Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Phylogenetic, Functional and Safety Features of 1950s B. infantis Strains

Strains of Bifidobacterium longum subsp. infantis (B. infantis) are amongst the first to colonize the infant gut, partly due to their capacity to metabolize complex human milk oligosaccharides (HMO), and are proposed to play a key role in the development of the infant gut. Since early life, B. infantis supplementation is of high interest, and detailed phylogenetic, functional and safety characterization of the selected strains should be pursued. Using a combination of long and short-read sequencing technologies, we first decipher the genetic distance between different isolates of the same B. infantis strain. Using the same approach, we show that several publicly available genomes recapitulate this strain-level distance as compared to two of the first strains obtained in the 1950s. Furthermore, we demonstrate that the two 1950s B. infantis strains display different functional and safety attributes, as ATCC 15697 is resistant to streptomycin and shows a preference towards lacto-N-tetraose LNT and sialylated HMOs, while LMG 11588 is sensitive to all tested antibiotics and shows a preference towards fucosylated HMOs. Overall, our work highlights that the current diversity observed in B. infantis is likely underestimated and that strain selection within this subspecies must be the subject of scientific pursuit and associated evaluation.
Evaluation of Low Temperature and Salinity as a Treatment of Atlantic Salmon against Amoebic Gill Disease

Amoebic gill disease (AGD) is a significant health issue for Atlantic salmon farmed in a marine environment. While the disease is currently managed using freshwater or hydrogen peroxide baths, there is a need to develop other treatments. The aims of this study were to examine the effect of salinity (0 ppt and 35 ppt) and temperature (3 °C and 15 °C) on attachment and survival of Neoparamoeba perurans in vitro over short exposure times (15 min and 2 h) and to assess the efficacy of reduced temperature (3 °C) as treatment for Atlantic salmon affected by AGD. In vitro freshwater 3 °C was at least as effective as freshwater 15 °C and the attachment was significantly lower after 2 h in freshwater 3 °C than freshwater 15 °C. In vivo there was no difference between the fish treated with freshwater 15 °C for 2 h or freshwater 3 °C. This study showed that despite exposure to low temperature reducing attachment of N. perurans to their substrate in vitro, 15 min cold-water bath treatment was not more effective at reducing AGD in Atlantic salmon than current commercial 2 h freshwater bath.
Leisure Engagement during COVID-19 and Its Association with Mental Health and Wellbeing in U.S. Adults

Leisure engagement has risen as a salient societal issue during the COVID-19 pandemic, not only because it provides a pathway for people to continue meeting their physical, cognitive, and social-emotional needs, but also due to the phenomenal juxtaposition of general increases in leisure time and unparalleled constraints. This study reports the results of the first investigation of U.S. adults’ overall leisure engagement and its association with mental health amidst the major disruptions and sustained stress of the COVID-19 pandemic. Qualitative and quantitative data were collected through an online survey in February 2021 through Prolific from a sample representative of the U.S. adult population in age, gender, and race (n = 503) and analyzed using a mixed-method approach. A total of 104 unique leisure activities in 19 categories and 3 domains were identified through iterative thematic coding. Participants reported general increases in home-based traditional leisure and digital/online activities and decreases in physical and nature-based activities. Multiple regression analyses controlling for socio-demographic and context-specific covariates revealed distinct associations between changes in leisure engagement and different aspects of mental health (perceived stress, depressive symptoms, and mental wellbeing), supporting leisure’s dual role in facilitating stress alleviation and wellbeing enhancement during taxing events, such as COVID-19.
Gender-based differences in game-related statistics between winning and losing teams in an amateur handball league

Background: The literature on performance analysis in team handball has increased at the top level, but there has been far less research published at the amateur level. Objective: The objectives of the present study were: (i) to compare handball game-related statistics by match result (winning and losing teams) for the men’s and women’s teams in an amateur league, (ii) to compare handball game-related statistics by gender, and (iii) to identify characteristics that discriminated performance in amateur men and women handball leagues. Methods: The game-related statistics of the 190 matches (113 men, 77 women) played in the 2018/19 Icelandic League by 12 men and 8 women teams were analysed. Their intraand inter-observer internal consistency and reliability were at levels considered to be good or very good for the games of both genders. Differences in the game statistics between match outcomes (winning or losing teams for each gender) and between the genders were determined using the unpaired t-test or Mann-Whitney U test, and the corresponding effect sizes were calculated. Results: Large differences between the winning and losing teams were shown by shots, goalkeeper blocked shots, and 9 m shots for men, and by shots, goalkeeper blocked shots and 7 m shots for women. In the comparison between the genders, there were four variables that showed a moderate effect size (Cohen’s d > 0.50). A discriminant analysis applying the sample-splitting method was performed for each gender to determine the game statistics that best characterized the match outcomes. The resulting predictive models correctly classified 84% of the matches using five variables for men and 87% of the matches using two variables for women. Conclusions: The results could be used to better understand the structure of the game in amateur leagues, and to improve the performance of teams.
Analysis of approach for reducing crosstalk between lossy coupled microstrip lines

To reduce and control the crosstalk between lossy coupled microstrip lines, two columns of metal filled via holes which were connected by microstrips on the top of via holes and grounded were inserted in two sides of strong signal line. The finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) method is employed to simulate the structure and finite element method (FEM) for verification. The results show that the effectiveness of crosstalk reduction depends on the dielectric losses of substrate and parameters of via holes.
Effects of an Optimized Aged Garlic Extract on Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors in Moderate Hypercholesterolemic Subjects: A Randomized, Crossover, Double-Blind, Sustainedand Controlled Study

The consumption of aged black garlic (ABG) has been related to improvements in several cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors. However, the extent of the beneficial effects depends on the garlic aging process and the amount and type of chemical compounds accumulated. The main objective of this study was to assess the effect of daily intake of a well-characterized ABG extract with a standardized S-allyl-L-cysteine (SAC) yield in combination with dietary recommendations regarding CVD risk factors in individuals with moderate hypercholesterolemia. Sixty-seven hypercholesterolemic individuals with low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels ≥115 mg/dL were randomized in a crossover, double-blind, sustained, and controlled intervention study. The participants consumed 250 mg (1.25 mg SAC)/tablet/day ABG or a placebo for 6 weeks, with 3 weeks of washout. Blood and pulse pressure and other CVD risk biomarkers were determined at the beginning and end of each intervention. At 6 weeks, ABG extract reduced diastolic blood pressure (DBP) (mean (95% CI) −5.85 (−10.5; −1.3) mm Hg) compared to the placebo, particularly in men with a DBP > 75 mm Hg. The consumption of an improved ABG extract with 1.25 mg of SAC decreased DBP, particularly in men with moderate hypercholesterolemia. The potential beneficial effects of ABG may contribute to obtaining an optimal DBP.
Non-Pharmacological Interventions for Wandering/Aberrant Motor Behaviour in Patients with Dementia

Background: Aberrant motor behaviour or wandering refers to aimless movement without a specific purpose. Wandering is common in patients with dementia and leads to early institutionalization and caregivers’ burden. Non-pharmacological interventions should be also considered as a first-line solution for the wandering because current pharmacological treatment has serious side-effects. Methods: A cross-over randomised controlled trial (RCT) with 60 participants of all stages and different types of dementia was conducted in Greece. The sample was randomly assigned in 6 different groups of 10 participants each. Every intervention lasted for 5 days, and there were 2 days as a wash-out period. There was no drop-out rate. The measurements used were the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE), Addenbrooke’s Cognitive Examination Revised (ACE-R), Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS), Functional Rating Scale for Symptoms in Dementia (FRSSD), and Neuropsychiatric Inventory (NPI). The interventions that were evaluated were reminiscence therapy (RT), music therapy (MT), and physical exercise (PE). Results: NPI scores were reduced in the group receiving PE (p = 0.006). When MT (p = 0.018) follows PE, wandering symptoms are reduced further. RT should follow MT in order to reduce wandering more (p = 0.034). The same combination was effective for the caregivers’ burden as well; PE (p = 0.004), MT (p = 0.036), RT (p = 0.039). Conclusions: An effective combination that can reduce wandering symptoms in all stages and types of dementia was found: The best order was PH-MT-RT. The same combination in the same order reduced caregivers’ burden.
Acute effects of amphetamine and related psychostimulants on impulsivity: a systematic review of clinical trials

Evidence for acute amphetamine effects on behavioural impulsivity in healthy populations remains elusive and, at times, mixed. This review collates and reviews the clinical literature on the acute effects of amphetamines on measures of behavioural impulsivity in healthy adults. Randomised and placebo‐controlled clinical trials that assessed behavioural impulsivity following the administration of an acute dose of amphetamine or a related psychostimulant (including amphetamine analogues and methylphenidate) were eligible for inclusion. The EBSCOHost, SCOPUS, PsychNet, Web of Science and ProQuest databases were searched from inception to 26 April 2021. Study selection, data extraction and the Cochrane risk of bias assessments were conducted by two independent reviewers. Reporting follows PRISMA guidelines, and the review was registered a priori on the PROSPERO database (Registration No: CRD42021249861). A total of 20 studies were included, comprising a total of 737 participants. Overall, results indicate that low‐moderate doses of amphetamine and related psychostimulants may improve (i.e., reduce) impulsive responding without compromising performance, reflecting enhanced inhibitory control of behaviour. These effects are mild and appear most pronounced in individuals with high baseline impulsivity. This review highlights the need for greater consistency in behavioural task selection and future high‐quality and well‐designed studies to address current concerns around growing prescription psychostimulant use and misuse.
Neuropathological Findings of CSF1R‐Related Leukoencephalopathy After Long‐Term Immunosuppressive Therapy

Neuropathological Findings of CSF1R-Related Leukoencephalopathy After LongTerm Immunosuppressive Therapy We previously reported in this journal a 71-year-old woman who was an asymptomatic carrier of the CSF1R gene mutation (MIM 164770, p.M875I, c.2625G>A, NM_005211.3). Her daughter carried the same mutation and had progressive memory difficulties and imbalance starting at 39 years of age. Her daughter underwent
Crystallographic Anisotropy Dependence of Interfacial Sliding Phenomenon in a Cu(16)/Nb(16) ARB (Accumulated Rolling Bonding) Nanolaminate

Nanolaminates are extensively studied due to their unique properties, such as impact resistance, high fracture toughness, high strength, and resistance to radiation damage. Varieties of nanolaminates are being fabricated to achieve high strength and fracture toughness. In this study, one such nanolaminate fabricated through accumulative roll bonding (Cu(16)/Nb(16) ARB nanolaminate, where 16 nm is the layer thickness) was used as a test material. Cu(16)/Nb(16) ARB nanolaminate exhibits crystallographic anisotropy due to the existence of distinct interfaces along the rolling direction (RD) and the transverse direction (TD). Nanoindentation was executed using a Berkovich tip, with the main axis oriented either along TD or RD of the Cu(16)/Nb(16) ARB nanolaminate. Subsequently, height profiles were obtained along the main axis of the Berkovich indent for both TD and RD using scanning probe microscopy (SPM), which was later used to estimate the pile-up along the RD and TD. The RD exhibited more pile-up than the TD due to the anisotropy of the Cu(16)/Nb(16) ARB interface and the material plasticity along the TD and RD. An axisymmetric 2D finite element analysis (FEA) was also performed to compare/validate nanoindentation data, such as load vs. displacement curves and pile-up. The FEA simulated load vs. displacement curves matched relatively well with the experimentally generated load–displacement curves, while qualitative agreement was found between the simulated pile-up data and the experimentally obtained pile-up data. The authors believe that pile-up characterization during indentation is of great importance to documenting anisotropy in nanolaminates.
Severe childhood lichen planus pemphigoides after hepatitis A vaccination

Abstract Background Lichen planus (LP) pemphigoides (LPP) is a very rare autoimmune bullous disorder, that is, exceptional in children. Case Report We report a case of LP pemphigoides with severe cutaneous and mucosal involvement in an 8‐year‐old girl who consulted for multiple vesicular and bullous lesions associated with shiny erythematous‐purple plaques. The eruption occurred 2 months after vaccination against hepatitis A virus. The diagnosis of LP pemphigoides was confirmed by histopathology and immunofluorescence examination. The patient received oral corticosteroid therapy with rapid improvement. Conclusion To our knowledge, this is the first report of LPP following hepatitis A vaccination, among adults and children.
No Time to Lose: Cases of Anticoagulant Reversal Before Thrombolysis in Acute Ischemic Stroke Patients

Direct oral anticoagulant (DOAC) reversal before intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) in acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients is well-documented in Europe, specifically for dabigatran: the selective humanized monoclonal antibody fragment idarucizumab, given to neutralize dabigatran prior to IVT, was associated with improved outcomes post-IVT. However, in the United States, this approach is rarely reported and not endorsed by guidelines. Therefore, further reporting on this is needed and neuroradiographic correlation may help validate this concept. At our hospital in Tampa, Florida, two octogenarians with atrial fibrillation, adherent with the DOAC dabigatran, presented with AIS shortly after symptom onset. Both received idarucizumab, then IVT. Clinical outcomes, treatment times, and perfusion-based neuroradiographic parameters were assessed. Patient A had a 41 ml penumbra on computed tomography perfusion (CTP) scan that decreased to 15 ml in final infarct volume on follow-up imaging, resulting in a 26 ml penumbral salvage (63.4%), and National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) improved from 11 to 9 . Patient B had a 23 ml penumbra on CTP that decreased to 0.5 ml on follow-up imaging, resulting in a 22.5 ml penumbral salvage (97.8%), and NIHSS improved from 9 to 4. Neither developed bleeding complications. Both had delayed door-to-needle times but nevertheless demonstrated clinical neurological improvements. In our limited experience, IVT after immediate DOAC reversal in AIS patients on dabigatran was associated with clinical improvement in NIHSS by 2 to 5 points (with no neuroworsening), and penumbral salvage of ischemic brain tissue on neuroimaging ranging from 63.4% to 97.8%. Further reporting on this may lead to greater IVT use and better outcomes in “DOAC failures”, especially for patients without other acute treatment options such as mechanical thrombectomy. Research into other anticoagulant reversal agents pre-IVT in AIS is also warranted.
Venous Thrombosis within 30 Days after Vaccination against SARS-CoV-2 in a Multinational Venous Thromboembolism Registry

Background: Venous thromboembolism (VTE)—including deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, and cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST)—may occur early after vaccination against the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). We sought to describe the site, clinical characteristics, and outcomes of VTE after vaccination against SARS-CoV-2. Methods: In a prospective study using the Registro Informatizado de Enfermedad TromboEmbólica (RIETE) platform, patients with VTE 4–30 days after vaccination against SARS-CoV-2 (1 February 2021 through 30 April 2021) were included. VTE patients recruited from the same centers into RIETE in the same months in 2018–2019 were selected as the reference group. All-cause mortality and major bleeding were the main study outcomes. Results: As of 30 April 2020, 102 patients with post-vaccination VTEs had been identified (28 after adenovirus-based vaccination [ChAdOx1 nCov-19; AstraZeneca] and 74 after mRNA-based vaccination [mRNA-1273; Moderna, and BNT162b2; Pfizer]). Compared with 911 historical controls, patients with VTE after adenovirus-based vaccination more frequently had CVST (10.7% vs. 0.4%, p < 0.001) or thrombosis at multiple sites (17.9% vs. 1.3%, p < 0.001), more frequently had thrombocytopenia (40.7% vs. 14.7%, p < 0.001), and had higher 14-day mortality (14.3% vs. 0.7%; odds ratio [OR]: 25.1; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 6.7–94.9) and major bleeding rates (10.3% vs. 1.0%, OR: 12.03, 95% CI: 3.07–47.13). The site of thrombosis, accompanying thrombocytopenia, and 14-day mortality rates were not significantly different for patients with VTE after mRNA-based vaccination, compared with historical controls. Conclusions: Compared with historical controls, VTE after adenovirus-based vaccination against SARS-CoV-2 is accompanied by thrombocytopenia, occurs in unusual sites, and is associated with worse clinical outcomes.
Reliability Optimization of Multi-Energy System Considering Energy Storage Devices Effects under Weather Uncertainties

Multi-energy systems (MES) allow various energy forms, such as electricity, gas, and heat, to interact and achieve energy transfer and mutually benefit, reducing the probability of load cutting in the event of a failure, increasing the energy utilization efficiency, and improving the reliability and robustness of the overall energy supply system. Since energy storage systems can help to restore power in the case of failure and store the surplus energy to enhance the flexibility of MES, this work provides a methodology for reliability optimization, considering different energy storage configuration schemes under weather uncertainties. First of all, a reliability evaluation model of a multi-energy system under weather uncertainties based on a sequential Monte Carlo simulation is established. Then, the reliability optimization problem is formulated as a multi-objective optimization problem to minimize the reliability index, SAIDI (system average interruption duration index), and the reliability cost. Finally, a case study implemented on a typical MES layout is used to demonstrate the proposed methodology. A comparative analysis of three widely adopted multi-objective metaheuristic algorithms, including NSGA-II (non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm II), MOPSO (multiple objective particle swarm optimization), and SPEA2 (strength Pareto evolution algorithm 2), is performed to validate the effectiveness of the proposed method. The simulation results show that the NSGA-II algorithm leads to better optimal values and converges the fastest compared to the other two methods.
Laser Structured Dental Zirconium for Soft Tissue Cell Occupation—Importance of Wettability Modulation

Various approaches are being pursued to physico-chemically modify the zirconia neck region of dental implants to improve the integration into the surrounding soft tissue. In this study, polished zirconia discs were laser microstructured with periodic cavities and convex waves. These zirconia samples were additionally activated by argon plasma using the kINPen®09. The surface topography was characterized by scanning electron microscopy and the surface wettability by water contact angle. The in vitro study with human gingival fibroblasts (HGF-1) was focused on cell spreading, morphology, and actin cytoskeleton organization within the first 24 h. The laser-induced microstructures were originally hydrophobic (e.g., 60 µm cavities 138.4°), but after argon plasma activation, the surfaces switched to the hydrophilic state (60 µm cavities 13.7°). HGF-1 cells adhered flatly on the polished zirconia. Spreading is hampered on cavity structures, and cells avoid the holes. However, cells on laser-induced waves spread well. Interestingly, argon plasma activation for only 1 min promoted adhesion and spreading of HGF-1 cells even after 2 h cultivation. The cells crawl and grow into the depth of the cavities. Thus, a combination of both laser microstructuring and argon plasma activation of zirconia seems to be optimal for a strong gingival cell attachment.
Speeding behavior while using adaptive cruise control and lane centering in free flow traffic

Abstract Objective Adaptive cruise control (ACC) and lane centering are usually marketed as convenience features but may also serve a safety purpose. However, given that speeding is associated with increased crash risk and worse crash outcomes, the extent to which driver’s speed using ACC may reduce the maximum safety benefit they can obtain from this system. The current study was conducted to characterize speeding behavior among drivers using adaptive cruise control and a similar system with added lane centering. Methods We recruited 40 licensed adult drivers from the Boston, Massachusetts, metro area. These drivers were given either a 2017 Volvo S90 or a 2016 Range Rover Evoque to use for about 4 weeks. Results Drivers were significantly more likely to speed while they used ACC (95%) relative to periods of manual control (77%). A similar pattern arose for drivers using ACC with added lane centering (96% vs. 77%). Drivers who traveled over the posted limit with these systems engaged also sped slightly faster than drivers controlling their vehicle manually. Finally, we found that these differences were the most pronounced on limited-access roads with a lower speed limit (55 mph). Conclusions These findings point to a possible obstacle to obtaining the full safety potential from this advanced vehicle technology. Any consideration of the net safety effect of ACC and lane centering should account for the effects of more frequent and elevated speeding.