Behenic acid protects the testosterone cycle and prevents the sperm apoptosis and protein loss in phthalate exposure by inhibiting oxidative stress and stimulating ATPase activity.

Background: Plastic products use phthalate to enhance their flexibility, transparency, and stability, while behenic acid is a carboxylic acid with antioxidant activity.

Objectives: This study evaluates whether behenic acid can protect the testosterone cycle and prevent the sperm apoptosis and protein loss in phthalate-treated male rats.

Methods: There were 36 male albino rats in all, divided into six equal sets of six rats each: control, behenic acid (13 g/kg), behenic acid (26 g/kg), diethyl phthalate (10 mg/kg), behenic acid (13 g/kg) + diethyl phthalate (10 mg/kg), and behenic acid (26 g/kg) + diethyl phthalate (10 mg/kg)-treated groups.

Using the Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio and Platelet-to-Lymphocyte Ratio as Prognostic Markers for Obstructive Sleep Apnea: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Observational Studies.

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a chronic condition characterized by the partial or complete collapse of the airways during sleep, leading to hypoxemia (reduced oxygen flow to organs) and disrupted sleep. This study aims to establish robust evidence for the relationship between the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) and the severity and prognosis of OSA. A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted using PubMed, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Scopus, Medline, and Web of Science to gather all relevant articles.

Advancements in skin grafting: Development and application of a novel two-blade dermatome for concurrent split-thickness and dermal graft harvesting.

This investigation delineates the evolution and prospective utilisation of an innovative two-blade dermatome, designed for the concurrent harvesting of a conventional split-thickness skin graft (STSG) and an additional dermal graft within the same surgical harvest. Historically, the extraction of dermal grafts has encountered substantial technical impediments, contributing to its limited acceptance and utilisation in clinical practice. The prototype dermatome, introduced in this technical note, offers a solution that could facilitate the more extensive adoption of dermal grafting techniques.

Microstructure and radiation shielding capabilities of Al-Cu and Al-Mn alloys.

In this study, the microstructure and elemental analysis of aluminum-copper alloy type-2024, Al-2024, and aluminum-manganese alloy type-3003, Al-3003, have been investigated by using a scanning electron microscope (SEM) equipped with Energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) detector. Experimental and theoretical radiation shielding studies were performed to assess the radiation shielding capabilities of the studied alloys. Considering the radiation shielding theoretical assessment, some reliable software tools were used, such as Phy-X/PSD, MCNP5, NXCom, and MRCsC.

Study of role of melanoma-associated antigen D1 (MAGE-D1) in hepatocellular carcinoma.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) ranks as the fifth most common neoplasm and the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Current serum biomarkers for HCC surveillance and early diagnosis, particularly alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) the most commonly used marker, lack satisfactory sensitivity and specificity, highlighting an urgent need for more effective markers with higher accuracy for early HCC detection. The downregulation of melanoma-associated antigen D1 (MAGE-D1) transcription plays a crucial role in apoptosis and inhibits cancer cell proliferation when expressed ectopically.