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Chemical polishing or chemo‐mechanical polishing is crucial as a last step of surface preparation to remove the damaged layer and contaminants from the surface of CdZnTe crystals. The bromine–methanol solution is widely used for this purpose. However, bromine–methanol solution enriches the surface with Te and results in poor performance of CdZnTe crystals. In this study, the effect of the chemical polishing with 5% bromine–methanol solution on the surface and at the interface is investigated and it is demonstrated that etching duration strongly influences surface stoichiometry and interface contaminants. The evolution of the surface topography with etching and chemical changes are presented. It is shown that after 90 s etching/polishing, subsurface damage is removed and Te enrichment is minimum. Moreover, interface layer thickness is the smallest for 90 s etching duration. It is presented that further increase in the etching duration disturbs the surface stoichiometry and interface depth. It also calculated that 90 s of etching shows low interface barrier and symmetrical current–voltage curve. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: With the premise that the demanding educational process and associated factors could influence the work‐related quality of life (WRQoL) of dental students, this study aimed to investigate the influence of diverse sociodemographic and health‐related factors, clinical education status, and sleep quality on the WRQoL of dental students. Materials and Methods: A three‐part questionnaire was administered to a group of preclinical and clinical dental students studying in different classes. The first part of the questionnaire included various sociodemographic and health‐related questions. In the second part, the multidimensional 23‐item WRQoL scale, with established validity and reliability, was applied to evaluate the WRQoL of the students. The last part of the questionnaire included the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, comprising 19 items. General linear models were created to predict subscale scores using sociodemographic and health‐related characteristics, as well as univariate significant independent variables. Results: It was observed that the majority of the participants (78.2%) had poor sleep quality. Being clinical dental students had a significant and positive effect on the stress at work domain of WRQoL (p =.006), while it had a significant and negative effect on the home‐work interface domain (p <.001). The decrease in sleep quality had a significant and negative effect on all domains of WRQoL (p <.05) except for the stress at work domain. Conclusions: Clinical education status, regular smoking, and sleep quality significantly affect different domains of dental students' WRQoL. Changes in these factors should be considered in approaches to increasing students' WRQoL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Maintenance and regeneration of the zebrafish olfactory epithelium (OE) are supported by two distinct progenitor cell populations that occupy spatially discrete stem cell niches and respond to different tissue conditions. Globose basal cells (GBCs) reside at the inner and peripheral margins of the sensory OE and are constitutively active to replace sporadically dying olfactory sensory neurons (OSNs). In contrast, horizontal basal cells (HBCs) are uniformly distributed across the sensory tissue and are selectively activated by acute injury conditions. Here we show that expression of the heparin‐binding epidermal growth factor‐like growth factor (HB‐EGF) is strongly and transiently upregulated in response to OE injury and signals through the EGF receptor (EGFR), which is expressed by HBCs. Exogenous stimulation of the OE with recombinant HB‐EGF promotes HBC expansion and OSN neurogenesis in a pattern that resembles the tissue response to injury. In contrast, pharmacological inhibition of HB‐EGF membrane shedding, HB‐EGF availability, and EGFR signaling strongly attenuate or delay injury‐induced HBC activity and OSN restoration without affecting maintenance neurogenesis by GBCs. Thus, HB‐EGF/EGFR signaling appears to be a critical component of the signaling network that controls HBC activity and, consequently, repair neurogenesis in the zebrafish OE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding the intricate processes of neuronal growth, degeneration, and neurotoxicity is paramount for unraveling nervous system function and holds significant promise in improving patient outcomes, especially in the context of chemotherapy‐induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN). These processes are influenced by a broad range of entwined events facilitated by chemical, electrical, and mechanical signals. The progress of each process is inherently linked to phenotypic changes in cells. Currently, the primary means of demonstrating morphological changes rely on measurements of neurite outgrowth and axon length. However, conventional techniques for monitoring these processes often require extensive preparation to enable manual or semi‐automated measurements. Here, a label‐free and non‐invasive approach is employed for monitoring neuronal differentiation and degeneration using quantitative phase imaging (QPI). Operating on unlabeled specimens and offering little to no phototoxicity and photobleaching, QPI delivers quantitative maps of optical path length delays that provide an objective measure of cellular morphology and dynamics. This approach enables the visualization and quantification of axon length and other physical properties of dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neuronal cells, allowing greater understanding of neuronal responses to stimuli simulating CIPN conditions. This research paves new avenues for the development of more effective strategies in the clinical management of neurotoxicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Zn0.95−xMg0.05CoxO (x = 0.01–0.05 with an increment of 0.01) nanoparticles were synthesized by using the sol–gel technique to analyze structural and magnetic properties. The single phase was observed in the X‐ray diffraction measurements. To examine the surface morphology, elemental compositions, crystal quality, defect type, density, and magnetic behavior of the nanoparticles, SEM, energy dispersive X‐ray analysis (EDX), PL, and ESR were used, respectively. The PL has ultraviolet and a broad emission band including violet and a blue spectral region corresponding to the defect‐related and excitonic emissions. These emissions were strongly dependent on the synthesize condition and doping element and ratio. The effect of cobalt concentration on the line widths of pike to pike (ΔHPP) and the g‐factor of ESR spectra were investigated. By comparing the results of the ESR and PL measurements, it was determined which defect with a given g‐factor was responsible for the corresponding PL emission band. In addition, ESR spectra of Mg/Co co‐doped ZnO nanoparticles with different cobalt concentrations recorded at room temperature were presented. Since Mg/Co co‐doped ZnO nanoparticles reveal ferromagnetism at RT, they could be an appropriate material for new devices in spin‐based technologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper evaluates Malatya clay (MC) for the removal of Ni(II) ions from aqueous solutions. For adsorption efficiency, the impacts of several factors, such as pH, starting metal ion concentration, and contact duration, were examined. The optimal initial Ni(II) ion concentration was determined to be 5 mg/L, the adsorption contact duration was 360 min, and the solution's pH was 6.27. Using scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectroscopy, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, the surface characteristics of Malatya clay were examined. The isotherm data fit the Langmuir isotherm model, indicating chemical adsorption and likely irreversibility of the process, according to the results. At 298, 308, and 318 K, the adsorption capacities of Ni(II) were determined to be 10.267, 11.834, and 12.285 mg/g, respectively. Adsorption kinetic data revealed that the adsorption of Ni(II) metal ions followed the pseudo‐second‐order kinetic model. According to thermodynamic studies, Ni(II) ion adsorption on the MC is spontaneous and endothermic. MC has proven to be an effective and alternative material for the removal of Ni(II) ions from aqueous media due to its excellent removal ability, availability, and low cost, as well as its features such as being able to be used without any chemical treatment and being environmentally friendly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Riboswitches are structured ribonucleic acid (RNA) segments that act as specific sensors for small molecules in bacterial metabolism. Due to the flexible nature of these highly charged macromolecules, molecular dynamics simulations are instrumental to investigating the mechanistic details of their regulatory function. In the present study, the guanidine‐I riboswitch serves as an example of how atomistic simulations can shed light on the effect of ions on the structure and dynamics of RNA and on ligand binding. Relying on two orthologous crystal structures from different bacterial species, it is demonstrated how the ion setup crucially determines whether the simulation yields meaningful insights into the conformational stability of the RNA, functionally relevant residues and RNA‐ligand interactions. The ion setup in this context includes diffuse ions in solution and bound ions associated directly with the RNA, in particular a triad of 2 Mg2+ ions and a K+ ion in close proximity to the guanidinium binding site. A detailed investigation of the binding pocket reveals that the K+ from the ion triad plays a decisive role in stabilizing the ligand binding by stabilizing important localized interactions, which in turn contribute to the overall shape of the folded state of the RNA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: There are many scientific studies on performance of different sweet potato varieties under water deficits, however, no study on Koganesengan and Beniazuma varieties has been found in the literature. This study was aimed to investigate the effects of water deficit levels (control‐WD0, low‐WD25, medium‐WD50 and high‐WD75 water deficit levels) on growth, yield and quality parameters, water use efficiency and water‐yield response factor values of these sweet potato varieties under drip irrigation. RESULTS: The seasonal water consumptions of varieties were calculated as 808 and 826 mm, respectively, under no water deficit. All of the growth (except average tuber length for Koganesengan) and yield parameters of both varieties were significantly affected by water deficit treatments. However, most of the quality parameters including total dry mater, starch, ß‐carotene, ascorbic acid, protein, saccharose and glucose contents for both varieties; total ash, crude fiber and phenolic matter content for Beniazuma; and fructose content and antioxidant activity for Koganesengan variety had no response to water deficits at any level. Under high deficit and control, fresh and dry vine, tuber and total yields ranged from 4.80 to 14.54, 0.85 to 2.35, 1.59 to 10.97 and 6.40 to 25.52 t ha−1 for Koganesengan and 6.05 to 27.88, 0.99 to 4.09, 2.17 to 22.91 and 8.22 to 50.79 t ha−1 for Beniazuma, respectively. CONCLUSION: The results showed that Beniazuma variety is proportionally more sensitive to water deficit than Koganesengan. It can be concluded that both varieties can be grown in Mediterranean conditions by providing optimum irrigation applications. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Olfactory sensory neurons (OSNs) of the vertebrate olfactory epithelium (OE) undergo continuous turnover but also regenerate efficiently when the OE is acutely damaged by traumatic injury. Two distinct pools of neuronal stem/progenitor cells, the globose (GBCs), and horizontal basal cells (HBCs) have been shown to selectively contribute to intrinsic OSN turnover and damage‐induced OE regeneration, respectively. For both types of progenitors, their rate of cell divisions and OSN production must match the actual loss of cells to maintain or to re‐establish sensory function. However, signals that communicate between neurons or glia cells of the OE and resident neurogenic progenitors remain largely elusive. Here, we investigate the effect of purinergic signaling on cell proliferation and OSN neurogenesis in the zebrafish OE. Purine stimulation elicits transient Ca2+ signals in OSNs and distinct non‐neuronal cell populations, which are located exclusively in the basal OE and stain positive for the neuronal stem cell marker Sox2. The more apical population of Sox2‐positive cells comprises evenly distributed glia‐like sustentacular cells (SCs) and spatially restricted GBC‐like cells, whereas the more basal population expresses the HBC markers keratin 5 and tumor protein 63 and lines the entire sensory OE. Importantly, exogenous purine stimulation promotes P2 receptor‐dependent mitotic activity and OSN generation from sites where GBCs are located but not from HBCs. We hypothesize that purine compounds released from dying OSNs modulate GBC progenitor cell cycling in a dose‐dependent manner that is proportional to the number of dying OSNs and, thereby, ensures a constant pool of sensory neurons over time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Purpose Scrotal calculi are rare, and their clinical significance is uncertain. Scrotal pain is a frequent, hard-to-manage problem in urology clinics. Our purpose in this study was to determine the relationship between the presence of scrotal calculi and scrotal pain in a prospective manner. Methods Sonography and color Doppler ultrasound of the scrotum were performed in 758 consecutive patients referred with scrotal pain. The pain was rated by using an 11-point numeric rating scale; scores were compared among patients with scrotal calculi with and without additional scrotal pathology. Results Scrotal calculi were detected in 73 of the 758 patients (9.6%). Scrotal pain ( n = 50 [61%]) and a palpable mass in the scrotum ( n = 25 [30.5%]) were the most common complaints in patients with scrotal calculi. Hydrocele ( n = 17 [29.8%]) and varicocele ( n = 15 [26.3%]) were the most commonly associated abnormalities; there was a statistically significant association between the presence of scrotal calculi and hydrocele ( p < 0.01). Scrotal pain was present in 61 (83.5%) patients with scrotal calculi, and this association was significant ( p < 0.001). The presence of scrotal pain and the correlation between location of calculi and pain in patients without additional scrotal abnormalities were also significant ( p = 0.04 and p < 0.004, respectively). Conclusions The prevalence of scrotal calculi was 9.6%, and hydrocele was found to be associated with scrotal calculi. We also found a significant relationship between the presence of calculi and scrotal pain. Because the etiology of scrotal pain is essential for appropriate treatment, scrotal calculi should be kept in mind when making a differential diagnosis of scrotal pain. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 43:406-411, 2015 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim Endometriosis is a common disease in women of reproductive age, and many different treatments have been developed, although none has provided a cure. In this study, the efficacy of losartan, an angiotensin II type 1 receptor blocker and an antiangiogenic and anti-inflammatory agent, on regression of experimental endometriotic implants in a rat model was investigated. Methods Peritoneal endometriosis was surgically induced in 16 mature female Sprague- Dawley rats. The peritoneal endometriotic implant was confirmed after 28 days, and the animals were divided randomly into two groups. The control group ( n = 8) was given 4 mL/day tap water by oral gavage, and the losartan group ( n = 8) was given 20 mg/kg per day losartan p.o. We compared endometriotic implant size, extent and severity of adhesion, as well as plasma and peritoneal lavage fluid cytokine levels including vascular endothelial growth factor ( VEGF) and tumor necrosis factor ( TNF)-α, plasma inflammatory factor pentraxin-3 ( PTX-3) and C-reactive protein ( CRP) between the treatment groups. Results Mean surface endometriotic area, histological score of implants, adhesion formation, plasma VEGF, TNF, PTX-3 and CRP levels were significantly lower in the losartan group compared with control ( P < 0.05). Furthermore, the peritoneal VEGF level was lower in the losartan group than in the control group ( P < 0.001), but peritoneal TNF-α was similar in both groups ( P > 0.05). Conclusion Losartan suppressed the implant surface area of experimental endometriosis in rats and reduced the levels of plasma VEGF, TNF-α, PTX-3 and CRP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of maternity support belts (MSB) on postural balance during pregnancy. Design Prospective, observational cohort study. Setting Outpatient visits at a university hospital, obstetrics and gynecology clinic. Participants A total of 90 pregnant women in first, second, and third trimesters of pregnancy; 30 pregnant women for each trimester. Methods Dynamic and postural stability by using a Biodex Stability System and comparing pregnant women with and without an MSB in each cohort group. Main Outcome Measures Overall, anterior-posterior stability index, medial-lateral stability index, and fall risk test (FRT) scores were obtained with 1 stance at platform stability of level 8. Four measurements from the Biodex Stability System were compared between pregnant women with and without an MSB in each group. Results The scores of anterior-posterior stability index and FRT were significantly lower in the first-trimester group with an MSB than without an MSB (P < .05). Medial-lateral stability index and FRT scores were significantly lower in the second-trimester group with an MSB than without an MSB (P < .05). In the third-trimester group, overall, medial-lateral stability index, and FRT scores were lower for participants with an MSB compared with participants without an MSB (P < .05). In all trimester groups, FRT scores were detected to be lower in pregnant women with an MSB than in those without an MSB (P < .05). Conclusions MSB use improves impaired balance and FRT scores during all periods of pregnancy, especially in the third trimester. MSB is useful for fall prevention during pregnancy, especially during the third trimester. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study was aimed at determining the oxidative damage caused by sodium arsenite in 3T3 fibroblast cells and the possible protective role of curcumin (Cur) against sodium arsenite toxicity. Embryonic fibroblast cells were exposed to sodium arsenite (0.01, 0.1, 1, and 10 μM) in the presence and absence of Cur (2.5 μM) for 24 hours. Cell viability, cytotoxicity, lipid peroxidation, hydroxyl radical, hydrogen peroxide, antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and glutathione‐S‐transferase) and expression levels of antioxidant genes (superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase) were measured in embryonic fibroblast cells. Results demonstrated that sodium arsenite directly affects antioxidant enzymes and genes in 3T3 embryonic fibroblast cells and induces oxidative damage by increasing the amount of hydrogen peroxide, hydroxyl radical, and lipid peroxidation in the cell. Furthermore, the study indicated that Cur might be a potential ameliorative antioxidant to protect the fibroblast cell toxicity induced by sodium arsenite. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]