Abstract Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a common condition among aging men, often leading to lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) of varying severity. Both medical and surgical treatments for BPH can negatively impact sexual function, affecting patients' overall quality of life. This has highlighted the need for minimally invasive interventions that minimize sexual side effects. Rezum, a water vapor therapy, has gained popularity in managing BPH and LUTS due to its proposed potential to preserve sexual function. This scoping review examines the impact of Rezum therapy on sexual function in patients treated for BPH. The review was conducted following the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) methodology for scoping reviews. A comprehensive search was performed using the PubMed and Scopus databases up to August 2024. Articles were included if they involved patients treated with Rezum for BPH and reported the effect of Rezum on sexual function using validated scoring tools. A total of 15 studies encompassing 2,425 patients, met the inclusion criteria. Erectile function was assessed in all studies using the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) scores. Of these, seven studies reported no significant changes in erectile function scores, six demonstrated improvements, and two reported a significant decline. Ejaculatory function was evaluated using the Male Sexual Health Questionnaire (MSHQ). The MSHQ‐Bother score was reported in seven studies, with three indicating improvement and none reporting deterioration. The MSHQ‐Function score was reported in eight studies, with only one study reporting a decline, while the remaining studies found no significant changes. In conclusion, Rezum therapy for managing BPH shows favorable outcomes for sexual function or, at the very least, does not negatively impact it. These findings can guide patient counseling, especially for those seeking to preserve ejaculation. Further research is needed to compare Rezum with other treatment options regarding sexual function.
Abstract This research proposes a practical method for repurposing used car air filters as an oil‐absorbing material for saltwater. The maximum oil removal rate obtained was 99.75% with 3.325 g/g oil absorption capacity. It required 2.5 min of exposure at a sorbent dose of 0.3 g and room temperature (28 °C) to achieve this level of effectiveness. With an R ‐squared value of 0.9796, the Redlich–Peterson model ( χ 2: 0.0308 and β = 1.1325) was discovered to be the isotherm that fit the data the best. This implies that an oil monolayer is in touch with the utilized filters' surface. With an R ‐squared of 0.9855 and χ 2 (0.0200), the pseudo‐first‐order kinetic model obtainable the greatest fit. This suggests that the physical sorption mechanism is driving the process. Studies on thermodynamics suggested that the process of absorbing oil was exothermic (∆ H : ‒157.209 KJ/mol). According to the reusability study, used car air filters can be recycled up to 5 times, which indicates their potential economic significance.
ABSTRACT Dog bites are a source of zoonotic infections to humans, such as pasteurellosis and meningitis. Zoonotic bacterial identification and their antibiotic susceptibility assessment are key towards the successful management of such infections. This study isolated and identified zoonotic bacterial species from the oral cavities of indigenous dogs and also determined their antibiotic susceptibility profile. Oral swab samples collected from 54 indigenous dogs (domestic [36] and stray [18]) were cultured on agar media, and then on selective‐differential media. The colony morphology and conventional biochemical tests were used to identify the bacterial isolates. Antibiotic susceptibility was evaluated using the Kirby–Bauer disk diffusion method. A total of 232 bacterial isolates were obtained, from which 29 bacteria species (18 Gram‐negative and 11 Gram‐positive) belonging to 19 genera and 13 families were identified. Aerobic and anaerobic bacteria species constituted 69% and 31%, respectively. The most prevalent bacteria species was Staphylococcus aureus (10.8%) followed by Escherichia coli (9.5%), while Yersinia enterocolitica (0.4%) was the least common. Most bacteria species belonged to family Enterobacteriaceae (11) followed by Vibrionaceae (04). All the sampled dogs had a number of multi‐drug–resistant superbugs in their oral cavities. However, all the tested bacterial isolates were only susceptible to imipenem and chloramphenicol. All the identified bacteria species were resistant to metronidazole, amoxicillin‐clavulanic acid and ceftazidime. Therefore, antibiotics such as imipenem and chloramphenicol could be of better choice for managing dog bite infections compared to the antibiotics recommended by Uganda Clinical Guidelines, such as metronidazole and amoxicillin‐clavulanic acid.
ABSTRACT Pregnancy toxemia (PT) is a common metabolic disorder that occurs in the last trimester of pregnancy. This study aimed to detect the effects of subclinical PT (SPT) on serum biochemical parameters of ewes and postnatal growth and development of lambs in Romanov sheep. A total of 40 ewes and 69 lambs were included in the study. Blood samples of ewes were collected at the time of parturition to evaluate serum beta‐hydroxybutyric acid (βHBA), serum nonesterified fatty acid (NEFA), cholesterol, and triglyceride. Live weight and body measurements of lambs were recorded at birth (0th day), 30th day, and 60th (weaning) day. In the diagnosis of SPT serum βHBA concentrations were taken into account. A cut‐off value of 0.8 mmol/L for βHBA was a critical concentration and ewes with 0.8–1.6 mmol/L βHBA were evaluated as SPT. There were no ewes with ΒHBA value higher than 1.6 mmol/L (clinical PT) in the study. There was no significant difference in serum βHBA, NEFA and cholesterol concentrations between ewes regarding birth type (single, twin, and triplet). However, triglyceride concentrations were higher ( p < 0.001) in ewes giving birth to triplets compared to ewes giving birth to single lamb. Serum βHBA and triglyceride concentrations were higher ( p < 0.01) in ewes with SPT ( n = 14) compared to healthy ewes ( n = 26). There was no significant difference between ewes with SPT and healthy ewes in serum NEFA and cholesterol. Repeated measures ANOVA results indicated that SPT negatively affected 0th, 30th, and 60th body weights of twin ( p < 0.01) and triplet born lambs ( p < 0.05). The effect of time on body weights was also found to be significant ( p < 0.001). Similarly, most of the body measurements of twin and triplet born lambs were lower ( p < 0.05) in the SPT group compared to healthy group. Overall results indicate that SPT may negatively affect postnatal growth and development in Romanov lambs. Because a decline in growth performance has many negative outcomes affecting production traits in sheep, these findings may be valuable for the veterinary field.
ABSTRACT Background and aim Foetal mummification does not cause loss by losing foetus only but the harm extends to the mother dam. This is the first study that investigates the changes that occur in the dam's body due to foetal mummification through a comprehensive investigation of the hormonal, biochemical, liver, kidney and mineral profiles of the dam. This study represents a model to investigate the pathogenesis of such clinically severe cases. Materials and methods This study involved 40 cows with foetal mummification. The dams were divided into 2 groups (20 for each): Group 1 (cows carrying normal foetuses [CNF]) and Group 2 (cows carrying mummified foetuses [CMF]). Blood samples were collected for evaluation of hormonal profile, biochemical profile, kidney profile, liver profile and mineral profile. Results Results showed that progesterone (P4) and oestradiol (E2) concentrations were not significantly changed in the CMF group compared to the CNF group, whereas total triiodothyronine (T3) and total thyroxin (T4) showed a significant reduction in mummified cases than in CNF group. In the CMF group, parameters such as glucose and albumin were significantly lower compared to the normal pregnant animals. In contrast, triglycerides, cholesterol, globulin and total protein (TP) were significantly higher. Kidney and liver profiles showed a significant increase in urea, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and bilirubin, a significant decrease in alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and non‐significant differences in creatinine and gamma‐glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) in CMF compared with normal pregnant cows. Mineral profiles showed a significant decrease in calcium and phosphorus, a significant increase in iron and potassium and a non‐significant increase in magnesium, sodium and chloride in the mummified group compared to the normal pregnancy group. Conclusion Cows with mummified foetuses (MF) maintained variant biological changes in the body. These findings can be used as an indicator for cow health and as a diagnostic tool to avoid pregnancy disorders that occur during the late pregnancy.
ABSTRACT Background MitoTEMPO is an important mitochondrial targeted and ROS scavenging antioxidant. It is often used as antiviral, anticancer and immunomodulator agents. In addition, there are studies proving its positive effect on sperm after thawing. Objectives The aim of our study was to determine the effects of mitoTEMPO addition, which has strong antioxidant and cryoprotective properties in different glycerol ratios, on motility, kinematics, sperm quality and oxidative stress in spermatozoa after freezing and thawing. Materials and Methods Semen was collected from seven rams twice a week for 3 weeks. The semen samples were pooled and extended using standard protocol. Experimental groups were formed (1 µM mitoTEMPO with 3% glycerol, 1 µM mitoTEMPO with 5% glycerol, 5 µM mitoTEMPO with 3% glycerol and 5 µM mitoTEMPO with 5% glycerol) and without (control with 3% glycerol and control with 5% glycerol) mitoTEMPO and they were frozen in mini straws. In this study, motility, kinematic parameters, plasma membrane integrity, mitochondrial membrane potential, acrosome integrity, viability, DNA fragmentation and oxidative stress parameters were determined. Results The increases in total motility, increases in plasma membrane integrity ratio, decreases in MDA level and decreases in DNA damage ratio in mitoTEMPO groups were statistically significant ( p < 0.05). Conclusion Post‐thawed sperm, the addition of 1 µM mitoTEMPO to the 3% glycerol extender preserved the integrity of the spermatozoon membrane, increased total motility, prevented DNA damage and oxidative stress, and increased the rate of sperm with intact acrosome.
ABSTRACT Saprolegniasis, caused by Saprolegnia spp., is one of the most lethal oomycete infections affecting freshwater fish. This study investigated a severe fungal infection in Channa punctata ( n = 150) fish obtained from a pen culture in the Tanguar haor region of the Sunamganj District. The infection was identified by its characteristic fluffy white appearance, with fungal hyphae detected in multiple organs. Diagnosis was confirmed as Saprolegnia spp. through clinical signs and wet mount examination. Infected fish exhibited notable symptoms, including drowsiness, head‐down floating, cloudy eyes, skin burns and deep lesions, with broken caudal fins in some cases. The infection prevalence was calculated at 85%. For further growth analysis, Czapek–Dox agar (CDA) medium was used to culture fungal hyphae. The average weight and length of the fish were 74.41 ± 1.32 g and 14.38 ± 0.84 cm, respectively. Subsequently, 120 infected fish were allocated into 4 treatment groups, each placed in glass aquaria (90 × 45 × 45 cm 3 ) with 120 L of water and treated for a 10‐day experimental period. The groups included T1 (control), T2 (ivermectin, 2.5 ppm + NaCl, 2%), T3 (CuSO 4 1 ppm + Viodin 2.5 ppm) and T4 (aquarium heater set to 30°C + NaCl, 2%). Significant recovery was noted in T4, where the cotton‐like structures disappeared within 10 days. Haematological and biochemical indices also revealed significant differences between T1 and T4. Histopathological analysis identified several cellular abnormalities, such as granuloma formation, fungal hyphae presence, dermal degeneration, gill and liver haemorrhages, kidney necrosis and tubular degeneration and splenitis with intracellular oedema. Post‐treatment, histopathological anomalies were notably reduced in T4, with fewer fungal hyphae observed, whereas moderate alterations remained in T3 and T2 compared to the control group. Kaplan–Meier survival analysis indicated that C. punctata achieved the most favourable survival rate ( p < 0.05) in T4 by combining elevated temperature with NaCl, resulting in a 70% survival rate, whereas the lowest survival rate of 23.33% was observed in T1. This study offers valuable insights for effective treatment and management of Saprolegnia spp. infections in C. punctata .
ABSTRACT Background Lameness detection is essential for effective dairy cattle management, with accurate diagnosis improving animal welfare and reducing economic losses. Senior veterinary students must acquire these skills before graduation to ensure competent diagnosis in the field. Objectives This study aimed to evaluate the reliability and accuracy of senior veterinary students in detecting and scoring lameness in dairy cows. Methods The study included 201 senior veterinary students who scored lameness in cows using video recordings and a 5‐point scoring system. Students’ lameness scores were compared to those assigned by an experienced observer using a confusion matrix, with sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy calculated. Intra‐rater reliability was assessed using intraclass correlation coefficients, while inter‐rater reliability was evaluated using Krippendorff's alpha. Binary logistic regression was performed to assess the impact of lameness severity on detection accuracy. Results Students demonstrated high accuracy for severe lameness (93.67%) and healthy cases (85.93%), with sensitivities of 75.84% and 74.46%, respectively. However, sensitivity for mild to moderate lameness was lowest. Specificity ranged from 81.87% for mild cases to 98.12% for severe cases. Inter‐ and intra‐rater reliability showed various agreement coefficients across lameness categories. Logistic regression indicated decreased accuracy with increasing lameness severity. Conclusion Gaps in detecting intermediate lameness highlight the need for enhanced training methods in veterinary education. Integrating advanced tools can improve diagnostic accuracy and support better lameness detection in practice.
ABSTRACT Background Plasmid mediated antimicrobial resistance continues to be a source of global concern, especially given the limited pipeline of novel antibiotics. The horizontal transfer of the plasmid mediated colistin resistance gene ( mcr‐1 ) between microorganisms confer resistance to previously susceptible bacterial strains and renders colistin and polymyxin B antimicrobials ineffective. Objective To mitigate plasmid mediated colistin resistance using bambermycin and streptomycin on mcr‐1 positive field strains of Escherichia coli . Furthermore, to assess if a commercial MCR‐1 polyclonal antibody would have any synergistic effect on colistin in killing mcr‐1 gene associated colistin‐resistant E. coli in vitro. Methods Colistin‐resistant E. coli strains recovered from clinical cases were subjected to checkerboard assays and conjugation assays using varying drug combinations viz colistin, bambermycin, streptomycin, MCR‐1 antibody and human complement serum, to mitigate drug resistance. Results Following conjugation assay, the plasmid bound resistance gene was successfully transferred to J53 E. coli strain with colistin minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) rising from ≤0.125 to >2 µg/mL conferring resistance to the former organism. The combination of bambermycin and colistin in a checkerboard assay proved to be synergistic in killing mcr ‐1 associated colistin‐resistant strains. The combination of streptomycin, colistin and MCR‐1 polyclonal antibody showed additive lethal effect on mcr‐1 associated colistin‐resistant strains. Bambermycin did not interfere with the transfer of mcr‐1 bound plasmid from donors to recipient organism. Conclusion Further studies on bambermycin's mechanism of action are required, as both inhibiting and enhancing effects have been documented. Similarly, the addition of MCR‐1 polyclonal antibody in a checkerboard assay did not enhance colistin's lethal effect on mcr‐1 carrying E. coli strains, thus highlighting the need for further research.