Effects of Silver Nanoparticles on Burn Wound Healing in a Mouse Model

Biological Trace Element Research - Healing of injuries caused by exposure to heat has been discussed in many studies, although a few drugs have been shown to produce satisfactory results. In this...     

Nutritional,antimicrobial and medicinal properties of Camel’s milk: A review

Camel’s milk is an important part of staple diet in several parts of the world, particularly in the arid and semi-arid zones. Camel’s milk is rich in health-beneficial substances, such as bioactive peptides, lactoferrin, zinc, and mono and polyunsaturated fatty acids. These substances could help in the treatment of some important human diseases like tuberculosis, asthma, gastrointestinal diseases, and jaundice. Camel’s milk composition is more variable compared to cow’s milk. The effects of feed, breed, age, and lactation stage on milk composition are more significant in camel. Region and season significantly change the ratio of compounds in camel’s milk. Camel’s whey protein is not only composed of numerous soluble proteins, but also has indigenous proteases such as chymotrypsin A and cathepsin D. In addition to their high nutritional value, these whey proteins have unique characteristics, including physical, chemical, physiological, functional, and technological features that are useful in the food application. The hydrolysis of camel’s milk proteins leads to the formation of bioactive peptides, which affect major organ systems of the body and impart physiological functions to these systems. The camel’s milk has antioxidant, antimicrobial, angiotensin-I-converting enzyme (ACE)-inhibitory peptides, antidiabetic as well as anticholesterol activities.     

Comparing ethylene glycol with glycerol for cryopreservation of buffalo bull semen in egg-yolk containing extenders

The objective of this work was to evaluate the possibility of substituting glycerol for ethylene glycol when cryopreserving buffalo semen. Semen of eight buffalo bulls was mixed, pooled, and frozen in one of these four diluents: centrifuged Tris egg yolk glycerol; centrifuged Tris egg yolk ethylene glycol; centrifuged Milk egg yolk glycerol; or centrifuged Milk egg yolk ethylene glycol. Semen quality parameters assessed after thawing were motility, survivability, livability, sperm abnormality, acrosome integrity, and plasma membrane integrity. Conception rate and pregnancy rate were calculated after insemination of 104 buffaloes by straws of different groups (26 female/extender). Improvement in livability, sperm abnormality, acrosome integrity, plasma membrane integrity, conception rate, and pregnancy rate were seen when using ethylene glycol to replace glycerol when freezing buffalo bull semen in centrifuged TRIS egg yolk 61.15 ± 0.73, 24.85 ± 0.41, 69.10 ± 0.81, 71.75 ± 0.72, 46.2%, and 46.2%, respectively, followed by centrifuged milk egg yolk extenders.     

Prognosis prediction of uterine torsion mechanical treatment (rolling) after estimation of calcium and creatinine level in the serum of buffaloes (bubalus bubalis)

The present study was carried out to investigate the relationship between creatinine and calcium concentration in buffalo serum in cases of uterine torsion before rolling, and 1 h and 24 h after calving. The degree, duration and site of uterine torsion, as well as fetus viability, time needed for cervical dilation, and the occurrence of uterine rupture were recorded. A total of 150 pregnant buffaloes suffering from colic and anorexia were brought to our clinic and clinically examined. Of these, 35 buffaloes were diagnosed with uterine torsion (different durations, directions and degrees) and the viability of the foeti and any evidence of uterine rupture were determined using ultrasonography and the serum levels of creatinine and calcium were estimated using calorimetric method. The animals were also examined for incidence of uterine rupture after rolling and calving. The calcium level significantly (P < 0.05) decreased with increasing duration and severity of uterine torsion, however, it was higher in cases where a live fetus was delivered compared with a dead one. Conversely, the creatinine level significantly (P < 0.05) increased with increasing duration and severity of uterine torsion but was lower in cases that delivered a live fetus compared with a dead one. The calcium and creatinine levels returned to approximately normal concentration within 24 h after calving. In conclusion, calcium and creatinine serum concentration have a correlation with duration and severity of uterine torsion. Animals with low levels of calcium (below 8.44 mg/dL) and high levels of creatinine (above 2.25 mg/dL) did not usually respond to rolling or suffer from uterine rupture during calving. The calcium and creatinine levels can be used as indicators for the prognosis of mechanical treatment of uterine torsion in buffaloes.     

ٍSome biologically active microorganisms have the potential to suppress mosquito larvae (Culex pipiens,Diptera: Culicidae)

Malaria is a disease caused by protozoan species of the genus Plasmodium. It is widespread and becoming a challenge in several African countries in the tropical and subtropical regions. In 2010, a report was published showing that over 1.2 million death cases were occurred globally due to malaria in just one year. The transmission of the disease from one person to another occurs via the bite of the Anopheles female. It is known that Plasmodium ovale, P. vivax, P. malariae, P. falciparum, and P. knowlesi are the highly infective malaria species. The problem of this disease is the absence of any effective medical treatment or vaccine, making the mosquito control is the only feasible way for disease prevention. Pesticides are currently the most widely used method for mosquito control, despite its well-known negative effects, including health hazards on human, the increasing insecticidal resistance, and the negative impact on the environment and beneficial organisms. Biological control (also called: biocontrol) of insects has been a promising method to overcome the negative effects of using chemical insecticides, as it depends on just using the natural enemies of pests to either minimize their populations or eradicate them. This article provides an overview of the recent and effective biological means to control malaria, such as bacteria, fungi, viruses, larvivorous fish, toxorhynchites larva and nematodes. In addition, the importance, advantages, and disadvantages of the biocontrol methods will be discussed in comparison with the traditionally used chemical methods of malaria control with special reference to nanotechnology as a novel method for insects’ control.     

Potential impacts of COVID-19 on reproductive health: Scientific findings and social dimension

COVID-19 virus is classified as a respiratory disease that can be mainly transmitted via respiratory droplets, however, there are recently published reports suggested its ability to transmit via sexual intercourse, assisted reproductive technology (ART) treatments, pregnancy, and nursing. Although SARS‐CoV‐2 mainly attacks respiratory systems, manifestations of multiple organs have been detected. A significant concern was raised about whether COVID‐19 may affect female and male reproductive functions. These findings imposed more restrictions on social relationships between individuals even if inside the family, adding more physiologic load. In this context, there is a crucial need to identify the biological and behavioral reproductive risk factors associated with COVID­19 disease. Questions regarding the potential risks of sexual transmission during intercourse and/or application of ART, vertical transmission (throughout pregnancy, delivery, and breastfeeding), the health of pregnant and postpartum women, and fetal or postnatal health problems of neonates/children remain largely unanswered. The contribution of individuals to different social and economic activities depends on the maintenance of good quality life and health. The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic raised on the end of December 2019 has drastically affected different aspects of human wellbeing. The pandemic not only affected the health of individuals, but also negatively affected mental health and social interaction. This review illustrates: a) scientific findings related to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the reproductive process, considering gender, hormonal balance, gonad functions, pregnancy, and ART, b) the sociosexual dimension of COVID-19 disease and precautions that should be taken to avoid infection via sexual transmission or vertical transmission, which may alleviate the fear associated with continuing normal social relationships and economic activities.