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Animals : An Open Access Journal From... Dec 2023The objective of the present study was to determine the effects that the reproductive season has on the motility, kinematics, morphology, and sperm morphometry of...
The objective of the present study was to determine the effects that the reproductive season has on the motility, kinematics, morphology, and sperm morphometry of Brahman bulls evaluated with a commercial CASA system. The experiment was carried out at the Costa Rica Institute of Technology from March to August 2021. A total of eight Brahman bulls were used. A total of 28 ejaculates were collected in the pre-mating period (PMP), during it (DMP), and after it (AMP) using an electroejaculator. The sperm concentration was measured with the Accuread photometer. The motility was measured using a Spermtrack counting chamber. The analyses were performed with the CASA-Mot ISASv1 system. The morphology was analyzed using a microscope with a negative phase contrast objective. Morphometry was evaluated with the CASA-Morph. The sperm concentration did not present differences between the PMP and AMP; however, it was significantly higher than DMP ( > 0.05). Regarding the progressiveness variables, linearity on forward progression (LIN), straightness (STR), and wobble (WOB) were higher ( < 0.05) DMP. A kinematic principal component analysis grouped all the variables into three factors and an effect on the reproductive period was found ( < 0.05) in the parameters of the head and middle part of the sperm, such as width and perimeter, which were greater in the PMP. The length of the sperm head in the PMP and DMP did not show differences; however, both were larger ( < 0.05) than AMP. The insertion distance of the middle piece of the sperm was significantly greater than DMP. Finally, the PMP contained cells with a larger insertion angle ( < 0.05) than AMP. These findings are important to understand the implications of reproductive status on sperm quality and to consider them in andrological evaluations.
PubMed: 38200863
DOI: 10.3390/ani14010132 -
Heliyon Feb 2024The Upper Awash sub-basin characterized by urban, industrial, agricultural and population growth, has impacted the quality of its water sources. This study focuses on...
The Upper Awash sub-basin characterized by urban, industrial, agricultural and population growth, has impacted the quality of its water sources. This study focuses on the assessment of public health risks associated with drinking water sources in the sub-basin. In accordance with WHO guidelines, 120 water samples were collected from 60 water supply schemes in dry and wet seasons located in areas with low and high water pollution risk (WPR). Multi-meter, Photometer, Digital Arsenator, and Microbiological test kit measured the concentration of parameters. The assessment uses methods of hazard identification, exposure and dose-response analysis, and risk characterization, including Hazard Quotient (HQ), Cancer Risk (CR), Hazard Index (HI), and probability of infection. Monte Carlo simulation analyzes non-cancer risks from Nitrite, Nitrate, Chromium, Iron, Fluoride, and Arsenic, and CRs from Chromium and Arsenic, and infection risks from (). As a result, the Hazard Quotient (HQ) of Nitrate was beyond unity (HQ > 1) in the dry season for all groups. HQ of Chromium was HQ > 1 for Women (1.1E+00) and Children (1.4E+00) in the wet season in the high WPR area. Chromium HQ > 1 for children (1.4E+00) in the wet season and Fluoride (HQ > 1) for Children (3.2E+00) in the dry season in the low WPR area. Arsenic CR was above 1 in 10,000 persons for children in the dry season, for all groups, and for women and children in the wet season in the high WPR areas. The CR of chromium ranged from 1 in 1000 persons, which is beyond the limit. Moreover, the Hazard Index (HI) was higher than the unity (HI > 1) for most cases. All infection risks daily and annually exceeded the acceptable risks. Therefore, Public health concerns in the Sub-basin were quantified, and evidences were generated for risk management to undertake source protection through integrated watershed management and appropriate water treatment technologies.
PubMed: 38314286
DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e24790 -
Nanomaterials (Basel, Switzerland) Jul 2023ZnO is an effective photocatalyst applied to the degradation of organic dyes in aqueous media. In this study, the UV-light and sunlight-driven photocatalytic activities...
ZnO is an effective photocatalyst applied to the degradation of organic dyes in aqueous media. In this study, the UV-light and sunlight-driven photocatalytic activities of ZnO nanoparticles are evaluated. A handheld Lovibond photometer was purposefully calibrated in order to monitor the dye removal in outdoor conditions. The effect of ZnO defect states, i.e., the presence of zinc and oxygen defects on the photocatalytic activity was probed for two types of dyes: fuchsin and methylene blue. Three morphologies of ZnO nanoparticles were deliberately selected, i.e., spherical, facetted and a mix of spherical and facetted, ascertained via transmission electron microscopy. Aqueous and non-aqueous sol-gel routes were applied to their synthesis in order to tailor their size, morphology and defect states. Raman spectroscopy demonstrated that the spherical nanoparticles contained a high amount of oxygen vacancies and zinc interstitials. Photoluminescence spectroscopy revealed that the facetted nanoparticles harbored zinc vacancies in addition to oxygen vacancies. A mechanism for dye degradation based on the possible surface defects in facetted nanoparticles is proposed in this work. The reusability of these nanoparticles for five cycles of dye degradation was also analyzed. More specifically, facetted ZnO nanoparticles tend to exhibit higher efficiencies and reusability than spherical nanoparticles.
PubMed: 37446514
DOI: 10.3390/nano13131998 -
Cureus Aug 2023One of the most important aspects that determines the clinical lifetime of aesthetic restorations, is the color stability (CS) over the long term. This study aims to...
OBJECTIVES
One of the most important aspects that determines the clinical lifetime of aesthetic restorations, is the color stability (CS) over the long term. This study aims to assess the effect of artificial aging and thermocycling in different staining solutions on the CS of bioactive restorative materials compared to conventional ones.
METHODS
The following four material groups were investigated: ACTIVA™ Bioactive (AB) (Pulpdent Corporation, Massachusetts, United States), Beautifil II (BF) (SHOFU Inc., Kyoto, Japan), Fuji II (FJ) (GC Corporation, Tokyo Japan), and Filtek™ Z350 XT (FT) (3M, Minnesota, United States). A total of 100 specimens were fabricated using an acrylic mold and then immersed in five staining solutions groups: coffee, black tea, Cola, mixed berry juice, and saline. Baseline shade (T0) was recorded using two spectro-photometer devices, VITA Easyshade® Advance (VITA Zahnfabrik, Baden-Wurttemberg, Germany) and Color-Eye® 7000A (X-Rite, Inc., Grand Rapids, Michigan, United States). Following this, the shade was recorded at 30 days (T1), three months (T2), and after 5000 thermocycles (5C-55C) (T3). CIE L*a*b* (International Commission on Illumination color space) data was used to calculate ΔE for each group.
RESULTS
All samples showed a significant color change (P<0.001) following one and three months of storage and after thermocycling. AB and BF showed the highest CS over time, whereas FT and FJ showed the least CS.
CONCLUSION
The CS of restorative materials is mostly determined by their type, followed by staining solution type and thermocycling. The most potent solutions were coffee, tea, and berry juice.
PubMed: 37674947
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.43038 -
Environment International Aug 2023This study analyzed the variability of equivalent black carbon (eBC) mass concentrations and their sources in urban Europe to provide insights into the use of eBC as an...
This study analyzed the variability of equivalent black carbon (eBC) mass concentrations and their sources in urban Europe to provide insights into the use of eBC as an advanced air quality (AQ) parameter for AQ standards. This study compiled eBC mass concentration datasets covering the period between 2006 and 2022 from 50 measurement stations, including 23 urban background (UB), 18 traffic (TR), 7 suburban (SUB), and 2 regional background (RB) sites. The results highlighted the need for the harmonization of eBC measurements to allow for direct comparisons between eBC mass concentrations measured across urban Europe. The eBC mass concentrations exhibited a decreasing trend as follows: TR > UB > SUB > RB. Furthermore, a clear decreasing trend in eBC concentrations was observed in the UB sites moving from Southern to Northern Europe. The eBC mass concentrations exhibited significant spatiotemporal heterogeneity, including marked differences in eBC mass concentration and variable contributions of pollution sources to bulk eBC between different cities. Seasonal patterns in eBC concentrations were also evident, with higher winter concentrations observed in a large proportion of cities, especially at UB and SUB sites. The contribution of eBC from fossil fuel combustion, mostly traffic (eBC) was higher than that of residential and commercial sources (eBC) in all European sites studied. Nevertheless, eBC still had a substantial contribution to total eBC mass concentrations at a majority of the sites. eBC trend analysis revealed decreasing trends for eBC over the last decade, while eBC remained relatively constant or even increased slightly in some cities.
Topics: Air Pollutants; Environmental Monitoring; Aerosols; Air Pollution; Europe; Seasons; Soot; Carbon; Particulate Matter
PubMed: 37451041
DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2023.108081 -
ACS Omega Oct 2023To clarify the coal structure, spatial distribution, and controlling factors of the 2# coal seam in Jiaozuo mining, the drilling coal samples were collected to observe...
To clarify the coal structure, spatial distribution, and controlling factors of the 2# coal seam in Jiaozuo mining, the drilling coal samples were collected to observe the coal type and coal structure. The coal macerals were identified by a MPVSP microscope photometer, and the spatial characteristics of the coal structure were obtained through interpreting deep lateral resistivity logging, natural gamma ray logging, density logging, and acoustic logging curves. The influence of coal properties, burial depth, geological stress, and faults on the coal structure were discussed correspondingly. The results exhibit that granulitic-mylonite coal was most developed in the 2# coal seam, followed by primary coal and cataclastic coal; the coal type was dominated by semibright coal, followed by clarain and semidull coal. Granulitic-mylonite, cataclastic, and primary coals were the main components of clarain, semibright coal, and semidull coal, respectively. Higher vitrinite and organic matter contents were conducive to the development of granulitic-mylonite. The coal structure combinations were spatially varied, and the granulitic-mylonite combinations were the most common. Granulitic-mylonite coal was developed in the east and south parts of the study area, and the coal structure was fragmented with a greater burial depth and larger thickness. The geological stress is the fundamental cause of coal structure damage as well as the cutting of faults.
PubMed: 37901576
DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.3c04643 -
Journal of Family Medicine and Primary... Mar 2024India has a high burden of anemia among the South Asian countries. Anemia has been extensively studied in the female and child population, with less attention given to...
INTRODUCTION
India has a high burden of anemia among the South Asian countries. Anemia has been extensively studied in the female and child population, with less attention given to males. The present study aims to assess the prevalence of anemia among males residing in an urban area and associated social determinants.
METHODS
A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 300 males (during September and October 2021) in an urban area of Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu. A portable hemoglobin photometer was used to detect the prevalence of anemia. A structured questionnaire was used to collect details on social determinants of anemia such as dietary practice, education, income, and sanitary practices.
RESULTS
The mean age of study participants was 34 ± 5.23 years. The prevalence of overall anemia among men was 20.3% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 15.9-25.3%), with moderate and severe anemia being 5.7% (95% CI: 3.3-8.9%) and 1% (95% CI: 0.2-2.9%), respectively. Belonging to a lower socioeconomic class (odds ratio [OR] = 6.50, < 0.05) and consuming more than two cups of tea (OR = 7.28, < 0.05) were significantly associated with anemia.
CONCLUSION
Our study depicts a high burden of anemia among males. Health education on the role of dietary factors contributing to anemia needs to be emphasized with special focus on the frequency of tea intake. Primary care physicians can include screening for anemia in their routine practice for men belonging to lower socioeconomic groups. Consideration should be made to include male populations also under the National Anemia Control program.
PubMed: 38736782
DOI: 10.4103/jfmpc.jfmpc_1575_23 -
Ocular Immunology and Inflammation Nov 2023To evaluate the correlation between longitudinal changes in aqueous flare measured by laser flare photometer (LFP), best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), and clinical...
PURPOSE
To evaluate the correlation between longitudinal changes in aqueous flare measured by laser flare photometer (LFP), best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), and clinical grade using both Standardization of Uveitis Nomenclature (SUN) and modified SUN (MSUN) scales uveitis patients.
METHODS
Patients were classified according to both SUN and MSUN grading scales. LFP measurements were acquired (Kowa FM-700) at each visit. Mean change in LFP was assessed longitudinally, comparing with those in visual acuity, SUN, and MSUN grading scales.
RESULTS
Mean change in LFP was correlated to those in BCVA ( = .018), SUN scale ( < .001), and MSUN scale ( = .008). Cases within same initial SUN (0 and 1+) and MSUN (0.5+ and 1+) grades and different longitudinal flare prognosis (decreased/unchanged/increased) had significantly different initial LFP values (all < .05).
CONCLUSIONS
LFP measurement is beneficial in monitoring inflammatory activity. Cases of identical clinical flare scores with different clinical prognosis may be predicted by LFP.
Topics: Humans; Aqueous Humor; Uveitis, Anterior; Uveitis; Photometry; Lasers
PubMed: 36170559
DOI: 10.1080/09273948.2022.2123365 -
Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine 2024Ascorbic acid (AA) is an antioxidant that might be beneficial for adjunctive treatment of sepsis in horses. The optimal dose and effects on oxidative status are unknown.
BACKGROUND
Ascorbic acid (AA) is an antioxidant that might be beneficial for adjunctive treatment of sepsis in horses. The optimal dose and effects on oxidative status are unknown.
HYPOTHESIS
Ascorbic acid administration will increase plasma AA concentrations and decrease determinants of reactive oxygen metabolites (dROM), basal and stimulant-induced intraerythrocytic reactive oxygen species (ROS) concentrations, and stimulant-induced neutrophil ROS production, and increase plasma antioxidant capacity (PAC) in a dose-dependent manner.
ANIMALS
Eight healthy horses.
METHODS
Randomized placebo-controlled crossover study. Each horse received 4 single-dose IV treatments including AA at 25, 50, and 100 mg/kg and saline (placebo) with each treatment separated by ≥1 week. Blood was collected at baseline, 2 and 6 hours for assessment of plasma dROM and PAC via photometer, intraerythrocytic ROS by flow cytometry, and stimulant-induced neutrophil ROS by a fluorometric assay. Plasma AA concentrations were measured by high-performance liquid chromatography/electrochemical detection.
RESULTS
Ascorbic acid at 100 mg/kg resulted in decreased dROM 2 hours after treatment (P = .03, 95% CI 5.51-121.2, point estimate 63.3). There was no effect of AA on basal or stimulant-induced intraerythrocytic ROS (P = .88, 95% CI -0.156 to 0.081, point estimate -0.037; P = .93, 95% CI -0.123 to 0.112, point estimate -0.006, respectively), basal or stimulant-induced neutrophil ROS (P ≥ .12, 95% CI -644.9 to 56.2, point estimate -294.4), or PAC (P ≥ .64, 95% CI -1567 to 463.4, point estimate -552.0) at any dose or timepoint. Plasma AA concentrations increased in a dose-dependent manner.
CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE
High-dose administration of AA might provide antioxidant benefits in horses.
Topics: Horses; Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Antioxidants; Reactive Oxygen Species; Cross-Over Studies; Oxidative Stress; Vitamins; Oxygen; Administration, Intravenous
PubMed: 37948618
DOI: 10.1111/jvim.16934 -
The Science of the Total Environment Jan 2024We propose a simple technique for microplastic detection based on their interaction with a hydrophilic and anionic fluorescent dye 1,3,6,8 pyrene tetrasulfonate (PTSA)....
We propose a simple technique for microplastic detection based on their interaction with a hydrophilic and anionic fluorescent dye 1,3,6,8 pyrene tetrasulfonate (PTSA). Synthetic microfibers derived from surgical face masks (an abundantly generated plastic waste post COVID) were considered as model microplastics. The interactions between microfibers and the dye were studied as a function of physiological parameters (pH, contact time and temperature), external agents, dye dosage and polymer variants. A pocket-sized photometer (by Lovibond Tintometer group) was employed for the detection and further validated using advanced equipment set-ups (fluorescence microscope, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and benchtop spectrofluorometer). Risk assessment studies were conducted on Artemia salina as a model organism. As a risk mitigation strategy, dye recovery followed by sunlight mediated degradation were performed. The detection study was performed in real water samples collected from fresh, estuarine and seawater samples spiked with microfibers. As an outcome, an optimized standard operational conditions were determined for the effective detection of synthetic microfibers. The data obtained could have scientific and industrial impact, in particular for experts working in the broad arena of clean water, who are specifically interested in developing cost-effective solutions for effective detection and biomonitoring of emerging pollutants.
Topics: Plastics; Water; Spectrometry, Fluorescence; Water Pollutants, Chemical; Microplastics; Staining and Labeling; Environmental Monitoring
PubMed: 37944615
DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.168144