Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Protective effects of CAPE against testicular damage in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the protective effect of CAPE on oxidative stress and apoptosis against streptozotocin (STZ)-induced damage in rat testis after diabetes. Materials and methods: The rats were randomly divided into 4 groups: Control animals, Control animals given CAPE, STZ-induced diabetic animals, and STZ-induced diabetic rats given CAPE. Diabetes was induced by a single intraperitoneal injection of STZ (55 mg/kg). Testicular damage was examined by using hematoxylin and eosin staining and apoptosis was determined by Caspase-3. Potential disorders associated with seminiferous tubular sperm formation were evaluated using the Johnsen score and seminiferous tubule diameters were measured using the Leica Q Win Plus Image Analysis System. Results: Diabetic rats showed an increase in degenerated germ cells along with a decrease in seminiferous tubule diameter. Also, Caspase-3 positive cells were significantly increased in diabetic rats compared to control rats. On the other hand, CAPE significantly reduced the damage and germ cell apoptosis in diabetic rat testis. In testis tissues samples. CAPE treatment significantly decreased the elevated tissue malondialdehyde levels, while increasing the reduced superoxide dismutase enzyme activity. Conclusion: These results suggest that CAPE administered intraperitoneally for 20 days to diabetic rats is a potentially beneficial agent that can be used to reduce testicular damage.
Root Canal Treatment Outcome and Restorative Condition of Teeth Treated by Undergraduates—A Clinical and Radiographic Evaluation

Background: The aim was to evaluate the nonsurgical Root Canal Treatment (nRCT) outcome, the restorative condition and the relationship be-tween the coronal restoration quality and the outcome of teeth endodontic treated by undergraduates at the University of Caxias do Sul School of Dentistry (UCS-SD), Brazil, between 2019 and 2021. Materials and Methods: Data from the endodontically treated cases were retrieved, and the patients were recalled for a follow-up appointment at the university. The endodontic diagnosis, radiographs, and the presence of definitive restorations were analyzed in the clinical records. During the follow-up appointment, endodonti-cally treated teeth were classified as present or absent. The nRCT was classified as successful (complete or incomplete healing) or failure (uncertain or unsatisfactory healing). Coronal restoration was classified as absent or present. When it was present, it was classified as permanent or temporary, and its quality as adequate or inadequate restoration. The results were presented as percentages. Results: A total of 257 teeth were endodontically treated. The most prevalent diagnosis was Chronic Apical Periodontitis (33.33%) and the most commonly treated teeth were premolars (46.15%). A total of 52 (21%) treated teeth were clinically and radiographically
Classroom assessment fairness inventory: a new instrument to support perceived fairness in classroom assessment

ABSTRACT Fair assessment in the classroom is a concern from student, teacher, principal and public perspectives. Standards and policies also underscore fairness as a key underpinning for assessments. Perceptions of fairness impact students’ socio-emotional and learning outcomes, and build confidence, trust and legitimacy for the assessment outcomes. However, a direct inquiry into students’ perceptions of what a fair assessment means has received scant attention. Without appreciating students’ perceptions, we lack insights into how students’ perceptions of fairness impact their responses to assessment outcomes for learning and grading purposes. Therefore, this study leveraged the Classroom Assessment Fairness Inventory to investigate first-year undergraduate students’ perceptions of fairness about their secondary school experiences in Ontario, Canada. The results present initial validity evidence for the inventory to support a fairness theory and practice in classroom assessment contexts.
Case Report: Response to ipilimumab and nivolumab in a patient with adrenocortical carcinoma

Background Adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) is a rare malignancy with limited treatment options. The evidence for the use of immunotherapy in ACC has been conflicting, with overall response rates ranging from 6 – 33%. Case presentation We describe the case of a 32 year old patient who was initially thought to have an inoperable clear cell renal cell carcinoma and was treated with immunotherapy with ipilimumab and nivolumab. The patient had an excellent partial response to treatment. Further work-up prior to consideration of surgery demonstrated that the tumour was an ACC, rather than a renal cancer. She had a right adrenalectomy and right hepatectomy, achieving an R0 resection and remains disease-free one year after surgery. Conclusion This case illustrates the challenge of diagnosing ACC, and that doublet immunotherapy with ipilimumab and nivolumab can have significant clinical efficacy in ACC.
Mutagenic effects of nitrogen protoxide and oryzalin on “41 B” and “Fercal” grapevine rootstocks seedlings

In this study, the mutagenic effects of different doses and exposure times of oryzalin and Nitrogen Protoxide (N2O) were tested for stimulating polyploid on 41 B and Fercal grapevine rootstocks seedlings. Ploidy changes were examined by morphological, cytological, macroscopic, and microscopic methods. Leaf thickness, chlorophyll contents, stomatal sizes, and chloroplast numbers of polyploid seedlings stimulated with mutagens increased but their stomatal densities decreased. Flow cytometry (FC) analyses were performed on 50 samples selected by morphological and microscopic preliminary determinations. In FC analyses, 1 tetraploid seedling and 4 mixoploid seedlings from Fercal offspring and 1 mixoploid seedling from 41 B offspring were verified. The nuclear DNA content of tetraploid and mixoploid seedlings were increased by 2.00 and 1.34-fold, respectively, when compared to their diploid parents. Chromosome counts in root tip samples propagated in vitro from the tetraploid Fercal offspring confirmed a 2-fold increase compared to the diploid parent. In polyploidy induction studies, it was deemed appropriate to use FC analysis and chromosome count together to confirm the ploidy levels of mutants. Oryzalin and N2O applications at different doses and exposure times were found to be effective for inducing polyploidy in 41 B and Fercal grapevine rootstocks.
Temperaturas extremas en Uruguay. Análisis de la variabilidad temporal de baja frecuencia y su relación con la circulación de gran escala

El presente trabajo de tesis estudia la variabilidad de los eventos extremos de temperatura en Uruguay, el cual incluye desde la generacion de la base de datos diaria de temperatura maxima y minima hasta el estudio de la variabilidad decadal de estas variables. La variabilidad temporal y espacial, y su relacion con patrones de la circulacion de gran escala, asi como la dependencia de estas relaciones con el periodo de estudio, son analizadas. El analisis de la variabilidad temporal mostro para el periodo 1950-2005 una tendencia negativa en la ocurrencia de los extremos frios asi como en los dias calidos a escala anual. A escala estacional se encuentra que el verano presenta una disminucion en la ocurrencia de dias calidos asi como de noches frias, e invierno una disminucion significativa de los extremos frios. Otono se destaca por una tendencia al calentamiento nocturno. A partir del analisis de homogeneidad temporal, en el cual se detectaron los anos 1945 y 1976 como saltos de origen climatico, se investigaron los cambios en la homogeneidad espacial asi como la relacion de los indices de extremos con las anomalias de temperatura de superficie del mar y la circulacion de gran escala en los periodos 1946- 1975 y 1976-2005. Los cambios en las teleconexiones entre la ocurrencia de eventos extremos en Uruguay y la circulacion de gran escala muestran cambios en la relacion con el fenomeno ENSO y el Modo Anular del Sur (SAM) antes y despues de 1976.
Analysis of the relationship between body habitus and frailty of community adults in Chongqing: a cross-sectional survey study

Objective Currently, a multitude of studies are underway to investigate the factors affecting the degree of frailty, with a significant focus on the critical role of body mass index (BMI). This study aims to conduct a cross-sectional survey to investigate the multifaceted relationship between multiple body habitus and the factors that influence the degree of frailty. Methods A questionnaire survey was conducted among 840 adult residents in Chongqing communities. A total of 723 participants were included in the data analysis, with an effective response rate of 92.0%. Fried’s frailty scale was used to classify individuals into fit, pre-frail, or frail. Non-parametric tests and chi-square tests were employed to evaluate the inter-group differences in frailty levels under different influencing factors. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to select the independent variables associated with frailty statistics. According to the results of the parallel line test, ordered or disordered multivariate logistic regression was used to evaluate the impact of a single independent variable on frailty for different variables. Results Adult community residents in Chongqing accounted for 29.18 and 5.67% in pre-frailty and frailty, respectively. In multivariate logistic regression analysis, high BMI, and high waist-hip ratio (WHR) were identified as major risk factors for frailty. Furthermore, the process of aging, coupled with moderate to heavy alcohol consumption, active weight loss behavior in the past year, and the presence of comorbidities, emerged as significant contributors to frailty. Conversely, factors such as a positive inclination toward taste, consistent meal timing, habitual breakfast consumption, sound nutritional intake, and the cultivation of healthy dietary practices were recognized as pivotal elements that act as protective factors against frailty. Conclusion The integration of both BMI and WHR provides a more comprehensive perspective, effectively capturing the intertwined influence of obesity and sarcopenia on the extent of frailty. To mitigate the risk of community-wide frailty, a multipronged approach is essential, involving the promotion of favorable dietary practices and achieving nutritional equilibrium, diligent management of coexisting medical conditions, moderation in alcohol consumption, and the enhancement of physical functionality.
Cross-linguistic influence in the bilingual lexicon: Evidence for ubiquitous facilitation and context-dependent interference effects on lexical processing

For bilinguals, lexical access in one language may affect, or be affected by, activation of words in another language. Research to date suggests seemingly contradictory effects of such cross-linguistic influence (CLI): in some cases CLI facilitates lexical access while in others it is a hindrance. Here we provide a comprehensive review of CLI effects drawn from multiple disciplines and paradigms. We describe the contexts within which CLI gives rise to facilitation and interference and suggest that these two general effects arise from separate mechanisms that are not mutually exclusive. Moreover, we argue that facilitation is ubiquitous, occurring in virtually all instances of CLI, while interference is not always present and depends on levels of cross-language lexical competition. We discuss three critical factors – language context, direction, and modality of CLI – which appear to modulate facilitation and interference. Overall, we hope to provide a general framework for investigating CLI in future research.
Investigating Cold Hardiness and Management Practices of Warm-season Putting Green Species in the Transition Zone

Warm-season turf species are becoming increasingly popular for putting green use in the transition zone. Ultradwarfbermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon (L.) x C. transvaalensis Burtt-Davy) is the prevalent warm-season putting green species, but seashore paspalum (Paspalum vaginatum Swartz) and 'Diamond' zoysiagrass [Zoysia matrella (L.) Merr. ] may also be grown in the transition zone. Warm-season species are susceptible to winter injury and may require different management regimes than cool­ season species. Therefore, the objectives of this research were to assess the impacts of various management practices on warm-season putting green species and characterize the physiological basis for differences in freeze tolerance of various warm-season putting green species. Field studies determined sampling procedures form thatch-mat depth and soil organic matter content of warm-season putting greens and assessed the impact of various management practices on different warm-season putting green species/varieties. The relative freeze tolerance of 'Champion' and 'TifEagle' ultradwarfbermudagrass cultivars, 'SeaDwarf' seashore paspalum, and Diamond zoysiagrass were determined, along with the accumulation ofproline and polyamines during cold acclimation, in growth chamber studies. All species/varieties required different sampling numbers for determination of thatch-mat depth and soil organic matter. More sand was incorporated into the turf canopy and surface hardness was increased with brushing and vibratory rolling TifEagle putting greens after sand topdressing application than either treatment alone. Putting green management programs with lower mowing heights and increased mowing
The miR-214-5p/Lactoferrin/miR-224-5p/ADAM17 Axis Is Involved in Goat Mammary Epithelial Cells’ Immune Regulation

Simple Summary Lactoferrin (LF) is considered to be an important active protein in goat milk, and it plays an important role in immunity. In this study, we tried to find factors affecting the expression of lactoferrin. Furthermore, we further explored the anti-inflammatory effect of LF and related molecular mechanisms in order to further understand how lactoferrin affects the immune system and provide a reference for further study and application of lactoferrin in the future. Abstract Lactoferrin (LF) is believed to be an important active protein in goat milk, which plays an anti-inflammatory role. Although LF has been reported to be associated with body health, its exact underlying mechanism remains unclear. Here, we aimed to elucidate the mechanism of this anti-inflammatory effect of LF in vitro. We first identified that miR-214-5p inhibited the expression of LF mRNA and protein in cells through the 3′UTR of LF mRNA. We next identified the alterations in miRNA following LF overexpression in goat mammary epithelial cells (GEMCs). Overexpression of LF significantly increased (p < 0.05) miR-224-5p expression. We further revealed that transcriptional activation of ADAM17, TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 was efficiently decreased (p < 0.05) in GMECs treated by miR-224-5p mimic. Conversely, knockdown of miR-224-5p increased (p < 0.05) ADAM17, TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 expression. Additionally, TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 expression levels were dramatically decreased in GMECs after administration of siADAM17. Herein, we indicate that the miR-214-5p/LF/miR-224-5p/ADAM17 axis is involved in the immune regulation of GEMCs.
A Cascaded Resonator Decoupling Network for Two Filtering Antennas

In this letter, a novel method for the decoupling between two filtering antennas is presented. The mutual coupling (MC) between two filtering antennas is investigated, and a coupled-resonator decoupling network (DN) is developed. This coupled-resonator DN is co-designed with the coupled filtering antennas with little effect on the original filtering responses. By connecting this network to the coupled antennas in parallel, the MC between two second-order filtering antennas can be suppressed dramatically. A step-by-step realization of the DN is provided. To verify the concept, a prototype using the proposed DN was fabricated and measured. Full-wave simulations and measurements indicate that this coupled-resonator DN can enhance the isolation between two filtering antennas up to 30 dB without significantly affecting the filtering performance of each antenna at a cost of 1.15 dB efficiency drop.
The Evolution of Structural Highs Bordering Major Forearc Basins: Convergent Margins

The evolution of structural highs bordering the seaward edges of major modern forearc basins is controlled by their location at inception and two primary processes--seaward accretion, and landward understuffing. Many highs probably initiate as crustal ruptures. Seaward accretion broadens the highs. Landward understuffing elevates the highs and tends to move them in a landward direction by tilting or by failure of their inner edges by compressional folding and faulting. Forearc basins behind the highs grow seaward if accretion is accompanied by submarine elevation of progressively younger accreted section added to the structural highs. Forearc basins become narrower, however, when the highs bordering their outer edges tilt landward or fail under compression in the absence f such contemporaneous accretionary growth. Accretionary broadening has previously been discussed and is exemplified by the postulated late Mesozoic history of the northern California forearc. Landward tilting, or compressional failure, is exemplified by the Cenozoic history of the northern California forearc and is suggested by a cross-section across the Guatemalan forearc, where small landward migration similar to that of highs bordering smaller Aleutian and Chilean forearc basins is recorded.
Clinical and laboratory factors associated with the presence of dysmorphic oocytes in intracytoplasmic sperm injection cycles

Objective This study investigated the clinical and laboratory factors associated with the presence of dysmorphic oocytes in intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) cycles. Methods The study involved 200 ICSI cycles, performed from 2020 to 2021, that yielded at least one mature oocyte. Clinical characteristics and ovarian stimulation methods were compared between 68 cycles with at least one dysmorphic oocyte (the dysmorphic group) and 132 cycles with normal-form oocytes only (the non-dysmorphic group). Dysmorphic oocytes were characterized by dark cytoplasm, cytoplasmic granularity, cytoplasmic vacuoles, refractile bodies in the cytoplasm, smooth endoplasmic reticulum in the cytoplasm, an oval shape, an abnormal zona pellucida, a large perivitelline space, debris in the perivitelline space, or an abnormal polar body. Results The ages of the women, indications for in vitro fertilization, serum anti-Müllerian hormone levels, and rates of current ovarian endometrioma were similar between the dysmorphic and non-dysmorphic groups. In both groups, the three ovarian stimulation regimens, two types of pituitary suppression, and total gonadotropin dose were employed similarly. However, the dual-trigger method was used more frequently in the dysmorphic group (67.6% vs. 50%, p=0.024). The dysmorphic group contained significantly more immature oocytes and exhibited significantly lower oocyte maturity (50% vs. 66.7%, p=0.001) than the non-dysmorphic cycles. Within the dysmorphic group, significantly lower oocyte maturity was found in the cycles using a dual-trigger, but not in those with a human chorionic gonadotropin trigger. Conclusion ICSI cycles with dysmorphic oocytes are closely associated with reduced oocyte maturity. This association was observed exclusively in dual-trigger cycles.
Fostering Teachers’ Empathy and Inclusion in Israeli Society

In this study that draws from the fields of Social Psychology and Multicultural Education, 45 Arab and Jewish pre-service and 108 Arab and Jewish in-service teachers were presented with a program designed to foster intergroup empathy and inclusive views. The two groups went through a similar process: choosing their outgroup, finding media that presented their outgroup's narratives, and reflecting on the experience. This study used mixed methods, including content analysis of the teacher's reflections. The findings indicate that mediated contact is an essential element of the empathy-enhancing process and that the narrative approach evokes expressions of empathy and inclusion. Differential outcomes between teachers were observed, which can clarify the process effects and how they foster empathy and inclusion.
Kosteneffectiviteit van maatregelen en pakketten: Kosten-batenanalyse voor Ruimte voor de Rivier, deel 2

This report is part 2 of the economic analysis of the project Space for the Rivers, which aims at improving the safety against flooding along the river Rhine. It is a Cost-Effectiveness Analysis (CEA) of proposed measures and packages. A method has been developed for evaluating measures and packages with more than one effect at the same time. Progress in safety, growth of the number of hectares with desired nature, and value judgements on spatial and recreational quality are the elements in the CEA. Combining progress in safety with the development of nature in one measure does not reduce costs in general. The choice of measures along the river Nederrijn-Lek does not seem efficient, both in the base package as in the alternative package. The alternative for the passage Veur-Lent deserves serious consideration.
Students’ academic engagement during COVID-19 times: a mixed-methods study into relatedness and loneliness during the pandemic

The COVID-19 outbreak forced higher education students to study online-only. Previous research indicates that forced solitude or loneliness can cause a variety of problems for students, among which is reduced academic engagement. The Basic Psychological Needs Theory, a sub-theory of Self-Determination Theory, relates academic engagement to three basic psychological needs (autonomy, competence and relatedness), whereas varying theories on loneliness highlight the complexities of engaging in a learning environment whilst feeling lonely. As university staff members have been struggling to keep students on task since the COVID-19 outbreak, the need arose for more knowledge about to what extent students have felt lonely, frustrated or satisfied in their need for relatedness and to what extent this affected their academic engagement. A convergent Mixed Methods research study was conducted among university students (N = 228) and an online questionnaire was administered to collect both quantitative and qualitative data. A series of multiple hierarchical regression analyses were performed, considering demographic characteristics, to analyze the quantitative data. Qualitative data was coded using a hybrid approach of deductive and inductive coding. Themes were generated that depicted in-depth issues of relatedness, loneliness, and academic engagement. Quantitative analysis demonstrated the importance for academic engagement of both (a) ‘basic need satisfaction and frustration’ of relatedness in life and in ‘social study context’, and (b) feeling (emotionally) lonely. The negative impact of frustration of relatedness seemed to be dominant but also overlapped with the effects of loneliness. The qualitative outcomes support and complement these quantitative results. The results showed that students’ academic engagement suffered from the loss of a shared physical space and from uncertainty about university policies. For a minority of students, however, the relief from social obligations that came along with social distancing was a blessing in disguise.