-testis, penis, vaginal, oviduct, little hermaphrodite duct, common hermaphrodite duct, vas deferens and albumen gland) gonado-somatic index and percentage mortality. Result showed that level of testosterone at three and six weeks of aestivation significantly reduced compared to the control. Also, at nine weeks of aestivation, the reduction was significantly greater than what was recorded at both three and six weeks of aestivation. But the testosterone levels were reversed at nine weeks post aestivation. Total protein and globulin were significantly influenced with both reaching a peak value at 9 weeks of aestivation while ALT, AST and albumin were not significantly affected. So also, of all the reproductive tract parts measured, organ weight, ovo-testis weight, penis weight and length were significantly influenced (P<0.001; P<0.001; P<0.05; P<0.001). Similarly, vaginal weight, oviduct weight, little hermaphrodite duct weight and length were also significantly affected  together with vas deferens  length and albumen gland length while aestivation duration had no significant influence on reproductive tract weight, ovo-testis length, vaginal length, oviduct length, little hermaphrodite duct length, vas deferens weight and albumen gland weight. Similarly, gonado-somatic index was also not significantly affected by aestivation duration. It was also obvious from this study that the highest mortality was recorded at 6 weeks of aestivation, followed by 9 weeks of aestivation while 3weeks and 6 weeks post-aestivation had the least mortality with the control intact. In conclusion, it is clear from this study that aestivation duration significantly influenced testosterone concentration, haemolymph biochemical parameters and some selected reproductive apparatus of A. marginata.        


2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 296-311
Author(s):  
Khaled Yassin Abdel-Halim ◽  
Safaa Ramadan Osman ◽  
Heba Mohamed El-Danasoury ◽  
Gihan Fathy Aly

The comparative toxic effect of Vertimec® 1.8% EC, Fast Max Super® 8.4% SC and nano-derived form of abamectin (ABM) (1% nano-emulsion) as a dermal contact for 48 h against land snail, Helix aspersa was evaluated at laboratorial trail. Acute toxicity values (LD50) were 6.45, 11.97, and 45.95 µg snail-1 for nano-derived form of ABM, Fast Max Super® and Vertimec®, respectively. Nano-derived form exhibited the highest toxic effects (1.86 and 7.12-folds), respect to Fast Max Super® and Vertimec®. Sublethal doses: 1/10 and 1/100 LD50s of the examined compounds were applied to evaluate some biochemical alterations e.g. acetylcholinesterase (AChE), malondialdhyde (MDA), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), glutathione-S-transferase (GST), acid phosphatase (ACP), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and aspartate aminotransferase (AST), respectively, in haemolymph and digestive glands homogenates. The all treatments significantly decreased AChE activity in ganglia homogenate, respect to control group (untreated). All treatments exhibited MDA level and LDH activity greater than the control in both haemolymph and digestive gland. This concept recognizes the cytotoxic effect of ABM on gastropods. Significant declines in GST, ACP, and ALP activities were exhibited in homogenate of digestive gland for the all treatments. However, AST/ALT activities exhibited increase greater than untreated group. These findings may explain the role of these doses of ABM for dysfunction in organs of H. aspersa. Thus, prepared nano-emulsion was more potent toxic on land snails. However, H. aspersa is considered a useful tool to assess ecotoxicological impact of pesticides.


2020 ◽  
Vol 46 (4) ◽  
pp. 198-205
Author(s):  
S. M. O. C. Urom ◽  
E. C. Inyang ◽  
D. N. Onunkwo ◽  
J. E. Ewa

This study was conducted to evaluate the physiological response of Nigerian indigenous chicken (cock) fed graded levels of Tumeric Rhizome Powder (TRP). Sixty (60) adult local cocks divided into 4 groups with 15 birds in each group, replicated into 3 of 5 birds per replicate in each treatment group were used for the study. The birds in the experimental groups designated as T1, T2, T3, and T4 were fed with TRP supplemented diet at various inclusion levels of 0.0, 0.25, 0.50 and 0.75%, respectively for 8 weeks. From the results obtained, the growth performance and the relative organ yields were significantly (p < 0.05) enhanced, with an average weight of 121.33 ± 14.70 of the experimental birds in the Turmeric groups. The nutrient digestibility was significantly (p < 0.05) improved with TRP supplemented diet. The result of the organ weight recorded showed the weight of the visceral organs such as heart, liver, lungs, spleen, pancreas and the gizzard relative to body weight were not significantly (p> 0.05) affected by the turmeric supplemented diet compared with the control group, whereas the dressed weight, the size of the kidney, proventriculus and the gall bladder relative to body weight were significantly (p< 0.05) increased, although no statistical difference between the 0.25% and 0.75% inclusion groups compared with the control group. The significant (p< 0.05) increase in the size of proventriculus which is responsible for the mechanical storage of the ingested feed could be attributed to the effect of turmeric supplemented diet compared to control. Also, the gall bladder contained significantly (p< 0.05) increased volume of the bile. In conclusion, Turmeric powder supplemented diet at 0.25 and 0.5 % inclusions performed better in improving the growth of Nigerian indigenous cocks, although care should be exercised in prolonged supplementation above 0.5 % inclusion to prevent its deleterious effect on the blood profile. From the findings in this study, to achieve a better growth performance of the Nigerian indigenous cocks with little or no effect on the relative organ weight, 0.5 % inclusion level is highly recommended.


Author(s):  
Marcos Jusdado-García ◽  
Rubén Cuesta-Barriuso

Background. The shoulder in CrossFit should have a balance between mobility and stability. Glenohumeral internal rotation deficit and posterior shoulder stiffness are risk factors for overhead shoulder injury. Objective. To determine the effectiveness of instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization and horizontal adduction stretch in CrossFit practitioners’ shoulders. Methods: Twenty-one regular CrossFitters were allocated to experimental (stretching with isometric contraction and instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization) or control groups (instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization). Each session lasted 5 min, 2 days a week, over a period of 4 weeks. Shoulder internal rotation and horizontal adduction (digital inclinometer), as well as posterior shoulder stretch perception (Park scale), were evaluated. Shapiro–Wilk test was used to analyze the distribution of the sample. Parametric Student’s t-test was used to obtain the intragroup differences. The inter- and intra-rater differences were calculated using a repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA). Results. Average age was 30.81 years (SD: 5.35), with an average height of 178 (SD: 7.93) cm and average weight of 82.69 (SD: 10.82) kg. Changes were found in the experimental group following intervention (p < 0.05), and when comparing baseline and follow-up assessments (p < 0.05) in all variables. Significant differences were found in the control group following intervention (p < 0.05), in right horizontal adduction and left internal rotation. When comparing the perception of internal rotation and horizontal adduction in both groups, significant differences were found. Conclusions. Instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization can improve shoulder horizontal adduction and internal rotation. An instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization technique yields the same results alone as those achieved in combination with post-isometric stretch with shoulder adduction.


2016 ◽  
Vol 28 (8) ◽  
pp. 1206 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aline C. Ramos ◽  
Alice H. dos Santos ◽  
Kennia M. Silveira ◽  
Ana Carolina I. Kiss ◽  
Suzana F. P. Mesquita ◽  
...  

Fluoxetine (FLX) is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressant commonly prescribed during pregnancy and lactation. Pre- and post-partum depression, as well as SSRI treatment during these periods, may change maternal care, interfering with offspring development. Moreover, it is known that SSRIs may alter testes structure and function in offspring. The present study investigated the effects of maternal FLX exposure on maternal behaviour and testes function in offspring. Female Wistar rats were treated with 7.5 mg kg–1 FLX or tap water (control group) by gavage from the Day 1 of pregnancy until 21 days after birth (postnatal Day (PND) 21). Maternal behaviour was evaluated and morphofunctional analyses of offspring testes were conducted on PND 21 and 50. There were no significant differences between the FLX-treated and control groups regarding maternal behaviour. Nor did maternal treatment with FLX have any effect on bodyweight gain, anogenital distance, day of preputial separation, testis weight and the gonadosomatic index in male offspring. However, there was a decreased number of Sertoli cells at both PND 21 and 50 in FLX-exposed male offspring. The findings of the present study demonstrate that maternal exposure to FLX can impair testicular function in weanling and pubertal animals.


2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
M. S. Doroshenko ◽  
S. O. Kostenko ◽  
P. V. Korol ◽  
A. M. Chepiha ◽  
O. V. Sydorenko ◽  
...  

The consequences of chimerization and its possible influence on the productivity of chimera offspring remain poorly understood. The objects of research were ducks (Anas platyrhynchos) of the Shanma (Shan partridge duck) and Shaoxing breeds kept at the Zhuji Guowei Poultry Development Co, Ltd, P.R.China. The study was conducted in the poultry genetics laboratory of the Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences on a duck farm of Zhejiang Generation Biological Science and Technology Co., Ltd. (Zhejiang Province, PRC). To create chimeras of ducks, the method described by Aige-Gil, Simkiss, 1991; M.T. Tagirov, 2010 was used. Blastodiscs have been isolated from freshly hatched fertilized eggs using a filter paper ring. Shanma duck embryos have been used as recipients, and Shaoxing duck embryos, homozygous for plumage color gene allele (wild type), have been used as donors. Busulfan (SigmaAldrich, United States) have been used as a chemical agent that suppresses a division of primary germ cells (PGC) of recipient embryos. A hole in an eggshell (window) of recipients (Shanma breed) have been made between a blunt and sharp ends of eggs. (This reduced a distance between an injector and an embryo needle). The recipients havebeen incubated for 8–10 hours at a temperature of 38 °C. After recipient eggs incubation for 8 hours, the windows were opened in them. Busulfan was injected into the subgerminal cavity of the embryo with a micropipette (1.5–3 μl of liquid). After busulfan injection, the empty cavity was filled with culture medium (RPMI-1640) supplemented with antibiotics (ampicillin, streptomycin), the hole was closed by plastic wrap and adhesive tape. The eggs have been incubated at a reduced temperature (+32 °C) for 24 hours with the aim of prolong the duration of busulfan action on the PGC (primary germ cells). More than 50% of embryos have been died in the first 2–3 days (after an incubation start). Head and neck disorders have been observed in the 1.2% of embryos. Busulfan injection at a concentration of 300 ng per egg have been leads to 95.0–96.3% mortality of duck embryos, concentration of 150 ng per egg, a mortality rate of 33.3–75.3% have been observed, concentration to 75 ng led to 18.75–38.5% of embryonic mortality. Analysis of the age of puberty (laying of the first egg) indicates that the chimeras matured later. If in the control group the average age of puberty was 139 ± 9 days, in the group of chimeras - 148 ± 13 days. Thus, we can attest that in our experiment, the chimeras matured later than the control animals, which may be due to the effect of busulfan in the sterilization of recipient embryos. The average weight of ducks in the control group was lower, and the group itself was more consolidated. Thus, in the control ducks weighed 1422.40 ± 57.00 g, the chimeras 1608.80 ± 94.76 g. The advantage of live weight chimeras over the control group may be due to the fact that the control group consisted of recipients served by Shanma animals. Egg production of ducks for the entire study period was 87.5 ± 0.05 % (control) 79.5±0.12 % (busulfan). The weight of eggs of ducks of two groups for the entire period was 70.62±0.199 g (control) and 71.15±0.157 g (p˂0.001). The eggs morphometric parameters of the studied ducks groups were: the average values of egg length were 6.056±0.0564 cm (control) and 6.269±0.1341cm (busulfan); egg breadth were 4.520±0.0053 cm (control) and 4.529±0.004 cm (busulfan). There were no statistical intergroup differences in the morphometric parameters of the eggs of the studied groups. In fact, we obtained results similar to the previous ones, which concerned the egg production of daughters of drake chimeras.


2021 ◽  
Vol 15 (9) ◽  
pp. 2867-2869
Author(s):  
Asma Arshad ◽  
Saira Munawar ◽  
Rabia Sajjad Toor ◽  
Saba Saleem ◽  
Kanwal Sharif ◽  
...  

Objective: The main purpose of this study is to evaluate the hepatoprotective effects of propolis in hepatocytes injury caused by ATT due to isoniazid and rifampicin. Methods: Healthy albino rats of with average weight of 200-250g were under this study. These rats dividing into main four groups, A group is taken a control group and then further into the group B, group C, and group D as group for experiments. The control group had 15 rats with measured weight, they were given distilled water. Group B had 15 rats, they were given with standard dose of rifampicin and isoniazid. Group c had 15 rats, they were also given with standard dose of rifampicin and isoniazid. Group D had 15 rats, they were given with standard dose of rifampicin and isoniazid and also extract of the propolis we prepared. Results: Serum ALT in the experimental group B with group C, group D were also found to be of statistically significant with p-value < 0.001. ALT serum level observed high in group B. Multiple comparison between groups revealed that group B with a significantly increase in the serum enzyme AST level in comparison to group A, group C and group D with p-value <0.001. Conclusion: This study showed that ethanolic extract of propolis prevents isoniazid and rifampicin induced hepatotoxicity in the albino rats. Key words; Propolis, Anti-tuberculosis treatment, Hepato-toxicity.


2006 ◽  
Vol 21 (3) ◽  
pp. 168-176 ◽  
Author(s):  
Míriam Elias Cavallini ◽  
Nelson Adami Andreollo ◽  
Konradin Metze ◽  
Marina Raquel Araújo

PURPOSE: To evaluate and to compare macro and microscopically the intense injuries of the gastric mucosa of rats which were caused by NSAIDS celecoxib and indomethacin and the gastric cytoprotection with omeprazole and misoprostol. METHODS: The sample is formed by one hundred and fifty Wistar rats with average weight 200 g, distributed in four groups, such as: Group A, subdivided in groups A1 and A2 - pre-treatment with omeprazole (20 mg/rat) during seven days and on the 8th day - use of NSAIDS, concerning A1 (20 rats) were given celecoxib (1mg/rat) and A2 (20 rats) were given indomethacin. The Group B, subdivided in group B1 and B2 - pre-treatment with misoprostol (20mg/rat) during seven days and on the 8th day use of NSAIDS, concerning B1 (20 rats) were given celecoxib (1 mg/ rat) and B2 (20 rats) were given indomethacin (12.5 mg/rat). The Group C: were not given cytoprotection during seven days, from the 7th to the 8th day - fast of food and water ad libitum, on the 8th day of NSAIDS use, concerning C1 (20 rats) were given celecoxib, C2 (20 rats) were given indomethacin (12.5 mg/ rat), C3 (20 rats) were given celecoxib (200mg/rato), and Group D - control group, concerning 10 rats were observed during seven days ingesting food and water ad libitum. On the 9th day, the stomachs were taken out and were macro and microscopically evaluated for the identification of the gastric injuries. RESULTS: On the macroscopic studies, the groups A2, B2 and C2 presented a remarkable high number of injuries for cm² /animal, respectively 18.55 injuries for cm² /animal, 16.25 injuries for cm² /animal and 13.55 injuries for cm²/animal. On the microscopic studies, the percentage of the injured mucosa, presented expressive difference among the groups A1, B1, C1 when compared to the groups A2, B2, C2 (p<0.0001). The average of the length/injury and the average of the depth of the injuries did not present expressive statistics differences among the groups A2, B2 and C2. The average of the edema presented expressive statistics difference among the groups A2 and D; B2 and C2 and between C2 and D (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The indomethacin on the applied concentration causes a great number of macroscopic and microscopic injuries to gastric mucosa of rats when compared to celecoxib which does not cause lesions. Omeprazole and misoprostol on the applied concentrations do not present macroscopic and microscopic effectiveness on the gastric cytoprotection when applying indomethacin. Considering the microscopic analysis of the average of the edema, the group of animals, which was given misoprostol as cytoprotection, presented a lower average compared to the group which was given omeprazole.


2014 ◽  
Vol 2014 ◽  
pp. 1-6 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carl J. Brandt ◽  
Vibeke Brandt ◽  
Mathilde Pedersen ◽  
Dorte Glintborg ◽  
Søren Toubro ◽  
...  

Background. Internet-based complex interventions aiming to promote weight loss and optimize healthy behaviors have attracted much attention. However, evidence for effect is lacking. Obesity is a growing problem, resulting in an increasing demand for cost efficient weight loss programs suitable for use on a large scale, for example, as part of standard primary care. In a previous pilot project by Brandt et al. (2011) without a control group, we examined the effects of online dietician counseling and found an average weight loss of 7.0 kg (95% CI: 4.6 to 9.3 kg) after 20 months. Aims and Methods. To analyze the effects of a complex intervention using trained dieticians in a general practice setting combined with internet-based interactive and personalized weight management support compared with conventional advice with a noninteractive internet support as placebo treatment in 340 overweight patients during a 2-year period. Primary endpoints are weight loss and lowering of cholesterol (LDL). We will also explore patients’ sociodemographics and use of the intervention as well as the health professionals’ views and perceptions of the intervention (their role and the advice and support that they provide). Perspective. The project will generate knowledge on the cost-effectiveness of a complex internet-based intervention in a general practice setting and on barriers and acceptability among professionals and patients.


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