Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Saccades predict and synchronize to visual rhythms irrespective of musical beats

ABSTRACT Music has been shown to entrain movement. One of the body’s most frequent movements, saccades, are arguably subject to a timer that may also be susceptible to musical entrainment. We developed a continuous and highly-controlled visual search task and varied the timing of the search target presentation, it was either gaze-contingent, tap-contingent, or visually-timed. We found: (1) explicit control of saccadic timing is limited to gross duration variations and imprecisely synchronized; (2) saccadic timing does not implicitly entrain to musical beats, even when closely aligned in phase; (3) eye movements predict visual onsets produced by motor-movements (finger-taps) and externally-timed sequences, beginning fixation prior to visual onset; (4) eye movement timing can be rhythmic, synchronizing to both motor-produced and externally timed visual sequences; each unaffected by musical beats. These results provide evidence that saccadic timing is sensitive to the temporal demands of visual tasks and impervious to influence from musical beats.
Isolation of a Novel Beta-2 Human Papillomavirus from Skin

We report the complete genome characterization of a novel human papillomavirus (HPV) (ICB2) isolated from a skin swab. The L1 region of HPV ICB2 shares 87.9% nucleotide similarity with its closest relative, HPV37, and thus constitutes a novel human betapapillomavirus. ABSTRACT We report the complete genome characterization of a novel human papillomavirus (HPV) (ICB2) isolated from a skin swab. The L1 region of HPV ICB2 shares 87.9% nucleotide similarity with its closest relative, HPV37, and thus constitutes a novel human betapapillomavirus.
Coding of whisker motion across the mouse face

Haptic perception synthesizes touch with proprioception, the sense of body position. Humans and mice alike experience rich active touch of the face. Because most facial muscles lack proprioceptor endings, the sensory basis of facial proprioception remains unsolved. Facial proprioception may instead rely on mechanoreceptors that encode both touch and self-motion. In rodents, whisker mechanoreceptors provide a signal that informs the brain about whisker position. Whisking involves coordinated orofacial movements, so mechanoreceptors innervating facial regions other than whiskers could also provide information about whisking. To define all sources of sensory information about whisking available to the brain, we recorded spikes from mechanoreceptors innervating diverse parts of the face. Whisker motion was encoded best by whisker mechanoreceptors, but also by those innervating whisker pad hairy skin and supraorbital vibrissae. Redundant self-motion responses may provide the brain with a stable proprioceptive signal despite mechanical perturbations during active touch.
Regulatory interfaces surrounding the growing field of additive manufacturing of medical devices and biologic products

Rapidly advancing technology often pulls the regulatory field along as it evolves to incorporate new concepts, better tools, and more finely honed equipment. When the area impacted by the technological advancement is regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), a gap develops between the technology and the guidelines that govern its application. Subsequently, there are challenges in determining appropriate regulatory pathways for evolving products at the initial research and developmental stages. Myriad factors necessitate several rounds of iterative review and the involvement of multiple divisions within the FDA. To better understand the regulatory science issues roiling around the area of additive manufacturing of medical products, a group of experts, led by a Clinical and Translational Science Award working group, convened the Regulatory Science to Advance Precision Medicine at the Fall Forum to discuss some of the current regulatory science roadblocks.
The Improvement of Paclitaxel Cytotoxicity using Nanocellulose based Nature Resources

Paclitaxel is one of the cancer drugs that often used. These drug kills cancer cells byinhibiting mitotic cycle. The efficiency of paclitaxel is increased by the use ofnanomaterials as a carrier of paclitaxel. Nanomaterials can enhance encapsulationefficiency, improve the drug release to the target cell following nanomaterialdegradation, and improve local accumulation of drug in the cell through endocytosisreceptor. Nanomaterial that often used forencapsulation of paclitaxel is a polymerderived from natural resources such as cellulose. The advantages of cellulose as acarrier of paclitaxel are nontoxic, biodegradable, and very abundant from varioussources. One of the potential sources of cellulose for drug delivery system is cassavabaggase.Keywords: Paclitaxel, encapsulation, cell viability, nanocellulose
A simulation framework for evaluating multi-stage sampling designs in populations with spatially structured traits

Selecting an appropriate and efficient sampling strategy in biological surveys is a major concern in ecological research, particularly when the population abundance and individual traits of the sampled population are highly structured over space. Multi-stage sampling designs typically present sampling sites as primary units. However, to collect trait data, such as age or maturity, only a sub-sample of individuals collected in the sampling site is retained. Therefore, not only the sampling design, but also the sub-sampling strategy can have a major impact on important population estimates, commonly used as reference points for management and conservation. We developed a simulation framework to evaluate sub-sampling strategies from multi-stage biological surveys. Specifically, we compare quantitatively precision and bias of the population estimates obtained using two common but contrasting sub-sampling strategies: the random and the stratified designs. The sub-sampling strategy evaluation was applied to age data collection of a virtual fish population that has the same statistical and biological characteristics of the Eastern Bering Sea population of Pacific cod. The simulation scheme allowed us to incorporate contributions of several sources of error and to analyze the sensitivity of the different strategies in the population estimates. We found that, on average across all scenarios tested, the main differences between sub-sampling designs arise from the inability of the stratified design to reproduce spatial patterns of the individual traits. However, differences between the sub-sampling strategies in other population estimates may be small, particularly when large sub-sample sizes are used. On isolated scenarios (representative of specific environmental or demographic conditions), the random sub-sampling provided better precision in all population estimates analyzed. The sensitivity analysis revealed the important contribution of spatial autocorrelation in the error of population trait estimates, regardless of the sub-sampling design. This framework will be a useful tool for monitoring and assessment of natural populations with spatially structured traits in multi-stage sampling designs.
Neutrophil extracellular traps promote peritoneal metastasis of colon cancer cells

Cytoreductive surgery is the only curative option for patients with peritoneal carcinomatosis, however, intraperitoneal recurrence rate is high making new ways to prevent cancer recurrence an urgent need. Recent evidence suggests that neutrophils are involved in cancer progression. The purpose of our study was to examine the role of neutrophils in the spread of colon cancer cells in the peritoneal cavity. The number of metastatic noduli in the peritoneal cavity was quantified in mice injected with murine colon cancer cells (CT-26) intraperitoneally after surgical laparotomy and treated with a neutrophil depleting antibody or DNase I. In addition, peritoneal metastases were harvested from patients with peritoneal carcinomatosis. Scanning and transmission electron microscopy showed extensive neutrophil extracellular trap (NET) formation in peritoneal colon cancer metastases in mice and patients. Neutrophil depletion markedly reduced the number of metastases in laparotomised animals. Administration of DNase I decreased the number of metastatic nodules by 88% in laparotomised animals as well as NET-induced chemokine-dependent colon cancer cell migration and adhesion in vitro. Finally, CT-26 cancer cells were found to express the αvβ3 integrin and inhibition of αv integrin abolished NET-induced adhesion of colon cancer cells to vitronectin. Taken together, our data show that NETs play an important role in colon cancer cell metastasis in the peritoneal cavity and regulate colon cancer cell migration and adhesion to extracellular matrix proteins. These novel findings suggest that targeting NETs might be an effective strategy to antagonize intrabdominal recurrences of colon cancer after cytoreductive surgery in patients with peritoneal carcinomatosis.
Genetic Diversity and Structure of Coix lacryma-jobi L. from Its World Secondary Diversity Center, Southwest China

Coix lacryma-jobi L. is an important minor cereal with a high nutritional and medicinal value in Asian countries. The hilly region of South China is the secondary center of diversity of Coix lacryma-jobi L. In the present study, we took a sample of 139 Coix lacryma-jobi L. genotypes from four geographical regions in Southwest China and analyzed the genetic diversity and population structure using AFLP markers. Six primer combinations detected a total of 743 (89.52%) polymorphic loci. The percentage of polymorphic bands within the four geographical populations ranged from 56.02% (Guangxi) to 86.75% (Guizhou). The overall genetic diversity of 139 Coix lacryma-jobi L. was relatively low (h ranged from 0.1854 to 0.2564). The neighbor-joining method grouped all Coix lacryma-jobi L. genotypes into two clusters with no geographical affinity observed among genotypes within the same group. The Fst indicated the two clusters existed great genetic differentiation. AMOVA analysis showed the molecular variation within populations was much higher than that among populations of geographical regions and subpopulations derived from STRUCTURE. Human activities and the natural outcrossing system of Coix lacryma-jobi L. may have a great influence on its distribution, genetic diversity, and population structure. Our study provides useful information for local breeding programs of Coix lacryma-jobi L. as well.
Benign proliferative epithelial lesions of oral mucosa are infrequently associated with α‐, β‐, or γ human papillomaviruses

Oral papillomas and verruca vulgaris have been associated with human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. However, approximately half of these have remained HPV‐negative when tested for mucosal HPV genotypes. In this study, we evaluated presence of α‐, β‐, and γ‐HPVs in benign papillary and verrucous lesions.
Efficacy and Tolerability of Progen, a Nutritional Supplement Based on Innovative Plasma Proteins, in ACL Reconstruction: A Multicenter Randomized Controlled Trial

Background: New biologic strategies are arising to enhance healing and improve the clinical outcome of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. Purpose: To evaluate the efficacy of a new oral nutritional supplement (Progen) that contains hydrolyzed collagen peptides and plasma proteins, a hyaluronic acid–chondroitin sulfate complex, and vitamin C. Study Design: Randomized controlled trial; Level of evidence, 2. Methods: The study included patients who underwent ACL reconstruction with hamstring autografts using the same fixation method. All patients received the same analgesia and physical therapy (PT) protocol and were randomized to receive either the nutritional supplement (supplemented group) or no additional therapy (control group). Patients were followed up at days 7, 30, 60, and 90. Pain was assessed by use of a visual analog scale (VAS) and by analgesic consumption. Clinical outcome was assessed via International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score and the number of PT sessions. Perceived efficacy and tolerability were rated on a 5-point Likert scale. Graft maturation was assessed by a blinded musculoskeletal radiologist using magnetic resonance imaging. The number of adverse events (AEs) was recorded. Results: The intention-to-treat analysis included 72 patients, 36 allocated to the supplemented group and 36 to the control group, with no significant differences regarding demographic and preoperative characteristics. Both groups showed significant improvement in pain and function (measured by VAS and IKDC scores) during the 90-day follow-up period (P < .001 for both), without significant differences between groups. The supplemented group had fewer patients that needed analgesics (8.5% vs 50.0%; P < .05) and attended fewer PT sessions (38.0 vs 48.4 sessions; P < .001) at 90 days and had a higher IKDC score at 60 days (62.5 vs 55.5; P = .029) compared with the control group. Patient- and physician-perceived efficacy was considered significantly higher in the supplemented group at 60 and 90 days (P < .05). Perceived tolerability of the overall intervention was better in the supplemented group at 30, 60, and 90 days (P < .05). Graft maturation showed more advanced degrees (grades 3 and 4) in the supplemented group at 90 days (61.8% vs 38.2%; P < .01). No intolerance or AEs associated with the nutritional supplement treatment were reported. Conclusion: The combination of the nutritional supplement and PT after ACL reconstruction improved pain, clinical outcome, and graft maturation. Nutritional supplementation showed higher efficacy during the second month of recovery, without causing AEs. Registration: NCT03355651 (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier).
Tanshinone IIA attenuates ovalbumin-induced airway inflammation and hyperresponsiveness in a murine model of asthma

Objective(s): Tanshinone IIA (T. IIA), one of the most pharmacologically active components extracted from Salviae miltiorrhiza, has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant features. The aim of the present study is to investigate the benefit of T. IIA on asthma using a murine model of asthma induced by ovalbumin (OVA). Materials and Methods: Male BALB/c mice were used in the present study. The mice were sensitized by OVA intraperitoneal injection on days 0 and 14, and received aerosolized OVA challenge for 30 min daily on days 21-23. T. IIA (10 mg/kg twice daily) intraperitoneal injection was performed on days 18-23. Results: Treatment of T. IIA reduced the levels of interleukin (IL)-4, IL-5, and IL-13 in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) (P<0.05 for all cases). The OVA-induced elevation of total white blood cells as well as differential white blood cells in BALF and blood were inhibited by T. IIA (P<0.05 for all cases). Moreover, airway hyperresponsiveness was dampened in T. IIA-treated group (P<0.05). T. IIA inhibited the activation of nuclear factor-κB in asthmatic mice (P<0.05). The activity of nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor 2 was enhanced in T. IIA-treated group (P<0.05). T. IIA elevated the activities of heme oxygenase-1, glutathione peroxidase, and superoxide dismutase (P<0.05 for all cases). Conclusion: T. IIA inhibits OVA-induced airway inflammation and hyperresponsiveness. T. IIA is a potential therapeutic agent for asthma.
Instructors for on-the-job training of advanced paramedics – definition of competencies and development of a quality management tool for a "High Responsibility Organization"

Objective: The psychological demands placed upon the emergency medical services, assures them of their place amongst High Responsibility Organizations. A high pressure to act and an irreversibility of situations are integral features of their workplaces. After the emergency services’ job profiles were restructured in Germany, the practical stage of paramedic training is now undertaken in these conditions. That is, they are trained by a supervising instructor whilst caring for critically ill patients. This paper aims to describe the requisite skills for such an instructor, formulate the associated competences as learning objectives, and develop a quality-measuring instrument for the description of training situations. Methods: The compilation of a competence catalogue was done via a two-step process: following a Delphi survey with an expert panel of practical trainers and trainees, a large cohort of parameters were validated in terms of their relevance. Those factors that formed scales together were identified. Results: After validating the results of the Delphi analysis, six scales (composed of 25 items in toto) were defined. They included the areas of "Training during times of action", "Training during periods of calm", "Background and practical relevance", "Character and personality traits", "Pedagogical competencies" and "Organizational behaviour". Conclusion: For the first time, a competency catalogue has been developed for instructors working in the emergency medical services from German-speaking countries. The catalogue focuses upon clinical training during the acute care of critically ill patients. The scales and items can be used for training-the-trainers, and also quality monitoring. Further research needs to focus on the application of the catalogue in clinical practice and evaluate the need for situational customization.
VEGFC acts as a double-edged sword in renal cell carcinoma aggressiveness

Hypoxic zones are common features of metastatic tumors. Due to inactivation of the von Hippel-Lindau gene (VHL), renal cell carcinomas (RCC) show constitutive stabilization of the alpha subunit of the hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF). Thus, RCC represents a model of chronic hypoxia. Development of the lymphatic network is dependent on vascular endothelial growth factor C (VEGFC) and lies at the front line of metastatic spreading. Here, we addressed the role of VEGFC in RCC aggressiveness and the regulation of its expression in hypoxia. Methods: Transcriptional and post transcriptional regulation of VEGFC expression was evaluated by qPCR and with reporter genes. The involvement of HIF was evaluated using a siRNA approach. Experimental RCC were performed with immuno-competent/deficient mice using human and mouse cells knocked-out for the VEGFC gene by a CRISPR/Cas9 method. The VEGFC axis was analyzed with an online available data base (TCGA) and using an independent cohort of patients. Results: Hypoxia induced VEGFC protein expression but down-regulated VEGFC gene transcription and mRNA stability. Increased proliferation, migration, over-activation of the AKT signaling pathway and enhanced expression of mesenchymal markers characterized VEGFC-/- cells. VEGFC-/- cells did not form tumors in immuno-deficient mice but developed aggressive tumors in immuno-competent mice. These tumors showed down-regulation of markers of activated lymphocytes and M1 macrophages, and up-regulation of M2 macrophages markers and programmed death ligand 1 (PDL1). Over-expression of lymphangiogenic genes including VEGFC was linked to increased disease-free and overall survival in patients with non-metastatic tumors, whereas its over-expression correlated with decreased progression-free and overall survival of metastatic patients. Conclusion: Our study revisited the admitted dogma linking VEGFC to tumor aggressiveness. We conclude that targeting VEGFC for therapy must be considered with caution.
Conventional and novel membrane channel proteins in 3D multicellular aggregate assembly and spreading

S AND PRESENTATIONS Bao, B. , Morgan, J.R. (2010). Connexon-mediated cell adhesion drives microtissue selfassembly. Biomedical Engineering Society annual meeting. Austin, TX Bao, B. , Morgan, J.R. (2009). Engineering the artificial ovarian follicle: functional intercellular communication in 3D granulosa microtissues. Biomedical Engineering Society annual meeting. Pittsburgh, PA.
Long-Term Effects of Periodical Fires on Archaeal Communities from Brazilian Cerrado Soils

The Cerrado biome corresponds to an extensive area of Brazil and is considered a biodiversity hotspot. Frequent fires are a natural feature in this biome and have influences on vegetation structure and composition. However, continuous anthropogenic actions are promoting changes in fire frequency and seasonality. Despite the high biodiversity of the Cerrado, little is known about its microbiome, with few publications describing some aspects of the bacterial and fungal communities found on this biome and almost no references about archaea. In this study, we describe the archaeal diversity in Cerrado sensu stricto soils, comparing the archaeal communities from soils of an area long protected from fires to one exposed to biennial fires, using both 16S rRNA and amoA genes as molecular markers. Almost all 16S rRNA sequences from both studied areas were affiliated with I.1b and 1.1c Thaumarchaeota, groups commonly detected in terrestrial environments. A higher relative abundance of I.1b thaumarchaeal subgroup was detected in the frequently burned area even though no statistically significant differences were observed in archaeal 16S rRNA richness and diversity between the investigated areas. Many ammonia-oxidizing archaea (AOA) are affiliated with this group, which is consistent with the higher amoA diversity and OTU numbers detected in the area periodically burned. Taken together, our results suggest that, although total archaeal community richness and diversity do not seem to greatly differ between the investigated conditions, alterations in wood cover and vegetation structure caused by frequent fires likely cause long-term effects in AOA diversity in Cerrado soils.
Energy Medicine: Current Status and Future Perspectives

Current practices in allopathic medicine measure different types of energy in the human body by using quantum field dynamics involved in nuclear medicine, radiology, and imaging diagnostics. Once diagnosed, current treatments revert to biochemistry instead of using biophysics therapies to treat the disturbances in subtle energies detected and used for diagnostics. Quantum physics teaches us there is no difference between energy and matter. All systems in the human being, from the atomic to the molecular level, are constantly in motion-creating resonance. This resonance is important to understanding how subtle energy directs and maintains health and wellness in the human being. Energy medicine (EM), whether human touch or device-based, is the use of known subtle energy fields to therapeutically assess and treat energetic imbalances, bringing the body’s systems back to homeostasis (balance). The future of EM depends on the ability of allopathic medicine to merge physics with biochemistry. Biophoton emissions as well as signal transduction and cell signaling communication systems are widely accepted in today’s medicine. This technology needs to be expanded to include the existence of the human biofield (or human energy field) to better understand that disturbances in the coherence of energy patterns are indications of disease and aging. Future perspectives include understanding cellular voltage potentials and how they relate to health and wellness, understanding the overlap between the endocrine and chakra systems, and understanding how EM therapeutically enhances psychoneuroimmunology (mind–body) medicine.