Exploring the relationship between ambient sulfur dioxide and semen quality parameters:A systematic review and meta-analysis

Objective:To investigate the relationship between ambient sulfur dioxide(SO2)exposure and semen quality parameters.Methods:A systematic literature search was conducted to identify relevant studies investigating the association between SO2 exposure and semen quality parameters.This search encompassed the timeframe from January 2000 to May 2023 and included electronic databases such as Web of Science,Google Scholar,PubMed,Cochrane,and Scopus.Pooled effect estimates with 95%confidence intervals(CI)were calculated using percent changes(PC).The meta-analysis included seven studies with 6711 participants and 15087 semen samples.Results:The results revealed a significant negative association between ambient SO2 exposure and certain semen quality parameters.In particular,SO2 exposure was associated with a significant decrease in progressive motility(PC=0.032;95%CI:-0.063 to-0.001;P=0.044)and sperm concentration(PC=-0.020;95%CI:-0.036 to-0.005;P=0.012).However,no statistically significant associations were observed for total sperm count(PC=-0.038;95%CI:-0.079 to 0.003;P=0.070),seminal fluid volume(PC=-0.009;95%CI:-0.048 to-0.030;P=0.662)and sperm motility(PC=-0.17;95%CI:-0.363 to 0.022;P=0.830).In addition,the results of the subgroup analysis revealed specific variables that were associated with the decrease in relevant sperm parameters.Conclusions:This systematic review and meta-analysis provides compelling evidence supporting a consistent negative association between exposure to ambient SO2 and semen quality parameters.

Exploring the relationship between Hashimoto's thyroiditis and male fertility:A meta-analytic and meta-regression perspective on hormonal and seminal factors

Objective:To explore the relationship between Hashimoto's autoimmune hypothyroidism(HT)and male fertility,focusing on hormonal and seminal factors.Methods:A systematic literature search was conducted across databases such as PubMed,Web of Science,EMBASE,Scopus,Cochrane,and Google Scholar,covering studies published from January 2000 to March 2024.Studies investigating the impact of HT on semen quality parameters and reproductive hormones were included.Pooled effect estimates were calculated using standard mean difference(SMD)and 95%confidence intervals(CI).Results:A total of 8 studies with 8965 participants were included.HT significantly affected semen quality and reproductive hormone levels.Specifically,there was a notable decrease in progressive morphology(SMD=-0.78;95%CI:-1.40 to-0.17;P=0.01)and sperm motility(SMD=-1.151;95%CI:-1.876 to-0.425;P=0.002).In addition,there were no significant changes in reproductive hormones,although there were elevated levels of luteinizing hormone(SMD=0.437;95%CI:0.000 to 0.874;P=0.050)and follicle-stimulating hormone(SMD=0.293;95%CI:-0.171 to 0.758;P=0.216),with a slight impact on testosterone levels(SMD=-1.143;95%CI:-2.487 to 0.200;P=0.095).Conclusions:This systematic review and meta-analysis provides robust evidence of the detrimental effects of HT on semen quality and reproductive hormones,underscoring the necessity for thorough evaluation and management of thyroid function in male infertility assessments.

Anti-leishmanial,immunomodulatory and anti-oxidative activity of quercetin against cutaneous leishmaniasis caused by Leishmania major

Objective:To evaluate the in vitro and in vivo efficacy of quercetin and its immunomodulatory and anti-oxidative activity against Leishmania major(L.major).Methods:L.major promastigotes and amastigotes were incubated with different concentrations of quercetin to estimate EC_(50).For in vivo study,the base of tails of mice was infected with L.major.After developing ulcers in the inoculation site,mice were treated with 50 mg/kg quercetin orally for 28 consecutive days.The wound-healing potential of quercetin was evaluated by histopathological analysis of tissue sections stained by hematoxylin and eosin as well as Masson's trichrome.In addition,the levels of tumor necrosis factor-α,interleukin-6,malondialdehyde,and adiponectin,the ferric reducing ability of plasma,as well as superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase activities were measured.Results:The EC_(50)values of quercetin against L.major promastigotes and intracellular amastigotes were 0.27 and 0.85μM,respectively.Histopathological analysis showed that fewer inflammatory cells,more fibroblasts,and more collagen deposition were observed in tissue sections of quercetin-treated mice.In addition,treatment with quercetin markedly increased glutathione peroxidase activity,the ferric reducing ability of plasma and adiponectin levels while decreasing malondialdehyde,interleukin-6,and tumor necrosis factor-αlevels.Conclusions:Quercetin shows anti-leishmanial activity,immunomodulatory,anti-oxidative,and anti-inflammatory effects.Therefore,it may be further explored as an effective drug in treating leishmaniasis.

Magnetic polyacrylonitrile/ZIF-8/Fe_(3)O_(4) nanocomposite bead as an efficient iodine adsorbent and antibacterial agent

The efficient adsorption of radioactive iodine(^(129)I and^(131)I)as nuclear waste is of great importance.Polymer nanocomposites consist of metal-organic frameworks(MOFs)developing for various pollutions sorption and separation have attracted much attention.This study reports the fabrication of magnetic polyacrylonitrile(PAN)/zeolitic imidazolate frameworks(ZIF-8)nanocomposites,PAN/ZIF-8(x%)/Fe_(3)O_(4),x=30 and 50,as iodine capture adsorbents.The PAN/ZIF-8(x%)/Fe_(3)O_(4)nanocomposite beads were fabricated via the phase inversion method,and their potential for iodine capture and separation in solution and vapor was investigated through UV-vis and weighing methods,respectively.Also,antibacterial activity of the as-prepared beads was assessed against E.coil and S.aureus.The as-fabricated compounds were studied by various techniques such as Fourier-transform infrared,X-ray diffraction,scanning electron microscope,energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy mapping,transmission electron microscope,N_(2)adsorption isotherm,and vibrating sample magnetometer.The iodine capture results showed that the efficiency of nanocomposites is remarkably higher than the pure PAN beads.Additionally,the asprepared nanocomposite adsorbents displayed higher capture capacities for iodine vapor(1524-4345mg·g^(-1))than iodine solution(187-295 mg·g^(-1)).The as-obtained magnetic nanocomposites can be successfully separated from polluted media by simple filtration or an external magnet,regenerated through washing with ethanol,and reused.Fast capturing,high sorption capacity,rapid separation,and good reusability make the PAN/ZIF-8(x%)/Fe_(3)O_(4)nanocomposites highly effective adsorbents for the separation of iodine from wastewater.Additionally,PAN/ZIF-8(50%)/Fe_(3)O_(4)bead can be considered as a potential new antibacterial agent for water and wastewater treatment.

冷轧及退火对310S奥氏体不锈钢的微观结构和组织的影响:基于X射线和电子背散射衍射分析

本文研究了热处理对310S奥氏体不锈钢的微观结构和组织的影响。对样品材料进行冷轧,使其厚度分别减少20%、50%和90%,然后在1023、1223和1323 K下退火5、15和30 min。在厚度减少20%后,奥氏体内产生孪晶,且可观察到形变诱发的α’马氏体,孪晶的体积分数大于α’马氏体。当厚度变化由50%增加到90%,α’马氏体的体积分数由11%增加到69%,孪晶被α’马氏体取代。发生形变后奥氏体相主要为Brass、Goss和S织构,α’马氏体的主要纹理为R-Cu、R-cube、F和E组份。随着形变量增大,Brass织构增加,Goss织构减少。退火过程中,马氏体向奥氏体转变,并发生了再结晶,使Goss和Brass再结晶织构的体积分数增加。材料退火后的结构与冷轧后的大致相同。1223 K下退火5 min的马氏体转变速度明显高于1023 K下的。在1023 K下退火5 min,由于马氏体不完全转变和初级再结晶,未能检测到等轴组织。获得超细晶粒组织的最佳退火温度为1023 K,退火时间为15 min。在1173 K和1273 K时出现快速再结晶和晶粒生长。

Strain-Rate Dependency of a Unidirectional Filament Wound Composite under Compression

This article presents the results of experimental studies concerning the dynamic deformation and failure of a unidirectional carbon fiber reinforced plastic(T700/LY113)under compression.The test samples were manufactured through the filament winding of flat plates.To establish the strain rate dependencies of the strength and elastic modulus of the material,dynamic tests were carried out using a drop tower,the Split Hopkinson Pressure Bar method,and standard static tests.The samples were loaded both along and perpendicular to the direction of the reinforcing fiber.The applicability of the obtained samples for static and dynamic tests was confirmed through finite elementmodeling and the high-speed imaging of the deformation and failure of samples during testing.As a result of the conducted experimental studies,static and dynamic stress-strain curves,time dependencies of deformation and the stress and strain rates of the samples during compression were obtained.Based on these results,the strain rate dependencies of the strength and elasticity modulus in the strain rate range of 0.001-6001/s are constructed.It is shown that the strain rate significantly affects the strength and deformation characteristics of the unidirectional carbon fiber composites under compression.An increase in the strain rate by 5 orders of magnitude increased the strength and elastic modulus along the fiber direction by 42%and 50%,respectively.Perpendicular loading resulted in a strength and elastic modulus increase by 58%and 50%,respectively.The average strength along the fibers at the largest studied strain rate was about 1000MPa.The obtained results can be used to design structural elements made of polymer composite materials operating under dynamic shock loads,as well as to build models of mechanical behavior and failure criteria of such materials,taking into account the strain rate effects.

Straightforward Method for Nonlinear Oscillators

It is challenging to predict the frequency property of a nonlinear vibration system conveniently and efficiently.Especially,an invalid or physically irrelevant result might be obtained by some advanced methods.Therefore,predicting the frequency lacks an expedient and efficient method.This challenge is addressed by developing a straightforward and effective frequency formulation that reliably predicts the frequency-amplitude relationship.This study provides a one-step approach which can fast determine the periodic properties of any conservative oscillators and also provides a reference for other similar studies.

Data-Driven Models for Predicting Solar Radiation in Semi-Arid Regions

Solar energy represents one of themost important renewable energy sources contributing to the energy transition process.Considering that the observation of daily global solar radiation(GSR)is not affordable in some parts of the globe,there is an imperative need to develop alternative ways to predict it.Therefore,the main objective of this study is to evaluate the performance of different hybrid data-driven techniques in predicting daily GSR in semi-arid regions,such as the majority of Spanish territory.Here,four ensemble-based hybrid models were developed by hybridizing Additive Regression(AR)with Random Forest(RF),Locally Weighted Linear Regression(LWLR),Random Subspace(RS),and M5P.The base algorithms of the developed models are scarcely applied in previous studies to predict solar radiation.The testing phase outcomes demonstrated that the ARRF models outperform all other hybrid models.The provided models were validated by statisticalmetrics,such as the correlation coefficient(R)and root mean square error(RMSE).The results proved that Scenario#6,utilizing extraterrestrial solar radiation,relative humidity,wind speed,and mean,maximum,and minimum ambient air temperatures as the model inputs,leads to the most accurate predictions among all scenarios(R=0.968–0.988 and RMSE=1.274–1.403 MJ/m^(2)・d).Also,Scenario#3 stood in the next rank of accuracy for predicting the solar radiation in both validating stations.The AD-RF model was the best predictive,followed by AD-RS and AD-LWLR.Hence,this study recommends new effective methods to predict GSR in semiarid regions.

HOTAIR:an oncogenic long non-coding RNA in different cancers

Long non-coding RNAs （lncRNAs） refer to a group of RNAs that are usually more than 200 nucleotides and are not involved in protein generation. Instead, lncRNAs are involved in different regulatory processes, such as regulation of gene expression. Different lncRNAs exist throughout the genome. LncRNAs are also known for their roles in different human diseases such as cancer. HOTAIR is an lncRNA that plays a role as an oncogenic molecule in different cancer ceils, such as breast, gastric, colorectal, and cervical cancer cells. Therefore, HOTAIR expression level is a potential biomarker for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes in several cancers. This RNA takes part in epigenetic regulation of genes and plays an important role in different cellular pathways by interacting with Polycomb Repressive Complex 2 （PRC2）. In this review, we describe the molecular function and regulation of HOTAIR and its role in different types of cancers.

Superhydrophobic surface of Mg alloys:A review

In the present review,the formation of superhydrophobic(SHP)structures on the surface of Mg alloys was investigated.Different methods including hydrothermal technique,chemical and electrochemical deposition,conversion and polymer coating,and etching routes were discussed.The superhydrophobicity could form on the surface of Mg alloys by the application of different chemical,electrochemical,and physical methods followed by the immersion of these alloys in the solution containing modifying agents including fatty acids or long-chain molecules.The formed morphology,composition,and contact angle were reported and the effect of synthesis route on these characteristics was reviewed.

Preliminary study on the antibacterial activity of some medicinal plants of Khuzestan(Iran)

Objective:To search for antimicrobial agents among natural products.Methods:Ethanolic extracts of 4 plant species,including Beta vulgaris L.(Chenopodiaceae),Amaranthus graecizans (A.graecizans) L.(Amaranthaceae),Rumex obtusifolius(R.obtusifolius) L.and Polygonum patulum(P.patulum) M.B.(Polygonaceae),were evaluated for antibacterial activity using agar disc diffusion method against some gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria[Pseudomonas aeruginosa(P.aeruginosa),Listeria monocytogenes(L.monocytogenes).Staphylococcus epidermidis(S.epidermidis),Staphylococcus aureus(S.aureus),Klebsiella pneumoniae(K. pneumoniae),Salmonella typhi(S.typhi),Bacillus cereus(B.cereus).Bacillus anthracis(B. anthracis),Escherichia coli(E.coli) and Streptococcus pyogenes(Str.pyogenes)].These extracts were obtained from aerial parts of the used plants.Results:The majority of these extracts had inhibitory effect at different concentrations(0.05 g/mL,0.10 g/mL,0.20 g/mL and 0.40 g/mL) against above mentioned bacteria.E.coli was the most resistant strain.The highest inhibitory zone was showed by ethanolic extract of P.patulum against Str.pyogenes(28 mm) and followed by ethanolic extract of B.vulgaris against S.epidermidis(23 mm).The extract of A.graecizans didn’t show inhibitory activity except at 0.40 g/mL against B.cereus.The minimum inhibitory concentration(MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration(MBC) values of R.obtusifolius extract that was measured against Str.pyogenes were equal(MIC=MBC=5.00mg/mL).Conclusion: The findings of this study could also be as new source for antibiotics discovery and infection treatment.

Antibacterial activity of eight Iranian plant extracts against methicillin and cefixime restistant Staphylococcous aureus strains

Objective:To assess the antibacterial activity of eight Iranian plant extracts against Staphylococcus aureus(S.aureus) strains which were isolated from infected patients.Methods: The studied strains were isolated from urine,stool,blood and wound of infected patients and identified by biochemical tests.In further,the antibacterial activity of 8 ethanolic local plant extracts including Querqus brantii(Q.brantii),Ziziphus spina-christi(Z.spina-christi),Peganum harmala(P.harmala),Oliveira decumbens(O.decumbens),Galium tricornutum(G.tricornutum), Vitex pseudo negundo(Vi.pseudo negundo),Salvia officinalis(S.officinalis),Vaccaria pyramidata (V.pyramidata) were then evaluated using agar disc diffusion method.Results:A total of 9 isolates were isolated and identified as S.aureus.Antibacterial profile of the strains showed that the strains were resistant to methicillin and cefixime.The highest antibacterial activity against the studied strains were belong to Q.brantii,P.harmala,Z.spina-christi and O.decumbens vent extracts with 11-40 mm,15-28 mm,8-26 mm and 10-20 mm of diameters,respectively. Intermediate antibacterial activity was exhibited by G.tricornutum and Vi.pseudo negundo against some of the studied strains with 7-20 mm and 7-13 mm of diameters,respectively. Noteworthy,out of 9 studied strains;6 and 2 of them were resistant to the G.tricornutum and Vi. pseudo negundo extracts,respectively.The S.officinalis and Va.pyramidata,however,showed no antibacterial activity against the studied strains.Conclusions:The Q.brantii,P.harmala,Z. spina-christi and O.decumbens extracts were shown to possess strong antibacterial activity against methicillin and cefixime resistant S.aureus strains and can be considered as the promising natural antibiotics for treating the studied strains.

Effect of cold rolling on the microstructural, magnetic, mechanical, and corrosion properties of AISI 316L austenitic stainless steel

This study has evaluated the effect of different levels of cold rolling（from 0 to 50%）on the microstructural,magnetic,and mechanical properties and the corrosion behavior of 316L austenitic stainless steel in Na Cl（1 mol/L）＋H_2SO_4（0.5 mol/L）solution.Microstructural examinations using optical microscopy revealed the development of a morphological texture from coaxial to elongated grains during the cold-rolling process.Phase analysis carried out on the basis of X-ray diffraction confirmed the formation of the ferromagneticα′-martensite phase under the stresses applied during cold rolling.This finding is in agreement with magnetic measurements using a vibrating sample magnetometer.Mechanical properties determined by tensile and Vickers microhardness tests demonstrated an upward trend in the hardness-to-yield strength ratio with increasing cold-rolling percentage,representing a reduction in the material’s work-hardening ability.Uniform and localized corrosion parameters were estimated via potentiodynamic polarization corrosion tests and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy.In contrast to the uniform corrosion,wherein the corrosion current density increased with increasing cold-working degree because of the high density of microstructural defects,the passive potential range and breakdown potential increased by cold working,showing greater resistance to pit nucleation.Although pits were formed,the cold-rolled material repassivation tendency decreased because of the broader hysteresis anodic loop,as confirmed experimentally by observation of the microscopic features after electrochemical cyclic polarization evaluations.

Elevated temperature oxidation behavior of HVOF sprayed TiB_2 cermet coating

Oxidation behaviors of Ni(Cr)-TiB2 coating deposited by HVOF technique were studied at 800,900 and 1 000℃in air. The microstructures of as-sprayed and oxidized coatings were characterized by X-ray diffractometry(XRD)and scanning electron microscopy(SEM).After oxidation at 800℃,a thin and adherent oxide layer was formed on the surface of the coating.With increasing exposure temperature,the thickness of the oxide layer increased;and at 1 000℃the oxide layer separated from the coating.Investigation of the kinetics of oxidation by using the thermogravimetric analysis(TGA)technique shows a parabolic oxidation rate.

A survey on Hibiscus rosa-sinensis,Alcea rosea L.and Malva neglecta Wallr as antibacterial agents

Objective:To guide for selection of plants with antibacterial activity for further phytochemical works on the isolation and identification of the active compounds.Methods:Ethanolic extracts of 3 species from Malvaceae family were evaluated by agar disc diffusion method for antibacterial activity against some gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria(Pseudomonas aeruginosa,Listeria monocytogenes,Staphylococcus epidermidis.Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae.Salmonella typhi,Bacillus cereus.Bacillus anthracis,Escherichia coli and Streptococcus pyogenes).The extracts were obtained from aerial parts of Hibiscus rosa(H. rosa)-sinensis(leaf and flower),Alcea rosea(A.rosea) L.(leaf and flower) and Malva neglecta(M. neglecta) Wallr(flower).Results:These extracts had inhibitory effects at different concentrations (0.05,0.10,0.20 and 0.40 g/mL) against above mentioned bacteria.Escherichia coli was the most resistant strain.The highest inhibitory zone was showed by ethanolic extract of M.neglecta against Staphylococcus epidermidis(22 mm) and followed by ethanolic extract from flower of H.rosa against Staphylococcus epidermidis and Staphylococcus aureus(20 mm).The Minimum Inhibitory Concentration(MIC) and Minimum Bactericidal Concentration(MBC) values against Staphylococcus epidermidis were equal(M1C=MBC=5 mg/mL for M.neglecta extract and for H. rosa extract MIC=MBC=20 mg/mL).Conclusions:These findings suggest that these native plants have good antibacterial properties that can be used for infection control and treatment and could also be as new source for antibiotics discovery and infection treatment.

Frequent loss of heterozygosity at 8p22 chromosomal region in diffuse type of gastric cancer

AIM: To study the loss of heterozygosity (LOH) at 8p21-23 locus in diffuse gastric cancer.METHODS: To evaluate the involvement of this region in gastric cancer, we used eight microsatellite markers covering two Mb of mentioned region, to perform a high-resolution analysis of allele loss in 42 cases of late diffuse gastric adenocarcinoma.RESULTS: Six of these STS makers: D8S1149, D8S1645, D8S1643, D8S1508, D8S1591, and D8S1145 showed 36%, 28%, 37%, 41%, 44% and 53% LOH, respectively.CONCLUSION: A critical region of loss, close to the NAT2 locus and relatively far from FEZ1 gene currently postulated as tumor suppressor gene in this region.

Microstructural evolution and intermetallic formation in Al-8wt% Si-0.8wt% Fe alloy due to grain refiner and modifier additions

An alloy of A1-8wt% Si-0.8wt% Fe was cast in a metallic die, and its microstrucmral changes due to Ti-B refiner and Sr modifier additions were studied. Apart from usual refinement and modification of the microstructure, some mutual influences of the additives took place, and no mutual poisoning effects by these additives, in combined form, were observed. It was noticed that the dimensions of the iron-rich intermetallics were influenced by the additives causing them to become larger. The needle-shaped intermetallics that were obtained from refiner addition became thicker and longer when adding the modifier. It was also found that a-Al and eutectic silicon phases preferentially nucleate on different types of intermetallic compounds. The more iron content of the intermetallic compounds and the more changes in their dimensions occurred. Formation of the shrinkage porosities was also observed.

Antimicrobial properties of Teucrium polium against some clinical pathogens

Objective:To explore the antibacterial effect of the alcoholic extracts of aerial parts of Teucrium polium,native in Iran on some pathogenic bacteria.Methods:Antibacterial activity of ethanolic extract(50 to 400 mg/mL) and methanolic extract(400 and 600 mg/mL) was evaluated by disc diffusion method.Results:The ethanolic extract results showed that Bacillus anthracis was the most sensitive species,while Escherichia coli and Proteus mirabilis were more resistant than others.In the case of the methanolic extract,Bordetella bronchiseptica was the most sensitive and Proteus mirabilis and Arcanobacterium pyogenes were the most resistant species.The hydroalcoholic extract of Teucrium polium had a relatively satisfactory effect on Salmonella typhi. The minimal inhibitory concentration(MIC) of Staphylococcus aureus and Salmonella typhi was 40 mg/mL and Bordetella bronchiseptica and Bacillus anthracis was 10 mg/mL.The minimal bactericidal concentration(MBC) against Bacillus anthracis was 10 mg/mL while against other species were not found(】200 mg/mL).The methanolic extract had also synergistic effect with methicillin,vancomycin against Staphylococcus aureus and with novobiocin against Salmonella typhi.Conclusions:These results suggest that this plant contains relatively good antibacterial activity and it can be used as a source of antiseptic compounds for medicinal uses.

2,4,6-Trichloro-1,3,5-triazine/dimethylformamide as an efficient reagent for one-pot conversion of alcohols into N-alkylphthalimides

An efficient and mild method for the direct conversion of alcohols into N-alkylphthalimides using 2,4,6-trichloro-1,3,5-triazine and dimethylformamide was described.The reaction was preceded via(alcoxymethylene) dimethylammonium chloride intermediate and produced corresponding N-alkylphthalimides in good-to-excellent yields.

Carcinogenic efects of circadian disruption: an epigenetic viewpoint

Circadian rhythms refer to the endogenous rhythms that are generated to synchronize physiology and behavior with 24-h environmental cues. These rhythms are regulated by both external cues and molecular clock mechanisms in almost all cells. Disruption of circadian rhythms, which is called circadian disruption, afects many biological processes within the body and results in diferent long-term diseases, including cancer. Circadian regulatory pathways result in rhythmic epigenetic modiications and the formation of circadian epigenomes. Aberrant epigenetic modiications, such as hypermethylation, due to circadian disruption may be involved in the transformation of normal cells into cancer cells. Several studies have indicated an epigenetic basis for the carcinogenic efects of circadian disruption. In this review, I irst discuss some of the circadian genes and regulatory proteins. Then, I summarize the current evidence related to the epigenetic modiications that result in circadian disruption. In addition, I explain the carcinogenic efects of circadian disruption and highlight its potential role in diferent human cancers using an epigenetic viewpoint. Finally, the importance of chronotherapy in cancer treatment is highlighted.