New magnetic nanocomposites based on hexafrite and keggin-type -type heteropolyanions: Synthesized and characterized for removal of environmental pollutants.

This research paper details the creation of innovative nanocomposites using the sol-gel technique, incorporating polyoxometalates SiW9Ba3 to stabilize ceramic particles of strontium ferrite (SrFe12O19) polymer and Chitosan (CS). The identification and confirmation of the nanocomposites obtained at each stage were carried out through the use of FT-IR, EDX, XRD, and FESEM analyses. To evaluate their ability to remove organic dyes, we analyzed the catalytic activity of these nanocomposites during photocatalytic detoxification procedures. With its exceptional photocatalytic properties, the nanocomposite (SiW9Ba3@SrFe12O19@Cs) was able to remove estamipride poison at an impressive rate of 85 % and xylene dye solution at an even higher rate of 98 %. In addition, an extensive examination was undertaken to explore the primary variables that influence process efficiency. The study suggests that ceramic nanocomposites incorporating heteropolyoxometalate may offer a viable approach to effectively eradicate pollutants from the environment.

Design of a new nanocomposite based on Keggin-type [ZnW12O40]6- anionic cluster anchored on NiZn2O4 ceramics as a promising material towards the electrocatalytic hydrogen storage.

Extensive research efforts have been dedicated to developing electrode materials with high capacity to address the increasing complexities arising from the energy crisis. Herein, a new nanocomposite was synthesized via the sol-gel method by immobilizing K6ZnW12O40 within the surface of NiZn2O4. ZnW12O40@NiZn2O4 was characterized by FT-IR, UV-Vis, XRD, SEM, EDX, BET, and TGA-DTG methods. The electrochemical characteristics of the materials were examined using cyclic voltammogram (CV) and charge-discharge chronopotentiometry (CHP) techniques. Multiple factors affecting the hydrogen storage capacity, including current density (j), surface area of the copper foam, and the consequences of repeated cycles of hydrogen adsorption-desorption were evaluated. The initial cycle led to an impressive hydrogen discharge capability of 340 mAh/g, which subsequently increased to 900 mAh/g after 20 cycles with a current density of 2 mA in 6.0 M KOH medium. The surface area and the electrocatalytic characteristics of the nanoparticles contribute to facilitate the formation of electrons and provide good diffusion channels for the movement of electrolyte ions throughout the charge-discharge procedure.

Possible Impact of Human ß-defensin 1 on sperm motility in infertile men with abnormal sperm parameters.

Human ß-defensins and interleukins may be auxiliary in sperm maturation. This cross-sectional study aimed to evaluate the expression of Human ß-defensins 1 and 2, interleukins (ILs)- 10 and -18 genes in sperm, as well as seminal plasma levels of these two cytokines in subfertile men with different types of sperm abnormalities compared to those with normozoospermic men. Participants were separated into two experimental groups: the control group (n = 25) and the group with sperm abnormalities (SA) (n = 45). SA participants were further subdivided into the following groups with n = 15 individuals each: Teratozoospermia (T), Asthenoteratozoospermia (AT), and Oligoasthenoteratozoospermia (OAT) groups. The quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction was used to quantify the mRNA levels of hBDs 1 and 2, IL-10, and IL-18 in sperm. The seminal plasma concentrations of IL-10 and IL-18 were measured by using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay technique. The mRNA expression of hBD-1 and IL-10 showed a significant decrease in the OAT compared to the controls (P < 0.0001 and P = 0.02, respectively). The lowest seminal plasma concentration of IL-10 belonged to the OAT (P = 0.04). ROC curve analysis showed a sensitivity, specificity, and cutoff value of 82.35%, 86.67%, and 0.63 for hBD-1 levels, respectively. A positive and significant correlation was found between hBD-1 expression and sperm motility and IL-10 expression rate and normal sperm morphology.Therefore, hBD-1 could be considered as the alternative biomaterial to pre-treatments of infertile men with abnormal sperm parameters, specifically OAT men, which led to improving the assisted reproduction success rate.

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).

Effect of vitamin C on histomorphometric changes of testis, epididymis, prostate, and seminal vesicle induced by acrylamide in rat.

Acrylamide (ACR) has adverse effects on the rat testis. This study aimed to assess the impact of ACR and vit C exposure on reproductive organs in rats. In this experimental study, 32 adult male rats were used. The animals were divided into 4 groups (n = 8): (1) control group, (2) ACR (10 mg/kg) group, (3) vit C (200 mg/kg), (4) ACR (10 mg/kg) + vit C (200 mg/kg) daily for 5 weeks by gavage. After the administration period, testis, prostate, seminal vesicle, and epididymis of animals are removed; after preparing tissue sections, the structural changes of the tissues are examined by stereology. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA followed by the Tukey test in SPSS software. A value of p ≤ 0.05 was considered significant. The testis weight, volume (mm3), and the mean Johnsen score showed a significant decrease in comparison with the control group and vit C-treated group. These parameters were increased in ACR + vit C group. The number of spermatogonia, spermatocyte, spermatid, and Sertoli and Leydig cells in ACR-treated group showed a significant decrease in comparison with the control and vit C-treated groups. The number of these cells was increased in the ACR + vit C group. Epithelium height and folding of prostate and seminal vesicle in the ACR-treated group were decreased. Epithelium lost its integrity. In the ACR + vit C group, histopathological changes were decreased. Seminal vesicle of ACR + vit C-treated group showed mild degeneration and rupture in epithelium integrity. The epididymis of ACR + vit C group also showed mild degeneration and rupture in epithelium integrity.

Evaluation of the Effect of NovaMin and Er,Cr:YSGG Laser on Remineralization of Erosive Lesions of Primary Enamel Teeth: An In Vitro Study.

Introduction: The purpose of this in vitro study is to ascertain how NovaMin and Er,Cr:YSGG laser radiation affect the remineralization of primary tooth enamel lesions. Methods: 40 main teeth served as the study's sample size. These teeth were allocated into five groups at random. The first group served as a negative control (artificial saliva); the second group served as a positive control (APF gel 1.23%); the third group NovaMin, the fourth group Er,Cr:YSGG laser, the fifth group Er,Cr:YSGG laser and finally, the application of NovaMin. For the purpose of measuring microhardness, all samples were submitted to the dental materials laboratory three times. Results: The collected data were compared using the SPSS 28 program between the baseline measurement, after demineralization, and after remineralization. The data were analyzed using ANCOVA and Bonferroni tests. All groups demonstrated a considerable increase in microhardness as compared to the negative control group (P<0.05). With the exception of the third and fourth groups, there was no discernible difference in the rise in microhardness between the other groups. The third and fourth groups were compared, and the results revealed that NovaMin had a greater impact than laser therapy alone (P=0.023). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis backed up the findings. Conclusion: In comparison to using the Er,Cr:YSGG laser alone, using NovaMin alone can speed up the remineralization of erosion lesions on the surface of primary teeth.

Effect of Low-Temperature Degradation, Ph-Cycling and Simulated Tooth Brushing on Surface Roughness, Topography, and Polish Retention of Yttrium-Stabilized Tetragonal Zirconia.

Statement of the Problem: Surface roughness of zirconia is an important parameter that determines the success of zirconia restorations. When zirconia surfaces are left rough, higher susceptibility to hydrothermal aging, plaque accumulation and color changes would occur. Therefore, polish retention of these restorations is considered as a challenge. Purpose: The purpose of this in vitro study was to determine the effect of hydrothermal degradation, pH- cycling, and simulated tooth brushing on surface roughness, topography, and polish retention of an yttrium-stabilized monolithic zirconia. Materials and Method: In this experimental study, 64 specimens of yttria-stabilized tetragonal zirconium oxide (20×4×2mm) were prepared (ZirKonzahn, Steger, Ahrntal). The specimens were wet- polished (standard polishing), and divided into 8 groups (n=8). Four control groups were assessed in non-aged condition while in 4 experimental groups the artificially ageing was done. Different finishing and polishing procedures were performed in 8 groups. The surface roughness values including mean surface roughness (Ra) and mean height of surface roughness (Rz) was measured by a profilometer. The results were analyzed using two-way ANOVA and Tukey's HSD test (α=0.05). One representative specimen of each group was inspected under a scanning electron microscope (SEM) for assessment of surface topography. Results: The effects of surface treatments on Ra (p<.001) and Rz (p<.001) parameters were significant. Ageing had no significant effect on Ra (p=.086) and Rz (p=.067) values. Maximum Ra and Rz parameters were recorded following grinding (p<.001) and minimum values were recorded after glazing, which were significantly lower than the values in grinding group (p<.001). Polishing and glazing diminished the surface roughness (Ra) of ground zirconia similarly (p=.995). Conclusion: Aging had no significant effect on surface roughness of zirconia, irrespective of surface treatment type. Grinding yielded maximum surface roughness. Intra oral polishing yielded a surface roughness comparable to standard polishing and glazing.

Deep oxidative desulfurization of gas oil by iron(III)-substituted polyoxometalate immobilized on nickel(II) oxide, ((n-C4H9)4N)4H[PW11FeO39]@NiO, as an efficient nanocatalyst.

Sulfur compounds are among the most unfavorable constituents of petroleum derivatives, so stringent regulations have been established to curb their atmospheric emissions. In this regard, a new nanocomposite ((n-C4H9)4N)4H[PW11FeO39]@NiO) was synthesized composed of quaternary ammonium bromide salt of ironIII-substituted Keggin-type polyoxometalate immobilized on nickel(II) oxide nanoceramics via sol-gel method. The assembled (n-C4H9)4N)4H[PW11FeO39]@NiO nanocomposite was identified by FT-IR, UV-Vis, XRD, SEM, EDX, and TGA-DTG methods. The characterization results exhibited that ((n-C4H9)4N)4H[PW11FeO39] dispersed uniformly over the surface of the NiO nanoceramics. The ((n-C4H9)4N)4H[PW11FeO39]@NiO nanocomposite was employed as a heterogeneous nanocatalyst in the extractive coupled oxidation desulfurization (ECOD) of real gas oil and dibenzothiophene (DBT) as a model compound. Under relatively moderate conditions, the catalytic performance of the ((n-C4H9)4N)4H[PW11FeO39]@NiO in the ECOD procedure was studied by incorporating acetic acid/hydrogen peroxide as an oxidant system at a volume ratio of 1:2. According to the ECOD results, the ((n-C4H9)4N)4H[PW11FeO39]@NiO demonstrated the effectiveness of up to 95% with 0.1 g at 60 °C under optimal operating conditions. Moreover, the ((n-C4H9)4N)4H[PW11FeO39]@NiO nanocatalyst could be separated and reused for five runs without a noticeable decrease in the ECOD process. This study provides a promising way to meet the target of ultra-low sulfur as an essential process in oil refineries.

Periodate-Mediated Aerobic Oxidation of Sulfides over a Bifunctional Porphyrin-polyoxometalate Catalyst: Photosensitized Singlet Oxygen Oxidation of Iodate to Periodate.

Regeneration of terminal oxidants by molecular oxygen in metal-catalyzed oxidations of organic substrates has the advantage of avoiding the use of stoichiometric amounts of hazardous and/or expensive reagents to meet (some of) the green chemistry requirements. In the present study, photosensitized singlet oxygen oxidation of iodate to periodate has been used to regenerate the oxidant in polyoxometalate (POM)-catalyzed oxidation of sulfides to sulfoxides with periodate in water. To the best of our knowledge, it is the first report on singlet oxygen oxidation of iodate to periodate. In order to determine the contribution of photooxidation and oxidation pathways in the formation of sulfoxide, the oxidation of diphenyl sulfide with a very low reactivity toward aerobic photooxidation was studied; a sevenfold increase in the conversion of the sulfide to the diphenyl sulfoxide was observed for the reaction conducted in the presence of H2TMPyP-PW12O40/IO3-/O2/hν compared to that in the presence of H2TMPyP-PW12O40/O2/hν. Also, under the same conditions, a ca. 1.5-fold increase was observed in the case of methyl phenyl sulfide, which shows high reactivity toward both the oxidation and photooxidation reactions. A porphyrin-POM nanocomposite formed by the electrostatic immobilization of meso-tetra(N-methylpyridinium-4-yl)porphyrin (H2TMPyP) on PW12O40 was employed for the one-pot oxidation and photooxidation reactions. Field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), diffuse-reflectance UV-vis spectroscopy, thermal gravimetric analysis, and Fourier transform infrared were used to characterize the formation of the hybrid compound. An average particle size of 42 nm was estimated for H2TMPyP-PW12O40 from XRD peak broadening using the Scherrer equation. Also, FESEM images showed the formation of nearly spherical nanoparticles with a size of ca. 200 nm. The redshift of the Soret band of H2TMPyP upon immobilization on POM was attributed to strong N-H···O hydrogen-bond interactions between POM and porphyrin.

Effect of siRNA-mediated silencing of p53R2 gene on sensitivity of T-ALL cellsto Daunorubicin.

INTRODUCTION: p53R2 is a p53-inducible protein that, as one of the subunits of ribonucleotide reductase, plays an important role in providing dNTPs for DNA repair. Although p53R2 is associated with cancer progression, its role in T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) cells is unknown. Therefore, in this study, we evaluated the effect of p53R2 silencing on double-stranded DNA breaks, apoptosis and cell cycle of T-ALL cells treated with Daunorubicin. METHODS: Transfection was performed using Polyethyleneimine (PEI). Gene expression was measured using real-time PCR and protein expression was evaluated using Western blotting. Cell metabolic activity and IC50 were calculated using MTT assay, formation of double-stranded DNA breaks was checked using immunohistochemistry for γH2AX, and cell cycle and apoptosis were evaluated using flow cytometry. RESULTS: We found that p53 silencing synergistically inhibited the growth of T-ALL cells by Daunorubicin. p53R2 siRNA in combination with Daunorubicin but not alone increases the rate of DNA double-strand breaks in T-ALL cells. In addition, p53R2 siRNA significantly increased Daunorubicin-induced apoptosis. p53R2 siRNA also caused a non-significant increase in cells in G2 phase. CONCLUSION: The results of the present study showed that silencing of p53R2 using siRNA can significantly increase the antitumor effects of Daunorubicin on T-ALL cells. Therefore, p53R2 siRNA has the potential to be used as an adjuvant therapy in combination with Daunorubicin in T-ALL.

Evaluating the Effect of Sumac Extract on Dentine Micro-Hardness during pH Cycling.

Statement of the Problem: Although sumac extract (SE) is reported as a collagen cross linker, the available data regarding its effect on the dentine micro-hardness is quite sparse. Purpose: Therefore, the aim of this study includes evaluating the effect of different concentrations of SE on dentine micro-hardness comparing to grape seed extract (GSE). Materials and Method: In this experimental study, the GSE was purchased from available market and convert to 5% solution. Meanwhile the 5, 10, and 20% of SE solutions were prepared experimentally. The base line micro-hardness of 60 samples (30 premolars divided to buccal and lingual segments) was recorded triplicate for each specimen and they were randomly divided into 5 groups (four abovementioned experimental solutions and de-ionized water as negative control). For 35 consecutive days, each sample was twice pH cycled and treated by solutions. Ultimately, the final micro-hardness was recorded triplicate again for each sample and the numerical data was compared with each other using one-way ANOVA and Tukey HSD Post Hoc tests (α=0.05). Results: The meanSD values of micro-hardness for the groups was recorded as 54.45 13.4, 65.6518.5, 39.572.26, 41.131.66 and 43.794.96 at base line and 10.40.99, 11.85 0.75, 10.161.84, 8.481.16 and 6.311.01 at final stage for control, GSE 5%, SE 5%, SE 10% and SE 20% respectively. There was no significant difference among the micro-hardness of the groups before treatment (p= 0.369). However, after experimental treatment, there was significant difference between the groups (p= 0.024) while in pairwise comparison just two groups (GSE 5% and SE 20%) had significant difference with each other (p= 0.017). Conclusion: The efficacy of SE was reversely related to its concentration. Moreover, neither GSE nor SE had significant effect on dentine micro-hardness after 35 day pH cycling.

Soil parameters including organic matter affecting pretilachlor leaching in different paddy fields.

Finding a method, which may indicate the contribution of soil parameters including organic matter, pH and clay to pretilachlor leaching (persistence) in the soil, with the use of a suitable indicator, which indicates pretilachlor presence in the soil is of significance. Accordingly, using undisturbed soil columns, four paddy fields (A, B, C, D) in the suburbs of Babol city (Mazandaran province, northern Iran) were sampled before the preparation and irrigation of the fields in April 2021. Soil samples were transferred into PVC pipes (divided into 2 cm layers) measuring 12 (height) × 10 cm (diameter), and were injected with pretilachlor at the recommended (1.75 L/ha) and high doses (3.5 L/ha). The surface layers of all fields had a higher concentration of pretilachlor and organic matter with the highest contribution to pretilachlor persistence followed by clay and pH. In the 0-4 cm depth, herbicide concertation was the lowest in field A (139 mg/kg) and the highest in field C (161 mg/kg). The corresponding values for organic matter were equal to 1.88 and 5.68%, respectively. The bioassay of rice (the indicator plant), with a significant correlation with chemical analysis results, indicated field A and field C had the pretilachlor infiltration of 6 and 4 cm, respectively. Accordingly, rice is a suitable plant indicator for measuring the presence of pretilachlor as examining its shoot length is a good criterion for bioassay. Additionally, changes in the amount of organic matter in different soil layers can be used to predict the leaching level of pretilachlor.

On the post-pandemic travel boom: How capacity building and smart tourism technologies in rural areas can help - evidence from Iran.

While there have been numerous studies investigating the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on tourism, few research projects have examined the impact of the outbreak on using smart tourism technologies (STT), especially in developing countries. This study adopted thematic analysis, with data collected using in-person interviews. The participants for the study were selected using the snow-balling technique. We explored the process of developing smart technologies during the pandemic and its impact on smart rural tourism technology development upon travel restart. The subject was investigated by focusing on five selected villages in central Iran which have tourism dependent economies. Overall, the results indicated that the pandemic partially changed the government's resistance towards the fast development of smart technologies. Thus, the role of smart technologies in curbing the virus spread was officially recognized. This change of policy led to the implementation of Capacity Building (CB) programs to improve digital literacy and minimize the digital gap that exists between urban and rural areas in Iran. Implementing CB programs during the pandemic directly and indirectly contributed to the digitalization of rural tourism. Implementing such programs enhanced tourism stakeholders' individual and institutional capacity to gain access to and creatively use STT in rural area. The results of this study improve our understanding and knowledge of the impact of crises on the degree of acceptability and use of STT in traditional rural societies.

Effects of Dental Pulp Stem Cell Preconditioning on Osteogenesis using Conditioned Media of Probiotics Bacteria.

Background: Stem cells are used to treat numerous diseases; however, their lifespan is rather short. Factors such as probiotics affect and improve various cell lineage efficacies. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of probiotics-conditioned media on dental pulp stem cell potentials in osteogenesis. Methods: The experiment was initiated by culturing Lactobacillus casei and Lactobacillus acidophilus probiotics as well as DPS-7 cells. Bacterial supernatants were separated and concentrated as the conditioned media. The DPS-7 cells were treated with various concentrations of the conditioned media. Furthermore, MTT assay and alkaline phosphatase activity were used. The mRNA expression of three genes (bFGF, EGF-ß and BMP-2) involved in osteogenesis was analyzed using a real-time polymerase chain reaction. Results: The response of dental pulp stem cells to probiotics preconditioning promoted cell proliferation, increased alkaline phosphatase activity and upregulated bFGF and BMP-2 gene expression. Increased expression was significant for BMP-2 and moderate for bFGF; however, it was non-significant for EGF-ß. The use of the two probiotics was the most effective. Conclusion: In general, synergism of the combined probiotics preconditioning induces differentiation of DPS-7 cells into osteoblasts most effectively.

High Oxidation Desulfurization of Fuels Catalyzed by Vanadium-Substituted Phosphomolybdate@Polyaniline@Chitosan as an Inorganic-Organic Hybrid Nanocatalyst.

From the environmental protection and human health perspectives, the design and synthesis of efficient and reusable oxidative desulfurization nanocatalysts has always been sought after by scientists and industries. In this regard, a new heterogeneous nanocatalyst (V-SPM@PANI@CH) was synthesized by immobilizing Keggin-type vanadium-substituted phosphomolybdate ([PVMo11O39]4-) (named V-SPM) clusters on the surface of polyaniline (PANI) and chitosan (CH) polymers. The features of the assembled nanocatalyst were detected by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy, and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy techniques in detail. The XRD studies indicated that the average crystallite size of V-SPM@PANI@CH was estimated to be about 36 nm. The catalytic performance of V-SPM@PANI@CH was investigated in the extractive and catalytic oxidation desulfurization (ECOD) procedure of real and thiophenic model gasoline by H2O2/AcOH (volume proportion of 2:1) as an oxidizing system. The optimal desulfurization conditions for ECOD reactions were as follows: 50 mL of model/real gasoline, 0.1 g of V-SPM@PANI@CH, reaction time of 60 min, and reaction temperature of 35 °C. Under the experimental conditions outlined above and the designed ECOD system, the content of sulfur in real gasoline could decline from 0.4985 to 0.0193 wt %, which corresponds to an efficiency of 96%. Moreover, the removal percentage of aromatic hydrocarbons, including thiophene (Th), benzothiophene (BT), and di-benzothiophene (DBT) as model fuels decreases in the order of DBT ≥ BT > Th under identical operating conditions. High catalytic activity was maintained with only a slight loss during five cycles. This work offers the ECOD system (V-SPM@PANI@CH/AcOH/H2O2) for the desulfurization of liquid fuels, which had a great repercussion on the ECOD efficiency.

Antidepressant-like effect of endogenous SO2 on depression caused by chronic unpredictable mild stress.

Sulfur dioxide (SO2) is a toxic gas with harmful effects on various organs. However, recent studies have confirmed the protective effect of SO2 on ischemic heart disease, atherosclerosis, and lung infections. Therefore, the present study was designed to investigate the effect of endogenous SO2 on depression. The chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) model was performed to cause depression. Depression-like behaviors in animals were determined using an open-field test, forced swimming test, and sucrose consumption. Animal spatial learning and memory were also assessed using the Morris water maze. Besides, the oxidative status of the hippocampus and serum corticosterone level were evaluated. A reduction in the tendency to consume sucrose, mobility, and curiosity, as well as learning and memory disorders were observed in CUMS animals. Depressed animals treated with SO2 revealed a significant improvement in behavioral and cognitive functions. SO2 also reduced neuronal damage and lipid peroxidation of the hippocampus and serum corticosterone level in the CUMS group. Various shreds of evidence support a mutual relationship between inflammation and depression; also, growing studies show the role of oxidative stress in the pathogenesis of mood-related disorders such as depression. This study indicated that increased hippocampal malondialdehyde (MDA) and serum corticosterone levels can be due to the existence of oxidative stress and possible activation of inflammatory processes. SO2 donors diminished MDA and corticosterone levels in depressed animals. According to the study results, SO2 may be able to reduce tissue damage and eventually behavioral disorders caused by depression by lowering oxidative stress and inflammation.

Reproductive performance and progeny sex ratio of female Chukar (Alectoris chukar) breeder partridges reared on restricted feeding regimens.

A hypothesis was tested that quantitative feed restriction affects the reproductive performance and offspring sex ratio of female Chukar breeder partridges. A total of 160 2.5-year-old male and female partridges were randomly allotted to four treatment groups. The birds in the control group were fed ad libitum, whereas those in treatments G95 , G90 , and G85 received 26.1, 24.7, and 23.3 g of feed per bird/day to provide 95%, 90%, and 85% of ad libitum feeding level, respectively. The reproductive performances of female Chukar partridges including egg production, egg quality, fertility rate, duration of fertility, hatchability, chick quality, mortality rate, and offspring sex ratio (using a PCR procedure) were investigated. Feed restriction of all levels decreased the body weight and egg production compared with the ad libitum birds; however, restricted feeding had no significant effect on the egg quality traits. Non-significant effects of treatment on fertility and hatchability rate were found. The restricted feeding reduced the duration of fertility. Furthermore, maternal restricted feeding resulted in decreased chick weights. The results of this study showed that embryonic mortality was not affected by the restricted feeding of Chukar breeder partridges. Interestingly, restricted feeding was associated with a decreased proportion of male offspring. Overall, body weight, egg production, duration of fertility, progeny chick weight, and sex ratio were responsive to restricted feeding where their changes make the restricted feeding regimens to not be practically recommended in breeder partridge production. These results are in contrast to the conventional restricted feeding program implemented in broiler breeder industry.

The G-Protein-Coupled Estrogen Receptor Agonist Prevents Cardiac Lipid Accumulation by Stimulating Cardiac Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor α: A Preclinical Study in Ovariectomized-Diabetic Rat Model.

Background: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is associated with cardiometabolic changes, and menopause exacerbates these conditions, leading to a greater risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). The G protein-coupled estrogen receptor (GPER), which mediates the rapid effects of estrogen, has beneficial cardiac effects in both T2DM and menopause, but its mechanism of action is not well understood. Objectives: This study aimed to determine whether G1 as a selective GPER-agonist has beneficial effects on cardiac lipid metabolism in ovariectomized rats with T2DM. Methods: Female Wistar rats were divided into 5 groups (n = 7 in each group): Sham-control (Sh-Ctl), T2DM, ovariectomized-T2DM (OVX-T2DM), OVX-T2DM-G1 (GPER-agonist), and OVX-T2DM-vehicle (OVX-T2DM-Veh). After stabilization of T2DM, G1 (200 µg/Kg) was administrated for 6 weeks. Then, the levels of free fatty acids (FFAs), CD36, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α (PPARα), and lipid accumulation in the cardiac tissue were determined. Results: Compared with the Sh-Ctl group, cardiac FFAs (P < 0.001), CD36 (P < 0.05), and lipid accumulation (P < 0.001) increased, and cardiac PPARα (P < 0.01) decreased in T2DM animals; ovariectomy intensified these changes. Also, cardiac FFAs, PPARα, and lipid accumulation (P < 0.05) significantly decreased in the OVX-T2DM-G1 group compared to the OVX-T2DM-Veh group. However, cardiac CD36 levels did not change. Conclusions: G1 as a selective GPER-agonist affects lipid metabolism in T2DM animals. It also plays a vital role in improving cardiac metabolism during postmenopausal diabetic conditions.

Ferulic Acid Ameliorates Cell Injuries, Cognitive and Motor Impairments in Cuprizone-Induced Demyelination Model of Multiple Sclerosis.

OBJECTIVE: Ferulic acid (FA) is a phenolic compound that exhibits neuroprotective effects in the central nervous system (CNS). This study was conducted to evaluate the potential effects of FA on the cognitive and motor impairments in the cuprizone-induced demyelination model of multiple sclerosis (MS). MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this experimental study, demyelination was induced in mice by feeding them with chow containing cuprizone (CPZ) 0.2% for 6 weeks. Mice in the control group received normal chow. Mice in the CPZ+Veh, CPZ+FA10, and CPZ+FA100 groups received saline, and FA at a dose of 0, 10, or 100 mg/kg (intraperitoneal, I.P., daily) respectively. After cognitive and motor assessments, under anaesthesia, animal brains were removed for evaluating the histological, apoptosis, and molecular changes. RESULTS: The results showed that FA increased freezing behaviour in contextual (P<0.05) and cued freezing tests (P<0.05). FA also reduced the random arm entrance (P<0.01) and increased spontaneous alternations into the arms of Y-maze compared to the CPZ+Veh group (P<0.05). Time on the rotarod was improved in rats that received both doses of FA (P<0.01). Demyelination, apoptosis, and relative mRNA expression of p53 were lower in the FA-treated groups relative to the CPZ+Veh group (P<0.01). In addition, FA increased mRNA expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (Bdnf), Olig2, and Mbp (P<0.05) but decreased GFAP mRNA expression compared to the CPZ+Veh group (P<0.01). CONCLUSION: The results of this study showed that FA plays a significant neuroprotective role in CPZ models of demyelination by reducing neuronal apoptosis and improving oligodendrocytes (OLs) growth and differentiation.

Catheter-Directed Thrombolysis vs Anticoagulation in Patients With Acute Intermediate-High-risk Pulmonary Embolism: The CANARY Randomized Clinical Trial.

Importance: The optimal treatment of intermediate-high-risk pulmonary embolism (PE) remains unknown. Objective: To assess the effect of conventional catheter-directed thrombolysis (cCDT) plus anticoagulation vs anticoagulation monotherapy in improving echocardiographic measures of right ventricle (RV) to left ventricle (LV) ratio in acute intermediate-high-risk PE. Design, Setting, and Participants: The Catheter-Directed Thrombolysis vs Anticoagulation in Patients with Acute Intermediate-High-Risk Pulmonary Embolism (CANARY) trial was an open-label, randomized clinical trial of patients with intermediate-high-risk PE, conducted in 2 large cardiovascular centers in Tehran, Iran, between December 22, 2018, through February 2, 2020. Interventions: Patients were randomly assigned to cCDT (alteplase, 0.5 mg/catheter/h for 24 hours) plus heparin vs anticoagulation monotherapy. Main Outcomes and Measures: The proportion of patients with a 3-month echocardiographic RV/LV ratio greater than 0.9, assessed by a core laboratory, was the primary outcome. The proportion of patients with an RV/LV ratio greater than 0.9 at 72 hours after randomization and the 3-month all-cause mortality were among secondary outcomes. Major bleeding (Bleeding Academic Research Consortium type 3 or 5) was the main safety outcome. A clinical events committee, masked to the treatment assignment, adjudicated clinical outcomes. Results: The study was prematurely stopped due to the COVID-19 pandemic after recruiting 94 patients (mean [SD] age, 58.4 [2.5] years; 27 women [29%]), of whom 85 patients completed the 3-month echocardiographic follow-up. Overall, 2 of 46 patients (4.3%) in the cCDT group and 5 of 39 patients (12.8%) in the anticoagulation monotherapy group met the primary outcome (odds ratio [OR], 0.31; 95% CI, 0.06-1.69; P = .24). The median (IQR) 3-month RV/LV ratio was significantly lower with cCDT (0.7 [0.6-0.7]) than with anticoagulation (0.8 [0.7-0.9); P = .01). An RV/LV ratio greater than 0.9 at 72 hours after randomization was observed in fewer patients treated with cCDT (13 of 48 [27.0%]) than anticoagulation (24 of 46 [52.1%]; OR, 0.34; 95% CI, 0.14-0.80; P = .01). Fewer patients assigned to cCDT experienced a 3-month composite of death or RV/LV greater than 0.9 (2 of 48 [4.3%] vs 8 of 46 [17.3%]; OR, 0.20; 95% CI, 0.04-1.03; P = .048). One case of nonfatal major gastrointestinal bleeding occurred in the cCDT group. Conclusions and Relevance: This prematurely terminated randomized clinical trial of patients with intermediate-high-risk PE was hypothesis-generating for improvement in some efficacy outcomes and acceptable rate of major bleeding for cCDT compared with anticoagulation monotherapy and provided support for a definitive clinical outcomes trial. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT05172115.