Background and Aim Sperm morphometry is a vital indicator of fertility, yet male germ cells are highly vulnerable to environmental toxins such as heavy metals. Dromedary camels (DCs) are frequently exposed to penile and preputial pathologies, conditions that can impair semen quality. This study aimed to assess epididymal sperm morphometric characteristics in camels with genital lesions and to explore their associations with concentrations of aluminum (Al), zinc (Zn), molybdenum (Mo), nickel (Ni), and lead (Pb). Materials and Methods Sixty adult male DCs (8–10 years, n = 10/group) were classified into six groups: injury-free, balanoposthitis, penile trauma, prolapsed prepuce, phimosis, and penile tumors. Blood samples were analyzed for heavy metal concentrations using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Epididymal spermatozoa (caput, corpus, cauda) were evaluated for sperm length (SL), sperm head length (SHL), sperm head width (SHW), sperm head length-to-width ratio (SHL/W), and sperm tail length. Sperm abnormalities were categorized into proximal/distal cytoplasmic droplets and tail defects. Data were analyzed by analysis of variance and correlation statistics. Results Sperm morphometrics varied significantly with pathological status. Camels with penile and preputial disorders exhibited increased SHW in caudal spermatozoa, while SHL and SHW were reduced in caput spermatozoa (p < 0.01). The phimosis group showed fewer abnormalities and lower total abnormal sperm, whereas the penile tumor group had elevated proximal and distal defects and the highest abnormality rate. Heavy metal analysis revealed significantly increased Zn and Ni concentrations in the penile tumor group, while Mo and Pb levels showed no significant differences. Correlation analysis indicated strong associations of Al and Zn with SHW and SHL/W in caudal spermatozoa, and Ni with SHL, SHW, and SHL/W in corpus spermatozoa (p < 0.05). Conclusion Epididymal sperm morphometrics are influenced by penile and preputial pathologies and are significantly associated with Al, Zn, and Ni concentrations. These findings highlight the potential role of heavy metal accumulation in camel reproductive dysfunction and emphasize the need for monitoring environmental exposure in breeding regions.

THE developmental competence of buffalo oocytes often declines during in vitro conditions,primarily due to oxidative stress. The current study was designed to evaluate the effects of L-Carnitine supplementation during in vitro maturation (IVM) of buffalo oocytes. Oocytes collectedfrom ovaries of slaughtered buffaloes were matured in IVM media supplemented with L-Carnitine at0 (control), 0.3, 0.6, or 1 mg.mL-1, nuclear maturation, penetration, fertilization (IVF), embryoproduction and development were assessed. Additionally, antioxidant parameters includingglutathione (GSH) level, superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, catalase (CAT) activity, and lipidperoxidation (MDA) level in oocytes after IVM were measured. The outcomes indicated thatsignificant improvements in oocyte maturation to metaphase II were observed in the 0.3 and 0.6mg.mL-1 L-carnitine groups. Fertilization rates were enhanced within 0.3 and 0.6 mg.mL-1 L-carnitinegroups in contrast to the control. The 0.6 mg.mL-1 L-carnitine group demonstrated significantenhancements in cleavage (2-8 cells) and morula formation. Level of GSH exhibited an elevation, andMDA level declined in L-carnitine groups, although not significantly. SOD and CAT activities weresignificantly elevated in the 0.6 mg.mL-1 l-carnitine treatment against the control. In conclusion, L-carnitine incorporation within IVM improves oocyte nuclear maturation, fertilization, embryo growth,and antioxidant activity in Egyptian buffalo oocytes. 0.6 mg.mL-1 emerging as the optimalconcentration for overall improvements in oocyte quality and in vitro embryonic developmentalcompetence
(PDF) L-Carnitine-Mediated Antioxidant Defence in Buffalo Oocytes: A Novel Approach for Improving In Vitro Maturation and Embryo Developmental Competence. Available from: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/393201291_L-Carnitine-Mediated_Antioxidant_Defence_in_Buffalo_Oocytes_A_Novel_Approach_for_Improving_In_Vitro_Maturation_and_Embryo_Developmental_Competence [accessed Oct 23 2025].

Cancer patients face multiple challenges, such as infertility which may result from exposure to irradiation during cancer treatment. Little is known about the health practitioners’ knowledge and practice regarding fertility preservation and its available options in Saudi Arabia. This study aimed to assess healthcare practitioners’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) toward fertility preservation among cancer patients in Makkah, Sau-di Arabia. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 100 health practitioners from September 2022 to January 2023. A self-administered questionnaire was used to assess KAP. The Chi-square (χ ² ) test and Student’s-t-test were used for categorical data and continuous variables as appropriate. Most participants (90%) lacked knowledge about fertility preservation. Cost and clinic availability significantly influenced the health practitioners’ attitude toward fertility preservation discussions with cancer patients (P < 0.05). Most of the study participants (87%) were familiar with sperm and egg freezing, while other techniques were less well-known. There were significant associations between health practitioners’ attitudes in discussing fertility preservation with their cancer patients with significant influence (P <0.05). The results revealed that 92% of the participants agreed that the Saudi Ministry of Health should establish practice guidelines and provide fertility preservation services for cancer patients. Healthcare practitioners in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, have limited knowledge about fertility preservation. Educational interventions and improved access to fertility preservation services are needed.

Dromedary camels are the most vulnerable animals to penile and preputial pathology due to the aggressive nature of mating and injuries during transit, which could impair the semen quality. Hence, this study was performed to monitor the penile and preputial pathological conditions in male dromedary camels, as well as their impact on epididymal spermatozoa, by utilizing computer-assisted sperm analysis (CASA) and correlation analysis with testosterone concentrations. A total of 60 male dromedary camels were examined for penile and preputial pathological problems. The camels were grouped based on the absence or presence of the pathology conditions: (i) camels with normal penis and prepuce, (ii) camels with balanoposthitis, (iii) camels with penile trauma, (iv) camels with prolapsed prepuce, (v) camels with phimosis, and (vi) camels with penile tumors. The results revealed that there were significant increases in sperm concentration (Conc., M/ml), curvilinear velocity (VCL, μm/s), eat-cross frequency (BCF, Hz), and straightness (STR, VSL/VAP) of the epididymal tail semen in camels with prolapsed prepuce. There were increases in progressive motility (PR), VCL, straight line velocity (VSL, μm/s), average path velocity (VAP, μm/s), BCF, and STR in the sperms of the group with phimosis, but the differences were non-statistically significant. Furthermore, the CASA parameters of the epididymal tail semen in the group with penile tumor showed an increase in PR (%), VCL, VSL, VAP, BCF, and STR (%) compared to those in the group with normal penis and prepuce. However, the CASA parameters of the epididymal body in the group with penile tumor showed a significant increase in vitality, total motility (TM), non-progressive motility (NP), mean angular degree (MAD), linearity (LIN, VSL/VCL), VSL, amplitude of lateral head displacement (ALH, μm), VAP, BCF, and STR compared to those in the group with normal penis and prepuce. There were no discernible differences in testosterone concentrations among the groups. There was a negative correlation (p < 0.05, r = 0.411–0.459) between testosterone concentration and CASA parameters of the epididymal tail semen in camels with penile and preputial pathological conditions. In comparison, there were no discernible differences in correlation (p > 0.5, r = 0.074–0.360) between testosterone concentration and CASA parameters of the epididymal body and head semen in camels with penile and preputial pathology. In conclusion, the semen quality of male dromedary camels could be affected by the penile and preputial pathological problems, while the testosterone concentration was not affected.

This study aimed to investigate the penile and preputial problems and its impact on reproductive organ biometry and epididymal sperm quality in dromedary camels. Among total of 6300 male dromedary camels investigated, there were 2.86% phimosis, 3.00% paraphimosis, 4.14 penile trauma, 2.98% preputial prolapse, 1.47% balanoposthitis, and 2.85% penile tumors. Results revealed that there were no significant differences (P > 0.05) in measurements of the testes, epididymal tail, and accessory genital gland in males with penile and preputial problems compared to those with normal penis and prepuce. There were significant decreases in all sperm parameters evaluated (total motility, total sperm cell count ×10⁶/total collected volume, sperm concentration ×10⁶/ml and percentage of sperm vitality and sperm abnormality) in the pathological issues connected to the prepuce and penis compared to males with normal penis and prepuce. The correlation (r) between right testicular length and epidydimal sperm cell count was positive (P< 0.040, r = 0.853). The epidydimal sperm cell count correlated with both the length of right (r= 0.805; P< 0.053) and that of left bulbourethral glands (r= 789; P< 0.058). The vitality (%) correlated with both the right (r= 0.889; P< 0.030) and left (r= 0.919; P< 0.022) testicular length. It could be concluded that semen quality can be affected by the penile and preputial problems in male dromedary camels, while the testicular and epididymal biometry are not affected.

Background

Although several risk factors have been suggested for uterine torsion, the pathogenesis is still unclear. Therefore, the current study aims to investigate the pathogenesis of uterine torsion by assessing the histological, histochemical, and immunohistochemical changes that occur in the placenta obtained from uterine torsion cases. Immunohistochemical changes include investigation of the expression of estrogen receptors (ERs), progesterone receptors (PRs), and the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in the placental tissue.

Methods

Forty intrapartum dairy cows were included in this investigation. The cows were divided into two equal groups. The first group was the uterine torsion (UT) group, while the second group was the normal control group (Ctrl). After caesarian section treatment, placentas were collected from all animals in the study. Histopathological, histochemical, and immunohistochemical examinations were performed. Estrogen receptors, progesterone receptors, and vascular endothelial growth factor expression in the placenta were evaluated.

Results

The results revealed numerous trophoblast giant or binucleate cells in the trophoblastic epithelium. Through Masson’s trichrome technique, the distribution of collagen fibers as shiny, blue-colored stripes on the fetal mesenchyme was observed. Additionally, the results showed a strong, intense PAS-positive reaction in the cytoplasmic vesicles of most trophoblastic cells due to mucopolysaccharides. The immunohistochemical findings of the UT placenta revealed moderate to weak staining for ERs in contrast to those of the Ctrl placenta, which revealed moderate staining for ERs. In addition, non-statistical differences in the expression of PRs were found between the two tested groups. For VEGF, strong positive immunoreactivity was found in the Ctrl group compared to the UT group, which exhibits a general absence in many trophoblast cells.

Conclusion

It can be concluded that significant variation was observed in the placentas obtained from buffaloes suffering from UT compared to those obtained from normal pregnant ones. These significant variations were involved in the decreased expression of ERs and VEGF in the UT group compared to the normal Ctrl one. Investigating the expression of these placental molecules may monitor the changes in the placental tissue and provide insight into the pathogenesis of UT.

Background Multifetal births are the most signifcant economic characteristic in goats. Therefore, physiologically, exploring the infuence of their birth frequency on genital function and milk production is vital. The present study was carried out to monitor the potential efect of the number and type of birth on udder, milk yield, milk composition, ovarian follicles, and certain blood parameters in dam’s Baladi goats during the postpartum period. On the birth day, ffty Baladi goat dams were separated into fve equal groups based on the number of births: (G1) female kids and (G2) male kids. In addition to gender, there are three categories: (G3) single kids, (G4) twin kids, and (G5) triple kids. All of the ofspring looked to be in good health, moving about regularly, and displaying no symptoms of peripartum pregnancy problems. Results The data revealed that the udder width of dams in G4 and G5 was signifcantly higher (p<0.033) than G3, while the udder circumference was increased in the G5. Furthermore, no signifcant diferences were observed in the udder measurements between G1 and G2. Gender of birth showed a signifcant higher in large follicle≤5 mm (p<0.005), medium follicle (p<0.004), and small follicle≥3 mm (p<0.004) in the G2 compared to the G1. Also, the follicular population (p<0.042) of the medium and the diameter follicle (p<0.038) of the small≥3 mm were signifcantly higher in the G5 compared to the G3. The Pearson correlation (r) was determined to increase the milk yield with an increase in udder length, udder width, and udder circumference. Also, there was a positive correlation among the udder length with protein, salt, solids not fat, and total solids. A negative correlation was found among udder width and udder circumference with fat, lactose, solids not fat, and total solids. There was a negative correlation between the ultrasonographic examination of ovarian follicles and milk yield. Conclusions This study may provide valuable information regarding the association of udder parameters and ovarian population with milk yield and its composition as an indicator of milk production in goat dams based on gender and number of births.

To DETERMINE changes in the vaginal temperature, oxidants-antioxidants, and ovarianhormones to new, blank, and used CIDR in Dromedary camels, Ten healthy, non-pregnantdromedary camels of age (6-12) years were divided equally into two groups. The first group wasinserted previously used-CIDR (uCIDR)-data logger for eleven days. The second group was inserteda new-CIDR (CIDR)-data logger for 8 days. All ciders were removed for 5 days (control-rest interval)and then re-inserted after washing and cleaning for another 11 days (R-uCIDR, R-CIDR). Bloodsamples were collected and sera were used to measure estradiol (E2), progesterone (P4), totalantioxidants capacity (TAC), malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide (NO), glutathione reduced(GSH), and catalase (CAT). Results showed increased (P<0.0001) vaginal temperature after re-inserting CIDR. The control rest intervals had the lowest (P<0.0001) P4 and GSH while E2 and MDAreached their highest levels. CIDR and R-CIDR insertions indicated higher (P<0.0001) vaginaltemperature, P4, E2, with lower MDA and NO compared to uCIDR. The use of the univariate generallinear model (Intercept + 2 treatment +11 Days CIDR + 24 Hour + 5 animals) revealed that vaginaltemperature is influenced (P<0.0001) by treatment, Days, hour, Treatment ×Day, Treatment ×hour.Vaginal temperature correlated (P<0.0001) with ambient temperature of uCIDR (r=0.37); R-uCIDRand CIDR (r=0.28); and R-CIDR (r=0.40). In conclusion ambient temperature, day during CIDR,hour of the day, and type of CIDR affects vaginal temperature. Ovarian hormones, oxidants, andantioxidants vary according to the type of CIDR, days of insertion and after removal.
(PDF) Alterations in Camels’ Vaginal Temperature, Oxidative Stress, Antioxidants, and Steroid Hormones in Response to Exogenous Progesterone Insert During Cold Ambient Temperature. Available from: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/386562174_Alterations_in_Camels'_Vaginal_Temperature_Oxidative_Stress_Antioxidants_and_Steroid_Hormones_in_Response_to_Exogenous_Progesterone_Insert_During_Cold_Ambient_Temperature [accessed Oct 23 2025].

The development of the glandular stomach was studied using light, electron, and fluorescent microscopy. The research used 130 Japanese quail eggs from the second to the seventeenth days of incubation.The proventriculus could be distinguished on the3rd day. Its wall consisted of four tunics: tunica mucosa, very thin tunica submucosa, tunica muscularis, and outermost tunica serosa. Mucosal folds appeared on the 8th day. The luminal epithelium was pseudostratified columnar in type and transformed into simple columnar by the 10th day. The mucosal papillae emerged on the 11th day, spiraled on the 15th day, and had a distinct whorled look by the 17th day. Two types of proventricular glands were recognized: compound tubuloalveolar and simple tubular glands. Both types were situated within the tunica mucosa. On the 4th day, the compound glands emerged as evaginations of the lining epithelium. It began to branch on the 8th day and became well established by the 11th day. The simple glands appeared on the 11th day as localized down-growths of the luminal epithelium forming solid cords. On the 15th day, many of them showed complete canalization. On the 8th day, the muscular coat was differentiated into the lamina muscularis mucosae and tunica muscularis.

The present study showed a considerable reduction in adult worm count among the treated groups. The mortality rates of adult worms were 88.64% in the silver nanoparticles treated group, 85.17% in the myrrh crude extract group, and 94.07% in the albendazole-treated group. Histopathological examination revealed prominent alterations in the intestine of the infected non-treated mice, which were markedly restored by treatment. Immunohistochemical examination accompanied by significant reduction in MMP-9 expression in the infected mice treated with AgNPs compared to the infected non-treated group, reflecting the role of AgNPs in downgrading the inflammatory reaction in the intestine of infected mice.

Conclusion: Collectively, this study demonstrates the novel antiparasitic potential of silver nanoparticles biosynthesized with myrrh against T. spiralis in infected mice. The treatment was associated with moderate rise in IFN-γ gene expression and IL-10 expression, highlighting its therapeutic efficacy against T. spiralis.sE