Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Boredom in Adolescence: Validation of the Italian Version of the Multidimensional State Boredom Scale (MSBS) in Adolescents

Boredom in adolescence is often underestimated, although it may be the sign of a profound unease or be associated with psychological disorders. Given the complexity of the construct of boredom and its increasing prevalence among adolescents in recent years, the present study aimed to validate the factorial structure of the Italian version of the Multidimensional State Boredom Scale (MSBS) in adolescents using a cross-validation approach. The study involved 272 students (33.8% males, 66.2% females) aged 14–19 (M = 15.9, SD = 1.38) living in northern and central Italy. In addition to the MSBS, the Symptoms Checklist 90-R (SCL 90-R) and the Children’s Depression Inventory (CDI) were administered. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses validated a 23-item structure of the MSBS, comprising five correlated factors. The tool showed a good internal consistency for these factors and a good convergent and factor validity. The MSBS consequently seems a valid and reliable method for assessing boredom in adolescence. The cut-off for the total score that could pinpoint cases posing a potential clinical risk was 88. A weak correlation was found between the total level of boredom and the daily Internet usage, while no relationship emerged between boredom and age, gender, and grades. Since excessive levels of boredom may conceal a general unease that could develop into structured psychological disorders, the value of the MSBS lies in enabling us to identify in advance adolescents at potential clinical risk.
Effect of Community-Based Health Insurance on Healthcare-Seeking Behavior for Childhood Illnesses Among Rural Mothers in Aneded District, East Gojjam Zone, Amhara Region, Northwest Ethiopia

Background Community-based health insurance (CBHI) schemes have been implemented in developing countries to facilitate modern medical care access. However, studies conducted on the effect of CBHI on healthcare-seeking behavior (HSB) have been limited and revealed inconsistent results. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the effect of CBHI on mothers’ HSB for common under-five childhood illnesses. Methods A community-based comparative cross-sectional study was conducted among 410 rural mothers (205 insured and 205 non-insured), and a multistage random sampling technique was used to select the study participants. Binary logistic regression and propensity score matching were used to identify factors associated with the mothers’ HSB, and estimate the effect of CBHI on mothers’ HSB, respectively. Results The overall mother’s HSB for childhood illnesses was 48.8% (200/410). From those mothers who visited healthcare, 92.0% were married, 86.0% were unable to read and write, 94.5% were farmers, and 54.5% were from low wealth status, 58.50% had a family size of ≤5, 54.0% had children less than 24 months of age. Besides, 63.0% were members of CBHI, 37.0% perceived their child’s illness as severe, 78.0% made a shared decision to visit a health facility, and 67.5% lived within less than five Kms from the nearby health facilities. Being a member of CBHI, the child’s age, decision to visit a health facility, and perceived disease severity were predictors of HSB. The CBHI had a significant effect on the HSB for childhood illnesses with ATT of 28.7% (t = 3.959). Conclusion The overall mothers’ HSB for common childhood illnesses was low though the CBHI has a significant effect. CBHI should be strengthened to improve the mothers’ HSB. It is also crucial to strengthen awareness creation regarding joint decision-making and educate mothers to visit the health facilities regardless of children’s age and disease severity.
Chemical characterization of different mechanical pulp fines

Different mechanical pulp fines were characterized chemically and the role of chemical composition in determining their papermaking properties was evaluated. The chemical composition (surface and bulk lignin, carbohydrates and extractives) of the fines varied widely. There were indications that variations, at least to some extent, were connected to the differences in the physical properties of fines. Correlations between the chemical components of the fines from different processes and sheet properties were not found; conversely in the refining of a TMP pulp, the chemical and physical properties of the fines produced developed simultaneosly, contributing e.g. to sheet strength. It was shown that sheet properties were not determined by any single physical or chemical property of fines alone, but that sheet characteristics are formed by a combination of several factors. It was concluded that the surface content of extractives and hemicelluloses as well as the proportion of the fibrillar material were the most important characteristics contributing to the tensile strength of a fines sheet.
Chronic High Fat Diet Intake Impairs Hepatic Metabolic Parameters in Ovariectomized Sirt3 KO Mice

High fat diet (HFD) is an important factor in the development of metabolic diseases, with liver as metabolic center being highly exposed to its influence. However, the effect of HFD-induced metabolic stress with respect to ovary hormone depletion and sirtuin 3 (Sirt3) is not clear. Here we investigated the effect of Sirt3 in liver of ovariectomized and sham female mice upon 10 weeks of feeding with standard-fat diet (SFD) or HFD. Liver was examined by Folch, gas chromatography and lipid hydroperoxide analysis, histology and oil red staining, RT-PCR, Western blot, antioxidative enzyme and oxygen consumption analyses. In SFD-fed WT mice, ovariectomy increased Sirt3 and fatty acids synthesis, maintained mitochondrial function, and decreased levels of lipid hydroperoxides. Combination of ovariectomy and Sirt3 depletion reduced pparα, Scd-1 ratio, MUFA proportions, CII-driven respiration, and increased lipid damage. HFD compromised CII-driven respiration and activated peroxisomal ROS scavenging enzyme catalase in sham mice, whereas in combination with ovariectomy and Sirt3 depletion, increased body weight gain, expression of NAFLD- and oxidative stress-inducing genes, and impaired response of antioxidative system. Overall, this study provides evidence that protection against harmful effects of HFD in female mice is attributed to the combined effect of female sex hormones and Sirt3, thus contributing to preclinical research on possible sex-related therapeutic agents for metabolic syndrome and associated diseases.
Next-Generation Sequencing Technologies and Neurogenetic Diseases

Next-generation sequencing (NGS) technology has led to great advances in understanding the causes of Mendelian and complex neurological diseases. Owing to the complexity of genetic diseases, the genetic factors contributing to many rare and common neurological diseases remain poorly understood. Selecting the correct genetic test based on cost-effectiveness, coverage area, and sequencing range can improve diagnosis, treatments, and prevention. Whole-exome sequencing and whole-genome sequencing are suitable methods for finding new mutations, and gene panels are suitable for exploring the roles of specific genes in neurogenetic diseases. Here, we provide an overview of the classifications, applications, advantages, and limitations of NGS in research on neurological diseases. We further provide examples of NGS-based explorations and insights of the genetic causes of neurogenetic diseases, including Charcot–Marie–Tooth disease, spinocerebellar ataxias, epilepsy, and multiple sclerosis. In addition, we focus on issues related to NGS-based analyses, including interpretations of variants of uncertain significance, de novo mutations, congenital genetic diseases with complex phenotypes, and single-molecule real-time approaches.
Valorization of Apple Peels through the Study of the Effects on the Amyloid Aggregation Process of κ-Casein

Waste valorization represents one of the main social challenges when promoting a circular economy and environmental sustainability. Here, we evaluated the effect of the polyphenols extracted from apple peels, normally disposed of as waste, on the amyloid aggregation process of κ-casein from bovine milk, a well-used amyloidogenic model system. The effect of the apple peel extract on protein aggregation was examined using a thioflavin T fluorescence assay, Congo red binding assay, circular dichroism, light scattering, and atomic force microscopy. We found that the phenolic extract from the peel of apples of the cultivar “Fuji”, cultivated in Sicily (Caltavuturo, Italy), inhibited κ-casein fibril formation in a dose-dependent way. In particular, we found that the extract significantly reduced the protein aggregation rate and inhibited the secondary structure reorganization that accompanies κ-casein amyloid formation. Protein-aggregated species resulting from the incubation of κ-casein in the presence of polyphenols under amyloid aggregation conditions were reduced in number and different in morphology.
Association between Life Skills and Academic Performance in Adolescents in the Autonomous Community of Aragon (Spain)

Background: Learning and socio-emotional development is promoted through the creation and nurturing of an optimal school climate. This study aims to analyze the relationship between life skills and academic performance in a large sample of adolescents from the autonomous community of Aragón (Spain). Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on the life skills and academic performance of a sample of 7th and 8th grade middle school students during the academic year 2018–2019. A sample of 43 middle schools were randomly selected; the final sample comprised 1745 students. The following data were collected through an anonymized, previously validated questionnaire: sociodemographic variables, social skills, self-efficacy, affective balance, and academic performance. Results: We found a statistically significant association between life skills and academic performance (p < 0.001) in our sample. We also observed significant gender differences in life skills, with boys obtaining higher scores in cognitive skills and affective balance, and with girls achieving higher scores in social skills. Conclusion: We argue that life skills should be integrated into educational policies in order to improve the academic performance and health outcomes of students.
A User Centered Methodology for the Design of Smart Apparel for Older Users

Smart clothing plays a big role to foster innovation and to. boost health and well-being, improving the quality of the life of people, especially when addressed to niche users with particular needs related to their health. Designing smart apparel, in order to monitor physical and physiological functions in older users, is a crucial asset that user centered design is exploring, balancing needs expressed by the users with technological requirements related to the design process. In this paper, the authors describe a user centered methodology for the design of smart garments based on the evaluation of users’ acceptance of smart clothing. This comparison method can be considered as similar to a simplified version of the quality function deployment tool, and is used to evaluate the general response of each garment typology to different categories of requirements, determining the propensity of the older user to the utilization of the developed product. The suggested methodology aims at introducing in the design process a tool to evaluate and compare developed solutions, reducing complexity in design processes by providing a tool for the comparison of significant solutions, correlating quantitative and qualitative factors.
Undetected Jawbone Marrow Defects as Inflammatory and Degenerative Signaling Pathways: Chemokine RANTES/CCL5 as a Possible Link Between the Jawbone and Systemic Interactions?

Background Cytokines, especially chemokines, are of increasing interest in immunology. This study characterizes the little-known phenomenon of “bone marrow defects of the jawbone” (BMDJ) with known overexpression of the chemokine RANTES/CCL5 (R/C). Purpose Our investigation clarifies why BMDJ and the intensity of local R/C overexpression are challenging to detect, as examined in patients with seven different systemic immunological diseases. Specifically, we investigate whether R/C overexpression is specific to certain disease groups or if it represents a type of signal disruption found in all systemic immunological diseases. Patients and Methods In a total of 301 patients, BMDJ was surgically repaired during clinical practice to reduce “silent inflammation” associated with the presence of jaw-related pathologies. In each case of BMDJ, bone density was measured preoperatively (in Hounsfield units [HU]), while R/C expression was measured postoperatively. Each of the 301 patients suffered from allergies, atypical facial and trigeminal pain, or were diagnosed with neurodegenerative diseases, tumors, rheumatism, chronic fatigue syndrome, or parasympathetic disorders. Results In all BMDJ cases, strongly negative HU values indicated decreased bone density or osteolysis. Consistently, all cases of BMDJ showed elevated R/C expression. These findings were consistently observed in every disease group. Discussion BMDJ was confirmed in all patients, as verified by the HU measurements and laboratory results related to R/C expression. The hypothesis that a specific subset of the seven disease groups could be distinguished either based on the increased presence of BMDJ and by the overexpression of R/C could not be confirmed. A brief literature review confirms the importance of R/C in the etiology of each of the seven disease groups. Conclusion In this research, the crucial role played by BMDJ and the chemokine R/C in inﬂammatory and immune diseases is discussed for seven groups of patients. Each specific immune disease can be influenced or propelled by BMDJ-derived R/C inflammatory signaling pathways.
Sleep Quality and Physical Activity as Predictors of Mental Wellbeing Variance in Older Adults during COVID-19 Lockdown: ECLB COVID-19 International Online Survey

Background. The COVID-19 lockdown could engender disruption to lifestyle behaviors, thus impairing mental wellbeing in the general population. This study investigated whether sociodemographic variables, changes in physical activity, and sleep quality from pre- to during lockdown were predictors of change in mental wellbeing in quarantined older adults. Methods. A 12-week international online survey was launched in 14 languages on 6 April 2020. Forty-one research institutions from Europe, Western-Asia, North-Africa, and the Americas, promoted the survey. The survey was presented in a differential format with questions related to responses “pre” and “during” the lockdown period. Participants responded to the Short Warwick–Edinburgh Mental Wellbeing Scale, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) questionnaire, and the short form of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. Results. Replies from older adults (aged >55 years, n = 517), mainly from Europe (50.1%), Western-Asia (6.8%), America (30%), and North-Africa (9.3%) were analyzed. The COVID-19 lockdown led to significantly decreased mental wellbeing, sleep quality, and total physical activity energy expenditure levels (all p < 0.001). Regression analysis showed that the change in total PSQI score and total physical activity energy expenditure (F(2, 514) = 66.41 p < 0.001) were significant predictors of the decrease in mental wellbeing from pre- to during lockdown (p < 0.001, R2: 0.20). Conclusion. COVID-19 lockdown deleteriously affected physical activity and sleep patterns. Furthermore, change in the total PSQI score and total physical activity energy expenditure were significant predictors for the decrease in mental wellbeing.
Effect of Butyric Acid in the Proliferation and Migration of Junctional Epithelium in the Progression of Periodontitis: An In Vitro Study

Purpose: To elucidate the effects of butyric acid (BA), a metabolite of bacteria involved in periodontitis, and a possible enhancer of the junctional epithelial cells. Methods: A murine junctional epithelial cell line, JE-1, was used to assess the effects of sodium butyrate (NaB) as BA. Cell proliferation, migration and attachment were analyzed. Additionally, gene and promoter expression analysis was performed, i.e., cap analysis of gene expression (CAGE) and gene ontology (GO) term enrichment analysis. Results: NaB affected junctional epithelial cell proliferation, migration and attachment. A high concentration of NaB caused cell death and a low concentration tended to promote migration and adhesion. CAGE analysis revealed 75 upregulated and 96 downregulated genes in the cells after 0.2 mM NaB stimulation for 3 h. Regarding GO term enrichment, the genes upregulated >4-fold participated predominantly in cell migration and proliferation. The results of this study suggest that BA produced from periodontopathic bacteria is involved in periodontal tissue destruction at high concentrations. Furthermore, at low concentrations, BA potentially participates in periodontal disease progression by increasing proliferation, migration and attachment of the junctional epithelium and thereby increasing epithelial down-growth.
Systemic Resistance in Chilli Pepper against Anthracnose (Caused by Colletotrichum truncatum) Induced by Trichoderma harzianum, Trichoderma asperellum and Paenibacillus dendritiformis

In the present study, Paenibacillus dendritiformis, Trichoderma harzianum, and Trichoderma asperellum were appraised as potential biocontrol agents that induce resistance in chilli (Capsicum annuum) against the devastating pathogen Colletotrichum truncatum, which causes anthracnose. Bright-field and scanning electron micrographs showed the hyphal degradation, lysis, and abnormal swelling in C. truncatum against P. dendritiformis in a dual plate assay. Under greenhouse conditions, chilli seeds pretreated with P. dendritiformis, T. asperellum, T. harzianum, and T. asperellum + T. harzianum by soil soak method inflicted an induced systemic resistance (ISR) in chilli against a C. truncatum-challenged condition. In chilli, the disease index percentage was significantly reduced in the T. asperellum + T. harzianum-treated seeds, followed by the T. harzianum-, T. asperellum-, and P. dendritiformis-treated seeds as compared to the untreated and challenged, respectively. Chilli seeds were primed with T. asperellum + T. harzianum (78.67%), which revealed maximum disease protection under the challenged condition, followed by T. harzianum (70%), T. asperellum (64%), and P. dendritiformis (56%) as compared to untreated and C. truncatum-challenged (6%) condition served as control. The seeds that were pretreated with biocontrol agents (BCAs) inflicted ISR against C. truncatum by enhancing the activity of defence-related enzymes (superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POX), polyphenol oxidase (PPO), catalase (CAT), ascorbate peroxidase (APX), guaiacol peroxidase (GPX) and phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL)), accumulating phenolic compounds, and increasing the relative chlorophyll content in chilli. Nitroblue tetrazolium (NBT) and 3,3′-Diaminobenzidine (DAB) stains were used to detect the accumulation of superoxide anion and hydrogen peroxide that appeared nearby the fungal infection sites. The accumulation of reactive oxygen species (O2− and H2O2) in the pathogen-inoculated leaves was a maximum of 48 hpi, followed by P. dendritiformis, T. asperellum, T. harzianum, and T. asperellum + T. harzianum treated tissue upon C. truncatum-challenged condition as compared to the control. Overall, our results showed the potential of T. harzianum, T. asperellum, and P. dendritiformis as biocontrol agents that prevent infection by C. truncatum and inflict an induced systemic resistance in chilli by enhancing the biosynthesis of phenolic compounds, defence and antioxidative enzymes, and reducing the lesion development and reactive oxygen species accumulation. This is the first report of induced systemic resistance against anthracnose in chilli obtained by application of T. harzianum, T. asperellum and P. dendritiformis, through seed priming.
Usefulness of Thulium-Doped Fiber Laser and Diode Laser in Zero Ischemia Kidney Surgery—Comparative Study in Pig Model

Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of a thulium-doped fiber laser and a diode laser in zero ischemia kidney surgery, by carrying out a comparative study in a pig model. Material and methods: Research was carried out on 12 pigs weighing 30 kg each. A thulium-doped fiber laser (TDFL) and a diode laser (DL) operating at wavelengths of 1940 and 1470 nm, respectively, were used. The cut sites were assessed both macroscopically and microscopically. The zone of thermal damage visible in the histopathological preparations was divided into superficial and total areas. Results: During partial nephrectomy, moderate to minimal bleeding was observed, which did not require additional hemostatic measures. All animals survived the procedure. On day 0, the total thermal damage depth was 837.8 µm for the TDFL and 1175.0 µm for the DL. On day 7, the depths were 1556.2 and 2301.7 µm, respectively. On day 14, the overall thermal damage depth for the DL was the greatest (6800 µm). The width of the superficial zone was significantly reduced on days 7 and 14 after TDFL application. Conclusion: Both lasers are suitable for partial wedge nephrectomy without ischemia in pigs. The TDFL produced similar or better hemostasis than the DL, with a smaller zone of thermal damage and, therefore, seems more suitable for application in human medicine.
Evaluation of Thymol-β-d-Glucopyranoside as a Potential Prebiotic Intervention to Reduce Carriage of Zoonotic Pathogens in Weaned and Feeder Pigs

The gut of food-producing animals is a reservoir for foodborne pathogens. Thymol is bactericidal against foodborne pathogens but rapid absorption of thymol from the proximal gut precludes the delivery of effective concentrations to the lower gut where pathogens mainly colonize. Thymol-β-d-glucopyranoside is reported to be more resistant to absorption than thymol in everted jejunal segments and could potentially function as a prebiotic by resisting degradation and absorption in the proximal gut but being hydrolysable by microbial β-glycosidase in the distal gut. Previous in vitro studies showed bactericidal effects of thymol-β-d-glucopyranoside against Campylobacter, Escherichia coli, and Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium in the presence but not absence of intestinal microbes expressing β-glycosidase activity, indicating that hydrolysis was required to obtain antimicrobial activity. Presently, the oral administration of thymol-β-d-glucopyranoside was studied to examine the effects on intestinal carriage of Campylobacter, E. coli, and S. Typhimurium in swine. The effects of thymol-β-d-glucopyranoside or thymol on antimicrobial sensitivity of representative E. coli isolates and characterized Salmonella strains were also explored. Results from two in vivo studies revealed little antimicrobial effects of thymol-β-d-glucopyranoside on Campylobacter, E. coli, or S. Typhimurium in swine gut. These findings add credence to current thinking that hydrolysis and absorption of thymol-β-d-glucopyranoside and thymol may be sufficiently rapid within the proximal gut to preclude delivery to the distal gut. Antibiotic susceptibilities of selected bacterial isolates and strains were mainly unaffected by thymol. Further research is warranted to overcome obstacles, preventing the delivery of efficacious amounts of thymol-β-d-glucopyranoside to the lower gut.