In this study, poly(lactic-acid) (PLA) polymer-based nanofiber (NF) was obtained by the electrospinning method. Antioxidant Zataria Multiflora (ZM, essential oil extract) and antibiotic effective bacitracin (BAC) materials were added to 8% PLA. ZM essential oil was extracted with Rotary and antioxidant components were investigated using GC-MS. While carvacrol constitutes 50% as the main component of ZM, it was seen as 48.06% carvacrol and 25.47% thymol as a content area. It was analyzed that ZM has a total antioxidant rate of 99.87% with 20 components. In antibacterial tests, PLA/BAC/ZM NF showed the best inhibition growth on all microorganisms (Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Bacillus subtilis). In cell XTT cytotoxicity tests, it was observed that the PLA/BAC/ZM NF used in adhesion and 4′,6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI) results showed very good adhesion to cells. Graphical Abstract

Summary: Infertility affects 15% of all couples worldwide and 50% of cases of infertility are solely due to male factors. A decrease in motility in the semen is considered one of the main factors that is directly related to infertility. The use of supplementation to improve the overall sperm quality has become increasingly popular worldwide. The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether sperm motility was affected by the combination of serotonin (5-HT), selenium (Se), zinc (Zn), and vitamins D, and E supplementation. Semen samples were incubated for 75 min at 37°C in medium containing varying concentrations of 5-HT, Se, Zn, vitamin D, and E. 5-HT (200 μM), Se (2 μg/ml), Zn (10 μg/ml), vitamin D (100 nM), and vitamin E (2 mmol) have also been shown to increase progressive sperm motility. Three different mixtures of supplements were also tested for their combined effects on sperm motility and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. While the total motility in the control group was 71.96%, this was found to increase to 82.85% in the first mixture. In contrast the average ROS level was 8.97% in the control group and decreased to 4.23% in the first mixture. Inclusion of a supplement cocktail (5-HT, Se, Zn, vitamins D and E) in sperm processing and culture medium could create an overall improvement in sperm motility while decreasing ROS levels during the incubation period. These molecules may enhance the success of assisted reproduction techniques when present in sperm preparation medium.

Drosophila platonic (plt) males court females, but fail to copulate. Here we show that plt is an allele of scribbler (sbb), a BMP signalling component. sbb knockdown in larvae leads to the loss of approximately eight serotonergic neurons, which express the sex-determinant protein Doublesex (Dsx). Genetic deprivation of serotonin (5-HT) from dsx-expressing neurons results in copulation defects. Thus, sbb⁺ is developmentally required for the survival of a specific subset of dsx-expressing neurons, which support the normal execution of copulation in adults by providing 5-HT. Our study highlights the conserved involvement of serotonergic neurons in the control of copulatory mechanisms and the key role of BMP signalling in the formation of a sex-specific circuitry.

Consumers are shifting to a plant-based lifestyle worldwide as more sustainable and healthier alternatives. However, despite the increasing popularity of plant-based vegan products, scientific evidence on their nutritional quality and health effects is still lacking. This study assessed the nutritional and cytotoxic characteristics of the vegan and regular cheese varieties sold in the retail markets in Istanbul, Türkiye in terms of total protein content, amino acid profile, vitamin B, calcium, and in vitro cytotoxicity using Kjeldahl, LC-MS/MS, HLPC, ICP-MS, and in vitro MTS assay, respectively. Our findings showed that the protein content in the regular cheese varieties was 20.7%, while it was 13.3% in vegan tofu only. The ratio between essential and non-essential amino acids in the regular and vegan tofu cheeses was 36.0/64.0 and 38.0/62.0, respectively. Vitamins B6, B9, and B12 were detected in none of the varieties, and calcium levels were found to be 568.1 in the regular cheeses and 17.8 mg/100 g in the vegan cheeses. Besides, in vitro, MTS assay demonstrated that regular cheese Roquefort and vegan varieties significantly decreased the cell viability of the HTC-116 human colon cancer cell line. Overall, the current research highlights the need for a comprehensive evaluation of the vegan cheese types better to understand their nutritional, pre- and clinical toxicity, and bioavailability characteristics in a dose and time-dependent manner using advanced techniques and improving the nutritional quality of vegan products remains a challenge for the food industry.

Summary: In Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART), efficient sperm preparation is vital for successful fertilization, with washing media enhancing the process. This pilot study examines the molecular-level impact of a new serotonin-containing sperm-washing medium (Prototype) on sperm motility and ROS metabolism, comparing it with commercially available media (Origio and Irvine). Semen samples from thirty-one individuals underwent preparation using the swim-up method post-semen analysis. Each sample was separately washed with the Prototype, Origio and Irvine mediums. ROS formation was determined through flow cytometric, and AT2R and PRDX2 protein levels, associated with sperm motility, were assessed via Western blot. Statistical evaluation compared the findings among the three outlined media. Significant differences were found among three washing media in terms of total and progressive motility. The Prototype medium showed the highest increase in both total (66%) and progressive motility (59%), while the control group exhibited the lowest increases (41% and 27.7%, respectively). Regarding ROS levels, the prototype (11.5%) and Origio (10.7%) groups demonstrated a notable decrease, contrasting with Irvine (25.8%). Molecular assessment revealed a significant elevation in AT2R protein levels in the prototype medium (59%), compared to other media. Additionally, an increase in PRDX2 protein levels was observed in the prototype medium, although this didn’t reach statistical significance. Serotonin-activated washing media for sperm preparation can be a suitable choice for selecting high-quality sperm in ART. A broader molecular analysis with a larger sample size is required to explore the mechanisms and effectiveness of using a serotonin-containing sperm-washing medium in routine ART.