Preconditioning of bull semen with sub-lethal oxidative stress before cryopreservation: Possible mechanism of mitochondrial uncoupling protein 2.

Preconditioning of sperm using sub-lethal oxidative stress before cryopreservation is an innovative approach that can improve sperm cryo-survival. Mitochondrial uncoupling proteins (UCPs) are critical in reducing ROS level during stress conditions. The aim of the current study was to investigate whether mild sub-lethal stress induced by low concentrations of nitric oxide and hydrogen peroxide has a protective effect on quality parameters of post-thaw bull semen through modulations of mitochondrial uncoupling protein 2 (UCP2) expression. Semen samples were collected from 6 mature Holstein bulls, then mixed and divided into 8 aliquots: fresh, frozen control and frozen groups treated with NO: 0.1 (NO-0.1), 1(NO-1), 10 µM (NO-10), and H2O2: 0.1(H2O2-0.1), 1(H2O2-1) and 10µM (H2O2-10). A significantly higher percentage of total motility, progressive motility and viability was observed in NO-1 and H2O2-10 compared to the other frozen groups (P < 0.05). Sperm exposed to 1 µM NO and 10µM H2O2 showed significantly increased percentages of mitochondria activity and membrane integrity (P < 0.05). Moreover, the lowest percentage of apoptotic percentage was observed in the NO-1 and H2O2-10 in comparison to the other frozen groups. In addition, the expression level of UCP2 was higher in the NO-1 and H2O2-10 compared to the other groups (P < 0.05). It can be concluded that stress preconditioning of bull sperm before cryopreservation can increase UCP2 expression of sperm, that can play a protective role against cryoinjury after thawing.

The Persian version of Trinity Amputation and Prosthetics Experience Scale: translation, factor structure, reliability and validity.

PURPOSE: The purpose of the present study was to translate the Trinity Amputation and Prosthetics Experience Scale (TAPES) into Persian and to investigate its psychometric properties. METHOD: A sample of 182 Persian-speaker individuals with lower limb amputation completed the TAPES questionnaire, of whom 103 individuals completed the Short Form 36 Health survey as well. The TAPES was re-administered to 41 participants in the retest session, with an interval of 5-7 days between the two sessions. Internal consistency, test-retest reproducibility, dimensionality, item internal consistency and discriminant validity and construct validity were assessed. RESULTS: Cronbach's α's were greater than the cut-off point of 0.70 for all subscales with the exception of social adjustment subscale. Minimum intraclass correlation coefficient of 0.70 was exceeded by all subscales with the exception of social activity subscale. Principle component analysis performed on each section of the TAPES revealed loading of all items on their corresponding factors. The exceptions were item 4 of social adjustment subscale and the single item of weight subscale. Most items were stronger measures of their hypothesised subscale than the other subscales. In terms of construct validity, 75% of a priori hypotheses were confirmed. CONCLUSIONS: The Persian version of TAPES seems to be a reliable and valid measure of psychological adaptation to artificial limb.

The Persian version of locomotor capabilities index: translation, reliability and validity in individuals with lower limb amputation.

PURPOSE: To translate the Locomotor Capabilities Index (LCI-5) to Persian and to assess its psychometric properties when applied to a sample of people with lower limb amputation (LLA). METHODS: The LCI-5 was administered to 106 Persian speaking people with LLA to determine its internal consistency, item-subscale correlation, test-retest reliability and floor and ceiling effects. To assess the construct validity, each participant's performance was measured using the Timed Up and Go (TUG) and 2-Minute Walk Test. RESULTS: Minimum Cronbach's alpha of 0.70 was exceeded by LCI-5 subscales. Item-subscale correlations after correction for overlap were higher than the cuff-off point of 0.40. The intraclass correlation coefficient was 0.96 for LCI-5 total index in test-retest reliability. LCI-5 showed significant correlation with TUG (r = -0.65, P < 0.01) and 2-Minute Walk Test (r = 0.71, P < 0.01). The LCI-5 mean scores were higher for individuals with unilateral below-knee amputation than participants with above-knee amputation (t = 2.71, P = 0.008) and for individuals with unilateral amputation who do not use walking aids than those who use (t = -4.27, P < 0.01). Floor effect was found for none of the patients with LLA while ceiling effect was reported for 23.6% of patients. CONCLUSIONS: The Persian version of LCI-5 has acceptable levels of internal consistency, item-subscale correlation, test-retest reliability and construct validity. To detect intervention effects, the LCI-5 should be used cautiously in population of physically active and young patients with LLA due to its high ceiling effects.