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Background: Sperm quality is an important factor in assisted reproductive technology (ART) that affects the success rate of infertile couples treatment. In vitro incubation of sperm can influence its parameters and DNA integrity. The present study focused on the effect of different incubation temperatures sperm parameters on asthenoteratozoospermia semen prepared with density gradient centrifugation at different times., Methods: Twenty-seven samples were collected and prepared. Then, the suspension was divided into two parts. One part was incubated at room temperature (RT), and another was incubated at 37° C . Immediately and after 2 hr (2H) and 4 hr (4H), spermatozoa were evaluated regarding motility, viability, morphology, sperm protamine deficiency, chromatin and DNA fragmentation. Statistical analysis was performed using paired t-test and repeated measures. The p<0.05 was considered statistically significant., Results: Our results showed that following 2 and 4 hr of incubation at RT, sperm progressive motility and viability decreased significantly. Sperm DNA fragmentation increased significantly following 2 and 4 hr of incubation at RT and 37° C . The Trend analysis confirmed that there were no significant differences between sperm parameters and DNA fragmentation after different times at RT and 37° C ., Conclusion: Incubation of sperm at RT in comparison to 37° C didn't preserve sperm parameters and DNA efficiently. Therefore, IVF, ICSI and IUI procedure should be performed in the soonest possible time after sperm preparation., Competing Interests: Conflict of Interest Authors declare no conflict of interest., (Copyright© 2020, Avicenna Research Institute.)

This study aimed to investigate the effects of a short-term (36 h) fasting period combined with an acute bout of exercise on markers of immune function and inflammation in healthy human subjects. Fourteen moderately trained male subjects (aged 19-39 yr) participated in a 36-h fasting trial (FA-T), followed by an acute bout of moderate exercise (60% V̇o 2max ). After 1 wk, the same subjects, as their own control, participated in a nonfasting trial (NFA-T) in which they performed an exercise trial of the same duration and intensity. Blood samples were taken before, immediately after, and 1 h after each exercise bout and analyzed for several immunological and metabolic markers. At baseline, fasting subjects showed lower levels of T cell apoptosis, lymphocyte-proliferative responses, IL-6, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), insulin, and leptin ( P < 0.05) as well as higher levels of neutrophil oxidative burst and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) than those in the NFA-T ( P < 0.05). After the exercise protocol, fasted subjects revealed higher T cell apoptosis, neutrophil oxidative burst, TBARS, TNFα, and MCP-1 levels as well as lower levels of lymphocyte-proliferative response, IL-6, insulin, and leptin than those in the NFA-T ( P < 0.05). Short-term fasting aggravates perturbations in markers of immune function, and inflammation was induced by an acute moderate-intensity exercise protocol.

Objective: The management of advanced basal cell carcinoma (BCC) in the periocular region remains a clinical challenge. Vismodegib (Erivedge TM ) has been approved in 2013 by Health Canada for adult patients with "histologically confirmed metastatic BCC or locally advanced BCC inappropriate for surgery or radiation." An expert consensus was sought to create a standardised approach in the use of this novel treatment., Methods: Fourteen practicing oculoplastic surgeons across Canada were involved in formulating and reviewing guidelines until consensus was reached. A consultancy meeting was followed by further ratification of guidelines over email. Two voting surveys were performed of the group to objectively assess agreement over each statement within the guidelines. Ratification continued until at least two-thirds of the group agreed on every guideline statement., Results: The guidelines summarize 21 statements in a major and minor criteria format. A multidisciplinary team review is suggested for each patient with the involvement of recommended specialists. The internal survey revealed 100% agreement over 9 statements, 91.7% agreement over 8 statements, 83.3% agreement over 4 statements, and 2 statements had 66.7% and 58.7% agreement each. All statements with less than 91.7% agreement were surveyed again, and they were kept, modified, or removed on the basis of a consensus of over 66.7%., Conclusions: These guidelines serve to act as a framework for physicians considering vismodegib for the medical management of patients with advanced or metastatic periocular BCC. Future applications, including neoadjuvant uses of the drug, may become apparent through further research., (Copyright © 2019 Canadian Ophthalmological Society. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

The stainless steel mesh, in the form of the disk, was coated with graphene oxide and poly(dimethylsiloxane) (GO-PDMS) by sol-gel technique. The coated stainless steel meshes are loaded in the mini-column as solid-phase extraction cartridge for the fast isolation and preconcentration of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) from real water samples. The extracted PAHs (naphthalene, acenaphthene, acenaphthylene, anthracene, benz[a]anthracene, fluorene, and pyrene) were quantified by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The operation parameters affecting the extraction efficiency including sample volume, desorption conditions, and ionic strength were investigated. At optimized conditions, the linearity of this method is obtained from 0.001 to 20 ng mL -1 with 0.2 to 1.0 pg mL -1 limit of detection. For 5 replicates at 3 spiking levels (0.1, 1, and 10 ng mL -1 ), the relative standard deviations between 4.0 and 6.3% were achieved. The absolute extraction recovery varied from 89.1 to 94.7%. The enrichment factors were in the range of 2227-2367. The method has been employed in the determination of PAHs in the real water samples including well water, tap water, river water, and wastewater. Relative recoveries are between 95.2 and 100.9%. Graphical abstractSchematic representation of the SPE procedure using the self-assembly SPE cartridge.

Background: Swine species are an important source of meat production worldwide, except in Islamic countries where pig breeding and pork consumption are forbidden. Hence, they are often neglected in these regions. A considerable number of wild boars (Sus scrofa) inhabit Iranian territories, particularly in dense forests of north, west and southwest of the country, but our knowledge regarding their parasites is very limited., Objective: The lack of a comprehensive record in this connection encouraged us to review the whole works of literature in the country., Methods: The current review presents all the information about the parasitic diseases of wild boar in Iran extracted from articles available in both Persian and English databases until June 2017., Results: So far, 8 genera of protozoa (Toxoplasma, Balanthidium, Tritrichomonas, Blastocystis, Entamoeba, Iodamoeba, Chilomastix and Sarcocystis) and 20 helminth species, including four cestode species, two trematode species, thirteen nematode species as well as a single species of Acanthocephala have been described in Iranian wild boars., Conclusion: This review sheds light on the veterinary and public health aspects of the parasitic diseases of wild boars in the country and alerts authorities for future preventive measures., (Copyright© Bentham Science Publishers; For any queries, please email at epub@benthamscience.net.)

The effects of 24 weeks of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on markers of male reproductive function in infertile patients were studied. Infertile men (n = 441) were randomized to exercise (EX, n = 221) or non-exercise (NON-EX, n = 220) group. Patients in the EX group performed an interval training (1:1 work:rest ratio) 3 times per week at 75-95% of maximal oxygen consumption, for 24 weeks (VO 2max ). Markers of inflammation and oxidative stress in the seminal plasma, as well as semen parameters, sperm DNA fragmentation and rates of pregnancy, were measured at baseline, on weeks 12, 24; and 7 and 30 days thereafter during the recovery period. The intervention resulted in decreased seminal levels of proinflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-α) and markers of oxidative stress (ROS, MDA, and 8-isoprostane) (P < 0.05). The concentrations of seminal antioxidants were unaltered with HIIT intervention. These changes further coincide with promising developments in semen parameters, sperm DNA integrity and rates of pregnancy (P < 0.05). This may indicate that HIIT induced beneficial effects on markers of male reproductive function through decreased oxidative damage and proinflammatory status. Findings highlight the possibility that HIIT may be an effective intervention for male factor infertility and support the need for further human studies., (Copyright © 2019 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Background: Interest in functionalized carbon nanotubes for many applications arises from a variety on the kind of modification atoms or molecules that are attached to it. Dopamine, the feel-good hormone, release by neurons and playing an important role in body systems. Abnormal dopamine levels cause nerve disorders such as Parkinson's disease and schizophrenia., Objectives: The aim of this study was the design and fabrication of electrochemical sensor based on MWCNTs and Pd nanoparticles for detection and determination of dopamine in biological samples., Methods: For this purpose, we report the synthesis of pramipexole-functionalized MWCNTs (pp-MWCNTs) for efficient capture of palladium nanoparticles and fabrication of Pd/pp-MWCNTs nanocomposite. Morphological and structural characteristics of the nanocomposites were characterized using various techniques including field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR)., Results: This newly synthesized nanocomposite may have numerous applications in nanotechnology and sensing. We show that the synthesized nanocomposite reported here will be applicable for modifications of bare glassy carbon electrode (Pd/pp-MWCNTs/GCE) to sense of dopamine electrochemically. Two linear calibrations for dopamine are obtained over ranges of 0.01 to 10 μM and 10 to 200 μM with a detection limit of 1.4 nM. The Pd/pp-MWCNTs/GCE shows high stability and sensitivity, and an acceptable decrease of over-potential for the electrooxidation of dopamine that decreases interference in the analysis. The proposed Pd/pp-MWCNTs nanocomposite can be used as a voltammetric detector for dopamine monitoring in routine real sample analysis., Conclusions: The proposed sensor showed high sensitivity and selectivity in sensing dopamine in biological samples. Graphical abstract Preparation of Pd/pp-MWCNTs/GCE for detection of dopamine.

Emergence of multidrug-resistant bacteria is a major global concern. According to WHO, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a threatening pathogen resistant to a wide spectrum of antibiotics. Herein, to overcome drug resistance in MRSA, we successfully integrated traditional antibacterial methods but with a novel trick that included use of hen egg-white lysozyme's special aggregates generated by fibrillization. The minimum inhibitory concentration of oxacillin (Ox) for MRSA declined from 600 μM to <20 μM when using aggregates. Scanning and transition electron micrographs showed completely disrupted cells when treated with aggregated protein/Ox (20 μM). The assisting role of aggregates to induce antibiotic hypersensitivity was continuous and stable, but sub-inhibitory antibiotic concentration (20 μM) was required again after 8 h. Investigations regarding mechanism of antibiotic hypersensitivity revealed that aggregates were oligomers but not mature fibrils. Furthermore, reactive oxygen species levels rose significantly after treating bacteria with aggregated protein/Ox. Study of resistance mechanisms indicated that in response to wall structure alterations, mecA expression dropped significantly in the presence of aggregated protein/Ox (20 μM) relative to Ox (20 μM). This observation can be a breakthrough in finding alternatives where antibiotic dosage can be significantly reduced, thereby preventing emergence of new multidrug-resistant bacteria., (Copyright © 2019. Published by Elsevier B.V.)

MgZnO@SiO 2 -tetrazine nanoparticles were synthesized and their photocatalytic efficiency was demonstrated in the decomposition of ciprofloxacin and methylene blue (MB). This new heterogeneous nanocatalyst was characterized by FT-IR, XRD, UV-vis, DRS, FE-SEM, ICP, and CHN. Distinctive variables including photocatalyst dose, pH, and degradation time were investigated. Up to 95% photodegradation was gained under the optimum conditions (20 mg photocatalyst, 3.5 ppm MB, pH 9) by using MgZnO@SiO 2 -tetrazine nanoparticles after 20 min. An elementary kinetic study was carried out, and a pseudo-first-order kinetic with a reasonably high rate-constant (0.068 min -1 ) was derived for the MB decay. Photoluminescence (PL) studies confirmed that the photocatalytic activity of MgZnO@SiO 2 -tetrazine was almost consistent with the Taugh plots. Thus, it can be envisaged that the photocatalytic activity is closely related to the optical absorption. Furthermore, a photoreduction mechanism was suggested for the degradation process. Addition of scavengers and some mechanistic studies also revealed that O 2 ˙ - is the original radical accounting for the degradation of MB, considering this latter compound as a model type pollutant. Finally, efficacy of the present photocatalytic process was assessed in the degradation of ciprofloxacin as a model drug under the optimum reaction conditions., Competing Interests: There are no conflicts to declare., (This journal is © The Royal Society of Chemistry.)

Background: Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) as a public health concern is increasingly circulating by causative agents of Leishmania tropica and L. major in Iran. As regard to recent treatment failure and controlling problems, the accurate elucidation of heterogeneity traits and taxonomic status of Leishmania spp. should be broadly addressed by policymakers. This study was designed to determine the genetic variability and molecular characterization of L. major and L. tropica from Iranian CL patients., Methods: One hundred positive Giemsa-stained slides were taken from clinical isolates of CL at Pol-e-Dokhtar County, Southwest Iran, from May 2014 to Sep 2016. DNAs were directly extracted and amplified by targeting ribosomal internal transcribed spacer (ITS) gene following microscopic observation. To identify Leishmania spp. amplicons were digested by restriction enzyme Hae III subsequent PCR-RFLP technique. To reconfirm, the isolates were directly sequenced to conduct diversity indices and phylogenetic analysis., Results: Based upon the RFLP patterns, 84 and 16 isolates were explicitly identified to L. tropica and L. major respectively. No co-infection was found in clinical isolates. The high genetic diversity of L. tropica (Haplotype diversity 0.9) was characterized compared to L. major isolates (Hd 0.476). The intra-species diversity for L. tropica and L. major isolates corresponded to 3%-3.9% and 0%-0.4%, respectively., Conclusion: Findings indicate the L. tropica isolates with remarkable heterogeneity than L. major are predominantly circulating at Pol-e-Dokhtar County. Occurrence of high genetic variability of L. tropica may be noticed in probable treatment failure and/or emerging of new haplotypes; however, more studies are warranted from various geographic regions of Southwest Iran, using large sample size., Competing Interests: Conflict of interest The authors declare that there is no conflict of interests.

Hajizadeh Maleki, B, Tartibian, B, and Chehrazi, M. Effects of aerobic, resistance, and combined exercise on markers of male reproduction in healthy human subjects: a randomized controlled trial. J Strength Cond Res 33(4): 1130-1145, 2019-The effects of moderate intensity treadmill exercise training (MI), resistance training (RT), and combined treadmill + resistance training (CT) on markers of male reproductive function including seminal markers of oxidative stress and inflammation, and semen quality and sperm DNA integrity were evaluated in healthy human subjects. A total of 376 healthy sedentary male volunteers (aged 25-40) were screened and 282 were randomized into 4 treatment groups: MI (n = 71), RT (n = 71), CT (n = 71), and nonexercise (NON-EX, n = 70) groups for an experimental period of 24 weeks. After the intervention, compared with the NON-EX group, all 3 MI, RT, and CT exercise modalities showed significantly reduced body mass, fat percent, waist circumference, reactive oxygen species, interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, IL-8 and tumor necrosis factor-α and improved maximal oxygen uptake (V[Combining Dot Above]O2max), progressive motility, sperm morphology, sperm concentration and sperm DNA integrity, as indicated by a decrease of percentage of terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated fluorescein-dUTP nick end labeling-positive sperm cells (p ≤ 0.05). Body mass index, semen volume, number of spermatozoa, superoxide dismutase, catalase, total antioxidant capacity, malondialdehyde, and 8-isoprostane improved significantly in the MI and CT groups (p ≤ 0.05) but not significantly in the RT group (p > 0.05). In summary, all 3 MI, RT, and CT interventions attenuate seminal markers of inflammation and oxidative stress and improve body composition, semen quality parameters, and sperm DNA integrity in the studied population. In respect to all the aspects studied, those men who took part in MI intervention had the best results. Considering the seminological parameters, however, CT had a synergistic effect and was superior over the other interventions used.

Different types of hybrid nanocomposites were prepared from a copper-based metal-organic framework (MOF-199) and graphene (Gr) or fullerene (Fl). The porosity and quality of the nanocomposites were studied by scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy and BET surface area analysis. The nanocomposites are shown to be viable sorbents for the dispersive micro solid phase extraction of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) from environmental water samples. This is due to (a) the presence of MOF-199 which leads to improved adsorption capacity, and (b) the presence of Gr or Fl on the surface of MOF-199 which enhances the interaction with PAHs. Specifically, acenaphthene, anthracene, benz[a]anthracene, fluorene, naphthalene, 2-methylnaphthalene, and pyrene were studied. A comparison of the sorbents shows MOF-199/Gr to possess the highest adsorption affinity and to be most durable, probably a result of the high porosity of graphene. Following desorption with acetonitrile, the PAHs were quantified by GC with FID detection. Under the optimum conditions, limits of detection (at an S/N ratio of 3) range from 3 to 10 pg mL -1 , and the analytical ranges are linear at 0.01-100 ng mL -1 of PAHs. The relative standard deviations for five replicates at two spiking levels (0.03 and 50 ng mL -1 ) range from 5.0 to 7.4%. The applicability of this method was confirmed by analyzing spiked real water samples, and recoveries are between 91.9 and 99.5%. Graphical abstract Different types of the hybrid nanocomposites of the copper-based metal-organic framework MOF-199 with graphene or fullerene were synthesized and used as sorbent for the dispersive micro solid phase extraction of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in environmental water samples.

Aims: Inflammation and oxidative stress appear to be involved in the pathogenesis of male factor infertility. Exercise training has been shown to strengthen antioxidant defenceses and attenuate inflammation across body fluids, organs and tissues. However, the effect of resistance exercise training upon male factor infertility is unknown. Our aim was to investigate the effects of resistance exercise training on markers of male reproduction and reproductive performance in infertile patients., Main Methods: This study evaluated the changes in seminal oxidative stress status, inflammatory biomarkers, semen parameters, sperm DNA integrity and pregnancy rate following 24 weeks of resistance exercise in infertile patients. A total of 1228 sedentary infertile patient (aged 25-40 years) were screened and 430 were randomized to exercise (EX, n = 216) and non-exercise (NON-EX, n = 214) groups. Semen samples were taken before, 12 and 24 weeks as well as 7 and 30 days during recovery., Key Findings: Exercise intervention favorably attenuated inflammation as indicated by seminal cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8 and TNF-α), oxidative stress (SOD, MDA and 8-isoprostane) and enhanced antioxidants (SOD and catalase) (P < 0.05), and these changes correlate with favorable improvements in semen parameters, sperm DNA integrity and pregnancy rate in this cohort of infertile patients (P < 0.05)., Significance: Taken together, resistance exercise training improves markers of male reproduction and reproductive performance through inflammatory and oxidative stress mechanisms in infertile patients., (Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier Inc.)

A novel polyamidoamine dendrimer functionalized with Fe 3 O 4 nanoparticles (Fe 3 O 4 @PAMAM) had been fabricated and used as magnetic solid-phase extraction (MSPE) adsorbent. The Fe 3 O 4 @PAMAM nanocomposites were characterized by X-ray powder diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, field-emission scanning electron spectroscopy, elemental analytical, and thermal gravimetric analysis. The MSPE method coupled with high-performance liquid chromatography with an ultraviolet detection system was applied for the separation/analysis of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Major parameters affecting the extraction efficiency of the selected drugs were optimized. Under optimal conditions, the enrichment factors for the proposed method were 701835. The linear range, limit of detection, correlation coefficient (r), and relative standard deviation (RSD) were found to be 0.15-500 ng mL -1 , 0.050.08 ng mL -1 , 0.99320.9967, and 4.5-7.0% (n = 5, 0.2, 10 and 300 ng mL -1 ), respectively. The method was successfully applied to the determination of NSAIDs in the real water samples. The recoveries of spiked water samples were in the range of 93.6-98.9% with RSDs varying from 6.1% to 9.0%, showing the good accuracy of the method., (Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Background: Asthma is a common long term inflammatory disease during adolescent. Absence of school education and reduction of mental and social mindedness are among the most common problems found in adolescents with asthma. Therefore, the present study was aimed to examine the effect of Roy adaptation model on controlling maladaptation behaviors in adolescents with asthma., Materials and Methods: This study is a semi-experimental research that was conducted with the participation of all adolescents with asthma referred to the Asthma and Allergy Clinic of Shariati Hospital. Random sampling was used for a total of 64 adolescents to have two groups of intervention and control. Data collection was through a questionnaire based on the Roy's Adaptation Model. Over six weeks, adolescents were trained in six two-hour sessions. Data were analyzed by descriptive and analytical statistics consisting of Mann-Whitney, ANOVA, paired t-test and independent t-test., Results: The mean age of adolescents with asthma in the intervention and control groups was 15.8±3.5 and 14.8±3.5 years, respectively. Also, the mean score of maladaptation behaviors in four physiological, self-concept, role-function and interdependence modes had a significant difference in intervention group before and after training (p<0.001), but there was no significant difference in all modes before and after intervention in control group (p>0.05)., Conclusion: Given the effect of Roy adaptation model on the different aspects of maladaptation behaviors in adolescents with asthma, it is recommended to use this model as a healthcare intervention for controlling maladaptation behaviors in adolescents with other chronic disease.

Our aim was to explore the putative beneficial effects of low-to-moderate intensity exercise training program in patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). This study evaluated the changes in blood oxidative stress status, inflammatory biomarkers and IBS severity symptoms following 24 weeks of moderate aerobic exercise in sedentary IBS patients. A total of 109 female volunteers (aged 18-41 yrs) who fulfilled Rome III criteria for the diagnosis of IBS were screened and 60 were randomized to exercise (EX, n = 30) and non-exercise (NON-EX, n = 30) groups. Exercise intervention favorably attenuated inflammation as indicated by plasma cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10 and TNF-α), adenosine deaminase, oxidative stress (XO, MDA and NO) and enhanced antioxidants (SOD, CAT and GSH-Px) (P < .05), and these alterations correlate with promising improvements in IBS symptoms (P < .05). Taken together, low-to-moderate intensity exercise training program attenuates symptoms in IBS. Symptom improvement was associated with a reversal of the ratio of anti- to pro-inflammatory cytokines as well as facilitating blood redox homeostasis, suggesting an immune- and redox modulating function for exercise training., (Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

This randomized controlled trial was conducted to examine the effects of 24 weeks of combined aerobic and resistance exercise training on seminal markers of inflammation and oxidative stress as well as markers of male reproductive function and reproductive performance in infertile patients. Of a total of 1296 infertile patients (aged 25-40 years) who were screened, 556 were randomly assigned to exercise (n = 278) and nonexercise (n = 278) groups. Semen samples were taken before and at 12 and 24 weeks as well as 7 and 30 days post-intervention. The training program reduced seminal proinflammatory cytokines (interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, IL-8, and tumor necrosis factor alpha) and markers of oxidative stress (reactive oxygen species, malondialdehyde, and 8-isoprostane) (P < 0.05). Additional improvements were also achieved in seminal antioxidant defense system (superoxide dismutase, catalase, and total antioxidant capacity) (P < 0.05). Training-induced changes in inflammation and oxidative stress status correlated with favorable improvements in semen parameters, sperm DNA integrity, and pregnancy rate (P < 0.05). In conclusion, these results support the evidence for the favorable effects of combined aerobic and resistance exercise training in male factor infertility.

Pneumocystis jirovecii is an opportunistic organism that can cause extreme complications such as Pneumocystis pneumonia in immunocompromised individuals. There is no comprehensive study was conducted Iran to determine the prevalence of this infection in susceptible individuals. In the present study, 160 sera samples were collected from immunocompromised patients, including acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) patients, diabetic patients, Hodgkin lymphoma patients and non-Hodgkin lymphoma patients. The specimens were collected from Imam Khomeini and army's 501 hospitals. The specimens were examined using indirect fluorescent antibody test. The results of the study showed that 39.30% specimens were found positive, with different rates in different groups, including 20, 22.50, 37.50, and 77.50% of diabetic patients, non-Hodgkin patients, Hodgkin lymphoma patients, and AIDS patients, respectively. This occurrence is relatively high and can be a potential life-threatening hazard to infected patients in studied groups, on the other hand the organism can be transmitted from infected people to other susceptible individuals.

This study investigated for the first time the changes in seminal markers of inflammation, oxidative stress status, semen parameters, sperm DNA integrity as well as pregnancy rate following 24weeks of moderate aerobic exercise in infertile patients. A total of 1026 sedentary men (aged 25-40years) attending the infertility clinic with history of more than one year of infertility, were screened and 419 were randomized to either exercise (EX, n=210) or non-exercise (NON-EX, n=209) groups. Exercise training favorably attenuated seminal markers of both inflammation (IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-α) and oxidative stress (ROS, MDA, 8-Isoprostane) as well as enhanced antioxidant defense system (SOD, catalase and TAC) (P<0.05). These changes correlate with favorable improvements in semen parameters, sperm DNA integrity and pregnancy rate (P<0.05). The results provide information about the effectiveness of moderate aerobic exercise training as a treatment option for male factor infertility. The 4-week detraining period was not enough to reverse all benefits promoted by exercise intervention., (Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT), high-intensity continuous training (HICT) and high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on markers of male reproduction including seminal markers of oxidative stress and inflammation as well as semen quality and sperm DNA integrity in healthy human subjects. A total of 397 healthy male volunteers were screened and 280 were randomly assigned to one of the MICT (n = 70), HICT (n = 70), HIIT (n = 70) and non-exercise (NON-EX, n = 70) groups. Subjects had inflammatory markers (IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8 and TNF-α), oxidants (ROS, MDA and 8-isoprostane), antioxidants (SOD, catalase and TAC), semen parameters and sperm DNA damage measured at baseline (T 1 ), the end of week 12 (T 2 ), the end of week 24 (T 3 ), and 7 (T 4 ) and 30 days (T 5 ) after training. Chronic MICT, HICT and HIIT attenuated seminal markers of oxidative stress and inflammation with different kinetics for the three types of exercise (P < 0.05), and these changes were correlated with favorable improvements in semen quality parameters and sperm DNA integrity (P < 0.05). MICT was superior to HICT and HIIT in the improvements of markers of male reproductive function (P < 0.05). In conclusion, different exercise modalities favorably affect markers of male reproduction with different kinetics, suggesting intensity-, duration- and type-dependent adaptations to exercise training in healthy human subjects., (© 2017 Society for Reproduction and Fertility.)

The aim of this study was to investigate whether honey supplementation (70g, ninety minutes before each training session) attenuates changes in lymphocyte counts, DNA damage, cytokines, antioxidative and peroxidative biomarkers following moderate-to-intensive exercise training in male road cyclists. Healthy nonprofessional cyclists (n=24, aged 17-26years) were randomly assigned to exercise+supplement (EX+S, n=12) and exercise (EX, n=12) groups for an experimental period of 16weeks. Moderate-to-intensive exercise training increased lymphocytes DNA damage, cytokines and peroxidative biomarkers as well as decreased antioxidative biomarkers in the EX group. These changes were significantly attenuated in the EX+S group. Furthermore, for both groups the observed changes in peroxidative and antioxidative biomarkers could be correlated positively and negatively, respectively, with lymphocyte DNA damage and cytokines. Findings suggest that honey attenuates oxidative stress and lymphocyte DNA damage after exercise, activities that are most likely attributable to its high antioxidant capacity., (Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Silver (Ag) nanoparticles were electrochemically deposited on the film of a metformin functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotube modified glassy carbon electrode (Met-MWCNT/GCE), which fabricated an Ag@Met-MWCNT nanocomposite sensor (Ag@Met-MWCNT/GCE) to detect entacapone (ENT). The Ag@Met-MWCNT nanocomposite was characterized by field emission scanning electrochemical microscopy (FESEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, FT-IR and electrochemical tests. The modified electrode showed a large electrocatalytic activity for reduction of ENT. This improved activity indicates that Met@MWCNT plays a crucial role in the dispersion and stabilization of Ag nanoparticles on GCE. Under the optimized conditions the linear range for the detection of the ENT was obtained to be 0.05 to 70.0μM with a low detection limit of 15.3nM. The proposed sensor can effectively analyse ENT concentration in pharmaceutical formulations and human urine samples, avoiding interference, and is a promising ENT sensor due to good sensitivity, stability and low cost., (Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Objective: To examine the effects of long-term low-to-intensive cycling training on seminal cytokines and semen parameters in male road cyclists., Design: Repeated measures design., Setting: The Exercise Physiology Laboratory of the Urmia University., Participants: Twenty-four healthy nonprofessional male road cyclists (23.1 ± 6.2 years) participated in this study., Interventions: All subjects participated in a 16-week low-to-intensive cycling training. The semen samples were collected, respectively, at baseline (T1), immediately (T2), 12 (T3), and 24 (T4) hours after the last training session in week 8; immediately (T5), 12 (T6), and 24 (T7) hours after the last training session in week 16; as well as 7 (T8) and 30 (T9) days after the last training session in week 16., Main Outcome Measures: Semen volume, sperm motility, sperm morphology, sperm concentration, and number of spermatozoa as well as seminal interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, IL-8, and tumor necrosis factor-α in seminal plasma from male road cyclists., Results: The levels of seminal IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-8 increased (P < 0.008) and remained high after 30 days of recovery. Semen volume, sperm motility, sperm morphology, sperm concentration, and number of spermatozoa decreased (P < 0.008). All of the above-mentioned variables (with the exception of semen volume, sperm motility, and sperm concentration) remained low after 30 days of recovery (P < 0.008)., Conclusions: A 16-week low-to-intensive cycling training may have deleterious consequences for spermatozoa and hence may have an impact on male fertility among cyclists., Clinical Relevance: Given that exercise can affect reproductive system among male cyclists, hence cyclists may routinely employ sufficient rest after their training sessions to ensure that the sperm healthy parameters and seminal immunological profiles have properly recovered from the last training sessions.

Background: Stroke is a stressful event with several functional, physical, psychological, social, and economic problems that affect individuals' different living balances. With coping strategies, patients try to control these problems and return to their natural life. The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of a care plan based on Roy adaptation model biological dimension on stroke patients' physiologic adaptation level., Materials and Methods: This study is a clinical trial in which 50 patients, affected by brain stroke and being admitted in the neurology ward of Kashani and Alzahra hospitals, were randomly assigned to control and study groups in Isfahan in 2013. Roy adaptation model care plan was administered in biological dimension in the form of four sessions and phone call follow-ups for 1 month. The forms related to Roy adaptation model were completed before and after intervention in the two groups. Chi-square test and t-test were used to analyze the data through SPSS 18., Results: There was a significant difference in mean score of adaptation in physiological dimension in the study group after intervention (P < 0.001) compared to before intervention. Comparison of the mean scores of changes of adaptation in the patients affected by brain stroke in the study and control groups showed a significant increase in physiological dimension in the study group by 47.30 after intervention (P < 0.001)., Conclusions: The results of study showed that Roy adaptation model biological dimension care plan can result in an increase in adaptation in patients with stroke in physiological dimension. Nurses can use this model for increasing patients' adaptation.

A new mononuclear Zn(II) complex, trans-[Zn(Pir)2(DMSO)2], where Pir(-) is 4-hydroxy-2-methyl-N-2-pyridyl-2H-1,2-benzothiazine-3-carboxamide-1,1-dioxide (piroxicam), has been synthesized and characterized. The crystal structure of the complex was obtained by the single crystal X-ray diffraction technique. The interaction of the complex with DNA and BSA was investigated. The complex interacts with FS-DNA by two binding modes, viz., electrostatic and groove binding (major and minor). The microenvironment and the secondary structure of BSA are changed in the presence of the complex. The anticancer effects of the seven complexes of oxicam family were also determined on the human K562 cell lines and the results showed reasonable cytotoxicities. The interactions of the oxicam complexes with BSA and DNA were modeled by molecular docking and molecular dynamic simulation methods., (Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

A simple and sensitive sensor was proposed for the rapid determination of tiopronin (TP) using a carbon paste electrode (CPE) modified with synthesized nanocrystalline Ni50-Fe50 alloys (nano-Ni50-Fe50) and ferrocene carboxylic acid (FcCa). The synthesized nano-Ni50-Fe50 was characterized by different methods such as TEM, SEM and XRD. The electrochemical oxidation of TP on the nano-Ni50-Fe50/FcCa carbon paste electrode (nano-Ni50-Fe50/FcCa/CPE) was studied. The nano-Ni50-Fe50/FcCa/CPE exhibited good electrocatalytic properties towards oxidation of TP in phosphate buffer solution (pH7.0) with an overpotential of about 500 mV lower than that of the bare electrode. The rate constant for the catalytic oxidation of TP was evaluated by rotating disk voltammetry and the value of kc was found to be 3.2 × 10(7) cm(3)mol(-1)s(-1). Using differential pulse voltammetry (DPV), the determination of TP was explored at the modified electrode. The results indicated that the differential pulse response of TP was linear with its concentration in the range of 0.01-50.0 μM. The detection limit was 7.46 nM (S/N=3). The proposed sensor was successfully applied for the determination of TP in tablet and urine samples., (Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Periodontitis (PD) is known to be one of most prevalent worldwide chronic inflammatory diseases. There are several treatments including antibiotics for PD; however, since drug resistance is an increasing problem, new drugs particularly derived from plants with fewer side effects are required. The effects of trans-anethole on IL-1 β and TNF-α level in a rat model of PD were investigated and compared to ketoprofen. Eschericia coli lipopolysaccharide (LPS, 30 µg) was injected bilaterally into the palatal gingiva (3 µL/site) between the upper first and second molars every two days for 10 days in anesthetized rats. Administration of either trans-anethole (10 or 50 mg/Kg, i.p.) or ketoprofen (10 mg/Kg, i.p.) was started 20 minute before LPS injection and continued for 10 days. Then, IL-1β and TNF-α levels were measured in blood samples by ELISA at day 0 (control) and at day 10. Anethole at both concentrations significantly suppressed IL-1β and TNF-α production when compared to LPS-treated rats. The suppressive effects of anethole on LPS-induced pro-inflammatory cytokines were almost similar as seen with ketoprofen. In conclusion, the present results suggest that anethole may have a potent inhibitory effect on PD through suppression of pro-inflammatory molecules; therefore it could be a novel therapeutic strategy for PD.

A mononuclear Ru(II) complex containing two piroxicam (Pir(-)) ligands was synthesized and fully characterized. Interaction studies of the Pir(-) anion and the Ru(II) complex with DNA and BSA were carried out using spectroscopic techniques. The results suggested that the Pir(-) anion binds to DNA in a moderately strong fashion via intercalation between the base stacks of double-stranded DNA, while the Ru(II) complex is a groove binder and interacts with DNA with more affinity. Moreover, the results demonstrated that the microenvironment and the secondary structure of BSA were changed in the presence of Pir(‾) and Ru(II) complex. The free Pir(‾) ligand and the Ru(II) complex can lead to the photocleavage of DNA supercoiled pUC57. Finally, the binding of the Ru(II) complex to BSA and DNA was modeled by molecular docking and molecular dynamic simulation methods., (Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.)

Deaths from tuberculosis have long gripped people and threatened human health. The need for new drug compounds are critically sensed by medical scientists and practitioners due to the emergence of new strains and the slow rate of discovering novel medicines for this disease. Since plants are a rich source of diverse drug compounds, they are among the best choices to achieve new ones. The study of all plants or their compounds is an almost impossible scenario; hence bio/cheminformatics methodology can be used to reduce time and cost spent in drug discovery. For this purpose, we made several databases of anti-mycobacterial plant compounds and further found filter criteria which were able to describe more predicted bioactive compounds by the established algorithm. Also, we present the survey of the developed resource by using bio/cheminformatics tools. The presence of several anti-mycobacterial compounds in the predicted algorithm and introduction of new active compounds represent the high potential of this method. In addition, the general profile of such bioactive molecules is pinpointed using molecular descriptors and cheminformatics approach., (Copyright © 2013 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.)

Purpose: To describe the technique of endocanalicular laser dacryocystorhinostomy with mucosal flap creation and to report the outcomes of this technique., Methods: Prospective noncomparative case series of 7 patients with primary acquired nasolacrimal duct obstruction undergoing endocanalicular laser dacryocystorhinostomy with mucosal flap. The mucosal flap was created using an endoscopic endonasal approach. An endocanalicular approach was used to fashion the lacrimal sac opening and the osteotomy of the lacrimal sac fossa., Results: Nine procedures were performed in 7 female patients. Average patient age was 68±15 years. Intraoperative complications included bleeding during the creation of the mucosal flap in 1 patient. The procedure was associated with no pain to moderate pain in all cases. Anatomical success was achieved in 89% of procedures and symptomatic relief was achieved in 89% of surgeries for an average follow up of 10 ± 5 months. Only 1 patient required an external dacryocystorhinostomy revision because of postoperative restenosis., Conclusions: Endocanalicular laser dacryocystorhinostomy provides a minimally invasive approach to epiphora with a good success rate. The addition of a nasal mucosal flap to this technique may aid in proper fistulization and should be studied in larger prospective trials.

An efficient, recyclable and environmental-friendly synthetic route to polyhdroquinoline and 1,8-dioxohexahydroacridine derivatives have been developed via multi-component one-pot Hantzsch reaction of various aldehydes and ammonium acetate with (a) cyclic 1,3-dicarbonyl compounds and ethyl acetoacetate, and (b) 2 equivalents of cyclic 1,3-dicarbonyl compounds in the presence of novel polymeric catalyst [poly(AMPS-co-AA)] under solvent-free conditions. The present approach offers several advantages such as short reaction times, easy isolation and purification of product, and safe, non-toxic, recyclable and economic use of catalyst.

A 61-year-old man presents with sequential painful bilateral proptosis within 36 h and orbital compartment syndrome resulting in complete loss of vision bilaterally. Sequential urgent lateral canthotomy and cantholysis were performed to reverse the compartment syndrome. Orbital imaging showed non-specific orbital inflammation. Biopsies showed necrotizing inflammation and bloodwork was positive for c-ANCA. The patient was therefore treated with prednisone and cyclophosphomide and showed good recovery of vision in one eye, and had no recurrence of orbital inflammation. ANCA-associated orbital vasculitides are rare, but must be kept in mind in the differential diagnosis of acute orbital inflammatory syndromes.

Purpose: The objective of this study was to describe the clinical features, predisposing factors, and management of 8 new cases of spontaneous globe subluxation (SGS) and provide a review of the relevant literature., Design: Patient demographics, clinical presentations, investigations, management, complications, and outcomes were measured., Methods: This was a retrospective, case-note analysis of 8 patients with SGS and a major review of the English-language literature., Results: Eight new cases of spontaneous globe subluxation were identified with varying clinical manifestations and treatments. Literature review has shown less than 50 cases. Space-occupying lesions such as thyroid eye disease, shallow orbits, and floppy eyelids were major contributors to predisposition to SGS., Conclusions: Orbital congestion, shallow orbits, and floppy eyelids can all play a role in predisposing patients to SGS. Successful surgical management of SGS, when required, should be tailored to the individual patient profile for best results.

Background: Physicians in ancient Persia played an important role in the development of medicine in the medieval era. One of the most influential figures of this era was Abu Ali Sina or Ibn Sina, known as Avicenna in the western world. The author of more than 200 books on medicine and philosophy, Avicenna followed and further expanded on the tradition of western philosophy and medicine introduced by Aristotle, Hippocrates and Galen. Few researchers have looked into the different medical issues in his best known work, the Canon of Medicine, particularly with regard to ophthalmology. In this analysis, Avicenna's views on and contributions to the diagnosis and treatment of cataracts in his Canon were elucidated., Methods: We first reviewed an electronic copy of the Canon and then reviewed other important sources in traditional medicine including the Kamel-al-Sanaeh, Al-Havi (Continents) and Zakhireh-kharazmshahi, available in the Avicenna Special Traditional Medicine Library of Shiraz University of Medical Sciences. We also searched Medline, Embase, Scopus, Iranmedex and Science Iranian Database (SID) with these keywords: "traditional medicine," "Avicenna," "cataract", "Canon", "history", "ophthalmology" and "eye disorders"., Results: According to the Canon, nozul-al-maa or cataract is an obstructive disease in which external moisture accumulates between the aqueous humor and the corneal membrane and prevents images from entering the eye. Avicenna classified cataracts on the basis of size, density and color. According to size, he identified two types of cataracts including complete and partial obstruction. According to the Canon, surgical intervention was necessary only for certain indications. Avicenna believed that opacity in the initial stages of cataract could be diminished by medicines and foods, and described several medicines for cataracts. He believed that surgery should be postponed until the liquid accumulation stopped, and the cataract reached its mature state. After surgery, according to Avicenna, the patient should avoid headache-inducing situations because headaches could lead to edema of the layers of the eye. He further emphasized that the patient's psychological status played an important role in the success of surgery., Conclusion: An important aspect of Avicenna's contribution to the medical management of cataracts was that he believed they could be cured by medication and nutrition in their early stages without the need for surgery. He also considered the patient's mental status as an important factor contributing to the postoperative prognosis. Our review of Avicenna's writings on eye disorders in the Canon of Medicine suggests that he had a rigorous approach to the diagnosis and management of patients suffering from eye disorders.

The title salt, C(12)H(14)N(2) (2+)·2IO(3) (-), exhibits two crystallographically independent iodate anions, the I atoms of which are each in a trigonal-pyramidal environment. In the dication, the two pyridine rings adopt an anti conformation with respect to each other; the angle between these two rings is 3.84 (19)°. In the crystal structure, C-H⋯O hydrogen bonds between the cations and anions lead to the formation of layers arranged parallel to the ab plane. I⋯O halogen bonds [R(2) (2)(4) graph-set motif] range between 2.873 (2) and 3.036 (3) Å and connect neighbouring IO(3) (-) anions with each other along [100], so as to create a three-dimensional network.

Application of sulfuric acid immobilized on silica gel as an efficient and benign catalyst has been explored in the synthesis of 2-arylbenzothiazoles via condensation reaction of aldehydes with 2-aminothiophenol. The reactions proceed under heterogeneous and mild conditions in ethanol at room temperature to provide 2-arylbenzothiazoles in high yields.

One hundred and twenty-eight Bacillus thuringiensis isolates from fields of different ecological regions of Iran were collected to study the distribution and diversity of Dipteran-specific cry and cyt genes. The percentage of samples with Bt showed significant differences between different regions and also between different fields. The most Bt frequency was observed in the soil samples collected from Caspianic zone (7%) and soils of cotton (17%). Characterization of isolates was based on morphological characteristics of crystals, plasmid profiles and protein band patterns as well as PCR analysis using general and specific primers for 22 different cry and cyt genes encoding proteins active against mosquitoes. Thirty-eight different cry gene profiles were detected in this collection. Several of them were found to be different from all previously published profiles and none of the previous researches reported these numbers of profiles. Strains containing cry2-type genes were the most abundant and represent 57.1% of the isolates. Strains harboring cry24 and cry10 genes were also highly abundant (38.7 and 32.8%, respectively). cry11, cry4, cry17, cry19, cry21, cry29, cyt1, and cry9 genes were less abundant, found in 25.7, 14.3, 11.4, 1.4, 4.3, 1.4, and 10% of the strains, respectively. Among the cry2 gene containing isolates, 37.5% strains harbored cry2Aa, 55% cry2Ab, 2.5% cry2Ac, and 5% other or novel cry2-type genes. Among the cry4 gene containing isolates, 0% strains harbored cry4A, 60% cry4B, and 40% cry4C, cry4D or novel cry4 type genes. Finally, based on crystal morphology, protein patterns and PCR, 21 strains were selected as potentially high Dipteran-active for bioassays. Also our results showed that some of the isolates may harbor minimum a putative novel cry gene.

Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are at increased risk of developing osteopenia and osteoporosis. The aim of the study was to investigate the prevalence of decreased bone density and related risk factors in Iranian IBD patients. A total of 126 ulcerative colitis (UC) and 39 Crohn's disease (CD) patients were enrolled. Dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry technique was used to measure bone density, and blood samples were obtained to measure biochemical markers. To find predictive variables for bone mineral density (BMD), stepwise regression analysis was carried out. A total of 53 IBD patients (32.1%) had diminished bone mineral density at either lumbar spine (L1-L4) or femoral neck. Of these, 9 (5.4%) had osteoporosis; however, 44 (26.7%) were osteopenic. Femoral neck bone density was significantly decreased among CD patients (p<0.04). There was no significant difference in BMD between men and women. We have found significant differences in BMD T scores at lumbar L1-L4, L2-L4, and femoral neck in corticosteroid ever-users (p<0.002, p<0.001, p<0.003, respectively). There was no significant difference in biochemical markers between UC and CD patients, except that more CD patients were hypocalcemic (p<0.001). Stepwise regression analysis has revealed lumbar spine T score was predicted by age (p<0.0001), corticosteroid use (p<0.002), and body mass index (BMI) (p<0.005); however, femoral neck was predicted by age (p<0.0001), BMI (p<0.0001), smoking (p<0.009), and corticosteroid use (p<0.028). Low bone density in Iranian UC and CD patients is in accordance with Western societies. Treatment with corticosteroid has increased this possibility in both groups. Corticosteroid use, age, smoking, and BMI are predictive factors for low bone density.

Objective: This study examines the determinants of three types of child maltreatment: physical maltreatment, mental maltreatment, and child neglect among school children in the Kurdistan Province of Iran. The analysis examines the impact of socioeconomic, familial, demographic, and household dynamic factors on the three child maltreatment outcomes, and compares the differential impact of these factors across the three types of child maltreatment. A greater understanding of the factors associated with child maltreatment has the potential to inform public health interventions aimed at reducing specific forms of maltreatment and at identifying at risk populations., Methods: Data were collected from 1,370 school students, age 11-18. Separate logistic models are fitted for six binary outcomes examining self-reported experiences of physical maltreatment in the home or school, mental maltreatment in the home or school, and child neglect in the home or school., Results: Male children were more likely to report experiencing any kind of child maltreatment than girls. Residency in a rural area, poor parental relationships and the use of addictive substances by household members were associated with increased odds of reporting child maltreatment. Poor school performance was associated with the reporting of experiencing maltreatment at school., Conclusion: Each of the forms of child maltreatment is highly correlated with socioeconomic, demographic, and living condition factors. The results point to the strong influence that familial factors have in shaping a child's likelihood of reporting maltreatment. Characteristics of the mother were associated with maltreatment, but not characteristics of the father. The results highlight a number of mechanisms through which public health interventions may seek to reduce the prevalence of child maltreatment in Kurdistan; different approaches are needed to reduce child maltreatment in the home and school environments.