A survey of Knowledge, attitudes, and practices of Tehran residents regarding solid waste management in the COVID-19 era.

This study aimed to investigate the knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) of residents in Tehran City towards municipal solid waste management (MSWM) after the Corona Virus Disease 2019 caused by SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) epidemic, which has been tended for the first time in this research. The study was conducted in Tehran, Iran from August 2021 to March 2022. The study population consisted of 385 participants drawn from 22 urban areas in Tehran. In order to collect the data, self-administered questionnaires containing 20 questions in 3 subject areas were used. Testing for associations between variables was conducted using Chi-square (χ2) and Pearson correlation analyses. Despite the fact that 64.9% and 56.6% of residents had adequate knowledge and attitude regarding MSW management during the COVID-19 pandemic, only 33.1% performed moderate practice. Obtained results highlighted the correlation between education, employment, gender, and age of respondents with KAP levels on (MSWM) (P<0.05). The training was found to be an important tool to enhance residents' awareness and attitude, but strict MSW legislation must also be implemented to restart appropriate separation, recycling, and composting programs during the pandemic. The findings of this study in turn can serve as a basis for experts and decision-makers to develop pragmatic waste management strategies during the COVID-19 pandemic, which rely on the participation of the general public.

The effects of 6-Gingerol on reproductive improvement, liver functioning and Cyclooxygenase-2 gene expression in estradiol valerate - Induced polycystic ovary syndrome in Wistar rats.

6-Gingerol is the major pungent ingredient of ginger with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. In this study, we evaluate the effects of 6-gingerol on the biochemical parameters and ovarian histological improvements in estradiol valerate (EV) induced PCOS rats. Thirty six female Wistar rats were divided into 4 groups: control, received normal diet, PCOS control, received 4 mg/kg EV injection for 28 days and two experimental groups, received an EV injection for 28 days and followed by 6-gingerol (200 µg/kg and 400 µg/kg) for 14 days. The administration of EV led to increase body and ovarian weights, abnormality in serum sex steroid profile, decrease in antioxidant activity and increase in COX-2 gene expression. 6-gingerol treatments, particularly the 400 µg/kg dose, markedly attenuated these alterations. 6-gingerol showed beneficial effects in the EV induced PCOS rats via decreased expression of COX-2, restored biochemical parameters to normal and decreased of cysts in the ovaries.

Effects of Adding Sodium Nitroprusside to Semen Diluents on Motility, Viability and Lipid Peroxidation of Sperm in Holstein Bulls.

BACKGROUND: Nitric oxide (NO) that plays important role in all sexual activities of animals is made from the amino acid L-arginine by the enzymatic action of NO synthase (NOS). NO makes a band with sulfur-iron complexes, but due to production of steroid sexual hormones related to the enzymes involved in this complex, NO can change the activity of these enzymes. NO affects many cells including vein endothelial cells, macrophages and mast cells. These cells are also found in Leydig cells; therefore, they are important source of NO in testis tissue. Therefore, minimizing damages to sperm at the time of freezing thawing process are really important. The aim of this study was to determine the appropriate NO concentration to be added to the freezing extender to improve the quality of thawed sperm. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this experimental randomized study, sperms of four Holstein bulls with an average age of 4 were collected twice a week for 3 weeks. They received sodium nitroprusside (SNP) in concentrations of 0, 10, 50 and 100 nmol/ml. Data analysis was performed using the special issue and static (SAS) 98 software. Also, mean comparison was done using Duncan's multiple ranges test (P<0.05).This research was conducted at the laboratory of Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran at spring and summer of 2013. RESULTS: All concentrations of SNP used was found to increase motility and viability of spermatozoa at 1, 2 and 3 hours after thawing, significantly (P<0.05), but there was no significant difference at zero time. Different concentrations of SNP reduced the membrane lipid peroxidation level of sperm and increased acrosome membranes integrity, implying that SNP generally improved samples membranes, especially in 50 and 100 nmol/ml concentrations. CONCLUSION: According to the obtained results, addition of SNP to semen diluents increases motility and viability of spermatozoa. Also, it reduces membrane lipid peroxidation level that leads to improved sperm function.