The Emirates Mars Mission.

The Emirates Mars Mission (EMM) was launched to Mars in the summer of 2020, and is the first interplanetary spacecraft mission undertaken by the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The mission has multiple programmatic and scientific objectives, including the return of scientifically useful information about Mars. Three science instruments on the mission's Hope Probe will make global remote sensing measurements of the Martian atmosphere from a large low-inclination orbit that will advance our understanding of atmospheric variability on daily and seasonal timescales, as well as vertical atmospheric transport and escape. The mission was conceived and developed rapidly starting in 2014, and had aggressive schedule and cost constraints that drove the design and implementation of a new spacecraft bus. A team of Emirati and American engineers worked across two continents to complete a fully functional and tested spacecraft and bring it to the launchpad in the middle of a global pandemic. EMM is being operated from the UAE and the United States (U.S.), and will make its data freely available.

Effect of hydroxychloroquine on COVID-19 prevention in cancer patients undergoing treatment: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVES: In this study, we will investigate the effect of hydroxychloroquine on the prevention of novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in cancer patients being treated. TRIAL DESIGN: This is a two-arm, parallel-group, triple-blind, phase 2-3 randomized controlled trial. PARTICIPANTS: All patients over the age of 15 years from 5 types of cancer will be included in the study. Patients with acute lymphoid and myeloid leukemias in the first line treated with curative intent, patients with high-grade non-Hodgkin's lymphoma treated with leukemia regimens, and patients with non-metastatic breast and colon cancer in the first line of treatment will enter the study. INTERVENTION AND COMPARATOR: Patients are randomly assigned to two groups: one being given hydroxychloroquine and the other is given placebo. During 2 months of treatment, the two groups will be treated with hydroxychloroquine every other day with a single 200-mg tablet (Amin® Pharmaceutical Company, Isfahan, Iran) or placebo (identical in terms of shape, color, and smell). Patients will be monitored for COVID-19 symptoms during follow-up period. If any COVID-19-related signs or symptoms occur, they will be examined, thoroughly, investigated with a high resolution computerize tomography (CT) scan of the lungs and nasopharyngeal swab assessed by RT-PCR for SARS-CoV-2 virus. This study will be performed in five centers affiliated to Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran. MAIN OUTCOMES: The primary end point of this study is to investigate the incidence of COVID-19 in patients being treated for their cancer and receiving prophylactic Hydroxychloroquine. RANDOMIZATION: Randomization will be performed using random permuted blocks. By using online website ( www.randomization.com ), the randomization sequence will be produced by quadruple blocks. The allocation ratio in intervention and control groups is 1:1. BLINDING (MASKING): Participants and caregivers do not know whether the patient is in the intervention or the control group. Those assessing the outcomes and data analyzer are also blinded to group assignment. SAMPLE SIZE: The calculated total sample size is 60 patients, with 30 patients in each group.

Evaluation of the middle ear in water buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) by gross anatomy and cone-beam computed tomography.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to provide a description of gross middle ear morphology in water buffaloes, augmented with additional data on the osseous structures of middle ear derived from cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Skulls of 10 young adult male water buffaloes were used to examine their middle ears. RESULTS: Anatomical features noted included the presence of tympanic cells in the tympanic bulla, the location of malleus head and neck, and all of incus in the dorsal epitympanic recess, the oval tympanic membrane, absence of a prominent notch on the articular surface of malleus, positional variations of the lateral process of malleus relative to the muscular process and muscular process relative to the rostral process of malleus, absence of complete coverage of the articular facet of malleus head by incus body, and presence of the lenticular process of incus. In CBCT images, the osseous part of external acoustic meatus, the petrous part of temporal bone and the details of the ossicles were seen, except for stapes. CONCLUSIONS: Although tympanic membrane, malleus and stapes of water buffaloes are similar to those of ox, the incus of water buffaloes is more similar to that of goats. The heaviest ossicles among the ruminants studied belonged to water buffaloes; the mean length of malleus head and neck, total length and width of incus body as well as length of stapes head were greatest in water buffaloes too. The auditory ossicles of water buffaloes show 'transitional type' morphological characteristics. These features suggest a relatively wide frequency range of hearing, but not one biased towards especially low or especially high frequencies.

Burden of musculoskeletal disorders in Iran during 1990-2017: estimates from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2017.

Musculoskeletal diseases (MSDs) are the leading cause of disability and facing them demands updated reports on their burden for efficient policymaking. We showed Iran had the highest female-to-male ratio and highest increase in the burden of musculoskeletal diseases, in the past three decades, worldwide. We further confirmed the role of population aging as the main cause. PURPOSE: MSDs comprise most of the top causes of years lived with disability (YLDs) worldwide and are rapidly increasing in lower- and middle-income countries. Here, we present disability and mortality due to MSDs in Iran at the national level from 1990 to 2017. METHODS: We used Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2017 Study data and standard methodology and presented the burden of MSDs in rates of years of life lost (YLLs), YLDs, and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) during 1990-2017, for population aged ≥ 5 years old. We further explored attributable risk factors and decomposed the changing trend in DALYs to assess underlying causes. RESULTS: In Iran, MSDs were responsible for 1.82 million (95%uncertainty interval [UI] 1.3-2.4) DALYs, in 2017. During the past 28 years, with 1.75% annualized percentage change (APC), Iran had the highest percentage increase in the all-ages MSD DALYs rate worldwide, while the age-standardized DALYs APC was negligible. Low back pain was the greatest contributor to DALYs and caused 4.5% of total DALYs. The female population is experiencing considerably higher burden of MSDs, with 115% and 48% higher all-ages YLLs and YLDs rates per 100,000, respectively (YLLs 28.7; YLDs 2629.1), than males (YLLs 13.2; YLDs 1766.1). However, due to wide UIs, difference was not significant. Only 17.6% of MSD YLDs are attributable to assessed risk factors. CONCLUSION: Despite that MSDs are rising as an important cause of disability in Iran, these conditions are not sufficiently addressed in health policies. There is urgent need for cross-sectoral engagement, especially addressing the MSDs in females.

Short term exercise training enhances cell-mediated responses to HSV-1 vaccine in mice.

Exercise (with appropriate intensity and duration) is a natural modulator of immune responses and may be useful to increase the vaccine response towards antigen. According to the fact that rural area responding butter than urbon area to vaccine protocol, this study was undertaken to test the hypothesis that short term exercise training as an adjuvant for antigen such as herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) in animal models. Mice with/without access to short term exercise training were immunized intramuscularly with inactivated KOS strain of HSV-1. Immune responses was investigated with regards of both cell-mediated and humoral immunity. In this study by using short term exercise training as an adjuvant enhanced Th1 response while it did not show significant effect on Th2 responses towards HSV-1 immunization. Also, immunoglobulin G (IgG) 2a/IgG1-ratios increased in vaccine with short term exercise training group. These results suggested that coupling short term moderate exercise training as a mild adjuvant with vaccination may enhance cell-mediated immune responses especially Th1 responses.

In vitro proliferation and differentiation of human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells into osteoblasts on nanocomposite scaffolds based on bioactive glass (64SiO2-31CaO-5P2O5)-poly-l-lactic acid nanofibers fabricated by electrospinning method.

Electrospinning method was employed for fabrication of SiO2-CaO-P2O5 bioactive glass (BG) nanofibers, poly-l-lactic acid (PLLA) nanofibers and nanocomposite scaffolds fabricated from as-prepared nanofibers. Characterization of the prepared nanofibers and scaffolds by XRD, FTIR, and SEM techniques revealed the formation of nanofibers with mean diameter of about 500nm and fully fibrous scaffolds with porous structure and interconnected pores. The growth, viability and proliferation of cultured human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells in the fabricated nanofibers and bioactive glass-poly-l-lactic acid (BG-PLLA) nanocomposite scaffolds were studied using various biological assays including MTT, ALP activity, calcium deposit content, Alizarin red staining, and RT-PCR test. Based on the obtained results, incorporation of BG nanofibers in the nanocomposite scaffolds causes the better biological behavior of the scaffolds. In addition, three-dimensional and fibrous-porous structure of the scaffolds further contributes to their improved cell behavior compared to the components.

Combined effect of aerobic interval training and selenium nanoparticles on expression of IL-15 and IL-10/TNF-α ratio in skeletal muscle of 4T1 breast cancer mice with cachexia.

Cancer cachexia is characterized by inflammation, loss of skeletal muscle and adipose tissue mass, and functional impairment. Oxidative stress and inflammation are believed to regulate pathways controlling skeletal muscle wasting. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of aerobic interval training and the purported antioxidant treatment, selenium nanoparticle supplementation, on expression of IL-15 and inflammatory cytokines in 4T1 breast cancer-bearing mice with cachexia. Selenium nanoparticle supplementation accelerated cachexia symptoms in tumor-bearing mice, while exercise training prevented muscle wasting in tumor-bearing mice. Also, aerobic interval training enhanced the anti-inflammatory indices IL-10/TNF-α ratio and IL-15 expression in skeletal muscle in tumor-bearing mice. However, combining exercise training and antioxidant supplementation prevented cachexia and muscle wasting and additionally decreased tumor volume in 4T1 breast cancer mice. These finding suggested that combining exercise training and antioxidant supplementation could be a strategy for managing tumor volume and preventing cachexia in breast cancer.

The epidemiology of burns in Basra, Iraq.

Burns are a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide and an important public health problem in Iraq. The current study was undertaken to describe epidemiological characteristics of hospitalized burn patients and investigate in-hospital mortality. The study was undertaken at the Al-Fayhaa Burn Centre in Basra City through analyzing hospital records of patients admitted to the centre for a new burn injury between January and December 2016. Data were extracted from all accessible files, entered into Epidata and analyzed in Stata. Hospital records of 367 patients with an age range of 1 month to 77 years and a male to female ratio of 1:2 were analyzed. One third of admissions were children aged 0 to 5 years: the most common mechanisms of injury were flame (51%) and scalds (41.7%). Total body surface area (TBSA) burnt ranged from less than 1% to 100%, with a median of 30.0% (IQR 18.0, 45.0). Length of hospital stay ranged from 0 to 5 months, with a median of 8 days (IQR 4, 12.5). In-hospital mortality was 22% and the independent factors for death were TBSA and suicidal burns. Burns remain a major public health problem in Basra, especially in children, and require sustained multidisciplinary action for their prevention and management. Improving hospital records and computerizing them is essential for better assessment and follow-up of burn care practices.

Les brûlures sont une cause majeure de morbidité et de mortalité dans le monde, et un important problème de santé publique en Irak. Cette étude a pour but de décrire les caractéristiques épidémiologique et la mortalité des patients hospitalisés pour brûlure. Elle a été conduite à partir des dossiers des patients hospitalisés en 2016 dans le CTB de l'hôpital Al Fayhaa à Bassorah. Les données recueillies ont été entrée dans Epidata et analysées par Stata. Les dossiers de 367 patients, âgés de 1 mois à 77 ans (1,2 hommes/1 femme) ont été étudiés. Un tiers des admissions concernaient des enfants de moins de 5 ans. Un flamme était en cause dans 51% des cas, un liquide dans 41,7%. La surface atteinte était de 1 à 100% (médiane 30%, intervalle interquartile 4-12,5). La mortalité hospitalière était de 22%, les facteurs de risque indépendants étant la surface et le suicide. Les brûlures, en particulier chez l'enfant, demeurent un problème majeur de santé publique à Bassorah. Elles nécessitent des actions pluridisciplinaires, préventives comme curatives. L'amélioration et l'informatisation des dossiers médicaux est essentielle à l'évaluation et l'amélioration des soins.

Teratozoospermia and asthenozoospermia are associated with specific epigenetic signatures.

Semen analysis is commonly used as a tool to assess the fertility potential of a male, despite its relatively low predictive power. In this study, we have assessed associations between semen analysis findings (low count, low motility, low viability, poor sperm penetration assay results, poor morphology, and increased DNA damage) and DNA methylation patterns in mature spermatozoa. DNA methylation patterns in the mature spermatozoa are thought to be indicative of patterns in the adult germline stem cells and may offer insight into potential perturbations to cellular pathways involved in spermatogenesis. In this study, sperm DNA methylation at >480,000 CpGs was assessed in 94 men using the Illumina 450k HumanMethylation Array and compared to standard measures of sperm quality. We did not identify any global changes to methylation profiles that were associated with reduced semen parameters. Similarly, we found no significant difference in methylation variability that was associated with any abnormal semen analysis parameter, although sperm displaying abnormal parameters tended to have an increased coefficient of variability, suggesting that, in some samples, this may be a contributing factor. Analysis of methylation at single CpGs and genomic regions did identify associations for low viability and low motility, and to a smaller extent, low count. Interestingly, based on GO Term analysis, differentially methylated regions associated with low viability were over-represented in regions important in meiosis, spermatogenesis, and genomic imprinting. These results suggest that while there are not global alterations to the sperm methylome associated with semen abnormalites, some viability associated regional alterations do exist that may be indicative of perturbed cellular pathways during spermatogenesis.

Effect of resistance exercise training on expression of Hsp70 and inflammatory cytokines in skeletal muscle and adipose tissue of STZ-induced diabetic rats.

Impairment of adipose tissue and skeletal muscles accrued following type 1 diabetes is associated with protein misfolding and loss of adipose mass and skeletal muscle atrophy. Resistance training can maintain muscle mass by changing both inflammatory cytokines and stress factors in adipose tissue and skeletal muscle. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of a 5-week ladder climbing resistance training program on the expression of Hsp70 and inflammatory cytokines in adipose tissue and fast-twitch flexor hallucis longus (FHL) and slow-twitch soleus muscles in healthy and streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Induction of diabetes reduced body mass, while resistance training preserved FHL muscle weight in diabetic rats without any changes in body mass. Diabetes increased Hsp70 protein content in skeletal muscles, adipose tissue, and serum. Hsp70 protein levels were decreased in normal and diabetic rats by resistance training in the FHL, but not soleus muscle. Furthermore, resistance training decreased inflammatory cytokines in FHL skeletal muscle. On the other hand, Hsp70 and inflammatory cytokine protein levels were increased by training in adipose tissue. Also, significant positive correlations between inflammatory cytokines in adipose tissue and skeletal muscles with Hsp70 protein levels were observed. In conclusion, we found that in diabetic rats, resistance training decreased inflammatory cytokines and Hsp70 protein levels in fast skeletal muscle, increased adipose tissue inflammatory cytokines and Hsp70, and preserved FHL muscle mass. These results suggest that resistance training can maintain skeletal muscle mass in diabetes by changing inflammatory cytokines and stress factors such as Hsp70 in skeletal muscle and adipose tissue.

Paternal influence of sperm DNA integrity on early embryonic development.

STUDY QUESTION: Does sperm DNA damage affect early embryonic development? SUMMARY ANSWER: Increased sperm DNA damage adversely affects embryo quality starting at Day 2 of early embryonic development and continuing after embryo transfer, resulting in reduced implantation rates and pregnancy outcomes. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY: Abnormalities in the sperm DNA in the form of single and double strand breaks can be assessed by an alkaline Comet assay. Some prior studies have shown a strong paternal effect of sperm DNA damage on IVF outcome, including reduced fertilization, reduced embryo quality and cleavage rates, reduced numbers of embryos developing into blastocysts, increased percentage of embryos undergoing developmental arrest, and reduced implantation and pregnancy rates. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION: A cross-sectional study of 215 men from infertile couples undergoing assisted reproduction techniques at the University of Utah Center for Reproductive Medicine. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS: Sperm from men undergoing ART were analyzed for DNA damage using an alkaline Comet assay and classified into three groups: 'low damage' (0-30%), 'intermediate damage' (31-70%) and 'high damage' (71-100%). The cause of couples' infertility was categorized into one of the three types (male, female or unexplained). Each embryo was categorized as 'good', 'fair' or 'poor' quality, based on the number and grade of blastomeres. The influence of sperm DNA damage on early embryonic development was observed and classified into four stages: peri-fertilization effect (fertilization rate), early paternal effect (embryonic days 1-2), late paternal effect (embryonic days 3-5) and implantation stage effect. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE: The paternal effect of sperm DNA damage was observed at each stage of early embryonic development. The peri-fertilization effect was higher in oocytes from patients with female infertility (20.85%) compared with male (8.22%; P < 0.001) and unexplained (7.30%; P < 0.001) infertility factors. In both the early and late paternal effect stages, the low DNA damage group had a higher percentage of good quality embryos (P < 0.05) and lower percentage of poor quality embryos (P < 0.05) compared with the high DNA damage group. Implantation was lower in the high DNA damage (33.33%) compared with intermediate DNA damage (55.26%; P < 0.001) and low DNA damage (65.00%; P < 0.001) groups. The implantation rate was higher following blastocyst transfer (58.33%), when compared with early stage blastocyst (53.85%; P = 0.554) and cavitating morula transfers (34.40%; P < 0.001). Implantation was higher when the female partner age was ≤35 years when compared with >35 year age group (52.75 versus 35.44%; P = 0.008). LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION: A potential limitation of this study is that it is cross-sectional. Generally in such studies more than one variable could affect the outcome. Analyzing sperm is one part of the equation but a number of environmental and female factors also have the potential to influence embryo development and implantation. Furthermore, the selection of morphologically normal and physiologically motile sperm may result in isolation of sperm with reduced DNA damage. Therefore, selecting the best available sperm for ICSI may lead to experimental bias, as the selected sperm do not represent the overall sperm population in which the DNA damage is measured. Similar studies on selected sperm and with a larger sample size are now required. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS: The paternal influence of damaged chromatin is more prominent after zygotic transcriptional activation. A prolonged paternal effect on the developing embryo may be due to the active repair mechanism present in oocytes that tends to overcome the damaged paternal chromatin. The probability of eliminating an embryo fertilized by a sperm with damaged DNA is higher at the blastocyst stage than the cleavage stage; therefore blastocyst transfer could be recommended for better implantation success. Finally, we recommend ICSI treatment for patients with a higher percentage of sperm with DNA damage as well as additional studies with a larger sample size aimed at assessing DNA damage analysis as a diagnostic tool for IVF. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTERESTS: This work was supported by the University of Utah internal funds. The authors declare no competing interests. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: N/A.

Expression of interleukin-15 and inflammatory cytokines in skeletal muscles of STZ-induced diabetic rats: effect of resistance exercise training.

Skeletal muscle atrophy is associated with type-1 diabetes. Skeletal muscle is the source of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines that can mediate muscle hypertrophy and atrophy, while resistance exercise can modulate both muscle mass and muscle cytokine expression. This study determined the effects of a 5-week resistance exercise training regimen on the expression of muscle cytokines in healthy and streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats, with special emphasis on interleukin-15 (IL-15), a muscle-derived cytokine proposed to be involved in muscle hypertrophy or responses to stress. Induction of diabetes reduced muscle weight in both the fast flexor hallucis longus (FHL) and slow soleus muscles, while resistance training preserved FHL muscle weight in diabetic rats. IL-15 protein content was increased by training in both FHL and soleus muscles, as well as serum, in normal and diabetic rats. With regard to proinflammatory cytokines, muscle IL-6 levels were increased in diabetic rats, while training decreased muscle IL-6 levels in diabetic rats; training had no effect on FHL muscle IL-6 levels in healthy rats. Also, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and IL-1ß levels were increased by diabetes, but not changed by training. In conclusion, we found that in diabetic rats, resistance training increased muscle and serum IL-15 levels, decreased muscle IL-6 levels, and preserved FHL muscle mass.

The effect of a healthy lifestyle program on the elderly's health in Arak.

BACKGROUND: Increasing life-expectancy and decreasing birth rate have led to an increase in the elderly population worldwide so that the aging population is considered one of the biggest public health concerns in the present century which demands more attention to this vulnerable group. Therefore, the present study was done to determine the effect of a healthy lifestyle program on elderly's health in Arak. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This quasi-experimental intervention study was carried out on 60 elderly citizens of Arak. The participants attended four instructional classes on nutrition, exercise, sleep hygiene, life skills, and personal hygiene over one month and they were followed for three months after the intervention. Data were collected through standard quality of life questionnaire (SF-36) and Katz standard ADLs in the elderly questionnaire before and three months after the completion of the study. RESULTS: The average age of the participants was 67.61 ± 5.02 years. In terms of gender, the majority of the participants (60%) were male. In terms of quality of life before the instructional intervention, 13.3% of the participants were in low level, 30% in average level, 41.7% in good level, and 15% in the high level of quality of life. However, after the intervention, the majority of the participants were in good (38.3%) and high (45%) levels of quality of life which showed significant differences before and after the instructional intervention (P < 0.001). Moreover, there was a significant difference between Katz ADLs in the elderly before and after the intervention (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The comparison between the quality of life and ADLs in the elderly before and after the intervention showed that continuing instruction for the elderly based on a regular healthy lifestyle program is effective and holding different instructional classes for this population, that is often ignored, seems necessary. The findings of this study can help design proper instructional guidelines on healthy lifestyle in the elderly.

Y chromosome microdeletions in infertile men: prevalence, phenotypes and screening markers for the Indian population.

PURPOSE: Yq microdeletions are the leading genetic cause of male infertility and its detection is clinically relevant for appropriate genetic counseling. We aimed to determine the prevalence and type of Yq microdeletions, the associated seminal phenotypes and the STS markers that are relevant for its testing in Indian population. METHODS: Yq microdeletion analysis was carried out in 1,636 infertile cases in our centers. Additional data was collected from published studies in Indian population leading to a total of 3,647 cases. RESULTS: In our cohort, 3.4 % (56/1,636) of infertile men had Yq microdeletions. Combining the data from other published studies identified 215/3,647 (5.8 %) infertile individuals to harbor Yq microdeletions; with 6.4 % in azoopsermia, 5.8 % in oligozoospermia and 3.2 % in oligoasthenozoospermia and teratozoospermia cases. No significant differences in the deletion frequencies were observed between idiopathic vs non idiopathic cases (5.8 vs 8.6 % respectively). Deletions of AZFc were at highest frequency (46.6 %) with double deletions most commonly observed in azoospermic subjects. With respect to the STS markers, screening with the six European Academy of Andrology (EAA) markers would miss 3.1 % of cases; additional non EAA markers that would contribute significantly to screening are sY746, sY82, sY121, sY128, sY130, sY143, sY145 & sY160. INTERPRETATIONS AND CONCLUSIONS: The frequency of Yq microdeletions is lower in Indian population as compared to Western counterparts. There is no major association of Yq microdeletions with seminal parameters or cause of infertility. Clinically it will be necessary to offer Yq microdeletion testing to all the classes of infertile men. The EAA markers may not be adequate to detect microdeletions in Indian infertile men.

Prevalence of root dilaceration in adult patients referred to shiraz dental school (2005-2010).

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Dilaceration is defined as a sudden change in the axial inclination of root or between the crown and the root of a tooth. There is no previous study evaluating its prevalence in south of Iran. PURPOSE: This study evaluates the prevalence of root dilaceration on the basis of its location in dental arch in a sample of dental patients referring to Shiraz dental school, Iran. MATERIALS AND METHOD: This retrospective study was performed using full mouth periapical radiographs of 250 patients who were referred to Shiraz dental school. Buccal and lingual dilaceration was determined by its known" bull's eye" appearance in the radiographs or if the deviation was in the mesial or distal directions; the angle of 90 degree or greater between the deviation and the axis of root was the inclusion criteria. RESULTS: Root dilaceration was detected in 0.3% of teeth and 7.2% of patients. It was distributed equally between the maxilla and mandible. Mandibular second molar was the most frequent dilacerated tooth (1.6%) followed by maxillary first molar (1.3%) and mandibular first molar (0.6%). The alveolar nerve was the most common anatomic structure near dilacerated teeth. CONCLUSION: According to this study, root dilaceration is an uncommon developmental anomaly which occurs mostly in the posterior teeth.

Rhazes' prescriptions in treatment of gout.

BACKGROUND: Among the diseases that clinicians deal with, few do have a documented medical history that can be traced back to several centuries ago. A careful study of Rhazes' Treatments on Gout reveals a lot about the nature and therapy of gout. METHODS: We managed to study the perceptions about pathogenesis, symptomatology, diagnosis, and treatment of gout that have changed over time. We also discussed some of the past and present fallacies regarding this disease. RESULTS: Rhazes provided a detailed description on the vital role of genetics and the relationship between the development of gout, an indulgent way of living, and tophi at a period of time between 1st and 6th centuries AD. CONCLUSION: This study showed that the findings of Rhazes about treatments of gout were consonant with modern medical theories.

Genetic and epigenetic factors: Role in male infertility.

Genetic factors contribute upto 15%-30% cases of male infertility. Formation of spermatozoa occurs in a sequential manner with mitotic, meiotic, and postmeiotic differentiation phases each of which is controlled by an intricate genetic program. Genes control a variety of physiologic processes, such as hypothalamus-pituitary-gonadal axis, germ cell development, and differentiation. In the era of assisted reproduction technology, it is important to understand the genetic basis of infertility to provide maximum adapted therapeutics and counseling to the couple.

A comprehensive work up for an asthenozoospermic man with repeated intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) failure.

Infertility affects about 15-20% couples attempting pregnancy and in about half cases the problem lies in the male. Among the sperm parameters, linear progressive motility is one of the most important predictors of fertility potential. Though genetic and chromosomal abnormalities are important aetiological factors in the pathogenesis of male infertility, the mechanism involved in impaired sperm motility is poorly understood. Here we report mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) mutations with increased seminal reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels and higher DNA fragmentation level in the sperm resulting in decreased ATP production which plays an important role in sperm motility defect. Thus it is important to understand the aetiology of asthenozoospermia and to distinguish if infertile men harbour nuclear or mtDNA mutation as they are very important prognostic markers. This case study also highlights that routine semen parameters are very modest predictors of fertility outcome but ROS estimation and DNA integrity analysis by Comet assay have better diagnostic and prognostic capabilities. Thus this study is a detailed and comprehensive workup of an infertile asthenozoospermic male.

Reactive oxygen species measurement in neat and washed semen: comparative analysis and its significance in male infertility assessment.

PURPOSE: Oxidative stress (OS) is a major concern in idiopathic male infertility as elevated levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the semen is believed to adversely affect sperm functional competence and damage both nuclear and mitochondrial DNA. Therefore, identifying infertile men with seminal OS may be used as a valuable tool in the assessment of male infertility. Semen is a complex mixture of spermatozoa and seminal plasma which is rich in enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants. However, the measurement of ROS in the semen and its application in male infertility assessment is poorly understood. METHODS: The aim of the present study was to compare the significance of ROS measurement in washed and neat semen. The study included 65 infertile men with abnormal semen (SA) parameters, 17 infertile men with normal semen (NS) parameters and 43 fertile controls (FC). ROS levels in both washed and neat semen were measured by luminol-dependent chemiluminescence assay and the values were expressed as 10(4 )RLU per minute per 20 million spermatozoa. RESULTS: The levels of ROS in both washed and neat semen were found to be significantly higher (P < 0.0001) in infertile men with abnormal and normal semen parameters as compared with FC (P < 0.0001). The lowest median level of ROS was found in FC (neat semen 0.03, washed semen 0.24), whereas infertile men with SA group had the highest median ROS level (neat semen 3.44, washed semen 27.42). In all subjects, ROS levels were found to be higher in washed semen than in neat semen. A strong positive correlation (r = 0.847, P < 0.0001) of ROS levels between neat and washed semen was observed. CONCLUSION: Measurement of ROS in neat semen reflects the original oxidative status in the actual sperm microenvironment and is an easy, simple, inexpensive and rapid method compared with ROS measurement from washed semen. ROS measurement in washed semen is done to assess ROS levels following sperm processing as in cases opting for assisted conception. As both ROS values in neat and washed show a positive correlation, neat semen may be used as a valuable tool for identifying infertile men with seminal OS. ROS levels are elevated in nearly 70% men with idiopathic infertility. Hence, ROS analysis in neat semen has both good diagnostic and prognostic value in male infertility assessment.