Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A new 3D finite element-based approach for computing cell surface tractions assuming nonlinear conditions

Advances in methods for determining the forces exerted by cells while they migrate are essential for attempting to understand important pathological processes, such as cancer or angiogenesis, among others. Precise data from three-dimensional conditions are both difficult to obtain and manipulate. For this purpose, it is critical to develop workflows in which the experiments are closely linked to the subsequent computational postprocessing. The work presented here starts from a traction force microscopy (TFM) experiment carried out on microfluidic chips, and this experiment is automatically joined to an inverse problem solver that allows us to extract the traction forces exerted by the cell from the displacements of fluorescent beads embedded in the extracellular matrix (ECM). Therefore, both the reconstruction of the cell geometry and the recovery of the ECM displacements are used to generate the inputs for the resolution of the inverse problem. The inverse problem is solved iteratively by using the finite element method under the hypothesis of finite deformations and nonlinear material formulation. Finally, after mathematical postprocessing is performed, the traction forces on the surface of the cell in the undeformed configuration are obtained. Therefore, in this work, we demonstrate the robustness of our computational-based methodology by testing it under different conditions in an extreme theoretical load problem and then by applying it to a real case based on experimental results. In summary, we have developed a new procedure that adds value to existing methodologies for solving inverse problems in 3D, mainly by allowing for large deformations and not being restricted to any particular material formulation. In addition, it automatically bridges the gap between experimental images and mechanical computations.
Facile fabrication of a magnetic self-healing poly(vinyl alcohol) composite hydrogel

This study proposes a simple method to fabricate a magnetic self-healing poly(vinyl alcohol) (ms-PVA) composite hydrogel. The obtained ms-PVA hydrogel was characterized by vibrating sample magnetometery and transmission electron microscopy. The self-healing property was investigated using a rheometer and tensile strength tests. Results showed that the ms-PVA hydrogel exhibited an excellent self-healing property and controllable magnetic intensity by adjusting the Fe3O4 particle content. The added Fe3O4 particles did not participate in hydrogen bond interactions but did cause the magnetic properties of the hydrogel. The hydrogel showed the best self-healing performance when the amount of Fe3O4 particles was 5 wt% (based on ms-PVA). The ms-PVA composite hydrogel presents a new application of the PVA hydrogel given its facile fabrication process and excellent performance.
Nest-like NiCoP for Highly Efficient Overall Water Splitting

The investigation of high-efficiency nonprecious electrocatalysts for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER) is of great significance for renewable energy technologies. Here, we provide a successive hydrothermal, oxidation, and phosphidation method to fabricate a 3D nest-like ternary NiCoP/carbon cloth (CC) electrocatalyst with superior catalytic activity and stability toward HER/OER. Nest-like NiCoP/CC requires overpotentials of 44 and 62 mV to reach the current density of 10 mA cm–2 in acidic and alkaline media, respectively, toward HER. For OER, the NiCoP/CC exhibits high active and durable performance with an overpotential of 242 mV at current density of 10 mA cm–2 in alkaline solutions. Furthermore, the practical application of NiCoP/CC as a bifunctional catalyst for overall water splitting reaction yields current densities of 10 and 100 mA cm–2 at 1.52 and 1.77 V, respectively.
Inducing lateralized phosphenes over the occipital lobe using transcranial magnetic stimulation to navigate a virtual environment

Electrical stimulation involving visual areas of the brain produces artificial light percepts called phosphenes. These visual percepts have been extensively investigated in previous studies involving intracortical microsimulation (ICMS) and serve as the basis for developing a visual prosthesis for the blind. Although advances have been achieved, many challenges still remain with implementing a functional ICMS for visual rehabilitation purposes. Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) over the primary occipital lobe offers an alternative method to produce phosphenes non-invasively. A main challenge facing blind individuals involves navigation. Within the scientific community, methods to evaluate the ability of a visual prosthesis to facilitate in navigation has been neglected. In this study, we investigate the effectiveness of evoking lateralized phosphenes to navigate a computer simulated virtual environment. More importantly, we demonstrate how virtual environments along with the development of a visual prosthesis share a mutual relationship benefiting both patients and researchers. Using two TMS devices, a pair of 40mm figure-of-eight coils were placed over each occipital hemisphere resulting in lateralized phosphene perception. Participants were tasked with making a series of left and right turns using peripheral devices depending on the visual hemifield in which a phosphene is present. If a participant was able to accurately perceive all ten phosphenes, the simulated target is able to advance and fully exit the virtual environment. Our findings demonstrate that participants can interpret lateralized phosphenes while highlighting the integration of computer based virtual environments to evaluate the capability of a visual prosthesis during navigation.
Association of common genetic variants of KCNJ11 gene with the risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus

Abstract Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a multifactorial polygenic disease. Potassium inwardly-rectifying channel, subfamily J, member 11 (KCNJ11) gene mutations can result in susceptibility of T2DM. The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between risk of T2DM and its complications (retinopathy & renal) and polymorphisms rs5210 and rs5215 of the KCNJ11 gene in a group of Iranian population. In this case-control study, 111 Iranian patients with T2DM and 82 control subjects were genotyped for each polymorphism by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and Sanger Sequencing methods. Frequencies of genotypes of rs5210 polymorphism among subjects with and without diabetes mellitus were 53.15% vs. 51.22% for GG and 37.84% vs. 42.68% for AG (p = 0.7), respectively. Corresponding frequencies for rs5215 polymorphism among diabetics and non-diabetics were 13.51% vs. 13.41% for CC and 50.45% vs. 37.80% for CT (p = 0.2). G allele carriers (rs5210 polymorphism) and C allele carriers (rs5215 polymorphism) had the same frequency among diabetics and non-diabetics (p = 0.9 for G allele and p = 0.2 for C allele). Our results suggested that none of the polymorphisms of KCNJ11, rs5210 (p = 0.7) and rs5215 (p = 0.2), were significantly associated with T2DM. Only, the relationship between CT genotype of rs5215 and retinopathy (p = 0.01) showed a borderline significant association.
The newest TRP channelopathy: Gain of function TRPM3 mutations cause epilepsy and intellectual disability

ABSTRACT Transient Receptor Potential Melastatin 3 (TRPM3) is a Ca2+ permeable nonselective cation channel, activated by heat and chemical agonists, such as the endogenous neuro-steroid Pregnenolone Sulfate (PregS) and the chemical compound CIM0216. TRPM3 is expressed in peripheral sensory neurons of the dorsal root ganglia (DRG), and its role in noxious heat sensation in mice is well established. TRPM3 is also expressed in a number of other tissues, including the brain, but its role there has been largely unexplored. Recent reports showed that two mutations in TRPM3 are associated with a developmental and epileptic encephalopathy, pointing to an important role of TRPM3 in the human brain. Subsequent reports found that the two disease-associated mutations increased basal channel activity, and sensitivity of the channel to activation by heat and chemical agonists. This review will discuss these mutations in the context of human diseases caused by mutations in other TRP channels, and in the context of the biophysical properties and physiological functions of TRPM3.
The continuous synthesis of Pd supported on Fe3O4 nanoparticles: a highly effective and magnetic catalyst for CO oxidation

Abstract We report a facile approach used for the simultaneous reduction and synthesis of a well dispersed magnetically separable palladium nanoparticle supported on magnetite (Pd/Fe3O4 nanoparticles) via continuous flow synthesis under microwave irradiation conditions, using a Wave Craft’s microwave flow reactor commercially known as ArrheniusOne, which can act as a unique process for the synthesis of highly active catalysts for carbon monoxide (CO) oxidation catalysis. The prepared catalysts are magnetic, which is an advantage in the separation process of the catalyst from the reaction medium. The separation process is achieved by applying a strong external magnetic field which makes the separation process easy, reliable, and environmentally friendly. Hydrazine hydrate was used as the reducing agent under continuous flow reaction conditions. The investigated catalysis data revealed that palladium supported on iron oxide catalyst synthesized by continuous flow microwave irradiation conditions showed remarkable high catalytic activity towards CO oxidation compared to the ones that were prepared by batch reaction conditions under the same experimental conditions. This could be attributed to the high degree of dispersion and concentration ratio of the Pd nanoparticles dispersed on the surface of magnetite (Fe3O4) with a small particle size of 5–8 nm due to the effective microwave-assisted reduction method under continuous flow conditions. These nanoparticles were further characterized by a variety of spectroscopic techniques including X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM).
Magnetic resonance detection of gas microbubbles via hyperCEST: a path toward a dual modality contrast agent.

Gas microbubbles are an established clinical ultrasound contrast agent. They could also become a powerful MR intravascular contrast agent, but their low susceptibility-induced contrast requires high circulating concentrations or the addition of exogenous paramagnetic nanoparticles for MR detection. In order to detect clinical in vivo concentrations of raw microbubbles via MR, an alternative detection scheme must be used. HyperCEST is an NMR technique capable of indirectly detecting signals from very dilute molecules that exchange hyperpolarized 129 Xe and that are present at concentrations that fall well below the NMR detection threshold. Here, we use quantitative hyperCEST to show that microbubbles are very efficient hyperCEST agents. They can accommodate and saturate millions of 129 Xe atoms at a time, allowing for their indirect detection at concentrations as low as 10 femtomolar. The increased MR sensitivity to microbubbles achieved via hyperCEST can bridge the gap for microbubbles to become a dual modality contrast agent.
A Novel Technique for Radiographic Diagnosis of Sarcopenia that Accurately Predicts Postoperative Complications in Lower Extremity Free Flap Patients

Abstract Background Sarcopenia is linked to poor outcomes throughout the surgical literature and can be assessed on preoperative imaging to potentially aid in risk stratification. This study examined the effects of sarcopenia on surgical morbidity following lower extremity (LE) reconstruction, and also compared two methods of assessment, one of which is novel (“ellipse method”). Methods A retrospective cohort study of 50 patients receiving free flap-based reconstruction of the LE was performed. Bilateral psoas density and area were quantified at L4 through tracing (“traditional method”) and encircling (“ellipse method”) to calculate Hounsfield unit average calculation (HUAC). Logistic regression and receiving operator curve analysis for the primary outcome of any postoperative complication was used to determine HUAC cutoffs (≤ 20.7 vs. ≤ 20.6) for sarcopenia. Risk of complications associated with sarcopenia was evaluated using Fisher's exact tests. Results Twelve patients (24%) met criteria for sarcopenia via the traditional method and 16 (32%) via the ellipse method. By both methods, sarcopenic patients were older and more often female and diabetic. These patients also had higher American Society of Anesthesiologists scores and lower serum prealbumin levels. The ellipse method was found to be more accurate, sensitive, and specific than the traditional method in predicting postoperative morbidity (p = 0.009). Via the ellipse method, sarcopenic patients were at higher risk for any complication (p = 0.002) and were at a higher risk for a deep vein thrombus or pulmonary embolism via the traditional method (p = 0.047). Conclusion Sarcopenia is associated with greater pre- and postoperative morbidity in LE reconstruction. The novel ellipse method is a simplified and accurate method of assessing sarcopenia that can be easily performed in the clinical setting.
Robust Graphene@PPS Fibrous Membrane for Harsh Environmental Oil/Water Separation and All-Weather Cleanup of Crude Oil Spill by Joule Heat and Photothermal Effect.

The cleanup of oily wastewater and crude-oil spills is a global challenge. Traditional membrane materials are inefficient for oil/water separation under harsh conditions and limited by sorption speeds because of the high viscosity of crude oil. Herein, a kind of Graphene-wrapped polyphenylene sulfide fibrous membrane with superior chemical resistance and hydrophobicity for efficient oil/water separation and fast adsorption of crude oil all-weather is reported. The reduced graphene oxide (rGO)@polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) fibrous membrane can be applied in the various harsh conditions with Joule heating and solar heating. In addition, the oil(dichloromethane)/water separation flux of rGO@PPS reached 12 903 L m-2h-1, and the separation efficiency reached 99.99%. After 10 cycles, the rGO@PPS still performed high separation flux and filtration efficiency. More importantly, the rGO@PPS still retained its high conductivity, excellent filtration efficiency, and stable hydrophobicity after acid or alkali treatment. Moreover, the rGO@PPS can be heated by solar energy to absorb viscous crude oil during the day, while at night, the crude oil can be adsorbed by Joule heating. The time to adsorb crude oil can be reduced by 98.6% and 97.3% through Joule heating and solar heating, respectively. This all-weather utilization greatly increases the adsorption efficiency and effectively reduces energy consumption.
Individual and combined hepatocytotoxicity of DDT and cadmium in vitro

The organochlorine insecticide dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) and heavy metal cadmium (Cd) are widespread environmental pollutants. They are persistent in the environment and can accumulate in organisms. Although the individual toxicity of DDT and Cd has been well documented, their combined toxicity is still not clear. Since liver is their common target, in this study, the individual and combined toxicity of DDT and Cd in human liver carcinoma HepG2 and human normal liver THLE-3 cell lines were investigated. The results showed that DDT and Cd inhibited the viability of HepG2 and THLE-3 cells dose-dependently and altered lysosomal morphology and function. Intracellular reactive oxygen species and lipid peroxidation levels were induced by DDT and Cd treatment. The combined cytotoxicity of DDT and Cd was greater than their individual cytotoxicity, and the interaction between Cd and DDT was additive on the inhibition of cell viability and lysosomal function of HepG2 cells. The interaction was antagonistic on the inhibition of cell viability of THLE-3 cells. These results may facilitate the evaluation of the cumulative risk of pesticides and heavy metal residues in the environment.
Interleukin-4 Receptor Inhibition Targeting Metastasis Independent of Macrophages

Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) is the most common soft tissue sarcoma occurring in children and carries a dismal prognosis when metastatic disease is detected. Our previous work has suggested the cytokine receptor IL4Rα may play a role in contributing to metastasis in the alveolar subtype of rhabdomyosarcoma (aRMS), and thus could present a therapeutic target. The IL4 signaling axis has been characterized in various adult cancers as well; however, pediatric trials often follow similar adult trials and the role of the IL4Rα receptor has not been explored in the context of a mediator of metastasis in adult disease. Here, we demonstrate that the impact of IL4Rα blockade in an orthotopic allograft model of aRMS is not mediated by a macrophage response. We further examine the effect of IL4 blockade in adult colon, breast, and prostate cancers and find that inhibition of IL4Rα signaling modulates in vitro cell viability of HCT-116 colon carcinoma cells; however, this finding did not translate to an autocrine-related in vivo difference in tumor burden or lung metastasis. Our results suggest that if humanized IL4 mouse host strains are not available (or not ideal due to the need for immunosuppressing the host innate immune response for xenograft systems), then genetically-engineered mice and mouse allograft studies may be the best indicator of therapeutic targeting efficacy.
Progress in the application of spider silk protein in medicine

Spider silk protein has attracted much attention on account of its excellent mechanical properties, biodegradability, and biocompatibility. As the main protein component of spider silk, spidroin plays important role in spider spinning under natural circumstances and biomaterial application in medicine as well. Compare to the native spidroin which has a large molecular weight (>300 kDa) with highly repeat glycine and polyalanine regions, the recombinant spidroin was maintained the core amino motifs and much easier to collect. Here, we reviewed the application of recombinant spider silk protein eADF4(C16), major ampullate spidroin (MaSp), minor ampullate spidroin (MiSp), and the derivatives of recombinant spider silk protein in drug delivery system. Moreover, we also reviewed the application of spider silk protein in the field of alternative materials, repairing materials, wound dressing, surgical sutures along with advances in recombinant spider silk protein.
A systematic review of health economic evaluation in orthotics and prosthetics: Part 2—orthotics

Background: Health economic evaluations (HEEs) in orthotics are in their infancy. Identification of evidence gaps and method design issues will inform the design of future HEEs that advance knowledge and contributes to policy and investment decisions. Objectives: The aim of this systematic review was to critically appraise the existing orthotic/prosthetic health economic evaluation literature and therefore determine evidence gaps, critical method design issues, and the extent to which the literature informs orthotic policy and investment decisions. Study Design: Systematic review. Methods: A range of databases were searched using intervention- and HEE-related terms. The Consolidated Health Economic Checklist—Extended and the Checklist for Health Economic Evaluation Reporting Standards were used to identify issues with method design and reporting. Results: Nine orthotic HEEs were narrowly focused on the cost-effectiveness of low-cost orthotic devices (eg, ankle orthoses for ankle sprains). Method design (eg, cost identification and valuation) and reporting issues (eg, lack of detail about the study population) limited the extent to which this literature can inform policy and investment decisions. Conclusions: HEEs comparing a wider variety of interventions are required, particularly for commonly used orthoses (eg, ankle-foot orthoses) and clinical presentations (eg, post-stroke). There are opportunities to strengthen future orthotic HEEs by adopting method design features (eg, microcosting and sensitivity analyses) as recommended by HEE appraisal and reporting tools.
Fecal glucocorticoid metabolites reflect hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis activity in muskoxen (Ovibos moschatus)

Muskoxen (Ovibos moschatus), a taxonomically unique Arctic species, are increasingly exposed to climate and other anthropogenic changes. It is critical to develop and validate reliable tools to monitor their physiological stress response in order to assess the impacts of these changes. Here, we measured fecal glucocorticoid metabolite (FGM) levels in response to the administration of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) in the winter (1 IU/kg) and summer (2 IU/kg) using two enzyme immunoassays, one targeting primarily cortisol and the other targeting primarily corticosterone. Fecal cortisol levels varied substantially within and among individuals, and none of the animals in either challenge showed an increase in fecal cortisol following the injection of ACTH. By contrast, two of six (winter) and two of five (summer) muskoxen showed a clear response in fecal corticosterone levels (i.e., maximal percentage increase as compared to time 0 levels > 100%). Increases in fecal corticosterone post-ACTH injection occurred earlier and were of shorter duration in the summer than in the winter and fecal corticosterone levels were, in general, lower during the summer. These seasonal differences in FGM responses may be related to the use of different individuals (i.e., influence of sex, age, social status, etc.) and to seasonal variations in the metabolism and excretion of glucocorticoids, intestinal transit time, voluntary food intake, and fecal output and moisture content. Results from this study support using FGMs as a biomarker of hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis activity in muskoxen, advance our understanding of the physiological adaptations of mammals living in highly seasonal and extreme environments such as the Arctic, and emphasize the importance of considering seasonality in other species when interpreting FGM levels.
Nursing, Caregiving and Psychological support in Chronic Disorders of Consciousness: a scoping review

Background and aims: The major disorders of consciousness include Coma, Vegetative State, and Minimally Conscious State. The care and the management of patients with Disorders of Consciousness (DOC) have raised several important ethical, social and medical issues. Aim of this review is to evaluate the role of nursing and psychological support in DOC management, in order to improve the quality of life of both patients and their caregivers. Methods: Studies dealing with DOC, nursing and caregiving published in the last 20 years (from January 2000 to June 2020) were identified by searching on PubMed, Web of Science and Cochrane databases. Results: This review highlights the important role of DOC caregivers in the complex management of these frail patients, as well as the need for a specific support and counselling of caregivers. This psychological support may be given by nurses, as they are the healthcare professionals more involved in DOC care and cure. Discussion: Over the last years, specific recommendations for the assessment and rehabilitation of patients with DOC have been promulgated by neurorehabilitation organizations to provide some guidelines for the care and cure of such frail patients. Indeed, DOC patients need a multidisciplinary approach in which both caregivers and nurses have a pivotal role. Conclusions: As the family is a critical and fundamental aspect in the management of DOC patients, it should be considered an integral part of care in the future guidelines. (www.actabiomedica)