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Cellular proteins and the mRNAs that encode them are key factors in oocyte and sperm development, and the mechanisms that regulate their translation and degradation play an important role during early embryogenesis. There is abundant evidence that expression of microRNAs (miRNAs) is crucial for embryo development and are highly involved in regulating translation during oocyte and early embryo development. MiRNAs are a group of short (18-24 nucleotides) non-coding RNA molecules that regulate post-transcriptional gene silencing. The miRNAs are secreted outside the cell by embryos during preimplantation embryo development. Understanding regulatory mechanisms involving miRNAs during gametogenesis and embryogenesis will provide insights into molecular pathways active during gamete formation and early embryo development. This review summarizes recent findings regarding multiple roles of miRNAs in molecular signaling, plus their transport during gametogenesis and embryo preimplantation., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

microRNAs (miRNAs) have a serious and dynamic function in spermatogenesis. These molecules have been recognized as crucial parts of the control of gene activity, and their involvement in the regulation of target genes has been extensively studied. This research aimed to determine the expression of CRISP3 and miR-493-5p, miR-204-5p, and miR-182-5p in the seminal plasma fluid and spermatozoa and to examine the relationship between CRISP3 and the mentioned miRNAs in 57 infertile men with Asthenozoospermia (AZ) (n = 19), Teratoasthenozoospermia (TAZ) (n = 19), and Normozoospermia (NZ) (n = 19). The selection of these three miRNAs, miR-493-5p, miR-204-5p, and miR-182-5p, was conducted using computational prediction algorithms. These miRNAs were nominated as CRISP3-associated miRNAs that can target CRISP3. We performed the quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) method to determine the levels of the studied miRNA expression. In the following stage, the expression of two protein isoforms of CRISP3, targeted by these miRNAs, was quantified using western blotting. The results demonstrate significant differences in the levels of miR-182-5p, miR-204-5p, miR-493-5p, and CRISP3 isoforms among the patient groups. In TAZ individuals, miR-182-5p and miR-204-5p expression decreased, while miR-493-5p expression increased compared to the control samples. Additionally, significant differences were observed in the expression levels of unglycosylated and glycosylated CRISP3 isoforms between the AZ and NZ groups. Correlation analysis revealed associations between miRNA expression and the expression of CRISP3 isoforms in the patient groups. Additionally, there were correlations between the expression of CRISP3 isoforms and sperm motility and morphology. These results offer valuable insights into the underlying molecular processes associated with male infertility., (© 2024. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Society for Reproductive Investigation.)

The evaluation of the vulnerability of coupled socio-ecological systems is critical for addressing and preventing the adverse impacts of various environmental hazards and devising strategies for climate change adaptation. The initial step in vulnerability assessment involves exposure assessment, which entails quantifying and mapping the risks posed by multiple environmental hazards, thereby offering valuable insights for the implementation of vulnerability assessment methodologies. Consequently, this study sought to model the exposure of coupled social-ecological systems in mountainous regions to various environmental hazards. By a set of socio-economic, climatic, geospatial, hydrological, and demographic data, as well as satellite imagery, and examining 11 hazards, including droughts, pests, dust storms, winds, extreme temperatures, evapotranspiration, landslides, floods, wildfires, and social vulnerability, this research employed machine learning (ML) techniques and the fuzzy analytical hierarchy process (FAHP). Expert opinions were utilized to guide hazard weighting and calculate the exposure index (EI). Through the precise spatial mapping of EI variations across the socio-ecological systems in mountainous areas, this investigation provides insights into vulnerability to multiple environmental hazards, thereby laying the groundwork for future endeavors in supporting national-level vulnerability assessments aimed at fostering sustainable environments. The findings reveal that social vulnerability and pests receive the highest weighting, while floods and landslides are ranked lower. All hazards demonstrate significant correlations with the EI, with droughts exhibiting the strongest correlation (r > 0.81). Spatial analysis indicates a north-south gradient in forest exposure, with southern regions showing higher exposure hotspots (EI 29.08) compared to northern areas (EI 10.60). Validation based on Area Under Curve (AUC) and Consistency Rate (CR) in FAHP demonstrates robustness, with AUC values exceeding 0.78 and CR values below 0.1. Considering the anticipated intensification of hazards, management strategies should prioritize reducing social vulnerability, restore degraded areas using drought-resistant species, combat pests, and mitigate desertification. By integrating multidisciplinary data and expert opinions, this research contributes to informed decision-making regarding sustainable forest management and climate resilience in mountain ecosystems., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Effective restoration strategies play a crucial role in mitigating the environmental impact of mining and colliery activities while promoting ecological resilience and rejuvenating ecosystem services. However, many organizations find it challenging to understand and balance their efforts in restoring degraded lands. For example, their restoration plans lack clarity and overlook relevant ecosystem services. This study reviews and focuses on the potential restoration of ecosystem services at TATA Steel's Noamundi Iron Ore Mine and West Bokaro Colliery to contribute to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG-15, for localization. The approach involved assessing the number of preventive measures being implemented to restore a particular ecosystem service. Moreover, the potential of each preventive measure is to restore that ecosystem service. The findings underscore the significance of preventive measures and comprehensive restoration plans in enhancing carbon sequestration, soil fertility, habitat creation, and genetic diversity conservation. Our results showed that the impact scores and ranks of various ecosystem services demonstrate the positive effects of restoration efforts, emphasizing the importance of reestablishing forests, restoring water bodies and wetlands, and allocating land for agriculture and public use. The research provides valuable insights for decision-makers in developing sustainable land management strategies, ensuring biodiversity conservation and local communities' well-being. By prioritizing ecosystem services in restoration initiatives, stakeholders can contribute to the sustainable management of natural resources and foster a harmonious coexistence between human activities and the environment., Competing Interests: The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (© 2024 The Authors.)

The examination of the influence of morphine on behavioral processes, specifically learning and memory, holds significant importance. Additionally, microtubule proteins play a pivotal role in cellular functions, and the dynamics of microtubules contribute to neural network connectivity, information processing, and memory storage. however, the molecular mechanism of morphine on microtubule dynamics, learning, and memory remains uncovered. In the present study, we examined the effects of chronic morphine administration on memory formation impairment and the kinetic alterations in microtubule proteins induced by morphine in mice. Chronic morphine administration at doses of 5 and 10 mg/kg dose-dependently decreased subjects' performance in spatial memory tasks, such as the Morris Water Maze and Y-maze spontaneous alternation behavior. Furthermore, morphine was found to stabilize microtubule structure, and increase polymerization, and total polymer mass. However, it simultaneously impaired microtubule dynamicity, stemming from structural changes in tubulin dimer structure. These findings emphasize the need for careful consideration of different doses when using morphine, urging a more cautious approach in the administration of this opioid medication., Competing Interests: The authors report no conflict of interest., (© 2024 The Authors.)

Background: The aim of the current study is to assess the prevalence of different categories of thyroid dysfunction and their associated risk factors among the modern urban population of Tehran, the capital of Iran., Methods: The present investigation is a sub-study of the HAMRAH study, a population-based prospective study designed to assess the prevalence of traditional cardiovascular risk factors and their changes through a 10-year follow-up. 2228 (61% female) adults aged between 30 and 75 years old and with no overt cardiovascular diseases were selected through a multistage cluster randomized sampling. Blood levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), thyroxin (T4), and triiodothyronine (T3) were measured with the aim of assessing the prevalence of abnormal thyroid function status among the modern urban Iranian population, and in order to report the total prevalence of participants with clinical hypo- or hyperthyroidism, the number of individuals taking thyroid-related drugs were added to the ones with overt thyroid dysfunction. A subgroup analysis was also performed to determine the associated risk factors of thyroid dysfunction., Results: The prevalence of thyroid dysfunction among the total population was 7% (95%CI: 5.9 - 8%) and 0.4% (95% CI: 0.1 - 0.6%) for subclinical and overt hypothyroidism, and 1.6% (95% CI: 1 - 2%) and 0.2% (95% CI: 0 - 0.3%) for subclinical and overt hyperthyroidism, respectively. Clinical thyroid dysfunction was detected in 10.3% of the study population (9.4% had clinical hypo- and 0.9% had clinical hyperthyroidism). In the subgroup analysis, thyroid dysfunction was significantly more prevalent among the female participants (P-value = 0.029)., Conclusions: In the current study, the prevalence of different categories of abnormal thyroid status, and also the rate of clinical hypo- and hyperthyroidism was assessed using the data collected from the first phase of the HAMRAH Study. In this study, we detected a higher prevalence of clinical and subclinical hypothyroidism among the Iranian population compared to the previous studies., (© 2023. The Author(s).)

The protection of human sperm during cryopreservation is of great importance to infertility. Recent studies have shown that this area is still a long way from its ultimate aim of maintaining the maximum viability of sperm in cryopreservation. The present study used trehalose and gentiobiose to prepare the human sperm freezing medium during the freezing-thawing. The freezing medium of sperm was prepared with these sugars, and the sperm were then cryopreserved. The viable cells, sperm motility parameters, sperm morphology, membrane integrity, apoptosis, acrosome integrity, DNA fragmentation, mitochondrial membrane potential, reactive oxygen radicals, and malondialdehyde concentration was evaluated using standard protocols. A higher percentage of the total and progressive motility, rate of viable sperm, cell membrane integrity, DNA and acrosome integrity, and mitochondrial membrane potential were observed in the two frozen treatment groups compared to the frozen control. The cells had less abnormal morphology due to treatment with the new freezing medium than the frozen control. The higher malondialdehyde and DNA fragmentation were significantly observed in the two frozen treatment groups than in the frozen control. According to the results of this study, the use of trehalose and gentiobiose in the sperm freezing medium is a suitable strategy for sperm freezing to improve its motion and cellular parameters., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist., (Copyright: © 2023 Gholami et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.)

The POU domain, class 5, transcription factor 1 (POU5F1), plays a vital role in creating pluripotency and maintaining self-renewal of the spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs). In this experimental research, the gene and protein expression of POU5F1 in two populations of differentiated and undifferentiated spermatogonia were examined, by immunohistochemistry (IMH), immunocytochemistry (ICC) and Fluidigm real-time RT-PCR. Our study was extended with online databases and the creation of PPI networks. The results indicated that the POU5F1 protein was localized in the basal compartment of seminiferous tubules. Under in vitro conditions, isolated SSC colonies were ICC-positive for the POU5F1, but the protein expression level of POU5F1 in the undifferentiated populations was higher than that in differentiated. A significant POU5F1 mRNA expression was seen in passage 4 compared to passage 0 for both populations. POU5F1 has a significantly higher mRNA expression in undifferentiated SSCs than that in differentiated SSCs, also in mESCs than in SSC-like cells. Bioinformatic analysis on POU5F1 shows its impressive connection with other genes involved in spermatogonia differentiation. These results support the advanced investigations of spermatogonia differentiation, both in vitro and in vivo. A better understanding of the POU5F1 gene and its function during differentiation will give the scientific community an open perspective for the development of direct differentiation of SSC to other male germline cells which is very important in infertility treatment., (© 2022. Akadémiai Kiadó Zrt.)

Complex interrelationships between landscape-level geoenvironmental factors and natural phenomena have rendered land degradation control measures ineffective. For control to be effective, this study argues that the interactions between different geoenvironmental factors and gully erosion (as an indicator of land degradation) should be more fully investigated and spatially mapped. To do so, gully locations of the Konduran watershed, Iran, were detected in the field and modeled in response to seventeen geoenvironmental factors using three machine learning methods, i.e., multivariate adaptive regression splines (MARS), random forest (RF), regularized random forest (RRF), and Bayesian generalized linear model (Bayesian GLM). The models' performance was validated, the relationship of gully occurrence with each factor was quantified, the probability of gully erosion (i.e., land degradation) was retrospectively estimated, and the spatially explicit maps of land degradation susceptibility were produced. Based on the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC), the RRF and MARS models with AUC = 0.98 achieved the greatest goodness-of-fit with the training dataset, whereas the RF model with AUC = 0.83 showed the greatest ability in predicting future gully occurrences. Further scrutinization using the sensitivity and specificity metrics demonstrated the efficiency of the RF model for correctly classifying the gully (sensitivity-training = 92%; sensitivity-validation = 90%) and non-gully (specificity-training = 95%; specificity-validation = 68%) pixels. Nearly 13% of the study area ended up being the hardest hit region due to their general characteristics of distance from roads and rives, altitude, and normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) that were identified as the most influential factors in gully erosion occurrence. Given the resolution quality and reliable predictive accuracy, our spatially explicit maps of land susceptibility to gully erosion can be used by authorities and urban planners for identifying the target areas for rehabilitation and making more informed decisions for infrastructure development. Although our study was strictly focused on a certain region, our recommendations and implications are of global significance., (Copyright © 2022 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

The objective was to compare effects of encapsulated or free glutathione (GSH) on the quality of frozen-thawed bull sperm. Ejaculates were collected via artificial vagina from six mature Holstein bulls once weekly for 6 weeks. All ejaculates had motility ≥70%, sperm concentration ≥1.0 × 10 9 /ml and ≤15% morphologically abnormal sperm. Each week, semen was pooled and diluted with lecithin-based extenders containing various concentrations of encapsulated (E0, E1, E2.5 and E5 mM) or free (F0, F1, F2.5 and F5 mM) GSH, with total glutathione content determined before and after cryopreservation. Total GSH in fresh semen was (mean+SEM) 4.8 ± 0.2 nmol/10 8 sperm, whereas in frozen-thawed semen of group F0 (control), it decreased to 1.4 ± 0.2 nmol/10 8 sperm, a 70.8% reduction (p < .05). In addition, total GSH in frozen-thawed semen from groups E2.5, E5 and F5 were 2.4 ± 0.2, 2.8 ± 0.2 and 1.8 ± 0.2 nmol/10 8 sperm, respectively (E5 versus. F0, p < .05). Compared to group F0, frozen-thawed sperm from group E2.5 had greater (p < .05) percentages of sperm that were viable (Annexin-V) (61.1 ± 1.8 versus. 71.1 ± 1.8) and that had cell membrane integrity (eosin-nigrosin) (64.5 ± 3.1 versus. 80.0 ± 3.1). Furthermore, frozen-thawed sperm from group E2.5 had the numerically highest total and progressive motility (CASA) and cell membrane functionality (HOS) and the lowest percentage of early apoptotic sperm (Annexin-V). However, acrosome membrane integrity (PSA) of E5 had the lowest mean (p < .05), whereas E2.5 caused a small nonsignificant decrease (69.1 ± 1.4%) compared to E0 and F0. In conclusion, 2.5 mM encapsulated GSH in semen extender significantly improved the quality of frozen-thawed bull sperm., (© 2022 Wiley-VCH GmbH.)

Climate change and combining related parameters of environmental hazards have left a considerable challenge in assessing social-ecological vulnerability. Here we integrated a fuzzy-based approach in the vulnerability assessment of mangrove social-ecological systems combining environmental parameters, socio-economic, and vegetative components from exposure dimensions, sensitivity and adaptive capacity along the northern coasts of the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman for the first time. This study aims to provide critical information for habitat-scale management strategies and adaptation plans by assessing the vulnerability of mangrove social-ecological systems. This study provides a methodology framework that consists of five steps. Step 1: We combined the fuzzy weighted maps of seven environmental hazards, including tidal range, maximum wind speeds, drought magnitude, maximum temperatures, extreme storm surge, sea-level rise, significant wave height, and social vulnerability. This map combination determined that the computed exposure index is from 1.07 to 4.32 across the study areas, with an increasing trend from the coasts of the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman. Step 2: We integrated the fuzzy weighted maps of four sensitivity variables, including area change, health change, seaward edge retreat, and production potential change. The findings show that the sensitivity index is from 1.40 to 2.64 across the study areas, increasing the trend from the Persian Gulf coast to the Gulf of Oman. Step 3: Besides, we combined the fuzzy weighted maps of three adaptive capacity variables, including the availability of migration areas, recruitment, and local communities' participation in restoration projects and education programs. The result showed that the index value across the study areas varies between 0.087 and 2.38, decreasing the trend from the Persian Gulf coast to the Gulf of Oman. Step 4: Implementing fuzzy hierarchical analysis process to determine the relative weight of variables corresponding to exposure, sensitivity and adaptive capacity. Step 5: The integration of exposure, sensitivity and adaptive capacity and the vulnerability index maps in the study areas showed variation from 0.25 to 5.92, with the vulnerability of mangroves from the west coast of the Persian Gulf (Nayband) decreasing towards Khamir, then increasing to the eastern coasts of the Gulf of Oman (Jask and Gwadar). Overall, the results indicate the importance of the proposed approach to the vulnerability of mangroves at the habitat scale along a coastal area and across environmental gradients of climatic, maritime and socio-economic variables. This study validated the findings based on the ground truth measurements, and high-resolution satellite data incorporated the Consistency Rate (CR) in the Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process (FAHP). The overall accuracy of all classified remote sensing images and maps consistently exceeded 90%, and the CR of the 25 completed questionnaires was <0.1. Finally, this study indicates differences in vulnerability of various habitats, leading to focus conservation completion and rehabilitation and climate change adaptation planning to support the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG)-13 implementation., (Copyright © 2021 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Numerous evidences suggested that microRNAs (miRs) could play an active and significant role during spermatogenesis. Cysteine-rich secretory protein (CRISP3) has a role in inflammatory response and is extremely over-expressed in adolescents with varicocele seminal plasma and modified semen analysis. Nowadays, the miRs expression's association with their target genes is well recognized. The aim of this study was evaluating the association of CRISP3 and four candidate miRs among teratozoospermia (TZ) infertile men. First, we have selected four miRs, miR-182-5p, miR-192-5p, miR-204-5p, and miR-493-5p bioinformatically. After that, RNA was extracted from semen samples of 21 TZ patients and 20 normozoospermia (Norm). Then, their expression levels were assessed using real-time polymerase chain reaction method. In the next step, we quantified the expression of two CRISP3 protein isoforms, targeted by these miRs, using western blotting. According to our results, up-regulation of miR-182-5p, miR-192-5p, and miR-493-5p was observed. MiR-182-5p, miR-192-5p, and miR-493-5p showed good AUC values which can be introduced as possible biomarkers of TZ. In addition, the expression level of the CRISP3 glycosylated (31 kDa) isoform was significantly lower in TZ patients than Norm ones. Notably, in TZ patients, there was a possibly positive correlation of glycosylated CRISP3 expression with normal sperm morphology. According to our results, CRISP3 protein can play a significant role in male infertility especially in maturation formation of spermatozoa. Also, deregulation of the studied miRs, miR-182-5p, miR-92-5p, and miR-493-5p, can suggest a regulatory network between these miRs and CRISP3 isoforms and suggest their regulatory roles in male infertility.

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have a particular expression in the testicular tissue and exhibit a regulatory function on the reproduction system. ANO1-AS2 (linc02584), as an lncRNA is located near the anoctamin1 (ANO1) gene. ANO1 is an important component of the transmembrane system exhibiting expression modifications in the idiopathic infertile men. Therefore, the present study was conducted to investigate the relationship between ANO1-AS2 and ANO1 gene expression with sperm motility and morphology in the patients with asthenozoospermia (AZ) and terato- asthenozoospermia (TAZ). The study population included 32 patients with AZ, 35 patients with TAZ, and 34 people with normozoospermia (NZ, control). The expression levels of ANO1 gene and ANO1-AS2 in the spermatozoa were measured by the quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Docking analysis was performed to investigate the interactions of the ANO1 gene promoter and intermediate elements with ANO1-AS2. ANO1 gene expression was significantly (P < 0.05) downregulated in the patients however; ANO1-AS2 expression was significantly upregulated (P < 0.05). The subsequent analysis confirmed the inverse correlation between ANO1 and ANO1-AS2. ANO1 gene expression level was significantly positively correlated with sperm motility and morphology (P < 0.05). Moreover, ANO1-AS2 expression showed an inverse correlation with sperm motility and morphology (P < 0.05). Docking analysis confirmed that ANO1-AS2 could stably interact with ANO1 gene promoter. In conclusion, ANO1-AS2 is likely to downregulate the ANO1 gene by interacting with ANO1 gene promoter, which can influence the sperm motility and morphology., (Copyright © 2020 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

This study relates changes in social vulnerability of 20 counties on the northern coasts of the Persian Gulf (PG) and the Gulf of Oman (GO) over a 30-year period (1988-2017) to changing socio-economic conditions and environmental (climate) hazard. Social vulnerability in 2030, 2040 and 2050 is predicted based on the RCP8.5 climate change scenario that projects drought intensities and rising sea levels. Social vulnerability was based on the three dimensions of sensitivity, exposure, and adaptive capacity using 18 socio-economic and five climate indicators identified by experts. All but one indicator related very strongly to the dimension it sought to represent. Despite improvements in adaptive capacity over time, social vulnerability increased between 1988 and 2017 and rates of change accelerated after change point years that occurred between 1998 and 2002 in most counties. Extrapolating past changes of each indicator over time enabled forecasts of social vulnerability in the future. While social variability decreased between 2017 and 2030, it increased again between 2030 and 2050. The lowest future social vulnerability is expected along the eastern PG coast, the greatest along the western PG and the GO. The worsening of socio-economic indicators contributed to increased sensitivity, and increased drought intensities plus the expected rise in sea levels will lead to social vulnerabilities in 2050 comparable to present levels. Between 1.4 and 1.7 M people will live in areas that are likely submerged by water in the future. About 80% of these people live in six counties with variable social vulnerabilities. While counties with lower social variabilities might be better able to cope with the challenges posed by climate change, adaptation programs to enhance the resilience of the residents in these and the remaining counties along the PG and the GO need to be implemented soon to avoid uncontrolled mass migration of millions of people from the region., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2020 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Studies reported that Δ 9 -tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ 9 -THC) is an essential drug as an anti-cancer, neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory, and immune-modulatory agent. However, the mechanism by which Δ 9 -THC causes these events remains to be elucidated. We attempted to investigate the in vivo studies of Δ 9 -THC on brain microtubule dynamicity, and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity. The microtubule polymerization, secondary and tertiary structures of α/β-tubulins, as well as the AChE activity, were evaluated in the experimental groups. The significantly lowest optical density and initial rate of polymerization was observed in THC 3 mg/kg, THC 9 mg/kg, and THC 18 mg/kg treated groups. The content of secondary and tertiary structures of α/β-tubulins was significantly affected in treated groups. The AChE activity was significantly lower in treated groups in a dose-dependent manner. These data highlight the microtubule dynamicity as a molecular target for Δ 9 -THC, which affects memory dysfunction. However, Δ 9 -THC can be inhibited the AChE activity and provide an improved therapeutics for neurodegenerative diseases., (Copyright © 2020 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Determining the level of ecosystems exposure to multiple environmental hazards or risk factors is of paramount importance for developing, adopting, and planning management strategies to minimize the harmful effects of these hazards. We quantified the level of exposure of mangroves on the northern coasts of the Persian Gulf (PG) and the Gulf of Oman (GO) between 1986 and 2019 to eight environmental hazards, i.e., drought, maximum temperatures, rising sea levels, change of freshwater inflows to coasts, extreme storm surges, significant wave height (SWH), seaward edge retreat in the mangroves, and fishery intensity. Based on expert opinion, fuzzy weights were used to integrate these exposures into a single index (EI) for the region. Experts gave the greatest weight/importance to the risks posed by sea-level rise and seaward retreat of mangroves and the lowest risk to significant wave height and fishery intensity in coastal waters. The overall EI and six of eight individual variables (except fishery intensity and maximum temperatures) pointed to exposure levels of mangroves that increased from the coasts of the PG (EI 0.69) to the GO (EI 6.69). Since these hazards are expected to continue in the future, local/regional management responses should focus on minimizing regional anthropogenic threats and halt conversion of natural areas to agricultural and open areas to maintain freshwater inputs to coastal areas, particularly on the GO. Further, uplands that may serve as future refugia into which mangroves may expand over time as sea levels continue to rise should be protected from development. This was the first study that used an analytic framework to compute a mangrove exposure index to a suite of physical and socio-economic hazards across a region. This framework may provide insights into cost-effective resilience-based design and management of socio-ecologically coupled ecosystems in an era of increasing types and intensities of environmental hazards., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2020 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Cysteine-Rich Secretory Protein 2 (CRISP2) plays an important role in the morphology and motion of male ejaculated spermatozoa. The association of its expression with some miRNAs is also well known. The aim of this study was to determine the expression of CRISP2 and mir-582 in the seminal plasma fluid and spermatozoa of three groups of infertile men and the possible association of their expressions. In this experimental study, the expression of CRISP2 in seminal plasma fluid and spermatozoa of 17 men with asthenozoospermia, 15 men with teratozoospermia, 17 men with teratoasthenozoospermia, and 18 infertile individuals with normozoospermia were measured using western blotting. Then by using bioinformatics studies, miR-582-5p was nominated as a CRISP2-associated miRNA, and its expression was evaluated by means of Real-Time PCR. Comparison of expression of CRISP2 and miRNA-582 in the studied groups was analyzed by t-test and Mann-Whitney U test. The expression of CRISP2 showed a significant reduction in the spermatozoa and seminal plasma fluid of all three groups, (p < 0.05). MiR-582-5p expression significantly increased in teratozoospermia patients (<0.05), and significantly decreased in teratoasthenozoospermia patients (p < 0.05). Meanwhile, changes in the expression of miR-582-5p in teratoasthenozoospermia individuals was associated with a decrease in the expression of CRISP2, which could represent the potential role of miR-582-5p in regulation of CRISP2 expression in teratoasthenozoospermia individuals., (Copyright © 2019 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Coastal vulnerability assessment has become one of the most important tools for decision making and providing effective managerial solutions to reduce adverse socio-economic impacts of multiple environmental hazards on coupled social-ecological systems of coastal areas. The aim of this study was to assess the vulnerability of the northern coasts of the Persian Gulf (PG) and the Gulf of Oman (GO) in the Hormozgan province of Iran. Nine variables of vulnerability that included the rate of coastline change, relative sea level rise, coastal slope, mean tidal range, coastal geomorphology, significant wave height (SWH), extreme storm surge, population density, and fishing intensity were weighted, mapped, and combined into the Coastal vulnerability index (CVI). Experts viewed sea level rise, shoreline change and extreme storm surge as most important for imparting vulnerabilities on the northern coasts of PG and GO. Socio-economic variables (i.e., population density and fishery intensity) were considered least important. Of the total length of the provincial shoreline, 27% were classified into the very low vulnerability class, 31% into the low, 17.4% into the moderate, 15.4% into the high, and 9.2% into the very high vulnerability class. About 1295 km (58%) of shorelines were classified into the low and very low vulnerability classes (CVI value ≤ 8.32) and mainly consisted of shorelines on the western coast along the PG. In contrast, 553 km (24.6%) of shorelines were classified into the high and very high vulnerability classes (CVI values > 13.39) and were located along the central coasts (especially in the Qeshm Island and Strait of Hormuz) and on the east coasts of the GO. At least a quarter of all shorelines in the province have high and very high vulnerability to environmental hazards that are the harbingers of climate change., (Copyright © 2019 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Physicochemical properties of water molecules as the main compositions of the freezing media can be affected by the electromagnetic fled. The purpose of this study was to apply extremely low repetition rate electromagnetic fields (ELEFs) to change the molecular network of water molecules existing in freezing media used for human sperm cryopreservation. First, different time periods and pulsed electromagnetic fields were used to evaluate the physiochemical properties of water. The lowest rate of cluster size, surface tension, viscosity, and density was observed for water samples exposed to 1000 Hz ELEF for 60 min (P < 0.05) that could be results in small ice crystal formation. Therefore, this treatment was selected for further evaluations in human sperm freezing because there was minimal probability of amorphous ice crystallization in this group. To assess fertilizing potential, human semen samples were subjected to ELEF (1000 Hz) water-made freezing medium and cryopreserved. The highest percentage of total motility, progressive motility, viability, membrane integrity, mitochondrial membrane potential, DNA integrity, and TAC were obtained in frozen ELEF as compared to other groups. The percentage of viable spermatozoa (Annexin V-/PI-) in frozen ELEF was significantly higher than in frozen control. The level of ROS was significantly lower in frozen ELEF when compared to frozen control. It can be concluded that the modification of physicochemical properties of water existing in cryopreservation media by ELEF is a suitable strategy to improve the outcome of cryopreservation., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist.

Background: Microtubule proteins are able to produce electromagnetic fields and have an important role in memory formation, and learning. Therefore, microtubules have the potential to be affected by exogenous electromagnetic fields. This study aimed to examine the comparison of microtubule polymerization and its structural behavior in brain and sperm affected by 50 Hz extremely low-frequency electromagnetic field (ELEF)., Results: Twenties adult male rats were randomly and equally divided into control and experimental groups, to evaluate the effect of 50 Hz ELEF on the sperm and brain functions. Plus-maze, serum testosterone and corticosterone, and sperm evaluation were performed. Next, the semen and brain samples were obtained, and they were divided into four experimental groups for investigation of microtubule polymerization. There was no significant difference in testosterone and, corticosterone levels, anxiety behaviors, and sperm morphology between control and ELEF-exposure groups. The sperm viability, total and progressive motility were significantly higher in the ELEF-exposed group than that of the control group. The microtubule polymerization in sperm ELEF was significantly higher than in other groups. The secondary and tertiary structures of tubulins were significantly affected in the brain, and sperm ELEF groups., Conclusion: It seems that the polymerization of microtubules and conformational changes of tubulin dimers are improved by ELEF application.

Leaf Area Index (LAI; as an indicator of the health) of the mangrove ecosystems on the northern coasts of the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman was measured in the field and modeled in response to observed (1986-2017) and predicted (2018-2100) drought occurrences (quantified using the Standardized Precipitation Index [SPI]). The relationship of LAI with the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) obtained from satellite images was quantified, the LAI between 1986 and 2017 retrospectively estimated, and a relationship between LAI and SPI developed for the same period. Long-term climate data were used as input in the RCP8.5 climate change scenario to reconstruct recent and forecast future drought intensities. Both the NDVI and the SPI were strongly related with the LAI, indicating that realistic LAI values were derived from historic satellite data to portray annual changes of LAI in response to changes in SPI. Our findings show that projected future drought intensities modeled by the RCP8.5 scenario increase more and future LAIs decreased more on the coasts of the Gulf of Oman than the coasts of the Persian Gulf in the coming decades. The year 1998 was the most significant change-point for mean annual rainfall amounts and drought occurrences as well as for LAIs and at no time between 1998 and 2017 or between 2018 and 2100 are SPI and LAI values expected to return to pre-1998 values. LAI and SPI are projected to decline sharply around 2030, reach their lowest levels between 2040 and 2070, and increase and stabilize during the late decades of the 21st century at values similar to the present time. Overall, this study provides a comprehensive picture of the responses of mangroves to fluctuating future drought conditions, facilitating the development of management plans for these vulnerable habitats in the face of future climate change., (Crown Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

The proteomic changes, microtubule dynamicity, and quality parameters of human sperm were investigated during cryopreservation in an extremely low electromagnetic field (ELEF) condition. Semen samples were obtained from 210 healthy individuals with normospermia and then were divided into three experimental groups: fresh control, frozen control, and frozen ELEF group. Shotgun proteomics was performed to assess the identification of microtubule proteins of the sperm in experimental groups. Microtubule dynamicity, secondary, and tertiary structure modifications of tubulins, characteristics of transmission electron microscopy of sperm as well as sperm quality parameters were evaluated. The expression ratios of α- and β-tubulins were significantly increased after cryopreservation compared with fresh control while this ratio was not significantly different in frozen ELEF group. The expression ratio of tubulin polymerization-promoting protein was significantly decreased after cryopreservation compared with fresh control. The length, width, and the activity of microtubule, secondary, and tertiary structures of tubulins, motility, and the viability of the sperm were decreased in frozen control as compared with fresh control. The microtubule activity, secondary, and tertiary structures of sperm tubulin in frozen ELEF group were higher than frozen control. Transmission electron microscopy of microtubules showed that the size of the width and length of the microtubules in frozen ELEF group were greater than frozen control. Motility, viability, and reactive oxygen species levels were improved in frozen ELEF group when compared with frozen control. While the microtubule dynamicity of the sperm was affected by the cryopreservation, this trait was improved during the electromagnetic cryopreservation resulted in better motility and viability., (© 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.)

Chitinases with high thermostability are important for many industrial and biotechnological applications. This study was conducted to enhance the stability of Serratia marcescens B4A chitinase by site directed mutagenesis of G191 V. Further characterization showed that the thermal stability of the mutant showed marked increase of about 5 and 15 fold at 50 and 60 °C respectively, while the optimum temperature and pH was retained. Kinetic analysis showed decreased K m and V max of the mutant in comparison with the wild type chitinase of about 1.3 and 3 fold, respectively. Based on structural prediction, it was speculated that this replacement shortened an important loop concomitant with the extension of adjacent β sheets. Accordingly, a higher thermostability of G191 V up to 90 °C supporting the decreased flexibility of unfolded state was also indicated. Finally, a practical proof of kinetic and thermal stabilization of chitinase was provided through decreased flexibility and entropic stabilization of its surface loops., (Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier B.V.)

Background: Genetic factors are candidates for about 30% of male infertility with sperm production-related abnormalities. Y chromosome microdeletions are responsible for around 10% of male infertility. These microdeletions generally occur in azoospermia factor on the Yq. That is often associated with the quantitative reduction of sperm., Objective: The aim of this cross-sectional study was to determine the frequency of Yq microdeletions among idiopathic azoospermic, oligoasthenozoospermic, and oligospermic men in Shohada infertility center, Chaharmahal va Bakhtiari province., Materials and Methods: A total of 81 idiopathic azoospermic, oligoasthenozoospermic, and oligospermic infertile men were selected as cases and 81 fertile men assigned to control group. For molecular investigations, 13 sequence-tagged site markers were chosen from azoospermia factor (AZF) region for detection of Y chromosome microdeletions and amplified by two separate multiplex-polymerase chain reaction. The relationship between the AZF microdeletions and incidence of male infertility in the family, consanguineous parents, smoking, and the levels of reproductive hormones among infertile men were investigated., Results: The total frequency of the microdeletions was 6.17% (2 cases in azoospermic, 3 cases in oligoasthenozoospermic subgroups, and none in the oligospermic participants and the control group). Most deletions (3.7%) were seen in the AZFb followed by the AZFc (2.46%) and none in AZFa. No significant association was seen between the microdeletions and clinical characteristics., Conclusion: Although the frequency of Yq chromosome microdeletions in Chaharmahal va Bakhtiari province is lower than the mean frequency of Iran, the frequency is comparable to those reported by some studies in Iran., Competing Interests: The authors declare that there is no conflict of interest.

In the present study, we isolated Lactobacillus sakei strain DGH5 from raw beef meat. This bacterium plays an inhibitory effect against food-spoiling bacteria and food-borne pathogens, including Listeria monocytogenes, a gram-positive and pathogenic bacterium. Lactobacillus sakei strain DGH5 was identified through both phenotypical and biochemical tests accompanied with 16S rRNA sequence analysis. Among all the sources of carbon, nitrogen and phosphorous forms, we selected the most potent compounds to optimize the condition for the highest antagonistic activity. Among the sugars, polygalacturonic acid demonstrated to improve the antagonistic activity. Ammonium nitrate demonstrated to be suitable nitrogen sources. Amongst phosphorous sources, disodium hydrogen phosphate had the greatest antagonistic effect. According to Taguchi's orthogonal array, temperature, disodium hydrogen phosphate and soy Peptone had significant effect on antagonistic activity. Furthermore, mean comparisons showed that the optimum conditions achieved at pH 6.0, 25 °C temperature, 1.5% (w/v) Na 2 HPO 4 and 0.5% (w/v) peptone., (Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Background: Xanthomonas citri subsp. citri (Xcc), the causative agent of bacterial citrus canker, has affected citriculture worldwide. Varieties of means have been used to minimize its devastating effects, but no attention has been given to bacteriocins., Objectives: Here and for the first time, we report the isolation and characterization of two novel bacteriocins., Materials and Methods: Secretome containing bacteriocins of isolated bacteria was separated via SDS-PAGE. Each isolated protein band was characterized and checked for its efficacy in controlling two pathogenic isolates of Xcc via disk diffusion assay. The effects of varieties of carbon, nitrogen and phosphate sources were evaluated on both bacterial growth and bacteriocin production via Taguchi orthogonal method., Results: The two bacteriocins showed an activity up to 55ºC that were sensitive to proteases suggesting being protein in nature. Analysis of SDS-PAGE purified protein bands of bacterial secretomes with demonstrated potency against Xcc revealed the presence of peptides with relative molecular masses of 16.9 and 17 kDa for Cronobacter and Enterobacter , respectively. Sequence analysis of peptides revealed an HCP1 family VI secretion system homologue for Cronobacter (YP&#95;001439956) and pilin FimA homologue for Enterobacter (CBK85798.1). A Taguchi orthogonal array was also implemented to determine the effect of temperature and eight other chemical factors on bacteriocin production for each bacterium., Conclusions: Two peptides with novel antibacterial activities effective against Xcc were isolated, characterized and conditions were optimized for their higher production.

Background: Chronic kidney disease is a progressive and irreversible loss of renal function. Anemia is one of the main complications of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) which is linked closely with other complications of the disease. The primary therapy for anemia in these patients is erythropoietin (EPO). The goal of this study was to find the effect of Vitamin D administration in addition to the appropriate dose of EPO in ESRD patients with Vitamin D deficiency., Materials and Methods: This was a double-blind clinical trial on 64 ESRD patients undergoing hemodialysis in Amin and Noor Hospitals of Isfahan, Iran. The patients were divided into two groups of control and intervention. The intervention group was given Vitamin D supplements and the control group received placebo. The required dose of EPO to reach the target hemoglobin (Hb) was measured and statistically analyzed., Results: A total number of 32 females and 32 males were included in this study. All the patients in the treatment group were aged between 18 and 76 and the patients in the control group were aged between 21 and 76 years old. There was a significant statistical relationship between Vitamin D administration and the required dose of EPO in both groups (P = 0.013). However, there was no correlation between the concentration of Hb and serum Vitamin D levels., Conclusion: Based on the main finding of this study, the relationship between Vitamin D administration and required dose of EPO seems that the predicted dose of Vitamin D prescribing strategy in Kidney Disease Outcomes Quality Initiative guidelines is not adequate to achieve normal serum Vitamin D in ESRD patients.

Controversy exists about the relation between the amount of posterior maxillary impaction and pogonion (P) advancement. The aims of the current study were to (1) propose a formula to predict the amount of P advancement due to posterior maxillary impaction surgery, (2) predict the amount of posterior maxillary impaction by means of a formula to achieve the best facial harmony, and (3) identify the compatibility between proposed formulas and the actual resultant mandibular position after posterior maxillary impaction surgery. For obtaining the formulas, 2 cephalograms were taken from 1 patient in centric occlusion and rest position. Afterward, mandibular rotational center was obtained by superimposing the cephalograms; by the help of which the 2 formulas were obtained. To check the reliability of the formulas, 10 patients with the mean age of 21 +/- 1.5 years who had undergone posterior maxillary impaction were selected. The presurgical and postsurgical cephalograms of patients were obtained. These cephalograms were superimposed to find the center of mandibular rotation. Pearson correlation coefficient test was used to evaluate the relation between the suggested formulas and the clinical data. This test showed that there were significant correlations between maxillary impaction and P advancement in both the formulas and clinical evaluation. This correlation (r) was 0.993 (P < 0.001) based on formulas and r = 0.806 (P < 0.005) based on tracing. This study showed that the amounts of anterior facial height reduction and P advancement were almost the same, and the anterior facial height was reduced 1.5 times more than the amount of maxillary impaction.

Background: Many patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) suffer from allergic disease, which can complicate treatment of CF lung disease. Interleukin (IL)-4 and IL-13 have been shown to be important mediators in allergic disease., Objective: To investigate the role of IL-4 and IL-13 in allergic and non-allergic CF patients., Methods: Expression of IL-4 and IL-13 mRNA was investigated in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBM) of seven CF patients with allergy, of six patients without allergy and of nine healthy subjects as well as in BAL cells of four patients and of all controls. PBM from six patients were incubated with recombinant human IL-13 or human antiIL-13 antibody without and with LPS stimulation and TNFalpha levels were measured by ELISA., Results: IL-13 mRNA expression was increased in allergic and non-allergic patients compared to controls. No significant difference in IL-4 expression could be found between patients and controls. Addition of IL-13 decreased TNFalpha in PBM culture supernatants., Conclusion: Our data suggest that IL-13 rather than IL-4 might play an important role in both allergic and non-allergic CF patients. IL-13 might also compromise host defence by decreasing TNFalpha production., (Copyright 2003 European Cystic Fibrosis Society)