Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Structural Rearrangement of Dps-DNA Complex Caused by Divalent Mg and Fe Cations

Two independent, complementary methods of structural analysis were used to elucidate the effect of divalent magnesium and iron cations on the structure of the protective Dps-DNA complex. Small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) and cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) demonstrate that Mg2+ ions block the N-terminals of the Dps protein preventing its interaction with DNA. Non-interacting macromolecules of Dps and DNA remain in the solution in this case. The subsequent addition of the chelating agent (EDTA) leads to a complete restoration of the structure of the complex. Different effect was observed when Fe cations were added to the Dps-DNA complex; the presence of Fe2+ in solution leads to the total complex destruction and aggregation without possibility of the complex restoration with the chelating agent. Here, we discuss these different responses of the Dps-DNA complex on the presence of additional free metal cations, investigating the structure of the Dps protein with and without cations using SAXS and cryo-EM. Additionally, the single particle analysis of Dps with accumulated iron performed by cryo-EM shows localization of iron nanoparticles inside the Dps cavity next to the acidic (hydrophobic) pore, near three glutamate residues.
Role of Lateral Hypothalamus in Acupuncture Inhibition of Cocaine Psychomotor Activity

Acupuncture modulates the mesolimbic dopamine (DA) system; an area implicated in drug abuse. However, the mechanism by which peripheral sensory afferents, during acupuncture stimulation, modulate this system needs further investigation. The lateral hypothalamus (LH) has been implicated in reward processing and addictive behaviors. To investigate the role of the LH in mediating acupuncture effects, we evaluated the role of LH and spinohypothalamic neurons on cocaine-induced psychomotor activity and NAc DA release. Systemic injection of cocaine increased locomotor activity and 50 kHz ultrasonic vocalizations (USVs), which were attenuated by mechanical stimulation of needles inserted into HT7 but neither ST36 nor LI5. The acupuncture effects were blocked by chemical lesions of the LH or mimicked by activation of LH neurons. Single-unit extracellular recordings showed excitation of LH and spinohypothalamic neurons following acupuncture. Our results suggest that acupuncture recruits the LH to suppress the mesolimbic DA system and psychomotor responses following cocaine injection.
Sex Disparity in Bilateral Asymmetry of Impact Forces during Height-Adjusted Drop Jumps

Side-to-side asymmetry of lower extremities may influence the risk of injury associated with drop jump. Moreover, drop heights using relative height across individuals based on respective jumping abilities could better explain lower-extremity loading impact for different genders. The purpose of the current study was to evaluate the sex differences of impact forces and asymmetry during the landing phase of drop-jump tasks using drop heights, set according to participants’ maximum jumping height. Ten male and ten female athletes performed drop-jump tasks on two force plates, and ground reaction force data were collected. Both feet needed to land entirely on the dedicated force plates as simultaneously as possible. Ground reaction forces and asymmetry between legs were calculated for jumps from 100%, 130%, and 160% of each participant’s maximum jumping height. Females landed with greater asymmetry at time of contact initiation and time of peak impact force and had more asymmetrical peak impact force than males. Greater values and shorter time after ground contact of peak impact force were found when the drop height increased to 160% of maximum jumping ability as compared to 100% and 130%. Females exhibited greater asymmetry than males during drop jumps from relative heights, which may relate to the higher risk of anterior cruciate ligament injury among females. Greater sex disparity was evident in impact force asymmetry than in the magnitude of peak impact force; therefore, it may be a more appropriate field-screening test for risk of anterior cruciate ligament injury.
Epidemiology of Musculoskeletal Disorders among the Teaching Staff of the University of Douala, Cameroon: Association with Physical Activity Practice

The aim of this study was to assess the epidemiology of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) among the teaching staff of the University of Douala and determine their association with physical activity (PA) practice. The Nordic questionnaire was used to assess MSDs. Ricci–Gagnon questionnaire was used to determine the level of PA. We recruited 104 participants mean-aged 42 ± 8 years, 80% male. Previous 7 days and 12 months prevalence were 56.7% and 80.8%, respectively. The most affected body regions were neck, shoulders and lower back. No significant association was found between MSDs and PA. Celibacy was significantly associated with previous 7-days MSDs (p = 0.048) while age ≥ 45 years and job seniority ≥ 10 years were significantly associated with a reduced risk of previous 12-months MSDs (p = 0.039 and p = 0.016, respectively). The prevalence of MSDs among university of Douala teaching staff showed no significant effect with the practice of PA.
Theoretical Predictions of the Structural and Mechanical Properties of Tungsten–Rare Earth Element Alloys

Tungsten (W) is considered as the potential plasma facing material of the divertor and the first wall material in fusion. To further improve the ductility of W, the structural and mechanical properties of W–M (M = rare earth element Y, La, Ce and Lu) alloys are systematically investigated by first-principles calculations. Our results reveal that all the W1−xMx (x = 0.0625, 0.125, 0.1875, 0.25) alloys can form binary solid solution at the atomic level, and the alloys keep bcc lattice structures until the concentration of M increases to a certain value. Although the moduli of the alloys are reduced compared to that of pure W metal, the characteristic B/G ratio and Poisson’s ratio significantly increase, implying all the four rare earth elements can efficiently improve the ductility of W metal. Considering both factors of mechanical strength and ductility, La and Ce are better alloying elements than Y and Lu.
Burden of COVID-19 on Italian Internal Medicine Wards: Delphi, SWOT, and Performance Analysis after Two Pandemic Waves in the Local Health Authority “Roma 6” Hospital Structures

Background: COVID-19 causes major changes in day-to-day hospital activity due to its epidemiological characteristics and the clinical challenges it poses, especially in internal medicine wards. Therefore, it is necessary to understand and manage all of the implicated factors in order to maintain a high standard of care, even in sub-par circumstances. Methods: This was a three-phase, mixed-design study. Initially, the Delphi method allowed us to analyze the causes of poor outcomes in a cohort of an aggregate of Italian COVID-19 wards via an Ishikawa diagram. Then, for each retrieved item, a score was assigned according to a pros/cons, opportunities/threats system. Scores were also assigned according to potential value/perceived risk. Finally, the performances of MCs (Medicine-COVID-19 wards) and MCFs (Medicine-COVID-19-free: Internal Medicine wards) units were represented via a Barber’s nomogram. Results: MCFs hospitalized 790 patients (−23.90% compared to 2019 Internal Medicine admissions). The main risk factors for mortality were patients admitted from local facilities (+7%) and the presence of comorbidities (>3: 100%, ≥5: 24.7%). A total of 197 (25%) patients were treated with non-invasive ventilation (NIV). The most deaths (57.14%) occurred in patients admitted from local facilities. Conclusions: Medicine-COVID-19 wards show higher complexity and demand compared to non-COVID-19 ones and they are comparable to sub-intensive therapy wards. It is necessary to promote the use of NIV in such settings.
Development of a Highly Sensitive β-Glucan Detection System Using Scanning Single-Molecule Counting Method

To overcome the limitations of the Limulus amebocyte lysate (LAL) assay method for the diagnosis of invasive fungal infection, we applied a reaction system combining recombinant β-glucan binding proteins and a scanning single-molecule counting (SSMC) method. A novel (1→3)-β-D-glucan recognition protein (S-BGRP) and a (1→6)-β-glucanase mutant protein were prepared and tested for the binding of (1→6)-branched (1→3)-β-D-glucan from fungi. S-BGRP and (1→6)-β-glucanase mutant proteins reacted with β-glucan from Candida and Aspergillus spp. Although LAL cross-reacted with plant-derived β-glucans, the new detection system using the SSMC method showed low sensitivity to plant (1→3)-β-D-glucan, which significantly improved the appearance of false positives, a recognized problem with the LAL method. Measurement of β-glucan levels by the SSMC method using recombinant β-glucan-binding proteins may be useful for the diagnosis of fungal infections. This study shows that this detection system could be a new alternative diagnostic method to the LAL method.
Optimization of the Filler Concentration on Fused Filament Fabrication 3D Printed Polypropylene with Titanium Dioxide Nanocomposites

Polypropylene (PP) is an engineered thermoplastic polymer widely used in various applications. This work aims to enhance the properties of PP with the introduction of titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles (NPs) as nanofillers. Novel nanocomposite filaments were produced at 0.5, 1, 2, and 4 wt. % filler concentrations, following a melt mixing extrusion process. These filaments were then fed to a commercially available fused filament fabrication (FFF) 3D printer for the preparation of specimens, to be assessed for their mechanical, viscoelastic, physicochemical, and fractographic properties, according to international standards. Tensile, flexural, impact, and microhardness tests, as well as dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), Raman, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), melt flow volume index (MVR), and atomic force microscopy (AFM), were conducted, to fully characterize the filler concentration effect on the 3D printed nanocomposite material properties. The results revealed an improvement in the nanocomposites properties, with the increase of the filler amount, while the microstructural effect and processability of the material was not significantly affected, which is important for the possible industrialization of the reported protocol. This work showed that PP/TiO2 can be a novel nanocomposite system in AM applications that the polymer industry can benefit from.
The Impact of Post-COVID-19 Syndrome on Self-Reported Physical Activity

Background: A subgroup of patients recovering from COVID-19 experience persistent symptoms, decreased quality of life, increased dependency on others for personal care and impaired performance of activities of daily living. However, the long-term effects of COVID-19 on physical activity (PA) in this subgroup of patients with persistent symptoms remain unclear. Methods: Demographics, self-reported average time spent walking per week, as well as participation in activities pre-COVID-19 and after three and six months of follow-up were assessed in members of online long-COVID-19 peer support groups. Results: Two hundred thirty-nine patients with a confirmed COVID-19 diagnosis were included (83% women, median (IQR) age: 50 (39–56) years). Patients reported a significantly decreased weekly walking time after three months of follow-up (three months: 60 (15–120) min. vs. pre-COVID-19: 120 (60–240) min./week; p < 0.05). Six months after the onset of symptoms walking time was still significantly lower compared to pre-COVID-19 but significantly increased compared to three months of follow-up (three months: 60 (15–120) min. vs. six months: 90 (30–150) min.; p < 0.05). Conclusions: Patients who experience persistent symptoms after COVID-19 may still demonstrate a significantly decreased walking time six months after the onset of symptoms. More research is needed to investigate long-term consequences and possible treatment options to guide patients during the recovery fromCOVID-19.
Protease–Antiprotease Imbalance in Bronchiectasis

Airway inflammation plays a central role in bronchiectasis. Protease–antiprotease balance is crucial in bronchiectasis pathophysiology and increased presence of unopposed proteases activity may contribute to bronchiectasis onset and progression. Proteases’ over-reactivity and antiprotease deficiency may have a role in increasing inflammation in bronchiectasis airways and may lead to extracellular matrix degradation and tissue damage. Imbalances in serine proteases and matrix-metallo proteinases (MMPs) have been associated to bronchiectasis. Active neutrophil elastase has been associated with disease severity and poor long-term outcomes in this disease. Moreover, high levels of MMPs have been associated with radiological and disease severity. Finally, severe deficiency of α1-antitrypsin (AAT), as PiSZ and PiZZ (proteinase inhibitor SZ and ZZ) phenotype, have been associated with bronchiectasis development. Several treatments are under study to reduce protease activity in lungs. Molecules to inhibit neutrophil elastase activity have been developed in both oral or inhaled form, along with compounds inhibiting dipeptydil-peptidase 1, enzyme responsible for the activation of serine proteases. Finally, supplementation with AAT is in use for patients with severe deficiency. The identification of different targets of therapy within the protease–antiprotease balance contributes to a precision medicine approach in bronchiectasis and eventually interrupts and disrupts the vicious vortex which characterizes the disease.
The Effect of High Fat Diet on Cerebrovascular Health and Pathology: A Species Comparative Review

In both humans and animal models, consumption of a high-saturated-fat diet has been linked to vascular dysfunction and cognitive impairments. Laboratory animals provide excellent models for more invasive high-fat-diet-related research. However, the physiological differences between humans and common animal models in terms of how they react metabolically to high-fat diets need to be considered. Here, we review the factors that may affect the translatability of mechanistic research in animal models, paying special attention to the effects of a high-fat diet on vascular outcomes. We draw attention to the dissociation between metabolic syndrome and dyslipidemia in rodents, unlike the state in humans, where the two commonly occur. We also discuss the differential vulnerability between species to the metabolic and vascular effects of macronutrients in the diet. Findings from animal studies are better interpreted as modeling specific aspects of dysfunction. We conclude that the differences between species provide an opportunity to explore why some species are protected from the detrimental aspects of high-fat-diet-induced dysfunction, and to translate these findings into benefits for human health.
The Mental Health and Wellbeing of University Students: Acceptability, Effectiveness, and Mechanisms of a Mindfulness-Based Course

Mental health problems are relatively common during university and adversely affect academic outcomes. Evidence suggests that mindfulness can support the mental health and wellbeing of university students. We explored the acceptability and effectiveness of an 8-week instructor-led mindfulness-based course (“Mindfulness: Finding Peace in a Frantic World”; Williams and Penman, 2011) on improving wellbeing and mental health (self-reported distress), orientation and motivation towards academic goals, and the mechanisms driving these changes. Eighty-six undergraduate and post-graduate students (>18 years) participated. Students engaged well with the course, with 36 (48.0%) completing the whole programme, 52 (69.3%) attending 7 out of 8 sessions, and 71 (94.7%) completing at least half. Significant improvements in wellbeing and mental health were found post-intervention and at 6-week follow-up. Improvements in wellbeing were mediated by mindfulness, self-compassion, and resilience. Improvements in mental health were mediated by improvements in mindfulness and resilience but not self-compassion. Significant improvements in students’ orientation to their academic goal, measured by “commitment” to, “likelihood” of achieving, and feeling more equipped with the “skills and resources” needed, were found at post-intervention and at 6-week follow-up. Whilst exploratory, the results suggest that this mindfulness intervention is acceptable and effective for university students and can support academic study.
Hyperlipidemic Conditions Impact Force-Induced Inflammatory Response of Human Periodontal Ligament Fibroblasts Concomitantly Challenged with P. gingivalis-LPS

In obese patients, enhanced serum levels of free fatty acids (FFA), such as palmitate (PA) or oleate (OA), are associated with an increase in systemic inflammatory markers. Bacterial infection during periodontal disease also promotes local and systemic low-grade inflammation. How both conditions concomitantly impact tooth movement is largely unknown. Thus, the aim of this study was to address the changes in cytokine expression and the secretion of human periodontal ligament fibroblasts (HPdLF) due to hyperlipidemic conditions, when additionally stressed by bacterial and mechanical stimuli. To investigate the impact of obesity-related hyperlipidemic FFA levels on HPdLF, cells were treated with 200 µM PA or OA prior to the application of 2 g/cm2 compressive force. To further determine the additive impact of bacterial infection, HPdLF were stimulated with lipopolysaccharides (LPS) obtained from Porphyromonas gingivalis. In mechanically compressed HPdLF, PA enhanced COX2 expression and PGE2 secretion. When mechanically stressed HPdLF were additionally stimulated with LPS, the PGE2 and IL6 secretion, as well as monocyte adhesion, were further increased in PA-treated cultures. Our data emphasize that a hyperlipidemic condition enhances the susceptibility of HPdLF to an excessive inflammatory response to compressive forces, when cells are concomitantly exposed to bacterial components.
MiR-181a-5p Regulates NIS Expression in Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma

NIS is a potent iodide transporter encoded by the SLC5A5 gene. Its expression is reduced in papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC). In this study we analyzed the impact of miR-181a-5p on NIS expression in the context of PTC. We used real-time PCR to analyze the expression of SLC5A5 and miR-181a-5p in 49 PTC/normal tissue pairs. Luciferase assays and mutagenesis were performed to confirm direct binding of miR-181a-5p to the 3′UTR of SLC5A5 and identify the binding site. The impact of modulation of miR-181a-5p using appropriate plasmids on endogenous NIS and radioactive iodine accumulation was verified. We confirmed downregulation of SLC5A5 and concomitant upregulation of miR-181a-5p in PTC. Broadly used algorithms did not predict the binding site of miR-181a-5p in 3′UTR of SLC5A5, but we identified and confirmed the binding site through mutagenesis using luciferase assays. In MCF7 and HEK293-flhNIS cell lines, transfection with mir-181a-expressing plasmid decreased endogenous SLC5A5, whereas silencing of miR-181a-5p increased it. We observed similar tendencies in protein expression and radioactive iodine accumulation. This study shows for the first time that miR-181a-5p directly regulates SLC5A5 expression in the context of PTC and may decrease efficacy of radioiodine treatment. Accordingly, miR-181a-5p may serve as an emerging target to enhance the efficacy of radioactive iodine therapy.
Association of Frailty with Adverse Outcomes in Patients with Suspected COVID-19 Infection

Older age and frailty are predictors of adverse outcomes in patients with COVID-19. In emergency medicine, patients do not present with the diagnosis, but with suspicion of COVID-19. The aim of this study was to assess the association of frailty and age with death or admission to intensive care in patients with suspected COVID-19. This single-centre prospective cohort study was performed in the Emergency Department of a tertiary care hospital. Patients, 65 years and older, with suspected COVID-19 presenting to the Emergency Department during the first wave of the pandemic were consecutively enrolled. All patients underwent nasopharyngeal SARS-CoV-2 PCR swab tests. Patients with a Clinical Frailty Scale (CFS) > 4, were considered to be frail. Associations between age, gender, frailty, and COVID-19 status with the composite adverse outcome of 30-day-intensive-care-admission and/or 30-day-mortality were tested. In the 372 patients analysed, the median age was 77 years, 154 (41.4%) were women, 44 (11.8%) were COVID-19-positive, and 125 (33.6%) were frail. The worst outcome was seen in frail COVID-19-patients with six (66.7%) adverse outcomes. Frailty (CFS > 4) and COVID-19-positivity were associated with an adverse outcome after adjustment for age and gender (frailty: OR 5.01, CI 2.56–10.17, p < 0.001; COVID-19: OR 3.47, CI 1.48–7.89, p = 0.003). Frailty was strongly associated with adverse outcomes and outperformed age as a predictor in emergency patients with suspected COVID-19.
Infection-Mediated Clinical Biomarkers for a COVID-19 Electrical Biosensing Platform

The race towards the development of user-friendly, portable, fast-detection, and low-cost devices for healthcare systems has become the focus of effective screening efforts since the pandemic attack in December 2019, which is known as the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Currently existing techniques such as RT-PCR, antigen–antibody-based detection, and CT scans are prompt solutions for diagnosing infected patients. However, the limitations of currently available indicators have enticed researchers to search for adjunct or additional solutions for COVID-19 diagnosis. Meanwhile, identifying biomarkers or indicators is necessary for understanding the severity of the disease and aids in developing efficient drugs and vaccines. Therefore, clinical studies on infected patients revealed that infection-mediated clinical biomarkers, especially pro-inflammatory cytokines and acute phase proteins, are highly associated with COVID-19. These biomarkers are undermined or overlooked in the context of diagnosis and prognosis evaluation of infected patients. Hence, this review discusses the potential implementation of these biomarkers for COVID-19 electrical biosensing platforms. The secretion range for each biomarker is reviewed based on clinical studies. Currently available electrical biosensors comprising electrochemical and electronic biosensors associated with these biomarkers are discussed, and insights into the use of infection-mediated clinical biomarkers as prognostic and adjunct diagnostic indicators in developing an electrical-based COVID-19 biosensor are provided.