Supplementation of antioxidant BHT to different bull semen extenders enhances semen quality after chilling

The effects of adding various concentrations of antioxidant, butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) on chilled bull semen for 72 h at 4°C in Bioxcell® (BX), Tris egg-yolk- (TEY) and citrate egg-yolk- (CEY) based semen extenders were studied. Twenty-two ejaculates collected from three bulls, each extended using three extenders with BHT at 0 (control), 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0 and 3.0 mM/mL, were evaluated for sperm quality parameters. Extended semen was packaged into 0.25 mL straws containing 20 x 106 spermatozoa and chilled for 72 h. Four random straws each from the control and treatment groups were warmed at 37°C, pooled and evaluated using a computer-assisted semen analyser (IVOS Hamilton Thorne Biosciences) for general and progressive motilities, and for morphology, viability and acrosome damage using eosin-nigrosin stain under phase-contrast microscope. Results showed that sperm morphology, viability and protection of acrosome damage were significantly improved (p<0.05) at BHT concentrations of 0.5 in BX and 1.0 mM/mL in TEY and CEY compared to the controls. The BHT also showed a potential positive effect on progressive motility at 0.5 mM/mL in BX and 1.0 mM/mL in TEY and CEY. High concentrations of BHT (2.0 and 3.0 mM/mL), however, produced deteriorative effects on the sperm parameters in all the extenders. In conclusion, BHT when added at 0.5 mM/mL in BX and 1.0 mM/mL concentration to TEY and CEY extenders improved the quality parameters of bull chilled semen

Role of a mental health physician in the management of oncology patients: a case vignette and the need for collaboration

There is an interplay between oncology and mental health, resulting in a high prevalence of mental disorders among cancer patients. Out of the several interventions developed to target cancer specifics, collaborative care is indicated due to its efficacy. The perspective delves into the efficacy of collaborative care models, spotlighting a culturally informed strategy designed to harmonize mental and physical health interventions to bolster the overall wellbeing and resilience of individuals battling cancer. Central to our discussion is a compelling case vignette of Raliat, a patient diagnosed with ovarian cancer whose narrative exemplifies the multifaceted challenges cancer patients face, including stigma, psychological distress, and social isolation. Raliat's story illuminates the profound impact of cultural beliefs on patient experiences and the critical importance of a sensitive, holistic approach to care that respects cultural contexts. Through this lens, our analysis reveals that addressing emotional and situational stressors through collaborative care can significantly reduce oxidative stress, potentially decelerating the progression of both cancer and accompanying mental health disorders. We advocate for integrating mental health services into oncological care, drawing on the case vignette to argue for policies that facilitate such merger by employing validated collaborative care models. We conclude with a call for public education to diminish cancer stigma and improve social outcomes, emphasizing the use of a culture-informed PACER (physical, affective, cognitive, environmental, and relationship) strategy in providing comprehensive care for cancer patients and their families

α-Linolenic acid supplementation in BioXcell® extender can improve the quality of post-cooling and frozen-thawed bovine sperm

The present study was conducted to determine the effects of supplementing α-linolenic acid (ALA) into BioXcell® extender on post-cooling, post-thawed bovine spermatozoa and post thawed fatty acid composition. Twenty-four semen samples were collected from three bulls using an electro-ejaculator. Fresh semen samples were evaluated for general motility using computer assisted semen analyzer (CASA) whereas morphology and viability with eosin–nigrosin stain. Semen samples extended into BioXcell® were divided into five groups to which 0, 3, 5, 10 and 15 ng/ml of ALA were added, respectively. The treated samples were incubated at 37 °C for 15 min for ALA uptake by sperm cells before being cooled for 2 h at 5 °C. After evaluation, the cooled samples were packed into 0.25 ml straws and frozen in liquid nitrogen for 24 h before thawing and evaluation for semen quality. Evaluation of cooled and frozen-thawed semen showed that the percentages of all the sperm parameters improved with 5 ng/ml ALA supplement. ALA was higher in all treated groups than control groups than control group. In conclusion, 5 ng/ml ALA supplemented into BioXcell® extender improved the cooled and frozen-thawed quality of bull spermatozoa

Hypo-osmotic swelling test modification to enhance cell membrane integrity evaluation in cryopreserved bull semen

The objective of this study was to enhance the hypo-osmotic swelling test evaluation when it reads under light microscope using 5% formaldehyde-fixed sperm solution buffer (FSSB). Twenty four ejaculates were collected from six crossbred bulls using electro-ejaculator (EE). Tris-egg yolk extender was used to cryopreserve the semen. Concentration, volume, motility, morphology and viability rates of fresh semen were evaluated and samples were cryopreserved in liquid nitrogen. After two weeks of liquid nitrogen treatment (freezing), the motility, morphology and viability rate of the semen were evaluated. In order to carry out a hypo-osmotic swelling test, post-thaw semen was divided into four aliquots based on period of incubation (30 or 60 minutes) adding FSSB to half the samples. The components of FSSB were 5% formaldehyde and 1% eosin-nigrosin stain in PBS. Results showed that F (61.48 ±0.89%) resulted in higher percentage (P0.05) with N60 (60.90±0.70%). In conclusion, adding 10 µl of FSSB after 60 minute of incubation with hypo-osmotic swelling solution (HOSS) will enhance evaluation of the hypo-osmotic swelling test (HOST) under light microscope

Aggressive behaviour towards a care-giver: a case report of a patient with paranoid schizophrenia

Background: Aggressive behaviours are often found in paranoid schizophrenia, which could occur either at the acute or chronic phases of the disorder. Paranoid schizophrenic patients may show dysfunctional impulsive aggression which may be caused by several factors such as environmental frustration. These patients have poor insight, experience disorders of thought and have poor control of their aggressive impulses.Methods: This is a case report of a 27 year old school dropout, who has been on treatment for paranoid schizophrenia for five years. He presented with acute symptoms of the disorder which includes delusion of reference, delusion of persecution, command hallucination and restlessness. Prior to the current presentation, patient had stopped taking his medication and refused to come for follow-up. Last follow-up from records was thirteen months prior to this current admission.Results: Clinical features met the criteria for diagnosis of paranoid schizophrenia following a relapse due to poor compliance with medication and follow-up visits.Conclusions: Elevated risk forviolent-offending in paranoid schizophrenia is not just as a result of active symptoms, but also associated social problems. Therefore managing these groups of patients should target such issues.Keywords: Aggressive behaviour, Care-Giver, Paranoid, Schizophreni

Posttraumatic stress disorder among internally displaced victims of Boko Haram terrorism in north-eastern Nigeria

Background: A large number of youth are often directly involved in armed-conflict, and therefore are at greater risk of developing a wide range of mental disorders including posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). However little is known about the prevalence of PTSD among youth who constitute a large work force.Objective: This study was carried out to assess the prevalence of posttraumatic stress disorder among Internally Displaced youth exposed to Boko Haram terrorism in North-Eastern Nigeria. It also assessed the socio-demographic factors associated with PTSD in this population.Method: A cross-sectional study that employed a consecutive sampling technique to select eligible subjects undergoing a Citizenship and leadership training at Citizenship and Leadership training institute Jos, Plateau State. The posttraumatic stress disorder module of Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview was used to assess for current symptoms of PTSD.Results: The results show that more than two-third of the respondents were unemployed youth with secondary level of education and had low or no stable income. More than 63% of the respondents were diagnosed with PTSD. Educational status (p=0.002), marital status (p=0.001) and income before displacement (p=0.010) were the significant factors associated with PTSD.Conclusions: The results point to the importance of screening and treatment for traumatic armed conflict victims, with particular attention to youth who had low education and low income levels as well as being never married or widowed.Keywords: PTSD, sociodemographic factors, Bokoharam terrorism, North Eastern Nigeri

The Role of National Teachers’ Institute in Improving the Capacity of Teacher Education in Nigeria

PCF10 Sub-theme: Promoting Equity and Inclusion // The quality of teaching and learning is of great concern to government and people of any community. The teacher is an important factor in creating an environment that will facilitate high quality learning achievement in schools. According to the National Policy on Education (2007), in recognition of the pivotal role of quality teachers in the provisions of quality education at all levels, teachers’ education shall continue to be emphasized in all educational planning and resources development. The National Teachers’ Institute (NTI), as a government parastatal, was not only set up to accomplish government’s vision of up grading the quality of her teachers, but has also pushed with vigour, various strategies and programmes for improving the quality of teachers through Continuing Professional Development. This paper seeks to describe the role of NTI in improving the capacity of teacher educators in Nigeria. The study adopted the use of two research questions, tested using mean, and two hypotheses also tested using Pearson Correlation and t-test statistics. A questionnaire designed with an internal consistency of 0.89 coefficient using Cronbach Alpha was administered to course tutors and students from six geopolitical zones of the country with a sample size of 120. The findings revealed that NTI contributes to quality education in the Nigeria. It was established that quality teacher professional development is the only channel for achieving educational goals (quality education) of Nigeria. The researchers recommends that a feedback mechanism be put in place by the government, policymakers and educational stakeholders to actualize implementation of educational policies on teacher education programmes. // Paper ID 930

Assessment of three different endometrial cytological sampling methods in postpartum beef cows

The aim of this study was to assess three different cytological endometrial sampling methods used to estimate polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN) under high power field (HPF) microscopy and to determine subclinical endometritis in postpartum beef cows. Forty beef cows aged 3-7 years were sampled at week three and four after calving by endometrial cytology methods. The cytological sampling methods used included; cotton swab (CS), cytobrush (CB) technique, and low volume flush (LVF), respectively. The mean PMN counts at the third week was higher (p<0.01) (12.2 cells HPF-1 than on the fourth week (4 cells HPF-1). The average PMN counts using CB alone was significantly higher (11.3 cells HPF-1) than CS (7 cells HPF-1) and LVF ( 6 cells HPF-1) methods. Smears from CB had more endometrial cells (58.55 cells HPF-1) at HPF, which was significantly higher (p<0.01) than CS and LVF methods. Both CB and CS methods yielded more intact cells (62.4 % and 61.9 %) (p <0.01) than LVF (52.4 %). The prevalence of subclinical endometritis in the beef cows between 22 and 28 days postpartum using a threshold value of ≥8 % by cytobrush method was 12.5%, which is considered low. In conclusion, CB method was found to be better and effective technique in comparison to other cytological methods used in obtaining endometrial cytology samples

Sperm attributes and morphology on Rusa timorensis: light and scanning electron microscopy

This study provides standard information on the attributes of sperm and describes the surface structure of normal and abnormal spermatozoa of Rusa timorensis. Two fertile stags were used as the source of semen collected during the first breeding season commencing from April 5 to July 2, 2012. Another five stags were used as the source of semen collected during the second breeding season commencing from April 1 to June 27, 2013. Semen samples were collected from the stags using an electro-ejaculator. The ejaculate was processed and samples prepared for light and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) according to standard methods. No significant difference (P > 0.05) was found between sperm attributes in comparison between different stags and different months of the fertile seasons. The results of this study have also demonstrated that there are no differences in size, shape and surface structure between spermatozoa of the different stags and different months of the fertile seasons. Sperm attributes (volume, pH, sperm concentration, general motility, progressive motility and viability) were 2.2 ± 0.29 ml, 7.2 ± 0.17, 886.3 ± 39.7 × 106 spermatozoa/ml, 78.7 ± 2.01%, 80.8 ± 1.85% and 83.2 ± 0.85%, respectively. Morphological analysis showed low percentage of abnormal spermatozoa 13.9 ± 2.88%. Scanning electron microscopy revealed spermatozoa which consisted of a flat paddle-shaped head, short neck and a tail, which was subdivided into midpiece, principal piece and endpiece. The average spermatozoon was 66.2 ± 0.69 μm in total length. The flat paddle-shaped head was 7.8 ± 0.28 μm long, 4.2 ± 0.15 μm at its widest width, 2.4 ± 0.18 μm basal width and 0.7 ± 0.02 μm thick. As for the tail, the midpiece length was 13.2 ± 0.14 μm, 0.6 ± 0.04 μm in diameter; the principal piece was 42.6 ± 0.04 μm, and 2.8 ± 0.06 μm for the endpiece. Abnormal spermatozoa such as tapered head, microcephalic head, decapitated spermatozoa and bent tails were observed. Results provide standard information useful for development of strategies for semen cryopreservation and assisted reproductive technology in this species

Armed assault of Russia on Ukraine and looming danger on regional mental health: a call for action by psychiatrists in conflict settings

The Russian-Ukrainian socio-political relationship is embroiled in centuries of conflicts, bloodshed and brutal invasions. The modern dissension dates back to the 2014 annexation of Crimea by Russia in the aftermath of the Ukrainian Revolution of Dignity and has been escalating rapidly during the recent months. The tensions between the two nations have boiled over to the Russian forces entering Ukrainian soil from the North, South, and East on 24 February 2022. This puts the lives of millions of people at risk, particularly those residing in Eastern Ukraine who are estimated to be around 14 million people and also residents of major cities in other parts of the country (Ukraine, 2022). The ongoing armed conflict will have a deleterious impact on their mental health and social wellbeing. The fear of further armed aggression will force people to leave their homes and will lead to dire mental health consequences (Jazeera, Reference Jazeera2022)