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Ferrocene and its derivatives, especially ferrocene‐based coordination polymers (Fc‐CPs), offer the benefits of high thermal stability, two stable redox states, fast electron transfer, and excellent charge/discharge efficiency, thus holding great promise for electrochemical applications. Herein, we describe the synthesis and electrochemical applications of Fc‐CPs and reveal how the incorporation of ferrocene units into coordination polymers containing other metals results in unprecedented properties. Moreover, we discuss the usage of Fc‐CPs in supercapacitors, batteries, and sensors as well as further applications of these polymers, for example in electrocatalysts, water purification systems, adsorption/storage systems. Iron strength: The incorporation of ferrocene as an organometallic building block into coordination polymers containing other metals to impart certain properties can afford attractive structures denoted as ferrocene‐based coordination polymers. This Review focuses on the synthesis and electrochemical applications (e. g., supercapacitors, batteries, electrosensors, and electrocatalysts) of these coordination polymers.

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a common poignant endocrine disorder affecting women, posing a close association with metabolic syndrome and obesity. Existing literature characterizes PCOS with deranged levels of several adipokines and myokines. CTRP15 is a paralogue of adiponectin, mainly expressed by skeletal muscles, and plays a key role in insulin, glucose, and lipid metabolism. In the current study, we aim to determine the circulating levels of CTRP15 and evaluate its association with cardiometabolic and inflammatory parameters in PCOS women. This case-control study included 120 PCOS patients (60 Recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) and 60 infertile (inf) PCOS) and 60 healthy non-PCOS controls. Serum levels of hs-CRP were measured by commercial kits, while serum levels of adiponectin and CTRP15 were determined using the ELISA technique. Serum levels of CTRP15 were significantly elevated in PCOS-RPL and PCOS-inf subgroups when compared to controls (94.80 ± 27.08 and 87.77 ± 25.48 vs. 54.78 ± 15.45, both P < 0.001). Moreover, serum adiponectin was considerably lower in the PCOS group and subgroups (P < 0.001), while serum hs-CRP, fasting insulin, HOMA-IR, and free testosterone were significantly higher when compared to the non-PCOS group (P < 0.05). Furthermore, CTRP15 closely associated with FSH, HOMA-IR, hs-CRP, and BMI. These results highlight a possible involvement of CTRP15 in the pathogenesis of PCOS. The elevated levels of CTRP15 might be a compensatory mechanism for the metabolic dysregulations (excess adiposity, insulin resistance, metaflammation) associated with the syndrome. Nevertheless, future studies are necessary to unravel the underlying mechanism.

Open nephrectomy surgery in a kidney donor involves pain and many risks after the surgery, which leads to the inability to perform normal activities. For this reason, today the laparoscopic nephrectomy method is preferred in order to avoid complications and to return to normal life sooner. However, it is very critical to assess the impact of modifying the surgical technique on the outcome of kidney donation. Thus, the present study was undertaken with the following specific objective: a comparative study of the renal profile of live kidney donors who have undergone open and laparoscopic nephrectomy. The study in the present report was cross-sectional in nature. Participants included 91 kidney donors who had undergone either open nephrectomy (n = 46) or laparoscopic nephrectomy (n = 45). Data on the level of initial basic renal function, the duration of surgery, and the duration of hospitalization, together with the course of renal function in the 6 months after surgery, were collected. The data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences, version 27 (SPSS version 27).  The mean age of kidney donors was 29.4 ± 4.8 years, and all patients were male (100%). Body mass index and weight were comparable between the open and laparoscopic nephrectomy groups, with no statistically significant differences (P > 0.05). The mean duration of surgery in the open nephrectomy group (2.37 ± 0.30 hours) was significantly shorter than that in the laparoscopic group (3.37 ± 0.13 hours) (P < 0.001). The mean length of hospital stay was significantly shorter in the laparoscopic group (3.31 ± 0.31 days) compared to the open group (4.06 ± 0.04 days) (P < 0.001). GFR decreased significantly in both groups at discharge and 6 months postoperatively compared to baseline (paired t-test, all P < 0.001), but there was no significant difference in GFR between groups at any time point (P > 0.05).  Both groups experienced a significant postoperative decline in hemoglobin, with a greater reduction in the open group (-1.59 ± 0.79 g/dL)  compared to the laparoscopic group (-1.05 ± 0.95 g/dL)  (P = 0.004). White blood cell counts increased postoperatively in both groups, with no significant difference between them (P = 0.118). Surgical complications included transection of the superior polar artery in 5.5% of cases. In laparoscopic nephrectomy, the time of surgery is longer, but the days of hospitalization after surgery do not differ and do not negatively affect the return of donor kidney function compared to the open method. Moreover, post-surgical problems have not been very frequent and are manageable in the best way possible.

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a common poignant endocrine disorder affecting women, posing a close association with metabolic syndrome and obesity. Existing literature characterizes PCOS with deranged levels of several adipokines and myokines. CTRP15 is a paralogue of adiponectin, mainly expressed by skeletal muscles, and plays a key role in insulin, glucose, and lipid metabolism. In the current study, we aim to determine the circulating levels of CTRP15 and evaluate its association with cardiometabolic and inflammatory parameters in PCOS women. This case-control study included 120 PCOS patients (60 Recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) and 60 infertile (inf) PCOS) and 60 healthy non-PCOS controls. Serum levels of hs-CRP were measured by commercial kits, while serum levels of adiponectin and CTRP15 were determined using the ELISA technique. Serum levels of CTRP15 were significantly elevated in PCOS-RPL and PCOS-inf subgroups when compared to controls (94.80 ± 27.08 and 87.77 ± 25.48 vs. 54.78 ± 15.45, both P < 0.001). Moreover, serum adiponectin was considerably lower in the PCOS group and subgroups (P < 0.001), while serum hs-CRP, fasting insulin, HOMA-IR, and free testosterone were significantly higher when compared to the non-PCOS group (P < 0.05). Furthermore, CTRP15 closely associated with FSH, HOMA-IR, hs-CRP, and BMI. These results highlight a possible involvement of CTRP15 in the pathogenesis of PCOS. The elevated levels of CTRP15 might be a compensatory mechanism for the metabolic dysregulations (excess adiposity, insulin resistance, metaflammation) associated with the syndrome. Nevertheless, future studies are necessary to unravel the underlying mechanism.

In this study, L-arginine (Arg) modified magnetite (Fe3O4) nanoparticles (RMNPs) were firstly synthesized through a one-step co-precipitation method, and then these aminated nanoparticles (NPs) were, again, coated by pre-oxidized dextran (Dext), in which aldehyde groups (DextCHO) have been introduced on the polymer chain successfully via a strong chemical linkage. Arg, an amino acid, acts as a mediator to link the Dext to a magnetic core. The as-synthesized Arg-modified and Dext-coated arginine modified Fe3O4 NPs were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transformation infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM). Both synthesized samples, XRD pattern and FT-IR spectra proved that the core is magnetite. FT-IR confirmed that the chemical bonds of Arg and Dext both exist in the samples. SEM images showed that the NPs are spherical and have an acceptable distribution size, and the VSM analysis indicated the superparamagnetic behavior of samples. The saturation magnetization was decreased after Dext coating, which confirms successive coating RMNPs with Text. In addition, the TGA analysis demonstrated that the prepared magnetic nanocomposites underwent various weight loss levels, which admitted the modification of magnetic cores with Arg and further coating with Dext.

MicroRNAs (miRNA) play a key role in the regulation of gene expression through the translational suppression and control of post-transcriptional modifications. Previous studies demonstrated that miRNAs conduct the pathways involved in human reproduction including maintenance of primordial germ cells (PGCs), spermatogenesis, oocyte maturation, folliculogenesis and corpus luteum function. The association of miRNA expression with infertility, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), premature ovarian failure (POF), and repeated implantation failure (RIF) was previously revealed. Furthermore, there are evidences of the importance of miRNAs in embryonic development and implantation. Piwi-interacting RNAs (piRNAs) and miRNAs play an important role in the post-transcriptional regulatory processes of germ cells. Indeed, the investigation of small RNAs including miRNAs and piRNAs increase our understanding of the mechanisms involved in fertility. In this review, the current knowledge of microRNAs in embryogenesis and fertility is discussed. Further research is necessary to provide new insights into the application of small RNAs in the diagnosis and therapeutic approaches to infertility.

Toxoplasmosis is a disease caused by Toxoplasma gondii, and one-third of the world's population has T. gondii antibodies. Due to this issue, the aim of this study was to assess the mean prevalence and odds ratios of T. gondii infection and epidemiological features of neonatal infection worldwide.BackgroundToxoplasmosis is a disease caused by Toxoplasma gondii, and one-third of the world's population has T. gondii antibodies. Due to this issue, the aim of this study was to assess the mean prevalence and odds ratios of T. gondii infection and epidemiological features of neonatal infection worldwide.We performed a meta-analysis and systematic review of published studies reporting T. gondii infection using the PubMed, MEDLINE, Web of Science, EMBASE, and Scopus electronic databases through January 1999 to December 2020, regarding diagnostic tests, and prevalence data of infection among the newborn population. The pooled prevalence of T. gondii with a 95% confidence interval (CI) was calculated using the random-effects models.Materials and MethodsWe performed a meta-analysis and systematic review of published studies reporting T. gondii infection using the PubMed, MEDLINE, Web of Science, EMBASE, and Scopus electronic databases through January 1999 to December 2020, regarding diagnostic tests, and prevalence data of infection among the newborn population. The pooled prevalence of T. gondii with a 95% confidence interval (CI) was calculated using the random-effects models.A total of thirty eligible articles were included. The estimated global prevalence rate was 44% (95% CI: 29%-0.58%); the highest prevalence rate was in America 47% (95% CI: 30%-64%), followed by Europe 41% (95% CI: 26%-57%) and Asia 33% (95% CI: 4%-61%). In this study, despite our careful analysis of possible modifiers, the heterogeneity was significant (P = 0.000). The publication bias was not significant based on the results of Egger's (P = 0.918) and Begg's tests (P = 0.230).ResultsA total of thirty eligible articles were included. The estimated global prevalence rate was 44% (95% CI: 29%-0.58%); the highest prevalence rate was in America 47% (95% CI: 30%-64%), followed by Europe 41% (95% CI: 26%-57%) and Asia 33% (95% CI: 4%-61%). In this study, despite our careful analysis of possible modifiers, the heterogeneity was significant (P = 0.000). The publication bias was not significant based on the results of Egger's (P = 0.918) and Begg's tests (P = 0.230).Based on the results of this study, T. gondii infection can be a serious concern in newborns around the world. Therefore, further research is needed to provide better strategies to screen and diagnose T. gondii infection in neonates and determine the risk factors associated with the prevalence of infection in neonates worldwide.ConclusionBased on the results of this study, T. gondii infection can be a serious concern in newborns around the world. Therefore, further research is needed to provide better strategies to screen and diagnose T. gondii infection in neonates and determine the risk factors associated with the prevalence of infection in neonates worldwide.

Abstract Background and Aims Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are one of the major health concerns globally. Generally, prisoners are at higher risks for STIs due to risk factors including; drug‐use, high‐risk sexual behaviors, densely populated prisons, and poor living conditions. Therefore, we aimed to conduct a systematic review to evaluate the existing data on STI prevalence, and its associated risk factors among prisoners. Methods We conducted a systematic search of the literature using the keywords in Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, and Google Scholar online databases. We selected all the relevant original studies in English through title/abstract and full‐text screening process.‎ Results Based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria, we selected and reviewed 32 studies out of 96 identified papers. The most important STI‐associated risk factors among prisoners were drug use, low educational levels, and unsafe sex. The prevalence of STIs was heterogenous in selected studies and was reported as follows; Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) (0%−14.5%), hepatitis B viruses (HBV) (0.04%−27.23%), hepatitis C viruses (HCV) (0.17%−49.7%), Syphilis (0.2%−22.1%), Chlamydia Trachomatis (CT) (1.02%−6.7%), Gonorrhea (0.6%−7.8%), and herpes simplex virus‐2 (HSV‐2) 22.4%. Conclusion This systematic review indicates that the prevalence of STIs (HIV, HBV, HCV, Syphilis, Chlamydia Trachomatis, Gonorrhea, and HSV‐2) among prisoners appears to be higher than the general population, with drug abuse, low educational levels, and unsafe sex as major risk factors.

The infantile colic is one of the most common complaints in the infancy; however, limited therapeutic approaches are described in the literature. Recently probiotics have been suggested as a potential strategy in the treatment of infantile colic. We conducted this study to investigate the efficacy of probiotics in relieving colic symptoms in Iranian infants. This double-blind clinical trial was performed among 70 infants aged 3 to 16 weeks with the presumed diagnosis of infantile colic according to Wessel criteria who were breastfed or formula fed. They were assigned at random to receive Pedilact® (Bifidobacterium infantis, Lactobacillus reuteri, and Lactobacillus rhamnosus) (N=33) or placebo (N=32). Demographic data were recorded in the questionnaires at the beginning of the study. The number of daily episodes of crying and fussiness, number of weekly crying days, and duration of crying were separately analyzed on 7, 21, and 30th  days of investigation. Baseline demographic data showed no statistically significant difference between intervention and placebo groups. Infants given Pedilact® showed a significant reduction in daily episodes of crying, duration of crying, and the weekly number of crying days at the end of the treatment period compared with those receiving placebo (P=0.000). On 21th day of the study, daily episodes of fuss and crying (P=0.032) and duration of crying reduced significantly in the intervention group in comparison to the placebo group (P=0.000). Administration of Pedilact® drop significantly improved colic symptoms by reducing crying and fussing times in breastfed or formula fed in Iranian infants with colic. © 2019 Tehran University of Medical Sciences. All rights reserved. Acta Med Iran 2019;57(7):405-411.