Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Accelerating with FlyBrainLab the discovery of the functional logic of the Drosophila brain in the connectomic and synaptomic era

In recent years, a wealth of Drosophila neuroscience data have become available including cell type and connectome/synaptome datasets for both the larva and adult fly. To facilitate integration across data modalities and to accelerate the understanding of the functional logic of the fruit fly brain, we have developed FlyBrainLab, a unique open-source computing platform that integrates 3D exploration and visualization of diverse datasets with interactive exploration of the functional logic of modeled executable brain circuits. FlyBrainLab’s User Interface, Utilities Libraries and Circuit Libraries bring together neuroanatomical, neurogenetic and electrophysiological datasets with computational models of different researchers for validation and comparison within the same platform. Seeking to transcend the limitations of the connectome/synaptome, FlyBrainLab also provides libraries for molecular transduction arising in sensory coding in vision/olfaction. Together with sensory neuron activity data, these libraries serve as entry points for the exploration, analysis, comparison, and evaluation of circuit functions of the fruit fly brain.
Low volume shrinkage of polymers by photopolymerization of 1,1-bis(ethoxycarbonyl)-2-vinylcyclopropanes

Low volume shrinkage of polymers by photoring-opening polymerization of 1,1-bis(ethoxycarbonyl)-2-vinylcyclopropane (VCP) and its methyl substituted derivate 1,1-bis(ethoxycarbonyl)-2-(prop-1-en-2-yl)-cyclopropane (Me-VCP) is presented. The aim of this study was to evaluate the photopolymerization behavior and structure of the corresponding polymers from VCP and its methyl substituted derivates 1,1-bis(ethoxycarbonyl)-2-(prop-1-en-2-yl)-cyclopropane (Me-VCP) and 1,1-bis(ethoxycarbonyl)-2-methyl-2-(prop-1-en-2-yl)-cyclopropane (DiMeVCP). VCP monomers were polymerized using camphorquinone (CQ) as a photo-initiator either in a binary or ternary photo-initiator system. The binary systems were formulated with ethyl 4-dimethylaminobenzoate (EDMAB) in relation to the monomer and 1 mol% of CQ. The ternary system was a mixture of 1 mol% of CQ, 2 mol% of EDMAB and 2 mol% of DPIHFP. Ternary photo-initiator systems showed high polymerization rates leading to high conversion in a short photo-activation time. One of the important findings is the formation of higher amounts of 1,5-type ring-opened units and lower amounts of cyclobutane-containing units in photopolymerization, which can make VCP an attractive component of dental composites, as the volume shrinkage is proportional to the 1,5-ring opening. Earlier it was observed that thermal free radical polymerization of VCPs gives higher amounts of cyclobutane structures compared to 1,5-type ring-opened units in the corresponding polymers, causing VCP to be excluded from the list of promising dental composites, as the volume shrinkage was higher than expected.
Cork cells in cork oak periderms undergo programmed cell death and proanthocyanidin deposition.

Vascular plants with secondary growth develop a periderm mostly composed of dead suberized cork cells to face environmental hostile conditions. Cork oak has a highly active and long-living phellogen forming a remarkably thick periderm that is periodically debarked for industrial purposes. This wounding originates the quick formation of a new traumatic periderm, making cork oak an exceptional model to study the first periderm differentiation during normal development in young sprigs and traumatic (wound) periderm formation after debarking. Here we studied the poorly known first periderm differentiation steps that involve cell wall suberization, polyphenolic accumulation, and programmed cell death (PCD) by combining TEM, histochemical, and molecular methods in periderms from young sprigs. These processes were further compared with traumatic periderms formed after wounding using molecular and histochemical techniques, such as the polyphenolic accumulation. In the first periderms from young sprigs, four distinct differentiation stages were defined according to the presence of PCD morphological features. First young and traumatic periderms showed an upregulation of genes related to suberin biosynthesis, proanthocyanidins biosynthesis and transport, autophagy, and PCD. Traumatic periderms revealed an overall upregulation of these genes, likely resulting from ontogeny differences and distinct phellogen origin associated with a faster metabolism, highlighting the impact of wounding on phellogen activity after debarking. First periderms from young sprigs showed gradual accumulation of proanthocyanidins in the vacuoles throughout PCD stages until total filled lumens, whereas in traumatic periderms these compounds were found cell wall linked in already empty cells. This work enabled a comprehensive overview of the cork cells differentiation processes contributing to deepening the knowledge of the fundamental ontogenic program of this protective tissue, which is also a unique forest product, constituting the basis of a sustainable and profitable industry.
Synbiotic Supplementation Improves Response to Iron Supplementation in Female Athletes during Training

Abstract Objective Iron deficiency (ID) affects ∼30% of female athletes, and its consequences are highly relevant to athletic performance. Poor iron (Fe) uptake remains a major factor in the development of ID. While studies suggest that consumption of either prebiotics or probiotics may improve Fe uptake, consumption of synbiotics has not been well-studied. The main objective of this study was to determine the effects of synbiotic supplementation on the Fe status of female athletes during Fe repletion. Methods The Fe status of 32 female athletes was screened early in the season. Twenty eligible athletes (hemoglobin:12.3 ± 0.9g/dL; serum ferritin, sFer:18.1 ± 9.2 µg/L) were randomized to receive either a daily synbiotic supplement (5 g prebiotic fiber + 8 billion colony forming units, CFU probiotic B. lactis) or placebo, along with Fe supplementation (140 mg ferrous sulfate, FeSO4/d) for 8 weeks using a double-blind design. Fe status was assessed again at mid-point and after the trial. Results Nineteen athletes (n = 9 supplement, 10 placebo) completed the trial and there were no differences in compliance or GI symptoms reported between groups. After controlling for baseline Fe status, regression analyses revealed improvements in log sFer in the supplement group after both 4 and 8 weeks (p = 0.01 and p = 0.05, respectively), compared to placebo. Conclusions Synbiotic supplementation along with FeSO4 improved athletes’ Fe status over 8 weeks. This data is essential to advancing our understanding of how dietary and supplemental Fe uptake in active women can be enhanced by synbiotic supplementation, as well as by foods containing pre- and probiotics.
Genome-wide DNA methylation changes in Oral Submucous Fibrosis.

OBJECTIVE Oral submucous fibrosis (OSF) is a debilitating potentially malignant condition of the buccal cavity characterized by extensive extracellular matrix deposition resulting in stiffness and trismus. As OSF is a progressive disease we hypothesized that there would be extensive epigenetic changes in OSF tissues. MATERIALS AND METHODS Using the Infinium HumanMethylation450 BeadChip Array, we analyzed gross DNA methylation changes in seven OSF tissues compared to five controls. Comparison with transcriptomic data and pathway analyses were conducted to find commonly regulated genes. RESULTS A total of 3294 differentially methylated regions mapping to 857 genes were identified. Comparison with transcriptome data revealed 38 downregulated-hypermethylated genes; and 55 hypomethylated-upregulated genes. Using methylation specific- and qRT-PCR, aberrant hypomethylation and increased expression of FGF13, RPS6KA3 and ACSL4 genes was confirmed. Pathways involved in Insulin signaling, Ubiquitin-mediated proteolysis, nicotine addiction, and RAS/MAPK pathways were dysregulated, among others. Intriguingly, numerous genes located on the X chromosome were dysregulated in OSF tissues as the transcript for XIST gene was downregulated due to hypermethylation of the XIST promoter. CONCLUSIONS This study highlights global epigenetic dysregulation of tissues of the oral cavity in OSF patients, and hints at possible X chromosomal dysregulation, previously not implicated in the pathogenesis of OSF.
MARCH5 restores endothelial cell function against ischaemic/hypoxia injury via Akt/eNOS pathway

MARCH5 is a critical regulator of mitochondrial dynamics, apoptosis and mitophagy. However, its role in cardiovascular system remains poorly understood. This study aimed to investigate the role of MARCH5 in endothelial cell (ECs) injury and the involvement of the Akt/eNOS signalling pathway in this process. Rat models of myocardial infarction (MI) and human cardiac microvascular endothelial cells (HCMECs) exposed to hypoxia (1% O2) were used in this study. MARCH5 expression was significantly reduced in ECs of MI hearts and ECs exposed to hypoxia. Hypoxia inhibited the proliferation, migration and tube formation of ECs, and these effects were aggravated by knockdown of MARCH5 but antagonized by overexpressed MARCH5. Overexpression of MARCH5 increased nitric oxide (NO) content, p‐eNOS and p‐Akt, while MARCH5 knockdown exerted the opposite effects. The protective effects mediated by MARCH5 overexpression on ECs could be inhibited by eNOS inhibitor L‐NAME and Akt inhibitor LY294002. In conclusion, these results indicated that MARCH5 acts as a protective factor in ischaemia/hypoxia‐induced ECs injury partially through Akt/eNOS pathway.
Exploring Perceptions of Education for Central Venous Catheter Care at Home

Pediatric oncology patients with an external central venous catheter (CVC) in situ can be discharged from the hospital. Caregivers are expected to learn how to care for the CVC prior to discharge while also dealing with their child's new cancer diagnosis. This study aimed to evaluate the perceptions of a CVC education program received by caregivers to identify opportunities for improvement. A qualitative study was conducted in 3 stages, using an evidence-based co-design approach, involving caregivers and one adolescent patient discharged from the British Columbia Children's Hospital Oncology/Hematology/BMT inpatient unit. Stage I involved semi-structured interviews to gain feedback on the existing CVC education program. In Stage II, educational resources were updated or developed and implemented. For Stage III, the revised CVC education program was evaluated through a focus group and semi-structured interviews. Interview transcripts were analyzed using QSR NVivo®. The original CVC education program was overall well received. Repeated instruction and support provided by nurses was reported to have increased confidence with performing CVC skills. Participants appreciated the multimodal approach to meet learning needs and expressed interest in additional visual aids. Inconsistencies in nurses’ practice and offers of “tips and tricks” were identified to be challenging for caregivers while learning a new skill. Videos depicting CVC care were developed to provide an additional visual tool, decreased inconsistencies in care, and support to caregivers at home. Caring for a CVC at home is challenging and overwhelming for caregivers. A standardized multimodal education program is required to support caregivers at home.
Could Radiofrequency Echographic Multi‐Spectrometry (REMS) Overcome the Limitations of BMD by DXA Related to Artifacts? A Series of 3 Cases

Dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry (DXA) is considered the gold standard in the evaluation of bone mineral density (BMD) and in the diagnosis of osteoporosis.The diagnostic sensitivity of BMD at lumbar spine is frequently reduced by the presence of artifacts. This study aimed to show the usefulness of radiofrequency echographic multi‐spectrometry (REMS) in determining lumbar BMD in the presence of artifacts with DXA measurements. We present 3 cases in which REMS technology, by the analysis of native raw unfiltered ultrasound signals, appears to be able to recognize and overcome the most common artifacts that affect the value of the BMD by DXA, thus allowing a better assessment of fracture risk.
Building nanostructures using RAFT polymerization

Reversible addition fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization is one of the most extensively studied controlled/living radical polymerization methods that has been used to prepare well-defined nanostructured polymeric materials. This review, with more 650 references illustrates the range of well-defined functional nanomaterials that can be accessed using RAFT chemistry. The detailed syntheses of macromolecules with predetermined molecular weights, designed molecular weight distributions, controlled topology, composition and functionality are presented. RAFT polymerization has been exploited to prepare complex molecular architectures, such as stars, blocks and gradient copolymers. The self-assembly of RAFT-polymer architectures has yielded complex nanomaterials or in combination with other nanostructures has generated hybrid multifunctional nanomaterials, such as polymer-functionalized nanotubes, graphenes, and inorganic nanoparticles. Finally nanostructured surfaces have been described using the self-organization of polymer films or by the utilization of polymer brushes. (C) 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 49: 551-595, 2011
Impact of Particulate Matter on Distribution System Disinfection Efficacy

Microorganisms have been shown to survive drinking water disinfection and remain viable in disinfected waters despite the presence of disinfectant residuals. This may be partially attributed to protection by particulate matter. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of the presence of particulate matter on disinfection kinetics. Sphingomonas paucimobilis ATCC 10829 and Helicobacter pylori ATCC 43504 were used in inactivation experiments in the presence and absence of soil, corrosion, and wastewater particles. The results showed that the presence of such particles tended to inhibit chlorine and monochloramine inactivation, although the magnitude of the impact under the conditions tested was small (e.g., 1-log reduction in inactivation for several minutes of contact time in the presence of less than 1 mg/L of disinfectant).
Implementation and characterization of a physiologically relevant flow waveform in a 3D microfluidic model of the blood–brain barrier

Previous in vitro studies interrogating the endothelial response to physiologically relevant flow regimes require specialized pumps to deliver time‐dependent waveforms that imitate in vivo blood flow. The aim of this study is to create a low‐cost and broadly adaptable approach to mimic physiological flow, and then use this system to characterize the effect of flow separation on velocity and shear stress profiles in a three‐dimensional (3D) topology. The flow apparatus incorporates a programmable linear actuator that superposes oscillations on a constant mean flow driven by a peristaltic pump to emulate flow in the carotid artery. The flow is perfused through a 3D in vitro model of the blood–brain barrier designed to induce separated flow. Experimental flow patterns measured by microparticle image velocimetry and modeled by computational fluid dynamics reveal periodic changes in the instantaneous shear stress along the channel wall. Moreover, the time‐dependent flow causes periodic flow separation zones, resulting in variable reattachment points during the cycle. The effects of these complex flow regimes are assessed by evaluating the integrity of the in vitro blood–brain barrier model. Permeability assays and immunostaining for proteins associated with tight junctions reveal barrier breakdown in the region of disturbed flow. In conclusion, the flow system described here creates complex, physiologically relevant flow profiles that provide deeper insight into the fluid dynamics of separated flow and pave the way for future studies interrogating the cellular response to complex flow regimes.
Assessing dairy goat welfare in Mexican intensive or semi-intensive farming conditions.

We aimed to verify whether a low number of relevant animal-based indicators was able to discriminate 33 semi-intensive (grazing during the day and confinement during the night with access to an outdoor paddock; S-INT) and 8 intensive farms (permanent confinement with access to an outdoor paddock; INT) located in the Mexican semi-desert. In addition, we implemented the resource-based assessment scheme Animal Needs Index (ANI) with the identified animal-based indicators to compare the overall level of welfare in INT and S-INT. In particular, we used a protocol made up of 2 parts. The first comprised 4 evaluation sheets (locomotion, flooring, environment, management) and resource-based indicators derived from ANI, and the second one comprised a set of validated animal-based measures focusing on physical conditions and clinical signs of disease derived from the Animal Welfare Indicators scheme and reported in 2 additional sheets. The scoring system was also derived from ANI, with partial scores for each sheet to be summed to obtain the total score. A total of 1,116 dairy goats were assessed. All the observations and recordings were performed by an expert veterinarian evaluator assisted by an auxiliary, and longevity was retrieved from the farm records. The prevalence of animals displaying dirtiness, ocular discharge, abscesses, and claw overgrowth were higher in INT than in S-INT. Disbudding was routinely performed in INT only. Therefore, scurs, indicating improper disbudding, were recorded only in INT. In addition, the longevity of goats raised in S-INT was higher than in INT. Conversely, the prevalence of goats affected by anemia (i.e., FAMACHA scores >2) or lean (i.e., body condition score <2) tended to be higher in S-INT than in INT. No significant differences between the 2 groups of farms were detected for wounds, nasal discharge, integument alterations, fecal soiling, uterine prolapse, and subclinical mastitis. The results obtained using only animal-based measures were confirmed when resource-based variables were also included in the assessment, as 3 out of 6 sheets of the evaluation scheme (i.e., flooring, environment, and health-physical conditions) were scored higher in the S-INT than in the INT. As a consequence, the total score was also higher for S-INT than for INT. We conclude that the selected set of validated animal-based measures was able to discriminate between farms from different production systems. In particular, higher welfare levels were observed in S-INT farms, where the animals were allowed to spend most of the day on natural pasture, compared with INT farms, where the animals were constantly confined. Nevertheless, a certain degree of improvement should also be promoted in terms of anemia and body condition in S-INT farms.
Oral frailty and gait performance in community-dwelling older adults: findings from the Takashimadaira study.

PURPOSE This cross-sectional study compared gait performance between community-dwelling older adults with and without accumulated deficits in oral health, defined as oral frailty. METHODS A total of 1,082 individuals (439 men and 643 women; mean age, 77.1 years) from the Takashimadaira study were included in the current analysis. Based on a multifaceted oral health assessment, oral frailty was defined as having three or more of the following six components: (i) fewer teeth, (ii) low masticatory performance, (iii) low articulatory oral motor skills, (iv) low tongue pressure, (v) difficulties in eating, and (vi) swallowing. Eight gait parameters were assessed using an electronic walkway. Gait characteristics comparison between groups with and without oral frailty was performed using multiple linear regression models. Models were adjusted for age, sex, educational status, income, smoking, drinking, physical activity level, height, body mass index, comorbidities, and the presence of chronic pain. RESULTS Oral frailty was observed in 227 (21.0%) participants. After adjusting for potential confounders, the participants with oral frailty had slower gait speed, shorter stride and step length, wider step width, and longer double support duration as well as higher variability of stride length and step length. CONCLUSIONS Oral frailty was associated with poor gait performance among community-dwelling older adults.
Domain in Fiber-2 interacted with KPNA3/4 significantly affects the replication and pathogenicity of the highly pathogenic FAdV-4

ABSTRACT The outbreaks of hepatitis-hydropericardium syndrome (HPS) caused by the highly pathogenic serotype 4 fowl adenovirus (FAdV-4) have caused a huge economic loss to the poultry industry globally since 2013. Although the Fiber-2 has been identified as a key virulent related factor for FAdV-4, little is known about its molecular basis. In this study, we identified the efficient interaction of the Fiber-2 with the karyopherin alpha 3/4 (KPNA3/4) protein via its N-terminus of 1–40aa. The analysis of the overexpression and knockout of KPNA3/4 showed that KPNA3/4 could efficiently assist the replication of FAdV-4. Moreover, a fiber-2-edited virus FAV-4_Del with a deletion of 7–40aa in Fiber-2 was rescued through the CRISPR-Cas9 technique. In comparison with the wild type FAdV-4, FAV-4_Del was highly attenuated in vitro and in vivo. Notably, the inoculation of FAV-4_Del in chickens could provide full protection against the lethal challenge with the wild type FAdV-4. All these findings not only give novel insights into the molecular basis for the pathogenesis of Fiber-2 but also provide efficient targets for developing antiviral strategies and live-attenuated vaccine candidates against the highly pathogenic FAdV-4.
Processing, quantification of polyphenols and anti-oxidant assay of cocoa beans

A B ST R A C T Polyphenols widely distributed in plants, fruits and vegetables have received considerable attention because of their physiological functions including antioxidant, antimutagenic and/or cancer preventive activities. The present study aims to process cocoa beans and to estimate the quantity of epicatechin after processing. The seeds of Theobroma cocoa were subjected to two different treatments. One set of seeds were allowed to boil and other for fermentation. Both the boiled seeds and fermented seeds were further grouped into two. The first group of boiled seeds was dried and deshelled (BNR), second group of seeds were dried and roasted (BR). The fermented seeds were then dried under sunlight and deshelled without roasting (FNR) and the other group of seeds was roasted and deshelled (FR). The obtained seeds were ground to cocoa liquor and polyphenols were extracted using various solvents and concentrated by rotary evaporation, and these solutions were subjected to HPLC analysis and eluted compounds were detected by monitoring UV absorbance at 280 nm. The calibration curves were compared against the standard which was run at same nm. The obtained calibration curves identified the presence of the polyphenolic compoundepicatechin at 6 min. The sample BNR possessed the maximum concentration of o.938mg/g of epicatechin whereas the sample FR doesn’t obtained any peak representing the presence of epicatechin. Hence the study concludes that processing that involves fermentation and heat reduced epicatechin content as well as antioxidant activity.