Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Histomorphological and Redox Delineations in the Testis and Epididymis of Albino Rats Fed with Green-Synthesized Cellulose

It has also become increasingly necessary to diversify the production of cellulose for biomedical applications. In this study, cellulose-green-synthesized from Sesamum indicum (GSC)—was administered orally to rats for 14 days as follows: control, 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg GSC. The impact of GSC on the antioxidant status and histomorphology of the testes and epididymis were studied. GSC had no effects on organ weights and organosomatic indices. In the testes, GSC caused nonsignificant changes in superoxide dismutase, catalase, reduced glutathione and nitric oxide levels, whereas it significantly decreased glutathione peroxidase and malondialdehyde levels. In the epididymis, GSC significantly decreased superoxide dismutase and nitric oxide levels, but caused a significant increase in glutathione peroxidase and reduced glutathione levels. Furthermore, at ×200 magnification, testicular morphology appeared normal at all doses, however, extravasation of the germinal epithelium of the epididymis was observed at doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg GSC. Conversely, at ×400 magnification, spermatogenic arrest (testes) and chromatolytic alterations (epididymis) were observed at the higher doses (200 and 400 mg/kg GSC). This study reports on the effect of green-synthesized cellulose on testicular and epididymal histology and redox status and further extends the frontiers of research on cellulose.
Bioinspired Ultrafast-Responsive Nanofluidic System for Ions and Molecules Transport with Speed Control.

The design of an intelligent nanofluidic system for regulating the transport of substances such as ions and molecules is significant for applications in biological sensing, drug delivery, and energy harvesting. However, the existing nanofluidic system faces challenges in terms of an uncontrollable transport speed for molecules and ions, and also a complex preparation processes, low durability, slow response rate. Herein, we demonstrate the use of a bioinspired ferrofluid-based nanofluid that can facilitate multi-level ultrafast-responsive ions and molecules transport with speed control. Specifically, we reversibly deform bulk ferrofluids using a magnet and wet/de-wet the outer surface of superhydrophilic nanochannels for building a smart transport system. By changing the direction and strength of the external magnetic field, a speed control, ultrafast-responsive molecular transport (< 0.1 s), and controlled current gating ratio are achieved owing to the different pattern changes of ferrofluids on the outer surface of nanochannels. We also illustrate a practical application of this strategy for antibacterial devices to control the transport of drug molecules in a programmed manner. These results suggest that molecules transport can be further complexified and quantified through an intelligent nanofluidic system.
Induction of UCP1 and thermogenesis by a small molecule via AKAP1/PKA modulation

Strategies to increase energy expenditure are an attractive approach to reduce excess fat storage and body weight to improve metabolic health. In mammals, uncoupling protein-1 (UCP1) in brown and beige adipocytes uncouples fatty acid oxidation from ATP generation in mitochondria and promotes energy dissipation as heat. We set out to identify small molecules that enhance UCP1 levels and activity using a high-throughput screen of nearly 12,000 compounds in mouse brown adipocytes. We identified a family of compounds that increase Ucp1 expression and mitochondrial activity (including un-coupled respiration) in mouse brown adipocytes and human brown and white adipocytes. The mechanism of action may be through compound binding to A kinase anchoring protein (AKAP) 1, modulating its localization to mitochondria and its interaction with protein kinase A (PKA), a known node in the β-adrenergic signaling pathway. In mice, the hit compound increased body temperature, UCP1 protein levels, and thermogenic gene expression. Some of the compound effects on mitochondrial function were UCP1- or AKAP1-independent, suggesting compound effects on multiple nodes of energy regulation. Overall, our results highlight a role for AKAP1 in thermogenesis, uncoupled respiration, and regulation energy balance.
Evaluation of disc degeneration adjacent to AOspine A fractures: pre- and post-operative MRI analysis

Introduction: The management of type A thoracolumbar fractures varies from conservative treatment to multiple level fusion. Indeed, although Magerl defined the type A fracture as a strictly bone injury, several authors suggested associated disc lesions or degeneration after trauma. However, the preservation of mobility of the adjacent discs should be a major issue. This study was conducted to analyze the presence of immediate post-traumatic disc injuries and to know if discs degenerate after receiving treatment. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the files of 27 patients with an AOspine A fracture, corresponding to 34 fractures (64 discs) with pre and post-operative MRI (mean follow-up: 32.4 months). Based on Pfirrmann’s and Oner’s classifications of disc injuries, two observers analyzed independently the type of lesion in the discs adjacent to the fractured vertebra in immediate post-trauma and at the last follow-up. Results: The immediate post-traumatic analysis according to Pfirrmann’s classification found 97% of the cranial adjacent discs and 100% of the caudal discs classified Pfirrmann 3 or less. The analysis on the secondary MRI revealed that 78% of cranial adjacent discs and 88% of caudal adjacent discs still were classified Pfirrmann 3 or less. Conclusions: Since, the great majority of type A fractures does not cause immediate disc injuries, these fractures are, as described by Magerl, strictly bony injuries. The quality of the body reduction seems to prevent secondary degeneration. These results may encourage surgeons not to perform arthrodesis on type A fractures even for A3 and A4.
The Role of Sense of Voice Presence and Anxiety Reduction in AVATAR Therapy

AVATAR therapy offers a unique therapeutic context that uses virtual reality technology to create a virtual embodiment of the voice-hearing experience, enabling the person to visualize their persecutory voice and engage in real-time “face-to-face” dialogue. The present study explores, for the first time, the contribution of sense of voice presence, together with session-by-session reduction of anxiety and paranoid attributions about the avatar, to changes in primary outcomes following AVATAR therapy. Data from 39 participants, who completed AVATAR therapy and attended a 12-week follow-up assessment, were analysed. Mid- to high-levels of sense of voice presence were reported across the therapy sessions, along with significant reductions of anxiety levels and paranoid attributions about the avatar. The interaction of sense of voice presence and reduction of anxiety was associated with two of the significant therapy outcomes: PSYRATS total and frequency of voices. The findings suggest that improvements in voice severity and frequency at post AVATAR therapy may be influenced by the combination of feeling less anxious in the context of a realistic simulation of the voice, while voice-related distress may involve additional cognitive and relational processes.
Recommendations for future university pandemic responses: What the first COVID-19 shutdown taught us

The SARS-CoV-2 epidemic challenged universities and other academic institutions to rapidly adapt to urgent and life-threatening situations. It forced most institutions to shut down nearly every aspect of their research and educational enterprises. In doing so, university leaders were thrust into unchartered waters and forced them to make unprecedented decisions. Successes and failures along the way highlighted how the autonomous nature of the American academic research enterprise and skillsets normally required of university leaders were ill-suited to mounting an emergency response. Here, as faculty from medical centers in the United States, we draw lessons from these experiences and apply them as we plan for the next possible COVID-19-induced shutdown as well as other large-scale pandemics and emergencies at universities in the United States and throughout the world.
12-Month changes of muscle strength, body composition and physical activity in adults with dystrophinopathies

Abstract Purpose Muscular dystrophy (MD) is an umbrella term for muscle wasting conditions, for which longitudinal changes in function and body composition are well established in children with Duchenne (DMD), however, changes in adults with DMD and Beckers (BMD), respectively, remain poorly reported. This study aims to assess 12-month changes in lower-limb strength, muscle size, body composition and physical activity in adults with Muscular Dystrophy (MD). Methods Adult males with Duchenne MD (DMD; N = 15) and Beckers MD (BMD; N = 12) were assessed at baseline and 12-months for body composition (Body fat and lean body mass (LBM)), Isometric maximal voluntary contraction (Knee-Extension (KEMVC) and Plantar-Flexion (PFMVC)) and physical activity (tri-axial accelerometry). Results 12-Month change in strength was found as −19% (PFMVC) and −14% (KEMVC) in DMD. 12-Month change in strength in BMD, although non-significant, was explained by physical activity (R 2=0.532–0.585). Changes in LBM (DMD) and body fat (BMD) were both masked by non-significant changes in body mass. Discussion 12-Month changes in adults with DMD appear consistent with paediatric populations. Physical activity appears important for muscle function maintenance. Specific monitoring of body composition, and potential co-morbidities, within adults with MD is highlighted. Implications for rehabilitation Quantitative muscle strength assessment shows progressive muscle weakness in adults with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy is comparable to paediatric reports (−14 to −19%). Physical activity should be encouraged in adults with Beckers Muscular Dystrophy, anything appears better than nothing. Body composition, rather than body mass, should be monitored closely to identify any increase in body fat.
Changes in matrix metalloproteinase-2 expression and its endogenous tissue inhibitor TIMP-2 in normal, dysplastic, and neoplastic lesions of the uterine cervix

Background Matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) and its tissue inhibitor TIMP-2 are important regulators of cancer invasion and metastasis. Objective The aim of this study was to assess the possible functional role of MMP-2 and its tissue inhibitor TIMP-2 in cervical cancer progression and to correlate the expression of these markers with some clinicopathological parameters in cervical squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Method Immunohistochemical staining of MMP-2 and TIMP-2 was carried out on 42 paraffin-embedded tissue sections of low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (LSIL; n=12), high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSIL; n=10), and invasive SCC of the uterine cervix (n=20), with adjacent normal cervical tissue (n=10) and HSIL (n=17). In SCC, the results were statistically correlated with different clinicopathological parameters. Results MMP-2 expression was increased in high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions Compared with LSIL, with major upregulation upon transition to invasive cancer (P⩽0.001). TIMP-2 retained its normal expression until the development of HSIL, with downregulation in invasive disease (P=0.01). Thus, the MMP-2 : TIMP-2 ratio increases with progression of intraepithelial lesions. MMP-2 expression showed nonsignificant association with tumor grade, tumor stage, and lymph node (LN) metastasis. However, TIMP-2 expression showed significant association only with negative LN metastasis (P=0.04). Conclusion MMP-2 and its tissue inhibitor TIMP-2 are involved in cancer invasion and metastasis. MMP-2 expression, when focally observed in HSIL of the cervix, may indicate tumor areas with an increased risk for invasive growth, whereas TIMP-2 expression in SCC may indicate negative LN metastasis.
Effects of hydrodynamic culture on embryonic stem cell differentiation: cardiogenic modulation

s. I know she will contribute a lot to the lab. Kirsten Kepple is the first Master’s student Todd has hired, and so far she’s adding a lot to the projects she’s working on. I’m sure her contributions will be many over the next year as she completes her Master’s Degree. And so to all of the students in the lab, I owe more than just thanks for good times; thanks also for your thoughts and questions about my work and science in general. It’s not just the students in the lab who have been ever so important to me over the years, but also research technicians and post-docs. First Beth Krauth helped get the lab organized as our first lab manager. I thank her for her help with staining protocols and ordering reagents, and she always seemed to know the latest departmental gossip. After Beth moved on, Marissa Cooke joined us, and she is an incredible researcher. She brought new expertise in proteomics, as well as some more food focus! I have enjoyed getting to know Marissa over the past year, and I know she will continue to do great work while raising a soon to be new family! (Congrats again Marissa). Jesse McClellon is the newest research technician, and I owe him at least one more bottle of wine for all the help he’s been with running my last round of PCR, as well as taking over the maintenance of the blasted rotaries. Thank you, thank you Jesse. Priya Baraniak was the first post-doc to join the McDevitt lab, and although I’m pretty sure she didn’t know what she was signing up for at the time, I think she’s come to appreciate the lab for what it is (very different from where she was). Priya added a whole new level of scientific knowledge. I appreciate her suggestions and concerns about my work, and I think her comments have improved my research. I also admire Priya for her candor and quick-wit; she’s always hilarious to be around, and I know she has so much to
Biosystematics of the annual species of the Mimulus guttatus species complex in British Columbia, Canada

The M. guttatus species complex consists of several morphologically and ecologically distinct taxa, which, for the most part, are able to intercross; this makes it both an evolutionarily fascinating group to study and a taxonomic nightmare. In this study I found that on one ecologically diverse hillside on Vancouver Island, British Columbia (B. C.), Canada, three distinct species of the M. guttatus species complex grow sympatrically. These three species included: 1) M. guttatus, a large flowered, facultatively annual diploid 2) M. nasutus, a small flowered, annual diploid, and 3) a small flowered, annual tetraploid to which a previous name could not be applied. This taxon has been named M. queue . In addition to the B. C. populations, M. nasutus and M. guttatus populations from California and M. queue populations from Oregon were also studied. Pre-zygotic crossing barriers reduce gene exchange between M. nasutus and M. guttatus. Both preand post-zygotic crossing barriers have effectively isolated M. queue from M. guttatus and M. nasutus. Under most growing conditions, the three taxa can be distinguished morphologically. However, when collected from dry habitats the two small flowered species are difficult to separate. Nineteen different measurements of the flower and calyx were taken. The ranges of all 19 measurements were overlapping for M. nasutus and M. queue. Medians were significantly different for calyx measurements, the difference between calyx length and pistil length and the difference in length of the upper and lower corolla lobes. Boxplot comparisons of the B. C. and California populations of M. nasutus revealed no significant differences in the medians of the floral measurements. Only one floral measurement was found to be significantly different when the Oregon populations of M. queue were compared to the B. C. populations of M. queue. Discriminant and principle component analysis grouped individuals moderately well into the proper species. Discrimination was poorest when very small flowers were
Bedside ultrasound in the management of critically ill patients; Echocardiographic signs of acute respiratory distress syndrome and pulmonary embolism can be very similar, and lung ultrasound can act as a key: A case report

Right‐sided heart failure (RHF) diagnosed at point‐of‐care‐ultrasonography examination of critical patients may reveal an acute disease, such as pulmonary embolism (PE), requiring emergency thrombolytic treatment. However, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and PE leading to acute RHF may exhibit very similar echocardiographic features. We report the case of a 27‐year‐old pregnant woman diagnosed with ARDS due to septic abortion, and in whom ARDS mimicked PE both clinically and on echocardiography. Such similarity may lead to inappropriate administration of thrombolytic therapy and/or delay the correct treatment. Lung ultrasonography may help avoiding this pitfall.
Anti-Biofilm Activity of a Low Weight Proteinaceous Molecule from the Marine Bacterium Pseudoalteromonas sp. IIIA004 against Marine Bacteria and Human Pathogen Biofilms

Pseudoalteromonas bacteria are known as potential bioactive metabolite producers. Because of the need to obtain natural molecules inhibiting the bacterial biofilms, we investigated the biofilm inhibitory activity of the marine bacterium Pseudoalteromonas sp. IIIA004 against the pioneer surface colonizer Roseovarius sp. VA014. The anti-biofilm activity from the culture supernatant of Pseudoalteromonas sp. IIIA004 (SNIIIA004) was characterized in microtiter plates (static conditions/polystyrene surface) and in flow cell chambers (dynamic conditions/glass surface). The Pseudoalteromonas exoproducts exhibited an inhibition of Roseovarius sp. VA014 biofilm formation as well as a strong biofilm dispersion, without affecting the bacterial growth. Microbial adhesion to solvent assays showed that SNIIIA004 did not change the broad hydrophilic and acid character of the Roseovarius strain surface. Bioassay-guided purification using solid-phase extraction and C18 reverse-phase-high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) was performed from SNIIIA004 to isolate the proteinaceous active compound against the biofilm formation. This new anti-biofilm low weight molecule (< 3kDa), named P004, presented a wide spectrum of action on various bacterial biofilms, with 71% of sensitive strains including marine bacteria and human pathogens. Pseudoalteromonas sp. IIIA004 is a promising source of natural anti-biofilm compounds that combine several activities.
Exome-Sequence Analyses of Four Multi-Incident Multiple Sclerosis Families

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an inflammatory demyelinating disease of the Central Nervous System (CNS). Currently, it is estimated that 30–40% of the phenotypic variability of MS can be explained by genetic factors. However, low susceptibility variants identified through Genome Wide Association Study (GWAS) were calculated to explain about 50% of the heritability. Whether familial high-risk variants also contribute to heritability is a subject of controversy. In the last few years, several familial variants have been nominated, but none of them have been unequivocally confirmed. One reason for this may be that genetic heterogeneity and reduced penetrance are hindering detection. Sequencing a large number of MS families is needed to answer this question. In this study, we performed whole exome sequencing in four multi-case families, of which at least three affected individuals per family were analyzed. We identified a total of 138 rare variants segregating with disease in each of the families. Although no single variant showed convincing evidence for disease causation, some genes seemed particularly interesting based on their biological function. The main aim of this study was to provide a complete list of all rare segregating variants to provide the possibility for other researchers to cross-check familial candidate genes in an unbiased manner.
Self-diagnosed COVID-19 in people with multiple sclerosis: a community-based cohort of the UK MS Register

In the early phases of the UK COVID-19 outbreak, in the absence of clear evidence about the risks for people with multiple sclerosis (pwMS) and those taking immunomodulatory disease-modifying therapies (DMT), we launched a community-based study as part of the UK MS Register (UKMSR). We intended to capture the picture of COVID-19 among pwMS and their risk of contracting the disease. Here, we report our findings from 17 March to 24 April 2020. The COVID-19 study (clinicaltrials.gov:NCT04354519) is a prospective observational cohort launched on 17 March 2020 as part of the UKMSR (Ethics:16/SW/0194). PwMS completed a specific COVID-19 related survey which was combined with data held from before the pandemic where available. The primary outcome of the study is participant-reported self-diagnosis of COVID-19. Participants were asked if their diagnosis was confirmed by testing—the available test in the UK was reverse transcriptase-PCR. Participants reported if their sibling without MS, closest in age who was not living with them, had self-diagnosed COVID-19. The likelihood of having COVID-19 was assessed using multivariable regression analysis with the variables: age, gender, ethnicity, MS duration and type, self-isolation and DMTs. DMTs were considered after stratifying based on moderate-efficacy versus high-efficacy therapies (table 1). Disability was assessed using the last recorded web-based Expanded Disability Status Scale (webEDSS) or MS Impact Scale v2 (MSIS-29v2). View this table: Table 1 Distribution of individual disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) among participants of the COVID-19 study As of 24 April, out of 3910 participants, 237 (6.1% (95% CI 5.3% to 6.8%)) reported self-diagnosed COVID-19 among whom 54 (22.8% (17.5% to 28.2%)) also had a diagnosis by a healthcare professional based on symptoms and 37 (15.6% (11.2% to 20.6%)) a confirmed diagnosis by testing. Three participants reported hospitalisation due to COVID-19. No deaths were reported. Among 1283 siblings without MS, 79 (6.2%) had a reported diagnosis of COVID-19. …
The Sub-Nuclear Localization of RNA-Binding Proteins in KSHV-Infected Cells

RNA-binding proteins, particularly splicing factors, localize to sub-nuclear domains termed nuclear speckles. During certain viral infections, as the nucleus fills up with replicating virus compartments, host cell chromatin distribution changes, ending up condensed at the nuclear periphery. In this study we wished to determine the fate of nucleoplasmic RNA-binding proteins and nuclear speckles during the lytic cycle of the Kaposi’s sarcoma associated herpesvirus (KSHV). We found that nuclear speckles became fewer and dramatically larger, localizing at the nuclear periphery, adjacent to the marginalized chromatin. Enlarged nuclear speckles contained splicing factors, whereas other proteins were nucleoplasmically dispersed. Polyadenylated RNA, typically found in nuclear speckles under regular conditions, was also found in foci separated from nuclear speckles in infected cells. Poly(A) foci did not contain lncRNAs known to colocalize with nuclear speckles but contained the poly(A)-binding protein PABPN1. Examination of the localization of spliced viral RNAs revealed that some spliced transcripts could be detected within the nuclear speckles. Since splicing is required for the maturation of certain KSHV transcripts, we suggest that the infected cell does not dismantle nuclear speckles but rearranges their components at the nuclear periphery to possibly serve in splicing and transport of viral RNAs into the cytoplasm.