Therapeutic effect of sodium alginate on bleomycin, etoposide and cisplatin (BEP)-induced reproductive toxicity by inhibiting nitro-oxidative stress, inflammation and apoptosis.

Impaired spermatogenesis and male infertility are common consequences of chemotherapy drugs used in patients with testicular cancer. The present study investigated the effects of sodium alginate (NaAL) on testicular toxicity caused by bleomycin, etoposide, and cisplatin (BEP). Rats in group 1 received normal saline, while groups 2 and 3 were treated with 25 and 50 mg/kg of NaAL, respectively. Group 4 was treated with a 21-day cycle of BEP (0.5 mg/kg bleomycin, 5 mg/kg etoposide, and 1 mg/kg cisplatin), and groups 5 and 6 received BEP regimen plus 25 and 50 mg/kg of NaAL, respectively. Then, sperm parameters, testosterone levels, testicular histopathology and stereological parameters, testicular levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide (NO), and total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and the expression of apoptosis-associated genes including Bcl2, Bax, Caspase3, p53, and TNF-α were evaluated. Our findings revealed that NaAL improved sperm parameters, testosterone levels, histopathology, and stereology parameters in BEP-administrated rats. NaAL also improved testis antioxidant status by enhancing TAC and ameliorating MDA and NO. Further, modifications to the expression of Bcl2, Bax, Caspase3, p53, and TNF-α suggested that NaAL alleviated BEP-induced apoptosis and inflammation. Collectively, NaAL protects rats' testes against BEP-evoked toxicity damage through the modulation of nitro-oxidative stress, apoptosis, and inflammation.

Utility of vitamin C in ameliorating citalopram-induced testicular toxicity via modulating nitro-oxidative stress and apoptosis in mice.

There is a growing concern that antidepressant drugs impair sexual function and adversely impact spermatogenesis and male fertility. Vitamin C is a natural antioxidant that plays a vital role in the male reproductive system. The present study investigated the ameliorating potential of vitamin C against citalopram (CTL)-evoked testicular toxicity and spermatogenesis impairment in mice. Mice were randomly divided into six groups: control, CTL, vitamin C 100, vitamin C 200, CTL plus vitamin C 100, and CTL plus vitamin C 200. Adult male mice were intraperitoneally (ip) injected with 10 mg/kg of CTL for 35 days with or without vitamin C. At the end of the study, body and testes weight, sperm parameters, histopathology of testes, testosterone level, testicular levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide (NO), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and apoptosis (TUNEL assay) were evaluated. Our findings revealed that vitamin C restored spermatogenesis by improving sperm count, motility, viability, morphology, and chromatin integrity. Testosterone levels and testes histopathology were significantly improved in the vitamin C-administrated groups. Furthermore, vitamin C administration markedly alleviated CTL-induced nitro-oxidative damage, enhancing TAC levels, and reducing NO and MDA levels. Whilst CTL therapy induced a significant increase in the number of TUNEL-positive cells compared to the control, the administration of vitamin C significantly prevented the apoptotic effects of CTL. Together, vitamin C therapy protects against CTL-induced testicular damage via mitigating nitro-oxidative stress and apoptosis, which provides evidence for vitamin C as a beneficial therapy against antidepressant drug-associated reproductive toxicity and male sub/infertility.

The protective effect of p-Coumaric acid on hepatic injury caused by particulate matter in the rat and determining the role of long noncoding RNAs MEG3 and HOTAIR.

Increasing air pollution is associated with serious human health problems. P-coumaric acid (PC) is a herbal phenolic compound that exhibits beneficial pharmacological potentials. Here, the protective effect of PC on liver injury induced by air pollution was examined. Thirty-two adult male Wistar rats (200-250 g) were divided randomly into four groups (n = 8). The groups were; Control (rats received DMSO and then exposed to clean air), PC (rats received PC and then exposed to clean air), DMSO + Dust (rats received DMSO and then exposed to dust), and PC + Dust (the animals received PC and then exposed to dust). The clean air, DMSO, PC, and dust were administrated 3 days a week for 6 consecutive weeks. The rats were anesthetized and their blood samples and liver sections were taken to conduct molecular, biomedical, and histopathological tests. Dust exposure increased the liver enzymes, bilirubin, triglyceride, cholesterol, and the production of liver malondialdehyde, and decreased in liver total anti-oxidant capacity and serum high-density lipoprotein. It also increased the mRNA expression of inflammatory-related cytokines, decreased the mRNA expression of SIRT-1, decreased the expression levels of miR-20b5p, and MEG3 while increased the expression levels of miR-34a, and HOTAIR. Dust exposure also increased the liver content of three cytokines TNF-α, NF-κB, HMGB-1, and ATG-7 proteins. PC enhanced liver function against adverse effects of dust through recovering almost all the studied variables. Exposure to dust damaged the liver through induction of oxidative stress, inflammation, and autophagy. PC protected the liver against dust-induced cytotoxicity.

The protective role of melatonin in citalopram-induced reproductive toxicity via modulating nitro-oxidative stress and apoptosis in male mice.

Citalopram is the most potent selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, commonly prescribed as an antidepressant, which can cause sexual dysfunction. Melatonin is a natural, highly effective antioxidant playing a pivotal role in the male reproductive system. The present study aimed to explore the ameliorating potential of melatonin on citalopram-evoked testicular toxicity and injury in mice. In this regard, mice were randomly divided into six groups: control, citalopram, melatonin 10 mg/kg, melatonin 20 mg/kg, melatonin 10 mg/kg plus citalopram, and melatonin 20 mg/kg plus citalopram. Adult male mice were intraperitoneally (i.p.) injected with 10 mg/kg of citalopram for 35 days with or without melatonin. At the end of the study, sperm parameters, testosterone level, testicular levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide (NO), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and apoptosis (Tunel essay) were evaluated. Our findings revealed that melatonin restored spermatogenesis by improving sperm count, motility, viability, morphology, and chromatin integrity. Testosterone levels and the histopathology of the testes were markedly improved in the melatonin-administrated groups. Furthermore, citalopram administration significantly increased oxidative stress; however, melatonin restored antioxidant status by enhancing TAC levels and decreasing NO and MAD levels. More notably, citalopram therapy induced a significant increase in the number of Tunel-positive cells, while melatonin administration significantly mitigated the apoptotic impacts of citalopram. Together, melatonin therapy provides protection against citalopram-induced testicular damage via modulating nitro-oxidative stress and apoptosis, which provides evidence for melatonin as a promising treatment against antidepressant drug-associated reproductive toxicity and male sub/infertility.

p-Coumaric acid has pure anti-inflammatory characteristics against hepatopathy caused by ischemia-reperfusion in the liver and dust exposure.

Objectives: Studies show that chronic injuries like air pollution or acute damage such as hepatic ischemia-reperfusion (IR) cause various cellular pathologies such as oxidative stress, apoptosis, autophagy, and inflammation in hepatocytes. p-Coumaric acid (p-CA) is known as an antioxidant with many therapeutic impacts on inflammatory-related pathologies. In this experiment, we aimed to assess the hepatoprotective effects of p-CA on liver damage induced by dust and IR injury in adult male rats. Materials and Methods: Forty-eight adult male Wistar rats were divided into 6 groups; Control (CTRL); sham; DMSO+Dust+Laparotomy (LPT); DMSO+Dust+Ischemia-reperfusion (IR); p-CA+Dust+LPT; and p-CA+Dust+IR. Clean air, DMSO, p-CA, and dust were administrated 3 days a week for 6 consecutive weeks. Animals were sacrificed, the blood samples were aspirated and the liver sections were prepared for biochemical and histopathological assessments. Results: Significantly (P<0.05), the results represented that dust and IR can potentially increase the levels of ALT, AST, direct and total bilirubin, triglyceride, and cholesterol in serum. Also, MDA, TNF-α , NF-κB . HMGB-1 and ATG-7 levels were increased in hepatocytes. Gene expression of Nrf2, HOX-1, IL-6, HOTAIR, and miR-34a showed an incremental trend in the liver tissue. Total antioxidant capacity (TAC) in hepatocytes was decreased following dust exposure and IR induction. Also, miR-20b-5p, MEG3, and SIRT1 in the liver were decreased in dust and dust+IR groups. Conclusion: p-CA alleviated pathological changes caused by dust exposure and IR injury. p-CA protected hepatic injury induced by dust and IR by inhibition of oxidative injury, inflammation, and autophagy.

Therapeutic effects of L-arginine, L-carnitine, and mesenchymal stem cell-conditioned medium on endometriosis-induced oocyte poor quality in an experimental mouse model.

AIM: The present study aimed to explore the potential ameliorative effects of L-arginine (LA), L-carnitine (LC), and bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell-conditioned medium (BMSC-CM) on endometriosis (EMS) model in vivo and in vitro. METHODS: The animals were divided into two main groups, normal and EMS-induced mice. Normal and EMS-induced groups were injected with or without LA (250 mg/kg), LC (250 mg/kg), and BMSC-CM (a final volume of 100 µL of CM/mouse). At the end of the study, the level of total antioxidant capacity (TAC), nitric oxide (NO), and total oxidative status (TOS) were measured in plasma. Furthermore, immature oocytes were collected from two groups and cultured in a maturation medium. Subsequently, the rates of in vitro maturation, in vitro fertilization (IVF), and in vitro embryonic development were evaluated. RESULTS: The results revealed that administration of LA, LC, and BMSC-CM ameliorated the oxidative status through maintaining TAC and alleviating TOS and NO levels. More importantly, the maturation and fertilization rates, blastocyst development, and total blastocyst cell numbers significantly increased in LA, LC, and BMSC-CM-administrated groups compared to the control group. In both the normal and EMS groups, the highest IVF, cleavage, and blastocyst percentages were associated with BMSC-CM treatment (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Altogether, LA, LC, and BMSC-CM have therapeutic effects on impaired oocyte quality and promote subsequent development in vitro, probably through normalization of nitro-oxidative stress, thus offering potential alternatives to conventional therapies during assisted reproductive technologies for patients with EMS-associated sub/infertility.

Beneficial effect of L-Proline supplementation on the quality of human spermatozoa.

L-Proline is a natural anti-oxidative and osmoprotectant agent, playing a versatile role in cell metabolism and physiology. The present study aimed to explore the antioxidant effects of L-Proline on human sperm function during incubation. Thirty healthy, normozoospermic men (27-40 years) were enrolled. Sperm samples were incubated in an unsupplemented sperm medium (control group), or supplemented with L-Proline (1, 2 and 4 mmol/L) to evaluate its effect during 0, 1, 4 and 24 h of incubation. Sperm were assessed in terms of motility, viability, morphology, chromatin and DNA integrity. Moreover, the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), malondialdehyde (MDA), and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) were determined in the sperm medium. The results indicated that 2 mmol/L of L-Proline significantly improved the maintenance of sperm motility, viability, normal morphology, chromatin and DNA integrity, and TAC levels compared to the control group during 24 h of incubation (p < 0.05). However, 1 and 4 mmol/L of L-Proline could not significantly preserve sperm parameters, chromatin quality, and antioxidant status during different incubation times compared to the control group (p > 0.05). Collectively, the inclusion of L-Proline (2 mmol/L) in the human sperm medium maintains sperm parameters and chromatin quality probably by modulating the oxidative status.

Melatonin protects rats testes against bleomycin, etoposide, and cisplatin-induced toxicity via mitigating nitro-oxidative stress and apoptosis.

There is growing concern that some cytotoxic regimens for cancer adversely affect spermatogenesis and male fertility. Increasing evidence demonstrated that melatonin has beneficial impacts on reproductive processes; however, whether melatonin can protect against bleomycin, etoposide, and cisplatin (BEP) chemotherapy regimen-induced testicular toxicity, remains obscure. The present study aimed to explore the effect of melatonin on BEP-evoked testicular injury in rats. Adult male Wistar rats (n = 10/group) were intraperitoneally (i.p.) injected with one cycle of 21 days of 0.33 therapeutically relevant dose levels of BEP (.5 mg/kg bleomycin, 5 mg/kg etoposide, and 1 mg/kg cisplatin) with or without melatonin. At the end of the study, sperm parameters, testosterone level, stereology of testes, testicular levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide (NO), and total antioxidant capacity (TAC), the expression of apoptosis-associated genes such as Bcl2, Bax, Caspase-3, p53, and TNF-α (Real-time PCR and Immunohistochemistry) were evaluated. Our findings showed that melatonin restored spermatogenesis by improving sperm count, motility, viability, and morphology. Testosterone level, histopathology, and stereology of testes were significantly improved in melatonin-administrated groups. Furthermore, melatonin recovered the oxidative status of the testes through elevating TAC and ameliorating MDA and NO levels. More importantly, melatonin therapy suppressed BEP-evoked apoptosis by modulating Bcl-2, Bax, Caspase-3, p53, and TNF-α expression in testes. In conclusion, melatonin protects the testes against BEP-induced testicular damage by attenuating nitro-oxidative stress, apoptosis, and inflammation, which provides evidence for melatonin as a possible clinical therapy against BEP-associated gonadotoxicity and male sub/infertility.

The necessity of antioxidant inclusion in caprine and ovine semen extenders: A systematic review complemented with computational insight.

The inclusion of antioxidants (AOXs) has been proposed in various protocols to conserve the normal physiology of spermatozoa during (cryo) preservation. The main aim of this review was to understand the necessity of AOXs inclusion in semen extenders of caprine and ovine semen samples and to decipher physico-chemical space of AOXs used in semen extenders till now. A total 27 full-text relevant articles were finally discussed here. This systematic review showed that the inclusion of AOXs may improve the success of semen cryopreservation although at least three studies could not support this finding. AOXs have been not added after assaying total antioxidant capacity of the sample of interest, and this is principal measurement bias of all papers. Furthermore, no rational dose-response curve and precise posology have been considered in comparable studies. Furthermore, new methodologies are requested to detect the oxidative status of semen specimens before AXOs fortification and new methodologies like imaging are also needed to detect various injuries of sperms during semen (cryo)preservation. Defining computational chemical and physical spaces of AOXs which used in semen (cryo)preservation would be an interdisciplinary effort to hasten deciphering epoch-making compounds. In conclusion, more in-depth analytical, toxicological and pharmacological methodologies should be pursued in supplementation or addition of AOXs during caprine and ovine semen (cryo)preservation after determining the oxidative status of semen samples.

Gallic acid protects the liver in rats against injuries induced by transient ischemia-reperfusion through regulating microRNAs expressions.

OBJECTIVES: Gallic acid (GA) is a highly effective antioxidant, which its beneficial effects are well known, but its impact on expression of microRNAs (miRs) following hepatic ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) is not well recognized. Therefore, the current research was designed to specify the beneficial effect of GA on miRs (122 and 34a), liver functional tests, and histopathological alterations beyond I/R-induced hepatic injury. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-two rats were randomly divided into four groups (8 per group) including: sham-operated (S), I/R, and GA+I/R pretreated groups. Rats in sham-operated group received physiologic saline (N/S, 2 ml/kg), on a weekly basis, once a day via intraperitoneally route), then a midline abdominal surgery was performed. IR, and GA+IR pretreated groups received physiologic saline (2 ml/kg), and GA (50, and 100 mg per kg) for same time, IP, respectively, before induction of transient ischemia. One hour after reperfusion, biochemical, and histopathological evaluations were performed and expression of miRs were evaluated. RESULTS: The results showed that GA reduced the concentrations of liver enzymes, miR-122, and miR-34a in serum, and preserved liver cells changes induced by I/R injury. CONCLUSION: These findings showed that GA has beneficial effect on liver damage induced by I/R. Therefore, it is suggested that GA can be administered as an anti-miR before elective hepatic surgeries for prevention of this complication.

Tribulus terrestris hydroalcoholic extract effect on cisplatin-induced apoptosis in mice kidney / Efecto del extracto hidroalcohólico de Tribulus terrestris sobre la apoptosis Inducida por cisplatino en el riñón de ratones

Cisplatin (EBEWE Pharma, Unterach, Austria) is an anti-cancer drug used in chemotherapy. One of the limiting major side effects of cisplatin is nephrotoxicity. Tribulus terrestris (TT) has been used as an synthetic or herbal protective agents for kidney disorders. The present study amid to investigate the Tribulus terrestris Hydroalcoholic extract effect on cisplatin-induced apoptosis in mice kidney. Male adult mice (n= 30) were divided into control group and 4 experimental groups (n= 6). Control group received saline, the first experimental group received cisplatin (5.5 mg/kg) and other three experimental groups received cisplatin (5.5 mg/kg) and different doses of hydroalcoholic extact of TT (100, 300 and 500 mg/kg i.p) respectively. The kidneys were removed after 4 days of injections, and TUNEL assay on mice's kidneys were performed. Weights of body and kidneys and apoptotic index were assessed. Data analysis was performed using one-way ANOVA followed by Tukey's post hoc test. The results showed that cisplatin lead to a reduction in the weight of body and kidney (P <0.01), and increased apoptotic index significantly compared to the control group (P <0.001), while in treated groups with TT, the weights of body and kidney were significantly higher compared with cisplatin group, but apoptotic index did not show significant differences. These parameters reached normal range after administration of fruit extracts of TT for 4 days. The study demonstrates that extract of TT could have protective effect on cisplatin- induced apoptosis of kidney. This may be related to the presence of antioxidant components acting via a multitude of central and peripheral mechanisms.

El cisplatino (EBEWE Pharma, Unterach, Austria) es un medicamento contra el cáncer utilizado en quimioterapia. Uno de los principales efectos secundarios limitantes del cisplatino es la nefrotoxicidad. Tribulus terrestris (TT) ha sido utilizado como agente protector sintético o herbal para los trastornos renales. El objetivo fue investigar el efecto del extracto hidroalcohólico de TT sobre la apoptosis inducida por cisplatino en el riñón de ratones. Se utilizaron ratones adultos machos (n= 30), que fueron divididos en 4 grupos, un control y tres grupos experimentales (n= 6). El grupo control recibió solución salina; el primer grupo experimental recibió cisplatino (5,5 mg/kg) y los otros tres grupos experimentales recibieron cisplatino (5,5 mg/kg) con diferentes dosis de extracto hidroalcohólico de TT (100, 300 y 500 mg/kg vía ip) respectivamente. Los riñones fueron retirados después de 4 días de aplicadas las inyecciones, y se realizó el ensayo TUNEL en los riñones. Se evaluó el peso corporal de los ratones, el peso de los riñones y el índice de apoptosis. El análisis de datos se realizó mediante ANOVA de un factor seguido por la prueba post hoc de Tukey. Los resultados mostraron que el cisplatino con plomo provocó una reducción en el peso corporal y el riñón (P <0,01) y un aumento significativo del índice de apoptosis en comparación con el grupo control (P <0,001), mientras que en los grupos tratados con TT, los pesos corporales y de los riñones fueron significativamente mayores en comparación con el grupo de cisplatino, pero el índice de apoptosis no mostró diferencias significativas. Estos parámetros alcanzaron niveles normales después de la administración de extracto de TT durante 4 días. El estudio demuestra que el extracto de TT podría tener un efecto protector sobre la apoptosis inducida por cisplatino en el riñón, que podría estar relacionado con la presencia de componentes antioxidantes que actúan a través de múltiples mecanismos centrales y periféricos.

Tribulus terrestris hydroalcoholic extract administration effects on reproductive parameters and serum level of glucose in diabetic male rats / Efectos de la administración del extracto hidroalcohólico tribulus terrestris sobre los parámetros reproductivos y el nivel sérico de glucosa en ratas macho diabéticas

Usage of medicinal plants for the treatment of diseases is a remarkable strategy considered in both clinical and experimental studies. This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of Tribulus terrestris hydroalcoholic extract administration on the serum level of glucose and reproductive parameters in diabetic male rats. In this experimental study, 30 adult male Wistar rats (200­250 g) were divided into 5 groups (n= 6). Diabetes was induced by a single intraperitoneal injection of 50 mg/kg streptozotocin. Experimental groups received daily Intraperitoneal injection of the extract (100, 250 and 500 mg/kg) since one week after inducing diabetes for two weeks. At the end of the experiment, the serum levels of testosterone and glucose were examined by ELISA and Glucodr devices respectively. Sperm parameters including morphology, count and motility were evaluated from the cauda epididymis. The diameters of seminiferous tubules were assessed based on 5 µm paraffin section of H&E stained section of testes. The data were evaluated by One Way ANOVA followed by post-hoc test using SPSS software. In T. terrestris extract groups, there were significant reductions in the levels of blood glucose while increased sperm motility, sperm count and seminiferous tubules diameter, percentage of sperms with normal morphology, level of testosterone hormone and final body weight compared with diabetic group (p <0.001). In conclusion, T. terrestris hydroalcoholic extract decreases serum level of glucose and diminishes the side effects of diabetes on male reproductive system showing by increasing in the serum level of testosterone, improving sperm parameters and returning the seminiferous tubules to normal diameter by a dose dependent manner.

El uso de plantas medicinales para el tratamiento de enfermedades es una importante estrategia considerada en estudios clínicos y experimentales. El objetivo fue evaluar el efecto de la administración de extracto de Tribulus terrestris hidroalcohólico en el nivel sérico de glucosa y los parámetros reproductivos en ratas macho diabéticas. En este estudio experimental, se dividieron 30 ratas Wistar (200­250 g) macho adultas, en 5 grupos (n= 6). Se indujo diabetes por una sola inyección intraperitoneal (i.p.) de 50 mg/kg de estreptozotocina. Los grupos experimentales recibieron inyección i.p diaria del extracto (100, 250 y 500 mg/kg) una semana después de la inducción de la diabetes durante dos semanas. Al final del experimento, los niveles séricos de testosterona y de glucosa se examinaron por ELISA y el dispositivos Glucodr, respectivamente. Además, fueron evaluados los parámetros de morfología, conteo y motilidad espermática. Los diámetros de los túbulos seminíferos de los testículos se evaluaron sobre la base de secciones de parafina de 5 mm teñidos con H&E. Los datos fueron evaluados por ANOVA de una vía seguido de prueba post-hoc utilizando el programa SPSS (versión 20). En los grupos tratados con extracto de T. terrestris hubo una reducción significativa en los niveles de glucosa en la sangre, mientras que se observó un aumento en el recuento y motilidad espermática, el diámetro de los túbulos seminíferos, el porcentaje de espermatozoides con morfología normal, el nivel de testosterona y el peso corporal final de las ratas en comparación con el grupo de ratas diabéticas (p <0,001). En conclusión, el extracto de T. terrestris hidroalcohólico disminuye los niveles séricos de glucosa y los efectos secundarios de la diabetes en el sistema reproductivo mediante el aumento de los niveles séricos de testosterona, mejorando los parámetros de los espermatozoides y la restitución a diámetro normal de los túbulos seminíferos dependiendo de la dosis.

Antioxidant effect of aqueous extract of sumac (Rhus coriaria L.) in the alloxan-induced diabetic rats.

In this experimental study, 30 adult male Wistar rats divided into 5 groups (n=6). Experimental rats were treated with one intraperitoneal injection of 120 mg/kgbw Alloxan monohydrate alone or in combination with 28 days of oral administration with aqueous extract of Rhus coriaria (50, 100 and 250 mg/kgbw) while the control rats received normal saline. At the end of the study, blood glucose, malondialdehyde concentration and catalase activities of kidney and liver tissues were determined. Treatment with Rhus coriaria extract resulted in a significant reduction in blood glucose, and the liver and kidney tissue contents of malondialdehyde in comparison to diabetic group (P<0.05). Furthermore, diabetic group treated with extract showed a significant increase in catalase activities of the liver and kidney (P<0.05). The present study showed that Rhus coriaria could be effective in decreasing diabetic complication and this effect is attributed to the antioxidant activity of the plant.

Effects of anthropometric factors on foot size in normal preschool children of Iran / Efectos de los factores antropométricos sobre el tamaño del pie en niños preescolares normales de Irán

The growth pattern of children is affected by anthropometric dimensions. This study was aimed to investigate anthropometric factors related to growth of preschool children of a sample population in Iran. This study was performed in year 2011 on 1320 of 4­7 years old preschool children in Arak. To classify, body mass index (BMI), height and weight were recorded. The four contact points (head, back, buttocks, and heels) were maintained against the spine of the stadiometer during measurement. The head was positioned in the Frankfurt plane, and the sliding bar was lowered the crown of the head. Height was measured and recorded by the researchers. A pair of manual calibrated Seca scales was used to measure body mass in kilograms. The participants were least dressed in the uniform. We have classified BMI to four groups as group1, BMI with 10.75­15 and group 2, 3, 4 with 15.1­17 and 17.1­20, 20.1­22.5, respectively. Foot length was recorded as the distance from the posterior aspect of the heel to the most distal aspect of the longest toe. Foot length was measured with subjects standing upright using a foot board, a plastic device with calibrated lineation (in centimeters and millimeters). Analysis showed that sex neither affect on BMI nor foot measurements. The present findings contribute to the understanding of the effect of body mass on the structural development of the pediatric foot and musculoskeletal system. Excessive body mass seems to lead to increased foot length and width.

El patrón de crecimiento de los niños se ve afectado por las dimensiones antropométricas. El objetivo fue investigar los factores antropométricos relacionados con el crecimiento de los niños en edad preescolar de una muestra poblacional de Irán. Este estudio se realizó en el año 2011 en 1320 niños, de 4-7 años, de edad preescolar de Arak. Para clasificar el índice de masa corporal (IMC), se registraron la altura y el peso. Los cuatro puntos de contacto (cabeza, espalda, glúteos y talones) se mantuvieron contra la columna del estadiómetro durante la medición. La cabeza fue colocada en el plano de Frankfurt, y la barra de deslizamiento se redujo al nivel de la corona de la cabeza. Los investigadores midieron y registraron la altura. Se utilizaronn par de escalas manuales Seca calibradas para medir la masa corporal en kilogramos. Los participantes fueron vestidos con el uniforme escolar. Se clasificó el IMC en cuatro grupos: grupo 1 entre 10,75­15, grupo 2 entre 15,1­17, grupo 3 entre 17,1­20 y grupo 4 entre 20,1­22,5. La longitud del pie se definió como la distancia existente desde la cara posterior del talón hasta la porción más distal del dedo más largo. La longitud de pie se midió con los sujetos en posición de pie utilizando una tabla de pie, dispositivo de plástico con la alineación calibrada (en centímetros y milímetros). El análisis mostró que el sexo no influye en el índice de masa corporal ni las medidas del pie. Los presentes hallazgos contribuyen a la comprensión de los efectos de la masa corporal en el desarrollo estructural del pie y el sistema músculo-esquelético pediátrico. La masa corporal excesiva parece conducir a un aumento de la longitud y ancho del pie.

The effects of age and sex on brain volume / Efectos de la edad y del sexo en el volumen del cerebro

Age is associated with substantial macrostructural brain changes. While some recent CT scan studies have reported larger age affects in men than women, others find no sex differences, as brain morphometry is a potentially important tool in diagnosis and monitoring of age-related neurological diseases. A study was conducted on 147 Arakian healthy aged participants in the Department of Radiology, Valie asr Hospital, Arak city. Gray matter (GM), white matter (WM) and CSF was evaluated based on cranial CT scan images. Both males and females subjects were divided into four age groups. In this study, the subjects were 51.7% (76) male and 48.3% (71) female. Frequency of groups showed that the common types were in the 4th group of ages (65.1­80 years) with 44%. Although, in 147cases, all parameters were greater in male than female but no significant differences were seen. The significant differences between the two sexes were in length of cranium and width of cranium. There was significant difference between age groups in male and female. In male groups no significant difference was shown between them, but these were considered statistically significant in female groups in width of cranium (p=0.017), width of gray matter (p=0.008), length of cranium (p=0.052), length of white matter (P=0.024), distance of bicorn anterior (p=0.013), width of white matter in bicoronal Anterior (p=0.046), but in male age groups showed no statistically significant difference. We found changing in brain volume relationship with ageing in population, but this change in female is greater than male.

La edad se asocia con cambios cerebrales sustanciales. Mientras que algunos estudios recientes han reportado que la edad afecta a hombres más que a mujeres, otros no encuentran diferencias sexuales. La morfometría cerebral es una herramienta potencialmente importante en el diagnóstico y seguimiento de enfermedades neurológicas relacionadas con la edad. Se realizó un estudio en 147 participantes sanos de edad avanzada en el Departamento de Radiología, Hospital de Valie asr, ciudad de Arak. La sustancia gris (SG), sustancia blanca (SB) y líquido cerebro-espina (LCR) fueron evaluados en base a imágenes craneales de escáner CT. Los sujetos, hombres y mujeres fueron divididos en cuatro grupos etarios. De los sujetos incluidos en el estudio, 51,7% (76) fueron hombres y 48,3% (71) mujeres. La frecuencia de los grupos mostró que los tipos más comunes estaban en el cuarto grupo etario de (65,1 a 80 años) con un 44%. En 147 casos todos los parámetros fueron mayores en hombres que en mujeres, sin embargo, no se observaron diferencias significativas. Entre los dos sexos las diferencias significativas estaban en longitud de cráneo y ancho del cráneo. No hubo diferencias significativas entre los grupos etarios. En los grupos de hombres, no se demostró ninguna diferencia significativa, pero éstos fueron considerados estadísticamente significativos en ancho de cráneo (p=0,017), ancho de cráneo de las mujeres, la sustancia gris (p=0,008), longitud del cráneo (p=0,052), longitud de la sustancia blanca (P=0,024), distancia anterior del bicornio (p=0,013) y el ancho de la sustancia blanca bicoronal anterior (p=0,046). Sin embargo en los grupos de edad de sexo masculino no se observaron diferencias estadísticamente significativas. Encontramos cambios en relación al volumen cerebral con el envejecimiento de la población; este cambio en el sexo femenino es mayor que el masculino.

Period dependent branching process and its applications in epidemiology.

In this paper we introduce a new technical development of branching processes that can potentially model spread of epidemics by including various stages of infection. In fact, we present an epidemic model that the disease spreads from an individual to another one in such a way that the ability of individual u to infect a susceptible individual depends only on how long u has been infected. For analysis of this model, we introduce a new and special model of the Crump-Mode-Jagers branching processes in discrete time and obtain some of its fundamental properties.