Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Using Drosophila to study mechanisms of hereditary hearing loss

ABSTRACT Johnston's organ – the hearing organ of Drosophila – has a very different structure and morphology to that of the hearing organs of vertebrates. Nevertheless, it is becoming clear that vertebrate and invertebrate auditory organs share many physiological, molecular and genetic similarities. Here, we compare the molecular and cellular features of hearing organs in Drosophila with those of vertebrates, and discuss recent evidence concerning the functional conservation of Usher proteins between flies and mammals. Mutations in Usher genes cause Usher syndrome, the leading cause of human deafness and blindness. In Drosophila, some Usher syndrome proteins appear to physically interact in protein complexes that are similar to those described in mammals. This functional conservation highlights a rational role for Drosophila as a model for studying hearing, and for investigating the evolution of auditory organs, with the aim of advancing our understanding of the genes that regulate human hearing and the pathogenic mechanisms that lead to deafness. Summary: This Review discusses the similarities and differences between hearing in mammals and the fruit fly Drosophila, and describes how recent technological developments allow Drosophila to be used as a model to understand the function of human deafness genes.
Buck DC-DC converter with PFM/PWM dual mode self-tracking zero current detector

This paper proposes Buck DC-DC converter which minimizes current consumption to 3uA level and minimizes power loss by current sensing timing error by using Self-Tracking Zero Current Detector which can be applied in PWM / PFM mode. The proposed Buck DC-DC Converter is designed in CMOS 65nm process, and it outputs voltage down from 1.2V to 1.8V −3.6V input. The maximum power conversion efficiency is 89% at 10mA load current.
Ontogeny of feeding and respiration in larval Atlantic cod Gadus morhua (Teleostei, Gadiformes): I. Morphology

Cranial development in larval Atlantic cod Gadus morhua was studied throughout ontogeny using specimens treated by staining and clearing, scanning electron microscopy and histology. Newly hatched cod larvae have closed mouths, no operculii, five well‐developed branchial arches, and transversii ventralis muscles. During the endogenous feeding (yolk‐sac) stage, viscerocranial structures remain simple and nonarticulated. Six days after hatching at 5°C, articulation occurs between the quadrate/Meckel's cartilage and the hyomandibula/cranium. Integration of skeletal elements results in a functional jaw that facilitates the transition from endogenous to exogenous feeding. During later ontogenetic stages, the opercular apparatus and levator‐operculi coupling develops, facilitating the transition of cutaneous to branchial respiration. Overall, feeding and respiratory needs are met by changes in form (including composition) and function during larval fish growth and are correlated with demands of energy acquisition essential to survival. © 1996 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Light-extraction enhancement of GaN-based 395  nm flip-chip light-emitting diodes by an Al-doped ITO transparent conductive electrode.

The distinct ultraviolet (UV) light absorption of indium tin oxide (ITO) limits the performance of GaN-based near-UV light-emitting diodes (LEDs). Herein, we report an Al-doped ITO with enhanced UV transmittance and low sheet resistance as the transparent conductive electrode for GaN-based 395 nm flip-chip near-UV LEDs. The thickness dependence of optical and electrical properties of Al-doped ITO films is investigated. The optimal Al-doped ITO film exhibited a transmittance of 93.2% at 395 nm and an average sheet resistance of 30.1 Ω/sq. Meanwhile, at an injection current of 300 mA, the forward voltage decreased from 3.14 to 3.11 V, and the light output power increased by 13% for the 395 nm near-UV flip-chip LEDs with the optimal Al-doped ITO over those with pure ITO. This Letter provides a simple and repeatable approach to further improve the light extraction efficiency of GaN-based near-UV LEDs.
Global population-level association between herpes simplex virus 2 prevalence and HIV prevalence

Background: Our objective was to assess the population-level association between herpes simplex virus 2 (HSV-2) and HIV prevalence. Methods: Reports of HSV-2 and HIV prevalence were systematically reviewed and synthesized following PRISMA guidelines. Spearman rank correlation ( ) was used to assess correlations. Risk ratios (RRHSV-2/HIV) and odds ratios (ORHSV-2/HIV) were used to assess HSV-2/HIV epidemiologic overlap. DerSimonian–Laird random-effects meta-analyses were conducted. Results: In total, 939 matched HSV-2/HIV prevalence measures were identified from 77 countries. HSV-2 prevalence was consistently higher than HIV prevalence. Strong HSV-2/HIV prevalence association was found for all data ( = 0.6, P < 0.001), all data excluding people who inject drugs (PWID) and children ( = 0.7, P < 0.001), female sex workers ( = 0.5, P < 0.001), and MSM ( = 0.7, P < 0.001). No association was found for PWID ( = 0.2, P = 0.222) and children ( = 0.3, P = 0.082). A threshold effect was apparent where HIV prevalence was limited at HSV-2 prevalence less than 20%, but grew steadily with HSV-2 prevalence for HSV-2 prevalence greater than 20%. The overall pooled mean RRHSV-2/HIV was 5.0 (95% CI 4.7–5.3) and ORHSV-2/HIV was 9.0 (95% CI 8.4–9.7). The RRHSV-2/HIV and ORHSV-2/HIV showed similar patterns that conveyed inferences about HSV-2 and HIV epidemiology. Conclusion: HSV-2 and HIV prevalence are strongly associated. HSV-2 prevalence can be used as a proxy ‘biomarker’ of HIV epidemic potential, acting as a ‘temperature scale’ of the intensity of sexual risk behavior that drive HIV transmission. HSV-2 prevalence can be used to identify populations and/or sexual networks at high-risk of future HIV expansion, and help prioritization, optimization, and resource allocation of cost-effective prevention interventions.
Perivascular adipose tissue and coronary atherosclerosis

Adipose tissue (AT) is no longer viewed as a passive, energy-storing depot, and a growing body of evidence supports the concept that both quantitative and qualitative aspects of AT are critical in determining an individual’s cardiometabolic risk profile. Among all AT sites, perivascular AT (PVAT) has emerged as a depot with a distinctive biological significance in cardiovascular disease given its close anatomical proximity to the vasculature. Recent studies have suggested the presence of complex, bidirectional paracrine and vasocrine signalling pathways between the vascular wall and its PVAT, with far-reaching implications in cardiovascular diagnostics and therapeutics. In this review, we first discuss the biological role of PVAT in both cardiovascular health and disease, highlighting its dual pro-atherogenic and anti-atherogenic roles, as well as potential therapeutic targets in cardiovascular disease. We then review current evidence and promising new modalities on the non-invasive imaging of epicardial AT and PVAT. Specifically, we present how our expanding knowledge on the bidirectional interplay between the vascular wall and its PVAT can be translated into novel clinical diagnostics tools to assess coronary inflammation. To this end, we present the example of a new CT-based method that tracks spatial changes in PVAT phenotype to extract information about the inflammatory status of the adjacent vasculature, highlighting the numerous diagnostic and therapeutic opportunities that arise from our increased understanding of PVAT biology.
A low leakage retention LDO and leakage-based BGR with 120nA quiescent current

This paper proposes a low leakage (LL) Low-Dropout (LDO) regulator. To reduce the power consumption and skip the requirement of BJT transistors a leakage-based Bandgap Reference (BGR) is applied in this structure. To reduce the current consumption, the devices in this structure are designed to operate in sub-threshold regions. The proposed LL LDO is verified in a 55-nm CMOS process with a 0.11-mm2 active area. The quiescent current of this structure is 120nA from a 3.3 V supply voltage.
Correlation between markers of peripheral nerve function and structure in type 1 diabetes

Clinical and experimental studies in patients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes have demonstrated changes in ion channel function and nerve structure. In this study, we investigated the relationship between axonal dysfunction and morphological change in diabetic polyneuropathy by using neuromuscular ultrasound and nerve excitability techniques. We also explored possible differences in this relationship between type 1 and type 2 diabetes.
Recurrent Levamisole-Induced Agranulocytosis Complicated by Bowel Ischemia in a Cocaine User

Patient: Male, 59 Final Diagnosis: Levamisole induced agranulocytosis Symptoms: Abdominal pain • fever Medication: — Clinical Procedure: — Specialty: Critical Care Medicine Objective: Challenging differential diagnosis Background: Levamisole is a common adulterant of cocaine and up to 69% of seized cocaine in United States contains levamisole. It is a synthetic imidazothiazole derivative which was previously used as an immunomodulating agent for treatment of various connective tissue disorders and colorectal carcinoma. However, it was withdrawn later from the market due to significant toxicity associated with it. Case Report: We present the case of a 59-year-old male patient with a history of active cocaine use who presented to the hospital with febrile neutropenia and agranulocytosis. He underwent extensive work-up for neutropenia and was suspected to have it secondary to levamisole-adulterated cocaine. He was treated with antibiotics and granulocyte-stimulating factor. His white cell count improved and he was discharged home. He continued to use cocaine after discharge from the hospital. He returned to the hospital 3 weeks later with recurrent neutropenia and agranulocytosis complicated by septic shock and bowel necrosis which required prolonged antibiotics and a bowel resection. Conclusions: Levamisole-induced agranulocytosis should be considered in patients who present with neutropenia and a history of cocaine use. Physicians should have high clinical suspicion and consider it a potential etiology of agranulocytosis when other causes have been excluded.
Promising alternative therapeutics for oral candidiasis.

BACKGROUND Background: Candida is the main human fungal pathogen causing infections (candidiasis), mostly in the elderly and immunocompromised hosts. Even though Candida is a member of the oral microbiota in symbiosis, in some circumstances, it can cause microbial imbalance leading to dysbiosis, resulting in oral diseases. Alternative therapies are urgently needed to treat oral candidiasis (usually associated to biofilms), as several antifungal drugs' activity has been compromised. This has occurred especially due to an increasing occurrence of drug-resistant in Candida spp. strains. The overuse of antifungal medications, systemic toxicity, cross-reactivity with other drugs and a presently low number of drug molecules with antifungal activity, have contributed to important clinical limitations. METHODS We undertook a structured search of bibliographic databases (PubMed Central, Elsevier's ScienceDirect, SCOPUS and Springer's SpringerLink) for peer-reviewed research literature using a focused review in the areas of alternatives to manage oral candidiasis. The keywords used were "candidiasis", "oral candidiasis", "biofilm + candida", "alternative treatment", "combination therapy + candida" and the reports from the last 10 to 15 years were considered for this review. RESULTS This review identified several promising new approaches in the treatment of oral candidiasis: combination anti-Candida therapies, denture cleansers, mouth rinses as alternatives for disrupting candidal biofilms, natural compounds (e.g. honey, probiotics, plant extracts and essential oils) and photodynamic therapy. CONCLUSION The findings of this review confirm the importance and the urgency of the development of efficacious therapies for oral candidal infections.
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1 Data Science Institute, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, United States of America, 2 Vlaams Instituut voor Biotechnologie-Vrije Universiteit Brussel Centre for Structural Biology, Brussels, Belgium, 3 Institute of Computing Science, Poznan University of Technology, Poznan, Poland, 4 European Centre for Bioinformatics and Genomics, Poznan University of Technology, Poznan, Poland, 5 Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, Poznan, Poland, 6 University College London, London, United Kingdom, 7 University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland, 8 Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, Lausanne, Switzerland
Changes in inflammatory factors in patients with osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture and influences of rehabilitation training on postoperative functional recovery and inflammation

Objective: To observe the changes in inflammatory factors in patients with osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture (OVCF). Methods: 40 OVCF patients meeting inclusion criteria were collected, and randomly divided into rehabilitation therapy group (n=20) and traditional therapy group (n=20). 20 normal subjects were collected as control group. Venous blood was collected after admission, and the expression levels of IL-1 and IL-18 were detected via ELISA. Patients in rehabilitation therapy group received rehabilitation training post-operatively, while those in traditional therapy group received conventional therapy. The pain was evaluated using visual analogue scale (VAS) score, and the spinal function was evaluated using Oswestry disability index (ODI) score. The curative effect was evaluated at final follow-up. Results: The expression levels of IL-1 and IL-18 of OVCF patients were significantly higher than those in normal subjects (p<0.01). The VAS and ODI scores in the rehabilitation therapy group were significantly lower than those in traditional therapy group from the 3rd month after operation (p<0.05). The expression levels of IL-1 and IL-18 in the rehabilitation therapy group were obviously lower than those in traditional therapy group from the 3rd month after operation (p<0.05). The effective rate in rehabilitation therapy group was higher than that in traditional therapy group. The expression levels of IL-1 and IL-18 in OVCF patients are increased. Conclusion: Rehabilitation training is beneficial to functional recovery and reduction of inflammation after OVCF operation.
Estudo da adição de folhas de oliveira durante o processo de extração na composição química e perfil sensorial de azeite virgem Cv. cobrançosa utilizando metodologia de superfície de resposta

XII 1. INTRODUCAO. 3 2. REVISAO BIBLIOGRAFICA 9 2.1. Composicao Quimica 9 2.2. Aspectos a considerar na melhoria da qualidade dos azeites 14 2.2.1. Folhas de oliveira 18 3. MATERIAIS E METODOS 23 3.1. Utilizacao de um desenho fatorial para a avaliacao do efeito das condicoes experimentais sobre a adicao de folhas durante o processo de extracao. 23 3.2. Colheita das azeitonas 24 3.3. Extracao do azeite e preparacao dos ensaios de azeite 24 3.4. Parâmetros avaliados nas amostras de azeite obtidas 26 3.4. 1. Parâmetros de qualidade 26 3.4. 1.1. Acidez 26 3.4. 1.2. Indice de peroxido 27 3.4. 1.3. Espectrofotometria no ultravioleta 28 3.4. 1.4. Avaliacao sensorial 28 3.5. Composicao 29
Comparative external ultrastructure and diffusion pathways in styloconic sensilla on the maxillary galea of larval Mamestra configurata (Walker) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) and five other species

The external ultrastructure of sensilla on the maxillary galea are investigated in Mamestra configurata and five other lepidopterous larvae using scanning electron microscopy. The galea and lacinia, comprising the mesal lobe of the maxilla, are either completely separate, fused, or incompletely fused in these species. The distal surface of the mesal lobe of all species examined bears two styloconic sensilla, three basiconic sensilla, and three trichoid sensilla, whereas the midventral wall of this lobe bears a campaniform sensillum. The latter sensillum is visible in only three of the six species examined. The styloconic and basiconic sensilla occupy a ventro anterior location, whereas the trichoid sensilla are positioned dorsoposteriorly. Interspecific comparisons of galeal size, as well as sensillar size, shape, and position are made for all species.
Skeletal maturation, fundamental motor skills, and motor performance in preschool children

Relationships among skeletal age (SA), body size and fundamental motor skills (FMS) and motor performance were considered in 155 boys and 159 girls 3‐6 years of age. Stature and body mass were measured. SA of the hand‐wrist was assessed with the Tanner‐Whitehouse II 20 bone method. The Test of Gross Motor Development, 2nd edition (TGMD‐2), and the Preschool Test Battery were used, respectively, to assess FMS and motor performance. Based on hierarchical regression analyses, the standardized residuals of SA on chronological age (SAsr) explained a maximum of 6.1% of the variance in FMS and motor performance in boys (ΔR23, range 0.0%‐6.1%) and a maximum of 20.4% of the variance in girls (ΔR23, range 0.0%‐20.4%) over that explained by body size and interactions of SAsr with body size (step 3). The interactions of the SAsr and stature and body mass (step 2) explained a maximum of 28.3% of the variance in boys (ΔR22, range 0.5%‐28.3%) and 16.7% of the variance in girls (ΔR22, range 0.7%‐16.7%) over that explained by body size alone. With the exception of balance, relationships among SAsr and FMS or motor performance differed between boys and girls. Overall, SA per se or interacting with body size had a relatively small influence in FMS and motor performance in children 3‐6 years of age.
Anthropometric features as predictors of atherogenic dyslipidemia and cardiovascular risk in a large population of school-aged children

Background Autopsy studies reveal that atherosclerosis lesions can be found as early as two years of age. To slow the development of this early pathology, obesity and dyslipidemia prevention should start from childhood making it urgent to explore new ways to evaluate dyslipidemia risk in children that can be applied widely, such as the non-invasive anthropometric evaluation. Objective Assess the metabolic profile of a pediatric population at a specific age to describe the association between anthropometric and biochemical cardiovascular disease risk factors; and evaluate selected anthropometric variables as potential predictors for dyslipidemic cardiovascular risk. Design and methods Anthropometric features, bioimpedance parameters and fasting clinical profile were assessed in Lisbon and the Tagus Valley region pre-pubertal nine-year-old children (n = 1.496) from 2009–2013 in a descriptive, cross-sectional study. Anthropometric variables predictive power was evaluated through regression analysis. Results At least one abnormal lipid parameter was found in 65% of “normal weight”, 73% of “overweight” and 81% of “obese” children according to the International Obesity Task Force (IOTF) standards. Dyslipidemia was present in 67.8% of children. Waist-hip ratio (WHR) explained 0.4% of total cholesterol (TC) variance. Waist circumference (WC) explained 2.8% of apolipoprotein (APO) A1 variance. Waist-circumference-to-height-ratio (WHtR) explained 2.7%, 2.8% and 1.9% of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c), APO B, and N_HDL-c variance, respectively. Children with abnormally high WHR levels had an increase in risk of 4.49, 3.40 and 5.30 times, respectively, for developing cardiovascular disease risk factors measured as high-risk levels of TC, LDL-c and non-HDL-c (N_HDL-c) (p<0.05). Only 29.9% of “normal weight” children had no anthropometric, bioimpedance or biochemical parameters associated with CV risk. Conclusion A large proportion of school age children have at least one lipid profile abnormality. BMI, zBMI, calf circumference (CC), hip circumference (HC), WC, and WHR are directly associated with dyslipidemia, whereas HC and calf circumference (CC) adjusted to WC, and mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC), are all inversely associated with dyslipidemia. Selected anthropometric variables are likely to help predict increased odds of having CV risk factors.
Internal circuit offset auto compensation current sensor for wireless power systems

This paper, we implemented a method to compensate the internal offset in the instrumentation amplifier structure. The proposed current sensor is used in a wireless power transmitter where the input voltage is changed. In order to lower the input voltage, resistor dividing is performed at the input terminal of the amplifier. When a voltage offset occurs in the circuit using this input voltage, the closed-loop circuit is changed to the open-loop and the open-loop output is confirmed in the calibration circuit to compensate the voltage offset generated in the circuit. We implemented the current sensor within +5 % error rate of the output occurring in the amplifier and resistor. The current sensor is designed with a 180 nm BCD process and it converts 0 ∼ 1.8 V voltage output by sensing 0 ∼ 3 A current.
Efficacy of phototherapy to treat facial ageing when using a red versus an amber LED: a protocol for a randomised controlled trial

Introduction The skin undergoes morphological and physiological changes with the advancing age of an individual. These changes may be caused by intrinsic and extrinsic factors that contribute to cellular ageing and consequent skin ageing. The term photoageing is used to characterise the ageing of the skin caused by solar radiation. Clinically, the skin becomes more flaccid, thicker and hyperpigmented, while there is an early appearance of wrinkles and other skin changes, such as skin cancer. Nowadays, there are numerous treatments for ageing skin, and one of them is with the use of phototherapy, which uses light-emitting diodes (LEDs). The objective of this study will be to evaluate the percentages of reduction in the volume of periocular wrinkles when treated with red and amber LEDs. Methods and analysis All of the participants will receive photobiomodulation to treat their periocular wrinkles. They will be using red and amber LEDs, with one colour being used on each hemiface. The facial side to be treated with each colour will be randomised. After an interval of 180 days, the participants will receive a cross-treatment. The primary variable of the study is the volume of periocular wrinkles (crow’s feet), which will be measured by a VisioFace equipment. The secondary variables are elasticity (measured by Cutometer) and hydration (measured by Corneometer). Quality of life and self-assessment of the participants will be measured using the adapted Melasma Quality of Life scale - Brazilian Portuguese adaption (MelasQoL-BP) and Skindex-29 questionnaires. All of the variables will be measured before and after a group of 10 sessions. Ethics and dissemination This protocol was approved by the Research Ethics Committee of the Nove de Julho University (acceptance number: 2.550.732). This trial has been registered in the Registro Brasileiro de Ensaios Clínicos (Brazilian Clinical Trials Registry) (REBEC number: RBR-6YFCBM). This study is not recruiting yet. Trial registration number RBR6YFCBM; Pre-results.
Information Rates and Error Exponents for Probabilistic Amplitude Shaping

Probabilistic Amplitude Shaping (PAS) is a codedmodulation scheme in which the encoder is a concatenation of a distribution matcher with a systematic Forward Error Correction (FEC) code. For reduced computational complexity the decoder can be chosen as a concatenation of a mismatched FEC decoder and dematcher. This work studies the theoretic limits of PAS. The classical joint source-channel coding (JSCC) setup is modified to include systematic FEC and the mismatched FEC decoder. At each step error exponents and achievable rates for the corresponding setup are derived.