Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Design, function and evolution in the wings of holometabolous insects

The wings of Holometabola are reviewed in functional terms. Two basic types, anteroposteriorly symmetric (‘symmetric’) and anteroposteriorly asymmetric (‘asymmetric’), are recognized and their modes of operation discussed. Most neuropteroids have asymmetric wings, whereas relative anteroposterior symmetry appears plesiomorphic for mecopteroids. Wing coupling has only occurred in lineages with wings of symmetric type, but anteroposterior asymmetry of the wing couple has later developed several times in association with improved, more versatile, flight performance. Coleoptera wings seem to have developed from predecessors of symmetric type, but their morphology is strongly influenced by the need to fold up at rest. Diptera provide an excellent illustration of the evolution of asymmetric, high‐performance wings from the symmetric, ‘mecopteran’ type. Asymmetric and symmetric wings can both be derived from less specialized types. Both are well represented as fossils from the Permian onwards, and these supply further examples of the evolution of asymmetry from the symmetric pattern.
Opioid Policy Changes During the COVID-19 Pandemic - and Beyond

The United States is currently in the midst of 2 public health emergencies: COVID-19 and the ongoing opioid crisis. In an attempt to reduce preventable harm to individuals with opioid use disorder (OUD), federal, state, and local governments have temporarily modified law and policy to increase access to OUD treatment and divert some individuals at high risk away from the correctional system. In this Commentary, we briefly describe how people with OUD are at increased risk for COVID-19, discuss existing policy barriers to evidence-based prevention and treatment for individuals with OUD, explain the temporary rollbacks of those barriers, and argue that these changes should be made permanent. We also suggest several additional steps that federal and state governments can urgently take to reduce barriers to care for individuals with OUD, both during the current crisis and beyond.
Cardiac auscultation skills among junior doctors: effects of sound simulation lesson

Objectives To evaluate the effect of a sound simulation lesson to improve cardiac auscultation skills among junior doctors. Methods This study is based on the design of test comparison before and after educational intervention using a convenient sample. For 50 junior doctors in Japan, diagnostic accuracy before and after a sound simulation lesson for cardiac auscultation skills was compared. There were 15 doctors who experienced cardiology rotation. The lesson used seven abnormal cardiac recordings (third heart sound, double gallop, aortic stenosis, aortic regurgitation, mitral stenosis, mitral regurgitation, and pericardial friction rub). At tests before and after the lesson, the doctors listened to random sound outputs of the same seven recordings, chose diagnostic findings from multiple-choice items, and obtained individual diagnostic accuracy based on the total number of choosing correct findings. Top 10 doctors obtaining the greatest individual accuracy received a commendation. Results Pre-lesson diagnostic accuracy was not different between doctors with cardiology rotation training (total diagnostic accuracy of the group, 27/105 [26%]) and those without cardiology rotation (70/245 [29%]). Compared to pre-lesson, post-lesson total diagnostic accuracy significantly improved with about two-folds (97/350 [28%] vs 170/350 [61%]; McNemar Test, p<0.0001). The improvement was significant for double gallop (5/50 [10%] vs. 15/50 [30%]), mitral stenosis (0/50 [0%] vs. 6/50 [12%]), and pericardial friction rub (1/50 [2%] vs. 35/50 [70%]). Conclusions The use of a simple sound simulation lesson may help junior doctors to learn cardiac auscultation skills. Clinician educators are encouraged to use this strategy in addition to cardiology rotation training.
Continuous flow system for biofilm formation using controlled concentrations of Pseudomonas putida from chicken carcass and coupled to electrochemical impedance detection

Abstract Most studies dealing with monitoring the dynamics of biofilm formation use microbial suspensions at high concentrations. These conditions do not always represent food or water distribution systems. A continuous flow system capable of controlling the concentration of the microbial suspension stream from 104 to 106 CFU ml−1 is reported. Pseudomonas putida biofilms formed using 100-fold, 1,000-fold or 10,000-fold diluted bacterial suspensions were monitored in-line by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and total plate counts. Randles equivalent circuit model and a modified Randles model with biofilm elements were used to fit the EIS data. In Randles equivalent circuit, the charge transfer resistance decreased as the biofilm formed. The log colony counts of the biofilm correlated to the charge transfer resistance. In the biofilm model, the biofilm resistance and the double layer capacitance decreased as the biofilm formed. The log colony counts of the biofilm correlated to the biofilm resistance.
Therapeutic effect of mesenchymal stem cells in an animal model of Alzheimer’s disease evaluated by β-amyloid positron emission tomography imaging

Objective: We evaluated the effects of bone marrow–derived mesenchymal stem cells in a model of Alzheimer’s disease using serial [18F]Florbetaben positron emission tomography. Methods: 3xTg Alzheimer’s disease mice were treated with intravenously injected bone marrow–derived mesenchymal stem cells, and animals without stem cell therapy were used as controls. Serial [18F]Florbetaben positron emission tomography was performed after therapy. The standardized uptake value ratio was measured as the cortex standardized uptake value divided by the cerebellum standardized uptake value. Memory function and histological changes were observed using the Barnes maze test and β-amyloid-reactive cells. Results: Standardized uptake value ratio decreased significantly from day 14 after stem cell administration in the bone marrow–derived mesenchymal stem cells–treated group (n = 28). In contrast, there was no change in the ratio in control mice (n = 25) at any time point. In addition, mice that received bone marrow–derived mesenchymal stem cell therapy also exhibited significantly better memory function and less β-amyloid-immunopositive plaques compared to controls. Conclusion: The therapeutic effect of intravenously injected bone marrow–derived mesenchymal stem cells in a mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease was confirmed by β-amyloid positron emission tomography imaging, memory functional studies and histopathological evaluation.
Effect of 1,3,5,8-tetrahydroxyxanthone on carcass characteristics and meat quality traits in pigs

Angiopoietin-like protein 3 (Angptl3) may promote adipose formation. The present study investigated the beneficial effect of 1,3,5,8-tetrahydroxyxanthone (Xan), a naturally occurring polyphenol agent, on carcass characteristics and meat quality in pigs and the mechanisms involved. Forty-eight Duroc × Landrace × Yorkshire pigs (65.3 ± 7.8 kg) were randomly divided into four groups: control group, untreated high lipid diet (HLD) group and two groups of HLD with Xan (1 or 3%). Forty-two days later, Xan (1 or 3%) treatment significantly increased percentage lean, loin eye area, colour, expression and activity of adipose tissue lipoprotein lipase activity and decreased percentage fat, backfat thickness, total cholesterol concentration, triglyceride concentration, and Angptl3 mRNA expression. The present results suggest that the beneficial effect of Xan on carcass characteristics and meat quality may be related to decreased expression of Angptl3 in pig.
Effect of selective IK,ACh inhibition by XAF‐1407 in an equine model of tachypacing‐induced persistent atrial fibrillation

Inhibition of the G‐protein gated ACh‐activated inward rectifier potassium current, IK,ACh may be an effective atrial selective treatment strategy for atrial fibrillation (AF). Therefore, the anti‐arrhythmic and electrophysiological properties of a novel putatively potent and highly specific IK,ACh inhibitor, XAF‐1407 (3‐methyl‐1‐[5‐phenyl‐4‐[4‐(2‐pyrrolidin‐1‐ylethoxymethyl)‐1‐piperidyl]thieno[2,3‐d]pyrimidin‐6‐yl]azetidin‐3‐ol), were characterised for the first time in vitro and investigated in horses with persistent AF.
Enzyme-mediated depletion of serum l-Met abrogates prostate cancer growth via multiple mechanisms without evidence of systemic toxicity

Significance The survival of many malignancies critically depends on l-methionine (l-Met) needed for S-adenosyl-methionine formation, protein synthesis, cysteine production, and polyamine synthesis. Partial dietary l-Met restriction or the administration of bacterial l-Met–degrading enzymes displays potent antitumor effects in multiple murine cancer models. Bacterial l-Met–degrading enzymes are problematic due to immunogenicity, and dietary restriction is not practical or desirable in some therpaeutic settings. Here we describe the development of an engineered human enzyme (hMGL-4.0) that reduces systemic l-Met levels and significantly inhibits the growth of multiple prostate cancer allografts/xenografts without weight loss or toxicity, even when administered for over a month. Our data suggests hMGL-4.0 represents a drug candidate targeting the l-Met metabolic vulnerability in prostate and other cancers. Extensive studies in prostate cancer and other malignancies have revealed that l-methionine (l-Met) and its metabolites play a critical role in tumorigenesis. Preclinical and clinical studies have demonstrated that systemic restriction of serum l-Met, either via partial dietary restriction or with bacterial l-Met–degrading enzymes exerts potent antitumor effects. However, administration of bacterial l-Met–degrading enzymes has not proven practical for human therapy because of problems with immunogenicity. As the human genome does not encode l-Met–degrading enzymes, we engineered the human cystathionine-γ-lyase (hMGL-4.0) to catalyze the selective degradation of l-Met. At therapeutically relevant dosing, hMGL-4.0 reduces serum l-Met levels to >75% for >72 h and significantly inhibits the growth of multiple prostate cancer allografts/xenografts without weight loss or toxicity. We demonstrate that in vitro, hMGL-4.0 causes tumor cell death, associated with increased reactive oxygen species, S-adenosyl-methionine depletion, global hypomethylation, induction of autophagy, and robust poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) cleavage indicative of DNA damage and apoptosis.
Protective effect of hypoxia inducible factor-1α gene therapy using recombinant adenovirus in cerebral ischaemia-reperfusion injuries in rats

Abstract Context Hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α)-induced genes can improve blood circulation. Objective To investigate brain protective effect of recombinant adenovirus-mediated HIF-1α (AdHIF-1α) expression and its mechanism. Materials and methods Male SD rats were used to establish focal cerebral ischaemia-reperfusion (CIR) injury models and randomly divided into normal, sham, CIR, Ad and AdHIF-1α groups. Ad or AdHIF-1α (108 pfu/10 µL) were administered into lateral ventricle of rats in Ad and AdHIF-1α groups. Modified neurological severity score (mNSS), brain water content (BWC) and cerebral infarct volumes (CIVs) were analyzed, and HE staining was performed using the brain tissues. Furthermore, the expression of caspase-3 and HSP90 was analyzed using qRT-PCR and Western blotting. Results Compared to CIR (mNSS, 8.52 ± 0.52; CIV, 0.22 ± 0.01) and Ad groups (mNSS, 8.83 ± 0.41; CIV, 0.22 ± 0.02), mNSS and CIV were significantly decreased in AdHIF-1α group (mNSS, 6.03 ± 0.61; CIV, 0.11 ± 0.01) at 72 h (p < 0.05). With prolonged reperfusion time (6 h to 72 h), BWC of all rats increased gradually, although the increase was markedly less in AdHIF-1α group (78.15 ± 0.16 to 87.01 ± 0.31) compared to that in CIR (78.77 ± 0.60 to 89.74 ± 0.34) and Ad groups (78.77 ± 0.35 to 89.71 ± 0.27) (p < 0.01). There were significantly greater pathological changes in the neurons in AdHIF-1α group at 72 h following CIR. Furthermore, expression of caspase-3 (p < 0.01) down-regulated and HSP90 up-regulated (p < 0.05) at mRNA and protein levels in AdHIF-1α group. Discussion and conclusions HIF‑1α gene therapy is neuroprotective towards the CIR rat model. HIF-1α may be a candidate gene for the treatment of ischaemic brain injury.
In vivo and in vitro observation of nasal ciliary motion in a guinea pig model

In vitro airway specimens are widely used to evaluate airway ciliary function. However, the function of in vitro ciliated cells may be far different from their actual in vivo physiological conditions. Due to the lack of a valid technique, direct images of in vivo airway ciliary motion have never been captured and analyzed before. This study aims to examine nasal ciliary motion in living guinea pigs with comparison to in vitro observation. Nasal septum mucosa was exposed in anaesthetized guinea pigs and directly examined using a digital microscopy system. The study included three parts: (1) measurement of ciliary beat frequency (CBF) of nasal mucosa at room temperature in living guinea pigs and immediately after death, and in dissected mucosa specimens/cells for comparison; (2) monitoring of nasal ciliary motion, CBF, and ciliary beat distance (CBD) over 12 h in both living guinea pigs and dissected mucosa specimens/cells; and (3) measurement of ciliary motion changes in responses to temperature variations. Compared with when the animal was alive, the CBF after death and in dissected mucosa specimens/cells was lower by about 20% (P < 0.05). CBF and CBD variation in living guinea pigs was within 10% over time. The slope of CBF/temperature profile was 0.18 ± 0.01 Hz/°C in living guinea pigs, 0.51 ± 0.02 Hz/°C for dissected mucosa specimens, and 0.48 ± 0.03 Hz/°C for isolated ciliary cells. The technique described in this study makes it feasible to study ciliary motion in living animals using the digital microscope system. Ciliary function changes immediately after death. Ciliary motion in a living animal is more stable over time and has a different response to temperature change as compared with in vitro observation results. Impact statement Cilia play an important role in the airway defense mechanism. So far, studies on ciliary function have mainly been based on in vitro methods. Images of in vivo ciliary motion are very difficult to capture. In this study, we describe a novel approach to observe and analyze nasal ciliary motion in living animals with comparison to in vitro observation. Such images of ciliary motion from living animals have not been reported to date. The result of the study indicates that in vivo ciliary physiological function differs from ex vivo and in vitro conditions in many ways, such as the stability over time and response to temperature variation. This is a good foundation for further in vivo analysis of airway ciliary physiological function in animals as well as humans.
3D bioprinting using hollow multifunctional fiber impedimetric sensors

3D bioprinting is an emerging biofabrication process for the production of adherent cell-based products, including engineered tissues and foods. While process innovations are rapidly occurring in the area of process monitoring, which can improve fundamental understanding of process-structure-property relations as well as product quality by closed-loop control techniques, in-line sensing of the bioink composition remains a challenge. Here, we report that hollow multifunctional fibers enable in-line impedimetric sensing of bioink composition and exhibit selectivity for real-time classification of cell type, viability, and state of differentiation during bioprinting. Continuous monitoring of the fiber impedance magnitude and phase angle response from 102 to 106 Hz during microextrusion 3D bioprinting enabled compositional and quality analysis of alginate bioinks that contained fibroblasts, neurons, or mouse embryonic stem cells (mESCs). Fiber impedimetric responses associated with the bioinks that contained differentiated mESCs were consistent with differentiation marker expression characterized by immunocytochemistry. 3D bioprinting through hollow multifunctional fiber impedimetric sensors enabled classification of stem cells as stable or randomly differentiated populations. This work reports an advance in monitoring 3D bioprinting processes in terms of in-line sensor-based bioink compositional analysis using fiber technology and provides a non-invasive sensing platform for achieving future quality-controlled bioprinted tissues and injectable stem-cell therapies.
The improbability of a muscular crinoid column

Donovan, Stephen K. 1989 07 15: The improbability of a muscular crirroid column. Lethaia, Vol. 22, pp. 307–315. Oslo. ISSN 0024–1164. It has sometimes been assumed that the stems of ancient crinoids were muscular. However, the only contractile fibres found in the stems of extant crinoids are in the cirri of isocrinids and comatulids. On uniformitarian grounds, it is improbable that any ancient crinoid had tissues in the stem that would have aided active orientation, apart from the non-muscular catch connective tissue. This conclusion is supported by a detailed functional analysis of the various forms of column and cirrus articulation. The axial canal has been seen as the probable site of any column musculature, but this is functionally impossible with symplexial and synostosial articulations, both of which are poorly adapted for muscular flexure. Columns that articulate synarthrially are much more flexible, but modern bourgueticrinids lack any stem musculature, despite having such stalks. The only crinoid columns that were functionally adapted to utilize contractile fibres were those of certain coiled-stemmed taxa, where the axial canal was not in the plane of the synarthrial fulcra. However, it is unlikely that such stems, even if muscular, possessed any advantage over a non-muscular column. The only pelmatozoans with a probable muscular column were not crinoids, but the glyptocystitid rhombiferans. *Crinoids, stem, columnal, cirrus, catch connective tissue, contractile fibres, functional morphology.
Monitoring subtoxic environmental hazards by stress‐responsive luminous bacteria

A novel approach to toxicant detection is described, based on monitoring bacterial reactions to environmental threats. In response to such stress, various defense mechanisms are turned on by initiating gene transcription at specific DNA sites known as promoters. To follow this transcription sensitively, such promoters were genetically fused in Escherichia coli to the lux (luminescence) genes from the bacterium Vibrio fischeri. The bacteria thus engineered now produce light in response to different environmental insults; this light is easy to measure and quantify. A wide range of promoters was utilized in this manner, to create over a dozen bacterial constructs that emit light in response to specific or general stress factors. The responses of four of these to defined chemicals and to wastewater samples are described. The threats reported by these bacteria include general and protein damage, DNA damage, and oxidative hazards (peroxides and oxygen radicals). Members of the tested panel exhibited very high sensitivity: generally, the luminescent response occurred at subtoxic doses of the stressing factor, and was evident within 20 min to 2 h after exposure. It is proposed that these bacteria, or others constructed in a similar manner, can serve as powerful early-warning indicators of environmental pollution, as well as monitoring tools for the operation of different industrial processes, from fermentation reactors to wastewater treatment plants. © 1996 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Structure, ecology and plant richness patterns in fragmented beech forests

Background: Landscape fragmentation constitutes one of the most severe causes of global biodiversity loss. Aims: We studied Fagus sylvatica forests with different levels of fragmentation to address the following question: do fragmented and non-fragmented forests present a similar floristic composition and richness, structural parameters and ecological features? Methods: Vascular plant species were randomly sampled based on a beech forest map classified into three fragmentation levels. We compared overall native and diagnostic species richness patterns of the different fragmentation levels using rarefaction curves and the ratio between diagnostic and all species curves. We also contrasted different fragmentation levels of beech forests, focusing on floristic information, structural parameters, standard ecological features and the distribution of edge and clearing species. Results: Rarefaction analysis showed two opposite trends: the diversity of diagnostic species decreased in fragmented forests as the overall diversity increased. In highly fragmented forests, we found significantly higher values for therophyte and phanerophyte frequencies, light Ellenberg indicator values and edge and clearing species diversity. Conclusions: The integration of floristic analysis, particularly of certain diagnostic groups, with structural and ecological studies is more sensitive and significant than species richness alone, and could offer useful information for forest conservation and management.
The influence of the duration of chronic unpredictable mild stress on the behavioural responses of C57BL/6J mice

The chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) model of depression in mice is a model commonly used to investigate stress-induced depressive-like behaviours. The duration of the stress-inducing procedure is variable, thus making it difficult to compare results and draw general conclusions from different protocols. Here, we decided to investigate how the duration of the CUMS procedure affects behavioural changes, body weight as well as the level of plasma corticosterone in stressed and nonstressed C57BL/6J mice subjected to CUMS for 18 or 36 days. We found that 18 days of CUMS induced a robust decrease in grooming time in the splash test and a significant increase in the immobility time in the tail suspension test (TST) and the forced swim test (FST). All of these stress-induced depression-related behavioural effects diminished or even disappeared after 36 days of CUMS. Plasma corticosterone levels were increased in the CUMS mice compared to those in the nonstressed mice. However, this effect was more pronounced in mice stressed for 18 days. On the other hand, a gradual decline in weight loss in the stressed animals was observed as the duration of the CUMS procedure increased. Altogether, the results indicate that 18 days of CUMS did not affect body weight but caused significant behavioural effects as well as a robust increase in corticosterone levels, while 36 days of CUMS induced significant reduction in weight gain but only slight or even non-significant behavioural effects. These results may indicate the presence of adaptive changes to the long-term CUMS procedure in C57BL/6J mice.
Potential of acid activated clays in the clarification of menhaden stickwater

Abstract The primary objective of this investigation was to determine the feasibility of using acid activated clays to clarify menhaden stickwater effluent. Experiments, such as physical and chemical properties determinations, effect of changes in pH and temperature and coagulation, and coagulation followed by clay treatment were also performed to study the separation of solids in stickwater. Analysis of the stickwater showed that it contained 4.5% crude protein, 1.4% crude fat, 6.5% total solids, 1.13% ash and 93.1% water. At a wavelength of 575 um, the sample absorbed all the light and the percent transmittance was zero. When diluted 1:100 the percent transmittance was 0.39 at the same wavelength. Measured at 25°C the sample had a viscosity of 9.0 centipoises. The results showed that the precipitation of fat increased with increasing temperatures, while the reverse was true for protein. A pH of 4.0 gave the maximum clarification at all temperatures employed. The viscosity decreased at pH values above an.