SOUTHERN JOURNAL OF SCIENCES

Background: Diabetes Type 2 is a complex disorder described by an imbalance between insulin resistance and secretion that induce liver glucose output. It has been shown that serum insulin levels are affected by a sperm plasma membrane and acrosome. Therefore, during insulin resistance spermatogenesis changes, diabetic patients detect testicular changes. Aims: This research aims to know the effect of diabetic type 2 on some aspects of fertility in men by studying the characteristics of the semen and some biochemical parameters in seminal plasma. Methods: This study was achieved at the Center for Endocrinology and Diabetes Specialists in Maysan province from February to November 2018 and included 45 men (30 diabetic and 15 healthy in the control group) aged 30 to 59 years. The patients were divided according to age into two groups, the first (30-39) and second (40-59) years, also divided by the duration of diabetes into two groups, the first (1-5) and second (6-10) year. Results: The pH of semen in the second age group (40-49 years) group and first duration (1-5 years) group were significantly decreased (P <0.05) in diabetes compared with the control group. Volume and viscosity did not have significant differences in patients compared to the control following the age and duration of diabetes. Liquefaction only in the first age (30-39 years) group significantly increased (P <0.05) compared to the control. The concentration of sperm, progressive motility, non-progressive and normal morphology decreased (P <0.05) significantly. While the sluggish, dead, and abnormal morphology significantly increased (P <0.05) in all diabetes groups compared with the control. The fructose and alkaline phosphatase values in the seminal plasma were not differing significantly in patients compared with the control. Zinc and glutathione values decreased significantly (P <0.05) compared with control in each age and duration of diabetes. Discussion: Insulin stimulates the Ledying cell function, defect insulin effect on spermatogenesis. Impaired sperm motility in a patient with D.M. might be attributed to many reasons, such as increased ROS level, altered mitochondria DNA, and decreased epididymal products. Conclusion: our measurement indicates that there is an effect of type 2 diabetes mellitus on semen parameters and seminal plasma biochemical parameters.

E-selectin, as identified (CD62E), is expressed on endothelial cells after stimulation with inflammation cytokines. β-Thalassemia diseases (βT) and early diagnosis are of utmost significance in the entire world population. This study was performed in the Thalassemia Center of the Al-Zahraa Educational Hospital in Al-Najaf Province, Iraq, on sixty-nine with β-thalassemia (54 βT major and 15 βT Intermedia) aged 8-40 years who transfused blood. Compared to 20 healthy volunteers as a control group. In both βT patients and healthy groups were assessed serum E-selectin levels. It was investigated the relationship with RBC, Hb, PCV, WBC, PLT, BMI, splenic status, iron, and ferritin levels. The results revealed a significant (P<0.05) decreased values of HB, RBC, P.C.V, and BMI. In contrast, values of WBC, PLT, Iron, and Ferritin were significantly increased in βT patients as compared to the healthy control groups. A significant (P<0.05) increase in serum E- Selectin level in βT patients (20.55±0.47) ng/ml to compare with the healthy group (9.16±0.50) ng/ml. Furthermore, it was a significant decrease in groups of βT major (19.87±0.42) ng/ml more than in βT intermedia (23±1.42) ng/ml. E-Selectin revealed a significant increase (P<0.05) in progress age and associated with splenectomies and underweight groups compared to splenectomies and the normal weight groups, respectively. Also, E-Selectin levels significantly positively correlated with WBC, PLT value, iron, and Ferritin levels. However, it was no significant with RBC, PCV, Hb. As a conclusion from this study, E- Selectin is an important biomarker in β-thalassemia patients can be identified as the complications associated with iron overload, inflammatory process, and endothelial dysfunction in βT disease. 

Background: The Second Southern Science Conference (SSCON 2024) represents a significant milestone in international scientific collaboration, bringing together researchers from twelve nations across multiple continents. The conference, held in Mendoza, Argentina, and co-hosted by the University of Vassouras in Brazil, marked both the 64th anniversary of Universidad de Mendoza and the 20th anniversary of Periódico Tchê Química, demonstrating the growing importance of cross-border academic partnerships. Aim: This study aimed to document and analyze the outcomes and impact of the Second Southern Science Conference, focusing on participation metrics, collaborative patterns, and institutional contributions while highlighting the significance of the hybrid format in facilitating global scientific dialogue. Methods: The analysis involved quantitative assessment of conference participation metrics, including the number of approved papers, author distributions, and institutional representation. The study examined participation patterns across countries and institutions, analyzing collaboration trends through statistical data visualization and comparative analysis of submission rates. Results: The conference achieved significant participation metrics with 65 approved papers and 242 contributing authors, averaging 4 authors per paper. The Universidad Nacional de Córdoba emerged as the leading institution, showcasing its 4 centuries legacy of academic excellence. The analysis revealed strong representation from Latin American institutions, with Brazil and Argentina leading in submissions. Most papers involved 2-5 collaborators, indicating effective research collaboration patterns. Over 500 people participated in the event through both in-person and virtual attendance options. Discussion: The hybrid format successfully facilitated broader international participation and knowledge exchange, which is particularly beneficial for addressing contemporary global challenges. The strong showing from Latin American institutions highlights the region's growing influence in international scientific discourse. The conference's interdisciplinary nature fostered new collaborative initiatives and research partnerships. Conclusions: The conference demonstrated the effectiveness of hybrid international scientific events in fostering global collaboration and knowledge exchange. Areas for improvement were identified, including extended submission timelines and establishment of a permanent management committee. The success of this edition supports the planning of future iterations, with the next edition scheduled to be held in Vassouras, Rio de Janeiro.