Evaluation of the effect of mitoquinone on functional parameters, DNA structure, and genes expression related to the apoptotic and antioxidants of human sperm after freezing-thawing.

OBJECTIVE: Sperm freezing is considered as an effective way in assisted reproductive technology (ART) programs, it has detrimental effects on sperm function, due to the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). This study aimed to investigate the potential of Mitoquinone (MitoQ) in inhibiting the production of mitochondrial ROS during sperm freezing. METHODS: A total of 20 human normozoosperm samples were collected for this study. The samples were divided into four groups, each containing different concentrations of MitoQ (0, 0.2, 2, and 20 nM), and then subjected to the freezing process. After thawing, the sperm suspensions were evaluated for parameters including motility, morphology, acrosome integrity, adenosine triphosphate (ATP) level, intracellular ROS, viability, chromatin packaging, DNA denaturation, DNA fragmentation, as well as the expression of antioxidants (GPX, SOD) and apoptotic (Bax, Bcl2) genes. RESULTS: The results showed that total and progressive mobility of sperms significantly increased in the 2 nM group, while significantly decreased in the 20 nM group (p ≤ 0.05). Sperm morphology did not significantly improve across all the tested concentrations (p ≥ 0.05). Intracellular ROS levels showed a significant decrease and increase in the concentrations of 2 and 20 nM, respectively (p ≤ 0.05). Furthermore, a significant increase was observed in viability, ATP, acrosome integrity, chromatin packaging, and non-denatured and non-fragmented DNA after treatment with 2 nM of MitoQ, compared with the control group (p ≤ 0.05). Regarding gene expressions, the relative expressions of oxidative stress genes were increased in the 2 nM group and decreased in the 20 nM group (p ≤ 0.05), while no significant difference was observed in the expressions of apoptotic genes compared with the control group (p ≥ 0.05). All the comparisons were made with respect to the control group. CONCLUSION: Adding the optimal concentration of MitoQ (2 nM) to the sperm freezing medium not only improves sperm functional parameters and reduces DNA damages, but also stimulates the expression of antioxidant genes, leading to even greater benefits for sperm cryopreservation.

Exploration roles and responsibilities of trade unions in preventing and responding to emergencies against epidemics: The case of COVID-19.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: The coronavirus disease 209 (COVID-19) pandemic has been affecting various strata of society including different guilds. Each of these segments has its role to play in controlling epidemics. Accordingly, this study aimed to explore trade unions' roles and responsibilities in the prevention and emergency response to epidemic, including the COVID-19 pandemic. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The present qualitative research was conducted using directed content analysis. Participants were selected by a purposeful sampling method. Data were collected through semistructured interviews and field notes and validated through Lincoln and Guba's (1985) evaluative criteria. Data were analyzed by MAXQDA software. RESULTS: Data analysis, constant comparison, and class integration provided a total of seven main themes, which were extracted into four domains of Plan, Implementation, Review, and Action. The main themes were categorized into the dimensions of each domain, so that the Plan domain included three dimensions of union/guild contexts, leadership and staff participation, and planning. The Implementation domain included two dimensions of support and operations. The Assessment domain had a performance evaluation dimension, and the Action domain was made up of an improvement dimension. CONCLUSION: Relying on their organizational and social capacities, trade unions can facilitate the leadership and participation of employees and communities for appropriate policies and making resilient decisions to control epidemics and other roles and responsibilities related to health.

Drug Delivery Assessment of a Novel Triple Antibiotic-Eluting Injectable Platelet-Rich Fibrin Scaffold: An In Vitro Study.

BACKGROUND: Intracanal disinfection is a critical, yet challenging goal for long-term success in regenerative-based treatments. This in-vitro study aimed to assess the release profile of triple antibiotic- eluting Injectable Platelet-Rich Fibrin (I-PRF) constructs in 28 days. METHODS: I-PRF scaffolds containing triple antibiotic mixture [Metronidazole (MET), Ciprofloxacin (CIP), and Minocycline (MINO)] by immersion (group one), I-PRF scaffolds containing triple antibiotic mixture by integration (group two), and antibiotic-free I-PRF scaffolds (group three) were fabricated. The antibiotic release from the scaffolds was measured using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) (the mobile phase of 0.1% formic acid and methanol (35:65 v/v), a C18 analytical column (150 × 4.6 mm, 5 µm) at a flow rate of 0.7 mL/min, at 25ºC) at days 1, 3, 7, 14, 21, and 28. RESULTS: Retention times for MINO, CIP, and MET were achieved as 2.3, 2.6, and 3.1 min, respectively. The maximum UV absorbance values for CIP, MET, and MINO were 268 nm, 278 nm, and 350 nm, respectively. The results of the first group showed burst release within the first 24 hours followed by sustained maintenance of all three antibiotics up to 14 days. MINO and MET were still detectable in the third week. The second group could not sustainably release the antibiotics. CONCLUSION: The developed method for the simultaneous identification and quantification of each antibiotic in I-PRF was sensitive and quick. Overall, group one could take up the antibiotics in adequate quantities and then subsequently release them over the study period.

Effect of CO2 Laser on the Prevention of White Spot Lesions During Fixed Orthodontic Treatment: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess the effect of carbon dioxide (CO2) laser on prevention of white spot lesions (WSLs) associated with fixed orthodontic treatment. METHODS: In this parallel controlled trial, 554 maxillary anterior teeth in 95 patients with age range of 12-30 years were included. The samples were randomly divided in two groups: 1) CO2 laser (n=278) and 2) control (n=276) groups. Following bracket attachment, the teeth in the laser group were exposed to CO2 laser (0.4 mw, 10.6 µm, 5 Hz) for 20 s, and the control group received placebo light. Incidence, severity, and extent of the lesions were assessed in four surface regions (gingival, incisal, mesial, and distal) at baseline and 6 months post-irradiation. The inter-group comparison was performed by the Mann-Whitney U test and McNemar analysis. RESULTS: A significant difference regarding WSLs incidence in all teeth was observed between the two study groups (p<0.001). The two study groups illustrated a significant difference in lesion extent and incidence in incisal, mesial, and distal regions (p<0.05). The WSLs were significantly different in terms of severity in the incisal and mesial sites (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: The CO2 laser irradiation seemed to effectively prevent incidence of WSLs. In addition, its effectiveness varied depending on the surface region.