Objective: Phenanthrene, a polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon, is found in abundance in environmental pollutants, food, and drinking water. This substance can accumulate in body tissues and exert harmful effects. Moreover, phenanthrene can cross the placental barrier, potentially impacting fetal development. We aimed to explore the impacts of maternal exposure to phenanthrene on testicular tissue and Sertoli cell function in F1 mice. Methods: Female rats with vaginal plugs were randomly assigned to one of three groups: control, sham, or phenanthrene. The control group received no intervention during pregnancy. In the sham and phenanthrene groups, corn oil and a phenanthrene solution, respectively, were administered via gavage once every 2 days. Offspring were separated by sex 21 days after birth. At 56 days postnatal, male F1 offspring were euthanized, and their testes were harvested for histological and molecular analyses. Results: Phenanthrene exposure was associated with a lower testicular weight and volume, a smaller diameter of the seminiferous tubules, and a relative thinning of the germinal epithelium. These changes were associated with increased cellular apoptosis, as shown by the upregulation of caspase 3 expression. Additionally, we observed an increase in vacuolization and residual bodies within the tissue. Conversely, the number of Sertoli cells and expression levels of Sox9, as well as the Ocln and Itgb1 genes, were found to be lowered. Conclusion Maternal exposure to phenanthrene impacts both germ cells and Sertoli cells, disrupting their function and leading to fertility disorders in male F1 offspring mice.

Objective: Phenanthrene, a polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon, is found in abundance in environmental pollutants, food, and drinking water. This substance can accumulate in body tissues and exert harmful effects. Moreover, phenanthrene can cross the placental barrier, potentially impacting fetal development. We aimed to explore the impacts of maternal exposure to phenanthrene on testicular tissue and Sertoli cell function in F1 mice. Methods: Female rats with vaginal plugs were randomly assigned to one of three groups: control, sham, or phenanthrene. The control group received no intervention during pregnancy. In the sham and phenanthrene groups, corn oil and a phenanthrene solution, respectively, were administered via gavage once every 2 days. Offspring were separated by sex 21 days after birth. At 56 days postnatal, male F1 offspring were euthanized, and their testes were harvested for histological and molecular analyses. Results: Phenanthrene exposure was associated with a lower testicular weight and volume, a smaller diameter of the seminiferous tubules, and a relative thinning of the germinal epithelium. These changes were associated with increased cellular apoptosis, as shown by the upregulation of caspase 3 expression. Additionally, we observed an increase in vacuolization and residual bodies within the tissue. Conversely, the number of Sertoli cells and expression levels of Sox9, as well as the Ocln and Itgb1 genes, were found to be lowered. Conclusion Maternal exposure to phenanthrene impacts both germ cells and Sertoli cells, disrupting their function and leading to fertility disorders in male F1 offspring mice.

Objective: Phenanthrene, a polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon, is found in abundance in environmental pollutants, food, and drinking water. This substance can accumulate in body tissues and exert harmful effects. Moreover, phenanthrene can cross the placental barrier, potentially impacting fetal development. We aimed to explore the impacts of maternal exposure to phenanthrene on testicular tissue and Sertoli cell function in F1 mice. Methods: Female rats with vaginal plugs were randomly assigned to one of three groups: control, sham, or phenanthrene. The control group received no intervention during pregnancy. In the sham and phenanthrene groups, corn oil and a phenanthrene solution, respectively, were administered via gavage once every 2 days. Offspring were separated by sex 21 days after birth. At 56 days postnatal, male F1 offspring were euthanized, and their testes were harvested for histological and molecular analyses. Results: Phenanthrene exposure was associated with a lower testicular weight and volume, a smaller diameter of the seminiferous tubules, and a relative thinning of the germinal epithelium. These changes were associated with increased cellular apoptosis, as shown by the upregulation of caspase 3 expression. Additionally, we observed an increase in vacuolization and residual bodies within the tissue. Conversely, the number of Sertoli cells and expression levels of Sox9, as well as the Ocln and Itgb1 genes, were found to be lowered. Conclusion Maternal exposure to phenanthrene impacts both germ cells and Sertoli cells, disrupting their function and leading to fertility disorders in male F1 offspring mice.

Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate the impact of a metal artifact reduction (MAR) algorithm on cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans of titanium and zirconia implants, both within and outside the field of view (FOV). Materials and Methods: In this in vitro study, a dry human mandible was positioned in a CBCT scanner with only its left quadrant included in the FOV. Each type of implant (titanium and zirconia) was placed once in the right second premolar extraction socket and once in the left second premolar extraction socket of the mandible. CBCT scans were acquired with and without MAR. Three regions of interest (ROIs) were defined in relation to a resin block, and the contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) was calculated for each ROI. Data were analyzed using 2-way analysis of variance with an alpha level of 0.05. Results: Application of a MAR algorithm significantly increased the CNR within and outside the FOV for both implant types (P<0.05). Relative to titanium implants, zirconia implants were associated with significantly lower CNRs in both positions (P<0.05) and generated more artifacts. Implant placement outside the FOV was associated with slightly lower image quality than positioning within the FOV, although this finding was not significant (P>0.05). Conclusion The results suggest that application of a MAR algorithm in CBCT significantly impacts artifactgeneration. Titanium implants exhibited significantly lower metal artifact generation compared to zirconia implants.Positioning either implant type outside the FOV, as opposed to inside it, slightly increased artifact generation;however, this was not statistically significant.

Objective: Scrotal hyperthermia poses a significant threat to spermatogenesis and fertility in mammalian species. This study investigated the effects of vitamin B12 and vitamin C on spermatogenesis in adult male mice subjected to long-term scrotal hyperthermia. The rationale is based on the sensitivity of germ cells and epididymal sperm to increased scrotal temperatures. While various factors, both internal and external, can raise the testicular temperature, this study focused on the potential therapeutic roles of vitamins B12 and C. Methods: After inducing scrotal hyperthermia in mice, vitamin B12 and vitamin C were administered for 35 days. We assessed sperm parameters, serum testosterone levels, stereological parameters, the percentage of apoptotic cells, reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, and glutathione (GSH) levels. Additionally, real-time polymerase chain reaction was used to analyze the expression of the c-kit, stimulated by retinoic acid gene 8 (Stra8), and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (Pcna) genes. Results: Vitamin C was more effective than vitamin B12 in improving sperm parameters and enhancing stereological parameters. The study showed a significant decrease in apoptotic cells and a beneficial modulation of ROS and GSH levels following vitamin administration. Moreover, both vitamins positively affected the expression levels of the c-kit, Stra8, and Pcna genes. Conclusion This research deepens our understanding of the combined impact of vitamins B12 and C in mitigating the effects of scrotal hyperthermia, providing insights into potential therapeutic strategies for heat stress-related infertility. The findings highlight the importance of considering vitamin supplementation as a practical approach to counter the detrimental effects of elevated scrotal temperatures on male reproductive health.

Objective: Scrotal hyperthermia poses a significant threat to spermatogenesis and fertility in mammalian species. This study investigated the effects of vitamin B12 and vitamin C on spermatogenesis in adult male mice subjected to long-term scrotal hyperthermia. The rationale is based on the sensitivity of germ cells and epididymal sperm to increased scrotal temperatures. While various factors, both internal and external, can raise the testicular temperature, this study focused on the potential therapeutic roles of vitamins B12 and C. Methods: After inducing scrotal hyperthermia in mice, vitamin B12 and vitamin C were administered for 35 days. We assessed sperm parameters, serum testosterone levels, stereological parameters, the percentage of apoptotic cells, reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, and glutathione (GSH) levels. Additionally, real-time polymerase chain reaction was used to analyze the expression of the c-kit, stimulated by retinoic acid gene 8 (Stra8), and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (Pcna) genes. Results: Vitamin C was more effective than vitamin B12 in improving sperm parameters and enhancing stereological parameters. The study showed a significant decrease in apoptotic cells and a beneficial modulation of ROS and GSH levels following vitamin administration. Moreover, both vitamins positively affected the expression levels of the c-kit, Stra8, and Pcna genes. Conclusion This research deepens our understanding of the combined impact of vitamins B12 and C in mitigating the effects of scrotal hyperthermia, providing insights into potential therapeutic strategies for heat stress-related infertility. The findings highlight the importance of considering vitamin supplementation as a practical approach to counter the detrimental effects of elevated scrotal temperatures on male reproductive health.

Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate the impact of a metal artifact reduction (MAR) algorithm on cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans of titanium and zirconia implants, both within and outside the field of view (FOV). Materials and Methods: In this in vitro study, a dry human mandible was positioned in a CBCT scanner with only its left quadrant included in the FOV. Each type of implant (titanium and zirconia) was placed once in the right second premolar extraction socket and once in the left second premolar extraction socket of the mandible. CBCT scans were acquired with and without MAR. Three regions of interest (ROIs) were defined in relation to a resin block, and the contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) was calculated for each ROI. Data were analyzed using 2-way analysis of variance with an alpha level of 0.05. Results: Application of a MAR algorithm significantly increased the CNR within and outside the FOV for both implant types (P<0.05). Relative to titanium implants, zirconia implants were associated with significantly lower CNRs in both positions (P<0.05) and generated more artifacts. Implant placement outside the FOV was associated with slightly lower image quality than positioning within the FOV, although this finding was not significant (P>0.05). Conclusion The results suggest that application of a MAR algorithm in CBCT significantly impacts artifactgeneration. Titanium implants exhibited significantly lower metal artifact generation compared to zirconia implants.Positioning either implant type outside the FOV, as opposed to inside it, slightly increased artifact generation;however, this was not statistically significant.

Objective: Scrotal hyperthermia poses a significant threat to spermatogenesis and fertility in mammalian species. This study investigated the effects of vitamin B12 and vitamin C on spermatogenesis in adult male mice subjected to long-term scrotal hyperthermia. The rationale is based on the sensitivity of germ cells and epididymal sperm to increased scrotal temperatures. While various factors, both internal and external, can raise the testicular temperature, this study focused on the potential therapeutic roles of vitamins B12 and C. Methods: After inducing scrotal hyperthermia in mice, vitamin B12 and vitamin C were administered for 35 days. We assessed sperm parameters, serum testosterone levels, stereological parameters, the percentage of apoptotic cells, reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, and glutathione (GSH) levels. Additionally, real-time polymerase chain reaction was used to analyze the expression of the c-kit, stimulated by retinoic acid gene 8 (Stra8), and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (Pcna) genes. Results: Vitamin C was more effective than vitamin B12 in improving sperm parameters and enhancing stereological parameters. The study showed a significant decrease in apoptotic cells and a beneficial modulation of ROS and GSH levels following vitamin administration. Moreover, both vitamins positively affected the expression levels of the c-kit, Stra8, and Pcna genes. Conclusion This research deepens our understanding of the combined impact of vitamins B12 and C in mitigating the effects of scrotal hyperthermia, providing insights into potential therapeutic strategies for heat stress-related infertility. The findings highlight the importance of considering vitamin supplementation as a practical approach to counter the detrimental effects of elevated scrotal temperatures on male reproductive health.

Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate the impact of a metal artifact reduction (MAR) algorithm on cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans of titanium and zirconia implants, both within and outside the field of view (FOV). Materials and Methods: In this in vitro study, a dry human mandible was positioned in a CBCT scanner with only its left quadrant included in the FOV. Each type of implant (titanium and zirconia) was placed once in the right second premolar extraction socket and once in the left second premolar extraction socket of the mandible. CBCT scans were acquired with and without MAR. Three regions of interest (ROIs) were defined in relation to a resin block, and the contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) was calculated for each ROI. Data were analyzed using 2-way analysis of variance with an alpha level of 0.05. Results: Application of a MAR algorithm significantly increased the CNR within and outside the FOV for both implant types (P<0.05). Relative to titanium implants, zirconia implants were associated with significantly lower CNRs in both positions (P<0.05) and generated more artifacts. Implant placement outside the FOV was associated with slightly lower image quality than positioning within the FOV, although this finding was not significant (P>0.05). Conclusion The results suggest that application of a MAR algorithm in CBCT significantly impacts artifactgeneration. Titanium implants exhibited significantly lower metal artifact generation compared to zirconia implants.Positioning either implant type outside the FOV, as opposed to inside it, slightly increased artifact generation;however, this was not statistically significant.

Microbial coinfections can increase the morbidity and mortality rates of viral respiratory diseases. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the pooled prevalence of fungal coinfections in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients. Web of Science, Medline, Scopus, and Embase were searched without language restrictions to identify the related research on COVID-19 patients with fungal coinfections from December 1, 2019, to December 30, 2020. A random-effects model was used for analysis. The sample size included 2,246 patients from 8 studies. The pooled prevalence of fungal coinfections was 12.60%. The frequency of fungal subtype coinfections was 3.71% for Aspergillus, 2.39% for Candida, and 0.39% for other. The World Health Organization’s Regional Office for Europe and Regional Office for Southeast Asia had the highest (23.28%) and lowest (4.53%) estimated prevalence of fungal coinfection, respectively. Our findings showed a high prevalence of fungal coinfections in COVID-19 cases, which is a likely contributor to mortality in COVID-19 patients. Early identification of fungal pathogens in the laboratory for COVID-19 patients can lead to timely treatment and prevention of further damage by this hidden infection.