Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Solutal-buoyancy-driven intertwining and rotation of patterned elastic sheets

Abstract The intertwining of strands into 3D spirals is ubiquitous in biology, enabling functions from information storage to maintenance of cell structure and directed locomotion. In synthetic systems, entwined fibers can provide superior mechanical properties and act as artificial muscle or structural reinforcements. Unlike structures in nature, the entwinement of synthetic materials typically requires application of an external stimulus, such as mechanical actuation, light, or a magnetic field. Herein, we use computational modeling to design microscale sheets that mimic biology by transducing chemical energy into mechanical action, and thereby self-organize and interlink into 3D spirals, which spontaneously rotate. These flexible sheets are immersed in a fluid-filled microchamber that encompasses an immobilized patch of catalysts on the bottom wall. The sheets themselves can be passive or active (coated with catalyst). Catalytic reactions in the solution generate products that occupy different volumes than the reactants. The resulting density variations exert a force on the fluid (solutal buoyancy force) that causes motion, which in turn drives the interlinking and collective swirling of the sheets. The individual sheets do not rotate; rotation only occurs when the sheets are interlinked. This level of autonomous, coordinated 3D structural organization, intertwining, and rotation is unexpected in synthetic materials systems operating without external controls. Using physical arguments, we identify dimensionless ratios that are useful in scaling these ideas to other systems. These findings are valuable for creating materials that act as “machines”, and directing soft matter to undergo self-sustained, multistep assembly that is governed by intrinsic chemical reactions.
Extracellular vesicle fusion visualized by cryo-electron microscopy

Abstract Extracellular vesicles (EVs) transfer bioactive molecules between cells in a process reminiscent of enveloped viruses. EV cargo delivery is thought to occur by protein-mediated and pH-dependent membrane fusion of the EV and the cellular membrane. However, there is a lack of methods to identify the fusion proteins and resolve their mechanism. We developed and benchmarked an in vitro biophysical assay to investigate EV membrane fusion. The assay was standardized by directly comparing EV and viral fusion with liposomes. We show that EVs and retroviruses fuse with liposomes mimicking the membrane composition of the late endosome in a pH- and protein-dependent manner. Moreover, we directly visualize the stages of membrane fusion using cryo-electron tomography. We find that, unlike most retroviruses, EVs remain fusogenic after acidification and reneutralization. These results provide novel insights into the EV cargo delivery mechanism and an experimental approach to identify the EV fusion machinery.
Emphysematous hepatitis with successful treatments: A rare case report

Rationale: Emphysematous hepatitis (EH) is a rare and fulminant gas-forming liver infection. Only 3 patients were successfully treated. Diabetes mellitus and a history of digestive system cancer may predispose individuals to EH. Computed tomography (CT) findings support the diagnosis of EH and monitor progress. Patient concerns: A 48-year-old man with diabetes presented with nausea, vomiting (gastric contents) and diarrhea. Laboratory test results revealed elevated levels of inflammatory indicators and abnormal liver function. CT showed a large-scale air collection with some remaining parenchymal debris in the left lobe of the liver. Remarkably, no fluid was observed inside the lesion. Diagnose: The abdominal CT features and laboratory examination results rationalized the diagnosis of EH. Interventions and outcomes: The patient finally recovered from this severe disease through a series of effective treatments, including strict glucose control, sensitive antibiotic therapy, and subsequent percutaneous drainage. Lessons: EH generally deteriorates rapidly and eventually leads to death. This case will raise awareness of the rare and severe disease, strengthen diagnostic capacities, and provide advice to treat it.
Impact of engineering the ATP synthase rotor ring on photosynthesis in tobacco chloroplasts.

The chloroplast ATP synthase produces the ATP needed for photosynthesis and plant growth. The trans-membrane flow of protons through the ATP synthase rotates an oligomeric assembly of c subunits, the c-ring. The ion-to-ATP ratio in rotary F1Fo-ATP synthases is defined by the number of c-subunits in the rotor c-ring. Engineering the c-ring stoichiometry is therefore a possible route to manipulate ATP synthesis by the ATP synthase and hence photosynthetic efficiency in plants. Here we describe the construction of a tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) chloroplast atpH (chloroplastic ATP synthase subunit c gene) mutant in which the c-ring stoichiometry was increased from 14 to 15 c-subunits. Although the abundance of the ATP synthase was decreased to 25% of wild-type (WT) levels, the mutant lines grew as well as WT plants and photosynthetic electron transport remained unaffected. To synthesise the necessary ATP for growth, we found that the contribution of the membrane potential to the proton motive force was enhanced to ensure a higher proton flux via the c15-ring without unwanted low pH-induced feedback inhibition of electron transport. Our work opens avenues to manipulate plant ion-to-ATP ratios with potentially beneficial consequences for photosythesis.
Comparing the Effect of Incentive Spirometry and Deep Breathing Exercises on the Level of Shoulder Pain and Nausea Following Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy Surgery

Cholecystitis treated by laparoscopy results in patients experiencing shoulder pain and nausea. Thus, the aim of the present study was to compare the effect of incentive spirometry and deep breathing exercises on the level of shoulder pain and nausea following laparoscopy. In this clinical trial, 105 patients were enrolled into three groups: use of incentive spirometry, deep breathing exercises, and control. Data were collected using a checklist and a visual analog scale and analyzed through the χ2, the Kruskal–Wallis, the Friedman, and the paired t test by SPSS Version 25. In the deep breathing exercise, incentive spirometry, and control groups, mean pain scores immediately after surgery but within 24 hours following the intervention were 3.8, 2.6, and 4.4, respectively. The mean score of severity of nausea for patients in the deep breathing exercise and incentive spirometry groups showed a significant difference immediately after the procedure, as well as at 12 and 24 hours post-intervention. Breathing exercises and incentive spirometry can be effective in reducing pain and nausea in patients undergoing cholecystectomy through laparoscopy. Because of the effectiveness of the two methods, nurses can use incentive spirometery and deep breathing exercises to diminish patients' pain post-cholecystectomy.
Exploration of plasma metabolite levels in healthy nursery pigs in response to environmental enrichment and disease resilience

Abstract The purpose of this study was to explore plasma metabolite levels in young healthy pigs and their potential association with disease resilience and estimate genetic and phenotypic correlation with the change in lymphocyte concentration following disease challenge. Plasma samples were collected from 968 healthy nursery pigs over 15 batches at an average of 28 ± 3.23 d of age. Forty-four metabolites were identified and quantified by nuclear magnetic resonance. Pigs were then introduced into a natural disease challenge barn, and were classified into four groups based on the growth rate of each animal in the grow-to-finish phase (GFGR) and treatment rate (TR): resilient (RES), average (MID), susceptible (SUS), and dead (pigs that died before harvest). Blood samples were collected from all pigs before and 2 wk after disease challenge and complete blood count was determined. Environmental enrichment (inedible point source objects) was provided for half of the pigs in seven batches (N = 205) to evaluate its impact on resilience and metabolite concentrations. Concentration of all metabolites was affected by batch, while entry age affected the concentration of 16 metabolites. The concentration of creatinine was significantly lower for pigs classified as “dead” and “susceptible” when compared to “average” (P < 0.05). Pigs that received enrichment had significantly lower concentrations of six metabolites compared with pigs that did not receive enrichment (P ≤ 0.05). Both, group classification and enrichment affected metabolites that are involved in the same pathways of valine, leucine, and isoleucine biosynthesis and degradation. Resilient pigs had higher increase in lymphocyte concentration after disease challenge. The concentration of plasma l-α-aminobutyric acid was significantly negatively genetically correlated with the change in lymphocyte concentration following challenge. In conclusion, creatinine concentration in healthy nursery pigs was lower in pigs classified as susceptible or dead after disease challenge, whilst l-α-aminobutyric may be a genetic biomarker of lymphocyte response after pathogen exposure, and both deserve further investigation. Batch, entry age, and environmental enrichment were important factors affecting the concentration of metabolites and should be taken into consideration in future studies.
Malaria infection and the risk of epilepsy: a meta-analysis

Abstract Abstract Epilepsy, a chronic disease of the central nervous system, is highly prevalent in malaria-endemic regions. Therefore, several studies have evaluated the associations between malaria infection and epilepsy development. A meta-analysis of observational studies published from inception to 10 May 2022 has been conducted to synthesize and pool the existing data on this topic. The relevant publications were systematically searched in PubMed/Medline, Scopus, Embase and Web of Science database collections. A random-effects meta-analysis model (REM) was utilized to generate the pooled odds ratio (OR) at 95% confidence intervals (CIs). The between-studies heterogeneity was assessed with I2, as well as several subgroups, meta-regression and sensitivity analysis were performed to identify the source of heterogeneity. Overall, 17 eligible studies containing 6285 cases and 13 909 healthy controls were included. The REM showed a significant positive association between malaria infection and epilepsy development (OR 2.36; 95% CI 1.44–3.88). In subgroup analyses, significant positive associations were observed in studies that: epilepsy was the outcome in the follow-up of patients with cerebral malaria (OR 7.10; 95% CI 3.50–14.38); used blood smear to diagnose malaria (OR 4.80; 95% CI 2.36–9.77); included only children (OR 3.92; 95% CI 1.81–8.50); published before 2010 (OR 6.39; 95% CI 4.25–9.62). Our findings indicated that patients with malaria, especially those with cerebral malaria, are at a high risk of epilepsy development; however, further well-designed and controlled studies are needed to verify the strength of the association.
FourStar: The Near-Infrared Imager for the 6.5 m Baade Telescope at Las Campanas Observatory

The FourStar Infrared Camera is a 4 K × 4 K near-infrared (1.0–2.4 μ m) imager built for the Magellan 6.5 m Baade Telescope at Las Campanas Observatory, Chile. FourStar has an all-refractive optical system, four HAWAII-2RG detectors, and Teledyne electronics. The pixel scale of 0.159″ pixel-1 produces a 10.8′ × 10.8′ field of view. Ten filters are available across the Y, J, H, and Ks bands. We present the optical, mechanical, thermal, electronic, and software design choices and their associated engineering implementations. The detector readout electronics, control system, and the automatic data acquisition hardware are also described. Laboratory and on-sky performance data are presented. FourStar has excellent image quality, easily meeting the requirement of critically sampling the median seeing disk. The throughput is ≈0.5–0.6 across its wavelength coverage. Some early science results are presented.
Investigation of a herpesvirus outbreak in mixed breeds of adult domestic ducks using next generation sequencing

This report characterizes the first lethal outbreak of Marek’s disease on a large farm of mixed-breed adult ducks (>18,000) and identifies the pathogen that resulted in high mortality (35%). Clinical signs included inappetence, respiratory distress, depression, muscle weakness, and ataxia. Post mortem revealed enlarged fragile liver mottled with miliary whitish spots and an enlarged spleen. Histopathology revealed hepatocellular necrosis with eosinophilic intra-nuclear inclusion bodies, necrosis of splenic follicles and degeneration/necrosis of renal tubules. The disease was tentatively diagnosed as a herpesvirus infection, confirmed by virus isolation from the liver. DNA was isolated from 15-year-old archival formalin-fixed tissues from infected ducks and subjected to next generation sequencing (NGS). Despite highly degraded DNA, short stretches of G- and C-rich repeats (TTAGGG and TAACCC) were identified as telomeric repeats frequently found in herpesviruses. Megablast and further investigative bioinformatics identified presence of Marek’s disease virus (MDV), a Gallid alphaherpesvirus type 2 (GAHV-2), as the cause of the acute fatal infection. The source of infection may be attributed to a dead migratory flamingo found close to the duck enclosures three days prior to the outbreak; hence, GAHV-2 may also be responsible for the fatal infection of the flamingo accentuated by heat stress. Considering the possible spread of this highly contagious and lethal virus from a flamingo to the ducks, and the increasing zoonosis of animal viruses into humans, such as monkey B alphaherpesvirus transmission from macaques to humans with ~80% fatality, this observation has important ramifications for human health and safety of the poultry industry.
Clinical stakeholders’ perspective for the integration of an immersive wheelchair simulator as a clinical tool for powered wheelchair training

ABSTRACT This study aimed to investigate clinical stakeholders’ acceptance of an immersive wheelchair simulator as a potential powered wheelchair skills training tool. Focus groups, conducted in four rehabilitation centers, were used to obtain a rich understanding of participants’ experiences and beliefs. Then, a cross-sectional survey of the simulator acceptability for clinical practice was created. Twenty-three rehabilitation therapists and clinical program directors participated in the focus groups and thirty-three responded to the survey. Participants generally expressed that use of the simulator would be complementary to training in an actual powered wheelchair, and that it could be useful for challenging situations in rehabilitation centers (e.g. anxious clients; when there is uncertainty around their potential to drive a powered wheelchair; tasks that cannot be assessed in a real-life environment). They also provided suggestions to improve the simulator (e.g. more feedback during tasks; possibility of adjusting control settings such as speed and sensitivity; possibility of adding varied control interfaces). Feedback received from key stakeholders clearly indicated that the wheelchair simulator would be complementary to training provided in a real context of use. However, some important limitations must be addressed to improve the simulator and promote its adoption by clinical programs, therapists and clients.
Effects of transcranial magnetic stimulation on EEG activities

The combination of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and an electroencephalogram (EEG) is an effective tool for investigating the functional connectivity in the brain. This paper investigated cortical reactivity and connectivity by the combination of TMS and EEG. The spontaneous activity of the brain was measured before and after magnetic stimulation. The effect of TMS on alpha activity was investigated. The alpha wave was suppressed for a few seconds after stimulation of the occipital area. No differences in the suppression of the alpha waves were found with and without auditory masking. Furthermore, the coil click of TMS had no effect on the alpha wave. The alpha wave was significantly suppressed by the occipital stimulation, whereas slight suppression was observed in other areas of stimulation. The alpha wave was increasingly suppressed as the stimulation magnitude became more intense. In order to investigate the evoked response by TMS, evoked potentials generated by TMS were measured. It was observed that more evoked responses spread to the center of the brain when the cerebellum was stimulated than at other areas of stimulation. These results indicated that TMS blocked the neural connections within alpha wave generation, and the electrical currents produced by TMS affected the neural activities.
The Preventive and Therapeutic Potential of the Flavonoids in Liver Cirrhosis: Current and Future Perspectives

Non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) may vary from moderately mild non‐alcohol fatty liver (NAFL) towards the malignant variant known as non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), which is marked by fatty liver inflammation and may progress to liver cirrhosis (LC), liver cancer, fibrosis, or liver failure. Flavonoids can protect the liver from toxins through their anti‐inflammatory, antioxidant, anti‐cancer, and antifibrogenic pharmacological activities. Furthermore, flavonoids protect against LC by regulation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) trans‐differentiation, inhibiting growth factors like TGF‐β and platelets‐derived growth factor (PDGF), vascular epithelial growth factor (VEGF), viral infections like hepatitis‐B, C and D viruses (HBV, HCV & HDV), autoimmune‐induced, alcohol‐induced, metabolic disorder‐induced, causing by apoptosis, and regulating MAPK pathways. These flavonoids may be explored in the future as a therapeutic solution for hepatic diseases.
Regular XXZ Bethe states at roots of unity as highest weight vectors of the sl2 loop algebra

We show that every regular Bethe ansatz eigenvector of the XXZ spin chain at roots of unity is a highest weight vector of the sl2 loop algebra, for some restricted sectors with respect to eigenvalues of the total spin operator SZ, and evaluate explicitly the highest weight in terms of the Bethe roots. We also discuss whether a given regular Bethe state in the sectors generates an irreducible representation or not. In fact, we present such a regular Bethe state in the inhomogeneous case that generates a reducible Weyl module. Here, we call a solution of the Bethe ansatz equations which is given by a set of distinct and finite rapidities regular Bethe roots. We call a nonzero Bethe ansatz eigenvector with regular Bethe roots a regular Bethe state.
Comparative assessment of acute toxicity and histological changes in liver of African catfish Clarias gariepinus exposed to cotton insecticides

Abstract This study investigated the acute toxicity in Clarias gariepinus to insecticides currently used in Benin cotton fields, including Thalis 112 EC (Emamectin benzoate 48 g L−1, Acetamiprid 64 g L−1), Vizir C 92 EC (Cypermethrin 72 g L−1, Abamectin 20 g L−1), Pyrinex Quick 212 EC (Deltamethrin 12 g L−1, Chlorpyrifos 200 g L−1) and Pyro FTE 472 EC (Cypermethrin 72 g L−1, Chlorpyrifos 400 g L−1) with emphasis on liver histopathological effects. A set of 180 juveniles of C. gariepinus (5.21 ± 3.22 g) was exposed for 96 h to increasing concentrations of each pesticide. The values of 96-hLC50 were 4.778, 0.002, 0.004, and 0.012 µL L−1 for Thalis, Vizir, Pyrinex, and Pyro, respectively, indicating that Vizir, Pyrinex, and Pyro were very highly toxic to C. gariepinus juveniles. During the experiments, the morphological and behavioral responses (discoloration, hyperactivity, lethargy, etc.) were observed in exposed fish, hypothesizing the neurotoxicity of these pesticides. Histopathological alterations observed in liver of contaminated fish were regressive changes, such as necrosis, vacuolation, bleeding, nuclear degeneration, hepatocytes degeneration, sinusoids dilatation, etc. Vizir induced the highest histological alteration indices while the lowest were induced by Thalis, confirming the highest toxicity of Vizir. These results indicate that acute concentrations of these insecticidal molecules have destructive effects on the liver of C. gariepinus.
Governance of non-state-owned shareholders and corporate capital structure decision: A mechanism test from the opportunistic behavior of management

It is an important measure in the reform of state-owned enterprises to improve the efficiency of capital operation by introducing non-state-owned shareholders. This paper explores the impact of non-state shareholder governance on capital structure decision-making by using the data of 2008–2021 A-share state-owned listed companies from the perspective of the speed and deviation of capital structure adjustment. The results reveal that only non-state shareholding has no significant impact on the capital structure adjustment of a company. However, the appointment of senior management by non-state shareholders can speed up the capital structure adjustment and lower the degree of capital structure deviation. Moreover, when the capital structure goes down, the appointment of non-state-owned shareholders plays a larger role in accelerating the capital structure adjustment, which makes the deviation from the actual capital structure and the target capital structure smaller. Further research shows that the above relationship between non-state shareholder governance and the optimization and adjustment of the capital structure only exists in local SOEs and competitive SOEs. In addition, the path test found that non-state shareholder governance affects the dynamic adjustment of capital structure by reducing opportunism behavior of management rather than by financing constraints.
Age‐related deficits in neuronal physiology and cognitive function are recapitulated in young mice overexpressing the L‐type calcium channel, CaV1.3

The calcium dysregulation hypothesis of brain aging posits that an age‐related increase in neuronal calcium concentration is responsible for alterations in a variety of cellular processes that ultimately result in learning and memory deficits in aged individuals. We previously generated a novel transgenic mouse line, in which expression of the L‐type voltage‐gated calcium, CaV1.3, is increased by ~50% over wild‐type littermates. Here, we show that, in young mice, this increase is sufficient to drive changes in neuronal physiology and cognitive function similar to those observed in aged animals. Specifically, there is an increase in the magnitude of the postburst afterhyperpolarization, a deficit in spatial learning and memory (assessed by the Morris water maze), a deficit in recognition memory (assessed in novel object recognition), and an overgeneralization of fear to novel contexts (assessed by contextual fear conditioning). While overexpression of CaV1.3 recapitulated these key aspects of brain aging, it did not produce alterations in action potential firing rates, basal synaptic communication, or spine number/density. Taken together, these results suggest that increased expression of CaV1.3 in the aged brain is a crucial factor that acts in concert with age‐related changes in other processes to produce the full complement of structural, functional, and behavioral outcomes that are characteristic of aged animals.