Retraction Note to: The protective effect of Pentoxifylline on testopathy in male rats following Dimethyl Nitrosamine administration: An experimental study

This article has been retracted at the request of the IJRM editorial board, based on research the results of an investigation which found serious flaws in publishing the study results. &nbsp

Validity and reproducibility of a food frequency questionnaire assessing food group intake in the PERSIAN Cohort Study

PurposeA semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) was developed for use in the Prospective Epidemiological Research Studies in IrAN (PERSIAN Cohort), investigating non-communicable disease risk factors. This study aimed to assess the validity and reproducibility of this FFQ, through food group intake.MethodsParticipants, recruited from seven PERSIAN cohort centers, completed the FFQ at the beginning of the study (FFQ1) and at the end (FFQ2), with a 12-month interval in between, during which two 24-h dietary recalls (24 h) were completed each month. Correlation coefficients of the median intake of food groups recorded by the FFQs were compared to those of the 24 h to assess validity, and the two FFQs were compared to assess reproducibility of findings.ResultsOverall, data from 978 participants were included in this validation analysis. Of the 26 food groups assessed, Tea, Sugars, Whole/Refined Grains, and Solid Fats/Oils, had the strongest correlations (0.6–0.79), while Red Meat, Chicken and Eggs showed moderate correlations (0.42–0.59). The weakest correlations observed belonged to Fresh fruit Juice and Other Meats (0.23–0.32). Reproducibility was assessed among those who completed both FFQ1 and FFQ2 (n = 848), revealing moderate to strong correlations in all food groups, ranging from 0.42 in Legumes to 0.72 in both Sugar and Sweetened Drinks.ConclusionThe PERSIAN Cohort FFQ is appropriate to rank individuals based on food group intake

Investigating the role of machine learning techniques in internet of things during the COVID-19 pandemic: A systematic review

Background: Research has shown that the use the Internet of Things (IoT) and artificial intelligence (AI) can enhance the effectiveness of telemedicine. Therefore, the objective of this study is to systematically investigate the utilization of machine learning (ML)-based IoT during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: A comprehensive search of PubMed, Scopus and IEEE was conducted from January 2020 to February 2023 according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). Results: Out of the 1576 studies identified, 57 were included in the analysis. The use of IoT was 30 % for detection and 22 % for monitoring. Parameters considered included vital signs, diagnostic images, physical symptoms, tests, air quality, and medical history. A review of the sensors revealed that body temperature sensors were of interest in 65 % of the studies. The random forest algorithm was found to be the most common ML model, used in 14 % of the studies. Performance measures were reported in over 90 % of the studies to evaluate the models. Conclusion: This study provides valuable insights into the integration of IoT and ML to address challenges related to COVID-19. This systematic review can serve as a roadmap for advancing research at the intersection of healthcare, IoT, and ML

First successful pregnancies following embryo selection using Time-lapse technology in Iran: Case report

Background: Embryo selection is a vital part of in vitro fertilization (IVF) programs, with morphology-based grading systems having been widely used for decades. Time-lapse imaging combined with embryo morph kinetics may proffer a non-invasive means for improving embryo selection. We report the first ongoing and chemical pregnancies using Time-lapse embryo scope to select best embryos for transfer in Iran. Cases: A case with tubal factor infertility was admitted to IVF program with normozoospermia. After ovarian hyper stimulation, 6 COCs were retrieved and inseminated with 25,000 progressive sperms/ oocyte. Five zygotes were placed individually into the micro wells of equilibrated embryo scope dish for Time-lapse observation, and incubated at 37°C, 5% CO2. On day 3, single embryo transfer (SET) took place based on kinetic parameters of the embryos. Clinical pregnancy was confirmed 7 weeks after SET. The second case with history of previous ICSI failure was admitted with azoospermia. Nine MII oocytes underwent ICSI, and incubated in Time-lapse facilities. The rest of procedures were followed as described for case 1. Chemical pregnancy was confirmed 15 days after SET. Conclusion: This approach opens a way to select best embryo non-invasively for SET; thus, increasing implantation, while reducing multiple pregnancy complications

Cumulus co-culture system does not improve the in-vitro maturation (IVM) of oocytes in mice

Objective: To examine the effect of co-culture system with CCs on the in vitro maturation (IVM) of immature oocytes retrieved from mice. Design: This is an experimental study. Setting: Research and Clinical Center for Infertility of Yazd. Sample: A total of 144 oocytes from 5 to 6 weeks mice. Material: After dissecting ovaries, denuded GVs (DGVs) were considered as control group and put in IVM medium. In cumulus oocyte complexes (COCs) as exp I, intact COCs were put in IVM medium and observed for maturation after 24 h and 48 h. In exp II, GVs were co-cultured with mature CCs. For exp II, COCs were incubated for 30 min before removing oocytes. Then, denuded mature oocytes were removed and the remaining CCs were used to culture denuded GVs recovered from ovaries. Main outcome measures: Maturation rates of oocytes after 24 h and 48 h. Results: The rate of oocyte maturation was 77.36 ± 14.4 in control group. In exp I and exp II, the rates of maturation were 91.32 ± 22.5 and 63.33 ± 7.4, respectively (P = 0.04). However, maturation rate did not increase after 24 h. The maturation rate in metaphase I (MI) oocytes was as low as 15% in different groups at 24 h and did not increase by 48 h. Degeneration rate was increased from time 0 to 48 h, but not significant in different times. Conclusion: Presence of intact COCs significantly improved the oocyte maturation rates in animal model. However, co-culture of GVs with mature CCs did not improve IVM program in mice

Revealing the secret life of pre-implantation embryos by time-lapse monitoring: a review

High implantation success following in vitro fertilization cycles are achieved via the transfer of embryos with the highest developmental competence. Multiple pregnancies as a result of the transfer of several embryos per cycle accompany with various complication. Thus, single-embryo transfer (SET) is the preferred practice in assisted reproductive technique (ART) treatment. In order to improve the pregnancy rate for SET, embryologists need reliable biomarkers to aid their selection of embryos with the highest developmental potential. Time-lapse technology is a noninvasive alternative conventional microscopic assessment. It provides uninterrupted and continues the survey of embryo development to transfer day. Today, there are four time-lapse systems that are commercially available for ART centers. In world and Iran, the first time lapse babies were born in 2010 and 2015, respectively, conceived by SET. Here, we review the use of time-lapse monitoring in the observation of embryogenesis as well as its role in SET. Although, the findings from our review support common use of time-lapse monitoring in ART centers; but, future large studies assessing this system in well-designed trials are necessary