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Background: Diminished ovarian reserve (DOR) is a condition that affects fertility by reducing the reproductive potential of the ovary. The altered expression profile of cumulus cells (CCs) can negatively affect the quality and quantity of oocytes in the ovaries. Recent studies suggest that circulating miRNAs play a significant role in the ovary function, and their serum expression changes can be valuable biomarkers for predicting ovarian function. Objective: Investigating the expression levels of circulating miRNA-4463 and its target cytochrome P450 19A1 gene (CYP19A1) in DOR-CCs in order to find a molecular pathway involved in DOR. Materials and Methods: In this case-control study, a total of 20 DOR-women and 20 women with normal ovarian reservation aged between 20-34 yr referred to Yazd Reproductive Science Institute, Yazd, Iran were included in the study. Serum and CCs were collected, and real time-polymerase chain reaction was performed to investigate the expression level of miR-4463, and its target gene CYP19A1. Results: Our results showed an inverse relationship between miR-4463 and CYP19A1 expression levels. Therefore, the increase in the expression of miR-4463 was significantly evident in DOR-women compared to the control group (p = 0.0019), while the expression of its target gene, CYP19A1, has significantly decreased in these women (p = 0.001). Conclusion: The present study suggests that miR-4463 and CYP19A1 pathways could regulate ovary function. Therefore, examination of this miRNA could be a promising parameter for predicting ovarian reserve and their response to stimulation protocols. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Modification of photocatalysts to improve their adsorption and photocatalytic activity in the oxidative desulfurization of liquid fuels has been reported by many investigators. In this study, Pt-decorated carbon-doped TiO2 nanoparticles were synthesized by hydrothermal and photo-deposition techniques and were subsequently used in photocatalytic oxidative desulfurization of dibenzothiophene (DBT) in n-heptane as a simulated liquid fuel with methanol as the extracting solvent. Carbon-doped TiO2 was first synthesized by a simple self-doping method. Pt was then loaded by a photo-deposition technique. The synthesized photocatalysts (labeled as YPt-CT where Y is percent Pt loading) were characterized by of X-ray diffraction (XRD), photoluminescence (PL), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), N2-physisorption, UV-Vis diffusive reflectance spectra (UV-Vis DRS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier transform infrared spectra (FTIR), and nitrogen sorption measurements. The removal efficiency of DBT was 98% in the presence of 2 g/l of 0.5Pt-CT catalyst under visible-light irradiation (λ > 400 nm), ambient pressure, and reaction temperature of 40°C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Solar water heaters represent a crucial component of sustainable energy systems, offering the potential to reduce energy costs and limit carbon emissions. This study focuses on the investigation of energy and exergy efficiency enhancement in evacuated tube solar water heaters deployed in the hot climate of Dezful, Iran. Specifically, the study evaluates the impact of engine-oil as a circulation fluid within copper U-tubes positioned inside evacuated tubes, with the addition of TiO2 nanoparticles in two concentrations (0.2 mass% and 0.4 mass%). Additionally, the study assesses the effectiveness of a metallic twisted tape insert within the U-tubes to augment the heat transfer rate, with the aim of improving the overall efficiency and performance of the system. In the assessments, the thermal efficiency diagram was divided by three phases and the behavior of each one was elaborated. As results, employing metallic-insert leads to 1.5 °C more water temperature. Moreover, 5.6 °C difference between 0.4 mass% TiO2 + insert and the base case was observed in the evening which results in 24.4% and 25.52% higher thermal efficiency and exergy efficiency, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]