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Introduction: Farm animals face different types of abiotic stresses due to many management activities. Stress has adverse consequences on the animal's health and welfare. Laparoscopic artificial insemination (LAI) in sheep is also one of the mini surgery activities that associated with the use of sedatives, catching and fettering the animal, the insertion of instruments into the abdomen, and manipulation of the reproductive tract. All these actions are stressful and may impact stress axis, hematological and biochemical alterations, antioxidant status and fertility outcome. The administration of acepromazine combined with a multivitamin and amino acids complex may be a useful strategy for reducing stress in sheep undergoing laparoscopic AI.Materials and Methods: In this experiment, 50 non-pregnant Afshar breed ewes, aged 3-4 years, with almost the same body weight and score, were used. The estrous cycle of the ewes was synchronized by flurogestone acetate loaded sponges and eCG hormone. At the time of sponge removal, the ewes were divided into two groups (n = 25). All of the ewes, 54 h after sponge removal, were exposed to stress caused by LAI. In the first group (treatment), with sponge removal, each ewe was received 10 ml of the Multiaminoject intramuscularly. Also, 20 min before LAI, in addition to Multiaminoject, each animal also received 0.0834 mg aspromazine (i.v) per kg of body weight. At the same time, the ewes of the second group were injected with physiological saline and were considered as control. Changes in plasma cortisol concentration and its kinetics were measured from zero (20 min before LAI) to 180 min after through serial blood sampling. Changes of hematological and biochemical parameters of jugular vein blood were evaluated 20 min before and 40 min after LAI. The plasma antioxidant status was measured at the times of sponge removal, LAI and 3 days after LAI. The pregnancy rate was recorded by ultrasound at 45 days.Results and Discussion: Laparoscopic AI induced stress response in the ewes, by that, 20 minutes after LAI, the concentration of cortisol increased significantly compared to the baseline concentration (P< 0.05). In this research, the injection of the aspromazine along with a multivitamins and amino acids complex could not inhibit the secretion of cortisol during laparoscopic surgery, and it caused the rejection of the hypothesis of this research. The reason for this discrepancy is related to the type of sedative used to reduce or eliminate pain during surgery. It has been reported that plasma cortisol response is reduced by ketoprofen and completely removed by detomidine. As a result, after LAI, the number of white blood cells and the plasma concentration of malodaldehyde increased and the hematocrit, hemoglobin and total antioxidant capacity decreased (P< 0.05), but the concentration of plasma proteins did not change (P> 0.05). Acute stressors cause a transient increase in the number of blood cells in the blood circulation. The cause of this phenomenon is the contraction of the spleen due to the stimulation of catecholamines. In addition, with the increase in cortisol secretion, blood cells are released from the bone marrow into the bloodstream. In a study, the use of supplements containing various vitamins and minerals, one week before and one week after laparoscopic surgery, improved the antioxidant status of patients after surgery and the level of plasma malodaldehyde decreased significantly. The reason for not seeing a significant effect on antioxidant parameters in this research may be the type of supplement containing antioxidants and the time of its use before and after surgery. Injection of aspromazine combined with Multiaminoject increased plasma proteins and decreased the level of aspartate aminotransferase enzyme (P< 0.05). Depending on its intensity and type, stress causes damage and release of tissue and liver enzymes into the blood. In a research, it was shown that the plasma concentration of aspartate aminotransferase and creatine kinase increases due to transportation stress in pigs. The protective effects of vitamin and amino acid supplements in preventing liver damage have been reported in previous studies. The decrease in enzyme concentration after laparoscopy in the treatment receiving aspromazine and multi amino acids may be related to its protective effects. The results of the study showed that there was no significant difference in fertility outcomes between the two groups (P< 0.05). The pregnancy rate for the acepromazine and Multiaminoject-treated group was 50%, while the pregnancy rate for the control group was 45%. This result is probably caused by the lack of interference or partial interference of aspromazine with uterine contractions around ovulation and conception.Conclusion: The authors concluded that acepromazine combined with a multivitamin and amino acids complex, did not have a significant effect on fertility outcome, blood hematological and biochemical alterations and the oxidative stress generated by laparoscopic AI in ewes, but the severity of tissue damage reduce and plasma globulin concentration increase in response to acepromazine combined with a multivitamin and amino acids complex injection. It is important to note that this is just one study and that more research would be needed to confirm these findings.

Melanoma, a lethal form of skin cancer, poses a significant challenge in oncology due to its aggressive nature and high mortality rates. Gold nanostructures, including gold nanoparticles (GNPs), offer myriad opportunities in melanoma therapy and imaging due to their facile synthesis and functionalization, robust stability, tunable physicochemical and optical properties, and biocompatibility. This review explores the emerging role of gold nanostructures and their composites in revolutionizing melanoma treatment paradigms, bridging the gap between nanotechnology and clinical oncology, and offering insights for researchers, clinicians, and stakeholders. It begins by elucidating the potential of nanotechnology-driven approaches in cancer therapy, highlighting the unique physicochemical properties and versatility of GNPs in biomedical applications. Various therapeutic modalities, including photothermal therapy, photodynamic therapy, targeted drug delivery, gene delivery, and nanovaccines, are discussed in detail, along with insights from ongoing clinical trials. In addition, the utility of GNPs in melanoma imaging and theranostics is explored, showcasing their potential in diagnosis, treatment monitoring, and personalized medicine. Furthermore, safety considerations and potential toxicities associated with GNPs are addressed, underscoring the importance of comprehensive risk assessment in clinical translation. Finally, the review concludes by discussing current challenges and future directions, emphasizing the need for innovative strategies to maximize the clinical impact of GNPs in melanoma therapy.

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of dietary supplementation of different sources of zinc on the quantitative and qualitative characteristics of semen and blood testosterone in Mahabadi mature bucks. Twenty-four mature male goats (40 ± 0.86 kg), approximately 1-1.5 years old, were divided into three groups (n = 8) and assigned to experimental treatments for 56 days in a completely randomized design. The treatments included: 1. control (a basal diet containing 22.14 mg/kg zinc without zinc supplement), 2. basal diet + 35 mg/kg Zn as ZnSO4 (an inorganic source of Zn), and 3. basal diet + 35 mg/kg Zn as ZnMet (an organic source of Zn). Qualitative (ejaculate volume, sperm concentration) and quantitative (viability, membrane integrity, morphology, and CASA detected parameters) properties of semen and plasma testosterone and Zn, Cu, and Fe concentrations were evaluated. Results showed that ZnMet vs. ZnSO4 increased sperm membrane integrity and plasma Zn concentration and reduced morphologically abnormal spermatozoa (P=0.05), but there were no significant differences in other parameters. Viability, membrane integrity, morphology, some of the CASA detected parameters (total motility, straight-line velocity, average path velocity, beat cross frequency of sperm), and the plasma concentration of testosterone in zinc-supplemented groups was significantly higher than the control group. In conclusion, the positive effects of an organic source of Zn were seen in reducing abnormal spermatozoa and improving membrane integrity, plasma Zn concentration, and plasma testosterone concentration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This document provides a comprehensive overview of research on reproductive management in farm animals, specifically focusing on sheep and goats. The studies discussed in the document explore the effects of different hormonal treatments, such as GnRH and eCG, on ovulation induction, estrus synchronization, and fertility outcomes. The use of nanotechnology, specifically aluminum hydroxide nanoparticles, as a carrier for hormone delivery is also explored. The results of these studies provide valuable insights for researchers and practitioners in the field of animal production. [Extracted from the article]

The objective of this study was to develop a superovulatory program based on synchronization of follicular waves with GnRH which could be applied regardless of the stage of the oestrous cycle. 36 heifers were subjected to this experiment and GnRH (Cystorelin, 200 µg) was applied between Days 0 and 7 (n = 15), 8 and 12 (n = 8) or 13 and 20 (n = 13) of the oestrous cycle. Four days after GnRH treatment, all follicles ≥ 6 mm of heifers (n) were either punctured (n = 21) or left intact (n = 15). All heifers were superstimulated from Day 6 to Day 10 after GnRH treatment with 320 mg Folltropin-V. In parallel, 21 heifers were superstimulated in a conventional manner (Days 8 to 12) and were used as controls. The homogeneity of follicular inventories among Stage-groups occurred within 4 days of GnRH treatment for follicles ≥ 7 mm but only 2 days after follicular puncture for follicles 4 to 6 mm. In response to the follicular puncture, the mean number of follicles 4 to 6 mm increased in heifers of the punctured group (P < 0.01). Following the superstimulation, the follicular (P < 0.01) and ovulatory (P < 0.01) responses were higher in the punctured group than in the nonpunctured group. The in vivo production of transferable embryos in the punctured group was similar to that of the nonpunctured group but it was lower (P < 0.01) than in heifers of the control group. In conclusion, results from the present study indicate that regardless of the stage of the oestrous cycle, the homogeneity of follicular inventories following the follicular synchronization is obtained using GnRH treatment and follicular puncture. The in vivo production of embryos was severely compromised in the present study with heifers. Causes of such reduction in the in vivo production of embryos are still unknown.

The objective of this study was to develop a superovulatory program based on the synchronization of follicular waves with GnRH which could be applied regardless of the stage of the oestrous cycle. In this experiment, GnRH was given to 30 heifers in lactation between Days 0 and 7 (n = 13), 8 and 12 (n = 12), 13 and 16 (n = 5) of the oestrous cycle. Twenty-four heifers were used as controls and did not receive any GnRH. All follicles ≥ 6 mm were punctured 4 days after GnRH treatment in treated animals and between Days 8 and 12 of the oestrous cycle in control heifers. Two days after the follicular puncture, all heifers were superstimulated with 160 mg Folltropin-V given twice daily over 2 days. Oocytes were collected 42 h after the last FSH treatment. The oocytes were subjected to IVM/IVF and the developmental competence of embryos was compared. In vitro production of embryos was affected only by the stages of the oestrous cycle when the GnRH treatment was given and not by the GnRH treatment. No difference (P > 0.1) in the mean number of oocytes, cleavage and embryo production was noted between the control animals and the animals treated with GnRH in the late phase of the oestrous cycle. The mean number of blastocysts was higher (P < 0.05) in heifers treated with GnRH in the mid and the late phase of the oestrous cycle than in the early phase. In conclusion, the in vitro production of embryos was compromised in the present study with heifers following the follicular synchronization with GnRH. This procedure is advantageous for the in vitro production of bovine embryos since the spontaneous oestrus is eliminated. However, more investigations are needed to increase the competence of oocytes obtained following this procedure.

Utilization of fecundity genes such as GDF9 and BMP15 can help improve reproductive traits in sheep breeding programme. To evaluate effects of missense mutations on protein function, the polymorphisms of GDF9 and BMP15 genes were screened in twelve mehraban sheep using DNA sequencing, followed by protein structure modeling. Six single nucleotide polymorphism (SNPs) known as FecG mutations (G1-G6), were detected in exons 1 and 2 of GDF9 gene. Mutations of G1 (GDF9 exon 1 g.2118 G>A), G4 (GDF9 exon 2 g.3451 T>C) and G6 (GDF9 exon 2 g.3974 G>A) have shown amino acid substitution. None polymorphism was detected in exon 1 and exon 2 of BMP15 gene. Based on identified polymorphisms, individuals were classified into three haplotypes of wild haplotype (without mutation), haplotype A (simultaneous mutations of G1, G2, G3 and G4) and haplotype B (simultaneous mutations of G5 and G6). The 3D-structure of GDF9 protein in A and B haplotypes was rotated 90° and 45° than wild haplotype, respectively. The missenses G1/p.Arg87His, G4/p.Glu241Lys and G6/p.Val332Ile variants were benign. However both the missenses of G7/p.Val371Met and G8/p.Ser315Phe were probably damaging. Phylogenetic tree of GDF9 gene revealed that individuals with A and B haplotypes were distinct from wild haplotypes with bootstrapping values of 63 and 76, respectively. In conclusion, GDF9 protein in A and B haplotypes showed a higher performance than wild haplotype due to synergism effects of simultaneous mutations. These types of mutations with effect on turn and helix of GDF9 conservative regions showed physical and functional interaction with TGFβ proteins. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The basal medium that supports Isolated Mouse Oviduct (IMO) is important for supporting embryo development and quality. Methods: The culture of ovine IVM/IVF zygotes was done in IMO using SOFaaciBSA and SOFaaBSA as basal medium of IMO and in SOFaaBSA alone as control. For preparation of IMO mature inbred strain C57BL/6 female mice were synchronized and mated with vasectomized males. The females with vaginal plug were sacrificed and the zygotes were transferred in to the isolated oviduct at 20 hpi. The oviducts were cultured with SOFaaciBSA and SOFaaBSA for 6 days. Another group of zygotes were cultured in SOFaaBSA alone as control. Results: Culture of zygotes in the IMO with SOFaaciBSA and SOFaaBSA, did not significantly affect the development and quality of embryos (p>0.05). The hatching rate, total and trophectoderm cells number in IMO groups' blastocysts were significantly higher than SOFaaBSA alone. The morphological appearance of IMO blastocysts was superior to SOFaaBSA alone. When the quality of oocytes was poor, IMO could better support ovine embryo development either with SOFaaBSA or SOFaaciBSA than SOFaaBSA alone and there was a significant difference in blastocyst formation at day 6 with SOFaaBSA alone. Conclusion: The culture of ovine IVM/IVF zygotes in IMO using two highly efficient ruminant embryo culture media not only could support development of ovine embryos similar to the level in non IMO culture system (SOFaaBSA alone) but also could improve the quality of resulting embryos. Additionally, IMO could better support the development of ovine embryos derived from poor quality oocytes compared to the SOFaaBSA alone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]