Two-dimensional perovskite templates for durable, efficient formamidinium perovskite solar cells.

We present a design strategy for fabricating ultrastable phase-pure films of formamidinium lead iodide (FAPbI3) by lattice templating using specific two-dimensional (2D) perovskites with FA as the cage cation. When a pure FAPbI3 precursor solution is brought in contact with the 2D perovskite, the black phase forms preferentially at 100°C, much lower than the standard FAPbI3 annealing temperature of 150°C. X-ray diffraction and optical spectroscopy suggest that the resulting FAPbI3 film compresses slightly to acquire the (011) interplanar distances of the 2D perovskite seed. The 2D-templated bulk FAPbI3 films exhibited an efficiency of 24.1% in a p-i-n architecture with 0.5-square centimeter active area and an exceptional durability, retaining 97% of their initial efficiency after 1000 hours under 85°C and maximum power point tracking.

Diversity of Rickettsia species in collected ticks from Southeast Iran.

Rickettsia occurs worldwide and rickettsiosis is recognized as an emerging infection in several parts of the world. Ticks are reservoir hosts for pathogenic Rickettsia species in humans and domestic animals. Most pathogenic Rickettsia species belong to the spotted Fever Group (SFG). This study aimed to identify and diagnose tick fauna and investigate the prevalence of Rickettsia spp. in ticks collected from domestic animals and dogs in the rural regions of Kerman Province, Southeast Iran. In this study, tick species (fauna) were identified and 2100 ticks (350 pooled samples) from two genera and species including Rhipicephalus linnaei (1128) and Hyalomma deteritum (972) were tested to detect Rickettsia genus using Real-time PCR. The presence of the Rickettsia genus was observed in 24.9% (95%CI 20.28-29.52) of the pooled samples. Sequencing and phylogenetic analyses revealed the presence of Rickettsia aeschlimannii (48.98%), Rickettsia conorii israelensis (28.57%), Rickettsia sibirica (20.41%), and Rickettsia helvetica (2.04%) in the positive samples. The results showed a significant association between county variables and the following variables: tick spp. (p < 0.001), Rickettsia genus infection in ticks (p < 0.001) and Rickettsia spp. (p < 0.001). In addition, there was a significant association between tick species and host animals (dogs and domestic animals) (p < 0.001), Rickettsia spp infection in ticks (p < 0.001), and Rickettsia spp. (p < 0.001). This study indicates a high prevalence of Rickettsia spp. (SFG) in ticks of domestic animals and dogs in rural areas of Kerman Province. The health system should be informed of the possibility of rickettsiosis and the circulating species of Rickettsia in these areas.

Application of electrostimulation and magnetic stimulation in patients with optic neuropathy: A mechanistic review.

Visual impairment caused by optic neuropathies is irreversible because retinal ganglion cells (RGCs), the specialized neurons of the retina, do not have the capacity for self-renewal and self-repair. Blindness caused by optic nerve neuropathies causes extensive physical, financial, and social consequences in human societies. Recent studies on different animal models and humans have established effective strategies to prevent further RGC degeneration and replace the cells that have deteriorated. In this review, we discuss the application of electrical stimulation (ES) and magnetic field stimulation (MFS) in optic neuropathies, their mechanisms of action, their advantages, and limitations. ES and MFS can be applied effectively in the field of neuroregeneration.. Although stem cells are becoming a promising approach for regenerating RGCs, the inhibitory environment of the CNS and the long visual pathway from the optic nerve to the superior colliculus are critical barriers to overcome. Scientific evidence has shown that adjuvant treatments, such as the application of ES and MFS help direct thetransplanted RGCs to extend their axons and form new synapses in the central nervous system (CNS). In addition, these techniques improve CNS neuroplasticity and decrease the inhibitory effects of the CNS. Possible mechanisms mediating the effects of electrical current on biological tissues include the release of anti-inflammatory cytokines, improvement of microcirculation, stimulation of cell metabolism, and modification of stem cell function. ES and MFS have the potential to promote angiogenesis, direct axon growth toward the intended target, and enhance appropriate synaptogenesis in optic nerve regeneration.

Efficacy of tailor-made notched music training (TMNMT) in the treatment of tinnitus: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Numerous treatment modalities have been suggested for managing tinnitus. Tailor-Made Notched Music Training (TMNMT) is a viable strategy in music therapy for tinnitus management. Many research studies have examined the effectiveness and potential benefits of this intervention. This study aims to assess the effectiveness of TMNMT in treating chronic tinnitus. METHODS: This systematic review and meta-analysis study used a research methodology that covered up until February 2023. The search was conducted across academic databases including Google Scholar, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. A total of 234 papers were evaluated, and seven relevant clinical trials were included. RESULTS: The meta-analysis, which included five studies using the tinnitus handicap inventory (THI), showed no statistically significant effect of TMNMT on tinnitus handicap after 3 and 6 months of intervention (dppc2: - 0.99, 95%CI - 2.94 to 0.96; I2 = 79.96%, p = 0.00), (dppc2 - 1.81, 95%CI - 5.63 to 2.01; I2 = 79.96%, p = 0.00). However, four out of five studies using the total Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) or its subscale showed positive effects of TMNMT on chronic tinnitus. Unfortunately, there were not enough articles to conduct a meta-analysis on this outcome. CONCLUSION: Although the meta-analysis did not show a statistically significant effect of TMNMT on tinnitus handicap, the large effect size observed after at least 3 months of intervention suggests that this method may potentially decrease tinnitus handicap if more studies are conducted. Due to the limited number of studies, subgroup analysis could not be performed to analyze potential causes of heterogeneity. Therefore, further high-quality clinical trials are necessary to draw a definitive conclusion and evaluate the impact of different variables, techniques, and outcomes.

Bilateral Optic Neuropathy Associated with Acute Inhaled Marijuana Use: Case Report and Review of the Literature.

Marijuana is the most commonly used federally illegal drug in the United States. Acute marijuana use is associated with several cardiovascular and neuropsychological adverse effects. Ocular complications of marijuana abuse are very rare. Herein, we present the first report of bilateral optic neuropathy following smoking marijuana. A 28-year-old man presented to the emergency room with sudden onset of bilateral blurring of the inferior visual field 8 h after smoking marijuana. His best-corrected visual acuity was 20/30 in the right eye and 20/20 in the left eye. Fundus examination revealed blurring of the optic disc margins in both eyes and a splinter haemorrhage in the right eye. Bilateral inferior visual field defects were detected with greater severity on the right side. Optical coherence tomography confirmed the diagnosis of bilateral optic neuropathy. A urine drug screen test was positive for tetrahydrocannabinol, which is the primary active ingredient in cannabinoids. The rest of the neurological examination and imaging were normal. The patient was treated with intravenous corticosteroids and an anti-platelet drug. His vision recovered to 20/20 in both eyes, with complete resolution of the field defect over a follow-up of 6 months. Optic neuropathy following marijuana abuse is unusual. The results of our report emphasise the need for awareness of marijuana-associated optic neuropathy as part of ocular adverse effects of marijuana intoxication.

The possible regulatory role of miR-514 and miR-642b in cumulus cells on the oocyte maturation in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome.

Polycystic ovary syndrome is a common endocrine disorder in reproductive-age women. Accordingly, abnormal microenvironment may negatively influence oocyte developmental competence as a result of the altered expression profile of cumulus cells (CCs), mainly the key players of oocyte maturation, such as epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and prostaglandin E receptor-2 (PTGER2). This study aimed to examine the expression levels of miR-514, miR-642b, and their candidate target genes (EGFR and PTGER2, respectively) in CCs of immature and mature oocytes in patients with PCOS. A total of 40 oocytes at germinal vesicle (GV) and 40 oocytes at metaphase II (MII) stages were retrieved from 30 PCOS women. Quantitative real-time PCR was performed to analyze the expression level of miR-514, miR-642b, EGFR, and PTGER2 in cumulus cells (CCS) of each oocyte. The expression level of miRNAs and their candidate target genes were compared between CCs of GV and MII oocytes. Our study suggests an inverse relationship exists between the expression levels of miR-514 and EGFR, and miR-642b and PTGER2. Furthermore, we observed that CCs of GV oocytes had higher levels of EGFR and PTGER2 mRNA and lower levels of miR-514 and miR-642b expression compared to those of MII oocytes. The present study demonstrated that miR-514 and miR-642b can regulate oocyte development by targeting EGFR and PTGER2, respectively. Therefore, examination of these miRNAs in CCs could be promising parameters to predict oocyte competence in PCOS patients.

Review of sustainable, eco-friendly, and conductive polymer nanocomposites for electronic and thermal applications: current status and future prospects.

Biodegradable polymer nanocomposites (BPNCs) are advanced materials that have gained significant attention over the past 20 years due to their advantages over conventional polymers. BPNCs are eco-friendly, cost-effective, contamination-resistant, and tailorable for specific applications. Nevertheless, their usage is limited due to their unsatisfactory physical and mechanical properties. To improve these properties, nanofillers are incorporated into natural polymer matrices, to enhance mechanical durability, biodegradability, electrical conductivity, dielectric, and thermal properties. Despite the significant advances in the development of BPNCs over the last decades, our understanding of their dielectric, thermal, and electrical conductivity is still far from complete. This review paper aims to provide comprehensive insights into the fundamental principles behind these properties, the main synthesis, and characterization methods, and their functionality and performance. Moreover, the role of nanofillers in strength, permeability, thermal stability, biodegradability, heat transport, and electrical conductivity is discussed. Additionally, the paper explores the applications, challenges, and opportunities of BPNCs for electronic devices, thermal management, and food packaging. Finally, this paper highlights the benefits of BPNCs as biodegradable and biodecomposable functional materials to replace traditional plastics. Finally, the contemporary industrial advances based on an overview of the main stakeholders and recently commercialized products are addressed.

Age-related hearing loss: An updated and comprehensive review of the interventions.

Aging causes progressive degenerative changes in many organs, particularly the auditory system. Several attempts have been conducted to investigate preventive and therapeutic strategy/strategies for age-related auditory dysfunction, such as maintaining a healthy lifestyle through good nutrition, lower anxiety levels, and noise exposure, different pharmacological approaches, gene and cell therapy, and other strategies. However, it is not clear which approach is the best to slow down these dysfunctions because several different underlying mechanistic pathways are associated with presbycusis which eventually leads to different types of this disease. A combination of several methods is probably required, whereas the effectiveness for some people needs to be monitored. The effectiveness of treatments will not be the same for all; therefore, we may need to have a unique and personalized approach to the prevention and treatment of ARHL for each person. In addition, each method needs to specify what type of presbycusis can prevent or treat and provide complete information about the extent, duration of treatment, persistency of treatment, side effects, and whether the approach is for treatment or prevention or even both. This paper reviews the updated literature, which targets current interventions for age-related hearing loss.

Detrimental effects of electromagnetic radiation emitted from cell phone on embryo morphokinetics and blastocyst viability in mice.

Electromagnetic radiation (EMR) has deleterious effects on sperm motility and viability, as well as oocyte membrane and organelle structure. The aim was to assess the effects of cell phone radiation on preimplantation embryo morphokinetics and blastocyst viability in mice. For superovulation, 20 female mice were treated with intraperitoneal (IP) injections of 10 IU pregnant mare's serum gonadotropin (Folligon® PMSG), followed by 10 IU of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) after 48 h. The zygotes (n = 150) from the control group were incubated for 4 days. The experimental zygotes (n = 150) were exposed to a cell phone emitting EMR with a frequency range 900-1800 MHz for 30 min on day 1. Then, all embryos were cultured in the time-lapse system and annotated based on time points from the 2-cell stage (t2) to hatched blastocyst (tHDyz), as well as abnormal cleavage patterns. Blastocyst viability was assessed using Hoechst and propidium iodide staining. Significant increases (P < 0.05) were observed in the cleavage division time points of t2, t8, t10, and t12 of the experimental group compared with the controls. In terms of blastocyst formation parameters, a delay in embryo development was observed in the experimental group compared with the controls. Data analysis of the time intervals between the two groups showed a significant difference in the s3 time interval (P < 0.05). Also, the rates of fragmentation, reverse cleavage, vacuole formation, and embryo arrest were significantly higher in the experimental group (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the cell survival rate in the experimental group was lower than the control group (P < 0.05). Exposure to EMR has detrimental consequences for preimplantation embryo development in mice. These effects can manifest as defects in the cleavage stage and impaired blastocyst formation, leading to lower cell viability.

Sperm Selection Using Zona Pellucida-Binding Enhanced Embryo Morphokinetic and Clinical Outcomes in ICSI: A Sibling Oocytes Study.

The objective was to investigate the embryo morphokinitics using a time-lapse monitoring (TLM) system and assessment of clinical outcomes following intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) with zona pellucida (ZP)-bound sperm selection and conventional methods. A total of 371 metaphase II (MII) oocytes from 50 ICSI cycles were studied. Sibling oocytes were randomly divided into control (n = 199) and ZP-bound group (n = 172). All resulting zygotes were cultured and monitored in the TLM system up to Day 3 after ICSI. Fertilization rate, early embryo development, and clinical outcomes were evaluated. No significant differences were found in fertilization rate, time-lapse qualitative and quantitative measures, pronuclear fading time (PNF) t2, t3, t4, t5, t6, and t7 (times of cleavage to 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7 cells), respectively. However, the t8 (time of cleavage to eight cells) and cc3 (duration of third cell cycle) revealed a significant difference between control and ZP-bound groups (p < .05). A significant difference between the two groups (p < .05) in the rates of Grade A embryos (according to Basile algorithm), chemical pregnancy, clinical pregnancy, and implantation was observed. Sperm selection using biological materials, such as ZP, improved both embryo quality and pregnancy outcomes, despite not affecting the early embryo development and morphokinetic parameters up to t8. This prospective randomized sibling oocyte trial was registered in October 2020 to January 2022 (IRCT20200705048021N1).

A Contemporary Review on the Critical Role of Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Agents in Colorectal Cancer Therapy.

Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) are widely recognized as effective pain relievers and function by inhibiting the cyclooxygenase enzyme (COXs). Moreover, they have been found to participate in various cellular processes through different signaling pathways, such as WNT, MAPK, NF-κB, and PI3K/AKT/mTOR. This makes them potential candidates for chemoprevention of several malignancies, particularly colorectal cancer (CRC). However, the use of NSAIDs in cancer prevention and treatment is a complex issue due to their adverse effects and gastrointestinal toxicity. Therefore, it is crucial to explore combination therapies that can minimize side effects while maximizing synergistic effects with other agents and to evaluate the success rate of such approaches in both pre-clinical and clinical studies. In this review, we aim to provide an overview of the effects of NSAIDs in the prevention and treatment of CRC. We will focus on elucidating the possible mechanisms of action of these drugs, the signaling pathways involved in CRC, and the potential synergistic effects when combined with other therapeutic agents.

Detrimental impact of cell phone radiation on sperm DNA integrity.

Radiofrequency electromagnetic radiation (RF-EMR) from various sources may impact health due to the generation of frequency bands. Broad pulses emitted within frequency bands can be absorbed by cells, influencing their function. Numerous laboratory studies have demonstrated that mobile phones-generally the most widely used devices-can have harmful effects on sex cells, such as sperm and oocytes, by producing RF-EMR. Moreover, some research has indicated that RF-EMR generated by mobile phones can influence sperm parameters, including motility, morphology, viability, and (most critically) DNA structure. Consequently, RF-EMR can disrupt both sperm function and fertilization. However, other studies have reported that exposure of spermatozoa to RF-EMR does not affect the functional parameters or genetic structure of sperm. These conflicting results likely stem from differences among studies in the duration and exposure distance, as well as the species of animal used. This report was undertaken to review the existing research discussing the effects of RF-EMR on the DNA integrity of mammalian spermatozoa.

Molecular investigation of Coxiella burnetii in aborted fetus of small ruminants in southeast Iran.

The domestic animal, known as a main reservoir of Coxiella burnetii, is susceptible to the occurrence of coxiellosis, which can lead to abortions in domestic animals, causing significant economic damage and posing risks to human health. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to investigate C. burnetii as the causative agent of Q fever in abortion samples of small ruminants in southeastern Iran. This study was conducted between 2020 and 2021 in Zarand city, located in Kerman province (southeast Iran). In this study, 50 abomasum swab samples of aborted sheep and goat fetuses were collected and analyzed using molecular methods to identify C. burnetii. The results revealed that 26% (n: 13) of the collected abortion samples were infected with C. burnetii. Among the positive samples, two (50%) belonged to goat abortion samples while 11 (23.9%) belonged to sheep abortion samples. This study demonstrates that C. burnetii is one of the causes of abortion in small ruminants in southeastern Iran. It is recommended to pay more attention to C. burnetii in domestic animals due to its significant economic impact on livestock and its potential implication for human health in Iran.

Molecular detection of Brucella species among aborted small ruminants in southeast Iran.

Brucellosis, caused by Brucella bacteria, is a common zoonotic infectious disease with various clinical manifestations in humans and animals. The disease is endemic in human and ruminant populations in Iran, with a particular prevalence in areas where humans have close interactions with livestock. Since domestic animals serve as the primary reservoir for brucellosis, this study aimed to identify the presence of Brucella spp. among aborted small ruminants in southeast Iran. Between 2021 and 2022, aborted fetuses of small ruminants (46 sheep and 4 goats) were collected from Zarand County in the Kerman province. Swab samples from the abomasum contents of these fetuses were obtained and subjected to DNA extraction. The samples were then tested for Brucella spp. detection using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method. Out of the 50 aborted fetuses examined, Brucella spp. was detected in 15 (30%) specimens, comprising 13 (28%) sheep and 2 (50%) goats. Species typing revealed the presence of Brucella ovis (6 sheep and 1 goat), Brucella melitensis (6 sheep), and Brucella abortus (1 sheep) among the positive specimens. This cross-sectional study highlights the high prevalence of various Brucella species in samples from small ruminant abortions in southeast Iran. Additionally, the identified Brucella species were not limited to their primary host livestock. These indicated potential cross-species transmission among small ruminants.

Botulinum Toxin Injection for the Treatment of Third, Fourth, and Sixth Nerve Palsy: A Meta-Analysis.

The efficacy of botulinum toxin injection for the treatment of third, fourth, and sixth nerve palsy was evaluated. PubMed, Scopus, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Google Scholar databases were searched. Data about the duration of palsy (acute vs chronic), cause of the palsy, type of toxin used, mean dose, and other background characteristics were collected. Outcome variables were success rate (defined by alleviation of diplopia or reduction in eye deviation) and standardized mean difference of prism diopter and abduction deficit before and after injection. The Joanna Briggs Institute checklist was implemented for the risk of bias assessment. The analysis included 38 articles, comprising 643 patients. The overall treatment success rate in acute and chronic nerve palsy was 79% and 33%, respectively. The success rate was not significantly different between different subgroups of age, type of botulinum toxin, pre-injection prism diopter, etiology of the palsy, duration of follow-up, and mean dose of botulinum toxin injection. However, in both acute and chronic palsy, diabetes etiology was accompanied by the highest success rate. Overall symptomatic response to botulinum injection was 84% (95% CI: 67% to 96%), whereas functional response was observed in 64% (95% CI: 47% to 79%) of the patients. The odds ratio for the success rate of treatment of palsies with botulinum toxin versus expectant management was 2.67 (95% CI: 1.12 to 6.36) for acute palsy and 0.87 (95% CI: 0.17 to 4.42) for chronic palsy. Botulinum toxin can be used for the treatment of acute third, fourth, and sixth nerve palsy, especially in patients with acute palsy and more severe tropia. [J Pediatr Ophthalmol Strabismus. 2024;61(3):160-171.].

Recent advancements in nanomaterial-laden contact lenses for diagnosis and treatment of glaucoma, review and update.

Despite the existence of numerous eye drops in the market, most of them are not sufficiently effective because of quick clearance and the barriers within the eye. To increase the delivery of the drugs to the eye, various new formulations have been explored in recent decades. These formulations aim to enhance drug retention and penetration, while enabling sustained drug release over extended periods. One such innovative approach is the utilization of contact lenses, which were originally designed for cosmetic purposes and vision correction. Contact lenses have appeared as a promising formulation for ocular drug delivery, as they can increase the bioavailability of drugs in the eye and diminish unwanted side effects. They are specifically appropriate for treating chronic eye conditions, making them an area of interest for researchers in the field of ophthalmology. This review outlines the promising potential of nanomaterial-laden contact lenses for diagnosis and treatment of glaucoma. It classifies therapeutic approaches based on nanomaterial type, summarizes diagnostic advances, discusses improvement of contact lenses properties, covers marketing perspectives, and acknowledges the challenges of these innovative contact lenses for glaucoma management.

Genotyping and phylogenetic analysis of Coxiella burnetii in domestic ruminant and clinical samples in Iran: insights into Q fever epidemiology.

Coxiella burnetii, a zoonotic pathogen, is the causative agent of Q fever, an endemic disease in Iran. However, there is currently a lack of available data on the genotypes of C. burnetii in the country. Here, we typed 26 C. burnetii isolates detected in milk, abortion, cotylodon, and cardiac valve samples from various geographical areas and hosts (7 cattle, 8 goats, 10 sheep, and 1 human) using Multilocus Variable Number Tandem Repeat Analysis (MLVA/VNTR) with five loci:ms24, ms27, ms28, ms33, and ms34. As IS1111 was observed to be spontaneously inserted in locus ms23 across all of our examined C. burnetii samples, five loci were employed for MLVA/VNTR genotyping. Among the 26 C. burnetii strains, 22 distinct genotypes (A-V) were identified in the discriminative loci. In silico analysis categorized Iranian C. burnetii strains into five genomic groups along with seven singletons, representing 11 exiting clonal complexes worldwide. Clusters 10 and 11 exclusively consisted of Iranian samples. These findings revealed high genotyping diversity among C. burnetii isolates in Iran. The genotypes circulating in Iran differed significantly from those found in other regions worldwide. To gain a comprehensive understanding of Q fever epidemiology in Iran, it is crucial to conduct large-scale studies that assess the distribution of C. burnetii genotypes across different geographical areas, hosts, and sources.

Prevalence of canine herpesvirus 1 and associated risk factors among bitches in Iranian breeding kennels and farms.

BACKGROUND: Canine herpesvirus 1 (CHV-1) is an important cause of death in newborn puppies and of fertility problems in adult dogs. Identification of risk factors may help to reduce infection rates and alleviate concerns for dog owners and breeders. This study was designed to screen for CHV-1 infection in bitches of breeding kennels and farms in Iran and relate this to possible risk factors. METHODS: A total of 63 vaginal samples were collected from dogs in 5 breeding kennels (n = 47) and from 7 farms (n = 16). Real-time polymerase chain reaction was used to detect the CHV-1 specific glycoprotein B (gB) gene. Prevalence rates were evaluated in relation to various risk factors, including region, housing, vaccination, deworming, pregnancy, reproductive problems, number of dogs living together and hygiene conditions. RESULTS: In total, 21 (33.3%) of 63 vaginal samples were positive for CHV-1 DNA. The prevalence rate in farms (7/16; 43.7%) was higher than in kennels (14/47; 29.7%). No association was found between CHV-1 prevalence and potential risk factors. CONCLUSIONS: CHV-1 is highly prevalent in dogs in Iranian farms and kennels. Since the CHV1 vaccine is unlicensed in Iran, effective management strategies are essential to reduce the consequences of this pathogen.

Quality of testicular spermatozoa improves with changes in composition of culture medium.

BACKGROUND: Spermatozoa retrieved from the testis and epididymis are deprived of the beneficial effects of seminal fluid. Thus applying an artificial medium with normal seminal fluid characteristics, known as artificial seminal fluid (ASF), may provide an appropriate condition for improving some sperm parameters in azoospermia. The objective was to investigate the impact of in vitro exposure of testicular and epididymal spermatozoa to ASF on sperm quality. The study was conducted on testicular (n = 20) and epididymal (n = 20) sperm specimens obtained from azoospermic men. Each sample was divided into two equal parts: Part I) for processing and incubation with Ham's F10 medium; Part II) for processing and incubation with ASF. RESULTS: After 2 h incubation, testicular sperm motility was significantly higher in ASF than in Ham's F10 medium. In comparison to 0 h, mitochondrial membrane potential levels of testicular spermatozoa were significantly higher after 2 h and 24 h in ASF and after 24 h in Ham's F10 medium. Furthermore, the data indicated significantly lower rates of epididymal spermatozoa with high MMP in both media after 24 h. There were no significant differences in the DNA fragmentation index of testicular and epididymal spermatozoa between ASF and Ham's F10 medium at different time points. CONCLUSION: The results demonstrated that in vitro incubation of testicular spermatozoa improved their motility more effectively than Ham's F10 medium in the short term (2 h), but had no effect on epididymal spermatozoa. Since the physiology of testicular spermatozoa is different from that of ejaculated spermatozoa, it seems that a special environment should be designed and used for each of them.

RéSUMé: CONTEXTE: Les spermatozoïdes prélevés dans les testicules et les épididymes sont privés des effets bénéfiques du liquide séminal. Ainsi, l'utilisation d'un milieu artificiel avec des caractéristiques normales du liquide séminal, connu sous le nom de liquide séminal artificiel (ASF), peut constituer une condition appropriée pour améliorer certains paramètres des spermatozoïdes obtenus dans l'azoospermie. L'objectif était d'étudier l'impact de l'exposition in vitro de spermatozoïdes testiculaires et épididymaires à l'ASF sur la qualité du sperme. L'étude a été menée sur des échantillons de spermatozoïdes testiculaires (n = 20) et épididymaires (n = 20) obtenus chez des hommes azoospermiques. Chaque échantillon a été divisé en deux parties égales: Partie I) pour le traitement et l'incubation avec le milieu F10 de Ham; Partie II) pour la transformation et l'incubation avec l'ASF. RéSULTATS: Après 2 h d'incubation, la mobilité des spermatozoïdes testiculaires était significativement plus élevée dans l'ASF que dans le milieu F10 de Ham. Par rapport à 0 h, les niveaux du potentiel de membrane mitochondriale (PMM) des spermatozoïdes testiculaires étaient significativement plus élevés après 2 h et 24 h dans l'ASF, et après 24 h dans le milieu F10 de Ham. En outre, les données ont indiqué des taux significativement plus faibles de spermatozoïdes épididymaires avec un PMM élevé dans les deux milieux après 24 heures. Il n'y avait pas de différences significatives dans l'indice de fragmentation de l'ADN des spermatozoïdes testiculaires et épididymaires entre l'ASF et le milieu F10 de Ham aux différents temps. CONCLUSION: Les résultats ont montré que l'incubation in vitro de spermatozoïdes testiculaires dans l'ASF améliorait leur mobilité plus efficacement que le milieu F10 de Ham à court terme (2 h), mais n'avait aucun effet sur les spermatozoïdes épididymaires. Étant donné que la physiologie des spermatozoïdes testiculaires est différente de celle des spermatozoïdes éjaculés, il semble qu'un environnement spécial devrait être conçu et utilisé pour chacun d'eux.

Human embryos derived from first polar body nuclear transfer exhibit comparatively abnormal morphokinetics during development.

OBJECTIVE: Reconstructed oocytes after polar body genome transfer constitute a potential therapeutic option for patients with a history of embryo fragmentation and advanced maternal age. However, the rescue of genetic material from the first polar body (PB1) through introduction into the donor cytoplasm is not yet ready for clinical application. METHODS: Eighty-five oocytes were obtained following in vitro maturation (IVM) and divided into two groups: PB1 nuclear transfer (PB1NT; n=54) and control (n=31). Following enucleation and PB1 genomic transfer, PB1 fusion was assessed. Subsequently, all fused oocytes underwent intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) and were cultured in an incubator under a time-lapse monitoring system to evaluate fertilization, embryonic morphokinetic parameters, and cleavage patterns. RESULTS: Following enucleation and fusion, 77.14% of oocytes survived, and 92.59% of polar bodies (PBs) fused. However, the normal fertilization rate was lower in the PB1NT group than in the control group (56.41% vs. 92%, p=0.002). No significant differences were observed in embryo kinetics between the groups, but a significant difference was detected in embryo developmental arrest after the four-cell stage, along with abnormal cleavage division in the PB1NT group. This was followed by significant between-group differences in the implantation potential rate and euploidy status. Most embryos in the PB1NT group had at least one abnormal cleavage division (93.3%, p=0.001). CONCLUSION: Fresh PB1NT oocytes successfully produced normal zygotes following PB fusion and ICSI in IVM oocytes. However, this was accompanied by low efficiency in developing into cleavage embryos, along with an increase in abnormal cleavage patterns.