Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Discovery profiling and bioinformatics analysis of serum microRNA in Mitochondrial NeuroGastroIntestinal Encephalomyopathy (MNGIE)

Abstract Mitochondrial neurogastrointestinal encephalomyopathy (MNGIE) is a rare and fatal inherited metabolic disorder due to mutations in the nuclear TYMP gene and leads to a deficiency in the enzyme thymidine phosphorylase. This results in an accumulation of the deoxynucleosides, thymidine and deoxyuridine in the cellular and extracellular compartments, ultimately leading to mitochondrial failure. The understanding of the precise molecular mechanisms that underlie the disease pathology is limited, being hampered by the rarity of the disorder. Expression profiling of serum based mircoRNAs and subsequent bioinformatical analyses provide an approach to facilitate the identity of dysregulated genes and signalling pathways potentially involved in the pathogenesis of MNGIE.
Interleukin‐1beta released by microglia initiates the enhanced glutamatergic activity in the spinal dorsal horn during paclitaxel‐associated acute pain syndrome

Patients receiving paclitaxel for cancer treatment often develop an acute pain syndrome (paclitaxel‐associated acute pain syndrome, P‐APS), which occurs immediately after paclitaxel treatment. Mechanisms underlying P‐APS remain largely unknown. We recently reported that rodents receiving paclitaxel develop acute pain and activation of spinal microglial toll like receptor 4 (TLR4) by paclitaxel penetrating into the spinal cord is a critical event in the genesis of P‐APS. Our current study dissected cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying the P‐APS. We demonstrated that bath‐perfusion of paclitaxel, at a concentration similar to that found in the cerebral spinal fluid in animals receiving i.v. paclitaxel (2 mg/kg), resulted in increased calcium activity in microglia instantly, and in astrocytes with 6 min delay. TLR4 activation in microglia by paclitaxel caused microglia to rapidly release interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β) but not tumor necrosis factor α, IL‐6, or interferon‐γ. IL‐1β release from microglia depended on capthepsin B. IL‐1β acted on astrocytes, leading to elevated calcium activity and suppressed glutamate uptake. IL‐1β also acted on neurons to increase presynaptic glutamate release and postsynaptic AMPA receptor activity in the spinal dorsal horn. Knockout of IL‐1 receptors prevented the development of acute pain induced by paclitaxel in mice. Our study indicates that IL‐1β is a crucial molecule used by microglia to alter functions in astrocytes and neurons upon activation of TLR4 in the genesis of P‐APS, and targeting the signaling pathways regulating the production and function of IL‐1β from microglia is a potential avenue for the development of analgesics for the treatment of P‐APS.
Attitude Estimation of Underwater Vehicles Using Field Measurements and Bias Compensation

This paper proposes a method of estimating the attitude of an underwater vehicle. The proposed method uses two field measurements, namely, a gravitational field and a magnetic field represented in terms of vectors in three-dimensional space. In many existing methods that convert the measured field vectors into Euler angles, the yaw accuracy is affected by the uncertainty of the gravitational measurement and by the uncertainty of the magnetic field measurement. Additionally, previous methods have used the magnetic field measurement under the assumption that the magnetic field has only a horizontal component. The proposed method utilizes all field measurement components as they are, without converting them into Euler angles. The bias in the measured magnetic field vector is estimated and compensated to take full advantage of all measured field vector components. Because the proposed method deals with the measured field independently, uncertainties in the measured vectors affect the attitude estimation separately without adding up. The proposed method was tested by conducting navigation experiments with an unmanned underwater vehicle inside test tanks. The results were compared with those obtained by other methods, wherein the Euler angles converted from the measured field vectors were used as measurements.
Effects of Oncogenic Gαq and Gα11 Inhibition by FR900359 in Uveal Melanoma

Uveal melanoma is the most common intraocular tumor in adults and often metastasizes to the liver, leaving patients with few options. Recurrent activating mutations in the G proteins, Gαq and Gα11, are observed in approximately 93% of all uveal melanomas. Although therapeutic intervention of downstream Gαq/11 targets has been unsuccessful in treating uveal melanoma, we have found that the Gαq/11 inhibitor, FR900359 (FR), effectively inhibits oncogenic Gαq/11 signaling in uveal melanoma cells expressing either mutant Gαq or Gα11. Inhibition of oncogenic Gαq/11 by FR results in cell-cycle arrest and induction of apoptosis. Furthermore, colony formation is prevented by FR treatment of uveal melanoma cells in 3D-cell culture, providing promise for future in vivo studies. This suggests direct inhibition of activating Gαq/11 mutants may be a potential means of treating uveal melanoma. Implications: Oncogenic Gαq/11 inhibition by FR900359 may be a potential treatment option for those with uveal melanoma.
Inhibition of TFEB oligomerization by co‐treatment of melatonin with vorinostat promotes the therapeutic sensitivity in glioblastoma and glioma stem cells

Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most aggressive malignant glioma and most lethal form of human brain cancer (Clin J Oncol Nurs. 2016;20:S2). GBM is also one of the most expensive and difficult cancers to treat by the surgical resection, local radiotherapy, and temozolomide (TMZ) and still remains an incurable disease. Oncomine platform analysis and Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis (GEPIA) show that the expression of transcription factor EB (TFEB) was significantly increased in GBMs and in GBM patients above stage IV. TFEB requires the oligomerization and localization to regulate transcription in the nucleus. Also, the expression and oligomerization of TFEB proteins contribute to the resistance of GBM cells to conventional chemotherapeutic agents such as TMZ. Thus, we investigated whether the combination of vorinostat and melatonin could overcome the effects of TFEB and induce apoptosis in GBM cells and glioma cancer stem cells (GSCs). The downregulation of TFEB and oligomerization by vorinostat and melatonin increased the expression of apoptosis‐related genes and activated the apoptotic cell death process. Significantly, the inhibition of TFEB expression dramatically decreased GSC tumor‐sphere formation and size. The inhibitory effect of co‐treatment resulted in decreased proliferation of GSCs and induced the expression of cleaved PARP and p‐γH2AX. Taken together, our results definitely demonstrate that TFEB expression contributes to enhanced resistance of GBMs to chemotherapy and that vorinostat‐ and melatonin‐activated apoptosis signaling in GBM cells by inhibiting TFEB expression and oligomerization, suggesting that co‐treatment of vorinostat and melatonin may be an effective therapeutic strategy for human brain cancers.
Rhyzobius lophanthae Behavior is Influenced by Cycad Plant Age, Providing Odor Samples in a Y-tube Olfactometer

The scale predator Rhyzobius lophanthae Blaisdell was introduced to Guam and Rota to control invasive Aulacaspis yasumatsui Takagi armored scale infestations on the native Cycas micronesica K.D. Hill populations. The predator demonstrated a clear preference for A. yasumatsui infesting adult plants, resulting in 100% seedling mortality due to the lack of a biocontrol of the scale on seedlings. A Y-tube olfactometer was employed to determine if scale-infested seedling leaves were less attractive to R. lophanthae than scale-infested mature tree leaves. Five paired combinations of seedling versus mature tree leaves were used. The R. lophanthae adults navigated toward scale-infested and un-infested leaves of adults and seedlings when paired with an empty chamber. However, a clear preference for adult leaves occurred when paired with seedling leaves. The results were unambiguous in charcoal-filtered air, intermediate in unfiltered air from an open laboratory, and most ambiguous when conducted with unfiltered in-situ air. The number of predators that did not make a choice was greatest for in-situ air and least for charcoal-filtered air. These results indicated that the substrate used in olfactometry influenced the results, and interpretations of charcoal-filtered air assays should be made with caution. Volatile chemical cues are involved in R. lophanthae preferring A. yasumatsui located on C. micronesica adults when infested adult and seedling leaves are present.
The documentary film reader : history, theory, criticism

I. Early documentary: from the illustrated lecture to the factual film : From lecturer's prop to industrial product: the early history of travel films (2006) / Rick Altman -- Burton Holmes pleases a large audience at the Columbia (1905) / Anonymous -- Placing the spectator on the scene of history: modern warfare and the battle reenactment at the turn of the century (2008) / Kristen Whissel -- Let there be Lumiere (1999) / Dai Vaughan -- A new source of history (1898) / Boleslas Matuszewski -- Before documentary : early nonfiction films and the 'view' aesthetic (1997) / Tom Gunning -- The Continental Film Company (1912) / Edward S. Curtis et al. -- Review of In the land of the head hunters (1914) / W. Stephen Bush -- Playing primitive (1999) / Catherine Russell -- Movies of Eskimo life win much appreciation (1915) ; Review of Nanook of the North (1922) / Anonymous -- Flaherty's poetic Moana (1926) ; Flaherty (1931-32) / John Grierson --^
Laser-Inscribed Glass Microfluidic Device for Non-Mixing Flow of Miscible Solvents

In recent years, there has been significant research on integrated microfluidic devices. Microfluidics offer an advantageous platform for the parallel laminar flow of adjacent solvents of potential use in modern chemistry and biology. To reach that aim, we worked towards the realization of a buried microfluidic Lab-on-a-Chip which enables the separation of the two components by exploiting the non-mixing properties of laminar flow. To fabricate the aforementioned chip, we employed a femtosecond laser irradiation technique followed by chemical etching. To optimize the configuration of the chip, several geometrical and structural parameters were taken into account. The diffusive mass transfer between the two fluids was estimated and the optimal chip configuration for low diffusion rate of the components was defined.
Synergistic Effect on the Thermomechanical and Electrical Properties of Epoxy Composites with the Enhancement of Carbon Nanotubes and Graphene Nano Platelets

The synergetic effect of adding multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) on the thermomechanical properties and electric resistance of epoxy polymers were experimentally analyzed in this study. The total content of two employed carbon fillers were kept constant at 0.4 wt %, and seven filler ratios between two fillers (MWCNTs:GNPs), i.e., 10:0, 1:9, 3:7, 5:5, 7:3, 9:1, and 0:10, were considered in the experimental program to investigate the influences of employed nano-filler ratios on the viscoelastic and electrical properties of the studied nanocomposites. The thermomechanical properties and the sheet resistance of the nanocomposites were analyzed using a dynamic mechanical analyzer and four-point probe, respectively. Moreover, the thermogravimetric analyzer was utilized to measure the pyrolysis temperature of the nanocomposites. Experimental results show that the synergistic effect of adding two nano-fillers were clear for the improvement of the storage moduli, glass transition temperatures, and electric conductivity. Oppositely, the employment of two fillers has a slight effect on the pyrolysis temperatures of the studied nanocomposites. The composites with the MWCNT:GNP ratio of 1:9 display the most apparent enhancement of the thermomechanical properties. The improvement results from the uniform distribution and the high aspect ratio of GNPs. The addition of a small amount of MWCNTs provides more linkage in the matrix. Moreover, the specimens with the MWCNT:GNP ratio of 1:9 shows remarkable electrical properties, which result from the large contact surface areas of GNPs with each other. The employment of few MWCNTs plays an important bridging role between the layered GNPs.
Differences in Coping Strategies Between Young and Older Adults: The Role of Executive Functions

Executive functions (EFs) have been identified as processes in the ability to select and apply adaptive strategies for coping with stress. This study compares executive functioning, short-term memory, and coping in a sample of young and older adults with no prior diagnosis of depression and with normal cognitive function (N = 216). The study collected measures of depression, EFs, short-term memory, and coping. Young participants scored higher than older adults on EFs and short-term memory. Moreover, in young adults, there was a prevalence of avoidance coping strategies. Scores on depressive symptomatology were found to be related to avoidant coping strategies. Older adults with higher score on inhibition used less avoidant coping. Thus, it seems that executive deficits might contribute to depression, as they affect processes for coping with stress. This finding may have implications for the role of EFs and coping in psychological well-being and successful adaptation of individuals to stressful situations.
Aggregation effects on the magnetic properties of iron oxide colloids

Magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs), and in particular iron oxide nanoparticles (mainly magnetite and maghemite), are being widely used in the form of aqueous colloids for biomedical applications. In such colloids, nanoparticles tend to form assemblies, either aggregates, if the union is permanent, or agglomerates, if it is reversible. These clustering processes have a strong impact on the MNPs’ properties that are often not well understood. In this review, the causes and consequences of MNPs aggregation/agglomeration are reviewed and discussed. Special attention has been paid to the impact of the MNPs aggregation/agglomeration on their magnetic properties and heating properties, when exposed to an alternating magnetic field in the frame of magnetic hyperthermia. In addition, a model system with MNPs of two different sizes coated with three different molecules oleic acid, meso-2, 3-dimercaptosuccinic acid and poly(maleic anhydride-alt-1-octadecene) has been characterized and the results used to support the ideas reviewed.
Plasmid-DNA lipid and polymeric nanovaccines: a new strategic in vaccines development

ABSTRACT Vaccination is the most effective and least expensive technique used for human diseases prevention and eradication. The need for more vaccine doses and the rapid establishment of facilities for the development of new vaccines are stimulating significate changes in the vaccine industry, which is gradually moving towards cell culture production. One approach is the third generation of vaccines, which are based on the use of plasmid DNA (pDNA) containing transgenes that encode an antigen capable of mimicking intracellular pathogenic infection and triggering both humoral and cellular immune responses. Plasmid DNA vaccination has distinct advantages over other vaccine technologies in terms of safety, ease of fabrication and stability. The effectiveness of pDNA vaccines against viruses, bacteria, parasites and cancer cells has been demonstrated in preclinical and clinical assays. Furthermore, currently there are a few veterinary pDNA vaccines in the market. The application of a simple formulation of naked pDNA as a vaccine is attractive, but a low transfection efficiency is often obtained. The use of nanoparticles to increase transfection efficiency is an approach that has been tested clinically. This review provides a summary of vaccine production, advances and major challenges associated with pDNA lipid and polymeric nanovaccines applications.
Neurobiological signature of intimacy in anorexia nervosa

BACKGROUND Intimacy and psychosexual development represent core problems of anorexia nervosa (AN). Experiential and neurobiological evidence however is scarce. MATERIAL AND METHODS Thirty-one female AN patients were compared with 35 non-patients (NP) and 22 recovered participants (REC) by using functional magnetic resonance imaging. Participants viewed pictures of couples in intimate relationships and control stimuli. RESULTS AN patients experienced intimate stimuli with lower valence and dominance. AN showed decreased activation of parietal cortices. NP decreased the prefrontal cortex response, which AN patients did not. REC participants did not differ from NP on a behavioural level, though with regard to the neural signature. DISCUSSION Parietal cortices are related to processing of erotic themes, which seems to be deficient in AN. Dysfunction of prefrontal cortices likely mirrors dysfunctional control in AN. The neural signature does not seem to be state-related considering results of REC.
A collaborative multiyear, multimodel assessment of seasonal influenza forecasting in the United States

Significance Accurate prediction of the size and timing of infectious disease outbreaks could help public health officials in planning an appropriate response. This paper compares approaches developed by five different research groups to forecast seasonal influenza outbreaks in real time in the United States. Many of the models show more accurate forecasts than a historical baseline. A major impediment to predictive ability was the real-time accuracy of available data. The field of infectious disease forecasting is in its infancy and we expect that innovation will spur improvements in forecasting in the coming years. Influenza infects an estimated 9–35 million individuals each year in the United States and is a contributing cause for between 12,000 and 56,000 deaths annually. Seasonal outbreaks of influenza are common in temperate regions of the world, with highest incidence typically occurring in colder and drier months of the year. Real-time forecasts of influenza transmission can inform public health response to outbreaks. We present the results of a multiinstitution collaborative effort to standardize the collection and evaluation of forecasting models for influenza in the United States for the 2010/2011 through 2016/2017 influenza seasons. For these seven seasons, we assembled weekly real-time forecasts of seven targets of public health interest from 22 different models. We compared forecast accuracy of each model relative to a historical baseline seasonal average. Across all regions of the United States, over half of the models showed consistently better performance than the historical baseline when forecasting incidence of influenza-like illness 1 wk, 2 wk, and 3 wk ahead of available data and when forecasting the timing and magnitude of the seasonal peak. In some regions, delays in data reporting were strongly and negatively associated with forecast accuracy. More timely reporting and an improved overall accessibility to novel and traditional data sources are needed to improve forecasting accuracy and its integration with real-time public health decision making.
The Effects of Smoking on Shoulder Stiffness Following Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair

We hypothesize that cigarette smoking might predispose patients to the development of shoulder stiffness as a postoperative complication of arthroscopic rotator cuff repair within the first 3 months of operative intervention. To our knowledge this association has not been evaluated before. The study was a prospective study undertaken on a consecutive cohort of 80 patients who underwent arthroscopic rotator cuff repair at a single center. Measurements of passive range of motion, patient-ranked pain and stiffness levels, as well as strength were collected preoperatively and at 1, 6, and 12 weeks postoperatively. Patient smoking habits were assessed at the time of their 6-week postoperative review. Correlation analysis demonstrated a relationship between smoking status and patient-ranked shoulder stiffness 1 week following arthroscopic rotator cuff repair (r=0.26, P=0.046). Smoking status also correlated with the change in shoulder stiffness experienced by smokers at 1 week (r=0.37, P=0.03) and was found to be associated with a reduced restoration of external rotation range of motion between 6 and 12 weeks following arthroscopic intervention (r=−0.32, P=0.014). Relationships exist between cigarette smoking, patient reported shoulder stiffness and an objective loss of range of motion within 12 weeks of arthroscopic rotator cuff repair.
Compensation or Recovery? Altered Kinetics and Neuromuscular Synergies Following High-Intensity Stepping Training Poststroke

Background. High-intensity, variable stepping training can improve walking speed in individuals poststroke, although neuromuscular strategies used to achieve faster speeds are unclear. We evaluated changes in joint kinetics and neuromuscular coordination following such training; movement strategies consistent with intact individuals were considered evidence of recovery and abnormal strategies indicative of compensation. Methods. A total of 15 individuals with stroke (duration: 23 ± 30 months) received ≤40 sessions of high-intensity stepping in variable contexts (tasks and environments). Lower-extremity kinetics and electromyographic (EMG) activity were collected prior to (BSL) and following (POST) training at peak treadmill speeds and speeds matched to peak BSL (MATCH). Primary measures included positive (concentric) joint and total limb powers, measures of interlimb (paretic/nonparetic powers) and intralimb compensation (hip/ankle or knee/ankle powers), and muscle synergies calculated using nonnegative matrix factorization. Results. Gains in most positive paretic and nonparetic joint powers were observed at higher speeds at POST, with decreased interlimb compensation and limited changes in intralimb compensation. There were very few differences in kinetic measures between BSL to MATCH conditions. However, the number of neuromuscular synergies increased significantly following training at both POST and MATCH conditions, indicating gains from training rather than altered speeds. Despite these results, speed improvements were associated primarily with changes in nonparetic versus paretic powers. Conclusion. Gains in locomotor function were accomplished by movement strategies consistent with both recovery and compensation. These and other data indicate that both strategies may be necessary to maximize walking function in patients poststroke.