Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Role of Virtual Reality in Screening, Diagnosing, and Rehabilitating Spatial Memory Deficits

Impairment of spatial memory, including an inability to recall previous locations and navigate the world, is often one of the first signs of functional disability on the road to cognitive impairment. While there are many screening and diagnostic tools which attempt to measure spatial memory ability, they are often not representative of real-life situations and can therefore lack applicability. One potential solution to this problem involves the use of virtual reality (VR), which immerses individuals in a virtually-simulated environment, allowing for scenarios more representative of real-life without any of the associated risks. Here, we review the evidence surrounding the use of VR for the screening and diagnosis of spatial memory impairments, including potential limitations and how it compares to standard neuropsychological tests. We will also discuss the evidence regarding the potential use of VR in the rehabilitation of spatial memory deficits, which has not been well studied, but which could be game-changing if proven successful.
Hypoxia Onset in Mesenchymal Stem Cell Spheroids: Monitoring With Hypoxia Reporter Cells

The therapeutic and differentiation potential of human mesenchymal stems cells (hMSCs) makes these cells a promising candidate for cellular therapies and tissue engineering. On the path of a successful medical application of hMSC, the cultivation of cells in a three-dimensional (3D) environment was a landmark for the transition from simple two-dimensional (2D) testing platforms to complex systems that mimic physiological in vivo conditions and can improve hMSC curative potential as well as survival after implantation. A 3D arrangement of cells can be mediated by scaffold materials where cells get entrapped in pores, or by the fabrication of spheroids, scaffold-free self-organized cell aggregates that express their own extracellular matrix. Independently from the cultivation method, cells expanded in 3D experience an inhomogeneous microenvironment. Many gradients in nutrient supply, oxygen supply, and waste disposal from one hand mimic in vivo microenvironment, but also put every cell in the 3D construct in a different context. Since oxygen concentration in spheroids is compromised in a size-dependent manner, it is crucial to have a closer insight on the thresholds of hypoxic response in such systems. In this work, we want to improve our understanding of oxygen availability and consequensing hypoxia onset in hMSC spheroids. Therefore, we utilized human adipose tissue-derived MSCs (hAD-MSCs) modified with a genetical sensor construct to reveal (I) the influence of spheroid production methods and (II) hMSCs cell number per spheroid to detect the onset of hypoxia in aggregates. We could demonstrate that not only higher cell numbers of MSCs, but also spheroid formation method plays a critical role in onset of hypoxia.
Microscopic Model of Intermediate Phase in Flexible to Rigid Transition

We introduce a lattice gas model with a modified Hamiltonian considering different energy for cycles of connected atoms. The system can be interpreted as a chalcogenide glass with pollutants forming floppy and rigid structures. We consider an energetic penalization for redundant bonds in the network. This penalization allows us to incorporate the topology constraints of rigidity in the network to study the thermodynamics of the system. We observe, depending on the parameter used for the penalization, that the system exhibits a typical first-order phase transition, or a stepped transition between the low and high density while varying the chemical potential. We also observe a hysteresis loop in the density and energy of the system. We use the area of these loops to calculate the irreversible enthalpy. There are two regimes, one where the enthalpy decreases linearly and the other with almost constant enthalpy. As the enthalpy is almost constant and very low, we interpreted this as the intermediate phase of the chalcogenide glasses.
EEG Correlates of Long-Distance Dependency Formation in Mandarin Wh-Questions

Event-related potential components are sensitive to the processes underlying how questions are understood. We use so-called “covert” wh-questions in Mandarin to probe how such components generalize across different kinds of constructions. This study shows that covert Mandarin wh-questions do not elicit anterior negativities associated with memory maintenance, even when such a dependency is unambiguously cued. N = 37 native speakers of Mandarin Chinese read Chinese questions and declarative sentences word-by-word during EEG recording. In contrast to prior studies, no sustained anterior negativity (SAN) was observed between the cue word, such as the question-embedding verb “wonder,” and the in-situ wh-filler. SANs have been linked with working memory maintenance, suggesting that grammatical features may not impose the same maintenance demands as the content words used in prior work.
Cyfip1 Regulates SynGAP1 at Hippocampal Synapses

In humans, copy number variations in CYFIP1 appear to have sweeping physiological and structural consequences in the brain, either producing or altering the severity of intellectual disability, autism, and schizophrenia. Independently, SynGAP1 haploinsufficiency produces intellectual disability and, frequently, autism. Cyfip1 inhibits protein translation and promotes actin polymerization, and SynGAP1 is a synaptically localized Ras/Rap GAP. While these proteins are clearly distinct, studies investigating their functions in mice have shown that each regulates the maturation of synapses in the hippocampus and haploinsufficiency for either produces an exaggerated form of mGluR-dependent long-term depression, suggesting that some signaling pathways converge. In this study, we examined how Cyfip1 haploinsufficiency impacts SynGAP1 levels and localization, as well as potential sites for mechanistic interaction in mouse hippocampus. The data show that synaptic, but not total, levels of SynGAP1 in Cyfip1+/– mice were abnormally low during early postnatal development and in adults. This may be in response to a shift in the balance of kinases that activate SynGAP1 as levels of Cdk5 were reduced and those of activated CaMKII were maintained in Cyfip1+/– mice compared to wild-type mice. Alternatively, this could reflect altered actin dynamics as Rac1 activity in Cyfip1+/– hippocampus was boosted significantly compared to wild-type mice, and levels of synaptic F-actin were generally enhanced due in part to an increase in the activity of the WAVE regulatory complex. Decreased synaptic SynGAP1 coupled with a CaMKII-mediated bias toward Rap1 inactivation at synapses is also consistent with increased levels of synaptic GluA2, increased AMPA receptor-mediated responses to stimulation, and increased levels of synaptic mGluR1/5 compared to wild-type mice. Collectively, our data suggest that Cyfip1 regulates SynGAP1 and the two proteins work coordinately at synapses to appropriately direct actin polymerization and GAP activity.
Surface plasma resonance biosensor based on prism geometry

We demonstrated the improvements of an optical biosensor system using a long range surface plasma resonance technique. As preliminary simulation results, we present the prism-based biosensor system with a broader operating range to improve the sensitivity for a wider the measurable reflective index range and a narrower absorbing peak. This proposed optical biosensor system could be used to implement a compact immunoassay device.
Tecticornia sp. (Samphire)—A Promising Underutilized Australian Indigenous Edible Halophyte

Salinization is gradually increasing over cropping soils and is challenging Governments in many countries, including Australia. There has been a high demand for utilizing arid and semi-arid land for sustainable food production. Currently, the main crops and forage plants are salt sensitive, while halophytes can tolerate a wide range of salinities. Samphire is an Australian indigenous edible halophyte and belongs to the genus Tecticornia. It is an underutilized, succulent plant growing on arid or semi-arid land. Most samphire species have a long history of use as food, but also as non-food (fodder and medicine), among indigenous communities in Australia, while scientific information is limited on their nutritional composition and potential bioactivity. The present study reports, for the first time, the nutritional composition, bioactive compounds (phytochemicals) and antioxidant capacity of six Australian grown samphire from different locations. The results showed that celosianin II and isocelosianin II could be identified as the predominant betalains (phytochemicals) in pigmented samphire species. Proximates and fiber varied significantly (p < 0.05) between the samphire species with a highest value of fiber of 46.8 g/100 g dry weight (DW). Furthermore, samphire could be identified as a valuable source of essential minerals and trace elements, such as iron (41.5 mg/100 g DW), magnesium (1.2 g/100 g DW) and sodium (16.7 g/100 g DW). The fatty acid profile, mainly palmitic, stearic, oleic, linoleic and α-linolenic acid, was similar among the studied species. Total phenolic content and DPPH-radical scavenging capacity were different (p < 0.05) between the six samphire samples. These initial results are very promising and indicate that Australian grown samphire may have the potential to be utilized as a functional food ingredient.
How Do Families Experience and Interact with CPS?

The lived experiences of child protective services (CPS)–involved parents is rarely considered from a social justice perspective. Parents and children endure the oversight of the child welfare system in myriad ways, and these experiences usually vary based on race, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status. This article explores how CPS interactions affect family dynamics and well-being and how family members view their experiences with CPS, including their sense of autonomy and empowerment. I focus on the inherent power dynamics between CPS workers and parents, race and ethnicity, and family. I highlight the perspectives of parents and their intended (rather than unintentional) parental behaviors (e.g., providing healthy food choices) to understand ways in which their socioecological contexts impact the well-being of their children. I report results of a pilot study designed to enhance the voices of parents in the literature and provide recommendations for policy and practice that inform innovative solutions to better support CPS-involved families.
O-Butyl S-(1,1,3-trioxobenz[d]isothia­zol-2-yl)methyl dithiocarbonate

The asymmetric unit in the crystal structure of the title compound, C13H15NO4S3, comprises two mol­ecules. Their nine-membered fused-ring systems are planar, with maximum deviations from the mean planes for the N atoms of 0.045 (3) and −0.028 (3) A for the two mol­ecules. The mol­ecules are linked by inter­molecular C—H⋯O hydrogen bonds oriented along the [010] axis.
Perceptions of the Importance of Advance Care Planning During the COVID-19 Pandemic Among Older Adults Living With HIV

Background: The importance of advance care planning (ACP) discussions have been heightened during the COVID-19 pandemic. We assessed advance directive completion, healthcare proxy (HCP), and attitudes toward ACP among older adults ages 50+ living with HIV during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: Internet-based surveys were administered to 100 participants residing in the Coachella Valley, California from April to June 2020. We examined self-reported completion of an advance directive, HCP, and attitudes toward ACP before and after COVID-19. Adjusted regressions were performed on attitudes toward ACP. Results: Participants' mean age was 64.2 years, most were non-Hispanic white (88.0%), men (96.0%), and identified as sexual minorities (96.0%). Many reported having an advance directive (59.6%) or HCP (67.3%). Most (57.6%) believed ACP to be more important now compared to the pre-pandemic era. Having an advance directive was associated with increase in age, higher education, living with other people, never having an AIDS diagnosis, and current undetectable viral load (p < 0.05). Having a HCP was associated with higher education, being married/partnered, and living with other people (p < 0.05). In a logistic regression model adjusted for education and living situation, the belief that ACP was more important during COVID was associated with not having an advance directive (OR: 5.07, 95% CI: 1.78–14.40) and fear of COVID-19 infection (OR: 4.17, 95% CI: 1.61–10.76.) Conclusions: The COVID-19 pandemic presents a window of opportunity to engage people aging with HIV in ACP discussions, particularly those who do not already have an advance directive.
Precision Teaching and Learning Performance in a Blended Learning Environment

Blended learning has gained increasing popularity in colleges and universities with mixed results. Precision teaching can effectively promote learning performance. The relation between perceived precision teaching (PPT) and the learning performance of college students in a blended learning environment is investigated in this paper. In the research survey is featuring a structural model, 256 college students who attended blended learning courses featuring precision teaching participated. The model results revealed that PPT is directly and positively related to self-efficacy and learning motivation. Self-efficacy and learning motivation are directly and positively related to cognitive, teaching, and social presence. Additionally, cognitive, teaching, and social presence are directly and positively related to learning performance. Therefore, PPT is remotely and indirectly related to learning performance. These findings provide a new perspective for the theoretical study on blended learning performance and provide a realistic reference for precision teaching practice in the blended learning environment.
Immunomodulatory and Regenerative Effects of Mesenchymal Stem Cells and Extracellular Vesicles: Therapeutic Outlook for Inflammatory and Degenerative Diseases

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are non-hematopoietic, multipotent stem cells derived from mesoderm, which can be easily isolated from many sources such as bone marrow, umbilical cord or adipose tissue. MSCs provide support for hematopoietic stem cells and have an ability to differentiate into multiple cell lines. Moreover, they have proangiogenic, protective and immunomodulatory properties. MSCs have the capacity to modulate both innate and adaptive immune responses, which accompany many diseases, by inhibiting pro-inflammatory reactions and stimulating anti-inflammatory activity. Recent findings revealed that the positive effect of MSCs is at least partly associated with the production of extracellular vesicles (EVs). EVs are small membrane structures, containing proteins, lipids and nuclei acids, which take part in intra-cellular communication. Many studies indicate that EVs contain protective and pro-regenerative properties and can modulate an immune response that is activated in various diseases such as CNS diseases, myocardial infarction, liver injury, lung diseases, ulcerative colitis or kidney injury. Thus, EVs have similar functions as their cells of origin and since they do not carry the risk of cell transplantation, such as tumor formation or small vessel blockage, they can be considered a potential therapeutic tool for cell-free therapy.
Endocrine Diseases of Newborn: Epidemiology, Pathogenesis, Therapeutic Options, and Outcome “Current Insights Into Disorders of Calcium and Phosphate in the Newborn”

The physiology and regulation of bone minerals in the fetus and the newborn is significantly different from children and adults. The bone minerals calcium, phosphate and magnesium are all maintained at higher concentrations in utero to achieve adequate bone accretion. This is an integral component of normal fetal development which facilitates safe neonatal transition to post-natal life. When deciphering the cause of bone mineral disorders in newborns, the potential differential diagnosis list is broad and complex, including several extremely rare conditions. Also, significant discoveries including new embryological molecular genetic transcription factors, the role of active placental mineral transport, and hormone regulation factors have changed the understanding of calcium and phosphate homeostasis in the fetus and the newborn. This article will guide clinicians through an updated review of calcium and phosphate physiology, then review specific conditions pertinent to successful neonatal care. Furthermore, with the advancement of increasingly rapid molecular genetic testing, genomics will continue to play a greater role in this area of fetal diagnostics and prognostication.
Sorption isotherm characteristics of distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS).

Distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS) is widely recognized as a highly nutritious animal feed ingredient. With the exponential growth of the fuel ethanol industry in the past several years, significant quantities of distillers grains are now being produced. To effectively utilize these feeds in the domestic market, these coproduct streams have to be transported greater distances and must be stored in various structures until final use. Unfortunately, DDGS flow is often problematic as it frequently becomes restricted by caking and bridging during storage and transport. This issue may arise from a number of factors, including storage moisture, temperature, relative humidity, particle size, and time variations. The objective of this study was to develop sorption isotherms for DDGS with varying soluble levels, in order to provide facility designers and operators with appropriate storage and transport information. Equilibrium moisture contents (EMC) of DDGS with four different soluble levels (10%, 15%, 20%, and 25% d.b.) were determined using the static gravimetric method at 10°C, 20°C, 30°C, and 40°C over four equilibrium relative humidity (ERH) levels of 60%, 70%, 80%, and 90%. The sorption capacity of DDGS increased with increasing temperature and soluble level, and followed a type III isotherm, which is commonly observed in high-sugar foods. The observed EMC values for 10%, 15%, 20%, and 25% (d.b.) solubles ranged from 8.61% to 47.07% (d.b.), 11.58% to 83.49% (d.b.), 13.72% to 90.70% (d.b.), and 15.03% to 132.01% (d.b.), respectively. Nine models were then applied to fit the isotherm data. The modified Henderson and modified Chung-Pfost models did not fit the data, however, as the regression coefficients did not converge. The modified Halsey and modified exponential models, on the other hand, were found to perform well for the isotherm data. As there was no common model to predict the sorption isotherms of DDGS with various soluble levels, a new EMC model was developed. This new model, termed the GMR (Ganesan-Muthu-Rosentrater) model, incorporated soluble level as one of the effects along with temperature and moisture content. The GMR model (R2 = 0.94; F = 977.55), followed by a new modified exponential 2 (NME2) model (R2 = 0.94; F = 934.43), produced the best fits for DDGS with varying soluble levels, and can be used to predict equilibrium moisture sorption behavior of DDGS.
Serum Level of Transferrin Unique Peptide Is Decreased in Patients With Acute Ischemic Stroke

Objectives: Free irons are transported into brain tissues by transferrin and play an important role in neuronal/glial cell damage. Lower serum levels of transferrin have been found in patients with ischemic stroke, compared with healthy subjects. In present study, we investigated whether transferrin unique peptide (TF-UP) could be employed as a serum biomarker for brain tissue damage in acute ischemic stroke. Methods: The venous blood samples of 94 ischemic stroke patients and 35 brain tumor-stroke mimics (BT-SM) patients were collected within the first 72 h (Median time 23.25, Interquartile range 60.75) of acute onset in the emergency room. Total TF-UP and total albumin unique peptide (Alb-UP) were identified with liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) and quantified by multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) method using labeled reference peptide (LRP) for further analysis. Results: Median ratio of total TF-UP/LRP was 0.85 (Interquartile range, 0.21) in the brain tumor-stroke mimics (BT-SM) group, and 0.45 (0.14) in the ischemic stroke group; median Alb-UP/LRP ratio was 0.66 (0.16) in the BT-SM group, and 0.55 (0.20) in the ischemic stroke group. The overall trend from low to high levels was statistically significant for TF-UP/LRP (P < 0.0001), but not for Alb-UP/LRP (P = 0.1667). According to the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, the area under the curve (AUC) was 0.9565 and the optimal cutoff value of serum TF-UP was 0.6317, which yielded a sensitivity of 91.49% and a specificity of 88.57%. The odds ratio (95% confidence intervals) of serum TF-UP/LRP was 83.31 (23.43, 296.22, P < 0.0001). Conclusions: Serum TF-UP/LRP level is decreased in patients with acute ischemic stroke in comparison with brain tumor, and it may serve as a serum biomarker for the neuronal/glial cell damage in cerebral infarction.
C-Terminal Amination of a Cationic Anti-Inflammatory Peptide Improves Bioavailability and Inhibitory Activity Against LPS-Induced Inflammation

Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) has been implicated as a major cause of inflammation and an uncontrolled LPS response increases the risk of localized inflammation and sepsis. While some native peptides are helpful in the treatment of LPS-induced inflammation, the use of these peptides is limited due to their potential cytotoxicity and poor anti-inflammatory activity. Hybridization is an effective approach for overcoming this problem. In this study, a novel hybrid anti-inflammatory peptide that combines the active center of Cathelicidin 2 (CATH2) with thymopentin (TP5) was designed [CTP, CATH2 (1–13)-TP5]. CTP was found to have higher anti-inflammatory effects than its parental peptides through directly LPS neutralization. However, CTP scarcely inhibited the attachment of LPS to cell membranes or suppressed an established LPS-induced inflammation due to poor cellular uptake. The C-terminal amine modification of CTP (CTP-NH2) was then designed based on the hypothesis that C-terminal amidation can enhance the cell uptake by increasing the hydrophobicity of the peptide. Compared with CTP, CTP-NH2 showed enhanced anti-inflammatory activity and lower cytotoxicity. CTP-NH2 not only has strong LPS neutralizing activity, but also can significantly inhibit the LPS attachment and the intracellular inflammatory response. The intracellular anti-inflammatory effect of CTP-NH2 was associated with blocking of LPS binding to the Toll-like receptor 4-myeloid differentiation factor 2 complex and inhibiting the nuclear factor-kappa B pathway. In addition, the anti-inflammatory effect of CTP-NH2 was confirmed using a murine LPS-induced sepsis model. Collectively, these findings suggest that CTP-NH2 could be developed into a novel anti-inflammatory drug. This successful modification provides a design strategy to improve the cellular uptake and anti-inflammatory activity of peptide agents.