Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Comparing different sperm separation techniques for ART, through quantitative evaluation of p53 protein

Context: In the last 10 years, assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs) have offered infertile couples an opportunity to complete their reproductive project. However, the high failure rate could be explained with the complex human reproduction system. In ART, the decrease of the success is due to the conditions far from the natural ones. Aims: The aim of this study is to evaluate deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) damage of spermatozoa before and after selection procedures, using a new technique able to quantize sperm DNA damage. Settings and Design: They were involved 43 males domiciled permanently in two areas with different Environmental Impact, HEI (high environmental impact) and LEI (Low environmental impact), they are aged between 24 and 31 years with various degrees of dyspermia. Subjects and Methods: The 43 males were divided into two groups: 21 in Group A (EIL) and 22 in Group B (EIH). The samples must be aliquoted into parts of 0.5 mL: Group (a) Control, no processing; Group (b) Swim-up (SUP) from semen; Group (c) classic SUP; Group (d) density gradient centrifugation (DGC). All samples were subjected to a quantitative dosage of p53 protein, before and after processing. Statistical Analysis Used: For the development of the probability and significance of the data, the Student's t-test was used. Results: From our data, it emerges that Groups D and B provide a superior quality about motility, vitality, and apoptosis indexes compared to other conventional techniques. In Group B, apoptosis is comparable to Group D, but they have slightly lower about motility and vitality. Group C is the one that has lower parameters than the other techniques. Regarding the evaluation of p53 protein, the results are conflicting with the evaluation of apoptosis; in fact, in Group D, the values are significantly higher than the other techniques. Conclusions: Sperm separation is an important moment in ART techniques. From our data, it emerges a greater fragility of DNA in the male spermatozoa who reside permanently in areas with high environmental impact.
Lung Cancer Cytology: Can Any of the Cytological Methods Replace Histopathology?

Background: Diagnosis of lung cancer can be made in two ways: histopathological and cytopathological. Cytological methods in the diagnosis of lung lesions are generally thought to be one of the most successful tactics. Aims: This study aimed at comparing the efficiency of selected cytological techniques in lung lesions by correlating them with histopathological diagnosis. In addition, we had answered the question whether any of the cytological methods can replace histopathology. Materials and Methods: The study group consisted of 633 patients and 1085 cytological specimens. Cytology samples included: induced sputum, bronchial washing (BW), bronchial brushing (BB), fine needle aspiration (FNA), and cell block (CB). In every case of CB immunocytochemistry (ICC) was performed. For each cytological method sensitivity, specificity, effectiveness, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value were assessed. Results: BW and BB showed the lowest diagnostic parameters. The most valuable diagnostic procedure was CB based on FNA. Close by CB, FNA had the highest diagnostic rate. However, possibility to evaluate tumor cell structure and apply the ICC, give CB an advantage over FNA. Using only morphologic criteria, we had subclassified nonsmall-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) into squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and adenocarcinoma (AC) as 60.04% of SCC and 32.52% of AC. The use of CB and ICC decreased the NSCLC diagnoses from 22.1% to 2.8% while the percentage of AC and SCC diagnoses increased from 4.11% to 12.64% and from 6.64% to 11.06%, respectively. Metastatic lung tumors were diagnosed based on both the cell morphology and according to the ICC results. Conclusion: Despite the limitations of the cytological procedures, we recommend using CB and ICC to evaluate cytological samples derived from FNA. It can in many cases replace a conventional histopathology.
Meta-Analysis of Risk Association between Interleukin-17A Gene Polymorphism and Chronic Periodontitis

The association of genetic polymorphisms with periodontitis has been studied extensively. The interleukin-7 (IL-17) is a group of cytokines, which comprises six different molecules (IL-17A, B, C, D, E, and F). Among this, IL-17A is the most commonly understood cytokine, and its polymorphism plays a critical role in inflammatory diseases and periodontal inflammation. The present study was aimed at pooling the data available for meta-analysis and to evaluate whether IL-17A (rs2275913) polymorphism is associated with the susceptibility of chronic periodontitis.
Antimicrobial potential of extracts and fractions of the African walnut – Tetracarpidium conophorum

Antibacterial and antifungal evaluation of the leaf, stem bark, kernel and root methanol extracts as well as the hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate and methanol fractions of the leaf of Tetracarpidium conophorum, the African walnut, were investigated using the agar cup diffusion and agar broth dilution techniques. Extracts and fractions were tested against four clinical strains of 2 Gram positive, 2 Gram negative bacteria and two of fungi. They exhibited concentration-dependent antimicrobial properties. The extracts displayed higher activities to the Gram positive organisms. The edible nut was devoid of any antimicrobial property. The leaf extract was most active and it inhibited the growth of all the microorganisms used in the study. This led to the bioassay-guided fractionation of the leaf methanol extract and the ethyl acetate fraction of the leaf extract, displayed higher activities with the bacteria and fungi used in the assay, at the five test concentrations (100 mg – 10 mg/ml). Pseudomomas aeruginosa and Candida albicans were most sensitive to the extracts. Ampicillin and tioconazole were used as positive control, and methanol, used as negative control. The plant materials were also screened for secondary metabolites and this indicated the presence of alkaloids, saponins and tannins and absence of cardiac glycosides. The thin layer chromatographic analysis of the ethyl acetate fraction of the leaf crude extract confirmed the presence of alkaloids and tannis. These could be responsible for observed activity in the leaf of the plant; thus justifying its traditional uses especially in the treatment of dysentery.
Effect of Adhesion Boosters on the Shear Bond Strength of New Brackets Bonded to a Debonded Tooth Surface – An In vitro Study

Context: Effect of adhesion boosters on shear bond strength of orthodontic brackets. Aim: The aim is to evaluate the shear bond strength and adhesive remnant index (ARI) score of new brackets bonded to a debonded tooth surface with and without the use of adhesion boosters. Settings and Designs: In vitro comparative study. Materials and Methods: Adhesion boosters: Enhance LC (Reliance, Itasca III) All Bond 2 (Bisco, Schaumsburg) and the Composite adhesives Transbond XT (3M UNITEK) Enlight (ORMCO) were used in this study. One hundred and eight extracted maxillary first premolar teeth were bonded with light cure composite to etched tooth surface. The brackets were then debonded with debonding pliers after 1 week and it was polished with low speed tungston carbide bur and rubber cup. The teeth were divided into six groups and they were etched, washed, and dried again. New brackets were rebonded to the tooth surface using composites with or without adhesion boosters. Then, the shear bond strength value was calculated for each bracket with a universal testing machine. ARI scores were also evaluated. Statistical Analysis Used: One-way ANOVA and least significant difference post hoc test was used for the association between variables. Probability value (P < 0.05) was considered statistically significant. Results: The results showed a statistically significant difference between the groups with a P < 0.001. There was no significant difference in ARI scores between the groups (P = 0.15). Conclusions: Both the adhesion boosters significantly improved the shear bond strength of orthodontic brackets. There was no statistically significant difference in the ARI scores.
Effect of Local Cold Application on Venipuncture Site in Reducing Pain among School Age Children

Background: Hospitalized children undergo numerous painful medical procedures in their life. Venipuncture is one of the most feared and acute painful experience in children. Nonpharmacological pain intervention is a prophylactic and complementary approach to reduce pain. Cold treatment which is a simple and cheap treatment method has an important place in non-drug therapies for pain management. The study was undertaken to assess the effect of local cold application on venipuncture site in reducing pain among school children in selected hospitals at Kannur District. The objectives of the study were  Assess the pain score among school age children during venipuncture.  Determine the effectiveness of local cold application on pain score during venipuncture among school age children.  Determine the association between pain score and selected socio personal variables (age, sex, previous exposure to venipuncture). Methods: An evaluative approach with post-test only control group design was used. The study was conducted at Raslock Hospital and JJS Kannur Medical Centre in Kannur District. The data was collected for a period of 6 week. The subjects comprised of 60 children aged 6-12 years. The subjects was selected by using purposive sampling technique, and assigned into two groups (experimental Group I and control -Group II). Data was collected by using socio personal variables and WongBaker FACES Pain Rating Scale. Results: The findings of the study showed that experimental group (Group I) (2.8 ±1.44V/S 8.26±1.36) had significantly less pain response than that of control group (Group II). The calculated ‘t’ value 15.107 was greater than the table value (t58=2.660, P<0.01). There was no association between pain score and selected socio personal variables such us age, sex, previous exposure to venipuncture. The findings of the study support the effect of local cold application on venipuncture site in reducing pain among school age children and it can be used in paediatric wards to prevent physiological and psychological effects.
Early Acute Kidney Injury Associated with Liver Transplantation: A Retrospective Case-Control Study

Background A retrospective case-control study was carried out to assess the occurrence of acute kidney injury (AKI) in liver transplantation (LT) recipients and its related risk factors. Material/Methods The study enrolled 131 patients undergoing LT from December 2017 to June 2019 at Beijing Tsinghua Chang Gung Hospital, China. AKI and its classification were defined according to KDIGO guidelines. We collected patients’ demographic characteristics and perioperative parameters, and identified independent risk factors of AKI by multivariate logistic regression analysis. Results We included 122 patients in analysis. AKI occurred in 52 (42.6%) patients (22.1% stage I, 8.2% stage II, and 12.3% stage III). AKI was notably associated with 12 factors: sex, body mass index (BMI), hepatic etiology, MELD score, ascites, prothrombin time (PT), international normalized ratio of prothrombin time (INR), preoperative total bilirubin (TBIL), operative time, total fluid intake, fresh frozen plasma (FFP), and estimated blood loss (EBL) (P<0.05). The factors independently associated with AKI were BMI (adjusted odds ratio: 0.605, 95% confidence interval: 0.425–0.859; P=0.005) and intraoperative FFP infusion (adjusted odds ratio: 0.998, 95% confidence interval: 0.995–1.000; P=0.047). Compared with the non-AKI group, the AKI group showed higher likelihood of renal replacement therapy (RRT), and longer ICU and hospital stays, higher in-hospital mortality, and higher hospitalization costs (P<0.05). Conclusions There is a high risk of AKI in patients undergoing LT. BMI and intraoperative FFP infusion are factors independently correlated with AKI. AKI can result in extended hospital stays and higher hospitalization expenses.
Effect of salinisation of soil on growth and macro- and micro-nutrient accumulation in seedlings of Acacia catechu (Mimosaceae)

Summary The effects of salinisation of soil on Acacia catechu (Mimosaceae) were studied by means of emergence and growth of seedlings and pattern of mineral accumulation. A mixture of chlorides and sulphates of Na, K, Ca and Mg was added to the soil and salinity was maintained at 4.1, 6.3, 8.2,10.1 and 12.2 dSm−1. A negative relationship between proportion of seed germination and salt concentration was obtained. Seedlings did not emerge when soil salinity exceeded 10.1 dSm−1. Results suggested that this tree species is salt tolerant at the seed germination stage. Seedlings survived and grew up to soil salinity of 10.1 dSm−1, which suggests that this species is salt tolerant at the seedling stage too. Elongation of stem and root was retarded by increasing salt stress. Among the tissues, young roots and stem were most tolerant to salt stress and were followed by old roots and leaves, successively. Leaf tissue exhibited maximum reduction in dry mass production in response to increasing salt stress. However, production of young roots and death of old roots were found to be continuous and plants apparently use this process as an avoidance mechanism to remove excess ions and delay onset of ion accumulation in this tissue. This phenomenon, designated “fine root turnover”, is of importance to the mechanisms of salt tolerance. Plants accumulated Na in roots and were able to regulate transfer of Na ions to leaves. Stem tissues were a barrier for translocation of Na from root to leaf. Moreover, K was affected in response to salinity; it rapidly decreased in root tissues with increased salinisation. Nitrogen content decreased in all tissues (leaf, stem and root) in response to low water treatment and salinisation of soil. Phosphorus content significantly decreased, while Ca increased in leaves as soil salinity increased. Changes in tissue and whole plant accumulation patterns of the other elements tested, as well as possible mechanisms for avoidance of Na toxicity in this tree species during salinisation, are discussed.
The role of exosome lipids in central nervous system diseases

Abstract Central nervous system (CNS) diseases are common diseases that threaten human health. The CNS is highly enriched in lipids, which play important roles in maintaining normal physiological functions of the nervous system. Moreover, many CNS diseases are closely associated with abnormal lipid metabolism. Exosomes are a subtype of extracellular vesicles (EVs) secreted from multivesicular bodies (MVBs) . Through novel forms of intercellular communication, exosomes secreted by brain cells can mediate inter-neuronal signaling and play important roles in the pathogenesis of CNS diseases. Lipids are essential components of exosomes, with cholesterol and sphingolipid as representative constituents of its bilayer membrane. In the CNS, lipids are closely related to the formation and function of exosomes. Their dysregulation causes abnormalities in exosomes, which may, in turn, lead to dysfunctions in inter-neuronal communication and promote diseases. Therefore, the role of lipids in the treatment of neurological diseases through exosomes has received increasing attention. The aim of this review is to discuss the relationship between lipids and exosomes and their roles in CNS diseases.
Effects of Oregano Essential Oil Supplementation to Diets of Broiler Chicks with Delayed Feeding After Hatching. Morphological Development of Small Intestine Segments

The study aimed to investigate the effects of dietary supplementation of oregano essential oil (OEO) on the morphological development of small intestine of broilers with different feeding times (immediate, 24, 48 or 72 h posthatching delayed feeding) from d 0 to 14. The diets were supplemented with: no, 250 or 500 mg/kg of the OEO (OEO250 and OEO500, respectively). Fasting for 72 h significantly increased the weight and length of small intestine segments of broilers on d 14. The OEO250 and OEO500 significantly increased the jejunum villus height of chickens fed immediately and the duodenum villus height of broilers fasted for 48 h. The duodenum villus surface area of chickens fasted for 48 h and the ileum villus surface area of broilers fasted for 24 h were significantly increased by the OEO250. The OEO500 significantly enhanced the duodenum villus surface area of broilers fasted for 24 h and their ileum villus surface area fasted for 48 h. The crypt depths of small intestine segments of broilers fasted for 72 h were significantly reduced by OEO250 and OEO500. In conclusion, the dose of phenolic compounds in OEO reaching the small intestine might be enough for protecting the intestinal epithelial cells from damages of toxins and for removing the negative effects of delayed feeding on the morphological development of all the small intestine segments of broiler chicks on d 14.
Measurement of erosion depth using microcomputed tomography and light microscopy

Tooth‐erosion is the surface loss of dental hard tissue mostly associated with an acid attack. The aim was to compare dentin and enamel erosion depth measurements using micro‐computed tomography (microCT) and light microscopy (LM). Enamel/dentin blocks were prepared from caries‐free human molar‐teeth (N = 12). Teeth were sectioned to a rectangular shape of 4 × 4 × 6 mm. Specimens were treated with water (NC) or 1.0% citric‐acid solution (PC). After treatment, specimens were scanned with micro‐computed tomography. On completion, specimens were sectioned and observed under a light‐microscope. Lesion depth was observed with 10× magnification and images transferred to Simpleware software. Vertical distance from lesion surface to bottom was measured. Pearson correlation test was used to evaluate correlation and Wilcoxon Signed Rank test to evaluate differences in the two‐analysis methods. Mean enamel erosion depth was 0.63 and 38.38 μm (microCT) and 0.54 and 39.43 μm (LM) for NC and PC, respectively. Dentin erosion depth was 0.72 and 48.05 μm (microCT) and 0.56 and 49.92 μm (LM) for NC and PC, respectively. There was a significant correlation between the two‐analysis methods (r = 0.998; p < .001). No statistically significant difference in results were obtained when microCT and LM were compared (p = .584). This results obtained from the current study suggested that erosion depth measurements made using microCT and LM yielded comparable results. The microCT method is preferred if the conservation of specimens is desired.
Heteroatom Doped Carbon Dots with Nanoenzyme Like Properties as Theranostic Platforms for Free Radical Scavenging, Imaging, and Chemotherapy

Carbon-based artificial nanoenzymes have gained increasing interest as emerging and promising nanotheranostic agents due to their biocompatibility, low cost, and straightforward production. Herein, a multifunctional Mn, N, and S incorporated carbon quantum dots (MnNS:CDs) exhibiting scavenging activity against reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS), photoluminescence quantum yield of 17.7 %, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast was explored. The optical, magnetic, and antioxidant properties of MnNS:CDs were then regulated by control over Mn incorporation to achieve higher photostability and antioxidant properties. Furthermore, conjugation of MnNS:CDs with hyaluronic acid (HA) (denoted as MnNS:CDs@HA) endowed them with high biocompatibility, which is validated by in vivo studies on zebrafish, and the ability to specifically target cluster determinant 44 (CD44)-overexpressing B16F1 cells, as verified by in vitro confocal and MRI studies. The MnNS:CDs@HA probe with therapeutic antioxidant and dual-modal imaging capability was further assessed for non-covalent binding of doxorubicin (DOX) as a model chemotherapeutic cancer drug. Results showed that targeted delivery and pH-dependent release of DOX elicited apparent cell toxicity (90%) toward B16F1 cancer cells when compared to free DOX treatment group (60%). Benefiting from their intrinsic antioxidant properties, and dual-modal imaging ability, the MnNS:CDs@HA nanocarrier is projected to improve non-invasive targeted diagnosis and therapy.
Growth of chrysanthemum with ground automobile tires used as a container soil amendment

A study was conducted to determine the potential for using ground automobile tires as a container medium amendment. Rooted cuttings of chrysanthemum (Dendranthema × grandiflorum (Ramat.) Kitamura) were planted in 1.56-liter pots containing 1 sand :2 sawdust (v/v) or media in which coarsely or finely ground particles of rubber substituted for 33%, 67%, or 100% of the sawdust. Amendment with the coarse material decreased total porosity and container capacity and increased air-filled porosity and bulk density relative to the sawdust control. Amending the medium with the fine material did not appreciably alter total porosity, container capacity, or bulk density, but did increase air- filled porosity. Plant height, fresh weight, dry weight, and number of open flowers were reduced significantly in rubber-amended media compared to sawdust controls. Rubber amendment reduced shoot tissue concentrations of N, P, K, Ca, Mg, and Cu, but increased Zn as much as 74-fold over control values. There was no accumulation of other heavy metals (Cd, Cr, Ni, Pb) or Na in the tissue due to rubber amendment. This study demonstrates that ground tires might be used as a component of container media in the production of greenhouse chrysanthemums. However, growth reductions and the poten- tial for Zn toxicity may limit the usefulness of ground tires as a substitute for conventional organic amendments. Horticultural container media may be for- mulated from a variety of materials, with the goal to optimize physical and nutritional char-
Structure and dynamics of kanuka (Kunzea ericoides var. ericoides) heaths on sand dunes in Bay of Plenty, New Zealand

Abstract The structure, composition, and dynamics of a rare coastal community, kanuka (Kunzea ericoides var. ericoides) shrub- and tree-heaths on sand dunes, were studied on Whale Island and at Thornton, in Bay of Plenty. Both multi-stemmed, semi-prostrate and erect kanuka is present in virtually pure stands on largely unconsolidated dunes on Whale Island, and multi-stemmed, semi-prostrate kanuka in nearly pure stands on consolidated dunes at Thornton. This and other studies indicate that lack of competition (i.e. establishment at low densities) is primarily responsible for the multi-stemmed habit, but interacting environmental (exposure, drought) and genetic factors may also play a part. All communities are floristically poor compared with other woody communities in New Zealand, with only widespread species present and a large proportion of adventives. Mean annual diameter growth was 3.0 mm/yr at Whale Island and 2.8 mm/yr at Thornton; mean annual height growth ranged from 29.8 cm/yr in younger stands (6.
Cochlear synaptopathy: new findings in animal and human research

Abstract In animal models, prolonged exposure (2 h) to high-level noise causes an irreparable damage to the synapses between the inner hair cells and auditory nerve fibers within the cochlea. Nevertheless, this injury does not necessarily alter the hearing threshold. Similar findings have been observed as part of typical aging in animals. This type of cochlear synaptopathy, popularly called “hidden hearing loss,” has been a significant issue in neuroscience research and clinical audiology scientists. The results obtained in different investigations are inconclusive in their diagnosis and suggest new strategies for both prognosis and treatment of cochlear synaptopathy. Here we review the major physiological findings regarding cochlear synaptopathy in animals and humans and discuss mathematical models. We also analyze the potential impact of these results on clinical practice and therapeutic options.