Alterations in reproductive hormones during heat stress in dairy cattle

In dairy cows inseminated during the hot months of the year, there is a decrease in fertility. Different factors contribute to this situation; the most important are a consequence of increased temperature and humidity that result in a decreased expression of overt estrus and a reduction in appetite and dry matter intake. Heat stress reduces the degree of dominance of the selected follicle and this can be seen as reduced steroidogenic capacity of its theca and granulosa cells and a fall in blood estradiol concentrations. Plasma progesterone levels can be increased or decreased depending on whether the heat stress is acute or chronic, and on the metabolic state of the animal. These endocrine changes reduce follicular activity and alter the ovulatory mechanism, leading to a decrease in oocyte and embryo quality. The uterine environment is also modified, reducing the likelihood of embryo implantation. Systems activated by heat stress can influence reproduction at the hypothalamus, pituitary gland or gonads. However, the major impact is thought to be within the brain or at the pituitary gland. Measurement of plasma concentrations of the gonadotrophins provides a good indication of the effects at these higher levels, since the pulsatile secretion of luteinizing hormone (LH) is a reflection of the secretion of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) from the hypothalamus. Both the secretion and actions of GnRH are influenced by the feedback actions of gonadal sex steroids and inhibin. Recent studies suggest that the use of gonadotropins to induce follicular development and ovulation can decrease the severity of seasonal postpartum infertility in dairy cows.Key words: Reproductive hormones, dairy cow and heat stress

An overview of the uses of propolis for oral health

Propolis is a gummy agent exploited from bees, which has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, anti-allergic, wound healing, antidiabetic, and antiviral effects against various injuries and diseases. It also produces antifungal, antitumor and local anesthetic effects. The aim of the review was to review research findings on the role of propolis in oral health. This study was conducted by reviewing published articles on the use of propolis in oral health. To this end, Persian electronic databases such as Google, SID and Magiran as well as English databases such as PubMed and WOS were searched for articles published from 1979 onwards, 140 papers were retrieved, 21 articles were excluded, and 119 articles were included in final review. So far, propolis has been studied for the treatment of surgical wounds, intracanal irrigation, inhibition of the decay process, treatment of periodontitis and dentin hypersensitivity, and potential antifungal and antibacterial activities in the canal with a mostly satisfactory efficacy. Propolis has been reported to improve surgical wounds and produce anti-decay, anti-dentin hypersensitivity and anti-aphthous ulcer properties, and to be useful as a tooth-storing medium after tooth extraction, an intracanal irrigant and a mouthwash. substances highly useful properties of propolis, it can be argued that in the future, the substance will play a substantial role in dental science are necessary to isolate its compounds and identify their beneficial effects

Mixed Valvular Disease Following Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement: Quantification and Systematic Differentiation Using Clinical Measurements and Image-Based Patient‐Specific In Silico Modeling

Background: Mixed valvular disease (MVD), mitral regurgitation (MR) from pre‐existing disease in conjunction with paravalvular leak (PVL) following transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR), is one of the most important stimuli for left ventricle (LV) dysfunction, associated with cardiac mortality. Despite the prevalence of MVD, the quantitative understanding of the interplay between pre‐existing MVD, PVL, LV, and post‐TAVR recovery is meager. Methods and Results: We quantified the effects of MVD on valvular‐ventricular hemodynamics using an image‐based patient‐specific computational framework in 72 MVD patients. Doppler pressure was reduced by TAVR (mean, 77%; N=72; P<0.05), but it was not always accompanied by improvements in LV workload. TAVR had no effect on LV workload in 22 patients, and LV workload post‐TAVR significantly rose in 32 other patients. TAVR reduced LV workload in only 18 patients (25%). PVL significantly alters LV flow and increases shear stress on transcatheter aortic valve leaflets. It interacts with mitral inflow and elevates shear stresses on mitral valve and is one of the main contributors in worsening of MR post‐TAVR. MR worsened in 32 patients post‐TAVR and did not improve in 18 other patients. Conclusions: PVL limits the benefit of TAVR by increasing LV load and worsening of MR and heart failure. Post‐TAVR, most MVD patients (75% of N=72; P<0.05) showed no improvements or even worsening of LV workload, whereas the majority of patients with PVL, but without that pre‐existing MR condition (60% of N=48; P<0.05), showed improvements in LV workload. MR and its exacerbation by PVL may hinder the success of TAVR

On the Stability of an -Variables Functional Equation in Random Normed Spaces via Fixed Point Method

At first we find the solution of the functional equation (1,…,)∶=∑=2(∑1=2∑+12=1+1⋯∑−+1=−+1)(∑=1,≠1,…,−+1−∑−+1=1)+(∑=1)−2−1(1)=0, where ≥2 is an integer number. Then, we obtain the generalized Hyers-Ulam-Rassias stability in random normed spaces via the fixed point method for the above functional equation

Study the Response of Physiological Traits and Grain Yield to Integrated Use of Chemical Nitrogen Fertilizer with Sugarcane Residue Compost in Heat Stress Conditions

IntroductionIn the pursuit of a resilient and progressive agricultural system, the incorporation of diverse fertilizers is deemed essential. This practice not only enhances product quality but also aids in cost reduction. However, over-reliance on a specific type of input can inadvertently lead to unintended repercussions. The unrestricted utilization of chemical fertilizers, for instance, can precipitate adverse outcomes such as imbalanced pH levels, the accumulation of heavy elements, soil structure deterioration, and environmental contamination. Conversely, organic fertilizers, while environmentally friendly, often release nutrients at a slower rate, potentially disrupting optimal plant growth. To attain a balanced and sustainable agricultural approach, the combined application of organic and chemical fertilizers is advocated. Moreover, harnessing the biological potential inherent in soil ecosystems, including beneficial microbial communities encompassing bacteria and fungi, emerges as a promising avenue in cultivating sustainable agriculture. Acknowledging the adverse impact of late-season heat stress on wheat production in Khuzestan and recognizing the significance of reducing chemical fertilizer usage while augmenting organic and biological fertilizers to foster ecological health, this experiment undertakes the exploration of the effects of a synergistic approach. Specifically, it delves into the combined utilization of nitrogen and compost fertilizers, complemented by the incorporation of plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria. This endeavor aims to shed light on how this combined strategy operates within the context of terminal heat stress, assessing its influence on the physiological attributes and yield of the wheat cultivar Chamran 2.Materials and MethodsThis experiment was carried out as split-split plots based on a randomized complete block design with three replications in the crop year of 2021-2022 in the research farm of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources University of Khuzestan. The experimental factors include three planting dates: December 1st, December 20th, and December 10th in the main plots; Six levels of combined use of nitrogen fertilizer with compost fertilizer include control (without nitrogen and organic), 100% nitrogen, 75% nitrogen+ 25% compost, 50% nitrogen+ 50% compost, 25% nitrogen+ 75% compost and 100% compost in sub-plots and two levels of application and non-application of plant growth promoting rhizobacteria in sub-plots. Each sub-plot was 3 meters long and 2 meters wide (with an area of 6 square meters) and included 10 crop lines at a distance of 20 cm from each other. The distance between the main and secondary plots was considered to be half a meter and the distance between the blocks was two meters. After physiological maturity, the plants were harvested and the physiological traits and grain yield were measured.Results and DiscussionVariance analysis showed that the interaction effect of planting date, combined use of nitrogen with compost, and plant growth promoting rhizobacteria, on the traits of relative leaf water content, planting to flowering, and grain yield were significant at the 1% probability level. Also, the interaction effect of planting date and the combined use of nitrogen with compost on all traits except the length of the grain filling period and the length of sowing to physiological maturity was significant at the probability level of 1%. The mean comparison showed that the highest relative leaf water content, cell membrane thermostability, and canopy temperature depression were obtained from the treatment of 100% compost, and the highest traits of the length of sowing to flowering and length of sowing to physiological maturity were obtained in the use of 100% nitrogen. Also, the longest grain filling period, grain filling rate, and grain yield were obtained in the combined use of 50% nitrogen+ 50% compost and plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria, and the lowest value was obtained in the control of not using nitrogen and compost. In general, the delay in planting and the occurrence of terminal heat stress caused a decrease in grain yield, but on different planting dates, the combined use of 50% nitrogen+ 50% compost compared to the treatment of 100% nitrogen increased wheat grain yield.ConclusionAccording to the obtained results, in areas with terminal heat stress, the combined use of 50% nitrogen+ 50% compost and plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria can be considered to increase the growth and yield of wheat

Controlled temperature-mediated curcumin release from magneto-thermal nanocarriers to kill bone tumors

Systemic chemotherapy has lost its position to treat cancer over the past years mainly due to drug resistance, side effects, and limited survival ratio. Among a plethora of local drug delivery systems to solve this issue, the combinatorial strategy of chemo-hyperthermia has recently received attention. Herein we developed a magneto-thermal nanocarrier consisted of superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) coated by a blend formulation of a three-block copolymer Pluronic F127 and F68 on the oleic acid (OA) in which Curcumin as a natural and chemical anti-cancer agent was loaded. The subsequent nanocarrier SPION@OA-F127/F68-Cur was designed with a controlled gelation temperature of the shell, which could consequently control the release of curcumin. The release was systematically studied as a function of temperature and pH, via response surface methodology (RSM). The bone tumor killing efficacy of the released curcumin from the carrier in combination with the hyperthermia was studied on MG-63 osteosarcoma cells through Alamar blue assay, live-dead staining and apoptosis caspase 3/7 activation kit. It was found that the shrinkage of the F127/F68 layer stimulated by elevated temperature in an alternative magnetic field caused the curcumin release. Although the maximum release concentration and cell death took place at 45 °C, treatment at 41 °C was chosen as the optimum condition due to considerable cell apoptosis and lower side effects of mild hyperthermia. The cell metabolic activity results confirmed the synergistic effects of curcumin and hyperthermia in killing MG-63 osteosarcoma cells

Mixed Valvular Disease Following Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement: Quantification and Systematic Differentiation Using Clinical Measurements and Image-Based Patient‐Specific In Silico Modeling

Background: Mixed valvular disease (MVD), mitral regurgitation (MR) from pre‐existing disease in conjunction with paravalvular leak (PVL) following transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR), is one of the most important stimuli for left ventricle (LV) dysfunction, associated with cardiac mortality. Despite the prevalence of MVD, the quantitative understanding of the interplay between pre‐existing MVD, PVL, LV, and post‐TAVR recovery is meager. Methods and Results: We quantified the effects of MVD on valvular‐ventricular hemodynamics using an image‐based patient‐specific computational framework in 72 MVD patients. Doppler pressure was reduced by TAVR (mean, 77%; N=72; P<0.05), but it was not always accompanied by improvements in LV workload. TAVR had no effect on LV workload in 22 patients, and LV workload post‐TAVR significantly rose in 32 other patients. TAVR reduced LV workload in only 18 patients (25%). PVL significantly alters LV flow and increases shear stress on transcatheter aortic valve leaflets. It interacts with mitral inflow and elevates shear stresses on mitral valve and is one of the main contributors in worsening of MR post‐TAVR. MR worsened in 32 patients post‐TAVR and did not improve in 18 other patients. Conclusions: PVL limits the benefit of TAVR by increasing LV load and worsening of MR and heart failure. Post‐TAVR, most MVD patients (75% of N=72; P<0.05) showed no improvements or even worsening of LV workload, whereas the majority of patients with PVL, but without that pre‐existing MR condition (60% of N=48; P<0.05), showed improvements in LV workload. MR and its exacerbation by PVL may hinder the success of TAVR

Inhibition of a tonic inhibitory conductance in mouse hippocampal neurones by negative allosteric modulators of α5 subunit-containing γ-aminobutyric acid type A receptors: implications for treating cognitive deficits

Background Multiple cognitive and psychiatric disorders are associated with an increased tonic inhibitory conductance that is generated by α5 subunit-containing γ-aminobutyric acid type A (α5 GABAA) receptors. Negative allosteric modulators that inhibit α5 GABAA receptors (α5-NAMs) are being developed as treatments for these disorders. The effects of α5-NAMs have been studied on recombinant GABAA receptors expressed in non-neuronal cells; however, no study has compared drug effects on the tonic conductance generated by native GABAA receptors in neurones, which was the goal of this study. Methods The effects of five α5-NAMs (basmisanil, Ono-160, L-655,708, α5IA, and MRK-016) on tonic current evoked by a low concentration of GABA were studied using whole-cell recordings in cultured mouse hippocampal neurones. Drug effects on current evoked by a saturating concentration of GABA and on miniature inhibitory postsynaptic currents (mIPSCs) were also examined. Results The α5-NAMs caused a concentration-dependent decrease in tonic current. The potencies varied as the inhibitory concentration for 50% inhibition (IC50) of basmisanil (127 nM) was significantly higher than those of the other compounds (0.4–0.8 nM). In contrast, the maximal efficacies of the drugs were similar (35.5–51.3% inhibition). The α5-NAMs did not modify current evoked by a saturating GABA concentration or mIPSCs. Conclusions Basmisanil was markedly less potent than the other α5-NAMs, an unexpected result based on studies of recombinant α5 GABAA receptors. Studying the effects of α5 GABAA receptor-selective drugs on the tonic inhibitory current in neurones could inform the selection of compounds for future clinical trials

Genetics of intellectual disability in consanguineous families

Autosomal recessive (AR) gene defects are the leading genetic cause of intellectual disability (ID) in countries with frequent parental consanguinity, which account for about 1/7th of the world population. Yet, compared to autosomal dominant de novo mutations, which are the predominant cause of ID in Western countries, the identification of AR-ID genes has lagged behind. Here, we report on whole exome and whole genome sequencing in 404 consanguineous predominantly Iranian families with two or more affected offspring. In 219 of these, we found likely causative variants, involving 77 known and 77 novel AR-ID (candidate) genes, 21 X-linked genes, as well as 9 genes previously implicated in diseases other than ID. This study, the largest of its kind published to date, illustrates that high-throughput DNA sequencing in consanguineous families is a superior strategy for elucidating the thousands of hitherto unknown gene defects underlying AR-ID, and it sheds light on their prevalence