Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of Immunomodulatory Activities of the Heat-Killed Probiotic Strain Lactobacillus casei IMAU60214 on Macrophages In Vitro

Most Lactobacillus species have beneficial immunological (“immunoprobiotic”) effects in the host. However, it is unclear how probiotic bacteria regulate immune responses. The present study investigated the effects of heat-killed Lactobacillus casei IMAU60214 on the activity of human monocyte-derived macrophages (MDMs). Human MDMs were treated with heat-killed L. casei at a ratio (bacteria/MDM) of 50:1, 100:1, 250:1, and 500:1, and then evaluated for the following: NO production, by Griess reaction; phagocytosis of FITC-labeled Staphylococcus aureus particles; cytokine secretion profile (tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, IL-12p70, IL-10, and transforming growth factor (TGF)-β) by ELISA; and costimulatory molecule (CD80 and CD86) surface expression, by flow cytometry. Heat-killed L. casei IMAU60214 enhanced phagocytosis, NO production, cytokine release, and surface expression of CD80 and CD86 in a dose-dependent manner. All products were previously suppressed by pretreatment with a Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2)-neutralizing antibody. Overall, our findings suggest that this probiotic strain promotes an M1-like pro-inflammatory phenotype through the TLR2 signaling pathway. These effects on macrophage phenotype help explain the probiotic efficacy of Lactobacillus and provide important information for the selection of therapeutic targets and treatments compatible with the immunological characteristics of this probiotic strain.
Morphological and Molecular Identification of Microcystin-Producing Cyanobacteria in Nine Shallow Bulgarian Water Bodies

The paper presents results from the first application of polyphasic approach in studies of field samples from Bulgaria. This approach, which combined the conventional light microscopy (LM) and molecular-genetic methods (based on PCR amplified fragments of microcystin synthetase gene mcyE), revealed that almost all microcystin-producers in the studied eutrophic waterbodies belong to the genus Microcystis. During the molecular identification of toxin-producing strains by use of HEPF × HEPR pair of primers, we obtained 57 sequences, 56 of which formed 28 strains of Microcystis, spread in six clusters of the phylogenetic tree. By LM, seven Microcystis morphospecies were identified (M. aeruginosa, M. botrys, M. flos-aquae, M. natans, M. novacekii, M. smithii, and M. wesenbergii). They showed significant morphological variability and contributed from <1% to 98% to the total biomass. All data support the earlier opinions that taxonomic revision of Microcystis is needed, proved the presence of toxigenic strains in M. aeruginosa and M. wesenbergii, and suppose their existence in M. natans. Our results demonstrated also that genetic sequencing, and the use of HEPF × HEPR pair in particular, can efficiently serve in water quality monitoring for identifying the potential risk from microcystins, even in cases of low amounts of Microcystis in the water.
Baseline Postural Control and Lower Extremity Injury Incidence Among Those With a History of Concussion.

CONTEXT Lower extremity musculoskeletal (LEMSK) injury may be more prevalent among those with a history of sport-related concussion (SRC). OBJECTIVE To investigate the relationship between baseline postural control metrics and the LEMSK injury incidence in National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I student-athletes with a history of SRC. SETTING National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I athletes. DESIGN Cohort study. PATIENTS OR OTHER PARTICIPANTS Of 84 total athletes (62 males), 42 had been previously diagnosed with an SRC, and 42 were matched controls based on age, sex, height, weight, and sport. INTERVENTION During the preseason baseline evaluation, all participants performed 3 trials of eyes-open and eyes-closed upright quiet stance on a force platform. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Medical charts were assessed for all the LEMSK injuries that occurred from preseason baseline to 1 year later. Center-of-pressure data in the anteroposterior and mediolateral directions were filtered before we calculated root mean square and mean excursion velocity; the complexity index was calculated from the unfiltered data. Factorial analysis-of-variance models were used to examine differences between groups and across conditions for root mean square; mean excursion velocity, complexity index, and tests of association to examine between-groups LEMSK differences; and logistic regression models to predict LEMSK. RESULTS Concussion history and injury incidence were related in the SRC group (P = .043). The complexity index of the SRC group was lower with eyes closed (14.08 ± 0.63 versus 15.93 ± 0.52) and eyes open (10.25 ± 0.52 vs 11.80 ± 0.57) in the mediolateral direction than for the control participants (P < .05). Eyes-open root mean square in the mediolateral direction was greater for the SRC group (5.00 ± 0.28 mm) than the control group (4.10 ± 0.22 mm). Logistic regression models significantly predicted LEMSK only in control participants. CONCLUSIONS These findings may suggest that LEMSK after SRC cannot be predicted from postural-control metrics at baseline.
Reproductive Performance Following Transcervical Insemination with Frozen Thawed Semen in Ewes Submitted to Surgical Incision of Cervical Folds (SICF): Comparison with Laparoscopic Artificial Insemination

Simple Summary The anatomical barriers of the female reproductive tract and the low quality of the frozen thawed semen of rams are limiting factors in spreading superior genotypes in the ovine species. Artificial insemination (AI) is therefore mostly performed by laparoscopy. The surgical incision of cervical folds (SICF) has been demonstrated to allow transcervical intrauterine semen deposition. Here we present data regarding pregnancy (PR) and lambing (LR) rates obtained by transcervical AI following SICF, compared to those obtained by laparoscopic AI using frozen thawed semen. The results showed that in 89.7% of ewes submitted to SICF intrauterine, the deposition of semen was allowed. Moreover, in both experimental groups, the PR and LR were similar. These observations suggest that SICF could represent a valid preliminary procedure to allow transcervical AI in animals of superior genotypes contributing to genetic improvement. Abstract Transcervical artificial insemination (AI) after the surgical incision of cervical folds (SICF) could represent a valid alternative to laparoscopic AI when frozen thawed semen is used. The aim of this experiment was to compare pregnancy (PR) and lambing rates (LR) of ewes submitted either to transcervical AI after SICF or to laparoscopic AI using frozen thawed semen. Pregnant at term ewes (n = 80) were allocated in two experimental groups. After lambing, one group (n = 39) was submitted to SICF. The remaining ewes that were regularly lambed were allocated to the group of laparoscopic AI (n = 40). Six months later, oestrous cycle of both experimental groups was synchronised and all ewes were artificially inseminated with frozen thawed semen. Ewes submitted to SICF underwent transcervical insemination and intrauterine deposition of semen was recorded. The remaining animals were submitted to laparoscopic AI. Pregnancy and LR were recorded. Intrauterine deposition of semen was possible in 89.7% pf ewes submitted to SICF. This group showed similar PR and LR compared to the laparoscopic group (respectively: PR, 71.8% vs. 70% and LR, 64.1% vs. 65%; p > 0.05). Transcervical AI after SICF may represent a valid alternative to laparoscopy in AI protocols requiring the use of frozen thawed semen.
Ruminal Microbiota and Fermentation in Response to Dietary Protein and Energy Levels in Weaned Lambs

Simple Summary Ruminants, such as sheep, are economically important because they contribute to digesting and converting plant materials into edible meat and milk for humans to consume. An adequate plane of nutrients, such as energy and protein, is essential for rumen development and growth. However, sheep production is mostly affected by inadequate nutrition in rural areas of China. As one of the most prolific and perennial estrus breeds in China, Hu sheep has huge potential for catering to the growing meat demands of the market and consumers. In this study, the effects of dietary energy and protein levels on growth performance, microbial diversity, and physiological properties of the rumen in weaned lambs were evaluated. The results showed that a low dietary energy level restrained growth performance and changed the microbiota and associated ruminal fermentation phenotypes of lambs. However, protein had a minor effect. The findings are of great significance for promoting rumen development and establishing the optimal nutrient supply strategy for lambs. Abstract Supplying sufficient nutrients, such as dietary energy and protein, has a great effect on the growth and rumen development of ruminants. This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of dietary energy and protein levels on growth performance, microbial diversity, and structural and physiological properties of the rumen in weaned lambs. A total of 64 two-month-old Hu lambs were randomly allotted to 2 × 2 factorial arrangements with four replicates and with four lambs (half male and half female) in each replicate. The first factor was two levels of dietary metabolizable energy (ME) density (ME = 10.9 MJ/Kg or 8.6 MJ/Kg), and the second factor was two levels of dietary crude protein (CP) content (CP = 15.7% or 11.8%). The trial lasted for 60 days. A low dietary energy level restrained the growth performance of lambs (p < 0.05). The ruminal concentration of acetate and the ratio of acetate to propionate increased but the propionate concentration decreased significantly with the low energy diet. However, the rumen morphology was not affected by the diet energy and protein levels. Moreover, a low energy diet increased ruminal bacterial diversity but reduced the abundance of the phylum Proteobacteria (p < 0.05) and genus Succinivibrionaceae_uncultured (p < 0.05), which was associated with the change in ruminal fermentation phenotypes. By indicator species analysis, we found three indicator OTUs in the high energy group (Succinivibrionaceae_uncultured, Veillonellaceae_unclassified and Veillonellaceae_uncultured (p < 0.01)) and two indicator OTUs in the low energy group (Bacteroidales_norank and Lachnospiraceae_uncultured (p < 0.01)). In conclusion, these findings added new dimensions to our understanding of the diet effect on rumen microbial community and fermentation response, and are of great significance for establishing the optimal nutrient supply strategy for lambs.
Mmi1, the Yeast Ortholog of Mammalian Translationally Controlled Tumor Protein (TCTP), Negatively Affects Rapamycin-Induced Autophagy in Post-Diauxic Growth Phase

Translationally controlled tumor protein (TCTP) is a multifunctional and highly conserved protein from yeast to humans. Recently, its role in non-selective autophagy has been reported with controversial results in mammalian and human cells. Herein we examine the effect of Mmi1, the yeast ortholog of TCTP, on non-selective autophagy in budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, a well-established model system to monitor autophagy. We induced autophagy by nitrogen starvation or rapamycin addition and measured autophagy by using the Pho8Δ60 and GFP-Atg8 processing assays in WT, mmi1Δ, and in autophagy-deficient strains atg8Δ or atg1Δ. Our results demonstrate that Mmi1 does not affect basal or nitrogen starvation-induced autophagy. However, an increased rapamycin-induced autophagy is detected in mmi1Δ strain when the cells enter the post-diauxic growth phase, and this phenotype can be rescued by inserted wild-type MMI1 gene. Further, the mmi1Δ cells exhibit significantly lower amounts of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the post-diauxic growth phase compared to WT cells. In summary, our study suggests that Mmi1 negatively affects rapamycin-induced autophagy in the post-diauxic growth phase and supports the role of Mmi1/TCTP as a negative autophagy regulator in eukaryotic cells.
IMCs Microstructure Evolution Dependence of Mechanical Properties for Ni/Sn/Ni Micro Solder-Joints

The current miniaturization trend of microelectronic devices drives the size of solder joints to continually scale down. The miniaturized joints considerably increase intermetallic compounds (IMCs) volume fraction to trigger mechanical reliability issues. This study investigated precise relationships between varying IMC volumes and mechanical properties of Ni/Sn(20μm)/Ni micro-joints. A designed method that followed the IMC volume as the only variable was used to prepare micro-joint samples with different IMC volumes. The continuously thickened Ni3Sn4 IMCs exhibited a noticeable morphology evolution from rod-like to chunky shape. The subsequent tensile tests showed unexpected tensile strength responses as increasing Ni3Sn4 volume, which was strongly associated with the Ni3Sn4 morphological evolutions. Fractographic analysis displayed that the ductile fracture dominates the 20%–40% IMC micro-joints, whereas the brittle fracture governs the 40%–80% IMC micro-joints. For the ductile fracture-dominated joints, an abnormal reduction in strength occurred as increasing IMCs volume from 20% to 40%. This is primarily due to severe stress concentrations caused by the transformed long rod-typed morphology of the Ni3Sn4. For the brittle fracture-dominated joints, the strength appeared a monotonous increase as the Ni3Sn4 volume increased. This may be attributed to the increased crack resistance resulting from continuous coarsening of the chunky Ni3Sn4 without any voids. Moreover, the finite element analysis was provided to further understand the joint failure mechanisms.
Use of multiple nursing interventions (cluster nursing) in ABO hemolytic disease of neonates and evaluation of its effect

Objective This study aimed to create a group of nursing intervention (cluster nursing) strategies of phototherapy for neonates and to evaluate clinical effects of intervention measures on reducing neonatal jaundice in neonates. Methods We performed a prospective study. A total of 141 patients with neonatal ABO hemolytic jaundice were included and randomly divided into two groups: intervention group and control group. The intervention group adopted cluster nursing measures in combination with continuous phototherapy (blue light), while the control group adopted routine nursing together with continuous phototherapy (blue light). Results No differences were observed in general characteristics between the groups. On the seventh day of treatment, percutaneous bilirubin levels were significantly lower in the intervention group than in the control group. On the seventh day of treatment, milk intake was significantly higher and the duration of hospitalization was significantly shorter in the intervention group than in the control group. Conclusion Use of cluster nursing measures in combination with phototherapy in neonatal ABO hemolysis can effectively reduce bilirubin levels, improve symptoms of jaundice, and shorten the course of the disease.
Identification, Characterization and Functional Analysis of C-Class Genes Associated with Double Flower Trait in Carnation (Dianthus caryphyllus L.)

Flowers with more petals are of more ornamental value. It is well known that AGAMOUS (AG) is the core member of the C-class gene which plays an essential role in double flower formation and identification of stamens and carpels in Arabidopsis thaliana. We searched C-class genes in the genome of the carnation, and found two AG orthologs (DcaAGa, DcaAGb). Phylogenetic analysis showed that the two genes were closely related to the euAG subclade. Then we searched the genomes of other Caryophyllales plants (Beta vulgaris, Spinacia oleracea, Chenopodium quinoa) for C-class genes, and found that their C-class genes all belonged to the euAG subclade. Semi-quantitative PCR (sq-PCR) analysis indicated that the expression of DcaAG genes in the single flower phenotype was higher than that in the double flower phenotype. Quantitative real-time RT-PCR (qRT-PCR) analysis showed that the expressions of DcaAG genes in the flower bud were significantly different from those in the root, stem, and leaf between the single and double flower phenotype carnations, and that DcaAG genes were specifically expressed in the stamen and carpel of carnation. Moreover, the expression of other floral organ identity genes (AP1 and AP2, PI and AP3, SEP1 and SEP3 corresponding to the A-, B-, and E-class of genes, respectively) showed no significant difference in all floral organs between the single and double flower phenotype carnations, suggesting that C-class (DcaAG) genes might play an important role in the double flower phenotype in carnation. Petal loss or decrease, precocious flowering, silique shortening, and seed sterility were observed in 35S::DcaAGa and 35S::DcaAGb transgenic Arabidopsis plants. All these results show that DcaAG genes might affect the petal number negatively and have a specific function in stamen and carpel development in carnation.
Prevalence of oral diseases and risks to oral health in an urban community aged above 14 years

Introduction: Oral health is a requisite to general health and quality of life. The public health problems associated with oral diseases are a serious burden in every nation around the globe. Aims: The aim of this study is to assess the prevalence of dental problems and the oral health seeking behavior of an urban south Indian population aged >14 years. Materials and Methods: In this population-based cross-sectional study, 101 households were selected through systematic random sampling. About 419 participants were interviewed and information on sociodemographic characteristics, personal, and dental history was obtained and a complete oral cavity examination was performed. Results: The prevalence of dental caries, periodontal problems, and tooth wear were 78.75%, 74.7%, and 72.3%, respectively. The mean number of overall affected teeth in the population by one dental problem is 16 ± 8.13. The mean Decayed, Missing and Filled Teeth (DMFT) score was 4.5. The risk factors that were significantly associated with the poor oral health status were age >31 years (Odds Ratio (OR), 2.88), education less than eighth grade (OR, 2.35), inadequate oral hygiene practices (OR, 1.61), use of any form of tobacco (OR, 2.08), and alcohol consumption (OR, 2.02). Only 185 (44.1%) participants perceived that they had a dental problem at the point of the survey and only 20 of them (10.81%) visited a dentist. Conclusion: This study showed a high prevalence of dental caries, periodontal problem, and tooth wear. This emphasizes the need for community-based awareness program on dental health and recommends periodic dental health screening program at the community level for early diagnosis and better treatment.
Individual Differences in Aesthetic Preferences for Multi-Sensorial Stimulation

The aim of the current project was to investigate aesthetics in multi-sensorial stimulation and to explore individual differences in the process. We measured the aesthetics of interactive objects (IOs) which are three-dimensional objects with electronic components that exhibit an autonomous behaviour when handled, e.g., vibrating, playing a sound, or lighting-up. The Q-sorting procedure of Q-methodology was applied. Data were analysed by following the Qmulti protocol. The results suggested that overall participants preferred IOs that (i) vibrate, (ii) have rough surface texture, and (iii) are round. No particular preference emerged about the size of the IOs. When making an aesthetic judgment, participants paid more attention to the behaviour variable of the IOs than the size, contour or surface texture. In addition, three clusters of participants were identified, suggesting that individual differences existed in the aesthetics of IOs. Without proper consideration of potential individual differences, aesthetic scholars may face the risk of having significant effects masked by individual differences. Only by paying attention to this issue can more meaningful findings be generated to contribute to the field of aesthetics.
Treinamento Físico na Síndrome Lipodistrófica: Revisão Sistemática Physical Training in the Lipodistrophy Syndrome: a Systematic Review

ABSTRACT The chronicity of the HIV infection from the use of the highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART), the subject becomes prone to metabolic and physical abnormalities called Lipodystrophy Syndrome, which has as consequences increased risk of cardiovascular diseases. Therefore, there is a need for thera-peutical studies in order to improve the quality of life of these patients. In this context, physical training should be approached as a therapy to minimize the TARV deleterious effects. The aim of this article was to review in the literature the evidence about physical training in the Lipodystrophy Syndrome. The used method was a systematic review with papers published between 2000 and 2008, in PubMed and Scielo databases. The scientific evidence found in the assessed studies indicates that most of the studies, regardless of the training type, had significant improvement in body composition. Thus, further studies on lipid status, insulin resistance and glucose alterations by physical training on subjects living with HIV are necessary.Keywords: physical training, lipodystrophy syndrome, HIV.
Sustained release of dermal papilla-derived extracellular vesicles from injectable microgel promotes hair growth

Hair regeneration has long captured researchers' attention because alopecia is a common condition and current therapeutic approaches have significant limitations. Dermal papilla (DP) cells serve as a signaling center in hair follicles and regulate hair formation and cycling by paracrine secretion. Secreted EVs are important signaling mediators for intercellular communication, and DP-derived extracellular vesicles (DP-EVs) may play an important role in hair regeneration. However, the instability of EVs in vivo and their low long-term retention after transplantation hinder their use in clinical applications. Methods: Human DP-EVs were encapsulated in partially oxidized sodium alginate (OSA) hydrogels, yielding OSA-encapsulated EVs (OSA-EVs), which act as a sustained-release system to increase the potential therapeutic effect of DP-EVs. The ability of the OSA-EVs to protect protein was assessed. The hair regeneration capacity of OSA-EVs, as well as the underlying mechanism, was explored in hair organ culture and a mouse model of depilation. Results: The OSA-EVs were approximately 100 μm in diameter, and as the hydrogel degraded, DP-EVs were gradually released. In addition, the hydrogel markedly increased the stability of vesicular proteins and increased the retention of EVs in vitro and in vivo. The OSA-EVs significantly facilitated proliferation of hair matrix cells, prolonged anagen phase in cultured human hairs, and accelerated the regrowth of back hair in mice after depilation. These effects may be due to upregulation of hair growth-promoting signaling molecules such as Wnt3a and β-catenin, and downregulation of inhibitory molecule BMP2. Conclusion: This study demonstrated that OSA hydrogels promote the therapeutic effects of DP-EVs, and indicate that our novel OSA-EVs could be used to treat alopecia.