The effects of MitoQ as a mitochondrial-targeted antioxidant in a plant-based extender on buck sperm quality parameters during cryopreservation.

Sperm cryopreservation plays an important role in the artificial insemination (AI) industry of small ruminants. It, however the use of frozen-thawed goat semen is limited due to the insufficient number of sperm with good biological functions. Mitochondria are the most sensitive organelles to cryopreservation damage in sperm. This study was conducted to determine the effects of MitoQ, the mitochondrial-targeted antioxidant, in a plant-based extender on the quality parameters of Markhoz goat sperm after the freezing and thawing process. Semen samples were collected and diluted in the extender, divided into five equal aliquots and supplemented with 0, 1, 10, 100 and 1000 nM MitoQ and cryopreserved in liquid nitrogen. After thawing, sperm motility, membrane functionality, abnormal morphology, mitochondrial activity, acrosome integrity, lipid peroxidation (LPO), DNA fragmentation, reactive oxygen species (ROS) concentration, viability and apoptotic-like changes were measured. The use of 10 and 100 nM MitoQ resulted in higher (P≤0.05) total motility (TM), progressive motility (PM), viability, membrane functionality, mitochondrial activity, and acrosome integrity compared to the other groups. On the other hand, LPO, apoptotic-like changes, DNA fragmentation and ROS concentration were lower (P≤0.05) in MQ10 and MQ100 groups compared to the other groups. MitoQ has no effect (P>0.05) on sperm abnormal morphology and velocity parameters. In conclusion, MitoQ can reduce oxidative stress by regulating mitochondrial function during the cryopreservation process of buck sperm and could be an effective additive in the cryopreservation media to protect sperm quality.

Coenzyme Q10 preserves buck's sperm quality during cryopreservation process in plant-based extender.

Cryopreservation of small ruminant's semen is an effective strategy for distributing spermatozoa for reproductive programs, but this process decreases the fertility potential of post-thawed spermatozoa. The aim of this research was to assess the effect of different concentrations of CoQ10 in soybean lecithin (SL)-based extender on buck semen quality during cryopreservation process. Semen samples were collected from five bucks, twice a week, then diluted in the SL-based extender containing different concentrations of CoQ10 as follows: extender containing 0 µM (control, Q0), 0.1 µM (Q0.1), 1 µM (Q1), 10 µM (Q10) and 100 µM (Q100) CoQ10. Motion characteristics, membrane functionality, abnormal morphology, mitochondrial activity, acrosome integrity, viability, apoptotic-like changes, lipid peroxidation, DNA fragmentation and ROS concentration were evaluated after freeze-thawing process. The Q10 resulted in greater (P≤0.05) total motility, progressive motility, average path velocity, membrane integrity, mitochondrial activity, acrosome integrity and viability compared to the other groups. Furthermore, supplementation of freezing extender with 10 µM of CoQ10 presented lower (P≤0.05) apoptotic-like changes, lipid peroxidation, DNA fragmentation and ROS concentration compared to the other groups. Regarding to the protective effect of CoQ10 supplement during cryopreservation process, it could be explored as a potent antioxidant for cryopreservation of buck semen as it preserved the post-thawed buck sperm quality.

Zinc oxide nanoparticles preserve the quality and fertility potential of rooster sperm during the cryopreservation process.

Sperm cryopreservation is one of the main methods for preserving rooster sperm for artificial insemination (AI) in commercial flocks. Yet, rooster sperm is extremely susceptible to reactive oxygen species (ROS) produced during the freezing process. Oxidative stress could be prevented by using nanoparticles containing antioxidants. The present study was conducted to investigate the effect of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONP) in rooster semen freezing extender on quality parameters and fertility potential. For this aim, semen samples were collected and diluted in Lake extenders as follows: control: Lake without ZnONP, ZnO100: Lake with 100-µg zinc oxide (ZnO), ZnONP50: Lake with 50-µg ZnONP, ZnONP100: Lake with 100-µg ZnONP and ZnONP200: Lake with 200-µg ZnONP. After freezing and thawing, sperm motility, viability, membrane integrity, morphology, mitochondrial activity, acrosome integrity, DNA fragmentation, lipid peroxidation and ROS, as well as fertility and hatchability were assessed. According to the current results, higher rates of motility, membrane integrity, mitochondrial activity, acrosome integrity and live cells were detected in the ZnO100, ZnONP50 and ZnONP100 groups compared to other groups (p ≤ .05). Yet, the percentage of dead cells, DNA fragmentation, lipid peroxidation and ROS levels were lower in the mentioned groups (p ≤ .05). Furthermore, a higher percentage of fertility was observed in the ZnO100 and ZnONP100 groups than in the control group (p ≤ .05). In conclusion, the use of 100-µg ZnO and 50- to 100-µg ZnONP represents a valuable and safe additive material that could be used to improve the quality and fertility potential of rooster sperm under cryopreservation conditions.

Effects of a Spiritual Care Program on Body Image and Resilience in Patients with Second-Degree Burns in Iran.

This research was conducted with the aim of investigating the effect of a spiritual care program (SCP), on the body image and resilience of second-degree burn patients in Iran. In this semi-experimental study, 60 patients with second-degree burns were selected in the Tehran Mottahari Burns Hospital, Iran in 2022. These patients were divided through random allocation into two intervention and control groups. The patients of both groups filled out Beck's self-esteem Test (BSCT) and Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC) before, immediately, and 3 months after the intervention. In the intervention group, SCP was performed for eight sessions over two weeks. Firstly, the 4D Model of Spiritual Health and Well-Being was examined, then two one-hour sessions were held with each patient about each dimension, with a total of four dimensions including eight sessions, in which these dimensions were examined and discussed. There was no difference in the score of body image (P = 0.326) and resilience (P = 0.597) before intervention in the control and intervention groups. However, the mean of body image score in the intervention group immediately (109.56 ± 4.86) and 3 months after (109.16 ± 6.06) the intervention was significant, respectively. Also, the mean of resilience score in the intervention group was significant immediately (85.86 ± 6.78) and 3 months after the intervention (85.73 ± 6.27). It is suggested for healthcare providers to use the SCPs to reduce the recovery time of burned patients and reduce complications and treatment costs.

MitoQ preserves the quality and fertility of liquid-preserved ram sperm.

Supplementing the semen extender with some antioxidants may preserve sperm quality following liquid preservation. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the influence of the use of MitoQ in the semen extender on quality parameters and fertility of liquid-preserved ram semen. In this study, diluted semen samples were divided into five parts and supplemented with 0, 1, 10, 100 and 1000 nM MitoQ. The prepared samples were stored at 3-5 °C for up to 50 h. Motility, viability, mitochondrial activity, membrane integrity, and malondialdehyde concentration of the chilled sperm were assessed at 0, 25, and 50 h. To evaluate reproductive performance, artificial insemination was performed with semen liquid-preserved for 25 h. In results, at 0 h, no difference between the groups was observed. The use of 10 and 100 nM MitoQ resulted in higher (P ≤ 0.05) total motility, progressive motility, membrane integrity, mitochondrial activity, viability, and lower malondialdehyde concentration than the other groups after 25- and 50-h storage. Pregnancy, parturition and lambing rates were higher (P ≤ 0.05) when ewes were inseminated with 25-h chilled semen samples containing 10 and 100 nM MitoQ compared to the control. Therefore, supplementing the semen extender with MitoQ (10 and 100 nM) could be an efficient method to improve the quality and fertility rate of liquid-preserved ram semen.

The mitochondria-targeted antioxidant "MitoQ" preserves quality and reproductive performance of ram spermatozoa cryopreserved in soybean lecithin-based extender.

Cryopreservation of ram semen is helpful for distributing proved spermatozoa for reproductive goals, but cold shock has destructive effects on fertility ability of frozen sperm cells. This study was performed to investigate the effect of the novel mitochondria-targeted antioxidant "MitoQ" on ram sperm quality and fertility potential during cryopreservation process. Semen samples were diluted in extenders supplemented with 0, 1, 10, 100 and 1000 nM MitoQ and then frozen according to the standard protocol. Motility and velocity characteristics, lipid peroxidation, acrosome integrity, membrane functionality, mitochondria active potential, viability, apoptosis status, DNA fragmentation, ROS concentration and reproductive performance were evaluated after thawing. In results, 10 and 100 nM MitoQ presented higher (P ≤ 0.05) total motility, progressive motility, average path velocity, acrosome integrity, membrane functionality, mitochondria active potential and viability as well as lower (P ≤ 0.05) lipid peroxidation, apoptosis status, DNA fragmentation and ROS concentration compared to the control group and the other treatments. Moreover, after fertility trial, 10 and 100 nM MitoQ resulted in higher (P ≤ 0.05) pregnancy, parturition and lambing rates than control group. Therefore, MitoQ is able to preserve quality parameters and fertility potential of post-thawed spermatozoa in sheep and it could be an effective additive for supplementation of ram's semen cryopreservation medium during reproductive programs.

Suitability of a universal electroporation device for genome editing and production of transgenic rats.

Mammalian genome editing has utilized expensive and highly specialized electroporator devices. The "Gene Pulser XCell," a modular electroporation system for transfecting all cell types, has not been used extensively in mammalian embryo genome editing. The present experiment was undertaken to determine the usefulness of the Gene Pulser XCell for inserting the CRISPR/Cas9 system into intact zygotes in order to obtain the enhanced green fluorescent protein reporter rats (eGFP-R). An electroporation pulse response test using mCherry mRNA was performed to optimize the settings of the electroporator. Forty-five combinations of five pulse voltages (15, 25, 30, 35 and 40 V), three pulse durations (5, 10 and 25 ms), and three pulse frequencies (2, 5 and 6 pulses) applied at a constant 100-ms pulse interval and temperature of 37.5 °C were evaluated. The test revealed that the 35 V was the only voltage suitable for insertion of mCherry mRNA into intact rat zygotes and the only one that resulted in the production of embryos attaining the blastocyst stage. The incorporation of mCherry mRNA increased but the survival of the electroporated embryos declined with an increment in the number of pulses. Subsequent transfer of 1112 surviving Sprague Dawley rat embryos (after 8 h of incubating 1800 zygotes electroporated with the CRISPR/Cas9) resulted in the production of 287 offspring (25.8%). Ensuing PCR and phenotypic evaluation confirmed that twenty animals (6.96%) expressed eGFP in all body organs/tissues except for blood and blood vessels. The mortality of males and females before the attainment of puberty was 2 and 3 pups, respectively, and the final number/ratio of male to female of offspring was 9:11. All the surviving rats mated naturally and successfully transmitted the GFP transgene to their progeny. The Gene Pulser XCell total system with the settings predetermined in the present experiment can effectively be used to produce transgenic rats through the CRISPR/Cas9-mediated genome editing of zygotes.

Protective effects of different doses of MitoQ separately and combined with trehalose on oxidative stress and sperm function of cryopreserved Markhoz goat semen.

The mitochondria-targeted antioxidant MitoQ has been regarded as an effective antioxidant agent against cryo-induced oxidative cellular damage. This study aimed to evaluate the use of different doses of MitoQ combined with trehalose to minimize mitochondrial impairment and oxidative stress during sperm cryopreservation of Markhoz goat. For this, semen samples (n = 50) were collected by electroejaculation every 5 days from 5 bucks in 10 replicates. On each collection day, 5 ejaculates (one ejaculate for each buck) were pooled and then diluted in eight different Tris-based extenders as follows: no additives (control), 20, 200, 2000 nM of MitoQ (MT20, MT200, MT 2000, respectively), 150 mM of trehalose (Tr), MT20+Tr, MT200+Tr, MT2000+Tr. The semen samples were frozen using a standard protocol, and sperm function and oxidative stress were evaluated after thawing. The semen extender supplemented with MT200+Tr had higher (P < 0.05) total and progressive motility, acrosome and membrane integrity, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, total antioxidant capacity, and lower (P < 0.05) DNA fragmentation, malondialdehyde and intracellular hydrogen peroxide levels than the all other groups except MT200; meanwhile, MT200 was also improved (P < 0.05) in these parameters than in the control group. Furthermore, MT200 and MT200+Tr showed higher (P < 0.05) percentages of live cryopreserved sperm with high mitochondrial activity than other groups. However, abnormality percentage and catalase activity of frozen-thawed sperm were not affected by treatments (P > 0.05). To conclude, we have found that supplementation of 200 nM MitoQ alone or in combination with 150 mM trehalose to semen extender improved the quality of cryopreserved sperm in goats, which is associated with enhanced antioxidant enzymatic defense and mitochondrial activity and reduced DNA fragmentation.

L-carnitine improves quality parameters and epigenetic patterns of buck's frozen-thawed semen.

Buck sperm cryopreservation is an effective method to distribute qualified sperm for reproductive purposes, but this procedure reduces sperm quality. The current study was conducted to investigate the effect of L-carnitine (LC) on the quality and epigenetic patterns of buck's post-thawed semen. Semen samples were collected from five male goats twice a week and diluted in extenders supplemented with 0 (LC-0), 1 (LC-1), 5 (LC-5) and 10 (LC-10) mM LC. Samples were cryopreserved according to standard protocol. After thawing, motility characteristics, lipid peroxidation, membrane functionality, abnormal morphology, mitochondrial activity, acrosome integrity, epigenetic modifications, viability, apoptotic-like changes and DNA fragmentation were assessed. Samples supplemented with 5 mM LC showed greater (P ≤ 0.05) total motility, progressive motility, membrane functionality, mitochondrial activity, acrosome integrity, DNA methylation, viability, and lower (P ≤ 0.05) apoptotic-like changes. Lipid peroxidation was lower (P ≤ 0.05) in LC-5 and LC-10 compared to the control group. Addition of LC to the cryopreservation extender had no effect (P > 0.05) on velocity parameters, abnormal morphology, histone modifications, or DNA fragmentation. In conclusion, supplementing the cryopreservation extender with 5 mM LC significantly preserves the quality of buck sperm after the cryopreservation process.

The Effect of a Self-Management Program on Care Burden and Self-Efficacy in Family Caregivers of People With Multiple Sclerosis.

BACKGROUND: Family caregivers of patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) face many caring-related problems that increase their care burden and decrease their self-efficacy. Evidence-based self-management interventions may be used to improve care processes and resolve caregiver concerns. PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of a self-management program on care burden and self-efficacy in family caregivers of people with MS. METHODS: This study was performed in Iran in 2018-2019. The participants were selected using convenience sampling and assigned to control and intervention groups of 35 participants each using stratified randomization by gender. The intervention group participated in an eight-session self-management program. Data were collected using the Zarit Burden Interview and Scherrer Self-efficacy Questionnaire. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics in SPSS Version 16. RESULTS: No significant difference in care burden scores was found between the two groups at baseline ( p = .953). However, mean scores for care burden in the intervention group were significantly higher ( p < .001) both immediately after completion of the intervention (42.6 ± 3) and at 3 months after completion of the intervention (36 ± 3), with the most significant improvement found immediately after the intervention. Similarly, no significant difference in self-efficacy scores was found between the groups at baseline ( p = .976). However, mean scores for self-efficacy in the intervention group were significantly higher ( p < .001) both immediately after and at 3 months after completion of the intervention (60.6 ± 4.7 and 72.7 ± 4, respectively), with the most significant improvement found at 3 months postintervention. CONCLUSIONS/IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Providing self-management programs to caregivers of people with MS is an effective approach to reducing their burden of care and increasing their self-efficacy. Enhancing self-management by learning adaptation skills, self-care skills, social support, and spiritual support promote improved self-efficacy and reduce the care burden of these caregivers.

Psychometric Properties of the Persian Version of Adult Eating Behavior Questionnaire in Patients with Epilepsy.

Background: Adult eating behavior questionnaire (AEBQ) is an age upward extension tool that measures appetite traits in individuals. This instrument was developed by Hunot in 2016. The present study aimed to determine the psychometric properties of the Persian version of AEBQ in adults with epilepsy. Methods: The current research is a cross-sectional study conducted in 2019 in Iran. 700 adults with epilepsy completed the 35-item AEBQ. Qualitative face validity, qualitative content and structure validity (exploratory factor analysis [EFA], N=400, and confirmatory factor analysis [CFA], N=300) appetitive traits were evaluated. Reliability was also measured using Cronbach's alpha, Construct reliability (CR), and Intra-Class Correlation (ICC). The SPSS 26-AMOS24 software was employed to analyze the data with a significance level of 0.05. Results: The EFA and CFA results comprised eight factors, namely enjoyment of food, emotional over-eating, food responsiveness, hunger, satiety responsiveness, emotional under-eating, food fussiness, and eating slowly. Indices of root mean square error of approximation=0.068, parsimonious normed fit index=0.644, parsimonious comparative fit index=0.671, adjusted goodness of fit index=0.618, goodness of fit index=0.911, and Chi square degree-of-freedom ratio (normalized Chi square CMIN/DF=2.842) confirmed the fitness of the final model. Convergent and divergent validity was acceptable for all the factors. The results revealed that the internal stability>0.8 and CR>0.7 of the eight extracted AEBQ structures are confirmed. The ICC was 0.899 (95% CI: 0.878-0.917; P<0.001). The results also showed that AEBQ has acceptable convergent and divergent validity. Conclusion: The eight-factor structure of AEBQ can measure eating behavior traits and is of good validity and reliability for assessing the eating behavior of Iranian adults with epilepsy.

An Investigation into the Relation of Coping Skills with Mental Health and Quality of Life in Family Members of Nurses During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

OBJECTIVES: During the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, health care workers, including nurses and their family members, experienced various psychological problems. Coping skills may help them deal with the current challenge and maintain their mental health and improve their quality of life. Therefore, this study investigated the relation of coping skills with mental health and quality of life of the nurses' family members during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted on the family members of the nurses working at Hajar Hospital of Shahrekord dedicated to admission and hospitalization of COVID-19 infected patients using a census sampling method in 2020. Participation in this study was voluntary and finally 220 persons were included in this study. To prevent the spread of COVID-19 through respiratory droplets or contact, a weblog was created using blogging software that contained questionnaires for collecting data on demographic information, mental health (PHQ-9), coping skills (coping responses inventory [CRI], Billings & Moos), and quality of life (SF-36). The collected data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistical tests in SPSS software version 22 (IBM Corp, Armonk, NY). RESULTS: Of the 220 participants in this study, 101 participants were male and 119 were female. The mean age of the subjects was 35.78 years, and 56.4% of them had an academic education level. The Pearson correlation analysis showed a significant relationship between coping skills and mental health, quality-of-life items, total quality-of-life score, and demographic variables of participants (except education) (P < 0.05). This was a direct relationship in such a way that as the score of coping skills increases, so does the score of mental health and quality of life. Based on the results of regression analysis, the predictive power of mental health, coping skills, and education level was obtained to be 0.634. The coping skill variable was the strongest predictor (ß = 0.467), and after that, the mental health variable (ß = 0.421) had the highest predictive power. CONCLUSION: The obtained results showed that coping skill is the association between psychological health and quality of life such that the coping skill has a significant direct effect on psychological health and quality of life. The results also showed that, at the time of crisis, further attention should be paid to coping skills to develop and improve the quality of life and psychological health.

A comparative study into the effects of topical hot salt and hot sand on patients' perception of low back pain.

BACGROUND: Low back pain (LBP) has been regarded as one of the musculoskeletal problems which is affecting more than three-quarters of individuals in their lifetime. Nowadays, various pharmacological and nonpharmacological therapies are employed for relieving and treating LBP. This study was conducted to compare the effects of topical hot salt and hot sand on patients' perception of LBP. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this, quasi-experimental study patients with LBP referring to the orthopedic clinic of Shahrekord educational hospital were divided randomly into two interventions and one control group in 2020. All three groups were received naproxen cream and daily physiotherapy in the same manner, the interventional groups in addition either topical hot salt or topical hot sand. Data gathering tool for measuring patients' perception of LBP was the McGill Pain Short Form Questionnaire to be completed at the beginning, immediately at the end, and 2 months after the intervention. The data were analyzed using SPSS statistical software (version 21.0). RESULTS: Totally, 90 patients were randomized based on the table of random numbers (mean age 51.1 + 11.1), and finally, 87 patients completed the study. Patients' perception of LBP before the intervention was homogenous in hot salt, hot sand, and the control group The mean score of total pain experience before the intervention was 14.1 ± 11.3 for hot sand, 13.9 ± 10.7 for hot salt and 13.7 ± 10.1 for control group The mean scores of these three groups were not significant before the intervention (P > 0.05). The mean score of total pain experience immediately after the intervention was 6.7 ± 4.2 for hot sand, 5.2 ± 3.1 for hot salt and 13.9 ± 9.8 for control group. The mean scores of the hot sand group and the hot salt group were significantly decreased compared with control group (P > 0.05). The mean score of total pain experience two months after the intervention was 5.6 ± 3.27 for hot sand, 4.21 ± 2.14 for hot salt and 13.8 ± 10.4 for control group. Mean score of total pain experience in both intervention groups had significantly reduced two months after the intervention compared to control group (P ≤ 0.001); so that the effect of hot salt treatment on reducing total pain experience was larger than hot sand (P ≤ 0.001). The same trend was observed for VAS and Present pain intensity variables. CONCLUSIONS: The findings have revealed that the topical treatments with hot salt and hot sand could have a significant effect on the perception of LBP compared to those in the control group; whereas hot salt might be stronger effects than hot sand on reducing LBP.

Relationship Between Nurses' Decision-Making Style and Their Disaster Response Competencies.

Nurses are the first respondents to the critical situations and therefore must be able to effectively manage the critical situations using their competencies. Given that the decision-making style under the stressful critical situations is an important component of the care process in these situations, this study was conducted with the aim of determining the relationship between decision-making style and nurses' disaster response competencies.This descriptive, analytical study was conducted in Shahr-e Kord city in 2018. A total of 300 nurses were selected from Ayatollah Kashani and Hajar hospitals by multistage sampling and from the Emergency Medical Services Center by the census method. Data were collected using the Disaster Nursing Competence Assessment and the decision-making style questionnaires and analyzed with SPSS 21 (IBM Corp, Armonk, NY).Most of the nurses used the intuitive decision-making style and the total score of disaster nursing competencies was 162.58 ± 22.70. Pearson's correlation coefficient indicated that there was a positive relation between decision-making style and nurses' disaster response competencies.The results show that decision-making style affects nurses' competencies for disaster response and provides evidence for the development of educational policies in disaster nursing education.

Exploring the Concept of Spiritual Sensitivity from the Perspectives of Healthcare Providers in Iran.

Spiritual sensitivity (SS) is defined as attention to the available spiritual values in a conflicting situation and awareness of one's roles and responsibilities in that situation. It helps differentiate between the right and the wrong and leads to sound practice. This study explored the concept of SS from the perspectives of healthcare providers in Iran. This qualitative study was carried out in 2017-2019 using conventional content analysis. Twenty-two physicians, faculty members with clinical work experience, and healthcare providers were purposefully recruited. Data were collected using unstructured interviews and were analyzed using conventional content analysis. Participants' experiences of the concept of SS were grouped into three main themes, namely sense of value, spiritual growth and morale boosting, and SS as a motivator for purposeful service delivery. The findings of the present study will help healthcare managers develop programs for improving healthcare providers' spiritual sensitivity and also will help healthcare providers develop spirituality-based holistic care plans.

Supplementation of ram's semen extender with Mito-TEMPO II: Quality evaluation and flow cytometry study of post-thawed spermatozoa.

Cryopreservation is an effective method to spread qualified ram spermatozoa for reproductive goals in different farms, but cryopreservation's shocks reduce sperm quality. This study investigated the efficacy of the new mitochondria-targeted antioxidant Mito-TEMPO on post-thawed quality of spermatozoa in sheep. Collected samples were divided into five groups and after dilution, received different doses of Mito-TEMPO (0, 0.5, 5, 50 and 500 µM), and frozen. Thawed sperm motility parameters, malondialdehyde content, membrane functionality, abnormal morphology, mitochondria activity, acrosome integrity, DNA fragmentation, ROS concentration, viability and apoptotic-like changes, were evaluated. According to the results, Mito-TEMPO (5 and 50 µM) improved (p ≤ 0.05) motility parameters, average path velocity, membrane functionality, mitochondria activity and viability compared with the other groups. Moreover, apoptotic-like changes, lipid peroxidation and ROS concentration were lower (p ≤ 0.05) in groups received 5 and 50 µM Mito-TEMPO. Mito-TEMPO showed no effect (p > 0.05) on sperm acrosome integrity, morphology and DNA fragmentation. In conclusion, Mito-TEMPO as a targeted antioxidant could be an efficient cryo-additive to enhance quality parameters of post-thawed ram semen.

Variation and frequency of supernumerary teats, litter size, histological features and the fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF-2) gene expression pattern in goats.

Historically, female domestic goats carrying multiple kids are mostly unable to express sufficient nursing ability due to a limited number of functional teats. Therefore, the functional teat is an important component in prolific goat breeding, and plays a key role in the future health of their kids. With this motivation, we wanted to investigate the phenotypic features, litter size, histology of adult female mammary glands, and the gene expression profile of the fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF-2) gene in goats. To illustrate this, the initial dataset of the current study consists of an electronic questionnaire that includes 697 individuals (548 does and 149 bucks) of five endemic and three exotic goats from 2015 to 2020 in different geographic areas of Iran, from 59 Markhoz (MARG), 50 Azari (AZAR), 73 Busheri (BUSH), 69 Sarbisheh (SARB), 165 Mahabadi (MOHA) indigenous goats and also exotic breeds, including 183 Saanen (SANN), 39 Alpine (ALPN), and 59 Boer (BORE) goats. The results of this study confirmed that MOHA goats (4.16%), BORE (4.43%) and SANN goat breeds (5.75%) have larger litter sizes. Interestingly, the evidence gathering when SNTs occurred showed that both the BUSH and BORE goat breeds had the highest frequency of SNTs. Moreover, under the same physiological and lactation conditions, there was no statistically significant difference in histological features between the three compared does class consist of the two teats, SNTs, and four functional teats. In addition, the results of the gene expression profile significantly highlight the FGF-2 gene pattern in two teat groups compared to other SNT groups (P < 0.01). In summary, this scenario can be used to generate further research and facts on responsible candidate genes, the variations in teat numbers in goats, examining both the incidence of SNT and litter size.

The Effect of Orem Self-Care Program on Sleep Quality, Daily Activities, and Lower Extremity Edema in Patients Undergoing Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery.

BACKGROUND: Postoperative complications of open heart surgery require extensive care, especially by the patient. One of the important strategies in this regard is self-care education and one of the well-known patterns is Orem self-care model. This study aimed to investigating the effect of Orem-based self-care program on sleep quality, daily activities, and lower extremity edema in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This clinical trial study was performed on 74 patients with coronary artery bypass graft surgery in Kashani Hospital in Shahrekord. The patients were randomly assigned to intervention and control groups. Data were collected using need assessment form according to the Orem model, quality of life and activity daily living questionnaire and measurement of edema by the meters. Data were analyzed using descriptive and analytical statistics with SPSS software. RESULTS: The sleep quality score in the intervention group immediately after the intervention and 2 months after, was significantly lower in the intervention group than in the control group (P = 0.001). In the intervention group immediately after the intervention and 2 months after, the daily activity score was significantly higher than the control group (P < 0.05) 2 months after intervention, edema score in intervention group was significantly lower than the control group (P = 0.006). CONCLUSIONS: Results of the recent study showed that the implementation of the Orem-based self-care program can reduce the postoperative complications and the use of nursing patterns, such as Orem, to enhance self-care ability in patients who require long-term care can be very effective.

The effect of COVID-19 epidemic on the mental health of nurses' family members.

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 epidemic is a global health crisis that, in addition to physical health, has affected the mental health of all individuals, especially health-care workers, including nurses and family members. In this regard, the present study aimed to investigate the effect of COVID-19 epidemic on mental health of nurses' family members. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The present descriptive-analytic and cross-sectional study was conducted in 2020 year on family members of nurses working in Hajar Hospital for admission and hospitalization of patients with COVID-19, after obtaining the necessary permits and coordination. To prevent the spread of COVID-19 through respiratory or contact droplets, a blog was designed to collect data using software. Participation in this study was voluntary. Data collection tools included consent, demographic questionnaire, and mental health questionnaire (Patient Health Questionnaire-9). Data were analyzed by SPSS version 22. RESULTS: Findings of this study showed that out of 208 family members of nurses participating in this study, 96 were male and 112 were female and their mean age was 35.78 years, and 55.3% of the participants had university education. Their mean mental health score was 12.91 ± 3.75, so that 22.6% of people had mild depression, 71.4% of people had moderate depression, and 1.8% of people had severe depression. Independent t-test showed that there is a statistically significant relationship between mental health and gender and marital status (P < 0.001). Furthermore, one-way analysis of variance test showed that there is a significant relationship between mental health and age (P < 0.001); this test also showed that there is no relationship between education and mental health (P = 0.75). CONCLUSION: The results indicate that the mental health of nurses' family members is affected by the challenges of COVID-19 epidemic time, so that many of them suffer from some degree of depression. Therefore, supporting this population requires urgent action.

Pro-and anti-inflammatory effects of glucocorticoid Fluticasone on ovarian and immune functions in commercial-aged laying hens.

Ovarian chronic inflammation has been created and extended in the laying hen mainly via increasing laying frequency and microbial infection, especially during the late stage of production period. This study was aimed to evaluate glucocorticoid (GC) Fluticasone as an anti-inflammatory agent on the gene expression of the ovarian pro-and anti-inflammatory mediators (follicular cyclooxygenases COX 1, 2, and cytokines), inflammatory responses of the immune system, ovarian functions (ovulation rate and follicular growths), and hormones in the commercial-aged laying hens. White Leghorn hens aged 92-weeks were used for four weeks to be supplemented by 2 ppm Fluticasone as an optimum dose obtained in a pre-trial base on ovulation rate. As compared to control, Fluticasone resulted in a significant decrease in the mRNA expression of COX-1 and pro-and anti-inflammatory cytokines, and increase in COX-2 mRNA expression and heterophil to lymphocyte ratio (P < 0.001). A significant reduction was observed in the ovulation rate, follicular size (P < 0.001), ovarian hormones, immunoglobulins, body weight, and food consummation (P ≤ 0.05) by administering GC Fluticasone. Although a relative anti-inflammatory improvement was created by Fluticasone in the ovarian condition, the administration of this glucocorticoid resulted in a considerable reduction in ovarian hormones and functions of commercial aged laying hens.