Objective: Although various studies have linked environmental toxins, mumps infections, alcohol consumption, and abnormal body mass index (BMI) to impaired semen quality, the precise causes of infertility remain unclear. This study investigates the impact of BMI on oxidative stress markers in semen analysis among infertile men, illuminating the role of oxidative stress in cases of unexplained infertility. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 280 patients exhibiting infertility symptoms were recruited. Comprehensive semen analysis was conducted, evaluating reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, sperm plasma membrane lipid peroxidation via flow cytometry, total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and results from the sperm chromatin structure assay. Participants were categorized based on their BMI, facilitating comparisons between obese and non-obese individuals. Results: Both BMI and age significantly influenced male fertility, particularly in obese individuals. Strong correlations were identified between elevated BMI, increased ROS levels, and decreased TAC. The obese infertile group exhibited substantially lower TAC compared to controls, highlighting obesity's detrimental effect on antioxidant defenses. Furthermore, significant reductions in sperm count, motility, and normal morphology were observed, alongside an increase in non-motile sperm. These outcomes demonstrate the complex relationship among oxidative stress, BMI, and fertility, emphasizing the necessity for targeted interventions addressing obesity's effects on reproductive health. Conclusion This study underscores the importance of managing obesity and understanding its impact on oxidative stress as essential components in improving reproductive outcomes among affected men.

Rabies continues to pose a serious public health threat worldwide, with vaccination being the most effective means of prevention. However, commercially available inactivated rabies vaccines often require multiple doses and lack potent adjuvants to enhance their efficacy. This study aimed to investigate the coupling of whole inactivated rabies virus to mannan under oxidizing conditions to improve immune responses against a standard rabies vaccine. We explored the conjugation of whole inactivated rabies virus with oxidized mannan (Rab-OxMan) to enhance immune responses. Mice were immunized intraperitoneally with 350 µg of the Rab-OxMan formulation on days 1 and 7. Two weeks after immunization, serum samples were collected to measure levels of IgG, IgM, and TNF- using ELISA. The vaccine’s potency was also evaluated using the National Institutes of Health (NIH) assay. Our findings showed a significant increase in IgG levels and a decrease in IgM levels in the Rab-OxMan group compared to the Alum-adjuvanted vaccine group (p<0.05). Additionally, TNF- levels were notably higher in the Rab-OxMan group (p<0.05). Statistical analysis revealed that IgG levels had the highest sensitivity and specificity, with a significant correlation between the measured variables. Importantly, the Rab-OxMan formulation provided 1.8 times greater protection in challenge tests compared to the alum-adjuvanted group. This study is the first to demonstrate that oxidized mannan can serve as a novel adjuvant for veterinary rabies vaccines. The results highlight significant improvements in the immunogenicity and efficacy of rabies vaccines, suggesting a promising strategy for enhancing rabies prevention and potentially reducing the incidence of this deadly disease.

Purpose: Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is the most well-known eosinophilic gastrointestinal disorder (EGID) characterized by the presence of a high number eosinophils within the esophageal epithelium and the clinical signs. Biopsies of patients with suspected EoE may not show a high number of eosinophils, however the presence of granules may help with the diagnosis. This study aims to evaluate the presence of cell-free eosinophil granules in the esophageal tissue of patients with suspected and confirmed EoE to accelerate the diagnosis and treatment of patients with low eosinophil count. Methods: Fifteen patients with confirmed EoE and 15 suspected of EoE were included in this study. Patients' esophageal tissue biopsies were stained using immunohistochemistry (IHC) to identify eosinophils and their cell-free granules. For testing, anti-major basic protein (MBP) and anti-chemokine receptor type 3 (CCR3) were used as primary antibodies and a double-staining kit containing secondary antibodies conjugated to the enzyme and related chromogens were used. Results: Cell-free granules with different degrees were observed in 53.3% and 93.3% of suspected and confirmed EoE samples, respectively. Furthermore, in esophageal biopsy of 73.3% of patients with suspected and 93.3% of patients with a definitive diagnosis of EoE, basal layer hyperplasia (BLH) was recognized. Conclusion The results of the present study showed that IHC can be applied to detect cell-free eosinophil granules in esophageal tissue. Observation of granules and basal cell hyperplasia in biopsies of suspected EoE patients whose eosinophil count is below the threshold can be valuable findings to make a definitive diagnosis for these patients.

Purpose: Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is the most well-known eosinophilic gastrointestinal disorder (EGID) characterized by the presence of a high number eosinophils within the esophageal epithelium and the clinical signs. Biopsies of patients with suspected EoE may not show a high number of eosinophils, however the presence of granules may help with the diagnosis. This study aims to evaluate the presence of cell-free eosinophil granules in the esophageal tissue of patients with suspected and confirmed EoE to accelerate the diagnosis and treatment of patients with low eosinophil count. Methods: Fifteen patients with confirmed EoE and 15 suspected of EoE were included in this study. Patients' esophageal tissue biopsies were stained using immunohistochemistry (IHC) to identify eosinophils and their cell-free granules. For testing, anti-major basic protein (MBP) and anti-chemokine receptor type 3 (CCR3) were used as primary antibodies and a double-staining kit containing secondary antibodies conjugated to the enzyme and related chromogens were used. Results: Cell-free granules with different degrees were observed in 53.3% and 93.3% of suspected and confirmed EoE samples, respectively. Furthermore, in esophageal biopsy of 73.3% of patients with suspected and 93.3% of patients with a definitive diagnosis of EoE, basal layer hyperplasia (BLH) was recognized. Conclusion The results of the present study showed that IHC can be applied to detect cell-free eosinophil granules in esophageal tissue. Observation of granules and basal cell hyperplasia in biopsies of suspected EoE patients whose eosinophil count is below the threshold can be valuable findings to make a definitive diagnosis for these patients.

Rabies continues to pose a serious public health threat worldwide, with vaccination being the most effective means of prevention. However, commercially available inactivated rabies vaccines often require multiple doses and lack potent adjuvants to enhance their efficacy. This study aimed to investigate the coupling of whole inactivated rabies virus to mannan under oxidizing conditions to improve immune responses against a standard rabies vaccine. We explored the conjugation of whole inactivated rabies virus with oxidized mannan (Rab-OxMan) to enhance immune responses. Mice were immunized intraperitoneally with 350 µg of the Rab-OxMan formulation on days 1 and 7. Two weeks after immunization, serum samples were collected to measure levels of IgG, IgM, and TNF- using ELISA. The vaccine’s potency was also evaluated using the National Institutes of Health (NIH) assay. Our findings showed a significant increase in IgG levels and a decrease in IgM levels in the Rab-OxMan group compared to the Alum-adjuvanted vaccine group (p<0.05). Additionally, TNF- levels were notably higher in the Rab-OxMan group (p<0.05). Statistical analysis revealed that IgG levels had the highest sensitivity and specificity, with a significant correlation between the measured variables. Importantly, the Rab-OxMan formulation provided 1.8 times greater protection in challenge tests compared to the alum-adjuvanted group. This study is the first to demonstrate that oxidized mannan can serve as a novel adjuvant for veterinary rabies vaccines. The results highlight significant improvements in the immunogenicity and efficacy of rabies vaccines, suggesting a promising strategy for enhancing rabies prevention and potentially reducing the incidence of this deadly disease.

Rabies continues to pose a serious public health threat worldwide, with vaccination being the most effective means of prevention. However, commercially available inactivated rabies vaccines often require multiple doses and lack potent adjuvants to enhance their efficacy. This study aimed to investigate the coupling of whole inactivated rabies virus to mannan under oxidizing conditions to improve immune responses against a standard rabies vaccine. We explored the conjugation of whole inactivated rabies virus with oxidized mannan (Rab-OxMan) to enhance immune responses. Mice were immunized intraperitoneally with 350 µg of the Rab-OxMan formulation on days 1 and 7. Two weeks after immunization, serum samples were collected to measure levels of IgG, IgM, and TNF- using ELISA. The vaccine’s potency was also evaluated using the National Institutes of Health (NIH) assay. Our findings showed a significant increase in IgG levels and a decrease in IgM levels in the Rab-OxMan group compared to the Alum-adjuvanted vaccine group (p<0.05). Additionally, TNF- levels were notably higher in the Rab-OxMan group (p<0.05). Statistical analysis revealed that IgG levels had the highest sensitivity and specificity, with a significant correlation between the measured variables. Importantly, the Rab-OxMan formulation provided 1.8 times greater protection in challenge tests compared to the alum-adjuvanted group. This study is the first to demonstrate that oxidized mannan can serve as a novel adjuvant for veterinary rabies vaccines. The results highlight significant improvements in the immunogenicity and efficacy of rabies vaccines, suggesting a promising strategy for enhancing rabies prevention and potentially reducing the incidence of this deadly disease.

Purpose: Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is the most well-known eosinophilic gastrointestinal disorder (EGID) characterized by the presence of a high number eosinophils within the esophageal epithelium and the clinical signs. Biopsies of patients with suspected EoE may not show a high number of eosinophils, however the presence of granules may help with the diagnosis. This study aims to evaluate the presence of cell-free eosinophil granules in the esophageal tissue of patients with suspected and confirmed EoE to accelerate the diagnosis and treatment of patients with low eosinophil count. Methods: Fifteen patients with confirmed EoE and 15 suspected of EoE were included in this study. Patients' esophageal tissue biopsies were stained using immunohistochemistry (IHC) to identify eosinophils and their cell-free granules. For testing, anti-major basic protein (MBP) and anti-chemokine receptor type 3 (CCR3) were used as primary antibodies and a double-staining kit containing secondary antibodies conjugated to the enzyme and related chromogens were used. Results: Cell-free granules with different degrees were observed in 53.3% and 93.3% of suspected and confirmed EoE samples, respectively. Furthermore, in esophageal biopsy of 73.3% of patients with suspected and 93.3% of patients with a definitive diagnosis of EoE, basal layer hyperplasia (BLH) was recognized. Conclusion The results of the present study showed that IHC can be applied to detect cell-free eosinophil granules in esophageal tissue. Observation of granules and basal cell hyperplasia in biopsies of suspected EoE patients whose eosinophil count is below the threshold can be valuable findings to make a definitive diagnosis for these patients.

Purpose: Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is the most well-known eosinophilic gastrointestinal disorder (EGID) characterized by the presence of a high number eosinophils within the esophageal epithelium and the clinical signs. Biopsies of patients with suspected EoE may not show a high number of eosinophils, however the presence of granules may help with the diagnosis. This study aims to evaluate the presence of cell-free eosinophil granules in the esophageal tissue of patients with suspected and confirmed EoE to accelerate the diagnosis and treatment of patients with low eosinophil count. Methods: Fifteen patients with confirmed EoE and 15 suspected of EoE were included in this study. Patients' esophageal tissue biopsies were stained using immunohistochemistry (IHC) to identify eosinophils and their cell-free granules. For testing, anti-major basic protein (MBP) and anti-chemokine receptor type 3 (CCR3) were used as primary antibodies and a double-staining kit containing secondary antibodies conjugated to the enzyme and related chromogens were used. Results: Cell-free granules with different degrees were observed in 53.3% and 93.3% of suspected and confirmed EoE samples, respectively. Furthermore, in esophageal biopsy of 73.3% of patients with suspected and 93.3% of patients with a definitive diagnosis of EoE, basal layer hyperplasia (BLH) was recognized. Conclusion The results of the present study showed that IHC can be applied to detect cell-free eosinophil granules in esophageal tissue. Observation of granules and basal cell hyperplasia in biopsies of suspected EoE patients whose eosinophil count is below the threshold can be valuable findings to make a definitive diagnosis for these patients.

Purpose: Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is the most well-known eosinophilic gastrointestinal disorder (EGID) characterized by the presence of a high number eosinophils within the esophageal epithelium and the clinical signs. Biopsies of patients with suspected EoE may not show a high number of eosinophils, however the presence of granules may help with the diagnosis. This study aims to evaluate the presence of cell-free eosinophil granules in the esophageal tissue of patients with suspected and confirmed EoE to accelerate the diagnosis and treatment of patients with low eosinophil count. Methods: Fifteen patients with confirmed EoE and 15 suspected of EoE were included in this study. Patients' esophageal tissue biopsies were stained using immunohistochemistry (IHC) to identify eosinophils and their cell-free granules. For testing, anti-major basic protein (MBP) and anti-chemokine receptor type 3 (CCR3) were used as primary antibodies and a double-staining kit containing secondary antibodies conjugated to the enzyme and related chromogens were used. Results: Cell-free granules with different degrees were observed in 53.3% and 93.3% of suspected and confirmed EoE samples, respectively. Furthermore, in esophageal biopsy of 73.3% of patients with suspected and 93.3% of patients with a definitive diagnosis of EoE, basal layer hyperplasia (BLH) was recognized. Conclusion The results of the present study showed that IHC can be applied to detect cell-free eosinophil granules in esophageal tissue. Observation of granules and basal cell hyperplasia in biopsies of suspected EoE patients whose eosinophil count is below the threshold can be valuable findings to make a definitive diagnosis for these patients.

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of hydrocortisone enema in preventing radiation proctitis in patients with rectal cancer undergoing short-course radiotherapy (SCRT). Methods: This phase II randomized controlled trial enrolled patients with newly diagnosed locally advanced rectal cancer (clinically staged T3–4 and/or N1–2M0). Participants received a median of 4 cycles of neoadjuvant chemotherapy (capecitabine plus oxaliplatin) followed by 3-dimensional conformal SCRT (25 Gy in 5 fractions). Patients were randomly assigned to receive either a hydrocortisone enema (n=50) or a placebo (n=51) once daily for 5 consecutive days during SCRT. The primary endpoint was the incidence and severity of acute proctitis. Results: Of the 111 eligible patients, 101 were included in the study. Baseline characteristics, including sex, age, performance status, and tumor location, were comparable across the treatment arms. None of the patients experienced grade 4 acute gastrointestinal toxicity or had to discontinue treatment due to treatment-related adverse effects. Patients in the hydrocortisone arm experienced significantly less severe proctitis (P<0.001), diarrhea (P=0.023), and rectal pain (P<0.001) than those in the placebo arm. Additionally, the duration of acute gastrointestinal toxicity following SCRT was significantly shorter in patients receiving hydrocortisone (P<0.001). Conclusion Hydrocortisone enema was associated with a significant reduction in the severity of proctitis, diarrhea, and rectal pain compared to placebo. Additionally, patients treated with hydrocortisone experienced shorter durations of gastrointestinal toxicity following SCRT. This study highlights the potential benefits of hydrocortisone enema in managing radiation-induced toxicity in rectal cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy.