Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Design, simulation, and fabrication of a three-dimensional printed pump mimicking the left ventricle motion

The development of accurate replicas of the circulatory and cardiac system is fundamental for a deeper understanding of cardiovascular diseases and the testing of new devices. Although numerous works concerning mock circulatory loops are present in the current state of the art, still some limitations are present. In particular, a pumping system able to reproduce the left ventricle motion and completely compatible with the magnetic resonance environment to permit the four-dimensional flow monitoring is still missing. The aim of this work was to evaluate the feasibility of an actuator suitable for cardiovascular mock circuits. Particular attention was given to the ability to mimic the left ventricle dynamics including both compression and twisting with the magnetic resonance compatibility. In our study, a left ventricle model to be actuated through vacuum was designed. The realization of the system was evaluated with finite element analysis of different design solutions. After the in silico evaluation phase, the most suitable design in terms of physiological values reproduction was fabricated through three-dimensional printing for in vitro validation. A pneumatic experimental setup was developed to evaluate the pump performances in terms of actuation, in particular ventricle radial and longitudinal displacement, twist rotation, and ejection fraction. The study demonstrated the feasibility of a custom pneumatic pump for mock circulatory loops able to reproduce the physiological ventricle movement and completely suitable for the magnetic resonance environment.
Neural Stem Cell Transplantation Improves Locomotor Function in Spinal Cord Transection Rats Associated with Nerve Regeneration and IGF-1 R Expression

Transplantation of neural stem cells (NSCs) is a potential strategy for the treatment of spinal cord transection (SCT). Here we investigated whether transplanted NSCs would improve motor function of rats with SCT and explored the underlying mechanism. First, the rats were divided into sham, SCT, and NSC groups. Rats in the SCT and NSC groups were all subjected to SCT in T10, and were administered with media and NSC transplantation into the lesion site, respectively. Immunohistochemistry was used to label Nestin-, TUNEL-, and NeuN-positive cells and reveal the expression and location of type I insulin-like growth factor receptor (IGF-1 R). Locomotor function of hind limbs was assessed by Basso, Beattie, Bresnahan (BBB) score and inclined plane test. The conduction velocity and amplitude of spinal nerve fibers were measured by electrophysiology and the anatomical changes were measured using magnetic resonance imaging. Moreover, expression of IGF-1 R was determined by real-time polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting. The results showed that NSCs could survive and differentiate into neurons in vitro and in vivo. SCT-induced deficits were reduced by NSC transplantation, including increase in NeuN-positive cells and decrease in apoptotic cells. Moreover, neurophysiological profiles indicated that the latent period was decreased and the peak-to-peak amplitude of spinal nerve fibers conduction was increased in transplanted rats, while morphological measures indicated that fractional anisotropy and the number of nerve fibers in the site of spinal cord injury were increased after NSC transplantation. In addition, mRNA and protein level of IGF-1 R were increased in the rostral segment in the NSC group, especially in neurons. Therefore, we concluded that NSC transplantation promotes motor function improvement of SCT, which might be associated with activated IGF-1 R, especially in the rostral site. All of the above suggests that this approach has potential for clinical treatment of spinal cord injury.
Arachidonic acid status negatively associates with forearm bone outcomes and glucose homeostasis in children with overweight condition or obesity.

Long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids are implicated in musculoskeletal health in adults. This study examined whether fatty acid status relates to bone health outcomes in children with overweight condition or obesity (BMI Z-score 3.1 ± 0.1, 9.0 ± 0.2 y, n=108). Non-dominant forearm bone density (distal 1/3rd), geometry (4% site) and soft tissue composition (66%) were assessed using dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry and peripheral quantitative computed tomography. Red blood cell (RBC) fatty acid profile and indices of glucose homeostasis were measured. Differences in outcomes among RBC arachidonic acid (AA, C20:4 n-6) tertiles were tested using mixed model ANOVA. Ultra-distal, mid- and total- distal forearm bone mineral content, adjusted for sex, age percentage body fat, race and forearm length were 10 to 13% greater in children in the first AA tertile relative to the third. Children in the second tertile had the highest bone cross-sectional area and estimated strength at the 66% radius. Muscle cross-sectional area was 15% lower in the third tertile compared to the first, along with higher fasting insulin concentrations (27%) and HOMA-IR (31%). Higher RBC AA status aligns with deficits in forearm bone mass, geometry, and muscle mass in children with excess adiposity and early signs of insulin resistance. • Higher arachidonic acid status is associated with lower forearm bone mass in children with overweight condition or obesity • Children with higher arachidonic acid status had increased fasting insulin concentrations and indices of insulin resistance.
Comparing interfaces: should we assume that ease of use influences users' preference?

This paper reports a comparison of student preference for GUI and CLI interfaces as exemplified by the Apple Macintosh and IBM PC compatible. The paper considers one of the basic assumptions of interface research namely, that users will prefer the interface they find easier to use. The assumption has previously been considered intuitive, and there has been little research to consider the validity of such an assumption. This paper presents a summary of a quantitative analysis to show that the assumption is correct.
Crystal structure and pseudosymmetry analysis of the triclinic prodrug cloxazolam (Z' = 4).

The prodrug cloxazolam [systematic name: 13-chloro-2-(2-chlorophenyl)-3-oxa-6,9-diazatricyclo[8.4. 0.02,6]tetradeca-1(10),11,13-trien-8-one], C17H14Cl2N2O2, crystallizes in the triclinic space group P-1, with four chemically identical independent molecules in the asymmetric unit. However, in order to facilitate the analysis of the striking pseudosymmetry relating the four independent molecules, the structure has been analysed and reported in the nonconventional centred B-1 space-group setting. Pseudosymmetry is an eminently local property, valid only in the realm of the unit-cell boundary and not propagating to the whole crystal structure. It has been analyzed using the MP procedure described in the preceding article [Baggio (2019). Acta Cryst. C75, 837-850]. The molecules consist of a rigid core made up of three rings (five-, six- and seven-membered) and an extra six-membered ring joined to the latter group by a single C-C bond, together with a clamping intramolecular C-H.O interaction preventing free rotation and providing additional rigidity. The four molecules in the asymmetric unit pair into dimers with almost exact twofold pseudosymmetry, further linked into (001) slabs as the building bricks of the structure. Interpenetration of slabs finally leads to a three-dimensional structure of unusual compactness for an organic structure, with a Kitaigorodskii packing index of ca 0.71.
In Situ Oxidation of Cu2O Crystal for Electrochemical Detection of Glucose

The development of a sensitive, quick-responding, and robust glucose sensor is consistently pursued for use in numerous applications. Here, we propose a new method for preparing a Cu2O electrode for the electrochemical detection of glucose concentration. The Cu2O glucose electrode was prepared by in situ electrical oxidation in an alkaline solution, in which Cu2O nanoparticles were deposited on the electrode surface to form a thin film, followed by the growth of Cu(OH)2 nanorods or nanotubes. The morphology and electrocatalytic activity of a Cu2O glucose electrode can be tuned by the current density, reaction time, and NaOH concentration. The results from XRD, SEM, and a Raman spectrum show that the electrode surface was coated with cubic Cu2O nanoparticles with diameters ranging from 50 to 150 nm. The electrode exhibited a detection limit of 0.0275 mM, a peak sensitivity of 2524.9 μA·cm−2·mM−1, and a linear response range from 0.1 to 1 mM. The presence of high concentrations of ascorbic acid, uric acid, dopamine and lactose appeared to have no effects on the detection of glucose, indicating a high specificity and robustness of this electrode.
Spinal muscular atrophy – a revisit of the diagnosis and treatment modalities

Abstract Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) is a pan-ethnic disorder and generally characterized as prevalent lethal genetic disease of infants. It is an autosomal recessive neuromuscular disease caused by degeneration of alpha motor neurons in the spinal cord, resulting in progressive proximal muscle weakness and paralysis. Due to the high carrier frequency (1:50), the burden of this genetic disorder is very heavy in developing countries. Till date no absolute cure or effective treatment of the disease is available in clinical practice, whereas minor enhancement of SMN protein levels can be beneficial. It can be achieved by augmenting SMN2 transcription, stimulating exon 7 splicing and protein stabilization. Due to its low prevalence among population, costly screening and diagnosis, the disease is still lacking proper management. SMN is expressed almost in all tissues of body, still the reason why only lower motor neurons are affected in SMA is unknown. Research is still going on and with advancement of innovative therapies and gene modification, improved outcome may come in near future. Presently, supportive care including respiratory, nutritional, psychiatric and orthopaedic management can ameliorate clinical symptoms and improve survival rates if SMA is diagnosed early in life. Routine prenatal and new-born screening can help with potential benefits and timely management. In this review, the concept of newer methodological system and recent advances for molecular diagnosis of SMA with the variability in the clinical features is stressed. The public health community should remain alert to the rapidly changing developments in early detection and treatment of SMA.
Individual differences in resting-state connectivity and giving social support: implications for health

Abstract There is a growing appreciation for the health benefits of giving support, though variability in such behavior exists. Based on the possibility that the dorsomedial (DMPFC) default network subsystem is associated with social thinking and behavior, integrity of this subsystem may facilitate giving support to others. The current study tested associations between DMPFC subsystem connectivity at rest and tendencies related to giving support. During a functional magnetic resonance imaging session, 45 participants completed an emotional social cues task, a resting-state scan and self-report measures of social support. Supportive behavior during the month following the scan was also assessed. Greater DMPFC subsystem connectivity at rest was associated with greater support giving (though not receiving or perceiving support) at the time of the scan and one month later. Results held after adjusting for extraversion. In addition, greater resting-state DMPFC subsystem connectivity was associated with attenuated dorsal anterior cingulate cortex, anterior insula and amygdala activity to others’ negative emotional social cues, suggesting that DMPFC subsystem integrity at rest is also associated with the dampened withdrawal response proposed to facilitate care for others in need. Together, results begin to hint at an additional role for the ‘default’ social brain: giving support to others.
Morbidity after surgical management of cervical cancer in low and middle income countries: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Objective To investigate morbidity for patients after the primary surgical management of cervical cancer in low and middle-income countries (LMIC). Methods The Pubmed, Cochrane, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Embase, LILACS and CINAHL were searched for published studies from 1st Jan 2000 to 30th June 2017 reporting outcomes of surgical management of cervical cancer in LMIC. Random-effects meta-analytical models were used to calculate pooled estimates of surgical complications including blood transfusions, ureteric, bladder, bowel, vascular and nerve injury, fistulae and thromboembolic events. Secondary outcomes included five-year progression free (PFS) and overall survival (OS). Findings Data were available for 46 studies, including 10,847 patients from 11 middle income countries. Pooled estimates were: blood transfusion 29% (95%CI 0.19–0.41, P = 0.00, I2 = 97.81), nerve injury 1% (95%CI 0.00–0.03, I2 77.80, P = 0.00), bowel injury, 0.5% (95%CI 0.01–0.01, I2 = 0.00, P = 0.77), bladder injury 1% (95%CI 0.01–0.02, P = 0.10, I2 = 32.2), ureteric injury 1% (95%CI 0.01–0.01, I2 0.00, P = 0.64), vascular injury 2% (95% CI 0.01–0.03, I2 60.22, P = 0.00), fistula 2% (95%CI 0.01–0.03, I2 = 77.32, P = 0.00,), pulmonary embolism 0.4% (95%CI 0.00–0.01, I2 26.69, P = 0.25), and infection 8% (95%CI 0.04–0.12, I2 95.72, P = 0.00). 5-year PFS was 83% for laparotomy, 84% for laparoscopy and OS was 85% for laparotomy cases and 80% for laparoscopy. Conclusion This is the first systematic review and meta-analysis of surgical morbidity in cervical cancer in LMIC, which highlights the limitations of the current data and provides a benchmark for future health services research and policy implementation.
Reduced PAX2 expression in murine fallopian tube cells enhances estrogen receptor signaling.

High grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC) is thought to progress from a series of precursor lesions in the fallopian tube epithelium (FTE). One of the preneoplastic lesions found in the FTE is called a secretory cell outgrowth (SCOUT), which is partially defined by a loss of PAX2. In the present study, we developed PAX2-deficient murine cell lines in order to model a SCOUT and to explore the role of PAX2 loss in the etiology of HGSOC. Loss of PAX2 alone in the murine oviductal epithelium (MOE) did not induce changes in proliferation, migration, survival in hypoxia, or contribute to resistance to first line therapies, such as cisplatin or paclitaxel. RNA sequencing of MOE PAX2shRNA cells revealed significant alterations in the transcriptome. Silencing of PAX2 in MOE cells produced an mRNA expression pattern that recapitulated several aspects of the transcriptome of previously characterized human SCOUTs. RNA-seq analysis and subsequent qPCR validation of this SCOUT model revealed an enrichment of genes involved in estrogen signaling and an increase in expression of estrogen receptor α. MOE PAX2shRNA cells had higher estrogen signaling activity and higher expression of putative estrogen responsive genes both in the presence and absence of exogenous estrogen. In summary, loss of PAX2 in MOE cells is sufficient to transcriptionally recapitulate a human SCOUT, and this model revealed an enrichment of estrogen signaling as a possible route for tumor progression of precursor lesions in the fallopian tube.
Circular RNA circABCC4 as the ceRNA of miR‐1182 facilitates prostate cancer progression by promoting FOXP4 expression

In recent years, circular RNAs (circRNAs) have been identified to be essential regulators of various human cancers. However, knowledge of the functions of circRNAs in prostate cancer remains very limited. The correlation between circABCC4 and human cancer is largely unknown. This study aims to investigate the biological functions of circABCC4 in prostate cancer progression and illustrate the underlying mechanism. We found that circABCC4 was remarkably up‐regulated in prostate cancer tissues and cell lines and promoted FOXP4 expression by sponging miR‐1182 in prostate cancer cells. CircABCC4 knockdown markedly suppressed prostate cancer cell proliferation, cell‐cycle progression, migration and invasion in vitro. Furthermore, silencing of the circRNA also delayed tumor growth in vivo. Taken together, our findings indicated that circABCC4 facilitates the malignant behaviour of prostate cancer by promoting FOXP4 expression through sponging of miR‐1182. The circABCC4–miR‐1182‐FOXP4 regulatory loop may be a promising therapeutic target for prostate cancer intervention.
Antiretroviral Therapy Administration in Healthy Rhesus Macaques Is Associated with Transient Shifts in Intestinal Bacterial Diversity and Modest Immunological Perturbations

Dysbiosis of the fecal microbiome is a common feature observed in ARV-treated people living with HIV. The degree to which HIV infection itself causes this dysbiosis remains unclear. Here, we demonstrate that medications used to treat HIV infection can influence the composition of the GI tract immune responses and its microbiome in the nonhuman primate SIV model. ABSTRACT Gastrointestinal (GI) immune system competency is dependent upon interactions with commensal microbiota, which can be influenced by wide-ranging pharmacologic interventions. In simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV)-infected Asian macaque models of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, we previously noted that initiation of antiretroviral therapy (ART) is associated with a specific imbalance (dysbiosis) of the composition of the intestinal bacteriome. To determine if ART itself might contribute to dysbiosis or immune dysfunction, we treated healthy rhesus macaques with protease, integrase, or reverse transcriptase inhibitors for 1 to 2 or for 5 to 6 weeks and evaluated intestinal immune function and the composition of the fecal bacterial microbiome. We observed that individual antiretrovirals (ARVs) modestly altered intestinal T-cell proinflammatory responses without disturbing total or activated T-cell frequencies. Moreover, we observed transient disruptions in bacterial diversity coupled with perturbations in the relative frequencies of bacterial communities. Shifts in specific bacterial frequencies were not persistent posttreatment, however, with individual taxa showing only isolated associations with T-cell proinflammatory responses. Our findings suggest that intestinal bacterial instability and modest immunological alterations can result from ART itself. These data could lead to therapeutic interventions which stabilize the microbiome in individuals prescribed ART. IMPORTANCE Dysbiosis of the fecal microbiome is a common feature observed in ARV-treated people living with HIV. The degree to which HIV infection itself causes this dysbiosis remains unclear. Here, we demonstrate that medications used to treat HIV infection can influence the composition of the GI tract immune responses and its microbiome in the nonhuman primate SIV model.
IEEE Computer Society Workshop on Mathematical Methods in Biomedical Image Analysis

The range and level of submission for this year's meeting has been of very high quality. Authors were asked to submit full-length papers for review. This year’s MMBIA used a double-blind review procedure. We received 112 submissions, and all submitted papers were reviewed by at least two members of the programme committee. Based on their reviews and recommendations, 42 papers were accepted. 13 of the papers were accepted for oral presentation and 29 submissions were accepted for poster presentation. The final program is strong and covers a wide range of mathematical approaches to image analysis techniques such as registration and segmentation. We are also pleased about the large number of papers addressing topics in functional and molecular imaging applications. Highlights of this year’s MMBIA were the invited talks by Professor Shree Nayar, Columbia University and Professor Andrew Blake, Microsoft Research. Both talks impressively emphasized the enormous potential of computational models for the solution of real-world problems. Many thanks to all who helped in organising the event. We would also like to thank James Stuart for his excellent support of the conference management software which was used to manage the paper submission and selection process. Finally, we are very grateful to the Programme Committee and, in particular, to all those who supported MMBIA 2006 by submitting papers and attending the meeting. We hope that you enjoyed the workshop.
Polyaniline Nanofiber Wrapped Fabric for High Performance Flexible Pressure Sensors

The rational design of high-performance flexible pressure sensors with both high sensitivity and wide linear range attracts great attention because of their potential applications in wearable electronics and human-machine interfaces. Here, polyaniline nanofiber wrapped nonwoven fabric was used as the active material to construct high performance, flexible, all fabric pressure sensors with a bottom interdigitated textile electrode. Due to the unique hierarchical structures, large surface roughness of the polyaniline coated fabric and high conductivity of the interdigitated textile electrodes, the obtained pressure sensor shows superior performance, including ultrahigh sensitivity of 46.48 kPa−1 in a wide linear range (<4.5 kPa), rapid response/relaxation time (7/16 ms) and low detection limit (0.46 Pa). Based on these merits, the practical applications in monitoring human physiological signals and detecting spatial distribution of subtle pressure are demonstrated, showing its potential for health monitoring as wearable electronics.
Title of Document: MULTIPLE TESTING PROCEDURES FOR THE ANALYSIS OF MICROARRAY DATA.

We reviewed literature about various multiple testing techniques, especially addressing microarray analyses and small sample sizes, and reanalyzed data from Yuen et al. (Physiological Genomics , 2006) which compared the effect of HgCl 2 and Ischemia/Reperfusion injuries on rat kidney tissues. Our analysis uses only 22 rats with small numbers of rats in each treatment group, and 9,501 genes under study. We used empirical Bayes (EB) and permutation testing (implemented in Bioconductor) in an effort to identify differentially expressed genes. EB identified a large number of genes as differentially expressed, including both previously identified and newly identified genes. The newly identified genes appear to have biological functions similar to those previously identified. We also recognized power differences between EB and permutation tests, possibly due to nonnormality of the data but also because permutation tests do not make use of all available information in the data.