Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
On the whereabouts of SARS-CoV-2 in the human body: A systematic review

Since SARS-CoV-2 appeared in the human population, the scientific community has scrambled to gather as much information as possible to find good strategies for the containment and treatment of this pandemic virus. Here, we performed a systematic review of the current (pre)published SARS-CoV-2 literature with a focus on the evidence concerning SARS-CoV-2 distribution in human tissues and viral shedding in body fluids. In addition, this evidence is aligned with published ACE2 entry-receptor (single cell) expression data across the human body to construct a viral distribution and ACE2 receptor body map. We highlight the broad organotropism of SARS-CoV-2, as many studies identified viral components (RNA, proteins) in multiple organs, including the pharynx, trachea, lungs, blood, heart, vessels, intestines, brain, male genitals and kidneys. This also implicates the presence of viral components in various body fluids such as mucus, saliva, urine, cerebrospinal fluid, semen and breast milk. The main SARS-CoV-2 entry receptor, ACE2, is expressed at different levels in multiple tissues throughout the human body, but its expression levels do not always correspond with SARS-CoV-2 detection, indicating that there is a complex interplay between virus and host. Together, these data shed new light on the current view of SARS-CoV-2 pathogenesis and lay the foundation for better diagnosis and treatment of COVID-19 patients.
Safety and Efficacy of an Enhanced Recovery Protocol After Hepatic Resection

Enhanced recovery protocols (ERPs) have shown to improve outcomes in multiple specialties and were recently applied to hepatic resections. The objective of this study was to determine the safety and efficacy of ERP in hepatic resection. Between 2013-2017, 208 patients underwent hepatectomy. The ERP included early ambulation, early oral intake, and multimodal analgesia. Primary study end points were hospital length of stay (LOS) and overall morbidity; secondary end points were return of bowel function (ROBF), 30-day readmission, and 90-day mortality. Major hepatectomies were selected for separate analysis. Overall, pre-ERP (N = 99) and ERP (N = 109) were similar in demographics. ERP patients had earlier oral intake and ROBF with similar overall morbidity. Although median LOS was 5 days, 43% of ERP patients had LOS ≤4 days vs. 27% in the pre-ERP cohort (P = .02). 30-day readmission was similar (12%), and 90-day mortality was 2.8% vs. 3.0% (pre-ERP vs. ERP, P = .90). In major hepatectomies, pre-ERP (N = 41) and ERP (N = 33) demographics and operative characteristics were similar. ERP patients had earlier oral intake and ROBF with similar morbidity and mortality. There was no significant difference in median LOS; however, 36% of the major hepatectomy ERP patients had LOS ≤4 days vs. 17% of pre-ERP patients, P = . 06. In conclusion, ERP can be safely implemented in hepatectomy, with earlier oral intake and ROBF, shorter LOS in some patients, and no increase in morbidity or mortality.
Printing-Based Assay and Therapy of Antioxidants

Antioxidants are essential in regulating various physiological functions and oxidative deterioration. Over the past decades, many researchers have paid attention to antioxidants and studied the screening of antioxidants from natural products and their utilization for treatments in diverse pathological conditions. Nowadays, as printing technology progresses, its influence in the field of biomedicine is growing significantly. The printing technology has many advantages. Especially, the capability of designing sophisticated platforms is useful to detect antioxidants in various samples. The high flexibility of 3D printing technology is advantageous to create geometries for customized patient treatment. Recently, there has been increasing use of antioxidant materials for this purpose. This review provides a comprehensive overview of recent advances in printing technology-based assays to detect antioxidants and 3D printing-based antioxidant therapy in the field of tissue engineering. This review is divided into two sections. The first section highlights colorimetric assays using the inkjet-printing methods and electrochemical assays using screen-printing techniques for the determination of antioxidants. Alternative screen-printing techniques, such as xurography, roller-pen writing, stamp contact printing, and laser-scribing, are described. The second section summarizes the recent literature that reports antioxidant-based therapy using 3D printing in skin therapeutics, tissue mimetic 3D cultures, and bone tissue engineering.
Quantification of the bone lacunocanalicular network from 3D X‐ray phase nanotomography images

There is a growing interest in developing 3D microscopy for the exploration of thick biological tissues. Recently, 3D X‐ray nanocomputerised tomography has proven to be a suitable technique for imaging the bone lacunocanalicular network. This interconnected structure is hosting the osteocytes which play a major role in maintaining bone quality through remodelling processes. 3D images have the potential to reveal the architecture of cellular networks, but their quantitative analysis remains a challenge due to the density and complexity of nanometre sized structures and the need to handle and process large datasets, for example, 20483 voxels corresponding to 32 GB per individual image in our case. In this work, we propose an efficient image processing approach for the segmentation of the network and the extraction of characteristic parameters describing the 3D structure. These parameters include the density of lacunae, the porosity of lacunae and canaliculi, and morphological features of lacunae (volume, surface area, lengths, anisotropy etc.). We also introduce additional parameters describing the local environment of each lacuna and its canaliculi. The method is applied to analyse eight human femoral cortical bone samples imaged by magnified X‐ray phase nanotomography with a voxel size of 120 nm, which was found to be a good compromise to resolve canaliculi while keeping a sufficiently large field of view of 246 μm in 3D. The analysis was performed on a total of 2077 lacunae showing an average length, width and depth of 17.1 μm × 9.2 μm × 4.4 μm, with an average number of 58.2 canaliculi per lacuna and a total lacuno‐canalicular porosity of 1.12%. The reported descriptive parameters provide information on the 3D organisation of the lacuno‐canalicular network in human bones.
Impact of diabetic hyperglycaemia and insulin therapy on autophagy and impairment in rat epididymis

Blood glucose dysregulation and hyperglycaemia caused by diabetes mellitus are intimately associated with male infertility. Two‐month‐old Sprague‐Dawley rats were given a single dose of streptozotocin (55 mg/kg) by intraperitoneal injection to induce type I diabetes mellitus (DM group). The treatment group was given 1 unit/day of insulin for 16 weeks (INS group). The normal control group (NC group) was given food ad libitum. In the DM group, the histological analysis of caput and cauda epididymal ducts showed broken stereocilia and more lipid vacuolisations in the principal cells. The interstitial hyperplasia and inflammatory cell infiltration were observed in epididymal tissues. Transmission electron microscopy observation showed that the principal cells in the DM group contained more vacuoles, partly lost stereocilia, and swollen mitochondria. The autophagosomes were observed as well. Western blotting results of LC3II/I and P62 protein expression indicated that autophagy was downregulated in the DM group. The total antioxidant activity and GPx5 expression of epididymal tissues were also decreased. In the INS group, significant improvements were observed in epididymal tissues. Our study suggests that diabetic hyperglycaemia causes autophagy dysregulation in epididymal tissues, which may play a role in diabetes‐induced rat epididymal injury. Insulin treatment is beneficial for diabetic‐associated epididymal dysfunction.
Mechanical Performance of Unstitched and Silk Fiber-Stitched Woven Kenaf Fiber-Reinforced Epoxy Composites

Fiber composites are known to have poor through-thickness mechanical properties due to the absence of a Z-direction binder. This issue is more critical with the use of natural fibers due to their low strength compared to synthetic fibers. Stitching is a through-thickness toughening method that is used to introduce fibers in the Z-direction, which will result in better through-thickness mechanical properties. This research was carried out to determine the mechanical properties of unstitched and silk fiber-stitched woven kenaf-reinforced epoxy composites. The woven kenaf mat was stitched with silk fiber using a commercial sewing machine. The specimens were fabricated using a hand lay-up method. Three specimens were fabricated, one unstitched and two silk-stitched with deferent stitching orientations. The results show that the stitched specimens have comparable in-plane mechanical properties to the unstitched specimens. For the tensile mechanical test, stitched specimens show similar and 17.1% higher tensile strength compared to the unstitched specimens. The flexural mechanical test results show around a 9% decrease in the flexural strength for the stitched specimens. On the other hand, the Izod impact mechanical test results show a significant improvement of 33% for the stitched specimens, which means that stitching has successfully improved the out-of-plane mechanical properties. The outcome of this research indicates that the stitched specimens have better mechanical performance compared to the unstitched specimens and that the decrease in the flexural strength is insignificant in contrast with the remarkable enhancement in the impact strength.
Multiple systems in macaques for tracking prediction errors and other types of surprise

Animals learn from the past to make predictions. These predictions are adjusted after prediction errors, i.e., after surprising events. Generally, most reward prediction errors models learn the average expected amount of reward. However, here we demonstrate the existence of distinct mechanisms for detecting other types of surprising events. Six macaques learned to respond to visual stimuli to receive varying amounts of juice rewards. Most trials ended with the delivery of either 1 or 3 juice drops so that animals learned to expect 2 juice drops on average even though instances of precisely 2 drops were rare. To encourage learning, we also included sessions during which the ratio between 1 and 3 drops changed. Additionally, in all sessions, the stimulus sometimes appeared in an unexpected location. Thus, 3 types of surprising events could occur: reward amount surprise (i.e., a scalar reward prediction error), rare reward surprise, and visuospatial surprise. Importantly, we can dissociate scalar reward prediction errors—rewards that deviated from the average reward amount expected—and rare reward events—rewards that accorded with the average reward expectation but that rarely occurred. We linked each type of surprise to a distinct pattern of neural activity using functional magnetic resonance imaging. Activity in the vicinity of the dopaminergic midbrain only reflected surprise about the amount of reward. Lateral prefrontal cortex had a more general role in detecting surprising events. Posterior lateral orbitofrontal cortex specifically detected rare reward events regardless of whether they followed average reward amount expectations, but only in learnable reward environments.
Electrical stimulation of the endopiriform nucleus attenuates epilepsy in rats by network modulation

Neuromodulatory anterior thalamic deep brain stimulation (DBS) is an effective therapy for intractable epilepsy, but few patients achieve complete seizure control with thalamic DBS. Other stimulation sites may be considered for anti‐seizure DBS. We investigated bilateral low‐frequency stimulation of the endopiriform nuclei (LFS‐EPN) to control seizures induced by intracortically implanted cobalt wire in rats.
Equine metabolic syndrome in UK native ponies and cobs is highly prevalent with modifiable risk factors

Abstract Background The epidemiology of equine metabolic syndrome (EMS) is poorly described. Objectives To estimate the prevalence of EMS in native UK ponies and cobs in England and Wales and identify associated risk factors. Study design Cross‐sectional study. Methods Breeders registered with UK native pony breed societies and registered riding schools and livery yards within a set radius were invited to participate. All native UK ponies and cobs aged 3‐14 years and not diagnosed or being treated for conditions likely to affect insulin regulation at participating premises were eligible. Animals underwent a clinical examination and an oral glucose test while their owner or keeper completed a questionnaire by face‐to‐face interview. Data were analysed by multilevel uni‐ and multivariable modelling using insulin concentration and EMS diagnosis as outcomes. Results A total of 354 animals were examined at 64 properties (19 studs, 19 livery yards, 26 riding schools). The overall prevalence of EMS adjusted for clustering within yard was 23.3% (95%CI 17.9%–29.8%). Risk factors associated with a diagnosis of EMS included age, being female, more sedentary main activity, obesity, and shorter periods on pasture during the summer. Compared to the Welsh section A, the other Welsh, Connemara and cob breeds all had decreased odds of EMS. Clinical manifestations of hoof growth ring and supraorbital fat scores of 3/3 were more frequent in EMS ponies and animals with a history of laminitis within the last 5 years (9.7%) were 14.4 (95% CI 5.9–35.3) times more likely to be positive for EMS than those without. Main limitations Results may not be transferable to other breeds or age groups. Conclusions Equine metabolic syndrome is highly prevalent in UK native ponies and cobs with modifiable risk factors including obesity and sedentary activities. Modifying risk factors could help reduce the risk of laminitis in susceptible animals.
The effects of aging on neural signatures of temporal regularity processing in sounds

Sensitivity to temporal regularity (e.g., amplitude modulation) is crucial for speech perception. Degradation of the auditory periphery due to aging and hearing loss may lead to an increased response gain in auditory cortex, with potential consequences for the processing of temporal regularities. We used electroencephalography recorded from younger (18–33 years) and older (55–80 years) adults to investigate how aging affects neural gain and the neural sensitivity to amplitude modulation in sounds. Aging was associated with reduced adaptation in auditory cortex, suggesting an age-related gain increase. Consistently, neural synchronization in auditory cortex to a 4-Hz amplitude modulation of a narrow-band noise was enhanced in ~30% of older individuals. Despite enhanced responsivity in auditory cortex, sustained neural activity (likely involving auditory and higher-order brain regions) in response to amplitude modulation was absent in older people. Hence, aging may lead to an over-responsivity to amplitude modulation in auditory cortex, but to a diminished regularity representation in higher-order areas.
Manipulation of Axonal Outgrowth via Exogenous Low Forces

Neurons are mechanosensitive cells. The role of mechanical force in the process of neurite initiation, elongation and sprouting; nerve fasciculation; and neuron maturation continues to attract considerable interest among scientists. Force is an endogenous signal that stimulates all these processes in vivo. The axon is able to sense force, generate force and, ultimately, transduce the force in a signal for growth. This opens up fascinating scenarios. How are forces generated and sensed in vivo? Which molecular mechanisms are responsible for this mechanotransduction signal? Can we exploit exogenously applied forces to mimic and control this process? How can these extremely low forces be generated in vivo in a non-invasive manner? Can these methodologies for force generation be used in regenerative therapies? This review addresses these questions, providing a general overview of current knowledge on the applications of exogenous forces to manipulate axonal outgrowth, with a special focus on forces whose magnitude is similar to those generated in vivo. We also review the principal methodologies for applying these forces, providing new inspiration and insights into the potential of this approach for future regenerative therapies.
BDNF Outperforms TrkB Agonist 7,8,3′-THF in Preserving the Auditory Nerve in Deafened Guinea Pigs

In deaf subjects using a cochlear implant (CI) for hearing restoration, the auditory nerve is subject to degeneration, which may negatively impact CI effectiveness. This nerve degeneration can be reduced by neurotrophic treatment. Here, we compare the preservative effects of the naturally occurring tyrosine receptor kinase B (TrkB) agonist brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and the small-molecule TrkB agonist 7,8,3′-trihydroxyflavone (THF) on the auditory nerve in deafened guinea pigs. THF may be more effective than BDNF throughout the cochlea because of better pharmacokinetic properties. The neurotrophic compounds were delivered by placement of a gelatin sponge on the perforated round window membrane. To complement the histology of spiral ganglion cells (SGCs), electrically evoked compound action potential (eCAP) recordings were performed four weeks after treatment initiation. We analyzed the eCAP inter-phase gap (IPG) effect and measures derived from pulse-train evoked eCAPs, both indicative of SGC healthiness. BDNF but not THF yielded a significantly higher survival of SGCs in the basal cochlear turn than untreated controls. Regarding IPG effect and pulse-train responses, the BDNF-treated animals exhibited more normal responses than both untreated and THF-treated animals. We have thus confirmed the protective effect of BDNF, but we have not confirmed previously reported protective effects of THF with our clinically applicable delivery method.
The cytologic and immunohistochemical findings of pancreatic mixed acinar‐endocrine carcinoma

The classification of epithelioid pancreatic neoplasms based on fine‐needle aspiration (FNA) is important for proper management, as distinction of pancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms from other similar appearing lesions can result in significantly different treatment. Mixed acinar‐endocrine carcinomas (MAEC) are genetically related to acinar carcinomas and are treated as such. We reviewed cases of MAEC to better characterize their cytologic and immunohistochemical features.
Effects of Social Isolation and Loneliness in Children with Neurodevelopmental Disabilities: A Scoping Review

Loneliness and social isolation have negative consequences on physical and mental health in both adult and pediatric populations. Children with neurodevelopmental disabilities (NDD) are often excluded and experience more loneliness than their typically developing peers. This scoping review aims to identify the type of studies conducted in children with NDD to determine the effects of loneliness and/or social isolation. Three electronic databases (Ovid MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsychINFO) were searched from inception until 5 February 2019. Two independent reviewers screened the citations for inclusion and extracted data from the included articles. Quantitative (i.e., frequency analysis) and qualitative analyses (i.e., content analysis) were completed. From our search, 5768 citations were screened, 29 were read in full, and 12 were included. Ten were case-control comparisons with cross-sectional assessment of various outcomes, which limited inference. Autism spectrum disorder, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, and learning disorder were the most commonly studied NDD. This review showed that loneliness among children with NDD was associated with negative consequences on mental health, behaviour, and psychosocial/emotional development, with a likely long-term impact in adulthood. Lack of research in this area suggests that loneliness is not yet considered a problem in children with NDD. More studies are warranted using prospective designs and a larger sample size with a focus on the dynamic aspect of loneliness development.
The Effects of Depth Cues and Vestibular Translation Signals on the Rotation Tolerance of Heading Tuning in Macaque Area MSTd

Abstract When the eyes rotate during translational self-motion, the focus of expansion (FOE) in optic flow no longer indicates heading, yet heading judgements are largely unbiased. Much emphasis has been placed on the role of extraretinal signals in compensating for the visual consequences of eye rotation. However, recent studies also support a purely visual mechanism of rotation compensation in heading-selective neurons. Computational theories support a visual compensatory strategy but require different visual depth cues. We examined the rotation tolerance of heading tuning in macaque area MSTd using two different virtual environments, a frontoparallel (2D) wall and a 3D cloud of random dots. Both environments contained rotational optic flow cues (i.e., dynamic perspective), but only the 3D cloud stimulus contained local motion parallax cues, which are required by some models. The 3D cloud environment did not enhance the rotation tolerance of heading tuning for individual MSTd neurons, nor the accuracy of heading estimates decoded from population activity, suggesting a key role for dynamic perspective cues. We also added vestibular translation signals to optic flow, to test whether rotation tolerance is enhanced by non-visual cues to heading. We found no benefit of vestibular signals overall, but a modest effect for some neurons with significant vestibular heading tuning. We also find that neurons with more rotation tolerant heading tuning typically are less selective to pure visual rotation cues. Together, our findings help to clarify the types of information that are used to construct heading representations that are tolerant to eye rotations.
Machine learning Classification of Dyslexic Children based on EEG Local Network Features

Machine learning can be used to find meaningful patterns characterizing individual differences. Deploying a machine learning classifier fed by local features derived from graph analysis of electroencephalographic (EEG) data, we aimed at designing a neurobiologically-based classifier to differentiate two groups of children, one group with and the other group without dyslexia, in a robust way. We used EEG resting-state data of 29 dyslexics and 15 typical readers in grade 3, and calculated weighted connectivity matrices for multiple frequency bands using the phase lag index (PLI). From the connectivity matrices, we derived weighted connectivity graphs. A number of local network measures were computed from those graphs, and 37 False Discovery Rate (FDR) corrected features were selected as input to a Support Vector Machine (SVM) and a common K Nearest Neighbors (KNN) classifier. Cross validation was employed to assess the machine-learning performance and random shuffling to assure the performance appropriateness of the classifier and avoid features overfitting. The best performance was for the SVM using a polynomial kernel. Children were classified with 95% accuracy based on local network features from different frequency bands. The automatic classification techniques applied to EEG graph measures showed to be both robust and reliable in distinguishing between typical and dyslexic readers.