Increasing of post-freezing quality of Spermatogonial Stem Cells after pretreatment by vitamin E

Introduction: Mouse spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) can be cryopreserved for long periods while preserving their spermatogenic ability. Although cryopreservation has been found to increase reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation that damages cellular structures. In the present study, we added vitamin E to the basic freezing medium in order to evaluate its effect on the efficiency of spermatogonial stem cells.Methods: SSCs isolated from testes of 6 days old male mice by enzymatic digestion. Vitamin E 100, 200, 400 µg/mL was added to the basic freezing medium. The cell viability was evaluated by MTT assay. After thawing, SSCs were cultured for 1 month and the expression pattern of specific genes of SSCs measured by real-time PCR technique.Results: The survival rate of the freeze cells in the presence of vitamin E was significantly higher than the control group (p<0.05). The number of colonies and their diameter measured after one month were significantly higher in the vitamin E groups than in the control group (p≤0.05).Conclusion: Adding vitamin E to the basic freezing medium thus can be helpful in increasing the quality and viability of SSCs after cryopreservation.

The effects of slow and quick freezing methods on microstructure, drip loss, proximate composition and sensory properties of Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) fillets

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of slow and quick freezing on the changes in sensory properties, drip loss, microstructure and proximate compositions of Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) fillets. For this reason, skined off and deboned tilapia fillets were frozen by slow and quick freezing methods. The samples were packed and stored at -18 ° C for six months. Proximate composition, drip loss, and sensory evaluation of the samples were determined on a montly basis. Microstructure of the samples was studied using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) every second month. Results indicated that fresh tilapia fillets had 1/30, 18/70, 1/85, 79/12 percentage of fat, protein, ash and moisture contents, respectively. The amounts of proximate compositions were changed during the storageperiod. Quick frozen samples had significantly lower changes than slow frozen samples. The percentage of the drip in the slow frozen samples was significantly higher than quick frozen samples. SEM micrographs were also showed that the changes in the microstructure of the samples were different in the slow and frozen samples. Slow freezing method resulted in the higher damage in the microstructure of the samples than quick freezing method. Sensory evaluation of the samples indicated a better acceptability for the quick frozen samples than that for slow frozen sample

In vitro maturation of human oocytes using culture in alginate matrix

Introduction: In vitro maturation (IVM) infertility treatment in women with infertility problems - for example, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) reduces the amount of gonadotrophin medications, thereby reducing the cost of treatment. This study aimed to investigate the effect of alginate three-dimensional culture on maturity of immature human oocytes and the amount of 8-cell embryos produced by sperm injection to oocyte cytoplasm (ICSI).Materials and methods: This experimental study was conducted in Mahdieh Infertility Research Center from 2015 to 2017.  A total of 70 immature oocytes from the female ovary to candidate for fertilization were selected and divided into two control and experimental groups. In the control group, the basic culture medium (TCM199, FSH 0/75, FBS10 %) and in the experimental group, the basic culture medium with the alginate was used. Then, the mmature oocytes were fertilized by ICSI and 8-cell embryos was evaluated by reverse microscope. Quantitative data was analyzed using the ANOVA statistical method and SPSS software at significant level of a P<0.05.Results: The amount of maturity of immature oocytes to MII metaphase stage and the arrival of the embryos to the 8-cell significantly increased in alginate group compared to the control group (P<0.001).Conclusion: Results demonstrated that alginate can increase the maturity of immature human oocytes and also increases the rate of embryos reaching the 8-cell stage.

Effects of aqueous methanolic extract of Salvia limbata on antinociceptive activity and withdrawal syndrome in mice

It is quite clear that the repeated use of opioid drugs leads to physical dependence and tolerance. Dependence can be measured by evaluation of self-restraint signs from abrupt drug withdrawal or administration of a narcotic antagonist or both. Effects of some Salvia genesis, of Salvia aerial parts extract on morphine dependence were investigated in mice. After induction of dependence by morphine, distilled water was injected into the control group and different concentrations of plants aerial extract were injected into the other five groups. To assess morphine withdrawal, mice were injected with naloxone (5 mg/kg) intraperitoneally (i.p.) on the 5th day. After four consecutive days of morphine injection, withdrawal syndrome was assessed by placing each mouse in a 30 cm high glass box and recording the incidence of escape jumps for 60 min. Animal receiving acute treatment with morphine displayed dependence. The animals treated with different Salvia limbata aerial (flowered browse) parts extracts concentration decreased incidence of escape jumps in number or decreased development of morphine dependence and on the other hand, addiction was observed following naloxone administration (P<0.001). Results from the present study showed that the methanolic extract from aerial parts of Salvia limbata produced a statistically significant inhibition of pain induced by hot plate latency at (500, 1000 and 1500 mg/kg) i.p. dose, as compared to the control groups. A significant increase in pain threshold after 30 and 60 min of i.p. injection of extract, compared with the control groups (P<0.001). The activity was comparable to that of morphine (30 mg kg-1 i.p., p> 0.05). The anti-nociceptive activity of S. limbata increased until the 60th min as compared to morphine (P<0.05).Key words: Morphine dependence, anti-nociceptive activity, Salvia limbata, jumping, hot plate method

Comparison of bone cell viability and proliferation in 3D scaffold to Monolayer cell culture

Introduction: Today, due to high rates of accidents and fractures leading to bone defects and due to the limited possibility of bone graft bonding, using the patient’s cell culture on appropriate scaffolds and transferring it to the defect area is suggested as one of the treatment plans.Materials and methods: Bone samples of 8 male subjects that were under craniotomy surgery in the hospital were collected. First, the samples were cut into smaller pieces and then, transferred to incubator culture dishes. Two weeks later, the osteoblast activity on the bone matrix began and on average, the cells covered the dishes within two weeks. The first generation of the cells was removed by Trypsin_EDTA method from the opaltes, then were divided into two parts, one was added to alginate gel and the other to monolayer culture. In order to prove the osteoblast activity on the bone matrix and investigate these activities, Van Kossa staining method was used, and also to investigate the cell viability, MTT method was employed.  Results: There was a significant difference in the number of the cells created in alginate gel and those created in monolayer after two weeks (P <0.001). Moreover, the difference between mean cell counts in alginate gel and monolayer was statistically significant (P < 0.001). The results of the MTT test in second week showed that the number of alive cells is significantly higher in alginate gel (P <0.001). Finally, the result of the Van Kossa method proved extracellular matrix in both experimental groups.Conclusion: Results showed that alginate gel better can support duplication and survival of osteoblasts compared to monolayer culture. This may be attributed to the biological properties of this gel; alginate gel porosity provides conditions under which cellular and metabolic activities are accelerated.

Antinociceptive Activity and Effect of Methanol Extracts of Three Salvia Spp. on Withdrawal Syndrome in Mice

Purpose: There are several reports about effects of Salvia spp. on CNS. The present experiment is undertaken to study effect of S. limbata, S. hypoleuca and S. macrosiphon on withdrawal syndrome in mice. Methods: Antinociceptive activities of aerial parts of Salvia spp. is investigated using hot plate method. In addition, the effect of its aerial parts on morphine dependence is investigated in mice. After induction of morphine dependency, different concentrations of plant extract are injected. To assess morphine withdrawal, naloxone (5 mg kg-1, i.p.) are injected into mice on the 5th day. Withdrawal syndrome is assessed by placing each mouse in a glass box 30 cm in height and recording the incidence of escape jumps for 60 minutes. Results: A decrease in incidence of escape jumps is observed in morphine dependence mice. S. limbata and S. hypoleuca extracts produced a statistically significant inhibition of pain induced by hot plate latency at (500, 1000 and 1500 mg kg-1) i.p. A significant increase in pain threshold is observed after 30 and 60 minutes (p 0.05). The antinociceptive activity increased up to 60 minutes. Conclusion: S. limbataand S. hypolecuca extracts produced statistically significant inhibition of pain and development of morphine dependence in mice

Hydro-alcoholic extract of Matricaria recutita exhibited dual anti-spasmodic effect via modulation of Ca2+ channels, NO and PKA2-kinase pathway in rabbit jejunum

Objective: Several studies have shown the antispasmodic activity of Matricariarecutita without detailing the underlying mechanism(s). The present study was designed to determine whether the antispasmodic mechanisms of M. recutita extract mediated via histaminergic/cholinergic receptors, Ca2+channels, activation of PKA2 and NO release in isolated rabbit jejunum. Methods and Materials: The concentration- dependent (3 × 10-3–1.3 × 10-2 mg/ml) antispasmodic effect of the hydro-alcoholic extract of M. recutita flowers was studied in isolated rabbit jejunum. The isolated jejunum preparations were divided into seven groups, including the pharmacological probes that modulate cholinergic, histaminergic, and nitrergic receptors, as well as PKA2. Results: M. recutita inhibited spontaneous smooth muscle contractility of the jejunum in a concentration-dependent manner (3 × 10-3–1.3 × 10-2 mg/ml) and reduced both K+- and Ca2+-induced contractions, which is similar to the effect of verapamil. The antispasmodic effect of M. recutita wasinhibited by H89 (a PKA2 inhibitor). The myorelaxant effect of M. recutita increased in the presence of ACh/His and H89. Conclusion: M. recutita evoked antispasmodic and spasmolytic effects mediated through different signaling pathways. Our results have shown this dual inhibitory effect is mediated by blocking Ca2+ channels, activating His and ACh receptors, releasing NO, and activating PKA2

Mortality from gastrointestinal congenital anomalies at 264 hospitals in 74 low-income, middle-income, and high-income countries: a multicentre, international, prospective cohort study

Background: Congenital anomalies are the fifth leading cause of mortality in children younger than 5 years globally. Many gastrointestinal congenital anomalies are fatal without timely access to neonatal surgical care, but few studies have been done on these conditions in low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs). We compared outcomes of the seven most common gastrointestinal congenital anomalies in low-income, middle-income, and high-income countries globally, and identified factors associated with mortality. // Methods: We did a multicentre, international prospective cohort study of patients younger than 16 years, presenting to hospital for the first time with oesophageal atresia, congenital diaphragmatic hernia, intestinal atresia, gastroschisis, exomphalos, anorectal malformation, and Hirschsprung's disease. Recruitment was of consecutive patients for a minimum of 1 month between October, 2018, and April, 2019. We collected data on patient demographics, clinical status, interventions, and outcomes using the REDCap platform. Patients were followed up for 30 days after primary intervention, or 30 days after admission if they did not receive an intervention. The primary outcome was all-cause, in-hospital mortality for all conditions combined and each condition individually, stratified by country income status. We did a complete case analysis. // Findings: We included 3849 patients with 3975 study conditions (560 with oesophageal atresia, 448 with congenital diaphragmatic hernia, 681 with intestinal atresia, 453 with gastroschisis, 325 with exomphalos, 991 with anorectal malformation, and 517 with Hirschsprung's disease) from 264 hospitals (89 in high-income countries, 166 in middle-income countries, and nine in low-income countries) in 74 countries. Of the 3849 patients, 2231 (58·0%) were male. Median gestational age at birth was 38 weeks (IQR 36–39) and median bodyweight at presentation was 2·8 kg (2·3–3·3). Mortality among all patients was 37 (39·8%) of 93 in low-income countries, 583 (20·4%) of 2860 in middle-income countries, and 50 (5·6%) of 896 in high-income countries (p<0·0001 between all country income groups). Gastroschisis had the greatest difference in mortality between country income strata (nine [90·0%] of ten in low-income countries, 97 [31·9%] of 304 in middle-income countries, and two [1·4%] of 139 in high-income countries; p≤0·0001 between all country income groups). Factors significantly associated with higher mortality for all patients combined included country income status (low-income vs high-income countries, risk ratio 2·78 [95% CI 1·88–4·11], p<0·0001; middle-income vs high-income countries, 2·11 [1·59–2·79], p<0·0001), sepsis at presentation (1·20 [1·04–1·40], p=0·016), higher American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score at primary intervention (ASA 4–5 vs ASA 1–2, 1·82 [1·40–2·35], p<0·0001; ASA 3 vs ASA 1–2, 1·58, [1·30–1·92], p<0·0001]), surgical safety checklist not used (1·39 [1·02–1·90], p=0·035), and ventilation or parenteral nutrition unavailable when needed (ventilation 1·96, [1·41–2·71], p=0·0001; parenteral nutrition 1·35, [1·05–1·74], p=0·018). Administration of parenteral nutrition (0·61, [0·47–0·79], p=0·0002) and use of a peripherally inserted central catheter (0·65 [0·50–0·86], p=0·0024) or percutaneous central line (0·69 [0·48–1·00], p=0·049) were associated with lower mortality. // Interpretation: Unacceptable differences in mortality exist for gastrointestinal congenital anomalies between low-income, middle-income, and high-income countries. Improving access to quality neonatal surgical care in LMICs will be vital to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 3.2 of ending preventable deaths in neonates and children younger than 5 years by 2030

Mortality from gastrointestinal congenital anomalies at 264 hospitals in 74 low-income, middle-income, and high-income countries: a multicentre, international, prospective cohort study

Summary Background Congenital anomalies are the fifth leading cause of mortality in children younger than 5 years globally. Many gastrointestinal congenital anomalies are fatal without timely access to neonatal surgical care, but few studies have been done on these conditions in low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs). We compared outcomes of the seven most common gastrointestinal congenital anomalies in low-income, middle-income, and high-income countries globally, and identified factors associated with mortality. Methods We did a multicentre, international prospective cohort study of patients younger than 16 years, presenting to hospital for the first time with oesophageal atresia, congenital diaphragmatic hernia, intestinal atresia, gastroschisis, exomphalos, anorectal malformation, and Hirschsprung’s disease. Recruitment was of consecutive patients for a minimum of 1 month between October, 2018, and April, 2019. We collected data on patient demographics, clinical status, interventions, and outcomes using the REDCap platform. Patients were followed up for 30 days after primary intervention, or 30 days after admission if they did not receive an intervention. The primary outcome was all-cause, in-hospital mortality for all conditions combined and each condition individually, stratified by country income status. We did a complete case analysis. Findings We included 3849 patients with 3975 study conditions (560 with oesophageal atresia, 448 with congenital diaphragmatic hernia, 681 with intestinal atresia, 453 with gastroschisis, 325 with exomphalos, 991 with anorectal malformation, and 517 with Hirschsprung’s disease) from 264 hospitals (89 in high-income countries, 166 in middleincome countries, and nine in low-income countries) in 74 countries. Of the 3849 patients, 2231 (58·0%) were male. Median gestational age at birth was 38 weeks (IQR 36–39) and median bodyweight at presentation was 2·8 kg (2·3–3·3). Mortality among all patients was 37 (39·8%) of 93 in low-income countries, 583 (20·4%) of 2860 in middle-income countries, and 50 (5·6%) of 896 in high-income countries (p<0·0001 between all country income groups). Gastroschisis had the greatest difference in mortality between country income strata (nine [90·0%] of ten in lowincome countries, 97 [31·9%] of 304 in middle-income countries, and two [1·4%] of 139 in high-income countries; p≤0·0001 between all country income groups). Factors significantly associated with higher mortality for all patients combined included country income status (low-income vs high-income countries, risk ratio 2·78 [95% CI 1·88–4·11], p<0·0001; middle-income vs high-income countries, 2·11 [1·59–2·79], p<0·0001), sepsis at presentation (1·20 [1·04–1·40], p=0·016), higher American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score at primary intervention (ASA 4–5 vs ASA 1–2, 1·82 [1·40–2·35], p<0·0001; ASA 3 vs ASA 1–2, 1·58, [1·30–1·92], p<0·0001]), surgical safety checklist not used (1·39 [1·02–1·90], p=0·035), and ventilation or parenteral nutrition unavailable when needed (ventilation 1·96, [1·41–2·71], p=0·0001; parenteral nutrition 1·35, [1·05–1·74], p=0·018). Administration of parenteral nutrition (0·61, [0·47–0·79], p=0·0002) and use of a peripherally inserted central catheter (0·65 [0·50–0·86], p=0·0024) or percutaneous central line (0·69 [0·48–1·00], p=0·049) were associated with lower mortality. Interpretation Unacceptable differences in mortality exist for gastrointestinal congenital anomalies between lowincome, middle-income, and high-income countries. Improving access to quality neonatal surgical care in LMICs will be vital to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 3.2 of ending preventable deaths in neonates and children younger than 5 years by 2030

The Contribution of Econometric Seasonal Models to Forecasting CPI in the City of Tehran

Since many years ago, Iran has faced a macroeconomic problem of inflation. The problem of high inflation rate caused the economic growth of this country to slow down. As we all know, inflation is one of the major economic challenges that most of the countries in the world are facing, especially those in Asia including Iran. Therefore, forecasting the variable of inflation rate in Iranian economy becomes very important for the government to design effective economic strategies or monetary policies to combat any unexpected high inflation in this country. This paper studies a model of seasonal autoregressive integrated moving average to forecast inflation rates in the city of Tehran. Using monthly inflation data from March 2002 to February 2010 in Tehran, we find that ARIMA models can explain the behavior of actual data of inflation rate in Tehran in an acceptable way. Based on the selected model, we forecast the value of monthly inflation rate for six (6) months ahead in the city of Tehran that are out of the sample period (i.e. from March 2010 to August 2010). The observed inflation rate from March 2010 to August 2010 which was published by Tehran Statistical Service Department fall within the 95% confidence interval obtained from the designed model. The forecasted results show a decreasing pattern and a turning point inflation rate in Tehran August 2010