Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Application of a Plant Biostimulant Based on Seaweed and Yeast Extract Improved Tomato Fruit Development and Quality

Plant biostimulants are under investigation as innovative products to improve plant production and fruit quality, without resulting in environmental and food contaminations. Here, the effects of the application of Expando, a biostimulant based on seaweed and yeast extracts, on plant productivity, fruit ripening times, and fruit quality of Solanum lycopersicum var. Micro-Tom were evaluated. After biostimulant treatment, a two-week reduction of ripening times and a concomitant enhancement of the production percentage during the earliest ripening times, in terms of both fruit yield (+110%) and size (+85%), were observed. Concerning fruit quality, proximate analysis showed that tomatoes treated with the biostimulant had better nutritional composition compared to untreated samples, since both the quality of unsatured fatty acids (C16:3ω3: +328%; C18:2ω6: −23%) and micronutrients essential for human health (Fe: +14%; Cu: +21%; Zn: +24%) were increased. From a nutraceutical point of view, despite strong changes in bioactive compound profile not being observed, an increase of the antioxidant properties was recorded in fruits harvested by plants treated with the biostimulant (2,2’-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid (ABTS): +38%; 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH): +11%). In conclusion, the biostimulant application was able to reduce the ripening times and fruit size, while slightly increasing nutritional and nutraceutical values, leading to more marketable tomato fruits.
On the Primary Water Radicals’ Production in the Presence of Gold Nanoparticles: Electron Pulse Radiolysis Study

Gold nanoparticles are known to cause a radiosensitizing effect, which is a promising way to improve radiation therapy. However, the radiosensitization mechanism is not yet fully understood. It is currently assumed that gold nanoparticles can influence various physical, chemical, and biological processes. Pulse radiolysis is a powerful tool that can examine one of the proposed effects of gold nanoparticles, such as increased free radical production. In this work, we shed light on the consequence of ionizing radiation interaction with gold nanoparticles by direct measurements of solvated electrons using the pulse radiolysis technique. We found that at a therapeutically relevant gold concentration (<3 mM atomic gold, <600 μg × cm−3), the presence of gold nanoparticles in solution does not induce higher primary radicals’ formation. This result contradicts some hypotheses about free radical formation in the presence of gold nanoparticles under ionizing radiation previously reported in the literature.
Postnatal Growth Restriction in Mice Alters Cardiac Protein Composition and Leads to Functional Impairment in Adulthood

Postnatal growth restriction (PGR) increases the risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD) in adulthood, yet there is minimal mechanistic rationale for the observed pathology. The purpose of this study was to identify proteomic differences in hearts of growth-restricted and unrestricted mice, and propose mechanisms related to impairment in adulthood. Friend leukemia virus B (FVB) mouse dams were fed a control (CON: 20% protein), or low-protein (LP: 8% protein) isocaloric diet 2 weeks before mating. LP dams produce 20% less milk, inducing growth restriction. At birth (postnatal; PN1), pups born to dams fed the CON diet were switched to LP dams (PGR group) or a different CON dam. At PN21, a sub-cohort of CON (n = 3 males; n = 3 females) and PGR (n = 3 males; n = 3 females) were euthanized and their proteome analyzed by two-dimensional differential in-gel electrophoresis (2D DIGE) and mass spectroscopy. Western blotting and silver nitrate staining confirmed 2D DIGE results. Littermates (CON: n = 4 males and n = 4 females; PGR: n = 4 males and n = 4 females) were weaned to the CON diet. At PN77, echocardiography measured cardiac function. At PN80, hearts were removed for western blotting to determine if differences persisted into adulthood. 2D DIGE and western blot confirmation indicated PGR had reductions in p57kip2, Titin (Ttn), and Collagen (Col). At PN77, PGR had impaired cardiac function as measured by echocardiography. At PN80, western blots of p57kip2 showed protein abundance recovered from PN21. PN80 silver staining of large molecular weight proteins (Ttn and Col) was reduced in PGR. PGR reduces cell cycle activity at PN21, which is recovered in adulthood. However, collagen fiber networks are altered into adulthood.
Brown-Vialetto-Van Laere and Fazio-Londe Syndromes: SLC52A3 mutations with puzzling phenotypes and inheritance.

BACKGROUND Brown-Vialetto-Van Laere Syndrome (BVVLS) and Fazio-Londe Disease (FLD) are rare neurological disorders presenting with pontobulbar palsy, muscle weakness, and respiratory insufficiency. Mutations in SLC52A2 (hRFVT-2) or SLC52A3 (hRFVT-3) genes can be responsible for these disorders with an autosomal recessive pattern of inheritance. The aim of this study is to screen for mutations in SLC52A2 and SLC52A3 among Indian families diagnosed with BVVLS and FLD. METHODS SLC52A2 and SLC52A3 were screened in one FLD and three BVVLS patients by exon-specific amplification using PCR and sequencing. In silico predictions using bioinformatics tools and confocal imaging using HEK-293 cells were performed to determine the functional impact of identified mutations. RESULTS Genetic analysis of a mother and son with BVVLS was identified with a novel homozygous mutation c.710C>T (p.Ala237Val) in SLC52A3. This variant was found to have autosomal pseudo-dominant pattern of inheritance, which was neither listed in the Exome variant server or in 1000 genomes database. In silico analysis and confocal imaging of the p.Ala237Val variant showed higher degree of disorderness in hRFVT3 that could affect riboflavin transport. Furthermore, a common homozygous mutation c.62A>G (p.Asn21Ser) was identified in other BVVLS and FLD patients. Despite having different clinical phenotypes, both BVVLS and FLD disorder can be attributed to this mutation. CONCLUSION A rare and peculiar pattern of autosomal pseudo-dominant inheritance is observed for the first time in two genetically related BVVLS cases with Indian origin and a common mutation c.62A>G (p.Asn21Ser) in SLC52A3 can be responsible for both BVVLS and FLD with variable phenotypes.
How Have Public Safety Personnel Seeking Digital Mental Healthcare Been Affected by the COVID-19 Pandemic? An Exploratory Mixed Methods Study

Public safety personnel (PSP) experience unique occupational stressors and suffer from high rates of mental health problems. The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted virtually all aspects of human life around the world and has introduced additional occupational stressors for PSP. The objective of this study was to explore how PSP, especially those seeking digital mental health services, have been affected by the pandemic. Our research unit, PSPNET, provides internet-delivered cognitive behavioral therapy to PSP in the Canadian province of Saskatchewan. When the pandemic spread to Saskatchewan, PSPNET began inquiring about the impact of the pandemic on prospective clients during the eligibility screening process. We used content analysis to analyze data from telephone screening interviews (n = 56) and descriptive statistics to analyze data from a questionnaire concerning the impacts of COVID-19 (n = 41). The results showed that most PSP reported facing several novel emotional challenges (e.g., social isolation, boredom, anger, and fear) and logistical challenges (e.g., related to childcare, finances, work, and access to mental healthcare). Most participants indicated they felt at least somewhat afraid of contracting COVID-19 but felt more afraid of their families contracting the virus than themselves. However, few participants reported severe challenges of any kind, and many (40%) indicated that they had not been significantly negatively impacted by the pandemic. Overall, the results suggest that PSP are not expressing significant concern at this time in meeting the novel challenges posed by COVID-19. Continued research will be required to monitor how diverse PSP populations and treatment outcomes are affected by the pandemic as the situation evolves.
Physico-chemical Characterization, Classification and Quality Evaluation of Date Palm Fruits of some Moroccan Cultivars

Fourteen native date cultivars from different oases and regions of Morocco, Tunisia and Algeria were examined for their approximate composition, water activity, and CIELAB parameters. Sugars were the predominant component in all studied date cultivars (~ 54.14 - 75.56 g/100g dry matter), followed by moisture content (~7.2 - 31.9%), along with small amount of protein (~1.9 - 3.3g/100g dry matter), fat (~ 0.1 - 0.44g/100g dry matter), and ash (~1.88 - 3.45g/100 g dry matter). Dates with early maturity had the highest water activity (0.78 - 0.87) in contrast to late maturing dates cultivars. In the Deglet Nour (Tunisia) and Aziza bouzid (Morocco) cultivars, sucrose is dominant, whereas, the majority of other cultivars were rich in fructose and glucose in comparable proportions. No significant changes were observed in the approximate composition of samples of different geographical origins. All cultivars show significant differences in color. The date with late maturity (from Assiane, Aziza bouzid and Boufeggous gharas locations of Morocco) were characterized by higher L * , a * , b * than the other date cultivars. Chemical composition of dates seems to be a good tool for fruit physiological and technological ability studies. Keywords : Date fruit; Reducing sugars; Moisture content; Maturity. © 2011 JSR Publications. ISSN: 2070-0237 (Print); 2070-0245 (Online). All rights reserved. doi:10.3329/jsr.v3i1. 6062 J. Sci. Res. 3 (1), 139-149 (2011)
Regulation of Secondary Metabolism in the Penicillium Genus

Penicillium, one of the most common fungi occurring in a diverse range of habitats, has a worldwide distribution and a large economic impact on human health. Hundreds of the species belonging to this genus cause disastrous decay in food crops and are able to produce a varied range of secondary metabolites, from which we can distinguish harmful mycotoxins. Some Penicillium species are considered to be important producers of patulin and ochratoxin A, two well-known mycotoxins. The production of these mycotoxins and other secondary metabolites is controlled and regulated by different mechanisms. The aim of this review is to highlight the different levels of regulation of secondary metabolites in the Penicillium genus.
Metabolomic and Transcriptomic Analysis of MCF-7 Cells Exposed to 23 Chemicals at Human-Relevant Levels: Estimation of Individual Chemical Contribution to Effects

Background: Humans are constantly being exposed to various xenobiotics at relatively low concentrations. To date, limited evidence is available to ascertain whether a complex xenobiotic mixture at human-relevant levels causes any health effect. Moreover, there is no effective method to pinpoint the contribution of each chemical toward such an effect. Objectives: This study aims to understand the responses of cells to a mixture containing 23 xenobiotics at human-relevant levels and develop a feasible method to decipher the chemical(s) that contribute significantly to the observed effect. Methods: We characterized the metabolome and transcriptome of breast cancer cells (MCF-7) before and after exposure to the mixture at human-relevant levels; preexposure levels were derived from existing large-scale biomonitoring data. A high-throughput metabolomics-based “leave-one-out” method was proposed to understand the relative contribution of each component by comparing the metabolome with and without the particular chemical in the mixture. Results: The metabolomic analysis suggested that the mixture altered metabolites associated with cell proliferation and oxidative stress. For the transcriptomes, gene ontology terms and pathways including “cell cycle,” “cell proliferation,” and “cell division” were significantly altered after mixture exposure. The mixture altered genes associated with pathways such as “genotoxicity” and “nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2). ” Through joint pathways analysis, metabolites and genes were observed to be well-aligned in pyrimidine and purine metabolisms. The leave-one-out results showed that many chemicals made their contributions to specific metabolic pathways. The overall metabolome pattern of the absence of 2,4-dihyroxybenzophenone (DHB) or bisphenol A (BPA) showed great resemblance to controls, suggesting their higher relative contribution to the observed effect. Discussion: The omics results showed that exposure to the mixture at human-relevant levels can induce significant in vitro cellular changes. Also, the leave one out method offers an effective approach for deconvoluting the effects of the mixture. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP6641
COMPARISON BETWEEN RECTAL AND BODY SURFACE TEMPERATURES OBTAINED BY DIGITAL AND NON-CONTACT INFRARED THERMOMETER IN SOME LARGE ANIMAL SPECIES

This study was carried out to compare the digital rectal (DR) thermometer with non-contact infrared thermometer (IRT) measurements at two locations on the face in some large animal species. Two hundred and forty (240) animals comprising of equal numbers of three species (cattle, camel and horses) of varying age and either sex was used. The IR temperature was taken from two sites [frontal (FIRT) and temporal (TIRT) region] on the animal face. The mean IR temperatures (FIRT and TIRT) were higher than the RT in all the animal species. The two thermometers correlate poorly in all the animal species. Bland-Altman analysis showed high biases and limits of agreement not acceptable for clinical purposes. In conclusion, IRT seems to offer a quick and easy way to determine the animal temperature but clinically it cannot be used interchangeably with DR thermometer at the moment for body temperature measurement in these animal species.
Sleep before and after work-related concussion: Sex differences in effects and functional outcomes.

BACKGROUND Recent studies have started disentangling components of disturbed sleep as part of the post-concussive syndrome, but little is known about the workers with an injury' perspectives on post-injury sleep changes or what causes these changes. OBJECTIVES To determine the effects of work-related concussion/mild traumatic brain injury (wr-mTBI) on perceptions of refreshing sleep in workers with an injury and to identify the relevant factors responsible for sleep changes. METHODS We studied post-concussive changes in sleep in 66 adults (50% men, 42% aged 30-50 years, median post-injury days: 155) who had sustained wr-mTBI and experienced functional limitations long after the injury. We collected sociodemographic, occupational and health status data and identified variables related to post-concussive changes in refreshing sleep. RESULTS Forty-seven workers with wr-mTBI (79% of men, 64% of women) perceived their sleep as being refreshing before injury and unrefreshing afterwards (χ2 = 67.70 for change, χ2 = 27.6 for women and χ2 = 41.1 for men, p < 0.0001). Post-concussive losses in refreshing sleep were associated with socio-demographic, occupational, and health status data variables. Sex stratification revealed differences between men and women. CONCLUSIONS Workers with wr-mTBI experience clinically meaningful changes in refreshing sleep that are associated with modifiable variables. The observed differences in functional outcomes between men and women warrant further study.
Regulatory T Cell Stability and Plasticity in Atherosclerosis

Regulatory T cells (Tregs) express the lineage-defining transcription factor FoxP3 and play crucial roles in self-tolerance and immune homeostasis. Thymic tTregs are selected based on affinity for self-antigens and are stable under most conditions. Peripheral pTregs differentiate from conventional CD4 T cells under the influence of TGF-β and other cytokines and are less stable. Treg plasticity refers to their ability to inducibly express molecules characteristic of helper CD4 T cell lineages like T-helper (Th)1, Th2, Th17 or follicular helper T cells. Plastic Tregs retain FoxP3 and are thought to be specialized regulators for “their” lineage. Unstable Tregs lose FoxP3 and switch to become exTregs, which acquire pro-inflammatory T-helper cell programs. Atherosclerosis with systemic hyperlipidemia, hypercholesterolemia, inflammatory cytokines, and local hypoxia provides an environment that is likely conducive to Tregs switching to exTregs.
Concurrent and Predictive Criterion Validity of a Puppy Behaviour Questionnaire for Predicting Training Outcome in Juvenile Guide Dogs

Simple Summary The ability to predict later success in guide dog training can be of great benefit to assistance dog providers, such as those providing guide dogs, to ensure maximum resource and production efficiency and to maintain high welfare standards. This study evaluated the predictive capabilities of a behaviour questionnaire (the refined puppy walker questionnaire, r-PWQ) completed by volunteer carers of puppies (puppy walkers) for dogs aged eight months of age. The r-PWQ includes traits such as “Distractibility” and “Excitability”, which are common withdrawal reasons for many guide dogs. The predictive validity of the r-PWQ was compared to a well-known behaviour questionnaire, (Canine Behavioral Assessment and Research Questionnaire—C-BARQ). The results show that the r-PWQ can be used to predict guide dog outcome and may be better suited to guide dog populations than the C-BARQ. Abstract Working dog organisations regularly assess the behaviour of puppies to monitor progression. Here, we tested the predictive validity (for predicting success in guide dog training) of a shortened version of a previously developed juvenile dog behaviour questionnaire (the refined puppy walker questionnaire, r-PWQ) and compared it with the Canine Behavioral Assessment and Research Questionnaire (C-BARQ). The r-PWQ is used by Guide Dogs UK, whereas the C-BARQ was designed for pet dogs and is used by some other guide dog schools internationally. A cohort of dogs aged eight months (n = 359) were scored concurrently on the r-PWQ and C-BARQ. Analogous traits between the questionnaires were evaluated for internal consistency and association with training outcome and compared for concurrent validity. The r-PWQ was associated with training outcome for five scales (r-Excitability, Trainability, Animal Chase, r-Attachment and attention seeking and Distractibility) and the C-BARQ for two scales (Excitability and Separation-related behaviour). There were significant correlations between analogous C-BARQ and r-PWQ trait scores (p < 0.001) except for Separation-related behaviour and questionnaire scales had similar internal consistencies. The r-PWQ may be more suitable to use with guide dog schools. However, due to the correlation between analogous scales (except for “Distractibility”) some scales could be substituted for one another when reviewing the behaviour of dogs between guide dog schools using different questionnaires.
Female rats consume and prefer oxycodone more than males in a chronic two-bottle oral voluntary choice paradigm

The increased abuse of opioids - such as oxycodone - poses major challenges for health and socioeconomic systems. Human prescription opioid abuse is marked by continuous, voluntary, oral intake, and sex differences. Therefore the field would benefit from a preclinical in-depth characterization of sex differences in a chronic oral voluntary, free choice, and continuous access paradigm. Here we show in an oral oxycodone continuous access two-bottle choice paradigm sex-dependent voluntary drug intake, dependence, and motivation to take the drug. Adult female and male Long-Evans rats were given unlimited, continuous home cage access to two bottles containing water (Control) or one bottle of water and one bottle of oxycodone dissolved in water (Experimental). Most experimental rats voluntarily drank oxycodone (∼10 mg/kg/day) and escalated their intake over 22 weeks. Females self-administered twice as much oxycodone as males, leading to greater blood levels of oxycodone, and engaged in more gnawing behavior. Precipitated withdrawal revealed high levels of dependence in both sexes. Reflecting motivation to drink oxycodone, ascending concentration of citric acid suppressed the intake of oxycodone (Experimental) and the intake of water (Control); however Experimental rats returned to pre-citric acid preference levels whereas Controls rats did not. Thus, female rats consumed and preferred oxycodone more than males in this chronic two-bottle oral choice paradigm. Both sexes displayed many features of human oxycodone abuse, and behavioral pre-screening predicted parameters of intake and withdrawal. This model provides an additional paradigm for understanding mechanisms that mediate long-term voluntary drug use and for exploring potential treatment options.Adult rats offered continuous choice of oral oxycodone vs. water preferred oxycodoneRats self-titrated oxycodone, yet females preferred and escalated more than malesBoth sexes were motivated to drink oxycodone, as shown by a citric acid aversion testBoth sexes became dependent on oxycodone, as shown by precipitated withdrawalBehavioral prescreening predicted later aspects of oxycodone intake and dependence
Position Specific Running Performances in Professional Football (Soccer): Influence of Different Tactical Formations

Running performances (RPs) are known to be important parameters of success in football (soccer), but there is a lack of studies where RPs are contextualized regarding applied tactical solutions. This study aims to quantify and analyze the differences in position-specific RPs in professional football, when games are played with three defensive players (3DP) and four defensive players (4DP). The participants here include professional football players (M ± SD, age 23.57 ± 2.84 years, body height 181.9 ± 5.17 cm, body mass 78.36 ± 4.18 kg) playing at the highest competitive level in Croatia. RPs were measured by global positioning system and classified into four groups based on playing positions: central defenders (CD; n = 47), wide defenders (WD; n = 24), midfielders (MF; n = 48), or forwards (FW; n = 19). Analysis of variance and discriminant canonical analysis are used to identify differences between 3DP and 4DP tactical solutions in terms of the RPs for each playing position. The number of accelerations and decelerations most significantly contributed to the differentiation of 3DP and 4DP among MFs (Wilks λ = 0.31, p < 0.001), with higher occurrences with 3DP. For CDs, total distance, and high-intensity running were higher in 3DP (Wilks λ = 0.66, p < 0.001). No multivariate differences were found for FW and WD players in terms of the RPs between 3DP and 4DP tactical formations. The characteristics and differences shown in this study may provide useful information for coaching staff regarding changing in-season tactical formations. Additionally, the results are useful for optimizing training programs for football players with different playing positions. When changing from 4DP to 3DP tactical formations, WDs training programs should include more of high-intensity running, while MFs training programs should be more based on short intensity activities (accelerations and decelerations).