scholarly journals Caffeine strongly improves motility parameters of turkey spermatozoa with no effect on cell viability

2018 ◽  
Vol 66 (1) ◽  
pp. 137-150 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tomáš Slanina ◽  
Michal Miškeje ◽  
Filip Tirpák ◽  
Martyna Błaszczyk ◽  
Grzegorz Formicki ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Incubation Temperature ◽  
Control Sample ◽  
Computer Assisted ◽  
Time Period ◽  
The Individual ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Casa System ◽  
Positive Effect ◽  
Motility Parameters

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of caffeine on turkey spermatozoa during in vitro incubation. Experimental samples were prepared by diluting the raw semen with nine different concentrations of caffeine – from 0.078125 mg/mL to 10 mg/mL. The individual motility parameters were evaluated by the Computer Assisted Semen Analyser (CASA) system, and the viability of spermatozoa was evaluated using eosin-nigrosin staining. Selected parameters were recorded at six time periods: 0, 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 h at 5 °C and 41 °C. A significantly higher motility and progressive motility of spermatozoa (P < 0.01 and P < 0.001, respectively) was detected in the samples containing caffeine ranging from 0.15625 to 7.5 mg/mL as compared to the control sample at 5 °C. At an incubation temperature of 41 °C the positive effect of caffeine on motility parameters was observed only at the beginning of incubation (at times 0 and 1). The tested caffeine concentrations showed no significant effect on the viability of turkey spermatozoa at any time period of incubation. A higher percentage of dead spermatozoa was observed for incubation at 41 °C (from 5.96% to 11.1%) in comparison to 5 °C (from 1.62% to 5.79%). The results suggest that caffeine can be used as a suitable component of turkey semen extenders and has the potential to improve fertility.

scholarly journals Effect of taurine on turkey (Meleagris gallopavo) spermatozoa viability and motility

2018 ◽  
Vol 63 (No. 4) ◽  
pp. 127-135 ◽  
Author(s):  
T. Slanina ◽  
M. Miškeje ◽  
F. Tirpák ◽  
M. Błaszczyk ◽  
R. Stawarz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Meleagris Gallopavo ◽  
Lower Percentage ◽  
Computer Assisted ◽  
Viability Assessment ◽  
Spermatozoa Motility ◽  
In Vitro Incubation ◽  
Time Periods ◽  
Casa System ◽  
Motility Parameters

The effect of taurine on the turkey spermatozoa motility and viability during the in vitro incubation was assessed. Experimental samples were prepared by diluting the raw semen in nine different concentrations of taurine – from 10 mg/ml to 0.078125 mg/ml. The motility parameters were evaluated by the CASA system (Computer Assisted Semen Analyser) using the program Sperm Vision<sup>®</sup> and for spermatozoa viability assessment the eosin-nigrosin staining was performed. Selected parameters were evaluated at six time periods: 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 h at 5°C and 41°C. At 5°C, a significantly lower percentage of motility and progressive motility was detected only in the samples with the highest concentration of taurine (10 mg/ml) at time 0 and 1. After 2 h of incubation a significant preventive effect of taurine on spermatozoa parameters was observed. The tendency of the taurine effect on motility parameters was different during the in vitro incubation at 41°C. Significantly lower values of motility parameters were detected in all experimental samples in comparison to the control after 5 h. The analysed concentrations of taurine did not significantly affect viability of turkey spermatozoa during all time periods. A higher percentage of dead spermatozoa were observed at 41°C (4.87–9.90%) if compared to 5°C (2.12–4.88%). The results indicated that the addition of taurine (from 2.5 to 7.5 mg/ml) to turkey spermatozoa positively affected the monitored spermatozoa parameters incubated at 5°C.

12 COMPUTER-ASSISTED SPERM ANALYSIS OF FRESH EPIDIDYMAL CAT SPERMATOZOA AND THE IMPACT OF COOLED STORAGE (4°C) ON SPERM QUALITY

2008 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
pp. 86
Author(s):  
M. Filliers ◽  
T. Rijsselaere ◽  
P. Bossaert ◽  
V. De Causmaecker ◽  
J. Dewulf ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Reference Values ◽  
Sperm Quality ◽  
Membrane Integrity ◽  
Computer Assisted ◽  
Epididymal Sperm ◽  
Sperm Analysis ◽  
Computer Assisted Sperm Analysis ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Motility Parameters

Feline epididymal sperm is commonly used for in vitro fertilization. It also yields the opportunity to conserve genetic material from valuable males that suddenly die. Epididymal sperm quality parameters vary considerably among laboratories, implicating the need for objective evaluation methods. The aim of the present study was to describe reference values of computer-assisted sperm analysis (CASA) parameters of fresh epididymal cat sperm and to assess the effect of prolonged cooled storage (4�C) on various sample characteristics. Epididymides obtained from tomcats after routine orchiectomy (2–4 pairs/replicate) were sliced to release spermatozoa. The sperm suspension was placed on a 2-layer gradient and, after centrifugation, the sperm pellet was recovered. In Experiment 1 (20 replicates), sperm motility parameters were assessed immediately after retrieval (T0) using the Hamilton Thorne analyzer Ceros 12.1 (HTR; Hamilton Thorne Biosciences, Beverly, MA, USA). In Experiment 2, fresh (T0) sperm samples (4 replicates) were evaluated for motility parameters (HTR), acrosomal status (FITC-Pisum sativum agglutinin staining), morphology (eosin/nigrosin (E/N) staining), and membrane integrity (E/N and SYBR�-14-propidium iodide staining; Molecular Probes, Inc., Eugene, OR, USA). After addition (1:2) of a Tris-glucose-citrate diluent containing 20% egg yolk, samples were cooled and reassessed on Days 1 (T1), 3 (T3), 5 (T5), 7 (T7), and 10 (T10). Results were analyzed in a mixed linear model, with replicate as random factor and time as fixed effect (S-PLUS 7.0; Insightful Corp., Seattle, WA, USA). Results of Experiment 1 were as follows (mean � SD): motility (MOT): 80.8% � 23.5; progressive motility (PMOT): 69.9% � 23.2; velocity average pathway (VAP): 98.7 µm s–1 � 24.2; velocity straight line (VSL): 89.3 µm s–1 � 25.4; velocity curved line (VCL): 134.8 µm s–1 � 31.9; amplitude lateral head (ALH): 4.3 µm � 2.0; beat cross frequency (BCF): 34.6 Hz � 7.0; and straightness (STR): 89.6% � 6.6. In Experiment 2, MOT, PMOT, VAP, VSL, VCL, BCF, and the percentage of normal spermatozoa showed a decrease over time (P < 0.05) compared to fresh samples, starting from T1, T3, T5, T7, T5, T3, and T1, respectively. In contrast, STR, ALH, membrane integrity, and the percentage of acrosome-intact spermatozoa were not affected (P > 0.05) by cooled storage. To summarize, we have presented a set of reference values for CASA-parameters of fresh, epididymal cat spermatozoa. Cooled storage impaired most motility parameters and lowered the percentage of normal spermatozoa, but did not influence membrane integrity or acrosomal status. The effect of cooled storage on DNA fragmentation of sperm and its subsequent influence on in vitro embryo development require further investigation.

scholarly journals Alternative Control of Phragmidium rubi-idaei Infecting Two Rubus Species

Plants ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (7) ◽  
pp. 1452
Author(s):  
Raluca-Maria Pârlici ◽  
Aurel Maxim ◽  
Stefania Mirela Mang ◽  
Ippolito Camele ◽  
Lucia Mihalescu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Organic Farming ◽  
Plant Pathogens ◽  
Field Experiments ◽  
Control Sample ◽  
Field Tests ◽  
In Vitro Tests ◽  
Rust Disease ◽  
Conidia Germination ◽  
The Impact

Organic berry plantations have been gaining popularity among farmers during recent years. Even so, farmers experience serious challenges in disease control management, which is a concern in organic farming. Phragmidiumrubi-idaei (DC) P. Karst is the pathogen responsible for blackberry and raspberry rust disease, one of the most present and active diseases in plantations. The antifungal certified products found on the organic farming market offer the opportunity for an efficient control strategy over plant pathogens in fruit shrub plantations. In this study, 5 natural based products—namely Altosan, Mimox, Canelys, Zitron, and Zeolite—were tested for their fungistatic effect over P. rubi-idaei. The experiments were carried out under laboratory conditions, performing observations over the impact of organic products, used at different concentration levels, on rust conidia germination. Moreover, field experiments were conducted in order to evaluate the efficiency of different treatments for rust control on raspberry (‘Polka’, ‘Veten’ and ‘Heritage’) and blackberry (‘Thorn Free’, ‘Chester’ and ‘Loch Ness’) varieties. Data analysis based on ANOVA tests showed significant differences between the tested variants and the control sample at p < 0.001. Furthermore, LSD test confirmed differences between all substances tested (p < 0.005). The natural products Canelys (formulated with cinnamon) and Zytron (based on citrus extract) have proven the highest inhibitory capacity for conidia germination during in vitro tests registering values of 80.42% and 78.34%, respectively. The same high inhibitory rates against rust pathogen were kept also in the field tests using the same two natural-based products mentioned earlier. In addition, outcomes from this study demonstrated that Zeolite is not recommended for raspberry or blackberry rust control.

Synthetic Riboswitches for the Analysis of tRNA Processing by eukaryotic RNase P Enzymes

RNA ◽  
2022 ◽  
pp. rna.078814.121
Author(s):  
Anna Ender ◽  
Nadine Grafl ◽  
Tim Kolberg ◽  
Sven Findeiss ◽  
Peter F. Stadler ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Homo Sapiens ◽  
Rnase P ◽  
Single Stranded Region ◽  
Domains Of Life ◽  
The Individual ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Individual Enzyme ◽  
Trna Precursor

Removal of the 5' leader region is an essential step in the maturation of tRNA molecules in all domains of life. This reaction is catalyzed by various RNase P activities, ranging from ribonucleoproteins with ribozyme activity to protein-only forms. In Escherichia coli, the efficiency of RNase P mediated cleavage can be controlled by computationally designed riboswitch elements in a ligand-dependent way, where the 5' leader sequence of a tRNA precursor is either sequestered in a hairpin structure or presented as a single-stranded region accessible for maturation. In the presented work, the regulatory potential of such artificial constructs is tested on different forms of eukaryotic RNase P enzymes – two protein-only RNase P enzymes (PRORP1 and PRORP2) from Arabidopsis thaliana and the ribonucleoprotein of Homo sapiens. The PRORP enzymes were analyzed in vitro as well as in vivo in a bacterial RNase P complementation system. We also tested in HEK293T cells whether the riboswitches remain functional with human nuclear RNase P. While the regulatory principle of the synthetic riboswitches applies for all tested RNase P enzymes, the results also show differences in the substrate requirements of the individual enzyme versions. Hence, such designed RNase P riboswitches represent a novel tool to investigate the impact of the structural composition of the 5'-leader on substrate recognition by different types of RNase P enzymes.

The consequences of social intolerance on non-violent protest

2015 ◽  
Vol 8 (4) ◽  
pp. 567-588 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carolin Rapp ◽  
Kathrin Ackermann
Keyword(s):  
Social Psychology ◽  
Rational Choice ◽  
Ecological Effect ◽  
Multilevel Analyses ◽  
Cultural Groups ◽  
Individual Level ◽  
The Individual ◽  
Established Democracies ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Positive Effect

This paper scrutinizes the impact of intolerance toward diverse ethnic, religious, and cultural groups on an individual’s willingness to actively engage in non-violent protest. Following new insights, we examine the individual as well as the ecological effect of social intolerance on protest behavior. Drawing from insights of social psychology and communication science, we expect that the prevalence of intolerance reinforces the positive effect of individual-level intolerance on protest participation. From a rational choice perspective, however, a negative moderating effect is expected, as the expression of opinions becomes redundant for intolerant individuals in an intolerant society. We base our multilevel analyses on data from theWorld Values Surveyscovering 32 established democracies. Our results reveal that intolerance leads to more non-violent protest participation. This relationship, however, is strongly influenced by the prevalence of intolerance in a country.

scholarly journals The effect of resorcinol on bovine spermatozoa parameters in vitro

2020 ◽  
pp. 675-686
Author(s):  
M Massányi ◽  
M Halo ◽  
L Strapáková ◽  
T Slanina ◽  
P Ivanič ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cultivation Temperature ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Mtt Test ◽  
Progressive Motility ◽  
Time Period ◽  
Entire Duration ◽  
Bovine Spermatozoa ◽  
Time Periods ◽  
Motility Parameters

The goal of this study was to observe the effect of resorcinol on motility, viability and morphology of bovine spermatozoa. The semen was used from six randomly chosen breeding bulls. Ejaculate was diluted by different solutions of resorcinol in 1:40 ratio. Samples were divided into 7 groups with different concentrations of resorcinol (Control, RES1 – 4 mg/ml, RES2 – 2 mg/ml, RES3 – 1 mg/ml, RES4 – 0.5 mg/ml, RES5 – 0.25 mg/ml and RES6 – 0.125 mg/ml). Motility of spermatozoa was detected using CASA method at temperature of 37 °C in time periods 0, 1, 2, 3, 4 hours from the start of the experiment. Significant motility differences between all groups except control and RES6 with difference of 5.58 %, as well as between RES1 and RES2 groups with difference of 2.17 % were found. Progressive motility had the same significant differences. Spermatozoa viability (MTT test) decreased compared to control in all experimental groups during the entire duration of experiment. Observing morphologically changed spermatozoa, no significant changes were observed and a higher percentage of spermatozoa with separated flagellum in all experimental resorcinol groups compared to control were detected. Also, increased number of spermatozoa with broken flagellum, acrosomal changes and other morphological forms in the group with the highest concentration of resorcinol (RES1) were found. Results of our study clearly show negative effects on motility parameters of spermatozoa which depend on concentration, cultivation temperature and time period.

Effect of transfection and co-incubation of bovine sperm with exogenous DNA on sperm quality and functional parameters for its use in sperm-mediated gene transfer

Zygote ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 25 (1) ◽  
pp. 85-97 ◽  
Author(s):  
María Elena Arias ◽  
Esther Sánchez-Villalba ◽  
Andrea Delgado ◽  
Ricardo Felmer
Keyword(s):  
Gene Transfer ◽  
Sperm Quality ◽  
Computer Assisted ◽  
Exogenous Dna ◽  
Sperm Analysis ◽  
Functional Parameters ◽  
Transgenic Embryos ◽  
Fertilization Capacity ◽  
Motility Parameters

SummarySperm-mediated gene transfer (SMGT) is based on the capacity of sperm to bind exogenous DNA and transfer it into the oocyte during fertilization. In bovines, the progress of this technology has been slow due to the poor reproducibility and efficiency of the production of transgenic embryos. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of different sperm transfection systems on the quality and functional parameters of sperm. Additionally, the ability of sperm to bind and incorporate exogenous DNA was assessed. These analyses were carried out by flow cytometry and confocal fluorescence microscopy, and motility parameters were also evaluated by computer-assisted sperm analysis (CASA). Transfection was carried out using complexes of plasmid DNA with Lipofectamine, SuperFect and TurboFect for 0.5, 1, 2 or 4 h. The results showed that all of the transfection treatments promoted sperm binding and incorporation of exogenous DNA, similar to sperm incorporation of DNA alone, without affecting the viability. Nevertheless, the treatments and incubation times significantly affected the motility parameters, although no effect on the integrity of DNA or the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) was observed. Additionally, we observed that transfection using SuperFect and TurboFect negatively affected the acrosome integrity, and TurboFect affected the mitochondrial membrane potential of sperm. In conclusion, we demonstrated binding and incorporation of exogenous DNA by sperm after transfection and confirmed the capacity of sperm to spontaneously incorporate exogenous DNA. These findings will allow the establishment of the most appropriate method [intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) orin vitrofertilization (IVF)] of generating transgenic embryos via SMGT based on the fertilization capacity of transfected sperm.

The Effect of Corporate Sustainability Practices on Financial Performance

2019 ◽  
pp. 52-70 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ibrahim Yasar Gok ◽  
Ozan Ozdemir ◽  
Bugra Unlu
Keyword(s):  
Financial Performance ◽  
Manufacturing Industry ◽  
Corporate Sustainability ◽  
Control Sample ◽  
Corporate Financial Performance ◽  
Performance Variables ◽  
Sustainability Practices ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Positive Effect ◽  
Better Than

In this chapter, the impact of corporate sustainability practices (CSP) on corporate financial performance (CFP) is investigated in terms of Turkish manufacturing industry. In this context, 16 sustainable companies vs. 21 control companies in 2016 and 16 sustainable companies vs. 24 control companies in 2017 are examined. Thirty-seven financial performance variables within seven groups are used, and non-parametric Mann-Whitney U test is applied. In 2016, four out of seven significant variables point out that sustainable companies perform better than control sample; however, in 2017, three out of four significant variables indicate the opposite. Therefore, the results are mixed, and it is concluded that implementing environmental, social, and governance (ESG) criteria do not have a noticeable positive effect on financial performances of manufacturing industry companies, at least in the short-term.

scholarly journals Cognitive and Applied Linguistics Aspects of Using Social Media: The Impact of the Use of Facebook on Developing Writing Skills in Learning English as a Foreign Language

2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 110-118 ◽  
Author(s):  
Blanka Klimova ◽  
Marcel Pikhart
Keyword(s):  
Foreign Language ◽  
Web Of Science ◽  
Language Skills ◽  
Writing Skills ◽  
Review Article ◽  
Language Competence ◽  
Time Period ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Positive Effect ◽  
Learning English

Facebook is undoubtedly the most popular social network site nowadays with over two billion users. Therefore, there has been research exploring its potential as a learning environment for various fields of education, including learning English as a foreign language (EFL). As the findings of research studies indicate, Facebook is especially used in developing productive language skills, such as writing, which is considered to be the least popular and the most difficult skill to master. Thus, the purpose of this article is to explore the impact of Facebook on developing writing skills in learning English as a foreign language. The methodology is based on the search for available studies on the research topic, i.e., the impact of Facebook on developing writing skills in EFL, in the world’s databases: Web of Science and Scopus. The search was not limited by any time period. The results of this review article reveal that using Facebook has a positive effect on developing writing skills in EFL classes, especially in shaping and organizing ideas, enhancing motivation, developing and supporting collaboration among peers, improving vocabulary, and reducing students’ shyness. However, more experimental research should be done in this area to reveal other aspects of the writing process, such as communicative language competence, which can be improved by using Facebook, as well as address researchers from continents other than Asia.

10 INOCULATION OF CULTURE-NEGATIVE PORCINE SEMEN WITH NOVEL BIOFILM-FORMING BACTERIA

2008 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
pp. 85
Author(s):  
S. Clark ◽  
A. Ness ◽  
J. Baldrighi ◽  
L. Borst ◽  
C. Maddox ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sperm Motility ◽  
Semen Analysis ◽  
Control Sample ◽  
Broth Culture ◽  
Achromobacter Xylosoxidans ◽  
Computer Assisted ◽  
Clinical Infection ◽  
Time Period ◽  
Colony Forming Units ◽  
Culture Negative

With the growing number of boar studs having semen analysis performed by reproductive specialists, a growing number of diagnostic challenges are encountered. Semen analysis classically involves evaluation of sperm cell motility, morphology, and concentration; however, culture of the extended semen sample for bacterial contamination has become routine. Two isolates, Achromobacter xylosoxidans and Ralstonia pickettii, have recently been identified in the water distillation system of a boar stud facility that uses this water to extend the raw semen in various semen extenders. Insemination of sows with contaminated semen has resulted in severe pyometras diagnosed on necropsy. The effect of these bacteria on sperm motility has not been examined in a controlled setting. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of A. xylosoxidans (AX) and R. pickettii (RP) on pH and motility in culture-negative semen samples over a 7-day period at 16�C. Banked clinical isolates of AX and RP were plated on Columbia blood agar and incubated for 48 h at 37�C. For each isolate, a single colony was selected and transferred to 10 mL of Luria broth. The broth was then incubated for 24 h at 37�C. Optical density measurements were performed at 24 and 48 h of growth, followed by quantification of bacteria by plate counts of serially diluted broth cultures (colony forming units). At 24 h, AX and RP reached levels of 1 � 108 and 1 � 107 [colony-forming units (cfu) mL–1], respectively. Concentration of bacteria in clinical infection was determined to be approximately 1 � 104 and 102 for AX and RP, respectively. In order to attain concentrations similar to those in clinical infection, dilution of the bacteria was necessary. Centrifugation of broth culture at 4000 rpm for 5 min was performed and the bacterial pellet was re-suspended in culture-negative semen in Modena (SGI, LTD, Cambridge, IA, USA) extender to concentrations mimicking those in clinical infection. The samples were then incubated at 16�C and rotated once daily. Motility and morphology, viewed using computer-assisted sperm analysis (CASA: Spermvision; Minitube of America, Verona, WI, USA), and pH (Accumet AB15, Fisher Scientific, Hanover Park, IL, USA) were measured daily for each sample at 25�C. Data from 4 replicates were used in the analysis. For motility, ANOVA revealed no significant differences (P < 0.05) between the control and inoculated samples. A PROX MIXED analysis (SAS, SAS Institute, Inc., Cary, NC, USA) revealed no treatment-by-time interaction with sperm motility after inoculation. For sample pH, statistically significant differences (P < 0.05) were noted between all of the samples, primarily contributed by a treatment-by-time effect. The pH of the control sample became more basic over the 7-day period (from 6.94 to 7.32). This phenomenon was also observed in all of samples; however, semen inoculated with AX appeared to remain closer to neutral pH than did the RP samples. Although statistically significant differences were noted in pH, the addition of biofilm bacteria did not negatively affect the motility of extended porcine semen during this time period. Further experiments need to be performed in relation to different concentrations, time period of bacterial growth, and determination of final cfu mL–1.

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