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Abstract Calcium phosphate ceramics (CPCs) were prepared via an in-situ formation in the presence of polyacrylic acid (PAA) polymer under water-methanol (WM) mixture at room temperature. The PAA polymer was employed as both structure-directing agent and crystallization retardant to manipulate the development of resulting CPCs nano-crystallites which are observed to show a core-shell configuration with a thin layer of PAA molecules. A resulting phase evolution map with respect to the developing phases of calcium-deficient hydroxyapatite (CDHA), -tricalcium phosphate (-TCP), and an intermediate amorphous calcium phoshate (ACP) that were structurally and spectroscopically identified, was constructed in terms of fractions of water-to-methanol proportions and concentration of PAA. It is found that for the solutions in both water-rich and methanol-rich regions, pure CDHA and -TCP instead of intermediate ACP phase can be developed irrespective of the concentration of PAA, respectively. For conditions in between, i.e., with methanol fractions of 15%90%, ACP appeared only when the PAA fell in a limited concentration range. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A model is proposed which is able to predict the maximum particle packing density (φm) over a wide variety of ceramic suspensions with very large difference in particle size/shape, particle surface chemistry, and solvent chemistry. This model provides a simple method to obtain φm directly through the use of a few viscosity-concentration data for a given colloidal suspension, rather than a best-fitting approach. The model is also capable of predicting the viscosity of a variety of ceramic suspensions under different conditions of shear. A comparison with some existing viscosity model is also presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rheological behavior of highly-concentrated (with particle solids loading of 50–70 vol%) zirconia-wax mixtures was investigated. The particle surfaces were first modified by monolayer adsorption of stearic acid as a lubricant, followed by compounding with different fractions of low-molecular-weight wax. The mixtures roughly exhibit a pseudoplastic or Bingham behavior with a yield stress which increases exponentially with decreasing particle-particle separation. The maximum solid loading was determined experimentally to be 0.7, suggesting the particles arrange in an ordered dense packing configuration. Three models, namely, modified Elier's equation, Krieger-Dougherty equation, and Maron-Pierce equation were used to model the relative viscosity (η)-solid fraction (φ) relationship for the mixtures. The Krieger-Dougherty equation exhibits a good description on the mixture viscosity up to 65% solids concentration whilst the others are limited to 60% loading. Influence of temperature on mixture viscosity is critical particularly for higher solids concentration. For a 65% mixture, a pronounced particle-particle interaction dominates the mixture rheology at temperatures above approximately 75°C whilst below this temperature, the viscous flow of the organic vehicle turns to be important in dominating the mixture rheology. However, interparticle interaction becomes less significant when the solids concentration is below approximately 60%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Denitrification and anammox are the main pathways of N loss in wet habitats while their relative contribution to N 2 production and underlying microbial mechanisms across marine-terrestrial ecotone remain unclear. Here we investigated the rates of anammox and denitrification, and the distribution patterns of anammox bacteria and nosZ clade I and II denitrifiers across coastal tidal flat to inland paddy soils. Results showed that denitrification dominated the N 2 production over anammox in all samples, accounting for 87.1%–100% of total N 2 production. Coincident with the rate, the abundance of nosZ clade I and II genes were 1–2 orders of magnitude higher than those of hzsB gene. The community of anammox bacteria was mainly driven by salinity while nosZ clade I and II denitrifiers communities were mainly determined by both salinity and pH. Alphaproteobacteria dominated in the nosZ clade I community in all samples while Betaproteobacteria and Gammaproteobacteria were mainly present in low salinity wetland and paddy soils. The nosZ clade II community was composed of more phyla, in which Bacteoidetes and Chloroflexi were ubiquitous while Gemmatimonadetes was present only in low salinity wetland and paddy soils. These findings have direct implications for explicitly incorporating both nosZ clade I and II into future N loss estimation and N 2 O mitigation in marine-terrestrial ecotone. Unlabelled Image • Denitrification dominantly contributed to N 2 production over anammox. • The nosZ type I and type II gene numerically dominated over the hzsB gene. • nosZ I community was exclusively dominated by α-Proteobacteria in tidal flat. • Gemmatimonadetes -belonging nosZ II denitrifier was sensitive to high salinity. • Both salinity and pH were main factors shaping the nosZ clade I and II community. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ketamine anesthesia during infancy has an impact on development of nervous system. This study is to demonstrate effects of ketamine on neuronal cells via cAMP and NO-cGMP pathway. The cortex neurocyte of Wistar fetal rat were divided into four groups. Every group was given different doses, low dose group was 0.7 μg/mL, anesthesia groups were 1 μg/mL, 3 μg/mL, 5 μg/mL at 0, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 45, 60, 90 and 120 min, respectively. The content of cGMP and cAMP were detected by ELISA, and the activity of NOS and content of NO were detected by spectrophotometric method. After different concentrations of ketamine were applied to isolated neurons, cAMP and cGMP levels were lowered first and then increased, the content reached the bottom at 25 min and then increased. In the 30 min, the content of NO and NOS decreased to the lowest value and then went up, respectively. In the 120 min, their values were both lower than 0 min. Ketamine probably expressed its anesthesia effect with the increasement of cAMP and inhibition of NO-cGMP pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The title compound, C13H16O3, is an intermediate in the synthesis of the anti-ulcer agent sofalcone. The asymmetric unit contains two independent molecules. Intramolecular O—H...O hydrogen bonds are formed between the carbonyl and hydroxyl groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polysome profiling is widely used to isolate and analyze polysome fractions, which consist of actively translating mRNAs and ribosomes. Compared to ribosome profiling and translating ribosome affinity purification, polysome profiling is simpler and less time consuming in sample preparation and library constructions. Spermiogenesis, i.e., the post-meiotic phase of male germ cell development, is a highly coordinated developmental process in which transcription and translation are decoupled because of nuclear condensation, resulting in translation regulation as the major mode for the regulation of gene expression in post-meiotic spermatids. To understand the translation regulation during spermiogenesis, an overview of translational state of spermiogenic mRNAs is required. Here, we describe a protocol to identify translating mRNAs using polysome profiling. Briefly, mouse testes are gently homogenized to release polysomes containing translating mRNAs, following polysome-bound mRNAs isolated by sucrose density gradient purification and characterized by RNA-seq. This protocol allows to quickly isolate translating mRNAs from testes and analyze the discrepancy of translational efficiency in mouse testes from different mouse lines.Key features• Quickly obtain polysome RNAs from testes.• Omit RNase digestion and RNA recovery from gel.• High efficiency and robustness compared to ribo-seq.Graphical overviewSchematic illustrating the experimental design for polysome profiling in mouse testes. Mouse testes are homogenized and lysed in Sample preparation, and polysome RNAs are enriched by sucrose gradient centrifugation and used to calculate translation efficiency in Sample analysis.

Abstract Aims/Introduction To explore relationships between polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) and non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in patients with type 2 diabetes, and whether insulin action has an interactive effect with PUFA on NAFLD progression. Materials and Methods We extracted clinical and omics data of 482 type 2 diabetes patients from a tertiary hospital consecutively from April 2018 to April 2019. NAFLD was estimated by ultrasound at admission. Plasma fasting n3 and n6 fatty acids were quantified by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry analysis. Restricted cubic spline nested in binary logistic regression was used to select the cut‐off point, and estimate odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals. Additive interactions of the n6 : n3 ratio with insulin action for NAFLD were estimated using relative excess risk due to interaction, attributable proportion due to interaction and synergy index. Relative excess risk due to interaction >0, attributable proportion due to interaction >0 or synergy index >1 indicates biological interaction. Spearman correlation analysis was used to obtain partial correlation coefficients between PUFA and hallmarks of NAFLD. Results Of 482 patients, 313 were with and 169 were without NAFLD. N3 ≥800 and n6 PUFA ≥8,100 μmol/L were independently associated with increased NAFLD risk; n6 : n3 ratio ≤10 was associated with NAFLD (odds ratio 1.80, 95% confidence interval 1.20–2.71), and the effect size was amplified by high C‐peptide (odds ratio 8.89, 95% confidence interval 4.48–17.7) with significant interaction. The additive interaction of the n6 : n3 ratio and fasting insulin was not significant. Conclusion Decreased n6 : n3 ratio was associated with increased NAFLD risk in type 2 diabetes patients, and the effect was only significant and amplified when there was the co‐presence of high C‐peptide.

[Display omitted] • Positively surface-charged carbon dots (CDs) function as electrolytes in PEC system. • CDs solution regulates PEC O 2 reduction into H 2 O 2 with high yield and selectivity. • CDs and photocathode unite into a dynamic p-n heterojunction for charge separation. • CDs adjust electronic structure and hydrophilic property of catalytic interface. • CDs incorporate active sites that reduce kinetic barrier for H 2 O 2 generation. Electrolyte modulation for tailoring photoelectrochemical (PEC) activity and selectivity is highly effective but has proved challenging. The major obstacle is lack of a universal strategy that aims for improving the system charge separation based on electrolyte optimization. Herein, we presented an idea as "semiconductor electrolyte", which was developed from the imidazole chloride delivered carbon dot (CDs), and featured for the positive surface charge. The CDs aqueous solution can accumulate H 2 O 2 on a CuBi 2 O 4 photocathode via PEC O 2 reduction reaction (ORR) at neutral pH without any traditional electrolyte. Combined with experimental measurements and theoretical calculation, the mechanism of system and function of CDs was characterized. As electrolytes, CDs solution enabled to tune the energy band location of CuBi 2 O 4. The electrostatic interaction between positively-charged CDs and negatively-charged photocathode triggered the fast charge and mass migration during PEC proceeding. As semiconductors, CDs can fabricate a dynamic p-n heterojunction with CuBi 2 O 4. These advantages facilitated the photo-induced charge separation, which contributed to the boosted photocurrent and improved stability in PEC system. As ORR occurred interface that incorporated active sites, CDs provided a hydrophilic and adjusted-electronic surface, which fascinated to confine O 2 and reduced the kinetic barrier for H 2 O 2 generation. As a result, H 2 O 2 generation was regulated with 0.44 mM and faraday efficiency over 84 % within 10 min, nearly 3 times to the commonly-used Na 2 SO 4 solution. Our work therefore provides a striking and facile strategy to tailor PEC activity and selectivity in a durable and robust pathway. Importantly, it will evoke to develop a universal protocol for regulating PEC performance by electrolyte modulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A universal aptameric system based on the taking advantage of double-stranded DNA/perylene diimide (dsDNA/PDI) as the signal probe was developed for multiplexed detection of small molecules. Aptamers are single-stranded DNA or RNA oligonucleotides which are selected in vitro by a process known as systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment. In this work, we synthesized a new kind of PDI and reported this aggregated PDI could quench the double-stranded DNA (dsDNA)-labeled fluorophores with a high quenching efficiency. The quenching efficiencies on the fluorescence of FAM, TAMRA and Cy5 could reach to 98.3%±0.9%, 97.2%±0.6% and 98.1%±1.1%, respectively. This broad-spectrum quencher was then adopted to construct a multicolor biosensor via a label-free approach. A structure-switching-triggered enzymatic recycling amplification was employed for signal amplification. High quenching efficiency combined with autocatalytic target recycling amplification afforded the biosensor with high sensitivity towards small analytes. For other targets, changing the corresponding aptamer can achieve the goal. The quencher did not interfere with the catalytic activity of nuclease. The biosensor could be manipulated with similar sensitivity no matter in pre-addition or post-addition manner. Moreover, simultaneous and multiplexed analysis of several small molecules in homogeneous solution was achieved, demonstrating its potential application in the rapid screening of multiple biotargets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Demethoxycurcumin (DMC), through a self-assembled amphiphilic carbomethyl-hexanoyl chitosan (CHC) nanomatrix has been successfully developed and used as a therapeutic approach to inhibit cisplatin-induced drug resistance by suppressing excision repair cross-complementary 1 (ERCC1) in non-small cell lung carcinoma cells (NSCLC). Previously, DMC significantly inhibited on-target cisplatin resistance protein, ERCC1, via PI3K-Akt-snail pathways in NSCLC. However, low water solubility and bioavailability of DMC causes systemic elimination and prevents its clinical application. To increase its bioavailability and targeting capacity toward cancer cells, a DMC-polyvinylpyrrolidone core phase was prepared, followed by encapsulating in a CHC shell to form a DMC-loaded core-shell hydrogel nanoparticles (DMC-CHC NPs). We aimed to understand whether DMC-CHC NPs efficiently potentiate cisplatin-induced apoptosis through downregulation of ERCC1 in NSCLC. DMC-CHC NPs displayed good cellular uptake efficiency. Dissolved in water, DMC-CHC NPs showed comparable cytotoxic potency with free DMC (dissolved in DMSO). A sulforhodamine B (SRB) assay indicated that DMC-CHC NPs significantly increased cisplatin-induced cytotoxicity by highly efficient intracellular delivery of the encapsulated DMC. A combination of DMC-CHC NPs and cisplatin significantly inhibited on-target cisplatin resistance protein, ERCC1, via the PI3K-Akt pathway. Also, this combination treatment markedly increased the post-target cisplatin resistance pathway including bax, and cytochrome c expressions. Thymidine phosphorylase (TP), a main role of the pyrimidine salvage pathway, was also highly inhibited by the combination treatment. The results suggested that enhancement of the cytotoxicity to cisplatin via administration of DMC-CHC NPs was mediated by down-regulation of the expression of TP, and ERCC1, regulated via the PI3K-Akt pathway.

Acute hepatic failure (AHF) is a severe liver injury leading to sustained damage and complications. Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) may be an alternative option for the treatment of AHF. In this study, we reprogrammed human dental pulp-derived fibroblasts into iPSCs, which exhibited pluripotency and the capacity to differentiate into tridermal lineages, including hepatocyte-like cells (iPSC-Heps). These iPSC-Heps resembled human embryonic stem cell-derived hepatocyte-like cells in gene signature and hepatic markers/functions. To improve iPSC-Heps engraftment, we next developed an injectable carboxymethyl-hexanoyl chitosan hydrogel (CHC) with sustained hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) release (HGF-CHC) and investigated the hepatoprotective activity of HGF-CHC-delivered iPSC-Heps in vitro and in an immunocompromised AHF mouse model induced by thioacetamide (TAA). Intrahepatic delivery of HGF-CHC-iPSC-Heps reduced the TAA-induced hepatic necrotic area and rescued liver function and recipient viability. Compared with PBS-delivered iPSC-Heps, the HGF-CHC-delivered iPSC-Heps exhibited higher antioxidant and antiapoptotic activities that reduced hepatic necrotic area. Importantly, these HGF-CHC-mediated responses could be abolished by administering anti-HGF neutralizing antibodies. In conclusion, our findings demonstrated that HGF mediated the enhancement of iPSC-Hep antioxidant/antiapoptotic capacities and hepatoprotection and that HGF-CHC is as an excellent vehicle for iPSC-Hep engraftment in iPSC-based therapy against AHF.

In the title compound, C21H23NO2, the hexyl group adopts an extended conformation, the six C atoms are nearly coplanar [maximum deviation = 0.082 (3) Å] and their mean plane is approximately perpendicular to the carbazole ring system, with a dihedral angle of 78.91 (15)°. In the crystal, molecules are linked by O—H...O hydrogen bonds, forming inversion dimers; π–π stacking between carbazole ring systems of adjacent dimers further links the dimers into supramolecular chains propagating along the b-axis direction [centroid-to-centroid distances = 3.868 (2) and 3.929 (2) Å].

In the centrosymmetric title compound, [Cu(C10H7N2O2)2(H2O)2], the CuII ion occupies an inversion centre and exhibits a distorted octahedral geometry. The phenyl and pyrazole rings of the ligand are twisted by an angle of 11.36 (8)°. In the crystal structure, molecules are linked into a two-dimensional network parallel to the (010) plane by O—H...O and N—H...O hydrogen bonds.

Carboxymethyl‐hexanoyl chitosan (CHC) has the ability to self‐assemble into nanocapsules in an aqueous solution and it has recently shown potential in numerous biomedical applications. Here we investigate the protein loading efficiency and release, as well as the structural properties of CHC protein nanocarriers. Bovine serum albumin (BSA) or its chromophore labelled version, fluorescein‐BSA, was used as a model protein and the loading was performed with a simple mixing of pre‐formed nanocapsules and protein. Dynamic light scattering and zeta potential analysis revealed that protein loaded nanocarriers with high positive zeta potential were formed. The protein loaded nanocarriers displayed a loading efficiency of 75% and a very slow protein release. In summary, our results highlight the potential of CHC as a protein nanocarrier, but also indicate that protein‐CHC interactions need to be considered in protein containing CHC formulations where protein release is not the main function.

The specific properties of isomaltulose make it an ideal substitute for sucrose and it has broad application prospects in food, medicine and cosmetics. However, the high cost of isomaltulose has discouraged the substitution process of sugar. In the present study, we achieved low-cost production of isomaltulose from cane molasses using immobilized Escherichia coli cells (recombinant strain IS3). The maximum production, yield and productivity were 240 g/L, 94% and 48 g/L/h, respectively. Likewise, the relative enzyme activity of the immobilized recombinant cells was maintained at approximately 85% after 26 cycles. Additionally, we showed that isomaltulose significantly increased proliferation of various probiotic strains, including Lactobacillus paracasei ADP-1, Lactobacillus plantarum LPL28, Lactobacillus rhamnosus HN001, Lactobacillus acidophilus NCFM, Bifidobacterium animalis Bb-12, Bifidobacterium longum BL-05, Bifidobacterium breve Bv-77 and Bacillus coagulans GBI-30, 6086. Concurrently, the concentrations of short chain fatty acids, such as acetic acid and propionic acid, were profoundly affected by the combination of isomaltulose and probiotics. Thus, this study may provide the basis for the low-cost production of isomaltulose from industrial waste cane molasses, and its potential application as a prebiotic. • An immobilized recombined strain is constructed to produce isomaltulose from cane molasses. • The production, yield and productivity of isomaltulose are severally 240 g/L, 94% and 48 g/L/h. • Isomaltulose selectively promotes probiotic growth and demonstrates its prebiotic activity. • Isomaltulose increases the concentration of propionic acid as co-culture with probiotics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Therapeutic approaches for acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) and myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) differ due to distinct diagnostic criteria and treatment strengths. However, reliable biomarkers to differentiate AML from MDS are needed. This study investigated transfer RNA (tRNA) modifications, particularly hydroxy-wybutosine (OHyW), in the transition from MDS to AML. We found a significant decrease in OHyW and its biosynthetic enzyme leucine carboxyl methyltransferase 2 (LCMT2, alias symbol is TYW4) levels in AML compared to MDS. Mass spectrometric analysis revealed distinct tRNA modification patterns, with AML showing decreased OHyW and increased precursor levels, indicating a disrupted biosynthetic pathway. Lower LCMT2 expression correlated with reduced drug sensitivity and limited differentiation potential in AML cell lines. The results highlight the pivotal role of tRNA modifications in the progression from MDS to AML and suggest that targeting LCMT2 may enhance therapeutic outcomes in AML. By understanding these molecular mechanisms, we can develop new diagnostic markers and therapeutic strategies, potentially transforming the clinical management of AML and improving patient outcomes., (© 2024 British Society for Haematology and John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

CdS QDs were fabricated using bi-ligands 11-sulfanylundecanoic acid and proline for photo-induced aqueous-phase aldol condensation of biomass-derived furfural compounds and ketones, and they displayed acceptable selectivity, activity and recycling properties for generation of a wide range of products with diverse applications. This work facilitates understanding the molecular-level design concepts of semiconductor photocatalysts.

Curcuma kwangsiensis root tuber is a widely used genuine medicinal material in Guangxi, with the main active components of terpenoids and curcumins. It has the effects of promoting blood circulation to relieve pain, moving Qi to relieve depression, clearing heart and cooling blood, promoting gallbladder function and anti-icterus. Modern research has proved its functions in liver protection, anti-tumor, anti-oxidation, blood lipid reduction and immunosuppression. Considering the research progress of C. kwangsiensis root tubers and the core concept of quality marker(Q-marker), we predicted the Q-markers of C. kwangsiensis root tubers from plant phylogeny, chemical component specificity, traditional pharmacodynamic properties, new pharmacodynamic uses, chemical component measurability, processing methods, compatibility, and components migrating to blood. Curcumin, curcumol, curcumadiol, curcumenol, curdione, germacrone, and β-elemene may be the possible Q-markers. Based on the predicted Q-markers, the mechanisms of the liver-protecting and anti-tumor activities of C. kwangsiensis root tubers were analyzed. AKT1, IL6, EGFR, and STAT3 were identified as the key targets, and neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction signaling pathway, nitrogen metabolism pathway, cancer pathway, and hepatitis B pathway were the major involved pathways. This review provides a basis for the quality evaluation and product development of C. kwangsiensis root tubers and gives insights into the research on Chinese medicinal materials.

Objective: Several COVID-19 patients have overlapping comorbidities. The independent role of each component contributing to the risk of COVID-19 is unknown, and how some non-cardiometabolic comorbidities affect the risk of COVID-19 remains unclear., Methods: A retrospective follow-up design was adopted. A total of 1,160 laboratory-confirmed patients were enrolled from nine provinces in China. Data on comorbidities were obtained from the patients' medical records. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to estimate the odds ratio ( OR ) and 95% confidence interval (95% CI ) of the associations between comorbidities (cardiometabolic or non-cardiometabolic diseases), clinical severity, and treatment outcomes of COVID-19., Results: Overall, 158 (13.6%) patients were diagnosed with severe illness and 32 (2.7%) had unfavorable outcomes. Hypertension (2.87, 1.30-6.32), type 2 diabetes (T2DM) (3.57, 2.32-5.49), cardiovascular disease (CVD) (3.78, 1.81-7.89), fatty liver disease (7.53, 1.96-28.96), hyperlipidemia (2.15, 1.26-3.67), other lung diseases (6.00, 3.01-11.96), and electrolyte imbalance (10.40, 3.00-26.10) were independently linked to increased odds of being severely ill. T2DM (6.07, 2.89-12.75), CVD (8.47, 6.03-11.89), and electrolyte imbalance (19.44, 11.47-32.96) were also strong predictors of unfavorable outcomes. Women with comorbidities were more likely to have severe disease on admission (5.46, 3.25-9.19), while men with comorbidities were more likely to have unfavorable treatment outcomes (6.58, 1.46-29.64) within two weeks., Conclusion: Besides hypertension, diabetes, and CVD, fatty liver disease, hyperlipidemia, other lung diseases, and electrolyte imbalance were independent risk factors for COVID-19 severity and poor treatment outcome. Women with comorbidities were more likely to have severe disease, while men with comorbidities were more likely to have unfavorable treatment outcomes., (Copyright © 2020 The Editorial Board of Biomedical and Environmental Sciences. Published by China CDC. All rights reserved.)

Sesamin (SES) has the ameliorating effect on L02 hepatocyte model of insulin resistance induced by high glucose and high insulin, based on insulin receptor signaling pathway IRS/PI3K/Akt. Treatment with SES (200, 100μg/ml) increased glucose consumption, glucose uptake and the intracellular glycogen synthesis of L02 hepatocyte model of insulin resistance significantly. Moreover, treatment with SES promoted the gene and protein expression levels of insulin receptor (InsR) and the post-receptor associated proteins, such as insulin receptor substrate 1 (IRS1), insulin receptor substrate 2 (IRS2), PI3K (phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase), GLUT4 (glucose transporter 4) significantly, which were determined by RT-PCR and immunoblot analysis. In conclusion, SES has the ameliorating effect on L02 hepatocyte model of insulin resistance induced by high glucose/high insulin, which might be related to its effect on promoting expression of insulin receptor and its associated proteins of IRS-PI3K-Akt passway, and thus promoting insulin sensitivity.

Introduction: The aim of this systematic review is to establish the clinical impact of open (mesh and/or without mesh) and laparoscopic hernia repair (transabdominal pre-peritoneal (TAP) and/or totally extra-peritoneal (TEP)) on male fertility. The incidence of male infertility following various types of inguinal hernia repair is currently unknown. The lack of high-quality evidence has led to various speculations, suggestions and reliance on anecdotal experience in the clinical practice., Methods: An electronic search of the literature in Medline, Scopus, Embase and Cochrane library from 1966 to October 2015 according to PRISMA checklist was conducted. Quality assessment of articles was conducted using the Oxford Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) and their recommendation for practice was examined through National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). This resulted in ten studies (n = 10), comprising 35,740 patients., Results: Sperm motility could be affected following any type and/or technique of inguinal hernia repair but this is limited to the immediate postoperative period (≤48 h). Obstructive azoospermia was noted in 0.03% of open and 2.5% of bilateral laparoscopic (TAP) hernia repair with mesh. Male infertility was detected in 0.8% of the open hernia repair (mesh) with no correlation to the type of mesh (lightweight vs. heavyweight)., Conclusion: Inguinal hernia repair without mesh has no impact on male fertility and obstructive azoospermia. However, the use of mesh in bilateral open and/or laparoscopic repair may require the inclusion of male infertility as the part of informed consent in individuals that have not completed their family or currently under investigations.

The derivative of C60, i.e., PCBM, and P3HT (3-hexylthiophene) were dissolved in chloroform:dichlorobenzene mixed solvent, then spin-coated as the active layer for organic solar cells (OSC). The experimental parameters were studied carefully to obtain the optimum power conversion efficiency (PCE), including the solvent mixing ratio, spin-coating speed, annealing conditions for the active layer, etc. The OSC devices were packaged with glass and a newly developed UV-glue to improve the lifetime and PCE. Dichlorobenzene solvent has great effect upon the PCE. Changing the spin-coating speed and increasing the number of steps increased the PCE apparently to 1.4%.