Comparison of sperm carnitine profiles of normospermic, oligospermic and azospermic individuals.

OBJECTIVE: The World Health Organization recognizes infertility as a public health issue. An estimated 48.5 million couples worldwide grapple with infertility. Infertility and spermatogenesis dysfunction arise from diverse genetic factors, including single-gene mutations and chromosomal abnormalities. Current research continues to explore other potential causes of infertility, leveraging both proteomic and metabolomic analyses. The primary aim of this study is to underscore the significance of investigating male infertility from a metabolomic perspective. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This study aimed to identify new markers for diagnosing and treating male infertility by examining the carnitine profiles in seminal fluids of individuals diagnosed with the normospermic group, oligospermic group, and azospermic group, employing the LC/MS-MS method. RESULTS: The first three L-carnitines C2 (Acetylcarnitine), C8:1 (Octenoylcarnitine), and C16:1 (Palmitoleylcarnitine), emerged as potential novel markers for diagnosis and treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Based on these findings, we posit that the results obtained in this study will aid in diagnosing, treating, and monitoring systemic diseases, and provide a foundation for more comprehensive future molecular studies aimed at enhancing prevention and treatment strategies for infertility.

Comparison of cytotoxic, reactive oxygen species (ROS) and apoptotic effects of propofol, thiopental and dexmedetomidine on liver cells at accumulative doses (AML12).

OBJECTIVE: Propofol, thiopental and dexmedetomidine are hypnotic, sedative, antiepileptic and analgesic agents used in general anesthesia and intensive care. There are many known and yet unknown side effects. Our aim in this study was to examine and compare the cytotoxic, reactive oxygen species (ROS) and apoptotic effects of propofol, thiopental and dexmedetomidine drugs, which are widely used in anesthesia, on liver cells (AML12) in vitro. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The half-maximum inhibitory concentration (IC50) doses of the three drugs on AML12 cells were determined using the 3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2yl]-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) method. Then at two different doses of each of the three drugs, apoptotic effects were determined by the Annexin-V method, morphological examinations were determined by acridine orange ethidium bromide method and intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels were determined by flow cytometry. RESULTS: The IC50 thiopental, propofol and dexmedetomidine doses were found to be 255.008, 254.904 and 34.501 µgr/mL, respectively (p<0.001). The highest cytotoxic effect on liver cells was found in the lowest dose of dexmedetomidine (34.501 µgr/mL) compared to the control group. This was followed by thiopental and propofol, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, propofol, thiopental and dexmedetomidine drugs on AML12 cells were found to have toxic effects by increasing intracellular ROS at two different concentrations higher than clinical doses. It was determined that cytotoxic doses caused an increase in ROS and induced apoptosis in cells. We believe that the toxic effects of these drugs can be prevented by examining the values obtained from this study and the results of future studies.

Energy and material refineries of future: Wastewater treatment plants.

There have been many important milestones on humanity's long journey towards achieving environmental sanitation. In particular, the development of the activated sludge system can be claimed to be one of the most groundbreaking advances in the protection of both public health and the wider ecosystem. The first wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) were developed over a century ago and were soon configured for use with activated sludge. However, despite their long history and service, conventional activated sludge (CAS) plants have become an unsustainable method of wastewater treatment. In addition, conventional WWTPs are intensive energy-consumers and at best allow only very limited material recovery. A paradigm shift to convert existing WWTPs into more sustainable facilities must therefore be considered necessary and to this end the wastewater biorefinery (WWBR) concept may be considered a solution that maximizes both energy and material recovery, in line with the circular economy approach.

Metabolomic analysis of seminal fluids in infertile individuals.

OBJECTIVE: Infertility impacts a substantial number of couples worldwide, and about 50% of cases are linked to male factors. The analysis of seminal fluid composition can improve diagnostic accuracy and offer deeper insights into the pathophysiology of male factor infertility. This study seeks to identify novel markers for diagnosing and treating male infertility by comparing organic acid profiles in the seminal fluid of individuals with normospermia, oligospermia, and azoospermia. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Semen samples were collected from men with normospermia, oligospermia, and azoospermia. The organic acid profile in the seminal fluid was analyzed using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry/mass spectrometry (LC/MS-MS). Data analysis was performed using SPSS and MetaboAnalyst. RESULTS: The study revealed significant differences in metabolite levels among normospermic, oligospermic, and azoospermic individuals. In groups with oligospermia, there were significant decreases in the levels of 2-OH-Isovaleric Acid, 3-Methyl-2-Oxovaleric Acid, Ethyl-Malonic Acid, Citric Acid, Oxoproline, Malic Acid, N-Acetyl-Aspartic Acid, Suberic Acid, Glutaconic Acid, and Succinic Acid. Similarly, individuals with azoospermia exhibited a notable reduction in the levels of Citric Acid, Malic Acid, and Suberic Acid. Furthermore, according to the Variable Importance in the Projection (VIP) score analysis, Ethyl-Malonic Acid, Glycolic Acid, and 3-Methyl-2-Oxovaleric Acid were identified as crucial factors for diagnosis and potential treatment strategies. CONCLUSIONS: The data obtained from the study highlights the significant potential of metabolites in assessing infertility and gaining a more in-depth understanding of the underlying pathological mechanisms.

The Systematic Effect of Mesenchymal Stem Cell Therapy in Critical COVID-19 Patients: A Prospective Double Controlled Trial.

The aim of this clinical trial was to control the cytokine storm by administering mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) to critically-ill COVID-19 patients, to evaluate the healing effect, and to systematically investigate how the treatment works. Patients with moderate and critical COVID-19 clinical manifestations were separated as Group 1 (moderate cases, n = 10, treated conventionally), Group 2 (critical cases, n = 10, treated conventionally), and Group 3 (critical cases, n = 10, treated conventionally plus MSCs transplantation therapy of three consecutive doses on treatment days 0, 3, and 6, (as 3 × 106 cells/kg, intravenously). The treatment mechanism of action was investigated with evaluation markers of the cytokine storm, via biochemical parameters, levels of proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines, analyses of tissue regeneration via the levels of growth factors, apoptosis markers, chemokines, matrix metalloproteinases, and granzyme-B, and by the assessment of the immunomodulatory effects via total oxidant/antioxidant status markers and the levels of lymphocyte subsets. In the assessment of the overall mortality rates of all the cases, six patients in Group-2 and three patients in Group-3 died, and there was no loss in Group-1. Proinflammatory cytokines IFNγ, IL-6, IL-17A, IL-2, IL-12, anti-inflammatory cytokines IL-10, IL-13, IL-1ra, and growth factors TGF-ß, VEGF, KGF, and NGF levels were found to be significant in Group-3. When Group-2 and Group-3 were compared, serum ferritin, fibrinogen and CRP levels in Group-3 had significantly decreased. CD45 +, CD3 +, CD4 +, CD8 +, CD19 +, HLA-DR +, and CD16 + / CD56 + levels were evaluated. In the statistical comparison of the groups, significance was only determined in respect of neutrophils. The results demonstrated the positive systematic and cellular effects of MSCs application on critically ill COVID-19 patients in a versatile way. This effect plays an important role in curing and reducing mortality in critically ill patients.

Comparative evaluation of cost for preliminary and tertiary municipal wastewater treatment plants in Istanbul.

As the global economy continues to grow, the need for an economic evaluation of wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) is increasing. Determination of cost functions (CFs) helps to assess the costs of WWTP and to be able to reach to the satisfactory financial levels of construction and operation practices in the early phases of a project. In this study, unit capital and operation and maintenance (O&M) costs were calculated by analyzing the real capital and operation and maintenance expenditures of 16 full-scale WWTPs in Istanbul. Besides, the impacts of treatment level and capacity on costs were investigated. The unit total capital cost was found as 0.013 ± 0.004 €/m3 and 0.054 ± 0.009 €/m3 for preliminary and tertiary treatment, respectively, whereas the unit total O&M cost were 0.011 ± 0.007 €/m3 and 0.077 ± 0.021 €/m3 for preliminary and tertiary treatment, respectively. Capital (investment) costs covered 58% of the total cost in preliminary WWTPs, whereas; O&M costs had the highest share (58%) in tertiary WWTPs. The results of this study confirmed that the level of treatment considerably affected the costs of WWTPs. Moreover, the CFs were separately derived for tertiary treatment including A2O with and without digester. The CFs obtained in this study are of utmost importance to be used in the economic evaluation of the planned WWTPs and in the management of existing ones.

Improvement of anti-biofouling properties of hollow fiber membranes with bismuth-BAL chelates (BisBAL).

In this study, hollow fiber membranes with and without bismuth dimercaptopropanol (Bis-BAL) additive were fabricated. Membranes were characterized in terms of permeability, surface properties, anti-biofouling and antibacterial properties. Membranes were operated in a lab-scale submerged membrane bioreactor (MBR). During the MBR operation, flux, chemical oxygen demand, volatile suspended solids and suspended solids were calculated for 30 days. Results showed that extracellular polymeric substance and soluble microbial product amounts were decreased in BisBAL-containing membranes. BisBAL-added membranes had the ability to inhibit the growth of Escherichia coli. BisBAL as an additive for membranes was found to be an effective, cheap alternative for enhancing anti-biofouling properties of the membranes.

Oxidative status and its relation with insulin resistance in young non-obese women with polycystic ovary syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Oxidative stress may play a role in the pathophysiology of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Insulin resistance (IR) also can be found in young non-obese women with PCOS. Hyperglycemia may increase reactive oxygen species production and decrease antioxidant levels. AIM: To investigate oxidative status and its relation with IR in young non-obese patients with PCOS. MATERIAL/SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Thirty-one patients with hyperinsulinemic (no.=13) and normoinsulinemic (no.=18) PCOS and 29 healthy controls were included in this study. Serum levels of glucose, insulin, gonadotropins, total testosterone, DHEAS, SHBG, 2-h plasma glucose on oral glucose tolerance test, malondialdehyde (MDA), protein carbonyl (PC), reduced glutathione (GSH), ß carotene, vitamin A, C, E and the enzyme activities of catalase and glutathione S-transferase (GST), IR [by homeostasis model assessment (HOMA)-IR], and ß cell function [by HOMA-B] were assessed. RESULTS: Serum glucose, insulin, total testosterone, DHEAS, HOMA-IR levels, and LH/FSH ratios were higher in young non-obese women with PCOS. Serum MDA and PC levels were also higher but GSH, vitamin C and E levels, and GST enzyme activity were lower in these women than in healthy controls, independently of the status of IR (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Oxidative stress characterized by increased oxidants and decreased antioxidant levels which are independent of IR may be involved in the pathogenesis of PCOS in young non-obese women.

Increased oxidative stress in patients with familial Mediterranean fever during attack period.

OBJECTIVES: We aimed to investigate the status of oxidant and antioxidants during attack period (AP) and attack free periods (AFP) in Familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) patients. METHODS: Measured the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), protein carbonyl (PC), glutathione (GSH) and antioxidant vitamins (A,C and E) as well as the activities of catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) in serum and whole blood of FMF patients in FMF-AP and FMF-AFP. RESULTS: Levels of MDA and PC were found significantly higher (p <0.05) both in serum and whole blood of FMF-AP group compared with other groups. The CAT and GSH-Px activities in FMF-AP group were found markedly lower (p <0.05) comparing to HC group. However, there were no statistically significant differences between the groups in terms of antioxidant vitamin levels. CONCLUSIONS: Our study demonstrated increased oxidative stress in patients with FMF during AP. Investigations are needed to establish the effect of antioxidant supplementation on FMF attack frequency and severity. We also suggest that these increased MDA and PC levels and decreased antioxidants may be used as supportive markers to differentiate AP from AFP. These conclusions need to be validated in further multicenter studies with high number of FMF patients.

Joint operation of small wastewater treatment plants in southern Turkey.

In this study, joint operation of several small wastewater treatment plants (SWWTPs) by the same operation company is proposed to avoid operational problems such as unqualified personnel, inadequate maintenance and laboratory services. Some case studies from Antalya province of Turkey are presented. Several SWWTPs are operated by the companies formed with the proportional shares of the owners such as ALTAS and TURAS. The performance data of the five treatment plants operated by ALTAS and two treatment plants operated by TURAS are presented. The status of wastewater treatment with emphasis on the small sized plants is also presented and evaluated. The percentage of small settlements served with sewer and wastewater treatment facilities is very low (3%) indicating that high volumes of investment are needed to increase the level of service to those of the developed countries. At present, the total number of the treatment plants in Antalya region is 409 with capacities ranging from 73 to 175 m3 d(-1). Package activated sludge type SWWPs built especially in the coastal regions meet the local effluent standards.

Effect of ozone injection location on filter performance in direct filtration.

Two identical pilot scale sand filters were operated in parallel to study the effects of preozonation in direct filtration. No coagulants were used. The influent of one filter was ozonated, whereas the influent to the second filter was aerated. Significantly improved reduction in turbidity, particle count, and iron was observed with the filter receiving preozonated water. The head loss development rate was increased as a result of using ozone. In a second set of experiments, the effects of ozone injection point on filter performance were investigated. Two identical filters both receiving preozonated water were operated. With one of the filters, the raw water was ozonated immediately before it entered the filter. The entrance of the preozonated water to the other filter was delayed by using a detention tank between the ozone contact chamber and the filter. In addition to effluent turbidity and particle count values, zeta potentials of the waters entering the two filters were measured. Head loss development at several locations within each filter bed was also observed and recorded. Slightly better effluent quality (turbidity and particle count) was observed with the filter receiving preozonated water without delay. It was observed that the zeta potential of the prezonated water became more negative with increasing delay time.

Centralised versus decentralised treatment and disposal options for Küçükçekmece Basin of Istanbul city.

Küçükçekmece Lake is a sea lagoon located on the European side of Istanbul city with a drainage area of 4 million inhabitants (year 2040). The original plan to treat all of the wastewater collected from the drainage basin in a single plant located at the Northern end of the lake is compared with the decentralised option involving 4 treatment plants. The initial investment cost of the decentralised option is estimated to be higher than the original plan by an amount of 43 million US $. However, the decentralised option has been chosen finally, considering the low cost and risk of wastewater collection, the possibility of the staging of the services, and the reduced environmental impacts.

Application of nanofiltration and reverse osmosis membranes to the salty and polluted surface water.

Nanofiltration (NF) (TFC-S) and reverse osmosis (RO) (TFC-HR) membranes were evaluated for the treatment of salty and polluted Kucukcekmece Lake used as a drinking water reservoir for the Istanbul City. A thin film composite type of spiral wound membrane (2 m2 area) was used. Experiments were conducted at different pressures, pH ranges and temperatures. Flowrate was about 300 l/h. The flux decreased with increasing pH. Highest rejections were obtained for all anionic and cationic ions in the pH range of 6.0-8.5. Several permeation runs were carried out for the pressure range of 6-12 bar for TFC-S and TFC-HR membranes. According to the Spiegler-Kedem model, the permeate flux (Jv) is linearly related to the applied hydraulic pressure (deltaP). Lp values were calculated by linear regression. Salt rejection was seen to increase with the increasing of operating pressure due to increase of solvent flux. Na+, Mg+2, Ca+2, Cl- and SO4(-2) rejections and z1 and z2 constants have been determined and z values of cations were in the order of zMg > zCa > zNa and similarly those of anions were in the order of zSO4 > zCl. The Spiegler-Kedem model was able to correlate well the experimental data by fitting different best values of P and sigma, respectively for all ions. Best fit values of P and sigma were obtained by regression of the data according to the model.

Pilot scale nanofiltration membrane separation for waste management in textile industry.

This paper presents the pilot scale membrane separation studies on dyehouse effluents of textile industry. Nanofiltration (NF) membranes which have 2 m2 of surface area were evaluated for membrane fouling on permeate flux and their suitability in separating COD, color and conductivity in relation to operating pressure and feed concentration from textile industry dyehouse effluents. Successive batch runs demonstrated that any serious membrane fouling was not experienced for NF membrane tested in treating this type of wastewater. The permeate flux was found to increase significantly with operating pressure. Flux decreased with increasing recovery rate. The overall removal efficiencies of COD, color and conductivity were found as greater than 97%. COD was lower than 10 mg/l at 12 bar pressures. Permeate COD was also increased with increasing recovery and COD was 30 mg/l with recovery of 80%. Almost complete color removal was achieved with nanofiltration membrane. Color value was also decreased from 500 Pt-Co to 10 Pt-Co unit. This significant reduction in color and COD makes possible the recycle of the permeate in the dyehouse. Permeate conductivity was decreasing with increasing pressure and retention of conductivity increases with increasing pressures. This phenomenon is expected from the analysis of conductivity mass transport model. Economical analysis have been done and the total estimated cost will be 0.81$/m3 based on 1000 m3/day of and this value is very economical for Istanbul City due to increasing industrial water supply tariffs.

Application of membrane and ozonation technologies to remove color from agro-industry effluents.

The results of membrane and ozonation experiments carried out on various agro-industry effluents including fermentation (baker's yeast), corrugated board, opium alkaloid and textile dying industries are presented. The experiments were performed using lab-scale membrane and ozonation reactors. Color removals were in the range of 80 to 99% for the membrane treatment studies. Ozonation experiments have shown that color removals in the range of 83 to 98% are possible for the investigated wastewaters. Final color levels were lower than 100 Pt-Co unit, which is quite acceptable aesthetically. The relative unit treatment costs of ozonation were about two times higher than membrane systems especially for very strong colored effluents including fermentation and opium alkaloid industries. The study has demonstrated that both membrane and ozonation technologies are viable options for color removal.