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Objectives: This study aimed to elucidate the connection between osteoclastic forkhead transcription factor O1 (FoxO1) and periodontitis and explore the underlying mechanism by which FoxO1 knockdown regulates osteoclast formation. Materials and Methods: A conventional ligature‐induced periodontitis model was constructed to reveal the alterations in the proportion of osteoclastic FoxO1 in periodontitis via immunofluorescence staining. Additionally, RNA sequencing (RNA‐seq) was performed to explore the underlying mechanisms of FoxO1 knockdown‐mediated osteoclastogenesis, followed by western blotting, quantitative polymerase chain reaction, and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Results: FoxO1+ osteoclasts were enriched in the alveolar bone in experimental periodontitis. Moreover, FoxO1 knockdown led to impaired osteoclastogenesis with low expression of osteoclast differentiation‐related genes, accompanied by an insufficient osteoclast maturation phenotype. Mechanistically, RNA‐seq revealed that the nuclear factor kappa B (NF‐κB) and nucleotide‐binding oligomerization domain‐like receptor family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome signaling pathways were inhibited in FoxO1‐knockdown osteoclasts. Consistent with this, MCC950, an effective inhibitor of the NLRP3 inflammasome, substantially attenuated osteoclast formation. Conclusions: FoxO1 knockdown contributed to the inhibition of osteoclastogenesis by effectively suppressing NF‐κB signaling and NLRP3 inflammasome activation. This prospective study reveals the role of FoxO1 in mediating osteoclastogenesis and provides a viable therapeutic target for periodontitis treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Caatinga is an exclusively Brazilian biome, and is the largest and most biodiverse Seasonal Tropical Dry Forest in the world. Despite that, the mammalian fauna, especially small mammals, is the least studied of all Brazilian biomes. In order to fill gaps and provide detailed information on small mammals (Didelphimorphia, Rodentia) in the Caatinga biome, we compiled reliable records focusing on richness, composition and some biometric data. These records came from mammal collections, papers, theses, books, and unpublished data, prioritizing records with vouchers housed in scientific collections. We compiled a total of 3133 records from 816 locations, resulting in a richness of 47 native species (12 marsupials and 35 rodents, plus three exotic rodents, Rattus rattus, Rattus norvegicus, and Mus musculus). This dataset includes records of three new species for the biome and its transition zone: the rodents Calomys mattevii, Holochilus oxe, and Nectomys squamipes. Of the total number of records, 1808 (57.71%) are from consulting activities, 95 (3.03%) are from zoonoses studies and 104 (3.32%) are from the National Plague Service (SNP). All nine Brazilian states with territory in the Caatinga have sampling data for small mammals, but the number of records and localities are unevenly distributed, with the state of Rio Grande do Norte having the lowest number of records and locations sampled. Our dataset is the first of its kind for the Caatinga biome and has considerable potential value for studies of habitat use, landscape ecology, macroecology, biogeography, and conservation. There are no copyright restrictions on the data. Please cite this data paper when the data are used in publications. We also request that researchers and teachers inform us of how they are using the data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The vestibular lamina (VL) forms as an epithelial outgrowth parallel to the dental lamina (DL) in the oral cavity. During late development, it opens to create a furrow that divides the dental tissue from the cheeks and lips and is known as the vestibule. Defects in this process lead to failure in the separation of the teeth from the lips and cheeks, including the presence of multiple frenula. In this paper, the development of the VL is followed in the mouse, from epithelial placode in the embryo to postnatal opening and vestibule formation. During early outgrowth, differential proliferation controls the curvature of the VL as it extends under the forming incisors. Apoptosis plays a role in thinning the deepest part of the lamina, while terminal differentiation of the epithelium, highlighted by the expression of loricrin and flattening of the nuclei, predates the division of the VL into two to create the vestibule. Development in the mouse is compared to the human VL, with respect to the relationship of the VL to the DL, VL morphology and mechanisms of opening. Overall, this paper provides insight into an understudied part of the oral anatomy, shedding light on how defects could form in this region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Osteoporosis is a systemic osteopathy characterized by bone metabolism disorders that become more serious with age increases in postmenopausal women. Recent studies have found that antler protein is the main bioactive component of cervus pantotrichum, and it has a positive regulatory effect on bone metabolism and can improve estrogen level. This study aimed to investigate the effect of velvet antler extract (VAE) on the prevention of osteoporosis and the modulation of gut microbiota in ovariectomized (OVX) mice. OVX mice treated with 12 weeks of VAE exhibited higher levels of serum BGP, Ca2+, CT, and HyP (p <.05). Micro‐CT scans showed that VAE significantly elevated bone volume fraction (BV/TV), trabecular bone number (Tb.N), trabecular bone thickness (Tb.Th), trabecular bone connection density (Conn.D), decreased trabecular separation (Tb.Sp), and structural modality index (SMI) than untreated OVX mice. The right tibial retinaculum in the VAE group was clearer, with a clearer reticular structure, smaller gaps, a tighter distribution, and a more orderly arrangement. The gut microbiota of the cecal contents was analyzed by 16 s rDNA amplicon sequencing. The data indicated that VAE modulated the species, numbers, and diversity of the gut microbiota in OVX mice. Ovariectomy caused dysbiosis of the intestinal microbiota by increasing the ratio of Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes in mice, but the ratio decreased after treatment with VAE. These results suggest that VAE has a therapeutic effect on OVX mice via modulate bone‐related biochemical markers in serum and structure of gut microbiota. In this paper, I show that velvet antler extract has a positive effect on osteoporosis model mice. I found that velvet antler extract can improve the serum biochemical indexes, bone microstructure, and intestinal flora of osteoporosis model mice. In addition, I noticed that the antler extract significantly increased the content of Akkermansia bacteria in the intestinal tract of mice, indicating that Akkermansia bacteria may be a new biomarker of osteoporosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Several obstacles limit the efficacy of brain tumour treatment, most notably the blood‐brain barrier (BBB), which prevents the brain uptake of the majority of accessible medicines due to tight junctions. The presence of glutathione (GSH) receptors on the BBB surface has been demonstrated in numerous papers; consequently, products containing glutathione as a targeting ligand coupled with nanoliposomes are used to enhance drug delivery across the BBB. Here, the 5% pre‐inserted PEG2000‐GSH PEGylated liposomal doxorubicin was conducted according to 2B3‐101 being tested in clinical trials. In addition, PEGylated nanoliposomal doxorubicin connected to the spacer‐GSH targeting ligand (GSGGCE) and the PEG3400 was conducted using post‐insertion method. Next, in vivo biodistribution of the produced formulations was tested on healthy mice to see if GSGGCE, as the targeted ligand, could cross the BBB compared to 5% pre‐inserted PEG2000‐GSH and Caelyx®. Compared to the pre‐inserted formulation and Caelyx®, the post‐inserted formulations' concentration was lower in the heart and higher in brain tissues, resulting in boosting the brain concentration of accumulated doxorubicin with fewer possible side effects, including cardiotoxicity. In comparison to the pre‐insertion procedure, the post‐insertion method is easier, faster, and more cost‐effective. Moreover, employing PEG3400 and the post‐insertion approach in the PEG3400‐GSGGCE liposomal formulations was found to be effective in crossing the BBB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Computed tomography (CT) generates a three‐dimensional rendering that can be used to interrogate a given region or desired structure from any orientation. However, in preclinical research, its deployment remains limited due to relatively high upfront costs. Existing integrated imaging systems that provide merged planar X‐ray also dwarfs CT popularity in small laboratories due to their added versatility. Purpose: In this paper, we sought to generate CT‐like data using an existing small‐animal X‐ray imager with a specialized specimen rotation system, or MiSpinner. This setup conforms to the cone‐beam CT (CBCT) geometry, which demands high spatial calibration accuracy. Therefore, a simple but robust geometry calibration algorithm is necessary to ensure that the entire imaging system works properly and accurately. Methods: Because the rotation system is not permanently affixed, we propose a structure tensor‐based two‐step online (ST‐TSO) geometry calibration algorithm. Specifically, two datasets are needed, namely, calibration and actual measurements. A calibration measurement detects the background of the system forward X‐ray projections. A study on the background image reveals the characteristics of the X‐ray photon distribution, and thus, provides a reliable estimate of the imaging geometry origin. Actual measurements consisted of an X‐ray of the intended object, including possible geometry errors. A comprehensive image processing technique helps to detect spatial misalignment information. Accordingly, the first processing step employs a modified projection matrix‐based calibration algorithm to estimate the relevant geometric parameters. Predicted parameters are then fine‐tuned in a second processing step by an iterative strategy based on the symmetry property of the sum of projections. Virtual projections calculated from the parameters after two‐step processing compensate for the scanning errors and are used for CT reconstruction. Experiments on phantom and mouse imaging data were performed to validate the calibration algorithm. Results: Once system correction was conducted, CBCT of a CT bar phantom and a cohort of euthanized mice were analyzed. No obvious structure error or spatial artifacts were observed, validating the accuracy of the proposed geometry calibration method. Digital phantom simulation indicated that compared with the preset spatial values, errors in the final estimated parameters could be reduced to 0.05° difference in dominant angle and 0.5‐pixel difference in dominant axis bias. The in‐plane resolution view of the CT‐bar phantom revealed that the resolution approaches 150 μ$\umu$m. Conclusions: A constrained two‐step online geometry calibration algorithm has been developed to calibrate an integrated X‐ray imaging system, defined by a first‐step analytical estimation and a second‐step iterative fine‐tuning. Test results have validated its accuracy in system correction, thus demonstrating the potential of the described system to be modified and adapted for preclinical research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The bright iridescent chaetae of Aphrodita species have fascinated scientists for decades. The particular nanoscale substructure of these chitinous bristles resembles photonic crystals and manipulates the incident light in a way that results in spectacular structural coloration. Even though Aphrodita's chaetae have garnered great attention from the field of biomimetics, the few previous ultrastructural studies primarily focused on acicular chaetae that are much less iridescent than the thin capillary notochaetae. In this paper, we present new ultrastructural data on the chaetae of two species of Aphrodita and illustrate their formation process. Our results allow us to specify the prerequisite for iridescent chaetae. Aphrodita species are dorsally covered with a matted felt of intertwined chaetae, and we further discuss the evolution of feltage chaetae in Aphroditiformia. In addition to iridescent feltage chaetae, we also provide new insights into the chaeotogenesis of pilose chaetae. For the first time, our study shows that the hairy tips and ornamentation of the chaetae is formed by follicle cells alone and thus attribute a further role to this type of cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Neurons in the hippocampus fire in consistent sequence over the timescale of seconds during the delay period of some memory experiments. For longer timescales, the firing of hippocampal neurons also changes slowly over minutes within experimental sessions. It was thought that these slow dynamics are caused by stochastic drift or a continuous change in the representation of the episode, rather than consistent sequences unfolding over minutes. This paper studies the consistency of contextual drift in three chronic calcium imaging recordings from the hippocampus CA1 region in mice. Computational measures of consistency show reliable sequences within experimental trials at the scale of seconds as one would expect from time cells or place cells during the trial, as well as across experimental trials on the scale of minutes within a recording session. Consistent sequences in the hippocampus are observed over a wide range of time scales, from seconds to minutes. The hippocampal activity could reflect a scale‐invariant spatiotemporal context as suggested by theories of memory from cognitive psychology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease affecting about 2–3% of the worldwide population. More of the knowledge of psoriasis is due to the in vitro and in vivo models tried to reproduce the disease and to know the mechanisms of pathogenesis, as well as to develop new therapies. One of the more simple, cheap and more used models is the imiquimod model based on the application of imiquimod in the depilated skin of mice. Several studies describing the methodology employed to develop an animal disease model does not present all the details about the model more especially related to the use of one sex or another and other methodological aspects that are relevant for researchers and to consider the accuracy of the study. In this review, we have selected 100 papers published in the last five years using the imiquimod psoriatic model recording different data such as animal, strain, sex, dose of imiquimod, area of administration, housing information, anaesthesia/euthanasia information, number of animals per group and control details among others. Our results revealed several methodological shortcomings in the models of imiquimod to study psoriasis namely sex bias and discrepancies in dose applied or time of imiquimod application among others. As long as these discrepancies exist in animal methodologies, there will be a poor translation from animal studies to clinical applications in dermatology and in other areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rodents are used extensively as animal models for the preclinical investigation of microvascular‐related diseases. However, motion artifacts in currently available imaging methods preclude real‐time observation of microvessels in vivo. In this paper, a pixel temporal averaging (PTA) method that enables real‐time imaging of microvessels in the mouse brain in vivo is described. Experiments using live mice demonstrated that PTA efficiently eliminated motion artifacts and random noise, resulting in significant improvements in contrast‐to‐noise ratio. The time needed for image reconstruction using PTA with a normal computer was 250 ms, highlighting the capability of the PTA method for real‐time angiography. In addition, experiments with less than one‐quarter of photon flux in conventional angiography verified that motion artifacts and random noise were suppressed and microvessels were successfully identified using PTA, whereas conventional temporal subtraction and averaging methods were ineffective. Experiments performed with an X‐ray tube verified that the PTA method could also be successfully applied to microvessel imaging of the mouse brain using a laboratory X‐ray source. In conclusion, the proposed PTA method may facilitate the real‐time investigation of cerebral microvascular‐related diseases using small animal models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Skeletal muscle has a remarkable regeneration capacity to recover its structure and function after injury, except for the traumatic loss of critical muscle volume, called volumetric muscle loss (VML). Although many extremity VML models have been conducted, craniofacial VML has not been well‐studied due to unavailable in vivo assay tools. Here, this paper reports a wireless, noninvasive nanomembrane system that integrates skin‐wearable printed sensors and electronics for real‐time, continuous monitoring of VML on craniofacial muscles. The craniofacial VML model, using biopsy punch‐induced masseter muscle injury, shows impaired muscle regeneration. To measure the electrophysiology of small and round masseter muscles of active mice during mastication, a wearable nanomembrane system with stretchable graphene sensors that can be laminated to the skin over target muscles is utilized. The noninvasive system provides highly sensitive electromyogram detection on masseter muscles with or without VML injury. Furthermore, it is demonstrated that the wireless sensor can monitor the recovery after transplantation surgery for craniofacial VML. Overall, the presented study shows the enormous potential of the masseter muscle VML injury model and wearable assay tool for the mechanism study and the therapeutic development of craniofacial VML. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Retraction: [Qun Li, The protease inhibitor UCF‐101 ameliorates streptozotocin‐induced mouse cardiomyocyte contractile dysfunction in vitro: role of AMP‐activated protein kinase, Experimental Physiology 2009, 94(9), pp. 984–994. (https://doi.org/10.1113/expphysiol.2009.049189)]. The above article, published online on 14 August 2009 in Wiley Online Library (wileyonlinelibrary.com), has been retracted by agreement between the corresponding author, the journal Editor‐in‐Chief Professor Mike Tipton, The Physiological Society, and John Wiley & Sons Ltd. The retraction has been agreed following an institutional investigation by the University of Wyoming. This investigation cited data irregularities, image reuse, and manipulation in a number of figures, specifically: Re‐use of α‐tubulin blot of Figure 7A in 7C, as well as reuse of α‐tubulin blot of Figure 7B in 7D.Re‐sizing and re‐use of α‐tubulin bands of Figure 3A in Figure 5A.α‐tubulin reported within two distinct sets of AMPK and pAMPK data in Figure 5A. These concerns were put to the corresponding author, who confirmed that loading controls had been reused inappropriately throughout the manuscript, albeit accidentally. The corresponding author resupplied Western blot images and data, but these could not be verified. The extent of image reuse and inappropriate use of controls significantly undermined confidence in the paper's data and subsequent conclusions. This retraction includes the corrigendum published online on 04 February 2016 (https://doi.org/10.1113/EP085709). Corresponding author JR agreed to this retraction. QL and LKH could not be reached. REFERENCES Li, Q., Hueckstaedt, L. K., & Ren, J. (2009). The protease inhibitor UCF‐101 ameliorates streptozotocin‐induced mouse cardiomyocyte contractile dysfunction in vitro: role of AMP‐activated protein kinase. Experimental Physiology, 94(9), 984–994. https://doi.org/10.1113/expphysiol.2009.049189 (2016). Corrigendum. Experimental Physiology, 101(3), 451–451. https://doi.org/10.1113/EP085709 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]