Berberine reinforces Sertoli cells niche and accelerates spermatogonial stem cells renewal in experimentally-induced varicocele condition in rats

Abstract Background Varicocele is present in 10–20% of the male infertile population. Purpose: Present study was done to demonstrate the reinforcing effect of berberine (BBR), as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent, on Sertoli cells-related niche and spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) self-renewal in experimentally-induced VCL condition. Study design 50 mature male Wistar rats were divided into control, control-sham, non-treated VCL-induced, 50 mg kg−1 and 100 mg kg−1 BBR-treated VCL-induced groups. Methods The Leydig and Sertoli cells distribution and Leydig cells steroidogenic activity, expression of glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), proto-oncogene Rearranged during Transfection (c-RET) receptor, Ets variant gene 5 (Etv5) and B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL)/lymphoma 6, member B (Bcl-6b) at mRNA and protein levels were analyzed. The mRNA integrity and DNA fragmentation were assessed. Finally, the serum levels of testosterone, inhibin B and testicular total antioxidant capacity, total thiol molecules, catalase, and malondialdehyde were evaluated. Results Observations revealed that, the BBR significantly enhanced VCL-reduced Leydig and Sertoli cells population, maintained Leydig–Sertoli cells network, enhanced GDNF, c-RET Etv5 and Bcl6b expression, up-regulated testicular antioxidant and endocrine status. Conclusion The BBR by boosting Leydig–Sertoli cells network up-regulates the GDNF, Etv5 and Bcl-6b expression/synthesis in SSCs, which in turn improves SSCs self-renewal activities. Thus, the BBR could be considered as an appropriate agent for antioxidant therapy of VCLs. However, more studies with bigger sample number and focus on BBR-induced effects on other genes involving in the self-renewal process are needed to have more deterministic results. Keywords Varicocele Berberine Spermatogonial stem cells Self-renewa

Changing trends of types of skin cancer in Iran

Background: Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer worldwide. It has an increasing trend. This study investigated the epidemiological trend and morphological changes in skin cancer in Iran. Materials and Methods: This study was done using existing data, extracted from the National Cancer Registry System and the Disease Management Center of Iranian Ministry of Health between 2003 and 2008. Data on epidemiologic trend was analyzed using Joinpoint software package. Results: The incidence of skin cancer is increasing in Iran, and more in men than women. There was a declining trend for basal cell carcinoma. Basal squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma had an increasing trend. The increase of skin cancer was related to squamous cell carcinoma. Conclusions: Our findings indicated that the increase of skin cancer was attributed to squamous cell carcinoma. It is necessary to be planning for the control and prevention of this disease as a priority for health policy makers

Experimental Test, Model Validation, and Viability Assessment of a Wave-Rotor Constant-Volume Combustor

Design and testing of a wave-rotor constant-volume combustor achieved stable combustion at near-atmospheric inlet conditions and demonstrated the potential of pressure-gain combustion using a wave rotor. An experiment rig with a motor-driven, room-temperature rotor with large thermal mass operated for short durations within heating limits of extensive in-passage rotating instrumentation. Over 30 successful tests were completed, including a 3 s run amounting to about 2000 individual firing events. Fast deflagrative combustion was observed with varied ethylene fuel distribution in the passages, showing good combustor operability, insensitive to leakage. Remarkably high flame speeds and a net pressure gain were indirectly indicated from measurements. A time-marching, spatially one-dimensional numerical model of gas dynamics and combustion was used for aerothermodynamic design, applying loss models previously calibrated with pressure-exchange nonreacting wave-rotor experiments. Major features and trends of the measured gas dynamic and combustion processes showed good agreement with predictions and validated current design methods. Different fuel distributions were tested to better calibrate ignition and combustion submodels. Simulations illustrate the likely explanations for cases with and without observed ignition, spillage during the filling process, and mixture requirements for consistent torch ignition. The viability of wave rotors for realizing a pressure-gain combustor is discussed

Vlog News Dissemination on Social Media Platforms: An Investigation of Audience Mental Health and Educational Behaviour.

This study aims to investigate the mental health and educational behaviors of Vlog news audiences from the perspective of audience needs and satisfaction using the questionnaire method. The questionnaire results were analyzed using Questionnaire Star intelligent software, Microsoft Office Excel, and SPSS 25.0 as the window for data statistics. The results show that the current popular Vlog news can trigger the resonance of the communicators and the audience and satisfy their aesthetic and psychological needs. The diverse forms of interaction also provide a sense of companionship for the audience watching Vlog news, which indicates that the dissemination of Vlog news on social media platforms has an important impact on the mental health and educational behaviour of the audience and provides material for the future development of Vlog news. At the same time, in the future stage of development, Vlog news needs to improve the first-class nature of the content material in content manufacturing to satisfy the viewing needs of users. Keywords: educational behavior; mental health; Vlog; audience; social media.This study aims to investigate the mental health and educational behaviors of Vlog news audiences from the perspective of audience needs and satisfaction using the questionnaire method. The questionnaire results were analyzed using Questionnaire Star intelligent software, Microsoft Office Excel, and SPSS 25.0 as the window for data statistics. The results show that the current popular Vlog news can trigger the resonance of the communicators and the audience and satisfy their aesthetic and psychological needs. The diverse forms of interaction also provide a sense of companionship for the audience watching Vlog news, which indicates that the dissemination of Vlog news on social media platforms has an important impact on the mental health and educational behaviour of the audience and provides material for the future development of Vlog news. At the same time, in the future stage of development, Vlog news needs to improve the first-class nature of the content material in content manufacturing to satisfy the viewing needs of users

Enhancement of flexibility in multi-energy microgrids considering voltage and congestion improvement: Robust thermal comfort against reserve calls

In recent years, multi-energy microgrid (MEM) has gained increasing interest, which could use clean and efficient electro-thermal resources, multi-energy storages (MESs) and demand response potential to improve the flexibility of MEM. However, maximizing the flexibility potential of MEM and alongside managing the electrical parameters (EPs) is a challenging modeling problem. In this paper, a probabilistic nonlinear model is presented to maximize the flexibility with all the power grid constraints taking into account EPs constraints using power flow. To this end, voltage profile and congestion improvement, robust thermal comfort provision during reserve call and MESs utilization are the key properties of the proposed model. The outcome of suggested model ensures sustainability in the MEM performance, which is an essential feature in modern smart cities. The presented model is applied to a distribution network in the UK and results illustrate how equipment scheduling and demand response leads to observe the EPs limitation and maximizes MEM flexibility. The achieved results show a decrease in MEM revenue (decrease of 34% and 24% without and with reserve commitment, respectively) and in contrast, a significant increase in flexibility compared to non-compliance with EPs constraints

Development of compatible lignocellulolytic fungal consortium for rapid composting of rice straw

An experiment was conducted to evaluate the potential of lignocellulolytic fungi for rapid composting of rice straw. Forty-nine isolates of fungi were isolated from several natural and induced rice straw composting sources. Ten isolates were tested for their potential to decompose lignocellulosic rice straw by assessing their growth rate and biomass production, as well as their ability to decompose lignin and cellulose on rice-straw-powder-amended media. Four isolates (F26, F28, F29, and F44) were selected as potential lignocellulolytic agents for in-vitro compatibility study based on their optimum growth rate, biomass production, and lignocellulolytic activities. Six different interactions were found among four interacting isolates in the form of mutual intermingling, partial mutual intermingling, and inhibition at the contact point. Finally, a consortium of Aspergillus niger (F44) and Trichoderma viride (F26) was tested for in-vitro biodegradation of rice straw. The fungal consortium was able to decompose cellulose, hemicelluloses, lignin, and total carbon significantly (p � 0.05) over the control. The C/N ratio was reduced to 19.5 from an initial value of 29.3 in three weeks of the biodegradation process, thus showing the potential of this method for use in large-scale composting of rice straw

A suggested prototype for assessing bone health

Background- Osteoporosis is becoming a health concern worldwide. Considering the fact that prevention plays an important role in reducing the burden of this silent disease and in view of the limited resources available, many countries have adopted certain programs to fight osteoporosis through shifting their attention towards at-risk individuals. The Iranian Multicenter Osteoporosis Study (IMOS) is one of these programs. The program aims to assess bone health and the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in different parts of Iran with various altitudes, latitudes and lifestyle habits in a way that the results could be generalized to the country. Method- The present article presents the protocol used in the third phase of the study. It was designed based on the experiences gathered in the previous phases to overcome the shortcomings particularly subject loss. The questionnaire applied in this study was developed based on a thorough literature review of the risk factors and secondary causes of osteoporosis and was approved by an expert panel. It should be added that while the majority of the existing studies aim to study a certain aspect of osteoporosis, the present protocol provides the information needed for policy makers and researchers to study different osteoporosis-related issues. Conclusion- The authors believe the protocol, to be implemented with small modifications, can help policymakers in different parts of the world, particularly developing countries, gather accurate information on different aspects of bone health at the national level. © 2015, Academy of Medical Sciences of I.R. Iran. All rights reserved

Disabilities and Activities of Daily Living Among Veterans With Old Hip Disarticulation and Transpelvic Amputation

Background: The Iran-Iraq imposed war lasted eight years and was one of the longest wars of the last century. Twenty-three years have passed since the war ended, but little has been discussed about the long-term results of war amputations in the literature. Objectives: In this long-term study, we have evaluated the activities of daily living among veterans with hip or hemipelvis amputations. Patients and Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed on Iran-Iraq war veterans with hip or hemipelvis amputations in Iran. Eighty-four (96.5%) veterans out of 87 registered veterans with hip or hemipelvis amputations participated in the study. The degree of independence for activities of daily living (ADL) was assessed by the Barthel index. The degree of independence for instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) was assessed by the Lawton-Brody scale. Results: The average follow-up time was 26.6 ± 3.7 years. The average age of veterans was 44.1±7 years old. Of 84 amputees, 57 (67.85%) had limitations in at least one domain of the ADL. The most common single item that affected the patients was ascending and descending stairs seen in 45 (78.9%) veterans, followed by eating seen in 4 (7.01%) veterans. In addition, 70 (83.33%) had limitations in at least one domain of the IADL. The most common single item that affected the veterans was shopping seen in 56 (80%), followed by responsibility for own medications seen in 13 (18.57%) veterans. Spearman correlation coefficient of the sum scores of ADL and IADL showed an intermediate to strong correlation (r = 0.58). Conclusions: Increasing dependency in ADL is accompanied by increasing dependency in IADL. In the past, the duty of health care providers was saving the life of veterans due to injuries while at present, because these injuries occurred in young and healthy individuals, the need for increased function is being highlighted

The epidemiology of skin cancer and its trend in Iran

Background: One of the most common cancers is skin cancer worldwide. Since incidence and cost of treatment of the cancer are increasing, it is necessary to further investigate to prevent and control this disease. This study aimed to determine skin cancer trend and epidemiology in Iran. Methods: This study was done based on existing data. Data used in this study were obtained from a national registry of cancer cases and the Disease Management Center of Ministry of Health in Iran. All cases registered in the country were included during 2004�2008. Incidence rates were reported based on the direct method and standard population of World Health Organization. Results: Based on the results of this study, the incidence of skin cancer is rising in Iran and the sex ratio was more in men than women in all provinces. The age-standardized incidence rate (ASR) of skin cancer was highest in males in Semnan, Isfahan, and Hamedan provinces (34.9, 30.80, and 28.84, respectively). The highest ASRs were seen in females in Semnan, Yazd, and Isfahan provinces (26.7, 24.14, and 18.97, respectively). The lowest ASR in male was observed in Sistan and Baluchestan, and in female in Hormozgan provinces. Conclusions: The incidence of skin cancer is increasing in the country. Therefore, the plan for the control and prevention of this cancer must be a high priority for health policy makers. © 2015 Razi S

Development of two high yielding mutant varieties of mustard [Brassica juncea (L.) Czern.] through gamma rays irradiation

Seeds of the well-adapted and popular mustard variety BARIsarisha-11 were irradiated with gamma ray using 60Co gamma cells. Irradiated seeds were grown as M1 during 2004-05. Selection was made from M2 generation during 2005-06. Desirable mutants were confirmed in M4 generation during 2007-08 and ten true breeding mutants having higher seed yield per plant with desirable morphological characters and yield attributes were selected. Selected mutants were evaluated along with the mother variety BARIsarisha-11 to select the most desirable ones considering higher seed yield and improved yield attributes under different replicated yield trials during 2008-09 to 2010-11. Results showed that two mutants, MM-10-04 and MM-08-04 selected from 700 Gy produced higher seed yield than BARIsarisha-11 in most of the trials conducted in 13 locations of Bangladesh. Mean of three years trial showed that seed yield of MM-10-04 and MM-08-04 was 2043 and 1893 kg ha-1, respectively, which was 23% and 14% higher than BARIsarisha-11 (parental plant). Mutants MM-10-04 and MM-08-04 also had the higher number of siliquae plant-1, 1000-seed weight and oil content than BARIsarisha-11. These two mutants also showed tolerance against Alternaria blight disease and lower aphid infestation. Results of the yield trials as well as screening against Alternaria blight disease and aphid carried out across the country indicated that MM-10-04 and MM-08-04 were suitable for widespread cultivation. Consequently, the National Seed Board of Bangladesh registered MM-10-04 and MM-08-04 in 2011 as two high yielding mustard varieties, Binasarisha-7 and Binasarisha-8, respectively for commercial cultivation