Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Characterization of isolated bovine preantral follicles based on morphology, diameter and cell number

Summary Preantral follicles are a potential reservoir of oocytes to be used in assisted reproductive technologies. With the increasing interest in developing techniques to grow preantral follicles in vitro, and as the bovine emerges as an appropriate model species to understand human folliculogenesis, the establishment of an accurate classification of developmental stages is needed. Classification of bovine preantral follicles has been mostly based on histological analysis and estimation models, which may not translate well to correctly characterize preantral follicles isolated from the ovary. In this study, we classified bovine preantral follicles by morphology upon isolation, determined diameter and number of granulosa cells by direct counting, and compared our results with previous studies reporting bovine preantral follicle classification. Follicles were isolated via homogenization of ovary tissue and classified into primary, early secondary and secondary stage based on morphology and number of layers of granulosa cells. Diameter was individually measured and Hoechst 33342 was used as a nuclear stain to count granulosa cells. We found that follicles classified by morphology into primary, early secondary, and secondary had different mean diameter and cell number (P < 0.01); cell number and diameter were positively correlated, as were cell density and cell number in each developmental stage (P < 0.01). Results obtained here were mostly in agreement with previous classifications based on histological sections and on isolated follicles, with some discrepancies. The present data add accuracy to classification of bovine preantral follicles that is critical to optimize culture conditions to produce developmentally competent oocytes.
Autonomic Cardiac Reactivity to Painful Procedures Under Hypnosis in Pediatric Emergencies: A Feasibility Study

Pain sensation is characterized by abrupt changes in central nervous system activity producing autonomic reactivity. While clinical hypnosis has demonstrated its benefits for children in pain management, it is not clear whether hypnosis modulated autonomic pain response in children in clinical conditions. Here, we studied autonomic responses under hypnosis to sutures in pediatric emergencies. For that, 42 children (mean age: 6.5 years, range 1.5 to 13) were divided into two groups consecutively (hypnosis and control groups), according to their choice. Time-frequency analysis was applied on RR intervals (heart rate interbeat intervals, or RRI) to estimate parasympathetic reactivity based on high frequency power (HF) and the Analgesia Nociception Index (ANI®) and on sympathetic reactivity (low frequency power [LF]) and LF/HF ratio). We observed that RRI and LF/HF ratio varied according to suture and hypnosis (p < 0.05): RRI was higher and LF/HF ratio was lower during sutures in the hypnosis group in comparison to the control group whereas HF and ANI® increased only during hypnosis. To conclude, hypnosis in pediatric emergencies reduces sympathetic cardiac pain reactivity and could be a marker of pain relief under hypnosis, while parasympathetic activity seems to be a better marker of hypnosis.
Hybrid manufacturing strategies for tissue engineering scaffolds using methacrylate functionalised poly(glycerol sebacate)

Poly(glycerol sebacate) is an attractive biomaterial for tissue engineering due to its biocompatibility, elasticity and rapid degradation rate. However, poly(glycerol sebacate) requires harsh processing conditions, involving high temperatures and vacuum for extended periods, to produce an insoluble polymer matrix. These conditions make generating accurate and intricate geometries from poly(glycerol sebacate), such as those required for tissue engineering scaffolds, difficult. Functionalising poly(glycerol sebacate) with methacrylate groups produces a photocurable polymer, poly(glycerol sebacate)-methacrylate, which can be rapidly crosslinked into an insoluble matrix. Capitalising on these improved processing capabilities, here, we present a variety of approaches for fabricating porous tissue engineering scaffolds from poly(glycerol sebacate)-methacrylate using sucrose porogen leaching combined with other manufacturing methods. Mould-based techniques were used to produce porous disk-shaped and tubular scaffolds. Porogen size was shown to influence scaffold porosity and mechanical performance, and the porous poly(glycerol sebacate)-methacrylate scaffolds supported the proliferation of primary fibroblasts in vitro. Additionally, scaffolds with spatially variable mechanical properties were generated by combining variants of poly(glycerol sebacate)-methacrylate with different stiffness. Finally, subtractive and additive manufacturing methods were developed with the capabilities to generate porous poly(glycerol sebacate)-methacrylate scaffolds from digital designs. These hybrid manufacturing strategies offer the ability to produce accurate macroscale poly(glycerol sebacate)-methacrylate scaffolds with tailored microscale porosity and spatially resolved mechanical properties suitable for a broad range of applications across tissue engineering.
Transition of the Bacterial Community and Culturable Chitinolytic Bacteria in Chitin-treated Upland Soil: From Streptomyces to Methionine-auxotrophic Lysobacter and Other Genera

Chitin amendment is an agricultural management strategy for controlling soil-borne plant disease. We previously reported an exponential decrease in chitin added to incubated upland soil. We herein investigated the transition of the bacterial community structure in chitin-degrading soil samples over time and the characteristics of chitinolytic bacteria in order to elucidate changes in the chitinolytic bacterial community structure during chitin degradation. The addition of chitin to soil immediately increased the population of bacteria in the genus Streptomyces, which is the main decomposer of chitin in soil environments. Lysobacter, Pseudoxanthomonas, Cellulosimicrobium, Streptosporangium, and Nonomuraea populations increased over time with decreases in that of Streptomyces. We isolated 104 strains of chitinolytic bacteria, among which six strains were classified as Lysobacter, from chitin-treated soils. These results suggested the involvement of Lysobacter as well as Streptomyces as chitin decomposers in the degradation of chitin added to soil. Lysobacter isolates required yeast extract or casamino acid for significant growth on minimal agar medium supplemented with glucose. Further nutritional analyses demonstrated that the six chitinolytic Lysobacter isolates required methionine (Met) to grow, but not cysteine or homocysteine, indicating Met auxotrophy. Met auxotrophy was also observed in two of the five type strains of Lysobacter spp. tested, and these Met auxotrophs used d-Met as well as l-Met. The addition of Met to incubated upland soil increased the population of Lysobacter. Met may be a factor increasing the population of Lysobacter in chitin-treated upland soil.
Pharmacokinetics, absolute bioavailability and tolerability of ketamine after intranasal administration to dexmedetomidine sedated dogs

Intranasal ketamine has recently gained interest in human medicine, not only for its sedative, anaesthetic or analgesic properties, but also in the management of treatment resistant depression, where it has been shown to be an effective, fast acting alternative treatment. Since several similarities are reported between human psychiatric disorders and canine anxiety disorders, intranasal ketamine could serve as an alternative treatment for anxiety disordered dogs. However, to the authors knowledge, intranasal administration of ketamine and its pharmacokinetics have never been described in dogs. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the pharmacokinetics, absolute bioavailability and tolerability of intranasal ketamine administration compared with intravenous administration. Seven healthy, adult laboratory Beagle dogs were included in this randomized crossover study. The dogs received 2 mg/kg body weight ketamine intravenously (IV) or intranasally (IN), with a two-week wash-out period. Prior to ketamine administration, dogs were sedated intramuscularly with dexmedetomidine. Venous blood samples were collected at fixed times until 480 min post-administration and ketamine plasma concentrations were determined by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Cardiovascular parameters and sedation scores were recorded at the same time points. Non-compartmental pharmacokinetic analysis revealed a rapid (Tmax = 0.25 ± 0.14 h) and complete IN bioavailability (F = 147.65 ± 49.97%). Elimination half-life was similar between both administration routes (T1/2el IV = 1.47 ± 0.24 h, T1/2el IN = 1.50 ± 0.97 h). Heart rate and sedation scores were significantly higher at 5 and 10 min following IV administration compared to IN administration, but not at the later time-points.
Invasive non‐native species likely to threaten biodiversity and ecosystems in the Antarctic Peninsula region

The Antarctic is considered to be a pristine environment relative to other regions of the Earth, but it is increasingly vulnerable to invasions by marine, freshwater and terrestrial non‐native species. The Antarctic Peninsula region (APR), which encompasses the Antarctic Peninsula, South Shetland Islands and South Orkney Islands, is by far the most invaded part of the Antarctica continent. The risk of introduction of invasive non‐native species to the APR is likely to increase with predicted increases in the intensity, diversity and distribution of human activities. Parties that are signatories to the Antarctic Treaty have called for regional assessments of non‐native species risk. In response, taxonomic and Antarctic experts undertook a horizon scanning exercise using expert opinion and consensus approaches to identify the species that are likely to present the highest risk to biodiversity and ecosystems within the APR over the next 10 years. One hundred and three species, currently absent in the APR, were identified as relevant for review, with 13 species identified as presenting a high risk of invading the APR. Marine invertebrates dominated the list of highest risk species, with flowering plants and terrestrial invertebrates also represented; however, vertebrate species were thought unlikely to establish in the APR within the 10 year timeframe. We recommend (a) the further development and application of biosecurity measures by all stakeholders active in the APR, including surveillance for species such as those identified during this horizon scanning exercise, and (b) use of this methodology across the other regions of Antarctica. Without the application of appropriate biosecurity measures, rates of introductions and invasions within the APR are likely to increase, resulting in negative consequences for the biodiversity of the whole continent, as introduced species establish and spread further due to climate change and increasing human activity.
Safety and efficacy of endovascular treatment of ruptured tiny cerebral aneurysms compared with ruptured larger aneurysms

Purpose To investigate the effect and safety of endovascular embolization of tiny aneurysms (≤3 mm) within 72 h of subarachnoid hemorrhage compared with larger ones. Materials and methods Patients with intracranial aneurysms treated with endovascular embolization within 72 h were retrospectively enrolled and divided into group A (n = 33) with ruptured tiny aneurysms (≤3 mm) and group B (n = 244) with ruptured larger aneurysms (>3 mm). The clinical and angiographic data before and after embolization were analyzed. Results Most tiny aneurysms were located at the posterior communicating artery (36.4%) followed by anterior communicating artery (18.2%). The stent-assisted coiling technique was used mostly in group A with 18 stents deployed (51.5%), but only 24 (9.8%) patients had stent-assisted coiling in group B, with the stent-assisted coiling technique more significantly (P < 0.001) frequently used in group A. No significant (P > 0.05) difference existed in the total, subtotal and incomplete occlusion of aneurysms in two groups. The procedure-related complication rate was not significantly (P > 0.05) different between groups A (24.2%) and B (17.0%). At discharge, no significant (P > 0.05) difference existed in the neurological abnormality between the two groups. Follow-up was performed in 64.5% (20/31) in group A and 75.6% (177/234) in group B. No significant (P > 0.05) difference existed in the aneurysm recurrence rate, deaths, and prognosis. Conclusion Early embolization of tiny cerebral aneurysms within 72 h of subarachnoid hemorrhage is safe and effective compared with ruptured large aneurysms treated in the same manner.
Klotho supplementation ameliorates blood pressure and renal function in DBA/2-pcy mice, a model of polycystic kidney disease.

AIMS Klotho interacts with various membrane proteins such as receptors for transforming growth factor (TGF) β and insulin-like growth factor (IGF). Renal expression of klotho is diminished in polycystic kidney disease (PKD). In the present study, the effects of klotho supplementation on PKD were assessed. METHODS Recombinant human klotho protein (10 μg/kg/day) or a vehicle was administered daily by subcutaneous injection to 6-week-old mice with PKD (DBA/2-pcy). Blood pressure was measured using tail-cuff methods. After 2 months, the mice were killed, and the kidneys were harvested for analysis. RESULTS Exogenous klotho protein supplementation reduced kidney weight, cystic area, systolic blood pressure, renal angiotensin II levels, and 8-epi-prostaglandin F2α excretion (p<0.05). Klotho protein supplementation enhanced glomerular filtration rate, renal expressions of superoxide dismutase (SOD), klotho itself (p<0.05). Klotho supplementation attenuated renal expressions of TGFβ and collagen I, and diminished renal abundance of Twist, phosphorylated Akt, and mTOR (p<0.05). Pathological examination revealed that klotho decreased the fibrosis index and nuclear staining of Smad in PKD kidneys (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS Our data indicate that klotho protein supplementation ameliorates the renin-angiotensin system, reducing blood pressure in PKD mice. Furthermore, the present results implicate klotho supplementation in the suppression of Akt/mTOR signaling, slowing cystic expansion. Finally, our findings suggest that klotho protein supplementation attenuated fibrosis at least partly by inhibiting epithelial mesenchymal transition in PKD.
Moving beyond Fine Particle Mass: High-Spatial Resolution Exposure to Source-Resolved Atmospheric Particle Number and Chemical Mixing State

Background: Most epidemiological studies address health effects of atmospheric particulate matter (PM) using mass-based measurements as exposure surrogates. However, this approach ignores many critical physiochemical properties of individual atmospheric particles. These properties control the deposition of particles in the human lung and likely their toxicity; in addition, they likely have larger spatial variability than PM mass. Objectives: This study was designed to quantify the spatial variability in number, size, source, and chemical mixing state of individual particles in a populous urban area. We quantified the population exposure to these detailed particle properties and compared them to mass-based exposures. Methods: We performed mobile sampling using an advanced single-particle mass spectrometer to measure the spatial variability of number concentration of source-resolved 50–1,000 nm particles and particle mixing state in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. We built land-use regression (LUR) models to estimate their spatial patterns and coupled them with demographic data to estimate population exposure. Results: Particle number concentration had a much larger spatial variability than mass concentration within the city. Freshly emitted particles from traffic and cooking drive the variability in particle number, but mass concentrations are dominated by aged background particles composed of secondary materials. In addition, people exposed to elevated number concentrations of atmospheric particles are also exposed to more externally mixed particles. Conclusions: Our advanced measurement technique provides a new exposure picture that resolves the large intra-city spatial heterogeneity in traffic and cooking particle number concentrations in the populous urban area. Our results provide a complementary and more detailed perspective compared with bulk measurements of composition. In addition, given the influence of particle mixing state on properties such as particle deposition in the lung, the large spatial gradients of chemical mixing state may significantly influence the health effects of fine PM. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP5311
The Effects of Hataedock on 2,4-dinitrofluorobenzene Induced Atopic Dermatitis Like Skin Lesion in NC/Nga Mice

Abstract The Effects of Hataedock on 2,4-dinitrofluorobenzeneInduced Atopic Dermatitis Like Skin Lesion in NC/Nga Mice Cha Ho Yeol 1 ･ Ahn Sang Hyun 2 ･ Jeong A Ram 1 ･ Cheon Jin Hong 1 ･ Park Sun Young 3 ･ Kim Ki Bong 11 Department of Pediatrics of Korean Medicine, Pusan National University Hospital 2 Research Institute for Korean Medicine, Pusan National University 3 Department of physiology, college of Korean Medicine, Semyung University Objectives Hataedock is the treatment that dispels toxic heat and meconium gathered at the fetus for the new born baby by orally administered herbal extracts. The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether Hataedock alleviate inflammatory skin damages in AD-induced NC/Nga mice through regulating of skin barrier maintain and Th2 differentiation. Methods We established an AD model in the 3-week-old NC/Nga mice through the repeated application of DNFB (dinitrochlorobenzene) on days 28, 35, 42 after Hataedock treatment which was orally administered. We identified the changes of skin barrier and Th2 differentiation through the histological and immunohistochemical changes of protein kinase C (PKC), interleukin (IL)-4, degranulated mast cell, Substance P and MMP-9.
Outcome of patients (pts) with brain metastases (BMs) from HER2-positive breast cancer (BC) treated with lapatinib plus capecitabine (LC).

1155 Background: In the present analysis we investigated retrospectively the efficacy of LC for BMs from HER2+ BC. Secondly, we evaluated the clinical outcome of HER2+ BC pts with BMs treated with LC. Methods: Out of the 81 HER2+ metastatic BC pts treated with lapatinib (1,250 mg p.o. daily) plus capecitabine (2,000 mg/mq p.o. dd 1-14 every 21) at two Italian institutions, we identified 34 pts with evidence of BMs prior to the start of LC. Only pts naive for both lapatinib and capecitabine were included, which left a total of 30 pts available for the analysis. In a second step, we compared the overall survival (OS) from the development of BMs of these 30 pts vs. a group of 23 pts who had received only trastuzumab-based therapies beyond brain progression. Results: The median age of the 30 LC-treated pts was 45 years (range 24-75). All of them had received prior treatment with a taxane, an anthracycline, and trastuzumab (median no. of trastuzumab-based therapies for metastatic BC=2). 26/30 pts had received .
The Timed Up and Go and Two-Minute Walk Test: Exploration of a method for establishing normative values for established lower limb prosthetic users

Abstract The Timed Up and Go (TUG) and Two-Minute Walk Test (2MWT) are clinically appropriate mobility measures in amputee rehabilitation. Despite the tests being routinely performed, reference values for amputees have yet to be established. This study aimed to establish and trial a method for estimating normative values of the TUG and 2MWT for transtibial and transfemoral amputees. Thirty-seven established prosthetic users aged 40–69 years (28 unilateral transtibial amputees and nine unilateral transfemoral) performed two recorded trials of the TUG and 2MWT. Participant characteristics were collected using the Trinity Amputation and Prosthesis Experience Scale. Preliminary normative data for the TUG and 2MWT were produced for three age cohorts and the two amputee subpopulations. Poorer mobility performance with transfemoral amputation was evident for both mobility measures. Multivariate analysis displayed relationships between age, length of time with a prosthesis and performance of both tests. In conclusion, normative values for the TUG and 2MWT for transtibial and transfemoral amputees may be calculated. Preliminary results indicate that higher levels of amputation relate to poorer performance on both the TUG and 2MWT. Studies with larger samples are required to further develop these values for use in rehabilitation.
CLIL: the added value to English language teacher education for young learners

As teaching English to young learners (TEYL) of primary school age becomes engendered in more national curricula across Europe, deep reflection is required of those involved in teacher education as to how language teachers should be prepared for the reality of the primary educational context when it is they that are entrusted with this responsibility. In order to avoid the potential pitfalls often brought about when a new ‘subject’ enters a curriculum, such as isolation and disjuncture, teacher education for primary English language teachers needs to consider educational approaches that embrace the ethos of holistic, interdisciplinary learning which is at the heart of primary education. One such approach is Content and Language Integrated Learning (CLIL), in which school subjects are taught through a foreign language. This paper examines the potential contribution of CLIL to English language teacher education programmes given that its underlying principles and methodology focus on the combined development of Content, Communication, Cognition and Culture, all vital elements in the primary curriculum. CLIL obliges language teachers to look beyond language and address other essential learner needs. It improves teachers’ knowledge of the primary curriculum, makes them aware of the responsibility to educate the ‘whole’ child, develops their understanding of the cognitive and linguistic demands of this level of education, and the important role of language across the curriculum. CLIL also unites language and generalist (primary) teachers in partnerships where they work together to achieve broad educational goals. A consideration of CLIL in foreign language teacher education is necessary if primary English language teachers are to make a meaningful contribution to the education of young learners in primary school contexts.