Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Two Distinct Sets of Ca2+ and K+ Channels Are Activated at Different Membrane Potentials by the Climbing Fiber Synaptic Potential in Purkinje Neuron Dendrites

In cerebellar Purkinje neuron dendrites, the transient depolarization associated with a climbing fiber (CF) EPSP activates voltage-gated Ca2+ channels (VGCCs), voltage-gated K+ channels (VGKCs), and Ca2+-activated SK and BK K+ channels. The resulting membrane potential (Vm) and Ca2+ transients play a fundamental role in dendritic integration and synaptic plasticity of parallel fiber inputs. Here we report a detailed investigation of the kinetics of dendritic Ca2+ and K+ channels activated by CF-EPSPs, based on optical measurements of Vm and Ca2+ transients and on a single-compartment NEURON model reproducing experimental data. We first measured Vm and Ca2+ transients associated with CF-EPSPs at different initial Vm, and we analyzed the changes in the Ca2+ transients produced by the block of each individual VGCCs, of A-type VGKCs and of SK and BK channels. Then, we constructed a model that includes six active ion channels to accurately match experimental signals and extract the physiological kinetics of each channel. We found that two different sets of channels are selectively activated. When the dendrite is hyperpolarized, CF-EPSPs mainly activate T-type VGCCs, SK channels, and A-type VGKCs that limit the transient Vm ∼ <0 mV. In contrast, when the dendrite is depolarized, T-type VGCCs and A-type VGKCs are inactivated and CF-EPSPs activate P/Q-type VGCCs, high-voltage activated VGKCs, and BK channels, leading to Ca2+ spikes. Thus, the potentially activity-dependent regulation of A-type VGKCs, controlling the activation of this second set of channels, is likely to play a crucial role in signal integration and plasticity in Purkinje neuron dendrites. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT The climbing fiber synaptic input transiently depolarizes the dendrite of cerebellar Purkinje neurons generating a signal that plays a fundamental role in dendritic integration. This signal is mediated by two types of Ca2+ channels and four types of K+ channels. Thus, understanding the kinetics of all of these channels is crucial for understanding PN function. To obtain this information, we used an innovative strategy that merges ultrafast optical membrane potential and Ca2+ measurements, pharmacological analysis, and computational modeling. We found that, according to the initial membrane potential, the climbing fiber depolarizing transient activates two distinct sets of channels. Moreover, A-type K+ channels limit the activation of P/Q-type Ca2+ channels and associated K+ channels, thus preventing the generation of Ca2+ spikes.
Three‐dimensional ultrashort echo time (3D UTE) MRI of Achilles tendon at 4.7T MRI with comparison to conventional sequences in an experimental murine model of spondyloarthropathy

Due to the very short T2 of its components, the normal anatomy of Achilles enthesis is impossible to define with “conventional” long echo time (TE) T2 sequences. However, this is a common site affected by rheumatologic disease. Early abnormalities related to inflammatory processes are impossible to detect in this location.
Neglected Zoonoses and the Missing Opportunities for One Health Education: The Case of Cystic Echinococcosis among Surgically Operated Patients in Basrah, Southern Iraq

Cystic echinococcosis (CE) is recognized as a neglected disease of public health significance throughout the world, particularly in low and middle-income countries. The objectives of this study were to describe the characteristics, attitudes, knowledge, and practices of some Basrah province residents diagnosed with CE. Using a questionnaire survey, we interviewed 50 surgically operated cases of CE from Basrah, south Iraq. The cases comprised of 31 females and 19 males, of which 74% originated from rural areas. The questionnaire contained 30 questions and focused on gathering the demographic characteristics of the patients and capturing their overall knowledge, attitudes, and practices toward CE. Approximately half of the participants reported slaughtering livestock at home for their families’ consumption, 78% indicated the presence of a large number of stray dogs roaming freely about their village, 86% reported that they never boiled water before drinking it, and 26% reported not washing vegetables before eating them. Although a large proportion of the participants (72%) had heard of hydatid disease before becoming sick, over half (57%) were not aware of how the disease can be transmitted from animals to humans. This study highlights a gap in One Health education efforts regarding CE in southern Iraq, with a lack of counselling of patients on how to prevent reinfection. An intensive One Health education program should be implemented in Basrah to reduce CE at the human–animal interface. Lack of awareness on zoonoses among medical professionals, who are supposed to disseminate advice on preventative measures to their patients, is a challenge to the public health system.
Differential regulation of RNA polymerase III genes during liver regeneration

Abstract Mouse liver regeneration after partial hepatectomy involves cells in the remaining tissue synchronously entering the cell division cycle. We have used this system and H3K4me3, Pol II and Pol III profiling to characterize adaptations in Pol III transcription. Our results broadly define a class of genes close to H3K4me3 and Pol II peaks, whose Pol III occupancy is high and stable, and another class, distant from Pol II peaks, whose Pol III occupancy strongly increases after partial hepatectomy. Pol III regulation in the liver thus entails both highly expressed housekeeping genes and genes whose expression can adapt to increased demand.
Processability and Degradability of PHA-Based Composites in Terrestrial Environments

In this work, composites based on poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHB-HV) and waste wood sawdust (SD) fibers, a byproduct of the wood industry, were produced by melt extrusion and characterized in terms of processability, thermal stability, morphology, and mechanical properties in order to discriminate the formulations suitable for injection molding. Given their application in agriculture and/or plant nursery, the biodegradability of the optimized composites was investigated under controlled composting conditions in accordance with standard methods (ASTM D5338-98 and ISO 20200-2004). The optimized PHB-HV/SD composites were used for the production of pots by injection molding and their performance was qualitatively monitored in a plant nursery and underground for 14 months. This study presents a sustainable option of valuation of wood factory residues and lowering the production cost of PHB-HV-based compounds without affecting their mechanical properties, improving their impact resistance and biodegradability rates in terrestrial environments.
Intraduodenal Administration of L-Valine Has No Effect on Antropyloroduodenal Pressures, Plasma Cholecystokinin Concentrations or Energy Intake in Healthy, Lean Men

Whey protein is rich in the branched-chain amino acids, L-leucine, L-isoleucine and L-valine. Thus, branched-chain amino acids may, at least in part, mediate the effects of whey to reduce energy intake and/or blood glucose. Notably, 10 g of either L-leucine or L-isoleucine, administered intragastrically before a mixed-nutrient drink, lowered postprandial blood glucose, and intraduodenal infusion of L-leucine (at a rate of 0.45 kcal/min, total: 9.9 g) lowered fasting blood glucose and reduced energy intake from a subsequent meal. Whether L-valine affects energy intake, and the gastrointestinal functions involved in the regulation of energy intake, as well as blood glucose, in humans, is currently unknown. We investigated the effects of intraduodenally administered L-valine on antropyloroduodenal pressures, plasma cholecystokinin, blood glucose and energy intake. Twelve healthy lean men (age: 29 ± 2 years, BMI: 22.5 ± 0.7 kg/m2) were studied on 3 separate occasions in randomised, double-blind order. Antropyloroduodenal pressures, plasma cholecystokinin, blood glucose, appetite perceptions and gastrointestinal symptoms were measured during 90-min intraduodenal infusions of L-valine at 0.15 kcal/min (total: 3.3 g) or 0.45 kcal/min (total: 9.9 g), or 0.9% saline (control). Energy intake from a buffet-meal immediately after the infusions was quantified. L-valine did not affect antral, pyloric (mean number; control: 14 ± 5; L-Val-0.15: 21 ± 9; L-Val-0.45: 11 ± 4), or duodenal pressures, plasma cholecystokinin (mean concentration, pmol/L; control: 3.1 ± 0.3; L-Val-0.15: 3.2 ± 0.3; L-Val-0.45: 3.0 ± 0.3), blood glucose, appetite perceptions, symptoms or energy intake (kcal; control: 1040 ± 73; L-Val-0.15: 1040 ± 81; L-Val-0.45: 1056 ± 100), at either load (p > 0.05 for all). In conclusion, intraduodenal infusion of L-valine, at loads that are moderately (3.3 g) or substantially (9.9 g) above World Health Organization valine requirement recommendations, does not appear to have energy intake- or blood glucose-lowering effects.
Systematic Study of the SiOx Film with Different Stoichiometry by Plasma-Enhanced Atomic Layer Deposition and Its Application in SiOx/SiO2 Super-Lattice

Atomic scale control of the thickness of thin film makes atomic layer deposition highly advantageous in the preparation of high quality super-lattices. However, precisely controlling the film chemical stoichiometry is very challenging. In this study, we deposited SiOx film with different stoichiometry by plasma enhanced atomic layer deposition. After reviewing various deposition parameters like temperature, precursor pulse time, and gas flow, the silicon dioxides of stoichiometric (SiO2) and non-stoichiometric (SiO1.8 and SiO1.6) were successfully fabricated. X-ray photo-electron spectroscopy was first employed to analyze the element content and chemical bonding energy of these films. Then the morphology, structure, composition, and optical characteristics of SiOx film were systematically studied through atomic force microscope, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray reflection, and spectroscopic ellipsometry. The experimental results indicate that both the mass density and refractive index of SiO1.8 and SiO1.6 are less than SiO2 film. The energy band-gap is approved by spectroscopic ellipsometry data and X-ray photo-electron spectroscopy O 1s analysis. The results demonstrate that the energy band-gap decreases as the oxygen concentration decreases in SiOx film. After we obtained the Si-rich silicon oxide film deposition, the SiO1.6/SiO2 super-lattices was fabricated and its photoluminescence (PL) property was characterized by PL spectra. The weak PL intensity gives us greater awareness that more research is needed in order to decrease the x of SiOx film to a larger extent through further optimizing plasma-enhanced atomic layer deposition processes, and hence improve the photoluminescence properties of SiOx/SiO2 super-lattices.
Three-Dimensional Porous Ti3C2Tx-NiO Composite Electrodes with Enhanced Electrochemical Performance for Supercapacitors

Ti3C2Tx and Ti3C2Tx-NiO composites with three-dimensional (3D) porous networks were successfully fabricated via vacuum freeze-drying. The microstructure, absorption, and electrochemical properties of the developed composites were investigated. Nickel oxide (NiO) nanoparticles could be evenly distributed on the three-dimensional network of three-dimensional Ti3C2Tx using solution processing. When employed as electrochemical capacitor electrodes in 1 M environmentally friendly sodium sulfate, Na2SO4, solution, the three-dimensional porous Ti3C2Tx-NiO composite electrodes exhibited considerable volume specific capacitance as compared to three-dimensional porous Ti3C2Tx. The three-dimensional porous Ti3C2Tx-NiO composite delivered a remarkable cycling performance with a capacitance retention of up to 114% over 2500 cycles. The growth trend of the capacitance with NiO content shows that nickel oxide plays a crucial role in the composite electrodes. These results present a roadmap for the development of convenient and economical supercapacitors in consideration with the possibilities of morphological control and the extensibility of the process.
Dönüt Verme ve Düzeltme Türlerinin Altıncı Sınıf Öğrencilerinin Yazma Becerisine Etkisi

Oz: Bu arastirma, ogretme surecinde ogrencilere donut verme ve duzeltmenin yazma becerisine etkisini incelemek amaciyla yapilmistir. Arastirma 2015-2016 ogretim yili guz doneminde Kahramanmaras ilinde bir ortaokulda 115 altinci sinif ogrencisi ile gerceklestirilmistir. Arastirmada karma yontem kullanilmistir. Nicel veriler Ozkara (2007) tarafindan Turkceye uyarlanan “6+1 Analitik Yazma ve Degerlendirme Rubrigi” kullanilarak SPSS 21.00 paket programina aktarilarak analiz edilmistir. Arastirmanin nitel verileri ise icerik analizi yontemiyle analiz edilmeye calisilmistir. Bu kapsamda ele alinan veriler Kuckartz’in (2014) bes asamali icerik analizi yontemi kullanilarak analiz edilmistir. Arastirmanin amacina bagli olarak uc grup olusturulmustur. Calismada A grubuna donut ve duzeltme, B grubuna sadece donut verme, C grubuna ise puanlari belirtilmistir. Arastirmada elde edilen bulgulara gore, yazma basarisi B-C gruplarina gore A grubu lehine anlamli farklilik gosterdigi; B ve C gruplari arasinda da B grubu lehine anlamli farklilik oldugu tespit edilmistir. A grubu ogrencilerinde cinsiyete gore kizlar lehine yazma basarisinda farklilik oldugu, akademik basariya gore farklilik olmadigi tespit edilmistir. Icerik analizi sonucunda da C grubuna gore A ve B grubu lehine; A ve B gruplari arasinda A grubu lehine anlamli bir farklilik oldugu tespit edilmistir.
Comparison of Four MMPI-2 Validity Scales in Identifying Invalid Neurocognitive Dysfunction in Traumatic Brain Injury Litigants

Four Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2 (MMPI-2) validity scales, the F Scale, Symptom Validity Scale (FBS), Henry-Heilbronner Index (HHI), and Response Bias Scale (RBS), were evaluated in 60 personal injury litigants who sustained a traumatic brain injury (TBI). Based on a modified Slick, Sherman, and Iverson (1999) diagnostic criteria for malingered neurocognitive dysfunction and utilizing test-effort measures embedded in standard neuropsychological testing, a group of 23 patients with probable invalid neurocognitive dysfunction (PI) and a comparable group of 37 patients with noninvalid neurocognitive dysfunction were identified and compared with respect to their MMPI-2 validity scale scores. Logistic regression analyses, receiver-operating characteristic curve and area under the curve analyses, as well as sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value analyses all revealed that RBS performed better than F, FBS, and HHI in classifying PIs. The present results add to a number of recent studies that suggest that RBS is a useful predictor of symptom validity failure and probable neuropsychological malingering among litigating TBI patients. The study also encourages further research employing embedded test-effort measures in classifying invalid neurocognitive dysfunction per the Slick et al. diagnostic criteria.
Post-exercise cold-water immersion improves the performance in a subsequent 5-km running trial

ABSTRACT Various post-exercise strategies have been proposed to accelerate recovery during periods of training. However, the effects of water immersion (WI) temperature on recovery amid multiple daily exercise bouts are not well investigated. PURPOSE: To evaluate the effects of cold and warm water immersion temperatures between acute exercise bouts vs. no WI recovery on running performance. METHODS: Nine recreationally trained men (age: 24.0 ± 6.0 years old) participated in four experimental sessions using a crossover design. Each experimental session consisted of unilateral eccentric knee flexion exercise and 90 min of treadmill running at 70% of peak oxygen consumption followed by 15 min of WI at 15°C, 28°C or 38°C or passive recovery seated at room temperature (CON). Four hours following WI or CON, subjects completed a 5 km running time trial. Rectal temperature (Trec), heart rate, and excess post-exercise oxygen consumption (EPOC) were measured. RESULTS: Statistical analyses indicated that time trial performance was not affected by post-exercise recovery by WI (P > .05). The magnitude-based inferences indicated that 15°C (+ 3.6 ± 7.8%) likely and 28°C (+ 3.2 ± 7.5%) possibly improved recovery compared with CON, while the effect of 38°C (- 0.1 ± 12.3%) on recovery was unclear. During WI, heart rate and rectal temperature were not different from CON, but EPOC was higher in 15°C and 28°C compared to CON. Trec in 15°C was lower than CON from the 15th min post WI. EPOC was also greater in 15°C post WI compared to CON. CONCLUSION: WI at 15°C and 28°C following acute exercise likely and possibly, respectively, improved subsequent 5 km running time trial performance. We speculate that the faster recovery in core temperature post-exercise may underlie these improvements in recovery.
Mid‐P confidence intervals for group testing based on the total number of positive groups

In the estimation of proportions by group testing, unequal sized groups results in an ambiguous ordering of the sample space, which complicates the construction of exact confidence intervals. The total number of positive groups is shown to be a suitable statistic for ordering outcomes, provided its ties are broken by the MLE. We propose an interval estimation method based on this quantity, with a mid‐P correction. Coverage is evaluated using group testing problems in plant disease assessment and virus transmission by insect vectors. The proposed method provides good coverage in a range of situations, and compares favorably with existing exact methods.
RNA-binding proteins distinguish between similar sequence motifs to promote targeted deadenylation by Ccr4-Not

The Ccr4-Not complex removes mRNA poly(A) tails to regulate eukaryotic mRNA stability and translation. RNA-binding proteins contribute to specificity by interacting with both Ccr4-Not and target mRNAs, but this is not fully understood. Here, we reconstitute accelerated and selective deadenylation of RNAs containing AU-rich elements (AREs) and Pumilio-response elements (PREs). We find that the fission yeast homologues of Tristetraprolin/TTP and Pumilio/Puf (Zfs1 and Puf3) interact with Ccr4-Not via multiple regions within low-complexity sequences, suggestive of a multipartite interface that extends beyond previously defined interactions. Using a two-color assay to simultaneously monitor poly(A) tail removal from different RNAs, we demonstrate that Puf3 can distinguish between RNAs of very similar sequence. Analysis of binding kinetics reveals that this is primarily due to differences in dissociation rate constants. Consequently, motif quality is a major determinant of mRNA stability for Puf3 targets in vivo and can be used for the prediction of mRNA targets.
Mechanical, chemical and antimicrobial properties of a bisphenol A-free pit-and-fissure sealant.

PURPOSE To evaluate, in vitro, mechanical, chemical and antimicrobial properties of Embrace Wetbond bisphenol A (BPA)-free pit-and-fissure sealant. METHODS For the shear bond strength and microleakage tests, 135 healthy third molars were randomly divided into six groups, according to sealant [Fluroshield (FS) and Embrace Wetbond (EWB)] and contamination conditions (no contamination, contamination with saliva and contamination with water). In addition, EWB sealant was subjected to the following analyses: fluoride release using direct potentiometry, antimicrobial activity using the agar well diffusion method and quantification of BPA using gas chromatography and mass spectrometry. Data were analyzed statistically by ANOVA, Kruskal-Wallis test, Tukey's post-test, Dunn's post-test and Bonferroni post-test (α= 0.05). RESULTS For shear bond strength, there was a statistically significant difference among the groups (P< 0.05), and FS presented the best results. Analysis of the microleakage results showed statistically significant differences among the groups (P< 0.05), except for EWB non-contaminated, contaminated with saliva, and contaminated with water (P> 0.05). FS without contamination presented the lowest microleakage of all groups (P< 0.05), followed by FS contaminated with saliva, and three groups in which EWB was used under different conditions. FS contaminated with water presented the highest microleakage (P< 0.05). EWB showed higher fluoride release in water and artificial saliva on the first day (P< 0.05). EWB had greater antimicrobial activity than FS. BPA and Bis-GMA were not detected in EWB. When used according to the manufacturer's instructions (i.e., under conditions of moisture contamination), EWB showed high fluoride release, high antimicrobial activity, no release of BPA or Bis-GMA and shear bond strength close to the minimum acceptable value. However, this sealant presented statistically significantly more microleakage than the other tested materials. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE Knowing the adverse effects of BPA in the body, the present study has clinical relevance since it demonstrates some mechanical, chemical and antimicrobial properties of a BPA-free pit-and-fissure sealant.
Medication Adherence In Post Myocardial Infarction Patients.

BACKGROUND Medication non-adherence after acute myocardial infarction is a global problem causing increased morbidity and mortality. This multifaceted problem has not been well studied in our part of the world. Our study aimed to determine the burden of medication non-adherence in post myocardial infarction patients. METHODS This cross-sectional study was conducted at National Institute of Cardiovascular disease, Karachi, from December 2016 to June 2017. A total of 350 patients were included at the time of discharge after their first myocardial infarction (MI) of which follow up was completed for 315 patients. Baseline characteristics and discharged drug data were collected for each individual. Patients were called at 7th day, 1 and 3months post discharge and were assessed for the medication adherence using Morisky medication adherence scale. They were stratified accordingly into self-reported high, moderate and low groups. Chi- square test was used to determine significant relationship between variables. The level of significance was set at level of p-value ≤0.05. RESULTS Among 315 patients, only 45% patients were adherent to prescribed drugs at 7th day follow up and the adherence further reduces to 19% at 3rd post MI month (p-value <0.001). High income, male gender, and presence of partner persistently showed significantly higher medication adherence. Factors like younger age, addiction and advance education showed higher adherence only in early follow up periods. However, presence of comorbidities, intervention and specific diagnosis had no significant impact. The most common stated reasons for non-adherence were forgetfulness and poor understanding of drugs. CONCLUSIONS Adherence to prescribed medication in post myocardial infarction patients was found to be strikingly suboptimal, contributed by multiple factors. Modification of these factors would likely improve patient adherence to medication and eventually long-term outcome.