Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
No Difference in Outcomes Detected Between Decellular Nerve Allograft and Cable Autograft in Rat Sciatic Nerve Defects

Background: Nerve injuries with a gap/defect represent a clinical challenge without a clear solution. Reconstruction with cable autografts is a common treatment technique, and repair with decellular nerve allograft is a newer option. The purpose of this study was to compare the functional outcomes of reconstruction with cable autografts with those of matched-diameter decellular nerve allografts to evaluate the relative importance of diameter as well as the autograft-versus-allograft nature of the reconstruction. Methods: A unilateral 10-mm sciatic nerve defect was created in 81 genetically identical male Lewis rats and then repaired with a reverse autograft, 4 or 5 sural nerve cable autografts, or a matched-diameter decellular nerve allograft. In each group, at each time point (12, 16, and 20 weeks), all 9 animals underwent functional testing and 5 of the 9 underwent histologic analysis. Functional testing included bilateral measurements of the isometric tetanic force of the tibialis anterior (primary outcome), the weight of the tibialis anterior, and the gastrocnemius compound muscle action potential (CMAP) latency. Histologic evaluation included an axon count as well as measurement of the axon density, fiber diameter, myelin thickness, and G-ratio. Results: The repair groups did not differ significantly in terms of isometric tetanic force, muscle weight, or CMAP latency, but these measurements did differ significantly according to the time after surgery (p < 0.05). The isometric tetanic force percent recovery (width of the 95% confidence interval) for the reverse autograft, cable autograft, and decellular nerve allograft was 57.7% (15.6%), 57.0% (23.4%), and 56.0% (19.7%), respectively, at 12 weeks; 69.1% (14.7%), 65.6% (18.5%), and 65.9% (29.1%) at 16 weeks; and 72.5% (18.2%), 73.7% (25.6%), and 71.8% (22.4%) at 20 weeks. Isometric tetanic force and muscle weight recovery were greater and CMAP latency was shorter at 20 and 16 weeks after surgery than they were at 12 weeks. The treatment type did not affect any of the histologic outcomes. Conclusions: In this animal study, we found that matched-diameter decellular nerve allograft was not significantly different from reverse autograft or cable graft reconstruction in terms of function and histologic outcomes. These findings support decellular nerve allograft as a viable treatment option for nerve reconstruction. Clinical Relevance: This study showed that decellular nerve allograft was no different from cable or reverse autograft in terms of outcome measures in a rat sciatic nerve defect model. If these results are applicable clinically, it would obviate the need for autograft nerve harvest and its ensuing donor site morbidity.
Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction for Posttraumatic Stress Symptoms

Mindfulness-based psychotherapies are associated with reductions in depression and anxiety. However, few studies address whether mindfulness-based approaches may benefit individuals with posttraumatic stress symptoms. The current pilot study explored whether group mindfulness-based stress reduction therapy reduced posttraumatic stress symptoms, depression, and negative trauma-related appraisals in 9 adult participants who reported trauma exposure and posttraumatic stress or depression. Participants completed 8 sessions of mindfulness-based stress reduction treatment, as well as pretreatment, midtreatment, and posttreatment assessments of psychological symptoms, acceptance of emotional experiences, and trauma appraisals. Posttraumatic stress symptoms, depression, and shame-based trauma appraisals were reduced over the 8-week period, whereas acceptance of emotional experiences increased. Participants’ self-reported amount of weekly mindfulness practice was related to increased acceptance of emotional experiences from pretreatment to posttreatment. Results support the utility of mindfulness-based therapies for posttraumatic stress symptoms and reinforce studies that highlight reducing shame and increasing acceptance as important elements of recovery from trauma.
Argon Inhalation for 24 Hours After Onset of Permanent Focal Cerebral Ischemia in Rats Provides Neuroprotection and Improves Neurologic Outcome.

OBJECTIVES We tested the hypothesis that prolonged inhalation of 70% argon for 24 hours after in vivo permanent or temporary stroke provides neuroprotection and improves neurologic outcome and overall recovery after 7 days. DESIGN Controlled, randomized, double-blinded laboratory study. SETTING Animal research laboratories. SUBJECTS Adult Wistar male rats (n = 110). INTERVENTIONS Rats were subjected to permanent or temporary focal cerebral ischemia via middle cerebral artery occlusion, followed by inhalation of 70% argon or nitrogen in 30% oxygen for 24 hours. On postoperative day 7, a 48-point neuroscore and histologic lesion size were assessed. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS After argon inhalation for 24 hours immediately following "severe permanent ischemia" induction, neurologic outcome (neuroscore, p = 0.034), overall recovery (body weight, p = 0.02), and infarct volume (total infarct volume, p = 0.0001; cortical infarct volume, p = 0.0003; subcortical infarct volume, p = 0.0001) were significantly improved. When 24-hour argon treatment was delayed for 2 hours after permanent stroke induction or until after postischemic reperfusion treatment, neurologic outcomes remained significantly improved (neuroscore, p = 0.043 and p = 0.014, respectively), as was overall recovery (body weight, p = 0.015), compared with nitrogen treatment. However, infarct volume and 7-day mortality were not significantly reduced when argon treatment was delayed. CONCLUSIONS Neurologic outcome (neuroscore), overall recovery (body weight), and infarct volumes were significantly improved after 24-hour inhalation of 70% argon administered immediately after severe permanent stroke induction. Neurologic outcome and overall recovery were also significantly improved even when argon treatment was delayed for 2 hours or until after reperfusion.
Clinical and molecular characterization of neurofibromatosis in southern Brazil

ABSTRACT Objectives: Neurofibromatoses (type 1: NF1; type 2: NF2) are autosomal dominant tumor predisposition syndromes mostly caused by loss-of-function mutations in the tumor suppressor genes NF1 and NF2, respectively. Genotyping is important for correct diagnosis of these diseases. The authors aimed to characterize NF1 and NF2 variants in patients from Southern Brazil. Methods: Ninety-three unrelated probands with NF1 and 7 unrelated probands with NF2 features were recruited from an Oncogenetics center in Southern Brazil. Two next generation sequencing panels were customized to identify point mutations: NF1 (NF1, RNF135, and SUZ12 genes) and NF2 (NF2 and SMARCB1 genes). Large rearrangements were assessed by Multiplex Ligation-dependent Probe Amplification. Results: Sixty-eight heterozygous NF1 variants were identified in 75/93 probands (80%) and 3 heterozygous NF2 variants were identified in 3/7 probands (43%). In NF1, 59 (87%) variants were pathogenic (4 large rearrangements – 6%), 6 (9%) were likely pathogenic, 3 (4%) were variants of uncertain significance and 28 (41%) were novel. In NF2, all variants were pathogenic. No novel genotype-phenotype correlations were observed; however, previously described correlations were confirmed in our cohort. Conclusion: The clinical and molecular characterization of neurofibromatoses in different populations is very important to provide further insights into the pathogenesis of these diseases.
Acceleration sensor measurements of vibrations of the larynx in patients with vocal fold adduction deficiencies

in this study we investigate voice productions of normal speakers and patients with varying vocal fold adduction deficiencies using a noninvasive method to measure spatial vibrations of the larynx. the current version accv4 of our acceleration sensor device was used. The study’s primary goal is to find out whether lesions of vocal folds lead to additional spatial vibration modes compared to a non-disordered voice. our results allow to assume that the composition of spatial vibration modes at the skin over the cricothyroid ligament may depend on the symmetry of vocal fold movements.
Application of functional near-infrared spectroscopy to explore the neural mechanism of transcranial direct current stimulation for post-stroke depression

ABSTRACT Objectives: We investigated the neural mechanism of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) in the treatment of post-stroke depression (PSD) using functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS). Methods: Twenty-six patients with PSD were randomly divided into an experimental group receiving tDCS and a control group receiving sham stimulation. The anode and cathode were placed on the left and right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (PFC). Patients underwent fNIRS before and after treatment, combined with an emotional face sex judgment task and a ‘1-back’ working memory task to assess reaction times and relative concentration changes of oxyhemoglobin (Oxy-Hb) in the PFC. Results: Reaction times for faces showing positive emotions decreased after treatment in the experimental group (P < 0.05). For faces showing negative emotions, relative Oxy-Hb concentration changes in the PFC were higher after treatment (P < 0.05), but there was no significant difference between the experimental and the control group. Reaction times during the working memory task in the experimental group were shorter after treatment (P < 0.05), and there was a significant difference between the groups (P < 0.05). Relative Oxy-Hb concentration changes in the left PFC were significantly higher after treatment in the experimental group (P < 0.05), and concentration changes in the right PFC after treatment were significantly higher in the experimental than in the control group (P < 0.05). Discussion: tDCS may improve the processing of negative emotions and working memory in patients with PSD by enhancing aerobic metabolism in the PFC, thereby improving depressive symptoms.
A Review: Photonic Devices Used for Dosimetry in Medical Radiation

Numerous instruments such as ionization chambers, hand-held and pocket dosimeters of various types, film badges, thermoluminescent dosimeters (TLDs) and optically stimulated luminescence dosimeters (OSLDs) are used to measure and monitor radiation in medical applications. Of recent, photonic devices have also been adopted. This article evaluates recent research and advancements in the applications of photonic devices in medical radiation detection primarily focusing on four types; photodiodes – including light-emitting diodes (LEDs), phototransistors—including metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistors (MOSFETs), photovoltaic sensors/solar cells, and charge coupled devices/charge metal oxide semiconductors (CCD/CMOS) cameras. A comprehensive analysis of the operating principles and recent technologies of these devices is performed. Further, critical evaluation and comparison of their benefits and limitations as dosimeters is done based on the available studies. Common factors barring photonic devices from being used as radiation detectors are also discussed; with suggestions on possible solutions to overcome these barriers. Finally, the potentials of these devices and the challenges of realizing their applications as quintessential dosimeters are highlighted for future research and improvements.
A Comparison of Flavorless Electronic Cigarette-Generated Aerosol and Conventional Cigarette Smoke on the Survival and Growth of Common Oral Commensal Streptococci

Background: The use of electronic cigarettes (ECIG) has become very common. Consequently, critical analysis of the biological effects of ECIG aerosol deserves attention. Flavorless ECIG aerosol is known to comprise fewer harmful constituents than cigarette smoke. Therefore, we hypothesize that aerosol has less immediate effect on the viability of oral commensal streptococci than smoke. Methods: Survival and growth of four strains of commensal streptococci were measured after exposure to flavorless ECIG aerosol ± nicotine and smoke. Peristaltic pumps were used to transport aerosol or smoke into chambers containing recently seeded colony-forming units (CFUs) of the oral commensal streptococci on agar plates. Bacterial survival and growth, based on colony counts and sizes, were determined 24 h post-exposure. Additionally, aerosol or smoke were delivered into chambers containing pre-adhered streptococci to plastic coverslips and biofilm formation was determined 24 h post-exposure via scanning electron microscopy. Results: The results suggest that flavorless aerosol ± nicotine has a modest effect on bacterial growth both as colonies on agar and as biofilms. In contrast, smoke dramatically decreased bacterial survival and growth in all parameters measured. Conclusion: Unlike cigarette smoke, flavorless ECIG aerosol has only a small effect on the survival and growth of oral commensal streptococci.
Integrated Analysis of Transcriptomic, miRNA and Proteomic Changes of a Novel Hybrid Yellow Catfish Uncovers Key Roles for miRNAs in Heterosis*

mRNA-seq, miRNA-seq, proteomes of P. fulvidraco, P. vachelli, the hybrid Huangyou-1 livers were characterized. The nonadditive, HEB and ELD pattern were readily identified in transcriptional, post-transcriptional, or protein levels. Several predicted miRNA-mRNA-protein pairs were found and validated by qRT-PCR and PRM. Immune defense, metabolism, digestion and absorption, cell proliferation and development involved in the generation of the heterosis phenotype. The high parental genes/proteins coupled with low parental miRNAs of the offspring are inherited from the mother or father. Graphical Abstract Highlights mRNA-seq, miRNA-seq, proteomes of P. fulvidraco, P. vachelli, hybrid Huangyou-1. Predicted miRNA-mRNA-protein pairs were found and validated by qRT-PCR and PRM. Immune, metabolism, digestion, absorption, proliferation, development generate heterosis. High parental gene/protein with low parental miRNAs inherit from the mother or father. Heterosis is a complex biological phenomenon in which hybridization produces offspring that exhibit superior phenotypic characteristics compared with the parents. Heterosis is widely utilized in agriculture, for example in fish farming; however, its underlying molecular basis remains elusive. To gain a comprehensive and unbiased molecular understanding of fish heterosis, we analyzed the mRNA, miRNA, and proteomes of the livers of three catfish species, Pelteobagrus fulvidraco, P. vachelli, and their hybrid, the hybrid yellow catfish “Huangyou-1” (P. fulvidraco ♀ × P. vachelli ♂). Using next-generation sequencing and mass spectrometry, we show that the nonadditive, homoeolog expression bias and expression level dominance pattern were readily identified at the transcriptional, post-transcriptional, or protein levels, providing the evidence for the widespread presence of dominant models during hybridization. A number of predicted miRNA-mRNA-protein pairs were found and validated by qRT-PCR and PRM assays. Furthermore, several diverse key pathways were identified, including immune defense, metabolism, digestion and absorption, and cell proliferation and development, suggesting the vital mechanisms involved in the generation of the heterosis phenotype in progenies. We propose that the high parental expression of genes/proteins (growth, nutrition, feeding, and disease resistance) coupled with low parental miRNAs of the offspring, are inherited from the mother or father, thus indicating that the offspring were enriched with the advantages of the father or mother. We provide new and important information about the molecular mechanisms of heterosis, which represents a significant step toward a more complete elucidation of this phenomenon.
Functional analysis and importance for host cell infection of the Ca2+-conducting subunits of the mitochondrial calcium uniporter of Trypanosoma cruzi

We report here that Trypanosoma cruzi, the etiologic agent of Chagas disease, possesses two unique paralogues of the mitochondrial calcium uniporter complex TcMCU subunit that we named TcMCUc and TcMCUd. The predicted structure of the proteins indicates that, as predicted for the TcMCU and TcMCUb paralogues, they are composed of two helical membrane-spanning domains and contain a WDXXEPXXY motif. Overexpression of each gene led to a significant increase in mitochondrial Ca2+ uptake, while knockout (KO) of either TcMCUc or TcMCUd led to a loss of mitochondrial Ca2+ uptake, without affecting the mitochondrial membrane potential. TcMCUc-KO and TcMCUd-KO epimastigotes exhibited reduced growth rate in low-glucose medium and alterations in their respiratory rate, citrate synthase activity, and AMP/ATP ratio, while trypomastigotes had reduced ability to efficiently infect host cells and replicate intracellularly as amastigotes. By gene complementation of KO cell lines or by a newly developed CRISPR/Cas9-mediated knock-in approach, we also studied the importance of critical amino acid residues of the four paralogues on mitochondrial Ca2+ uptake. In conclusion, the results predict a hetero-oligomeric structure for the T. cruzi MCU complex, with structural and functional differences, as compared with those in the mammalian complex.
Expression of brain natriuretic peptide in the rat heart studies during heart growth and in relation to sympathectomy

Brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) might be of importance during heart development and is described to be increasingly expressed in congestive heart failure and to affect the progress of this condition. However, details in the normal expression of BNP are still unclear in various parts of the adult and growing heart, including the conduction system. In this study, we investigated the expression of BNP in relation to that of atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) in the growing as well as in the adult rat heart. The effects of chemical sympathectomy in adult rats were also examined. Contrary to previous BNP immunohistochemical studies, the BNP antiserum was preabsorbed with an excess of ANP before staining to abolish the crossreactivity with ANP. There was a pronounced BNP immunoreaction in the auricles, the trabeculated ventricular walls, and the peripheral parts of the conduction system at 0–1 days postnatally. The degree of immunoreaction gradually decreased with increasing age. A similar developmental pattern was seen concerning ANP expression, but the magnitude of the latter clearly exceeded that for BNP. Immunoreaction for BNP was never detected in the atrioventricular (AV) node and AV bundle at any stage. In contrast to the situation for ANP previously observed, no obvious changes in BNP immunoreaction patterns were observed in response to sympathectomy. This is the first study to thoroughly demonstrate the expression of BNP in the various regions of the rat heart during growth and in the normal and sympathectomized adult stage. The observations are related to possible functions of natriuretic peptides in the growing and adult heart. Microsc. Res. Tech. 64:30–42, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The PHLPP2 phosphatase is a druggable driver of prostate cancer progression

Nowak et al. show that loss of the AKT-inactivating phosphatase PHLPP2 paradoxically blocks prostate tumor growth and metastasis. PHLPP2, they find, is critical for MYC stability, suggesting that PHLPP2 inhibitors may present a therapeutic opportunity to target MYC.
The Effect of Winter Length on Duration of Dormancy and Survival of Rhagoletis completa (Diptera: Tephritidae) and Associated Parasitoids From Northeastern Mexico

Abstract The walnut husk fly Rhagoletis completa (Cresson), native to the Midwestern United States and Mexico, is invasive in California and Europe. It is one of the most important pests of walnuts in areas gathering 30% of the world production. Knowledge of life-history regulation is important for the design of management strategies. Research on dormancy has been performed on invasive populations, and not on populations at the southern extreme of its native range. Here, we examined the effect of winter length on fly and parasitoid emergence, survival, and duration of dormancy. Percent emergence was higher for chill periods at 5°C ranging from 8 to 20 wk. No or insufficient chill resulted in low emergence and a significant proportion of individuals in prolonged dormancy (>1 yr). Duration of dormancy was longer for pupae at constant temperatures and a 4-wk chill period than longer winter durations. Dormancy was longer for Mexican than that reported for U.S. populations, suggesting the existence of a latitudinal cline where populations at southern latitudes have evolved slower metabolic rates. Three parasitoid species were found associated with R. completa (Aganaspis alujai (Wharton and Ovruski) (Hymenoptera: Figitidae), Diachasmimorpha juglandis Muesebeck, and Diachasmimorpha mellea Gahan) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae). Results suggest that rearing of R. completa is possible by subjecting pupae to chill periods between 8 and 20 wk. Overwintering mortality of flies and A. alujai could be further reduced above 5°C. Our findings can contribute for the accurate development of predictive models on invasion potential, development, fly and parasitoid rearing, and biological control.
Associations of retinal microvascular caliber with intermediate phenotypes of large arterial function and structure: A systematic review and meta‐analysis

Intermediate phenotypes of microcirculation (retinal microvascular caliber) are associated with cardiovascular (CV) risk factors and independently predict CV events. However, the effect of microcirculation variation on the vascular system is unclear. We conducted a systematic review and meta‐analysis of observational studies to quantify associations of retinal microvascular caliber (arteriolar, venular caliber, arteriole‐to‐venule ratio) and preclinical CV measures (large arterial function and structure).
Modeling the Surface Field From an Ingested Radio Transmitter With an Approximate Attenuation Model for Gastroenterology Investigations

Objective: The precise location of an ingested radio transmitter/sensor is of importance in gastroenterology studies. Given the complex geometry of the gut and the very large variations in human size and electromagnetic characteristics, inverse modeling from surface-based measurements is very complex, and a unique location solution is not possible. This paper proposes a simple method based on far-field approximation of the attenuated field from the ingested transmitter. Methods: The validation experiments for an ellipsoid cylinder using averaged electromagnetic properties of the human gastrointestinal tract (conductivity 0.87 S/m, relative permittivity 62) and a Hertzian dipole radiator inside the body with a frequency of 433 MHz were conducted assuming a receiver dynamic range of less than 100 dB. Results: The surface field intensity distribution patterns and the amplitude ranges were established for different positions and orientation of the dipole in every segment of the tract. The reliability of the method was verified by comparison with finite-difference time-domain modeling. Conclusion: The method provides an analytical solution to estimate the surface field intensity depending on the dipole location and orientation with a negligible computational cost. Significance: This efficient algorithm can be incorporated into an inversion algorithm for localization of wireless endoscopy sensors to allow precise targeted treatment.