Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Serum follistatin and its role in intracytoplasmic sperm injection outcomes

Background: progress in assisted reproductive technology (ART) has enabled the clinicians to treat many types of infertility. Objectives: The ultimate goal of all these procedures is to get a viable intrauterine pregnancy as a step to get a healthy baby. Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) refers to the technique of assisted reproduction, including injecting a single sperm into the center (cytoplasm) of the egg. Materials and Methods: A prospective study included 45 women who were enrolled in ART programs in infertility center for in-vitro fertilization (IVF) in International Center/Kirkuk, Iraq. All women were subjected to the basic fertility workup at the infertility center which consists of history taking, physical examination, ovulation detection, evaluation of tubal patency, and uterine cavity. The average age of the included women ranged between 20 years and 42 years of age. All women were enrolled in short protocol type of IVF/ICSI cycle, and they had normal menstrual cycles. Serum samples were stored for estimation of follistatin level by ELISA technique and for estimation of luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, estrogen, and progesterone by VIDAS technique. Results: The present study showed that 31.1% of women underwent ICSI technique became pregnant and 68.9% were nonpregnant. The highest mean of age were recorded among pregnant women compared with nonpregnant women (32.21 ± 6.68 vs. 31.80 ± 5.38 years) although the result was nonsignificant (P > 0.05). The highest mean of body mass index were recorded among nonpregnant women compared with pregnant women (23.92 ± 1.55 vs. 25.36 ± 1.99 kg/m2); the result was significant. The study showed highest mean level of serum follistatin present in nonpregnant compared with pregnant women (0.75 ± 0.32 vs. 0.62 ± 0.24 ng/ml) although the result was nonsignificant (P > 0.05). Conclusions: There was no relation of serum follistatin with pregnancy after ICSI.
Regulation of HMGA2 and KRAS genes in epithelial ovarian cancer by miRNA hsa-let-7d-3p

Aim of the Study: The purpose of this study was to identify specific circulating microRNAs (miRNAs) and investigate expression level of their target genes for evaluation of pathogenesis of epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC). Materials and Methods: In this study, we have studied on EOC patients' serum and whole blood, healthy control (HC) serum, and whole blood samples. Sixteen serum samples were collected to compare miRNA expression analysis through microarray. According to microarray results, one of the dysregulated miRNA in serum, hsa-let-7d-3p, was validated by RT-qPCR for discriminate two groups. The hsa-let-7d-3p is one of the tumor suppressive let-7d family members. Let-7d is downregulated in numerous types of cancer, including ovarian cancer and directly targets various oncogenes. We analyzed the let-7d targets, which are High Mobility Group A2 (HMGA2) and (Kirsten Rat Sarcoma Viral Oncogene Homolog), as the oncogenes that are associated with EOC. The relation between target genes of hsa-let-7d-3p and EOC has been examined by Pathway Studio. Twenty serum and whole blood samples collected to analyze expression level of target genes were analyzed by real-time PCR. Results: 31 significantly dysregulated miRNAs were identified by microarray in serum. Hsa-let-7d-3p has been selected for the validation, according to P-value and dysregulated level. RT-qPCR results showed that hsa-let-7d-3p could discriminate EOC patients from HC (P = 0.0484, AUC = 0.7). Furthermore, we identified hsa-let-7d-3p's target genes (HMGA2, KRAS) by bioinformatic analysis. The expression level of genes could discriminate patients with EOC from HC, with a power area under the ROC curves (AUC) of 62 and 64.2, respectively. Conclusion: HMGA2 and KRAS could be translationally downregulated by the hsa-let-7d-3p, and the loss of hsa-let-7d-3p expression led to the progression of EOC related to the tumorigenesis, invasion, and metastasis.
Assessing risk factors and causative organisms of acute diarrhea in children under 5 years in AL-Hindiya, Karbala, Iraq

Background: Acute diarrhea is a leading source of illness and death all over the world, especially in developing countries and the most affected are children below 5 years age. Objectives: To throw a light on the risk factors, presentations, and causative organisms of acute diarrhea, to find a way to protect our children. Materials and Methods: This prospective cross-sectional study was conducted on 250 children under 5 years of age; they attended AL-Hindiya general Hospital, in the period between November 2018 and end of June 2019. Full history was taken from each patient focused on risk factors, presentation, and possible complications; then, patients were subjected to clinical examination, stool analysis, and stool culture, and some of them were sent for abdominal ultrasound. Results: The most vulnerable age group for acute diarrhea was 2–12 months. Male to female ratio is 1.17. Crowded family and poor income were the most frequently risk factors to develop acute diarrhea. Bottle feeding was used in 111 patients (44.4%); improper sewage and trash disposal, poor hand washing practice, incomplete vaccination, prior use of antibiotics, and underweight all are considerable risk factors. The peak for acute diarrhea occurs during summer (63.6%). Those patients most commonly presented as watery bowel motion less than or equal to five times per day, well-hydrated, vomiting, fever, associated with upper respiratory tract infection. There is no growth of organism in stool sample of 126 patients (50.4%), while Entamoeba histolytica isolated from 34 samples (13.6%). Conclusion: Children under 5 years in A-Hindiya city still at considerable risk of acute diarrhea. The risk is more in rural, young, low educated, unemployed, and poor parents with crowded families. It is vital to encourage breastfeeding, immunization, improve personal hygiene, water supply, and sanitation to reduce the risks of acute diarrhea. The most frequent isolated organism from stool samples is E. histolytica followed by Rota virus.
Assessment of the serum level of melatonin and its correlation with insulin, insulin resistance, and glycated hemoglobin in Iraqi patients with polycystic ovarian syndrome

Background: Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most frequent gynecological endocrinopathy that occur in premenopausal females. The importance of melatonin (N-acetyl-5-methoxytryptamine) in human reproduction is still unidentified. A numerous study suggests that melatonin and reproductive hormones are closely related. Objectives: The study aimed to evaluate the role of melatonin in women with PCOS and its correlation with insulin, insulin resistance (IR), and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) in a patient with PCOS. Materials and Methods: A prospective cross-sectional study was designed taking 60 PCOS patients and 30 controls women from January to April 2019. These patients admitted to obstetrics and gynecology unit at Babylon teaching hospital. Five milliliter of blood sample was taken on day 2 of menstrual cycle from each subject enrolled in this study. Blood samples were collected for testing serum melatonin, insulin, IR, and HbA1c estimation. Results: The study showed that there is the significant difference between PCOS women and the control group concerning melatonin level. Results also showed higher means of HbA1c in PCOS women than control women, and positive correlation between HbA1c and melatonin. The study showed higher means of insulin was shown in PCOS women when compared with control group, and positive correlation between insulin and melatonin. Furthermore, this study showed higher means of IR was recorded in PCOS women when compared with control group, and positive correlation between IR and melatonin. Conclusions: Women with PCOS have significant increase of serum melatonin in PCOS women. And, there were significant increases in serum levels of HbA1c, insulin, and IR in women with PCOS compared to healthy women. In addition, positive correlation was found between melatonin with insulin, IR, and HbA1c. This study could open the way for therapeutic role of melatonin in the treatment of PCOS women.
Utility of Fine Needle Aspiration in Diagnosis of Intraoral Minor Salivary Gland Tumors

Objective: To evaluate the utility of intraoral fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) in diagnosis of minor salivary gland neoplasms (MSGN) with application of Milan system of reporting salivary gland cytopathology; keeping histopathology as gold standard and to detail the cytological findings of MSGNs. Method: Retrospective study between Jan 2008 and June 2017 (appro × 10 years) on the cytology of the minor salivary gland tumor along with the histopathological correlation. The relevant clinical data was collected from the medical record. Result: Sixty-four cases of MSGNs were included in the study. The histodiagnosis of the 41 were available. Twenty-one cases were diagnosed as malignant, while rest 20 cases were reported as benign. The most common tumor diagnosed was pleomorphic adenoma (PA) (50% cases), followed by mucoepidermoid carcinoma (14%) and adenoid cystic carcinoma (12.5%). The most common site of MSGT was found to be hard palate (44%), followed by soft palate (23%), floor of the mouth (12%), lip (11%), buccal mucosa (5%), and tongue (5%) with no gender predilection. Sensitivity of FNAC for detection of malignancy was 81% while specificity 95%. For malignancies, positive predictive value for malignancies was 17/18 (94.4%) and negative predictive value was 19/23 (82.3%). According to Milan system out of 21 cases in category IV B, 4 cases were found malignant (Category VI), while 1/18 case in category VI turned out to be nonneoplastic lesion (Category II). Conclusion: FNAC is imperative in early diagnosis and subsequent management of MSGNs
Chromatic Full-Field Stimulus Threshold and Pupillography as Functional Markers for Late-Stage, Early-Onset Retinitis Pigmentosa Caused by CRB1 Mutations

Purpose Mutations in the CRB1 gene cause early-onset retinal degeneration (EORD). Clinical disease progression markers, such as visual fields or electrophysiology, are not reliably measurable in most patients to follow the retinal function in patients with CRB1-mutations. Methods Ten patients (five females, five males; age 22-56 years) with EORD caused by CRB1 mutations were examined in a cross-sectional manner using best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), perimetry, full-field and multifocal electroretinography, full-field stimulus threshold (FST), and pupillography to red and blue light. Disease duration was defined as the difference between the age at the first symptoms to the age at examination in years. Results BCVA was quantifiable in six patients and ranged from light perception to 20/50. The visual field was measurable only in three patients who had the shortest disease duration. Full-field and multifocal electroretinography were not measurable in any patient. FST to blue and red light were measurable in all patients except the one with the longest disease duration; the thresholds ranged from -16.7 to 1.5 dB for red light and from -40.2 to 2.5 dB for blue light (0 dB = 0.01 cd.s/m2) and showed correlations with disease duration (r = 0.87 for blue, r = 0.65 for red, r = 0.8 for blue-red difference). The maximal relative pupil constriction amplitude (MRA) showed low or no correlations with disease duration (r = -0.55 for blue, r = -0.3 for red light); the blue-red difference in the post-illumination pupil responses (PIPR) showed no correlation with disease duration (r = -0.05). Compared to healthy eyes, the MRA to red and blue light was significantly decreased (P < 0.001) and the blue-red PIPR difference was significantly increased (P = 0.003). Conclusions FST features a valid clinical marker in late-stage early-onset retinitis pigmentosa caused by CRB1 mutations correlating with disease duration. This indicates the potential as a progression marker of disease. The pupil responses to full-field chromatic stimuli show significant differences from the normal population: the remaining responses, although reduced, indicate a partially preserved inner retinal function despite severe photoreceptor dysfunction. Translational Relevance The functional measurements presented in this study present a valid clinical progression marker in late-stage early onset retinitis pigmentosa caused by biallelic CRB1 mutations. Additionally, they can be used as outcome measures for safety and efficacy in clinical therapy trials.
Characterization and comparative analysis of the complete chloroplast genome sequence from Prunus avium ‘Summit’

Background Sweet cherry (Prunus avium) is one of the most popular of the temperate fruits. Previous studies have demonstrated that there were several haplotypes in the chloroplast genome of sweet cherry cultivars. However, none of chloroplast genome of a sweet cherry cultivar were yet released, and the phylogenetic relationships among Prunus based on chloroplast genome data were unclear. Methods In this study, we assembled and annotated the complete chloroplast genome of a sweet cherry cultivar P. avium ‘Summit’ from high-throughput sequencing data. Gene Ontology (GO) terms were assigned to classify the function of the annotated genes. Maximum likelihood (ML) trees were constructed to reveal the phylogenetic relationships within Prunus species, using LSC (large single-copy) regions, SSC (small single-copy) regions, IR (inverted repeats) regions, CDS (coding sequences), intergenic regions, and whole cp genome datasets, respectively. Results The complete plastid genome was 157, 886 bp in length with a typical quadripartite structure of LSC (85,990 bp) and SSC (19,080 bp) regions, separated by a pair of IR regions (26,408 bp). It contained 131 genes, including 86 protein-coding genes, 37 transfer RNA genes and 8 ribosomal RNA genes. A total of 77 genes were assigned to three major GO categories, including molecular function, cellular component and biological process categories. Comparison with other Prunus species showed that P. avium ‘Summit’ was quite conserved in gene content and structure. The non-coding regions, ndhc-trnV, rps12-trnV and rpl32-trnL were the most variable sequences between wild Mazzard cherry and ‘Summit’ cherry. A total of 73 simple sequence repeats (SSRs) were identified in ‘Summit’ cherry and most of them were mononucleotide repeats. ML phylogenetic tree within Prunus species revealed four clades: Amygdalus, Cerasus, Padus, and Prunus. The SSC and IR trees were incongruent with results using other cp data partitions. These data provide valuable genetic resources for future research on sweet cherry and Prunus species.
Comparison of muscle activity, strength, and balance, before and after a 6-month training using the FIFA11+ program (part 2)

Background: Sports injury prevention training programs have been reported to be effective in decreasing the incidence of injuries. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of a 6-month training period, using part 2 of the FIFA11+ program (the Fédération Internationale de Football), on the activation and strength of core and lower limb muscles and on static and dynamic balance performance. Study Design: Case series; level of evidence, 4. Methods: Eight college male soccer players, aged mean 20.4 ± 0.5 years old, completed the FIFA11+ program at least three times per week for 6 months. The following variables were measured both before and after the 6-month training program: activities of more than 30 muscles (core and lower limb muscles), measured using the standardized uptake values of 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose on positron emission tomography; isokinetic strength of the knee flexor and extensor and hip abductor muscles, measured at 60° s−1; static balance over a 60-s period, measured using a gravicorder; and dynamic balance, measured using the star excursion balance test. Results: Training improved the activity levels of core (obliquus externus abdominis and erector spinae) and lower limb (tibialis anterior) muscles (p ≤ 0.03), corrected the between-limb difference in the activation of the semimembranosus and improved dynamic balance, with a greater training effect on the nondominant limb (p ≤ 0.02). Training also improved the knee flexor force of the nondominant lower limb (p = 0.02). Conclusion: Routine performance of the FIFA11+ program can improve the activation of core and lower limb muscles, with a concomitant improvement in dynamic balance. These improvements could be beneficial in lowering the risk of sports-related injuries.
Linoleic acid inhibits Lactobacillus activity by destroying cell membrane and affecting normal metabolism.

BACKGROUND The reason why dietary polyunsaturated fatty acids affect the activity of Lactobacillus remains unclear. In the present study, linoleic acid was used to study the mechanism underlying its inhibition function against Lactobacillus activity. RESULTS The growth curve of Lactobacillus rhamnosus LGG (L. rhamnosus LGG) and the metabolite content in bacterial liquid were determined at varying linoleic acid concentration. The degree of cell membrane damage of L. rhamnosus LGG was determined by flow cytometry and fluorescence microscopy, and the cell structure was observed by scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The effect of linoleic acid on Lactobacillus activity was assessed in a simulated gut environment. Results showed that L. rhamnosus LGG grew slowly, cell metabolites leaked into the liquid, cell membrane was damaged, and the cell structure changed at a linoleic acid concentration of 50 μg/mL. CONCLUSION The mechanism of action of linoleic acid on Lactobacillus showed that that linoleic acid destroyed the cell membrane of bacteria, thereby affecting the normal metabolism of the bacteria and ultimately leading to its death. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
The Impact of Sacrubitril/Valsartan on Clinical Treatment and hs-cTnT and NT-ProBNP Serum Levels and the Left Ventricular Function in Patients with Chronic Heart Failure.

Chronic heart failure (CHF) seriously affects the quality of patients' lives. Sacrubitril/valsartan is a combination angiotensin receptor-neprilysin inhibitor, a new therapeutic drugs to treat CHF.This study aims to observe the impact of sacrubitril/valsartan on clinical treatment and high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T (hs-cTnT), N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-ProBNP) serum levels, the improvement of the left atrial diameter (LAD) and left ventricular end diastolic dimension (LVEDD), and the left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) in patients with CHF.120 patients were randomly divided into a sacrubitil/valsartan group and a valsantan group, with 60 cases in each. Patients in the sacrubitil/valsartan group were administered sacrubitril/valsartan; while in the valsantan group, they were administered valsartan. The clinical effects, adverse reactions, and rehospitalization were observed eight weeks later, and hs-cTnT and NT-ProBNP serum levels and LAD, LVEDD, and LVEF were assayed.There were 53 cases of positive effect in the sacrubitil/valsartan group and 42 in the valsartan group (P < 0.05). Eight participants demonstrated adverse reactions in the sacrubitil/valsartan group, while 17 in the control group (P < 0.05). Hs-cTnT and NT-ProBNP serum levels, the measurements of LAD, LVEDD, and LVEF in the sacrubitil/valsartan group before the treatments were (24.47 ± 7.54) pg/mL, (10,356.94 ± 5,447.68) pg/mL, (49.41 ± 5.22) mm, (68.06 ± 6.20) mm and (31.12 ±6.65) %; in the valsartan group were (29.752 ± 10.03) pg/mL, (9,518.17 ± 5,905.17) pg/mL, (49.65 ± 4.91) mm, (67.06 ± 3.97) mm, and (30.41 ± 6.11) % (P > 0.05), while in the sacrubitil/valsartan group, the values decreased after the treatments to (17.92 ± 4.74) pg/mL, (3,881.59 ± 2,087.79) pg/mL, (42.18 ± 4.87) mm, (60.35 ± 7.12) mm and (45.35 ± 4.49) %; in the valsartan group to (25.81 ± 7.36) pg/mL, (6,278.35 ± 2,643.11) pg/mL, (46.53 ± 4.80) mm, (64.51 ± 4.34) mm, and (36.47 ± 5.21) % (P < 0.05). There were significant differences within the same group, before and after treatments (P < 0.05). Sacrubitril/valsartan treatment of patients with CHF improves their symptoms and is deserving of clinical application. This is also evident from significantly improved levels of serum hs-cTnT and NT-ProBNP and the left ventricular function.
Effects of the Thickness Ratio of Zirconia-Lithium Disilicate Bilayered Ceramics on the Translucency and Flexural Strength.

PURPOSE To determine the effects of the total thickness and core/veneer thickness ratio of bilayered ceramics on their three-point flexural strength and translucency. MATERIALS AND METHODS Two groups of specimens were prepared with two different total thicknesses, 1.0 mm and 0.6 mm, and these groups were divided into five and three subgroups with ten specimens each, respectively, having different core/veneer thickness ratios. Lithium disilicate was pressed on the zirconia surface using the "lost-wax technique. " The translucency and three-point flexural strength were measured, and a one-way analysis of variance test (p < 0.05) was performed to determine whether the translucency and three-point flexural strength were affected by the total thickness and core/veneer thickness ratio of the specimens. RESULTS For the same total thickness, translucency decreased with a decrease in the zirconia core proportion (p < 0.001). For the same core/veneer ratio, the translucency decreased with an increase in the total thickness (p < 0.001). If the zirconia thickness was less than half of the total thickness, the bilayered ceramic specimens containing zirconia cores and monolithic lithium disilicate specimens exhibited the same translucency. The three-point flexural strength increased with the increasing proportion of zirconia; however, it did not change significantly with the total thickness. However, for the same total thickness, the flexural strengths of the bilayered ceramics were higher than those of the monolithic specimens. CONCLUSIONS At the same total thickness, increasing the zirconia core thickness decreased the translucency and increased the three-point flexural strength. Bilayered ceramic specimens with low zirconia ratios exhibited translucency similar to that of monolithic lithium disilicate ceramic but a higher flexural strength. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.