Animation Tool Research Articles

The efficacy of acupuncture in animals – Part 1 Veterinary medicine use, historical background, theoretical foundations, techniques and tools, points and meridians and physiological mechanisms of acupuncture in animals

Holistic approach in veterinary has gained popularity in recent years. However, more research is needed to fully understand the effects of acupuncture (AP) in animals and to determine its safety and efficacy. This review work aimed to describe AP in animals, regarding the use in Veterinary Medicine, historical background, theoretical foundations, techniques and tools for animals, AP points and meridians and physiological mechanisms of AP in animals. Although AP use in animals has been practiced for thousands of years, scientifically efficacy based studies are still lacking in the research community. This ancient traditional Chinese method involves inserting thin needles in specific acupoints to induce vital energy balance across skin meridians to produce biological responses from the nervous system. Understand the impact and potential healing powers that exist within these vital points is crucial, because AP can positively influence in health and well-being of animals. Musculoskeletal pain, respiratory issues, reproductive and metabolic disorders are the most frequent described AP treatments in veterinary practice. With proper application, AP can be a valuable tool in treating various health conditions and promoting well-being. It is important to consider potential risks, as well other treatment protocols and consult with a qualified veterinary before undergoing AP treatment.

Introducing online narrated video animations to facilitate patients' understanding of cardiac procedures in a high-volume tertiary centre

Abstract Introduction Discussions about the benefits and risks of invasive procedures, including their alternatives, are an integral part of certain patient consultations in Cardiology. However, patients absorb only a fraction of the information shared during a single encounter, often due to time constraints, leading to an incomplete understanding. Video animation tools were designed to better facilitate communication and consolidate patient (and family members) understanding in advance of their procedure. Purpose We are a high-volume tertiary cardiac centre, and we aimed to assess real-world patient feedback having introduced an online cardiac video animation tool into our organisation. Methods In July 2022, we obtained unlimited patient access to a digital tool that offers short, multi-language narrated video animations covering the breadth of cardiac procedures (cardiac intervention, electrophysiology, structural and cardiac surgery). It is accessible on any device, including a desktop, laptop, or mobile phone. Specifically, we purchased password protected access to 31 video animations in three local languages. Web-links and QR codes for each video animation were designed. These were shared with patients and family members during different stages of the patients’ journey through the hospital. We sampled qualitative feedback from a cohort of patients attending pre-assessment clinic, measured on our electronic patient record via a 3-point Likert scale. Results As illustrated in Figure 1, we adapted our patient pathway to integrate use of this resource in the patient journey by 1) notifying patients during their out-patient cardiologist consultation; 2) emailing video links integrated within an e-consent process; 3) introducing video links as QR codes in patient letters; 4) reminding patients during their nurse-led pre-assessment clinic; 5) via hospital poster advertisements; 6) and on the front page of the hospital website. Since its introduction 18 months ago, 20,607 animation views have occurred, with 90% watched to completion. The three most popular animations were "angiogram/angioplasty" (4135), atrial fibrillation ablation (1415), and TAVI (1243). From July 2022 to December 2023, 1,878 patients have attended our nurse led pre-assessment clinic, and we sampled qualitative feedback from about 20% (342 patients). As demonstrated in Figure 2, 84% of patients felt the procedural video animations were quite helpful/very helpful. The remaining 16% found it "not helpful", with anecdotal reasons being "inability to access the technology", "feeling already adequately informed", or "not wanting to know". Conclusion In our high-volume tertiary centre, online narrated video animations discussing cardiac procedures were successfully implemented into our patient pathway and deemed helpful by the majority of our patients.Fig1.Process map of the patient journeyFig2.Patients’ feedback regarding video

A Double Lysis Method for Animal Rotavirus RNA Extraction From Stool Samples.

Globally, porcine rotavirus is a leading cause of gastroenteritis in nursing and post-weaning piglets, as well as adult pigs. Between February 2015 and June 2016, 156 fecal samples were collected from pigs in the Northeastern part of Accra, Ghana, and screened for Group A rotavirus using the ProflowTM Kit. Here, we describe different extraction methods that were employed to recover high-quality RNA for downstream analysis, with emphasis on a novel hybrid extraction method. The hybrid approach with a kit and manual extraction method led to a 10-fold greater RNA yield versus the kit-based method alone. The new extraction method gave an average purity ratio (A260/A280) of 1.8, which was also significantly higher than that obtained solely from the manual or kit-based extraction methods. Our novel hybrid approach will be useful in the extraction of rotavirus from animal fecal samples, thus improving the yield of RNA for downstream analysis. © 2024 Wiley Periodicals LLC. Basic Protocol: Hybrid 2: A double lysis method for RNA extraction from animal stool samples Support Protocol 1: The GenElute extraction method Support Protocol 2: Hybrid 1 extraction method.

The use of animation tools in the media space of library for the formation of undergraduates' teamwork skills

The problem and the aim of the study. The modernization of library education involves the use of technologies that provide simultaneous work with sound, statistical images, and texts in an interactive mode. The ability to use information tools, in particular computer animation, in working on projects and teamwork skills are indemand soft skills, the maturity of which largely determines the professional self-realization of librarianship specialists. The purpose of the study is to identify the potential of using animation tools in the library's media space to develop the teamwork skills of master’s students. Research methods. The media space of the library is considered as a set of resources that allow professional collaboration of cultural institutions in a new format, attracting potential users to visit libraries, as well as informing them about their services. The Renderforest platform is used to develop didactic animation. The experiment involved 64 undergraduates of specialty 04.51.01 Cultural studies, profile – "Socio-cultural design", Vyatka State University (Russian Federation). The authors use V. Stefanson's methodology to assess the level of teamwork skills of master's students. For statistical processing, – Pearson's χ2 (chi-square) test. A group of experts has been involved in the evaluation of media projects for “Library Night” event. Fisher's method was used to establish statistically significant differences. Results. The students of the experimental group used animation tools to develop projects and library and information services according to the following algorithm: studying a digital service, defining the concept of an action/event for “Library Night”, writing a script, implementing a project, evaluating the potential for the development of the library's media space. Statistically significant differences in the qualitative changes that occurred in the system were revealed: according to the levels of formation of teamwork skills according to the criteria of dependence/non-dependence on the opinion of the group (χ2 = 6.427; p < 0.05); sociability/ nonsociability (χ2 = 7.879; p < 0.05); acceptance of "struggle" / "struggle" / avoidance of "struggle" (χ2 = 6.081; p < 0.05); and by the quality of training – φcrit=1.64<φemp=2.804. Conclusion. The possibilities of using animation tools in the media space of the library for the development of teamwork skills of master’s students are formulated: new formats of collaboration and project activities, innovative work experience, etc. However, there are also factors complicating the process: absence of clear leadership; constrains of communication; weak motivation; low social status of the profession.

Utilization of Adobe Creative Cloud Media to Support Project-Based Learning for Internship Students in the Digitaliz Unit at the Hasnur Centre Foundation

Adobe Creative Cloud is a comprehensive suite of applications offering advanced tools for graphic design, video editing, animation, photography, and web development. This study aims to explore the utilization of Adobe Creative Cloud in supporting project-based learning (PjBL) at Hasnur Centre Foundation. The research method used is descriptive qualitative research, which includes observation, interviews, and documentation during the internship program held from February 28 to March 17, 2024. The internship program involved 61 students from Global Islamic Boarding School, who used various Adobe Creative Cloud applications such as Premiere Pro, After Effects, and Audition in their projects. The results showed that the use of Adobe Creative Cloud enhanced students' creativity, collaboration, and material understanding. In conclusion, Adobe Creative Cloud is effective in supporting PjBL and increasing student motivation.

Hitting two targets with one shot on pesticide genotoxicity assessment – Identifying risk while unveiling ex vivo approach as a throughput tool in gill-breathing animals

Pesticides in the environment often compromise the ecosystem, thus requiring reliable approaches to assess their effects. Commonly used approaches, such as in vivo, come with several disadvantages, namely in the light of the 3 R’s policy. Seeking for accurate and ethical approaches, this study intended to validate the ex vivo technique as an alternative, and to assess the genotoxicity of chemically-based pesticides and a biopesticide. The ex vivo approach was applied to gill cells of Procambarus clarkii for 2, 4 and 8 h. Cell viability and DNA integrity were evaluated to determine the applicability of this approach. Crayfish gill cells only showed to be suitable for exposures of 2 h. Accordingly, genotoxicity was evaluated in gill cells exposed, for 2 h, to environmentally relevant concentrations of the chemically-based pesticides dimethoate (20 µg L−1), imazalil (160 µg L−1) and penoxsulam (23 µg L−1), as well as to the bioinsecticide Turex® (25, 50, 100, 200 and 400 µg L−1). Every chemically-based pesticide demonstrated to be genotoxic, despite not inducing oxidative DNA damage. On the other hand, Turex® showed no genotoxic effects. Overall, the ex vivo approach demonstrated to be possible and practical to implement, improving the number of outcomes with a lower number of organisms. The findings from the screening test suggest that biological pesticides may pose a lower risk to non-target organisms compared to chemically-based pesticides.

DynBioSketch: A tool for sketching dynamic visual summaries in biology, and its application to infection phenomena

Having simple methods of illustration is essential to scientific thinking. To complement the abstract sketches regularly used in cell biology, we propose DynBioSketch, an easy-to-use digital modeling and animation tool, enabling biologists to resort to less simplified representations when necessary without having to call professional artists. DynBioSketch is an interactive sketching system dedicated to the design and communication of biological phenomena at the cellular scale that can be illustrated in a few minutes of animation. Our model integrates 3D modeling, pattern-based design of 3D shape distributions, and sketch-based animation. These elements can be combined to create complex scenarios such as the infection phenomenon on which we focus, allowing a narrative design adapted to communication between researchers or educational applications in biology. Our results, along with a user study conducted with biology researchers, highlight the potential of DynBioSketch in enabling the direct design of dynamic visual summaries that convey relevant information, as shown in our infection case study. By bridging the gap between abstract representations used by experts and more illustrative depictions, DynBioSketch opens a new avenue for communicating biological concepts.

Mastering broom‐like tools for object transportation animation using deep reinforcement learning

SummaryIn this paper, we propose a deep reinforcement‐based approach to generate an animation of an agent using a broom‐like tool to transport a target object. The tool is attached to the agent. So when the agent moves, the tool moves as well.The challenge is to control the agent to move and use the tool to push the target while avoiding obstacles. We propose a direction sensor to guide the agent's movement direction in environments with static obstacles. Furthermore, different rewards and a curriculum learning are implemented to make the agent efficiently learn skills for manipulating the tool. Experimental results show that the agent can naturally control the tool with different shapes to transport target objects. The result of ablation tests revealed the impacts of the rewards and some state components.

Molecular Detection of Cryptosporidium spp. and Microsporidia in Human and Animal Stool Samples.

Cryptosporidium spp. and Microsporidia are opportunistic microorganisms with remarkable zoonotic transmission potential due to their capacity to infect humans and animals. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of these microorganisms in stool samples of animal and human origin. In total, 369 stool samples (205 from human patients with diarrhea and 164 of animal origin) were included in the study. Cryptosporidium spp. and Microsporidia presence were determined by using multiplex nested PCR. Positive results were analyzed by using Sanger sequencing of the amplicon, utilizing BLASTN and ClustalX software to confirm identification. Cryptosporidium spp. were found in 0.97% and 4.26% of human and animal samples, respectively. Enterocytozoon bieneusi was detected in human and animal stools in 6.82% and 3.05% of the samples, respectively. No associations were found when analyzing the presence of Cryptosporidium spp. and E. bieneusi and the demographic and clinical variables of patients and animals. This study demonstrates the presence of these microorganisms in human and animal samples from different species, and the most interesting findings are the detection of Cryptosporidium spp. in pets (e.g., rodents) that are not usually included in this type of study, and the identification of E. bieneusi in patients with diarrhea without underlying disease.

Genomic and phylogenetic features of the Picobirnaviridae suggest microbial rather than animal hosts.

The RNA virus family Picobirnaviridae has traditionally been associated with the gastrointestinal systems of terrestrial mammals and birds, with the majority of viruses detected in animal stool samples. Metatranscriptomic studies of vertebrates, invertebrates, microbial communities, and environmental samples have resulted in an enormous expansion of the genomic and phylogenetic diversity of this family. Yet picobirnaviruses remain poorly classified, with only one genus and three species formally ratified by the International Committee of Virus Taxonomy. Additionally, an inability to culture picobirnaviruses in a laboratory setting or isolate them in animal tissue samples, combined with the presence of bacterial genetic motifs in their genomes, suggests that these viruses may represent RNA bacteriophage rather than being associated with animal infection. Utilising a data set of 2,286 picobirnaviruses sourced from mammals, birds, reptiles, fish, invertebrates, microbial communities, and environmental samples, we identified seven consistent phylogenetic clusters likely representing Picobirnavirus genera that we tentatively name 'Alpha-', 'Beta-', 'Gamma-', 'Delta-', 'Epsilon-', 'Zeta-', and 'Etapicobirnavirus'. A statistical analysis of topological congruence between virus-host phylogenies revealed more frequent cross-species transmission than any other RNA virus family. In addition, bacterial ribosomal binding site motifs were more enriched in Picobirnavirus genomes than in the two groups of established RNA bacteriophage-the Leviviricetes and Cystoviridae. Overall, our findings support the hypothesis that the Picobirnaviridae have bacterial hosts and provide a lower-level taxonomic classification for this highly diverse and ubiquitous family of RNA viruses.

Development of Learning Management with Animated Video to Increase Motivation and Learning Outcomes

The aim of this research is to analyse the development of learning management using thematic animated video media to increase motivation and learning outcomes for fourth grade elementary school students in Theme 9. The method used is research and development according to Borg and Gall. The data sources in this research were fourth grade elementary school students in Grobogan and Kudus Regencies, Central Java, with data collection tools used including questionnaires, tests, observations and interviews. The data analysis used was the validity and reliability test of the instrument, normality test, homogeneity test, n-Gain test and Independent Sample t-test. The research results show that the design begins with planning with components of thematic learning analysis, analysis of motivation and learning outcomes in online learning, planning consists of curriculum analysis - formulation of objectives - analysis of sources and materials - analysis of learning models, designing media animation videos by making storyboards, preparing assets – complementary assets and video animation tools. In the process with PowerPoint video components and Camtasia 2019 specifications. Animated video content with "My Country's Wealth Theme" in online learning with initial stage components (basic competencies (KD), objectives, learning materials, core activities and evaluation. Material feasibility test results get a score 3.3 with very good criteria, and media expert eligibility received a score of 3.4 with very good criteria. The results of the effectiveness test in 2 regions obtained an n-Gain value of 0.659 in the Hake n-gain table in the good category. In conclusion, thematic learning management with animated videos effectively increases learning motivation and learning outcomes in thematic learning.

Digitalization of Physics Teaching: Using Computer Models and Animations

The article analyzes current trends in the introduction of information technologies into the physics teaching process – the use of computer modeling and visualization to improve the efficiency of mastering complex physical material by students. The relevance of the work is due to the importance of using innovative digital teaching tools in the context of the rapid modernization of education. Using the example of modeling the discharge of a capacitor through a resistor, the technique of creating mathematical computer models with software implementation in Python and graphical visualization using Matplotlib is examined in detail. Various approaches to computer animation (multi-screen, fragmentary, elemental, figurative) are considered for presenting dynamic systems. Specific examples of animation of physical processes are given. The systematic technique of developing interactive electronic posters for teaching physics is highlighted. Methodological recommendations for the use of computer models in different types of lessons and at different stages of the educational process are formulated. The materials of the article are addressed to physics teachers, methodologists and specialists in the field of modern educational technologies. The article provides a methodological rationale for the feasibility of introducing information and communication technologies into physics teaching, analyzes various approaches to computer modeling and visualization, and examines specific examples and stages of creating animation and modeling tools for schoolchildren.

Generation of an enhancer-driven gene expression viral tool specific to dentate granule cell-types through direct hippocampal injection.

Accurate investigations of neural circuitry require specific genetic access to individual circuit elements, i.e., the myriad neuronal cell-types in the brain. However, native promoters cannot achieve this because while most genes are expressed in the brain, few are expressed in a single neuronal cell-type. We recently used enhancers, the subcomponents of the transcriptional apparatus which tell promoters when and where to express, combined with heterologous minimal promoters to increase specificity of transgene expression, an approach we call Enhancer-Driven Gene Expression (EDGE). As we discuss, EDGE is a marked improvement in specificity over native promoters, but still requires careful anatomical analysis to avoid off-target effects. In this study we present a more complete set of genomic markers from the mouse brain and characterize a novel EDGE viral vector capable of specifically driving expression in distinct subtypes of hippocampal neurons, even though it can express in other cell-types elsewhere. The advent of cell-type specific viral tools in wild-type animals provides a powerful strategy for neural circuit investigation and holds promise for studies using animal models for which transgenic tools are not available.

A methodological approach to compare continuous and instantaneous sampling and two methods to deal with animals out of sight on dairy cattle behavior and interaction with their calf in the first hours post-partum.

Animal behavior can provide useful information about animal welfare, but methods and tools used to gather behavioral data and data treatment can influence the results. Therefore, this study was carried out on dairy cow (Bos taurus) behavior and interaction with calves early post-partum aiming at comparing two sampling rules, namely continuous and instantaneous sampling at scan intervals of 30 s, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 10 min, and of two methods to deal with out of sight animals. The study was based on three assumptions: (1) continuous sampling provides the most complete and accurate data, allowing the observation of seldom behaviors and short events; (2) instantaneous sampling can provide accurate measurements of frequency and duration, especially at short scan intervals; (3) differences in behavioral results may occur depending on whether a correction for time out of sight is applied or not. Thus, 10 dams were observed from videos in the 2 h post-parturition. Ruminating, stereotypies, calf-biting and calf-butting were not recorded during the observation period. Other behaviors were observed only with continuous sampling or with continuous and instantaneous at 30-s scan intervals. The recoding of several behaviors was less accurate when applying longer scan intervals. Data from continuous and instantaneous sampling at 30-s scan intervals were compared with Wilcoxon test. Results showed no significant differences for posture, position in the pen and all behaviors (p > 0.05) except vocalizing (p = 0.003). The same test did not highlight significant differences due to method of dealing with out of sight for both sampling rules (p > 0.05). Correlation between continuous and instantaneous sampling were prevalently high at 30-s intervals and they decreased as the length of scan intervals increased for most behaviors. Results confirmed the first two assumptions suggesting that continuous sampling is more accurate, in particular for short and rare behaviors, and caution against the suitability of dam behavioral data collected using instantaneous sampling at scan intervals of minutes. The third assumption was not proven by this study. Results should be considered in light of the development of new technologies that relies on data acquired by sensors and imaging to monitor cow-calf welfare and behavior post-parturition.

ESBL-Type and AmpC-Type Beta-Lactamases in Third Generation Cephalosporin-Resistant Enterobacterales Isolated from Animal Feces in Madagascar.

Third generation cephalosporin-resistant (3GCR) Enterobacterales are known to be prevalent in Madagascar, with high colonization or infection rates in particular in Madagascan patients. Extended spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBLs) have been reported to be the predominant underlying resistance mechanism in human isolates. So far, little is known on antimicrobial resistance and its molecular determinants in Enterobacterales and other bacteria causing enteric colonization of Madagascan wild animals. To address this topic, swabs from 49 animal stool droppings were collected in the Madagascan Tsimanapesotsa National Park and assessed by cultural growth of bacterial microorganisms on elective media. In addition to 7 Acinetobacter spp., a total of 31 Enterobacterales growing on elective agar for Enterobacterales could be isolated and subjected to whole genome sequencing. Enterobacter spp. was the most frequently isolated genus, and AmpC-type beta-lactamases were the quantitatively dominating molecular resistance mechanism. In contrast, the blaCTX-M-15 gene, which has repeatedly been associated with 3GC-resistance in Madagascan Enterobacterales from humans, was detected in a single Escherichia coli isolate only. The identification of the fosfomycin-resistance gene fosA in a high proportion of isolates is concerning, as fosfomycin is increasingly used to treat infections caused by multidrug-resistant bacteria. In conclusion, the proof-of-principle assessment indicated a high colonization rate of resistant bacteria in stool droppings of Madagascan wild animals with a particular focus on 3GCR Enterobacterales. Future studies should confirm these preliminary results in a more systematic way and assess the molecular relationship of animal and human isolates to identify potential routes of transmission.

A272 EFFECTS OF EMPAGLIFLOZIN ON CHEMICALLY INDUCED COLITIS IN A MOUSE MODEL ARE MODULATED BY SEX AND DIETARY INTERACTIONS

Abstract Background High sugar diets have been shown to dramatically increase disease severity in mouse models of colitis. Empagliflozin (EMPA) is a highly selective sodium glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitor that is used therapeutically as an antihyperglycemic agent in the management of type 2 diabetes. In human trials EMPA treatment exerts potent anti-inflammatory effects independently of glycemic control. Further, we have previously demonstrated in a genetic mouse model of colitis that EMPA treatment was highly effective in improving colonic inflammation. Based on these findings, we hypothesized that EMPA treatment may also be effective in mitigating disease severity in chemically induced colitis in mice fed a high sugar diet. Aims The aim of this study was to examine the effects of treatment with EMPA on chemically induced colitis in mice fed a high sugar diet Methods At 6-8 weeks of age, wild-type 129/SvEv mice were placed on chow (CH) or high sugar diet (HS) (50% sucrose: AIN76A) ± EMPA (10mg/kg). After two days on the diet, mice were administered dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) for 5 days in drinking water followed by water alone for 2 days (n=4-6 mice for all groups). Disease activity index (DAI) was calculated daily from animal weight change, stool consistency, and stool hemoccult. As a measurement of degree of healing, colonic tissues were evaluated at day 9 for histological changes, weight-to-length ratio, and cytokine levels by ELISA. As a measure of EMPA functionality, urinary and blood glucose levels were measured. Results Mice on the HS diet demonstrated increased susceptibility to colitis compared with chow fed mice with increased colonic levels of IL-1β, weight loss, and DAI. Significant interactions between sex and diet were seen in responses to EMPA treatment. EMPA treatment did not alter severity of colitis but did significantly delay healing in male mice on both the HS and chow diets as evidenced by increased DAI and increased enterocyte injury with increased levels of lamina propria neutrophils and lymphocytes. EMPA treatment did not increase disease severity in females on either diet. No differences were seen in colonic TNFα, IL-10, IL-12p70, or IL-22 between any of the groups. Urinary glucose levels were elevated in mice receiving EMPA and significantly higher in males compared with females (pampersand:003C0.05). EMPA treatment did not alter fasting blood glucose levels. Conclusions A high sugar diet strongly exacerbates disease severity in a sex-dependent manner in a chemically induced model of colitis. Further, contrary to our hypothesis, EMPA treatment did not improve colitis in females and worsened disease in males suggesting that the documented anti-inflammatory effects of EMPA may be condition dependent. Funding Agencies CCC

A254 CANAGLIFLOZIN EXACERBATES CHEMICALLY INDUCED COLITIS WHEN COMBINED WITH A HIGH SUGAR DIET

Abstract Background Consumption of high-sugar diets exacerbates inflammation and hinders the healing process in animal models of acute colitis. Canagliflozin (CANA) is a sodium glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitor primarily used for the management of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. CANA has demonstrated the ability to suppress human T cell and macrophage effector function and to improve inflammation in rat colitis models. Based on these findings, we hypothesized that CANA would mitigate the deleterious effects of a high sugar diet in a DSS colitis model through its effects on immune effector cells. Aims The aim of this study was to examine the effects of a high sugar diet and CANA administration on colonic inflammation in an animal model of acute colitis. Methods Adult wild-type male and female 129/SvEv mice were placed on standard chow or a high-sugar diet (HSD) containing 50% sucrose (AIN76A) ± CANA (10mg/kg) gavaged daily (n=4-6 for each group). Following three days on the respective diet, mice received 1.8-2% dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) in their drinking water for 5 days, followed by water alone for 4 days. Disease Activity Index (DAI) was computed daily based on changes in animal weight, stool consistency, and blood in stool. Colonic tissues were evaluated for histological changes, weight-to-length ratio, and cytokine levels using the MesoScale discovery platform. Results Mice on the HSD had increased severity of colitis compared with chow fed mice as evidenced by enhanced DAI, increased weight loss, and increased levels of colonic TNFα (pampersand:003C0.02). Response to CANA treatment was both sex and diet dependent. Contrary to our hypothesis, CANA treatment increased severity of colitis in male mice on the HSD as evidenced by increased DAI and delayed healing with increased enterocyte injury and increased levels of lamina propria neutrophils and lymphocytes. CANA treatment did not exacerbate disease severity in females on the HSD but did delay healing as evidenced by increased lamina propria neutrophils and lymphocytes and worse enterocyte injury. These effects were not observed in mice that were fed standard chow diets with CANA. Conclusions A high-sugar diet significantly exacerbates chemically induced colitis and delays healing. This effect is intensified when combined with CANA, especially in male mice. These findings indicate that effects of SGLT2 inhibitors on colonic inflammation can be modulated by both dietary intake and sex. Funding Agencies CCC

Re-animating the archive: encountering and transforming historical materials with digital design tools

Once documents exist outside physical archives in high-resolution digital forms, researcher-artists may interact with them in previously impossible or forbidden ways – spinning them around in three dimensions, zooming in to their tiniest details, or tearing them apart. Commonly used by visual and spatial designers, digital 3D modeling, animation, and image-editing tools make possible affective and intimate encounters with historical documents. Through these encounters, researcher-artists may uncover insights about the events, environments, and ways of understanding the built and natural worlds that those documents represent.

Beyond the Tricks: The Science and Comparative Cognition of Magic.

Magic is an art form that has fascinated humans for centuries. Recently, the techniques used by magicians to make their audience experience the impossible have attracted the attention of psychologists, who, in just a couple of decades, have produced a large amount of research regarding how these effects operate, focusing on the blind spots in perception and roadblocks in cognition that magic techniques exploit. Most recently, this investigation has given a pathway to a new line of research that uses magic effects to explore the cognitive abilities of nonhuman animals. This new branch of the scientific study of magic has already yielded new evidence illustrating the power of magic effects as a psychological tool for nonhuman animals. This review aims to give a thorough overview of the research on both the human and nonhuman perception of magic effects by critically illustrating the most prominent works of both fields of inquiry.

An engineered Cas12i nuclease that is an efficient genome editing tool in animals and plants

The type V-I CRISPR-Cas system is becoming increasingly more attractive for genome editing. However, natural nucleases of this system often exhibit low efficiency, limiting their application. Here, we used structure-guided rational design and protein engineering to optimize an uncharacterized Cas12i nuclease, Cas12i3. As a result, we developed Cas-SF01, a Cas12i3 variant that exhibits significantly improved gene editing activity in mammalian cells. Cas-SF01 shows comparable or superior editing performance compared to SpCas9 and other Cas12 nucleases. Compared to natural Cas12i3, Cas-SF01 has an expanded PAM range and effectively recognizes NTTN and noncanonical NATN and TTVN PAMs. In addition, we identified an amino acid substitution, D876R, that markedly reduced the off-target effect while maintaining high on-target activity, leading to the development of Cas-SF01HiFi (high-fidelity Cas-SF01). Finally, we show that Cas-SF01 has high gene editing activities in mice and plants. Our results suggest that Cas-SF01 can serve as a robust gene editing platform with high efficiency and specificity for genome editing applications in various organisms.