Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Phospholipids and Fatty Acids Affect the Colonization of Urological Catheters by Proteus mirabilis

Proteus mirabilis-mediated CAUTIs are usually initiated by the adherence of bacteria to a urinary catheter surface. In this paper, three isolates of different origin and exhibiting different adhesion abilities were investigated in search of any changes in lipidome components which might contribute to P. mirabilis adhesion to catheters. Using GC-MS and LC-MS/MS techniques, 21 fatty acids and 27 phospholipids were identified in the examined cells. The comparison of the profiles of phospholipids and fatty acids obtained for catheter-attached cells and planktonic cells of the pathogens indicated C11:0 and PE 37:2 levels as values which could be related to P. mirabilis adhesion to a catheter, as well as cis C16:1, PE 32:0, PE 33:0, PE 38:2, PG 33:1, PG 34:0, PE 30:1, PE 32:1 and PG 30:2 levels as values which could be associated with cell hydrophobicity. Based on DiBAC4 (3) fluorescence intensity and an affinity to p-xylene, it was found that the inner membrane depolarization, as well as strong cell-surface hydrophobicity, were important for P. mirabilis adhesion to a silicone catheter. A generalized polarization of Laurdan showed lower values for P. mirabilis cells attached to the catheter surface than for planktonic cells, suggesting lower packing density of membrane components of the adherent cells compared with tightly packed, stiffened membranes of the planktonic cells. Taken together, these data indicate that high surface hydrophobicity, fluidization and depolarization of P. mirabilis cell membranes enable colonization of a silicone urinary catheter surface.
Adhesion of Neurons and Glial Cells with Nanocolumnar TiN Films for Brain-Machine Interfaces

Coupling of cells to biomaterials is a prerequisite for most biomedical applications; e.g., neuroelectrodes can only stimulate brain tissue in vivo if the electric signal is transferred to neurons attached to the electrodes’ surface. Besides, cell survival in vitro also depends on the interaction of cells with the underlying substrate materials; in vitro assays such as multielectrode arrays determine cellular behavior by electrical coupling to the adherent cells. In our study, we investigated the interaction of neurons and glial cells with different electrode materials such as TiN and nanocolumnar TiN surfaces in contrast to gold and ITO substrates. Employing single-cell force spectroscopy, we quantified short-term interaction forces between neuron-like cells (SH-SY5Y cells) and glial cells (U-87 MG cells) for the different materials and contact times. Additionally, results were compared to the spreading dynamics of cells for different culture times as a function of the underlying substrate. The adhesion behavior of glial cells was almost independent of the biomaterial and the maximum growth areas were already seen after one day; however, adhesion dynamics of neurons relied on culture material and time. Neurons spread much better on TiN and nanocolumnar TiN and also formed more neurites after three days in culture. Our designed nanocolumnar TiN offers the possibility for building miniaturized microelectrode arrays for impedance spectroscopy without losing detection sensitivity due to a lowered self-impedance of the electrode. Hence, our results show that this biomaterial promotes adhesion and spreading of neurons and glial cells, which are important for many biomedical applications in vitro and in vivo.
Investigating the Interplay between Myeloma Cells and Bone Marrow Stromal Cells in the Development of Drug Resistance: Dissecting the Role of Epigenetic Modifications

Simple Summary Despite advances made in the last two decades, multiple myeloma (MM) is still an incurable disease. The genetic complexity of MM and the presence of intra-clonal heterogeneity are major contributors to disease relapse and the development of treatment resistance. Additionally, the bone marrow microenvironment is known to play a pivotal role in MM disease progression. Together with genetic modifications, epigenetic changes have been shown to influence MM development and progression. However, epigenetic treatments for MM are still lacking. This is mainly due to the high rate of adverse events of epigenetic drugs in clinical practice. In this review, we will focus on the role of epigenetic modifications in MM disease progression and the development of drug resistance, as well as their role in shaping the interplay between bone marrow stromal cells and MM cells. The current and future treatment strategies involving epigenetic drugs will also be addressed. Abstract Multiple Myeloma (MM) is a malignancy of plasma cells infiltrating the bone marrow (BM). Many studies have demonstrated the crucial involvement of bone marrow stromal cells in MM progression and drug resistance. Together with the BM microenvironment (BMME), epigenetics also plays a crucial role in MM development. A variety of epigenetic regulators, including histone acetyltransferases (HATs), histone methyltransferases (HMTs) and lysine demethylases (KDMs), are altered in MM, contributing to the disease progression and prognosis. In addition to histone modifications, DNA methylation also plays a crucial role. Among others, aberrant epigenetics involves processes associated with the BMME, like bone homeostasis, ECM remodeling or the development of treatment resistance. In this review, we will highlight the importance of the interplay of MM cells with the BMME in the development of treatment resistance. Additionally, we will focus on the epigenetic aberrations in MM and their role in disease evolution, interaction with the BMME, disease progression and development of drug resistance. We will also briefly touch on the epigenetic treatments currently available or currently under investigation to overcome BMME-driven treatment resistance.
Mineral Trioxide Aggregate (MTA) Upregulates the Expression of DMP1 in Direct Pulp Capping in the Rat Molar

Mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) is an alternative endodontic material that predicts conductive or inductive calcified tissue formation from immature pulp mesenchymal stem cells (IPMSCs). The purpose of this study was to investigate whether MTA could promote reparative odontoblast differentiation via IPMSCs in the early phase of regeneration and compare with calcium hydroxide (CH). Direct pulp capping using calcium hydroxide (CH), MTA, and MTA with platelet-rich plasma (MTA + PRP) was performed on maxillary first molars of 8-week-old male Wistar rats (n = 36). After 3, 7, or 14 days, the teeth were analyzed for mineral density (MD) and volume of MD (VMD) via micro-focusing computed tomography (µCT), nestin, dentin matrix acidic phosphoprotein 1 (DMP1) immunohistochemistry, and real-time PCR for DMP1 mRNA expression. MTA stimulated the early phase differentiation of the IPMSCs into odontoblasts, with positive results for nestin and DMP1 compared with CH. Moreover, MTA + PRP stimulated calcified granule and dentin bridge formation through calcium mineral deposition, following the induction of DMP1 mRNA expression in IPMSCs. Our results suggested that the combination of MTA and PRP is an effective and clinically applicable method for activating endogenous dental pulp stem cells into odontoblasts in the early stages of pulp regeneration.
A Mediation Model between Self-Esteem, Anxiety, and Depression in Sport: The Role of Gender Differences in Speleologists

The scientific literature on mental health has found an association between physical activity and emotional wellbeing and recommends active leisure activities as a way of keeping stress under control. The purpose of this research study is to analyze the level of anxiety, the symptoms of depression and the level of self-esteem of people practicing speleology, as well as possible gender differences. This paper also attempts to understand whether self-esteem is associated with the presence of symptoms of depression in speleologists and whether anxiety has a mediating effect. We conduct a cross-sectional and descriptive research study with a sampling of 105 adult speleologists. The results reveal that the total mediation model is applicable, as self-esteem has a significant indirect association with depression through trait anxiety, as well as a partial mediation model that is applicable through state anxiety. This means that speleologists with high levels of self-esteem, who appreciate and value themselves adequately, reveal lower levels of trait anxiety, and this negatively influences their levels of depression (that is, a lower level of depressive symptoms). At the same time, speleologists with high levels of self-esteem, who appreciate and value themselves adequately, also reveal lower levels of state anxiety, which again has a negative impact on their levels of depression (with fewer symptoms of depression). Emotions such as anxiety, self-esteem, depression and their collateral effects are international topics of interest, which are relevant for people from all sporting backgrounds; therefore, value should be placed on supporting and carrying out further research into this topic.
A Comparison of Clinical Efficiency of Photodynamic Therapy and Topical Corticosteroid in Treatment of Oral Lichen Planus: A Split-Mouth Randomised Controlled Study

Background: The aim of the study was to compare the effectiveness of photodynamic therapy (PDT) to steroid therapy in the treatment of oral lichen planus (OLP). Due to the lack of commercially available drug carriers, innovative proprietary solutions were used for both the photosensitiser and the steroid carrier—in the first case to shorten and in the second to extend the contact of the active substance with the mucosa. Methods: A prospective, randomised, single-blind, 12-week full contralateral split-mouth clinical trial of 30 patients with bilateral oral lichen planus was conducted. The prepared matrices were incorporated with active substances methylene blue 5% and 0,05% triamcinolone. The size of lesions, Thongprasom, ABISIS, and VAS scale were evaluated. Results: Relatively high rates of complete remission of lichen were demonstrated: immediately after treatment, 33.3% with PDT and 22.2% with triamcinolone (TA), and after 3 months, 54.2% with PDT and 62.9% with TA. After 3 months of treatment, a reduction in the area of evaluated lesions of 52.7% for PDT and 41.7% for TA was achieved. Conclusion: In situations of topical or general contraindications to oral corticosteroids, resistance to them, or the need for repeated treatment in a short period of time, PDT appears to be a very promising treatment option.
Infection Heterogeneity and Microbiota Differences in Chicks Infected by Salmonella enteritidis

This study was conducted to compare the infection heterogeneity and cecal microbiota in chicks infected by S. enteritidis. Forty-eight 8-d-old female Arbor Acres chicks were challenged with S. enteritidis and euthanized 24 h later. The eight chicks with the highest Salmonella tissue loads were assigned to group S (S. enteritidis-susceptible), and the eight chicks with the lowest Salmonella tissue loads were assigned to group R (S. enteritidis-resistant). Chicks in group S showed a higher liver index (p < 0.05), obvious liver lesions, and an decreasing trend for the villus height-to-crypt depth ratio (p < 0.10), compared with those in group R. Gene expression of occludin, MUC2, and IL10 was higher, whereas that of iNOS and IL6 was lower (p < 0.05), in chicks of group R relative to those in group S. Separation of the cecal microbial community structure has been found between the two groups. The S. enteritidis-susceptible chicks showed higher abundance of pathogenic bacteria (Fusobacterium and Helicobacter) in their cecal, while Desulfovibrio_piger was enriched in the cecal of S. enteritidis-resistant chicks. In summary, chicks showed heterogeneous responses to S. enteritidis infection. Enhanced intestinal barrier function and cecal microbiota structure, especially a higher abundance of Desulfovibrio_piger, may help chicks resist S. enteritidis invasion.
Targeting Cytokines, Pathogen-Associated Molecular Patterns, and Damage-Associated Molecular Patterns in Sepsis via Blood Purification

Sepsis is characterized by a dysregulated immune response to infections that causes life-threatening organ dysfunction and even death. When infections occur, bacterial cell wall components (endotoxin or lipopolysaccharide), known as pathogen-associated molecular patterns, bind to pattern recognition receptors, such as toll-like receptors, to initiate an inflammatory response for pathogen elimination. However, strong activation of the immune system leads to cellular dysfunction and ultimately organ failure. Damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs), which are released by injured host cells, are well-recognized triggers that result in the elevation of inflammatory cytokine levels. A cytokine storm is thus amplified and sustained in this vicious cycle. Interestingly, during sepsis, neutrophils transition from powerful antimicrobial protectors into dangerous mediators of tissue injury and organ dysfunction. Thus, the concept of blood purification has evolved to include inflammatory cells and mediators. In this review, we summarize recent advances in knowledge regarding the role of lipopolysaccharides, cytokines, DAMPs, and neutrophils in the pathogenesis of sepsis. Additionally, we discuss the potential of blood purification, especially the adsorption technology, for removing immune cells and molecular mediators, thereby serving as a therapeutic strategy against sepsis. Finally, we describe the concept of our immune-modulating blood purification system.
Seroprevalence of Cysticercosis among Epileptic Patients Attending Neurological Units in the Urban Area of Abidjan

Cysticercosis is one of the main causes of secondary epilepsy in sub-Saharan Africa. To estimate the seroprevalence of cysticercosis among epileptic patients, we conducted a cross-sectional study of patients attending neurology consultation in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire. Methods: Patients’ socio-demographic and lifestyle data were collected as well as blood samples for serological testing using ELISA and Western blot based on IgG antibodies detection. For qualitative variables comparison, Chi2 or Fisher tests were used; a Student’s t-test was used to compare quantitative variables. A multivariate logistic regression model was fit to identify risks factors. Results: Among 403 epileptic patients included in the study, 55.3% were male; the median age was 16.9 years; 77% lived in Abidjan; 26.5% were workers. Most patients included in the study had tonic-clonic seizures (80%), and 11.2% had focal deficit signs. The seroprevalence of cysticercosis was 6.0%. The risk was higher in patients over 30 years old (aOR = 5.1 (1.3–20.0)) than in patients under 16. The risk was also considerably high in patients who reported epileptics in the family (aOR = 5 (1.7–14.6)). The risk was three-fold less in females than in males. Conclusions: This study highlighted the exposure of epileptic patients to Taenia solium larvae in an urban area. The risk of positive serology was increased with age, male gender, and family history of epilepsy.
Nutrition in the Intensive Care Unit—A Narrative Review

Background: While consent exists, that nutritional status has prognostic impact in the critically ill, the optimal feeding strategy has been a matter of debate. Methods: Narrative review of the recent evidence and international guideline recommendations focusing on basic principles of nutrition in the ICU and the treatment of specific patient groups. Covered topics are: the importance and diagnosis of malnutrition in the ICU, the optimal timing and route of nutrition, energy and protein requirements, the supplementation of specific nutrients, as well as monitoring and complications of a Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT). Furthermore, this review summarizes the available evidence to optimize the MNT of patients grouped by primarily affected organ system. Results: Due to the considerable heterogeneity of the critically ill, MNT should be carefully adapted to the individual patient with special focus on phase of critical illness, metabolic tolerance, leading symptoms, and comorbidities. Conclusion: MNT in the ICU is complex and requiring an interdisciplinary approach and frequent reevaluation. The impact of personalized and disease-specific MNT on patient-centered clinical outcomes remains to be elucidated.
Dysregulated translational factors and epigenetic regulations orchestrate in B cells contributing to autoimmune diseases

Abstract B cells play a crucial role in antigen presentation, antibody production and pro-/anti-inflammatory cytokine secretion in adaptive immunity. Several translational factors including transcription factors and cytokines participate in the regulation of B cell development, with the cooperation of epigenetic regulations. Autoimmune diseases are generally characterized with autoreactive B cells and high-level pathogenic autoantibodies. The success of B cell depletion therapy in mouse model and clinical trials has proven the role of B cells in pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases. The failure of B cell tolerance in immune checkpoints results in accumulated autoreactive naïve B (BN) cells with aberrant B cell receptor signaling and dysregulated B cell response, contributing to self-antibody-mediated autoimmune reaction. Dysregulation of translational factors and epigenetic alterations in B cells has been demonstrated to correlate with aberrant B cell compartment in autoimmune diseases, such as systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, primary Sjögren’s syndrome, multiple sclerosis, diabetes mellitus and pemphigus. This review is intended to summarize the interaction of translational factors and epigenetic regulations that are involved with development and differentiation of B cells, and the mechanism of dysregulation in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases.
Risk Factors for Hepatotoxicity Due to Paracetamol Overdose in Adults

Background and Objectives: Over-the-counter availability and a good safety profile make paracetamol one of the most common analgesics in developed countries but also the leading cause of liver failure due to overdose. The objectives of the study were to identify modifiable risk factors for severe hepatotoxicity following paracetamol overdose in adults. Materials and Methods: A retrospective cohort study involved the consecutive adult patients hospitalized in a toxicological center over a period of seven years due to paracetamol overdose. Complete medical datasets of laboratory and anamnestic variables were analyzed and validated by means of logistic regression model. Results: A total of 185 patients entered the study, including 25 individuals who developed severe hepatotoxicity (plasma aminotransferases levels above 1000 UI/L) and 31 individuals with mild to moderate liver injury (plasma aminotransferases levels above upper normal range, but below 1000 UI/L). In the univariable analysis, significant hepatotoxicity risk factors were male gender, alcohol abuse, an ingested paracetamol dose, and a timespan from ingestion to hospital admission. The later one was the only significant risk factor in the multivariable model (adjusted odds ratio 1.08; 95% CI: 1.03–1.12). Conclusions: A delay in hospital admission, resulting in a delayed administration of disease-specific treatment outweighs any other known risk factors of paracetamol-induced hepatotoxicity.
Antimicrobial Resistance of Non-Typhoid Salmonella in Meat and Meat Products

Salmonella enterica serovars are associated with numerous annual deaths worldwide and are responsible for a large number of foodborne diseases. Within this frame of reference, knowledge of antimicrobial susceptibility represents the fundamental approach of most Salmonella treatments. Therefore, scientific publications of antimicrobial susceptibilities and resistance must be precise, with interpretations adjusted to a particular standard. Hence, the three objectives in this study were: (i) to describe the frequency of antimicrobial-resistant isolates of Non-Typhoidal Salmonella (NTS) isolated from beef, pork, chicken meat, and other meat products; (ii) to describe the distribution of serovars and their multi-resistance to antibiotics for clinical use (veterinary and human) between 1996 and 2019; and (iii) to propose additional considerations that could improve the use and usefulness of the published results. Our results determined that the predominant isolates came from poultry. Enteritidis and Typhimurium were the most reported serovars by MIC (with both having the highest resistance to TET) while the lowest resistance was to CIP and CRO for Enteritidis and Typhimurium, respectively. The multi-resistance pattern AMP AMC CEP GEN KAN STR TET was the most frequently observed pattern by MIC in Montevideo and Seftenberg, while, for disc diffusion, the pattern AMP STR TET was the most frequent in the Bredeney serotype. In conclusion, researchers should carry out homogeneous sampling procedures, identify the types of the samples, use standard identification methods, and employ appropriate standards for antimicrobial susceptibility interpretation. Additionally, there is also a need for all WHO members to comply with the WHA 73.5 resolution. Our final recommendation is for all producers to reduce antibiotic prophylactic use.
Optimising Medication Use along Dementia Progression: Recommendations from a Qualitative Study

Medicines management is known to be an integral part of the role of family caregivers; it also contributes to the burden and stress of caregivers’ experience. As dementia progresses, new challenges arise as a consequence, which negatively affects the ability of people living with dementia (PLWD) regarding practical decision making and may lead to a change of setting. The aim of this study is to identify and explore changes in medicines management and associated caregiver burden as dementia progresses. To examine medicines management and related issues across severities, a qualitative approach utilising face-to-face and telephone interviews with PLWD and their family caregivers in both the community and care-home setting in London was used. Follow-up interviews with family caregivers were also conducted to gain additional insight into change over time. Eleven family caregivers, ten PLWD, and eight care-home staff were interviewed in 2016. Findings identified how key changes along dementia progression affect medication use. These include changes to caregiver burden, respecting the PLWD’s autonomy and decline in capacity, scheduling and administration, choice of formulation, interactions with and between providers, and information needs. The findings assist in informing recommendations to optimise medication use and alleviate caregiver burden.