Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Three-Dimensional Culture of Mouse Spermatogonial Stem Cells Using A Decellularised Testicular Scaffold

Objective Applications of biological scaffolds for regenerative medicine are increasing. Such scaffolds improve cell attachment, migration, proliferation and differentiation. In the current study decellularised mouse whole testis was used as a natural 3 dimensional (3D) scaffold for culturing spermatogonial stem cells. Materials and Methods In this experimental study, adult mouse whole testes were decellularised using sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) and Triton X-100. The efficiency of decellularisation was determined by histology and DNA quantification. Masson’s trichrome staining, alcian blue staining, and immunohistochemistry (IHC) were done for validation of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins. These scaffolds were recellularised through injection of mouse spermatogonial stem cells in to rete testis. Then, they were cultured for eight weeks. Recellularised scaffolds were assessed by histology, real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and IHC. Results Haematoxylin-eosin (H&E) staining showed that the cells were successfully removed by SDS and Triton X-100. DNA content analysis indicated that 98% of the DNA was removed from the testis. This confirmed that our decellularisation protocol was efficient. Masson’s trichrome and alcian blue staining respectively showed that glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) and collagen are preserved in the scaffolds. IHC analysis confirmed the preservation of fibronectin, collagen IV, and laminin. MTT assay indicated that the scaffolds were cell-compatible. Histological evaluation of recellularised scaffolds showed that injected cells were settled on the basement membrane of the seminiferous tubule. Analyses of gene expression using real-time PCR indicated that expression of the Plzf gene was unchanged over the time while expression of Sycp3 gene was increased significantly (P=0.003) after eight weeks in culture, suggesting that the spermatogonial stem cells started meiosis. IHC confirmed that PLZF-positive cells (spermatogonial stem cells) and SYCP3-positive cells (spermatocytes) were present in seminiferous tubules. Conclusion Spermatogonial stem cells could proliferate and differentiated in to spermatocytes after being injected in the decellularised testicular scaffolds.
Huangqi Guizhi Wuwu decoction for diabetic peripheral neuropathy

Abstract Background: Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) is one of the most common causes of disability in diabetic population, and its pathogenesis is related to a variety of factors. There is currently no effective treatment for such chronic disease. Traditional Chinese medicine has a long clinical history for the prevention and treatment of diabetes and chronic complications, and it also shows certain advantages in the treatment of DPN. Many clinical studies have confirmed that Chinese medicine Huangqi Guizhi Wuwu decoction (HGWD) can reduce the clinical symptoms and improve neuronal function of patients with DPN. So we intend to conduct a systematic review further clarified the effectiveness and safety of HGWD for DPN. Methods: We will search each database from the built-in until June 2019. The English literature mainly searches Cochrane Library, PubMed, EMBASE, and Web of Science, while the Chinese literature comes from CNKI, CBM, VIP, and Wangfang database. Simultaneously we will retrieval clinical registration tests and grey literatures. This study only screen the clinical randomized controlled trials (RCTs) about HGWD for DPN to assess its efficacy and safety. The 2 researchers worked independently on literature selection, data extraction, and quality assessment. The dichotomous data is represented by relative risk (RR), and the continuous is expressed by mean difference (MD) or standard mean difference (SMD), eventually the data is synthesized using a fixed effect model (FEM) or a random effect model (REM) depending on whether or not heterogeneity exists. The clinical efficacy, median sensory nerve conduction velocity, median motor nerve conduction velocity, peroneal sensory nerve conduction velocity, and peroneal motor nerve conduction velocity were evaluated as the main outcomes. Fasting blood glucose, 2 hours postprandial blood glucose, hemorheology, and adverse reactions were secondary outcomes. Finally, meta-analysis was conducted by RevMan software version 5.3. Results: This study will synthesize and provide high-quality evidence based on the data of the currently published HGWD for the treatment of DPN, especially in terms of clinical efficacy, neurological function, blood glucose, hemorheology, and safety. Conclusion: This systematic review aims to provide new options for HGWD treatment of DPN in terms of its efficacy and safety. PROSPERO registration number: PROSPERO 2019 CRD42019132031.
Effects of Maternal Prenatal Multi-Micronutrient Supplementation on Growth and Development until 3 Years of Age

At present, there is insufficient evidence on whether prenatal multi-micronutrient (MM) supplementation can be an antenatal nutritional intervention or not. This study aimed to explore the sustained effect of prenatal MM supplementation on early childhood health. A total of 939 mother–offspring pairs were followed up in the study between 2015 to 2018 in Changsha, China. Information was mainly collected through household surveys at the ages of 1, 3, 6, 8, 12, 18, 24, and 36 months. General linear models and generalized estimating equation models were used to estimate the effects of maternal prenatal MM compared with IFA supplementation on infant growth and development. Offspring of women who used prenatal MM compared with IFA supplements had lower weight-for-age z score (WAZ) (adjusted β: −0.23, 95% CI: (−0.40, −0.06)) and weight-for-length z score (WLZ) (adjusted β: −0.20, 95% CI: (−0.37, −0.02)) at 3 months old, but a reduced risk of obesity at birth (aRR: 0.30, 95% CI: 0.11–0.78) and being overweight at 3 months old (aRR: 0.52, 95% CI: 0.32–0.84). Moreover, offspring of women who used prenatal MM compared with IFA supplements had significantly higher scores for communication (adjusted β: 0.41, 95% CI: 0.61–0.21), gross motor (adjusted β: 0.68, 95% CI: 0.49–0.88), fine motor (adjusted β: 1.64, 95% CI: 1.45–1.84), problem solving (adjusted β: 0.29, 95% CI: 0.10–0.49), and personal–social (adjusted β: 0.90, 95% CI: 0.70–1.10) skills at 36 months old. Prenatal MM supplementation could result in better infant growth in the first few months of life and improve development scores at the age of 3 years compared with IFA supplementation.
Enhancing the Resiliency of Smart Grid Monitoring and Control

In this chapter, the authors present the justification and a feasibility study of applying the Byzantine fault tolerance (BFT) technology to electric power grid health monitoring. They propose a set of BFT mechanisms needed to handle the PMU data reporting and control commands issuing to the IEDs. They report an empirical study to assess the feasibility of using the BFT technology for reliable and secure electric power grid health monitoring and control. The authors show that under the LAN environment, the overhead and jitter introduced by the BFT mechanisms are negligible, and consequently, Byzantine fault tolerance could readily be used to improve the security and reliability of electric power grid monitoring and control while meeting the stringent real-time communication requirement for SCADA operations.
Development and evaluation of a new pediatric mixed-reality model for neurosurgical training.

OBJECTIVE Craniosynostosis is a premature cranial suture junction and requires a craniectomy to decrease cranial compression and remodel the affected areas of the skull. However, mastering these neurosurgical procedures requires many years of supervised training. The use of surgical simulation can reduce the risk of intraoperative error. The authors propose a new instrument for neurosurgical education, which mixes reality with virtual and realistic simulation for repair of craniosynostosis (scaphocephaly type). METHODS This study tested reality simulators with a synthetic thermo-retractile/thermosensitive rubber joined with different polymers. To validate the model, 18 experienced surgeons participated in this study using 3D videos developed using 3DS Max software. Renier's "H" technique for craniosynostosis correction was applied during the simulation. All participants completed questionnaires to evaluate the simulator. RESULTS An expert surgical team approved the craniosynostosis reality and virtual simulators. More than 94% of participants found the simulator relevant, considering aspects such as weight, surgical positioning, dissection by planes, and cranial reconstruction. The consistency and material resistance were also approved on average by more than 60% of the surgeons. CONCLUSIONS The virtual simulator demands a high degree of effectiveness with 3D perception in anatomy and operative strategies in neurosurgical training. Physical and virtual simulation with mixed reality required psychomotor and cognitive abilities otherwise acquired only during practical surgical training with supervision.
Novel Tick Phlebovirus Genotypes Lacking Evidence for Vertebrate Infections in Anatolia and Thrace, Turkey

We screened ticks and human clinical specimens to detect and characterize tick phleboviruses and pathogenicity in vertebrates. Ticks were collected at locations in Istanbul (Northwest Anatolia, Thrace), Edirne, Kırklareli, and Tekirdağ (Thrace), Mersin (Mediterranean Anatolia), Adiyaman and Şanlıurfa (Southeastern Anatolia) provinces from 2013–2018 and were analyzed following morphological identification and pooling. Specimens from individuals with febrile disease or meningoencephalitic symptoms of an unknown etiology were also evaluated. The pools were screened via generic tick phlebovirus amplification assays and products were sequenced. Selected pools were used for cell culture and suckling mice inoculations and next generation sequencing (NGS). A total of 7492 ticks were screened in 609 pools where 4.2% were positive. A phylogenetic sequence clustering according to tick species was observed. No human samples were positive. NGS provided near-complete viral replicase coding sequences in three pools. A comprehensive analysis revealed three distinct, monophyletic virus genotypes, comprised of previously-described viruses from Anatolia and the Balkans, with unique fingerprints in conserved amino acid motifs in viral replicase. A novel tick phlebovirus group was discovered circulating in the Balkans and Turkey, with at least three genotypes or species. No evidence for replication in vertebrates or infections in clinical cases could be demonstrated.
A Fatty Acid Oxidation-dependent Metabolic Shift Regulates the Adaptation of BRAF-mutated Melanoma to MAPK Inhibitors

Purpose: Treatment of BRAFV600E-mutant melanomas with MAPK inhibitors (MAPKi) results in significant tumor regression, but acquired resistance is pervasive. To understand nonmutational mechanisms underlying the adaptation to MAPKi and to identify novel vulnerabilities of melanomas treated with MAPKi, we focused on the initial response phase during treatment with MAPKi. Experimental Design: By screening proteins expressed on the cell surface of melanoma cells, we identified the fatty acid transporter CD36 as the most consistently upregulated protein upon short-term treatment with MAPKi. We further investigated the effects of MAPKi on fatty acid metabolism using in vitro and in vivo models and analyzing patients' pre- and on-treatment tumor specimens. Results: Melanoma cells treated with MAPKi displayed increased levels of CD36 and of PPARα-mediated and carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1A (CPT1A)-dependent fatty acid oxidation (FAO). While CD36 is a useful marker of melanoma cells during adaptation and drug-tolerant phases, the upregulation of CD36 is not functionally involved in FAO changes that characterize MAPKi-treated cells. Increased FAO is required for BRAFV600E-mutant melanoma cells to survive under the MAPKi-induced metabolic stress prior to acquiring drug resistance. The upfront and concomitant inhibition of FAO, glycolysis, and MAPK synergistically inhibits tumor cell growth in vitro and in vivo. Conclusions: Thus, we identified a clinically relevant therapeutic approach that has the potential to improve initial responses and to delay acquired drug resistance of BRAFV600E-mutant melanoma.
An investigation of the relationships between postoperative pain trajectories and outcomes after surgery for colorectal cancer.

BACKGROUND Although animal studies have shown that pain can suppress host immunity and promote tumor metastasis, few clinical studies have evaluated the association between acute pain and long-term outcomes after cancer surgery. METHODS Patients undergoing colorectal cancer resection at a medical center between November 2010 and December 2014 were collected. Pain intensity was recorded using a numeric rating scale at 12, 24, 36, 48, 72, 96, and 120 hours postoperatively. Group-based modeling of longitudinal pain scores was used to categorize pain trajectories. Recurrence-free survival and overall survival were analyzed using Cox proportional hazards models. RESULTS A total of 2,401 patients with 13,931 pain score observations were analyzed. The trajectory model identified three groupings of inpatient postsurgical pain, including 70.3% with mild pain dropping to low (group 1), 20.0% with moderate/severe pain dropping to mild (group 2), and 9.7% with moderate pain rebounding to severe (group 3). Univariate models showed that pain trajectories were significantly associated with recurrence-free survival (group 2 vs. 1: hazard ratio, HR = 1.23, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.02-1.47; group 3 vs. 1: HR = 1.63, 95% CI: 1.30-2.04) and overall survival (group 2 vs. 1: HR = 1.36, 95% CI: 1.05-1.77; group 3 vs. 1: HR = 1.81, 95% CI: 1.31-2.51). However, the associations disappeared after adjusting for other significant risk factors. CONCLUSION Abnormal pain resolution identified by pain trajectory analysis and resulting from complex interactions among disease progression, surgery and analgesia may be considered as an indicator of an inferior prognosis following colorectal cancer resection.
Effect of Excitation Wavelength on Optical Performances of Quantum-Dot-Converted Light-Emitting Diode

Light-emitting diode (LED) combined with quantum dots (QDs) is an important candidate for next-generation high-quality semiconductor devices. However, the effect of the excitation wavelength on their optical performance has not been fully explored. In this study, green and red QDs are applied to LEDs of different excitation wavelengths from 365 to 455 nm. The blue light is recommended for exciting QDs from the perspective of energy utilization. However, QD LEDs excited at 365 nm have unique advantages in eliminating the original peaks from the LED chip. Moreover, the green or red light excited by ultraviolet light has an advantage in colorimetry. Even for the 455 nm LED with the highest QD concentration at 7.0 wt%, the color quality could not compete with the 365 nm LED with the lowest QD concentration at 0.2 wt%. A 117.5% (NTSC1953) color gamut could be obtained by the 365 nm-excited RGB system, which is 32.6% higher than by the 455 nm-excited solution, and this can help expand the color gamut of LED devices. Consequently, this study provides an understanding of the properties of QD-converted LEDs under different wavelength excitations, and offers a general guide to selecting a pumping source for QDs.
Analysis of how compliant layers and encapsulation affect power generated from piezoelectric stacked composites for bone healing medical devices.

Use of piezoelectric materials to harvest energy from human motion is commonly investigated. Traditional piezoelectric materials are inefficient at low frequencies but composite structures can increase efficiency at these frequencies. Compliant layer adaptive composite stack (CLACS) is a new PZT structure designed for orthopedic implants to use loads generated during walking to provide electrical stimulation for bone healing. The CLACS structure increases power efficiency and structural properties as compared to PZT alone. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of compliant layer and encapsulation thicknesses on strain-related parameters for CLACS predicted by finite element models. Percent changes in strain as compliant layer thickness increased were compared to percent changes in power experimentally produced by CLACS given similar geometries and loading conditions. Percent changes in PZT z-strain matched the trends for increases in experimental power, but were not directly proportional. PZT z-strain and radial strain increased as a compliant layer and top and bottom encapsulation thickness increased. PZT z-strain and radial strain decreased as side encapsulation thickness increased for a normalized distributed force on the PZT. The overall goal of this study was to inform future design decisions regarding CLACS structures specifically for use in orthopedic implants. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Vitamin D Awareness and Intake in Collegiate Athletes

Abstract Leitch, BA, Wilson, PB, Ufholz, KE, Roemmich, JN, Orysiak, J, Walch, TJ, Short, SE, and Fitzgerald, JS. Vitamin D awareness and intake in collegiate athletes. J Strength Cond Res 35(10): 2742–2748, 2021—Poor vitamin D status is a risk factor for negative health and performance outcomes in athletes, but little is known about how athletes' awareness and beliefs about vitamin D affect their consumption of vitamin D. This observational study investigated awareness of vitamin D for health and performance among collegiate athletes and evaluated the association of vitamin D awareness with its dietary intake. Fifty-two female and 29 male Division I collegiate athletes completed an online vitamin D awareness and dietary intake questionnaire between November 1, 2015, and January 30, 2016. Median intake of vitamin D was 330 International Units (IU), which is below the recommended daily allowance (RDA) of 600 IU, but was greater in male athletes (693 IU) than female athletes (263 IU, p < 0.01). The RDA for vitamin D was met by 62% of men and 30% of women. Athletes responded that vitamin D “probably” or “definitely” will play a role in their health (88.9%) and athletic performance (71.6%). However, only 23.4 and 28.4% of athletes reported concern for their vitamin D levels or believed that they were at risk for deficiency, respectively. Results showed small-to-moderate, positive correlations (r = 0.28–0.495, p < 0.05) between aspects of vitamin D awareness and vitamin D intake, particularly with supplemental forms of vitamin D. Given the lack of awareness concerning risk of vitamin D deficiency, and the links between aspects of vitamin D awareness and vitamin D intake, nutritional education programs designed to increase vitamin D awareness in athletes may be an effective strategy to reduce deficiency.
A Re-Evaluation of Olive Fruit Fly Organophosphate-Resistant Ace Alleles in Iberia, and Field-Testing Population Effects after in-Practice Dimethoate Use

The management of the olive fruit fly (Bactrocera oleae) is traditionally based upon the use of organophosphate insecticides, mainly dimethoate. In this evolutionary arms race between man and pest, the flies have adapted a pesticide resistance, implying two point-mutations of the Ace gene -I214V and G488S- and a 9bp deletion -Δ3Q. We revisited 11 Iberian locations to evaluate this adaptation of organophosphate (OP)-resistant alleles through amplicon sequencing. Screening for populations where the wild type is prevalent allows an identification of hotspots for targeted mitigation measures; we have hence refined the scale to the region with the lowest OP-resistant alleles frequency 71 locations were sampled and individuals checked using a fast and low-cost allele-specific-primer polymerase chain reaction (ASP-PCR) method]. An increase in Ace gene point-mutations was observed, and the Δ3Q mutation remains undetected. The lowest frequencies of the OP-resistant alleles remain in the west, underlining the hypothesis of an introduction of resistance from eastern Mediterranean areas. A field test was performed by sampling the fly population before and after in-practice dimethoate application. A clear reduction in olive fruit fly numbers was observed, with no relevant changes in the genotypic frequencies of the resistance alleles. The findings are discussed in frame of the type and intensity of the selection pressure that has led to the adaptation to resistance and its consequences from the producer perspective.
Resilience and Socioeconomic Status as Predictors of Life Satisfaction and Psychological Well-Being in Colombian Older Adults

Well-being is a complex construct related to sociodemographic and cultural aspects that vary across cultures. Latin America is a region with high social inequalities among population groups, although this varies significantly depending on the country. This article proposes a model that seeks to establish the relationship between psychosocial variables, psychological well-being, and life satisfaction in a sample of Colombian older adults. The model explores associations between resilience, socioeconomic status, life satisfaction, and psychological well-being. A study with a sample of 617 Colombian older adults was conducted. A structural equation modeling technique was performed. The results showed a model in which life satisfaction is positively explained by psychological well-being and resilience, whereas psychological well-being is explained by a higher socio-economic status. The results contribute to the evidence about how well-being is determined by psychosocial and cultural factors. The evidence found represents novel information about older adults in Colombia.
Implications of Perceived Neighborhood Quality, Daily Discrimination, and Depression for Social Integration Across Mid- and Later Life: A Case of Person-Environment Fit?

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Integration in one's social community may depend in part upon feeling safe and secure within one's physical community, or neighborhood. Moreover, high-quality neighborhoods may serve as a supportive resource, potentially "buffering" against the harmful influence of experiences such as discrimination or depression that could otherwise erode adults' sense of belonging. This study examines longitudinal associations of perceived neighborhood quality, daily discrimination, and depression with social integration among midlife and older adults, and tests whether perceived neighborhood quality is of increased importance with age and/or in the contexts of discrimination and depression. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS Multilevel random intercept models analyzed 6,016 observations of 3,102 individuals drawn from the 3 waves of the National Survey of Midlife Development in the United States (MIDUS, 1995-2014). RESULTS Perceived neighborhood quality was associated with greater social integration throughout adulthood, though its impact was slightly attenuated with age. Moreover, depression was harmful for social integration across the age range, yet its influence was significantly buffered by perceived neighborhood quality. Daily discrimination was not associated with social integration, net of covariates. DISCUSSION AND IMPLICATIONS Findings underscore the importance of physical place and person-environment fit for social well-being throughout adulthood, and confirm the deleterious effects of depression for adults' social integration. Further, results highlight perceived neighborhood quality as a critical component for successful "aging in place," particularly as a social resource adults may call upon in the context of depression.