Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Spider Origami: Folding Principle of Jumping Spider Leg Joints for Bioinspired Fluidic Actuators

Jumping spiders (Phidippus regius) are known for their ability to traverse various terrains and have targeted jumps within the fraction of a second to catch flying preys. Different from humans and insects, spiders use muscles to flex their legs, and hydraulic actuation for extension. By pressurizing their inner body fluid, they can achieve fast leg extensions for running and jumping. Here, the working principle of the articular membrane covering the spider leg joint pit is investigated. This membrane is highly involved in walking, grasping, and jumping motions. Hardness and stiffness of the articular membrane is studied using nanoindentation tests and preparation methods for scanning electron microscopy and histology are developed to give detailed information about the inner and outer structure of the leg joint and its membrane. Inspired by the stroller umbrella‐like folding mechanism of the articular membrane, a robust thermoplastic polyurethane‐based rotary semifluidic actuator is demonstrated, which shows increased durability, achieves working angles over 120°, produces high torques which allows lifts over 100 times of its own weight and jumping abilities. The developed actuator can be used for future grasping tasks, safe human–robot interactions and multilocomotion ground robot applications, and it can shed light into spider locomotion‐related questions.
H3S28P Antibody Staining of Okinawan Oikopleura dioica Suggests the Presence of Three Chromosomes

Oikopleura dioica is a ubiquitous marine tunicate of biological interest due to features that include dioecious reproduction, short life cycle, and vertebrate-like dorsal notochord while possessing a relatively compact genome. The use of tunicates as model organisms, particularly with these characteristics, offers the advantage of facilitating studies in evolutionary development and furthering understanding of enduring attributes found in the more complex vertebrates. At present, we are undertaking an initiative to sequence the genomes of Oikopleura individuals in populations found among the seas surrounding the Ryukyu Islands in southern Japan. To facilitate and validate genome assemblies, karyotyping was employed to count individual animals’ chromosomes in situ using centromere-specific antibodies directed against H3S28P, a prophase-metaphase cell cycle-specific marker of histone H3. New imaging data of embryos and oocytes stained with two different antibodies were obtained; interpretation of these data lead us to conclude that the Okinawan Oikopleura dioica has three pairs of chromosomes, akin to previous results from genomic assemblies in Atlantic populations. The imaging data have been deposited to the open-access EBI BioImage Archive for reuse while additionally providing representative images of two commercially available anti-H3S28P antibodies’ staining properties for use in epifluorescent and confocal based fluorescent microscopy.
Real-Time Lived Experience of Social Work Students in Their Field Training during the Coronavirus Crisis: Insights from Photovoice-Based Research

Abstract The present paper is based on a photovoice study conducted with sixteen undergraduate social work students in their third year of study, examining their real-time lived experience of their fieldwork training in the immediate aftermath of the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic. The findings of the study, based on an analysis of sixty-six photovoices, indicate four main narratives encapsulating the students’ real-time lived experiences: (i) the challenges of encountering the crisis; (ii) conceptualizing the experience; (iii) coping practices; (iv) perspectives for the future. The findings are discussed in the light of shared traumatic reality theory and transformative learning theory. Following the use of the photovoice methodology, the research conclusions encourage the assimilation of creative and entrepreneurial models of teaching and practice, in order to enable the inclusion of different types of knowledge and life experiences in different learning and research spaces.
Uptake and Intracellular Trafficking Studies of Multiple Dye-Doped Core-Shell Silica Nanoparticles in Lymphoid and Myeloid Cells

Introduction Since most biologically active macromolecules are natural nanostructures, operating in the same scale of biomolecules gives the great advantage to enhance the interaction with cellular components. Noteworthy efforts in nanotechnology, particularly in biomedical and pharmaceutical fields, have propelled a high number of studies on the biological effects of nanomaterials. Moreover, the determination of specific physicochemical properties of nanomaterials is crucial for the evaluation and design of novel safe and efficient therapeutics and diagnostic tools. In this in vitro study, we report a physicochemical characterisation of fluorescent silica nanoparticles (NPs), interacting with biological models (U937 and PBMC cells), describing the specific triggered biologic response. Methods Flow Cytometric and Confocal analyses are the main method platforms. However TEM, NTA, DLS, and chemical procedures to synthesize NPs were employed. Results NTB700 NPs, employed in this study, are fluorescent core-shell silica nanoparticles, synthesized through a micelle-assisted method, where the fluorescence energy transfer process, known as FRET, occurs at a high efficiency rate. Using flow cytometry and confocal microscopy, we observed that NTB700 NP uptake seemed to be a rapid, concentration-, energy- and cell type-dependent process, which did not induce significant cytotoxic effects. We did not observe a preferred route of internalization, although their size and the possible aggregated state could influence their extrusion. At this level of analysis, our investigation focuses on lysosome and mitochondria pathways, highlighting that both are involved in NP co-localization. Despite the main mitochondria localization, NPs did not induce a significant increase of intracellular ROS, known inductors of apoptosis, during the time course of analyses. Finally, both lymphoid and myeloid cells are able to release NPs, essential to their biosafety. Discussion These data allow to consider NTB700 NPs a promising platform for future development of a multifunctional system, by combining imaging and localized therapeutic applications in a unique tool.
Structure of SARS-CoV-2 Spike Glycoprotein for Therapeutic and Preventive Target

The global crisis caused by the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) led to the most significant economic loss and human deaths after World War II. The pathogen causing this disease is a novel virus called the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). As of December 2020, there have been 80.2 million confirmed patients, and the mortality rate is known as 2.16% globally. A strategy to protect a host from SARS-CoV-2 is by suppressing intracellular viral replication or preventing viral entry. We focused on the spike glycoprotein that is responsible for the entry of SARS-CoV-2 into the host cell. Recently, the US Food and Drug Administration/EU Medicines Agency authorized a vaccine and antibody to treat COVID-19 patients by emergency use approval in the absence of long-term clinical trials. Both commercial and academic efforts to develop preventive and therapeutic agents continue all over the world. In this review, we present a perspective on current reports about the spike glycoprotein of SARS-CoV-2 as a therapeutic target.
The Relation between Body Mass Index and Retinal Photoreceptor Morphology and Microvascular Changes Measured with Adaptive Optics (rtx1) High-Resolution Imaging

Background Overweight and obese patients are at risk for diabetes, cardiovascular disorders, and microvascular complications. The rtx1TM (Imagine Eyes, France) is a microscope that allows near histological visualizations of cones and retinal microcirculation. Objective This study analysed the cones and retinal microvascular changes in a group of 47 healthy women with different BMI values. Participants were divided into 2 groups: the BMI group (28 women with BMI >/25) and the control group (19 lean women with BMI <25). Results The lumen and diameter of retinal arteries were not significantly different between groups. There were significant differences in the thickness of arteriole walls. The WLR and WCSA values differed significantly between the control and BMI groups (for WLR 0.25 ± 0.03 vs. 0.29 ± 0.03, p < 0.001; for WCSA 4136.7 ± 1140.0 vs. 5217.3 ± 944.0, respectively, p < 0.001). In healthy eyes, cone density and morphology were not affected by weight. Conclusions Retinal image analysis with rtx1 offers a novel noninvasive measurement of early changes in retinal vasculature that are not detectable during routine clinical examination. Abnormalities of retinal arterioles found by rtx1™examination should be considered as a strong risk factor for cardiovascular changes resulting from overweight and obesity.
Antioxidant Properties of Hot Water Extracts from Armillaria Mellea and Hohenbuehelia Serotina

Hot water extracts from Armillaria mellea and Hohenbuehelia serotina fruit bodies were prepared and investigated for their antioxidant capacity in three different assays, namely, 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity, reducing power and chelating ability on ferrous ions. Among the two mushrooms hot water extracts, extract from A. mellea was better than that from H. serotina in scavenging ability and chelating effect on ferrous ions. With regard to reducing power, EC50 value of extracts from H. serotina was 0.447 mg/mL, while that of extracts from A. mellea was 1.914. From EC50 values obtained, it can be concluded that hot water extracts from A. mellea and H. serotina were good in antioxidant properties.
Stem Cell Therapies for Ischemic Stroke: A Systematic Review

Stroke is one of the leading causes of death and disability worldwide. It is associated with a high economic burden, causing an increasing demand for highly effective, curative, and long-lasting therapies. Stem cells are unique human cells that have the capacity for developing into specialized cell types with the potential for facilitating regeneration and repair of damaged tissues. Therefore, many preclinical studies have shown the feasibility, safety, and efficacy of stem cell-based therapies; however, the evidence is still inadequate for their therapeutic use in humans. We employed a systematic approach to search published data from 2000 to 2020 on five main databases: PubMed, PubMed Central, Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, and Medline. Two research registries were also searched: the Cochrane Registry and clinicaltrial.gov. Data was collected after applying inclusion and exclusion criteria and studies were appraised critically. Both Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) and regular keyword search strategies were employed. The findings of this study are in line with previously reported studies in which stem cell-based therapies were found to be relatively safe, feasible, and effective.
Adenovirus Vectors: Excellent Tools for Vaccine Development

Adenovirus was originally used as a vector for gene therapy. In recent years, with the development of the next-generation vectors with increased safety and high immunogenicity to transgene products, its utility as a vaccine vector has continued to increase. Adenovirus-based vaccines are currently being tested not only to prevent various infectious diseases but also to be applied as cancer vaccines. In this review, I discuss the innate and adaptive aspects of the immunological characteristics of adenovirus vectors and further examine the current status of advanced adenovirus-based vaccine development. Various methods that can overcome the limitations of currently used adenoviruses as vaccine vehicles are also discussed. Through this study, I hope that vaccine development using adenovirus vectors will be expedited and more successful.
Contrasting patterns in the occurrence and biomass centers of gravity among fish and macroinvertebrates in a continental shelf ecosystem

Abstract The distribution of a group of fish and macroinvertebrates (n = 52) resident in the US Northeast Shelf large marine ecosystem were characterized with species distribution models (SDM), which in turn were used to estimate occurrence and biomass center of gravity (COG). The SDMs were fit using random forest machine learning and were informed with a range of physical and biological variables. The estimated probability of occurrence and biomass from the models provided the weightings to determine depth, distance to the coast, and along‐shelf distance COG. The COGs of occupancy and biomass habitat tended to be separated by distances averaging 50 km, which approximates half of the minor axis of the subject ecosystem. During the study period (1978–2018), the biomass COG has tended to shift to further offshore positions whereas occupancy habitat has stayed at a regular spacing from the coastline. Both habitat types have shifted their along‐shelf distances, indicating a general movement to higher latitude or to the Northeast for this ecosystem. However, biomass tended to occur at lower latitudes in the spring and higher latitude in the fall in a response to seasonal conditions. Distribution of habitat in relation to depth reveals a divergence in response with occupancy habitat shallowing over time and biomass habitat distributing in progressively deeper water. These results suggest that climate forced change in distribution will differentially affect occurrence and biomass of marine taxa, which will likely affect the organization of ecosystems and the manner in which human populations utilize marine resources.
“I Wish to Continue Receiving the Reminder Short Messaging Service”: A Mixed Methods Study on the Acceptability of Digital Adherence Tools Among Adults Living with HIV on Antiretroviral Treatment in Tanzania

Introduction Digital Adherence Tools (DAT) to promote adherence to antiretroviral treatment (ART) for HIV are being increasingly adopted globally, however their effectiveness and acceptability in limited resource settings has been challenging. In this study, we examine the acceptability of DATs to improve adherence to ART. Methods This study was part of a three-arm randomized controlled trial (REMIND) which investigated the effect of two different DAT’s: SMS text messages (SMS) or real-time medication monitoring (RTMM) on treatment adherence; compared to standard of care. Exit interviews and in-depth interviews were conducted at 48 weeks follow-up, to collect data on their experiences (successes, challenges, and barriers) and behaviours regarding the implementation of the interventions. Translated transcripts, memos and field notes were imported to NVivo software version 12. We used a thematic framework analysis which drew from Sekhon’s theoretical framework of acceptability (TFA), which comprises of seven constructs (affective attitude, perceived burden, perceived effectiveness, ethicality, self-efficacy, intervention coherence and opportunity costs). Results Of the 166 participants enrolled, 143 (86%) were interviewed (68 in the SMS arm and 75 in the RTMM arm). Participants were highly satisfied (98%) with the DAT system and the majority of them reported it motivated them to take their medication (99%). The majority of participants reported they were confident in their ability to comply with the intervention and understood how the intervention worked (97%). Very few reported negatively about the devices (carrying the device), with only 6% reporting that they did not feel comfortable and 8% had ethical concerns with the SMS-content A few participants reported challenges with their connectivity/network and that the visits were too time-consuming. A few participants reported that they incurred extra cost for the sake of the study. Conclusion Overall, the acceptability of these DATs was high. However, several factors may hamper their acceptability including the content and number of SMS, carrying the devices and the network availability.
Acute Type A Dissection during Pregnancy with Marfan's Syndrome

Abstract Background Marfan's syndrome (MFS) is a connective tissue disorder, caused by a mutation in the FBN-1 gene and affecting multiple organ systems including the vascular system. During pregnancy, women with MFS have an increased risk of aortic dissection due to changes in the cardiovascular system. Case Description We present a 39-year-old woman that suffered from an acute aortic dissection in week 33 of her third pregnancy who urgently required lifesaving surgery. Three-dimensional reconstruction of computed tomography scan was performed with unborn child in utero. Conclusion Monitoring of patients with suspected or confirmed MFS appears essential and interdisciplinary treatment and prevention strategies are required.
A Case of Metastatic Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma in Complete Remission Using Chemotherapy and Immunotherapy

Among the various types of cancer, pancreatic cancer is considered to have a particularly grim prognosis. Treatment includes surgery, chemotherapy, or both. While the role of immunotherapy is well-studied in many types of cancer, such is not the case with pancreatic cancer. A 49-year-old female presented to the oncology clinic following a biopsy of a pancreatic mass. CT-guided needle biopsy of the mass demonstrated moderately differentiated pancreatic adenocarcinoma. Positive emission tomography-computed tomography (PET-CT) revealed metastases to the liver. She was started on chemotherapy with FOLFIRINOX (leucovorin calcium, 5-fluorouracil, irinotecan hydrochloride, oxaliplatin) and demonstrated over 60% reduction in the size of liver metastases within three months. PET-CT four months after initiation of chemotherapy revealed no focal avid fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) uptake in the liver, and the pancreatic body mass was stable in size at 3.0 cm with stable standardized uptake value (SUV) max at 2.4, only slightly elevated from 1.9 on the previous scan. Further treatment with chemotherapy was halted after 18 cycles due to side effects. With the patient’s tumor being epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) negative, mismatch repair (MMR) negative, 3% tumor cells PD-L1 positive with 10% tumor-associated immune cells positive, treatment with pembrolizumab was started. Follow-up PET-CTs over the next several months confirmed the patient was in complete remission from metastatic pancreatic cancer. At the time of the report, the patient had a durable response of three years. We report a rare case of complete remission of metastatic pancreatic adenocarcinoma treated with chemotherapy, followed by immunotherapy. With emerging targets for modification of tumor microenvironment, immunotherapy must be further explored in the treatment of pancreatic cancer.
Nonlinear vibration analysis of protein microtubules in cytosol conveying fluid based on nonlocal elasticity theory using differential quadrature method

In this article, nonlinear vibration of protein microtubules in cytosol with internal flow is studied. Based on the Euler–Bernoulli beam theory with von Kármán nonlinearity type and using Hamilton’s principle, the equations of motion for fluid-conveying microtubules are derived. The size effect is taken into account using Eringen’s nonlocal elasticity theory; moreover, the effect of an elastic surrounding filament network and the surface traction of cytosol are studied. The governing differential equations for vibration response of microtubules are solved using the differential quadrature method. The nonlinear frequency response of microtubules, considering the effect of microtubule properties, size effect, the surrounding elastic media, and the fluid motion are reported in this article. It has been found that the effect of nonlocal parameter on the vibration behavior and instability of the embedded microtubule conveying fluid are significant. In this regard, we need to point out that the critical flow velocity for a range of nonlocality parameter from 0 to 2 nm varies between 41 and 47 m/s, which should be avoided due to instability of the microtubule system. Therefore, they should be taken into account in the design of nano/micro-devices for measuring density of a fluid, such as drugs flowing through such microtubules, with great applications in biomechanics.
A novel solid-state Li–O2 battery with an integrated electrolyte and cathode structure

A high internal resistance and limited triple-phase boundaries are two critical issues that limit the performance of conventional solid-state Li–O2 batteries. In this work, we propose and fabricate a novel solid-state Li–O2 battery with an integrated electrolyte and cathode structure. This design allows a thin electrolyte layer (about 10% of that in conventional batteries) and a highly porous cathode (78% in porosity), both of which contribute to a significant reduction in the internal resistance, while increasing triple-phase boundaries. As a result, the battery outputs a discharge capacity as high as 14 200 mA h gcarbon−1 at 0.15 mA cm−2, and can sustain 100 cycles at a fixed capacity of 1000 mA h gcarbon−1. The novel integrated electrolyte and cathode structure represents a significant step toward the advancement of Li–O2 batteries.
Sequential disinfection of cryptosporidium parvum by ozone and chlorine dioxide

Abstract A two step disinfection approach was evaluated for control of Cryptosporidium parvum using bench‐scale experiments in 0.05 M phosphate buffer at pH 8 and 22 °C. Sequential application of ozone and chlorine dioxide was evaluated where ozone was applied first followed by chlorine dioxide. Infectivity in neonatal CD‐1 mice was used to assess oocyst viability after disinfection. The sequential treatment of oocysts by ozone followed by chlorine dioxide resulted in additional inactivation of C. parvum due to the synergism of the two disinfectants. The inactivation kinetics for chlorine dioxide were modeled following preconditioning with ozone at a given level using the Integral‐Hom model which takes the disinfectant decay into account. These preliminary findings indicate that sequential disinfection with ozone followed by chlorine dioxide may have potential in controlling waterborne parasites.
Automatic analysis of integrated magnetic resonance and positron emission tomography images improves the accuracy of detection of focal cortical dysplasia type IIb lesions

We aimed to develop an efficient and objective pre‐evaluation method to identify the precise location of a focal cortical dysplasia lesion before surgical resection to reduce medication use and decrease the post‐operative frequency of seizure attacks. We developed a novel machine learning‐based approach using cortical surface‐based features by integrating MRI and metabolic PET to identify focal cortical dysplasia lesions. Significant surface‐based features of 22 patients with histopathologically proven FCD IIb lesions were extracted from PET and MRI images using FreeSurfer. We modified significant parameters, trained and tested the XGBoost model using these surface‐based features, and made predictions. We detected lesions in all 20 patients using the XGBoost model, with an accuracy of 91%. We used one‐way chi‐squared test to test the null hypothesis that the population proportion was 50% (p = 0.0001), indicating that our classification of the algorithm was statistically significant. The sensitivity, specificity, and false‐positive rates were 93%, 91%, and 9%, respectively. We developed an objective, quantitative XGBoost classifier that combined MRI and PET imaging features to locate focal cortical dysplasia. This automated method yielded better outcomes than conventional visual analysis and single modality quantitative analysis for surgical pre‐evaluation, especially in subtle or visually unidentifiable FCD lesions. This time‐efficient method would also help doctors identify otherwise overlooked details.