Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Recurrent processing drives experience-dependent plasticity for perceptual decisions

Learning and experience are critical for translating ambiguous sensory information from our environments to perceptual decisions. Yet, evidence on how training molds the adult human brain remains controversial, as fMRI at standard resolution does not allow us to discern the finer-scale mechanisms that underlie sensory plasticity. Here, we combine ultra-high field (7T) functional imaging at sub-millimetre resolution with orientation discrimination training to interrogate experience-dependent plasticity across cortical depths. Our results provide evidence for recurrent plasticity, by contrast to sensory encoding vs. feedback mechanisms. We demonstrate that learning alters orientation-specific representations in superficial rather than middle V1 layers, suggesting changes in read-out rather than input signals. Further, learning increases feedforward rather than feedback layer-to-layer connectivity in occipito-parietal regions, suggesting that sensory plasticity gates perceptual decisions. Our findings propose finer-scale plasticity mechanisms that re-weight sensory signals to inform improved decisions, bridging the gap between micro- and macro-circuits of experience-dependent plasticity.
Plasma metabolomics of presymptomatic PSEN1‐H163Y mutation carriers: a pilot study

Background and Objective PSEN1-H163Y carriers, at the presymptomatic stage, have reduced 18FDG-PET binding in the cerebrum of the brain [1]. This could imply dysfunctional energy metabolism in the brain. In this study, plasma of presymptomatic PSEN1 mutation carriers was analyzed to understand associated metabolic changes. Methods We analyzed plasma from non-carriers (NC, n=8) and presymptomatic PSEN1-H163Y mutation carriers (MC, n=6) via untargeted metabolomics using gas and liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry, which identified 1199 metabolites. All the metabolites were compared between MC and NC using univariate analysis, as well as correlated with the ratio of Aβ1-42/Aβ1-40, using Spearman’s correlation. Altered metabolites were subjected to Ingenuity Pathways Analysis (IPA). Results When comparing between presymptomatic MC and NC, the levels of 116 different metabolites were altered. Out of 116, only 23 were annotated metabolites, which include amino acids, fatty acyls, bile acids, hexoses, purine nucleosides, carboxylic acids, and glycerophosphatidylcholine species. 1-docosapentaenoyl-GPC, glucose and uric acid were correlated with the ratio of plasma Aβ1-42/Aβ1-40 (p < 0.05). Conclusion This study finds dysregulated metabolite classes, which are changed before the disease onset. Also, it provides an opportunity to compare with sporadic Alzheimer’s Disease. Observed findings in this study need to be validated in a larger and independent Familial Alzheimer’s Disease (FAD) cohort. Graphical abstract
Modulation of endothelial organelle size as an antithrombotic strategy

It is long-established that Von Willebrand Factor (VWF) is central to haemostasis and thrombosis. Endothelial VWF is stored in cell-specific secretory granules, Weibel-Palade bodies (WPBs), uniquely rod-like exocytic organelles generated in a wide range of lengths (0.5 to 5.0 µm). It has been shown that WPB size responds to physiological cues and pharmacological treatment and that, under flow, VWF secretion from shortened WPBs produces a dramatic reduction of platelet and plasma VWF adhesion to an endothelial surface. WPB-shortening therefore represents a novel target for antithrombotic therapy acting via modulation of VWF adhesive activity. To this aim, we screened a library of licenced drugs and identified several that prompt WPB size reduction. These compounds therefore constitute a novel set of potentially antithrombotic compounds. Summary The size of the endothelial secretory granules that store Von Willebrand Factor correlates with its activity, central to haemostasis and thrombosis. Here, human-licenced drugs that reduce the size of these secretory granules are identified, providing a set of novel potential anti-thrombotic compounds.
Trophic transfer of fatty acids, sterols, and a triterpenoid alcohol between bacteria, a ciliate, and the copepod Acartia tonsa

The incorporation of lipids into the copepod Acartia tonsa and its eggs was measured when it was fed either a bacterivorous ciliate (Pleuronema sp.) or a diatom (Thalassiosira weissflogii). Egg production was 10-fold higher on the diatom diet, whereas hatch success of eggs was the same for algal and ciliate diets. Adult copepods fed diatoms contained more total fatty acid and sterols than copepods fed the ciliate diet, and individual lipids reflected the dietary source. Eggs from diatom-fed copepods had fewer fatty acids but more sterols than eggs from copepods on a ciliate diet. Ciliate-fed copepods and their eggs contained significant amounts of odd chain-length and branched fatty acids diagnostic of bacteria. These fatty acids, in particular the iso C 15 and C 17 , were also elevated in ciliates feeding on bacteria in culture, suggesting the direct transfer of bacterial fatty acids from ciliates to copepods and their eggs. We also observed the assimilation of tetrahymanol, a triterpenoid alcohol specific to ciliates, into adults and eggs when copepods were fed a ciliate diet. Tetrahymanol accounted for 6.6±1.9% of total neutral lipids in adults and 35.4±6.5% in eggs. These results suggest that bacterivorous ciliates may not provide copepods with adequate nutritional requirements for long-term survival, but that lipids unique to bacteria and ciliates can be assimilated by and may provide useful tracers of consumption by copepods.
Neurochemical Signaling of Reward and Aversion to Ventral Tegmental Area Glutamate Neurons

Ventral tegmental area (VTA) glutamate neurons signal and participate in reward and aversion-based behaviors. However, the neurochemical mechanisms that underlie how these neurons contribute to motivated behaviors is unknown. We used a combination of optical sensors to identify how distinct neurochemical inputs to VTA glutamate neurons participate in motivated behavior within female and male transgenic mice. Activity of glutamate inputs to VTA glutamate neurons increased for both reward-predicting and aversion-predicting cues and aversive outcomes, but subpopulations of glutamate inputs were increased or decreased by reward. For both reward and aversion-based cues and outcomes, activity of GABA inputs to VTA glutamate neurons mostly decreased. GCaMP recordings showed overall population increases in VTA glutamate neuron intracellular calcium during reward and aversion-based cues and outcomes. Electrophysiological recordings of VTA VGluT2 neurons showed that glutamate receptor activation increases firing while loss of excitation via glutamate receptor blockade decreases firing. GABA-A receptor activation decreased VTA glutamate neuron firing but GABA-A receptor blockade did not significantly change VTA glutamate neuron firing. Electrophysiological recordings in coordination with our sensor data suggest that glutamate inputs strongly regulate VTA glutamate neuron participation in diverse motivated behaviors. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Glutamate and GABA are the primary excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmitters of the nervous system. However, identifying how these neurotransmitters regulate motivated behavior has remained challenging because of a lack of tools (1) capable of measuring neurotransmission at the temporal scale of motivated behaviors and (2) capable of capturing chemical signaling onto genetically-distinct neuronal populations. We have overcome these obstacles by implementing genetically-encoded fluorescent indicators to monitor both glutamate and GABA input dynamics exclusively to ventral tegmental area (VTA) glutamate neurons during reward and aversion-based behaviors. We identify that glutamate and GABA inputs to VTA glutamate neurons differentially and dynamically signal reward and aversion-based cues and outcomes. This research provides foundational evidence that links distinct neurotransmitters to motivated behaviors regulated by VTA glutamate neurons.
Astrocytes close a critical period of motor circuit plasticity

Critical periods – brief intervals where neural circuits can be modified by sensory input – are necessary for proper neural circuit assembly. Extended critical periods are associated with neurodevelopmental disorders, including schizophrenia and autism; however, the mechanisms that ensure timely critical period closure remain unknown. Here, we define the extent of a critical period in the developing Drosophila motor circuit, and identify astrocytes as essential for proper critical period termination. During the critical period, decreased activity produces larger motor dendrites with fewer inhibitory inputs; conversely, increased motor neuron activity produces smaller motor dendrites with fewer excitatory inputs. Importantly, activity has little effect on dendrite morphology after critical period closure. Astrocytes invade the neuropil just prior to critical period closure, and astrocyte ablation prolongs the critical period. Finally, we use a genetic screen to identify astrocyte-motor neuron signaling pathways that close the critical period, including Neuroligin-Neurexin signaling. Reduced signaling destabilizes dendritic microtubules, increases dendrite dynamicity, and impairs locomotor behavior, underscoring the importance of critical period closure. Previous work defines astroglia as regulators of plasticity at individual synapses; here, we show that astrocytes also regulate large-scale structural plasticity to motor dendrite, and thus, circuit architecture to ensure proper locomotor behavior.
The effect of spent mushroom compost on Lecanicillium fungicola in vivo and in vitro

Leached spent mushroom compost (SMC) and its extract were tested to suppress Lecanicillium fungicola in white button mushroom. Sterile and non-sterile mixture of SMC and peat were used to assess suppressiveness against L. fungicola in greenhouse experiments. The extract of SMC was prepared with sterile, non-sterile, filtered, supplied with nystatin, streptomycin and penicillin antibiotics to evaluate their effect in suppression of pathogen in vitro. Isolated bacteria from SMC extract were tested for antagonism rate against Lecanicillium fungicola. The results of the experiments showed that all applications rate of none-sterile SMC were effective in control of pathogen. However, the sterile SMC amendments did not have a positive effect on the pathogen suppression in vitro or in vivo, as was expected. The treatments amended with SMC 100% and 60% showed the most suppressive effect in the control of pathogen. Using of non-sterile SMC 20%, 40%, 60% and peat soil were most effective in mushroom yield. The extract of leached SMC showed inhibition of L. fungicola in petri dishes. Three bacteria isolated from extract, Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus licheniformis and Bacillus amyloliquefacien identified using 16s rRNA, showed an antagonistic effect with the fungal growth.
MAPK2 is a conserved Alveolate MAPK required for Toxoplasma cell cycle progression

Mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) are a conserved family of protein kinases that regulate signal transduction, proliferation, and development throughout eukaryotes. The Apicomplexan parasite Toxoplasma gondii expresses three MAPKs. Two of these, ERK7 and MAPKL1, have been respectively implicated in the regulation of conoid biogenesis and centrosome duplication. The third kinase, MAPK2, is specific to and conserved throughout Alveolata, though its function is unknown. We used the auxin-inducible degron system to determine phenotypes associated with MAPK2 loss-offunction in Toxoplasma. We found that parasites lacking MAPK2 were unable to replicate and arrested early in mitosis. While the parasites continued to replicate their mitochondria, apicoplasts, and Golgi apparatus, they failed to initiate daughter-cell budding, which ultimately led to parasite death. These phenotypes appear to be the result of a failure in centrosome duplication that is distinct from the MAPKL1 phenotype. As we did not observe MAPK2 localization at the centrosome at any point in the cell cycle, our data suggest MAPK2 regulates a process at a distal site that is required for completion of centrosome duplication. Importance Toxoplasma gondii is a ubiquitous intracellular protozoan parasite that can cause severe and fatal disease in immunocompromised patients and the developing fetus. Rapid parasite replication is critical for establishing a productive infection. Here, we demonstrate that a Toxoplasma protein kinase called MAPK2 is conserved throughout Alveolata and essential for parasite replication. We found that parasites lacking MAPK2 protein were defective in the initiation of daughter cell budding and were rendered inviable. Specifically, TgMAPK2 appears required for centrosome replication, and its loss causes arrest early in the cell cycle. MAPK2 is unique to Alveolata and not found in metazoa, and likely is a critical component of an essential parasite-specific signalling network.
Proximate and Amino Acid Composition of the Roe and Muscle of Selected Marine Species

Crude protein, total lipid, water, cholesterol, and amino acid com-position of the roe of eighteen Pacific marine species were determined and compared with those of muscle from the same marine species. Crude protein and total lipid were higher in roe than in muscle, while water was lower. Cholesterol in roe was generally tenfold higher than that of muscle but only around one-fourth that of hen egg yolk. Glutamic acid, leucine, and aspartic acid were generally found to be the major components of roe. Leucine and proline content were significantly greater in roe than in muscle. On the whole, roe was well balanced with the essential amino acid and had a good E/NE ratio and may be considered a food source of high-quality protein.
VISUAL GENERALIST WITH VISUAL SPECIALIST PHYTOPHAGOUS INSECTS: HOST SELECTION BEHAVIOUR AND APPLICATION TO MANAGEMENT

Our findings suggest that Hoplocampa testudinea adults (apparently monophagous) and Rhagoletis pomonella flies (oligophagous) are more specific in orientation to hue and/or form of feeding, mating, or oviposition sites on a common host (apple) than are Lygus lineolaris adults (polyphagous) on apple. We speculate that subject to varying influence by host plant chemical stimuli, many monophagous – oligophagous insects may tend to be visual specialists in comparison with polyphagous insects, especially those polyphagous species whose preferred feeding, mating, or oviposition sites within an individual plant are of diverse physical characteristics. They may tend more toward being visual generalists. Visual traps incorporating the synthetic equivalents of comparatively specific host plant visual stimuli should prove useful in monitoring and possibly even directly controlling a number of monophagous‐oligophagous insects on crops.
[Vasovagal syncope or postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome in children with neurological symptoms at disease onset: a clinical analysis of 88 cases].

OBJECTIVE To study the clinical features of vasovagal syncope (VVS) and postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) in children with neurological symptoms at disease onset. METHODS A retrospective analysis was performed on the medical data of 88 children with the initial symptoms of the nervous system, such as transient loss of consciousness, dizziness, headache, and convulsion, who were finally diagnosed with VVS or POTS. RESULTS Of the 88 children, there were 35 boys (40%) and 53 girls (60%), with an age of 4-15 years. The peak age of onset was between 10 and 13 years. All the children had the initial symptoms of transient loss of consciousness, dizziness, headache, and convulsion. Nervous system diseases were excluded by electroencephalography, cerebrospinal fluid examination, and cranial MRI. Of the 88 children, 53 (60%) were confirmed with VVS, and 35 (40%) with POTS, according to the results of head-up tilt test (HUTT). Five children with the initial symptom of transient loss of consciousness were misdiagnosed with epilepsy. Predisposing factors were determined for 59 children (67%), and prolonged standing was the most common factor, followed by change in body position and strenuous exercise. Premonitory symptoms were observed in 66 children (75%), among which chest discomfort was the most common symptom, followed by gastrointestinal symptoms (nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain) and pale complexion. All 88 children received health education and exercise for autonomic nerve function, among whom 53 children with VVS were given oral rehydration salts and 35 children with POTS were given oral rehydration salts and metoprolol. All 88 children were followed up for 18 months, and the response rates to the above treatment at 3, 6, 12, and 18 months of follow-up were 87%, 93%, 93%, and 90% respectively. CONCLUSIONS In addition to nervous system diseases, functional cardiovascular diseases including VVS and POTS should be considered for children with the initial symptoms of transient loss of consciousness, dizziness, headache, and convulsion. HUTT can be used to make a confirmed diagnosis, and the early treatment can achieve a good outcome.
TNFα and IL-17 alkalinize airway surface liquid through CFTR and pendrin

The pH of airway surface liquid (ASL) is a key factor that determines respiratory host defense; ASL acidification impairs and alkalinization enhances key defense mechanisms. Under healthy conditions, airway epithelia secrete base (HCO3−) and acid (H+) to control ASL pH (pHASL). Neutrophil-predominant inflammation is a hallmark of several airway diseases, and TNFα and IL-17 are key drivers. However, how these cytokines perturb pHASL regulation is uncertain. In primary cultures of differentiated human airway epithelia, TNFα decreased and IL-17 did not change pHASL. However, the combination (TNFα+IL-17) markedly increased pHASL by increasing HCO3− secretion. TNFα+IL-17 increased expression and function of two apical HCO3− transporters, CFTR anion channels and pendrin Cl−/HCO3− exchangers. Both were required for maximal alkalinization. TNFα+IL-17 induced pendrin expression primarily in secretory cells where it was coexpressed with CFTR. Interestingly, significant pendrin expression was not detected in CFTR-rich ionocytes. These results indicate that TNFα+IL-17 stimulate HCO3− secretion via CFTR and pendrin to alkalinize ASL, which may represent an important defense mechanism in inflamed airways.
Response of Brown-Egg Strain Layers to Dietary Calcium or Phosphorus

Abstract Two experiments were conducted to observe brown-egg layer response to dietary calcium or phosphorus. In one experiment, birds were fed experimental diets providing . 4, . 35, . 3, or . 25% available phosphorus at 3.5% calcium, from 19 to 71 wk of age. Diet had few significant effects on performance characteristics. The two extreme levels of available phosphorus resulted in reduced (P .05). It seems that the brown-egg layer requires no more than 3.4 g calcium/day and that the available phosphorus requirement is met with daily intake of 358 mg.
Farelo de trigo na alimentação de poedeiras semipesadas na fase de recria

O estudo foi conduzido com o objetivo de avaliar os efeitos da inclusao de farelo de trigo (FT) na racao sobre o desempenho de frangas semipesadas nas fases de recria 1 (7 a 14 semanas de idade) e recria 2 (15 a 19 semanasde idade) e seu efeito residual durante a fase inicial de producao de ovos. Foram utilizadas 160 frangas Lohmann Brown distribuidas em delineamento inteiramente casualizado, com quatro niveis de FT na racao: 0 (controle), 10, 20 e 30%, que resultaram em quatro tratamentos, com cinco repeticoes de oito aves na fase de recria 1. Ao completarem 14 semanas, as aves foram transferidas para gaiolas de arame galvanizado, redistribuidas em seis repeticoes de seis aves. Utilizaram-se 144 aves e descartaram-se, aleatoriamente, quatro aves por tratamento, constituindo a fase de recria 2. A adicao de FT diminuiu linearmente o peso vivo final e o ganho de peso, resultando em reducoes de 1,15 e 0,03 g, respectivamente, para cada 1% de inclusao de FT na racao. O consumo de agua aumentou de forma quadratica e cresceu, em valores absolutos, com o aumento de 0 a 30% de farelo de trigo. A cada aumento de 1% de FT na racao, a idade das aves ao primeiro ovo elevou aproximadamente 0,6 dia e o peso do ovo em 0,22 g. A inclusao de farelo de trigo na racao reduz a taxa de crescimento de frangas, atrasa o inicio da postura, mas melhora o peso inicial dos ovos em relacao a dietas a base de milho e de farelo de soja.
β-Galactooligosaccharide in Conjunction With Low FODMAP Diet Improves Irritable Bowel Syndrome Symptoms but Reduces Fecal Bifidobacteria.

INTRODUCTION The low FODMAP diet (LFD) reduces symptoms and bifidobacteria in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). β-galactooligosaccharides (B-GOS) may reduce the symptoms and increase bifidobacteria in IBS. We investigated whether B-GOS supplementation alongside the LFD improves IBS symptoms while preventing the decline in bifidobacteria. METHODS We performed a randomized, placebo-controlled, 3-arm trial of 69 Rome III adult patients with IBS from secondary care in the United Kingdom. Patients were randomized to a sham diet with placebo supplement (control) or LFD supplemented with either placebo (LFD) or 1.4 g/d B-GOS (LFD/B-GOS) for 4 weeks. Gastrointestinal symptoms, fecal microbiota (fluorescent in situ hybridization and 16S rRNA sequencing), fecal short-chain fatty acids (gas-liquid chromatography) and pH (probe), and urine metabolites (H NMR) were analyzed. RESULTS At 4 weeks, adequate symptom relief was higher in the LFD/B-GOS group (16/24, 67%) than in the control group (7/23, 30%) (odds ratio 4.6, 95% confidence interval: 1.3-15.6; P = 0.015); Bifidobacterium concentrations (log10 cells/g dry weight) were not different between LFD and LFD/B-GOS but were lower in the LFD/B-GOS (9.49 [0.73]) than in the control (9.77 [0.41], P = 0.018). A proportion of Actinobacteria was lower in LFD (1.9%, P = 0.003) and LFD/B-GOS (1.8%, P < 0.001) groups than in the control group (4.2%). Fecal butyrate was lower in the LFD (387.3, P = 0.028) and LFD/B-GOS (346.0, P = 0.007) groups than in the control group (609.2). DISCUSSION The LFD combined with B-GOS prebiotic produced a greater symptom response than the sham diet plus placebo, but addition of 1.4 g/d B-GOS did not prevent the reduction of bifidobacteria. The LFD reduces fecal Actinobacteria and butyrate thus strict long-term use should not be advised.
Evaluation of an Innovative Model of Care for a Limited-Stay Pediatric Unit

Information about pediatric observation and limited-stay unit design and function is lacking in the literature. A quality improvement approach was used to create new care processes on an inpatient unit within a large children's hospital. Outcomes included the use of advanced practice nurse patient care management, creation of 30 clinical pathways to model care, and consistent and faster transfer from emergency department to inpatient unit, resulting in high-level parent and patient satisfaction and decreased nursing turnover.
Gemcitabine, lycorine and oxysophoridine inhibit novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) in cell culture

ABSTRACT The emerging SARS-CoV-2 infection associated with the outbreak of viral pneumonia in China is ongoing worldwide. There are no approved antiviral therapies to treat this viral disease. Here we examined the antiviral abilities of three broad-spectrum antiviral compounds gemcitabine, lycorine and oxysophoridine against SARS-CoV-2 in cell culture. We found that all three tested compounds inhibited viral replication in Vero-E6 cells at noncytotoxic concentrations. The antiviral effect of gemcitabine was suppressed efficiently by the cytidine nucleosides. Additionally, combination of gemcitabine with oxysophoridine had an additive antiviral effect against SARS-CoV-2. Our results demonstrate that broad-spectrum antiviral compounds may have a priority for the screening of antiviral compounds against newly emerging viruses to control viral infection.