Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
An Overview to the Health Benefits of Seaweeds Consumption

Currently, seaweeds are gaining major attention due to the benefits they give to our health. Recent studies demonstrate the high nutritional value of seaweeds and the powerful properties that seaweeds’ bioactive compounds provide. Species of class Phaeophyceae, phylum Rhodophyta and Chlorophyta possess unique compounds with several properties that are potential allies of our health, which make them valuable compounds to be involved in biotechnological applications. In this review, the health benefits given by consumption of seaweeds as whole food or by assumption of bioactive compounds trough natural drugs are highlighted. The use of seaweeds in agriculture is also highlighted, as they assure soils and crops free from chemicals; thus, it is advantageous for our health. The addition of seaweed extracts in food, nutraceutical, pharmaceutical and industrial companies will enhance the production and consumption/usage of seaweed-based products. Therefore, there is the need to implement the research on seaweeds, with the aim to identify more bioactive compounds, which may assure benefits to human and animal health.
Cellular Chaperone Function of Intrinsically Disordered Dehydrin ERD14

Disordered plant chaperones play key roles in helping plants survive in harsh conditions, and they are indispensable for seeds to remain viable. Aside from well-known and thoroughly characterized globular chaperone proteins, there are a number of intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs) that can also serve as highly effective protecting agents in the cells. One of the largest groups of disordered chaperones is the group of dehydrins, proteins that are expressed at high levels under different abiotic stress conditions, such as drought, high temperature, or osmotic stress. Dehydrins are characterized by the presence of different conserved sequence motifs that also serve as the basis for their categorization. Despite their accepted importance, the exact role and relevance of the conserved regions have not yet been formally addressed. Here, we explored the involvement of each conserved segment in the protective function of the intrinsically disordered stress protein (IDSP) A. thaliana’s Early Response to Dehydration (ERD14). We show that segments that are directly involved in partner binding, and others that are not, are equally necessary for proper function and that cellular protection emerges from the balanced interplay of different regions of ERD14.
Biocontrol Agents: Toolbox for the Screening of Weapons against Mycotoxigenic Fusarium

The aim of this study was to develop a set of experiments to screen and decipher the mechanisms of biocontrol agents (BCAs), isolated from commercial formulation, against two major mycotoxigenic fungi in cereals, Fusarium graminearum and Fusarium verticillioides. These two phytopathogens produce mycotoxins harmful to human and animal health and are responsible for the massive use of pesticides, for the protection of cereals. It is therefore essential to better understand the mechanisms of action of alternative control strategies such as the use of BCAs in order to optimize their applications. The early and late stages of interaction between BCAs and pathogens were investigated from germination of spores to the effects on perithecia (survival form of pathogen). The analysis of antagonist activities of BCAs revealed different strategies of biocontrol where chronological, process combination and specialization aspects of interactions are discussed. Streptomyces griseoviridis main strategy is based on antibiosis with the secretion of several compounds with anti-fungal and anti-germination activity, but also a mixture of hydrolytic enzymes to attack pathogens, which compensates for an important deficit in terms of spatial colonization capacity. It has good abilities in terms of nutritional competition. Trichoderma asperellum is capable of activating a very wide range of defenses and attacks combining the synthesis of various antifungal compounds (metabolite, enzymes, VOCs), with different targets (spores, mycelium, mycotoxins), and direct action by mycoparasitism and mycophagy. Concerning Pythium oligandrum, its efficiency is mainly due to its strong capacity to colonize the environment, with a direct action via microbial predation, stimulation of its reproduction at the contact of pathogens and the reduction of perithecia formation.
Structure and Dynamics of Oxidized Lipoproteins In Vivo: Roles of High-Density Lipoprotein

Oxidative modification of lipoproteins is implicated in the occurrence and development of atherosclerotic lesions. Earlier studies have elucidated on the mechanisms of foam cell formation and lipid accumulation in these lesions, which is mediated by scavenger receptor-mediated endocytosis of oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL). Mounting clinical evidence has supported the involvement of oxLDL in cardiovascular diseases. High-density lipoprotein (HDL) is known as anti-atherogenic; however, recent studies have shown circulating oxidized HDL (oxHDL) is related to cardiovascular diseases. A modified structure of oxLDL, which was increased in the plasma of patients with acute myocardial infarction, was characterized. It had two unique features: (1) a fraction of oxLDL accompanied oxHDL, and (2) apoA1 was heavily modified, while modification of apoB, and the accumulation of oxidized phosphatidylcholine (oxPC) and lysophosphatidylcholine (lysoPC) was less pronounced. When LDL and HDL were present at the same time, oxidized lipoproteins actively interacted with each other, and oxPC and lysoPC were transferred to another lipoprotein particle and enzymatically metabolized rapidly. This brief review provides a novel view on the dynamics of oxLDL and oxHDL in circulation.
Novel Treatment Strategy Using Second-Generation Androgen Receptor Inhibitors for Non-Metastatic Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer

Non-metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (nmCRPC) is defined by a progressively rising prostate-specific antigen level, despite a castrate level of testosterone, in the absence of obvious radiologic evidence of metastatic disease on conventional imaging modalities. As a significant proportion of patients with nmCRPC develop metastatic diseases, the therapeutic goals of physicians for these patients are to delay metastasis development, preserve quality of life, and increase overall survival (OS). Since 2018, the treatment of nmCRPC has changed dramatically with the introduction of second-generation androgen receptor inhibitors, such as enzalutamide (ENZA), apalutamide (APA), and darolutamide (DARO). These drugs demonstrated substantial improvements in metastasis-free survival (MFS) and OS in phase III randomized clinical trials. In addition, these drugs have an excellent safety profile, preserve quality of life, and can delay disease-related symptoms. A recently published indirect meta-analysis reported that APA and ENZA showed better findings in MFS and that DARO had relatively fewer adverse effects. However, in the absence of a direct comparison, careful interpretation is required. Thus, APA, ENZA, and DARO should be considered the new standard drugs for treating nmCRPC.
Potential Role of Probiotics in Ameliorating Psoriasis by Modulating Gut Microbiota in Imiquimod-Induced Psoriasis-Like Mice

Psoriasis is an immune-mediated systemic disease that may be treated with probiotics. In this study, probiotic strains that could or could not decrease interleukin (IL)-17 levels were applied to imiquimod (IMQ)-induced psoriasis-like mice via oral administration. Bifidobacterium adolescentis CCFM667, B. breve CCFM1078, Lacticaseibacillus paracasei CCFM1074, and Limosilactobacillus reuteri CCFM1132 ameliorated psoriasis-like pathological characteristics and suppressed the release of IL-23/T helper cell 17 (Th17) axis-related inflammatory cytokines, whereas B. animalis CCFM1148, L. paracasei CCFM1147, and L. reuteri CCFM1040 neither alleviated the pathological characteristics nor reduced the levels of inflammatory cytokines. All effective strains increased the contents of short-chain fatty acids, which were negatively correlated with the levels of inflammatory cytokines. By performing 16S rRNA gene sequencing, the diversity of gut microbiota in psoriasis-like mice was found to decrease, but all effective strains made some specific changes to the composition of gut microbiota compared to the ineffective strains. Furthermore, except for B. breve CCFM1078, all other effective strains decreased the abundance of the family Rikenellaceae, which was positively correlated with psoriasis-like pathological characteristics and was negatively correlated with propionate levels. These findings demonstrated effects of strain-specificity, and how probiotics ameliorated psoriasis and provide new possibilities for the treatment of psoriasis.
Effects of Normal Synovial Fluid and Interferon Gamma on Chondrogenic Capability and Immunomodulatory Potential Respectively on Equine Mesenchymal Stem Cells

Synovial fluid contains cytokines, growth factors and resident mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). The present study aimed to (1) determine the effects of autologous and allogeneic synovial fluid on viability, proliferation and chondrogenesis of equine bone marrow MSCs (BMMSCs) and (2) compare the immunomodulatory properties of equine synovial fluid MSCs (SFMSCs) and BMMSCs after stimulation with interferon gamma (INF-γ). To meet the first aim of the study, the proliferation and viability of MSCs were evaluated by MTS and calcein AM staining assays. To induce chondrogenesis, MSCs were cultured in a medium containing TGF-β1 or different concentrations of synovial fluid. To meet the second aim, SFMSCs and BMMSCs were stimulated with IFN-γ. The concentration of indoleamine-2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) and nitric oxide (NO) were examined. Our results show that MSCs cultured in autologous or allogeneic synovial fluid could maintain proliferation and viability activities. Synovial fluid affected chondrocyte differentiation significantly, as indicated by increased glycosaminoglycan contents, compared to the chondrogenic medium containing 5 ng/mL TGF-β1. After culturing with IFN-γ, the conditioned media of both BMMSCs and SFMSCs showed increased concentrations of IDO, but not NO. Stimulating MSCs with synovial fluid or IFN-γ could enhance chondrogenesis and anti-inflammatory activity, respectively, suggesting that the joint environment is suitable for chondrogenesis.
Myeloma Bone Disease: A Comprehensive Review

Multiple myeloma (MM) is a neoplastic clonal proliferation of plasma cells in the bone marrow microenvironment, characterized by overproduction of heavy- and light-chain monoclonal proteins (M-protein). These proteins are mainly found in the serum and/or urine. Reduction in normal gammaglobulins (immunoparesis) leads to an increased risk of infection. The primary site of origin is the bone marrow for nearly all patients affected by MM with disseminated marrow involvement in most cases. MM is known to involve bones and result in myeloma bone disease. Osteolytic lesions are seen in 80% of patients with MM which are complicated frequently by skeletal-related events (SRE) such as hypercalcemia, bone pain, pathological fractures, vertebral collapse, and spinal cord compression. These deteriorate the patient’s quality of life and affect the overall survival of the patient. The underlying pathogenesis of myeloma bone disease involves uncoupling of the bone remodeling processes. Interaction of myeloma cells with the bone marrow microenvironment promotes the release of many biochemical markers including osteoclast activating factors and osteoblast inhibitory factors. Elevated levels of osteoclast activating factors such as RANK/RANKL/OPG, MIP-1-α. , TNF-α, IL-3, IL-6, and IL-11 increase bone resorption by osteoclast stimulation, differentiation, and maturation, whereas osteoblast inhibitory factors such as the Wnt/DKK1 pathway, secreted frizzle related protein–2, and runt-related transcription factor 2 inhibit osteoblast differentiation and formation leading to decreased bone formation. These biochemical factors also help in development and utilization of appropriate anti-myeloma treatments in myeloma patients. This review article summarizes the pathophysiology and the recent developments of abnormal bone remodeling in MM, while reviewing various approved and potential treatments for myeloma bone disease.
Evaluation of Dexamethasone-Induced Osteoporosis In Vivo Using Zebrafish Scales

Glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis (GIOP) is a major cause of secondary osteoporosis, and the pathogenic mechanisms of GIOP remain to be elucidated. Here, we show a rapid dexamethasone-induced osteoporosis animal model using zebrafish scales. Intraperitoneal injection of dexamethasone over a 5-day period suppressed the regeneration of scales. Furthermore, the circularity of the newly formed regenerated scales was also slightly reduced compared to that of the control group on day 5. The changes in bone-related enzymes, such as cathepsin K, tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) for bone resorption, and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) for bone formation, provide insight into the progression of bone diseases; therefore, we further developed a method to measure the activities of cathepsin K, TRAP, and ALP using zebrafish scales. We found that a lysis buffer with detergent at neutral pH under sonication efficiently helped extract these three enzymes with high activity levels. Interestingly, treatment with a dexamethasone injection produced considerably higher levels of cathepsin K activity and a lower Ca/P ratio than those in the control group, suggesting that dexamethasone increased osteoclast activity, with no significant changes in the activities of TRAP and ALP. Our GIOP model and enzyme assay method could help to design better treatments for GIOP.
Exploring Tools for Designing Dysphagia-Friendly Foods: A Review

Dysphagia is a medical condition that affects normal swallowing. To prevent the risk of aspiration or choking, thickened fluids and texture-modified foods have been used for dysphagia management with the goal of slowing down the flow of liquids and protecting the airway. This article summarizes the available information about the rheological and textural parameters, the characterization of the most-used thickeners and the application of alternative texture modification technologies that are crucial to developing safe dishes for people who suffer from swallowing difficulties. Regarding rheological and textural measurements, fundamental and empirical methods are described.
Tumor-Derived Exosomes (TEX) and Their Role in Immuno-Oncology

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) play a key role in health and disease, including cancer. Tumors produce a mix of EVs differing in size, cellular origin, biogenesis and molecular content. Small EVs (sEV) or exosomes are a subset of 30–150 nm (virus–size) vesicles originating from the multivesicular bodies (MVBs) and carrying a cargo that in its content and topography approximates that of a parent cell. Tumor-derived exosomes (TEX) present in all body fluids of cancer patients, are considered promising candidates for a liquid tumor biopsy. TEX also mediate immunoregulatory activities: they maintain a crosstalk between the tumor and various non-malignant cells, including immunocytes. Effects that EVs exert on immune cells may be immunosuppressive or immunostimulatory. Here, we review the available data for TEX interactions with immunocytes, focusing on strategies that allow isolation from plasma and separation of TEX from sEV produced by non-malignant cells. Immune effects mediated by either of the subsets can now be distinguished and measured. The approach has allowed for the comparison of molecular and functional profiles of the two sEV fractions in plasma of cancer patients. While TEX carried an excess of immunosuppressive proteins and inhibited immune cell functions in vitro and in vivo, the sEV derived from non-malignant cells, including CD3(+)T cells, were variably enriched in immunostimulatory proteins and could promote functions of immunocytes. Thus, sEV in plasma of cancer patients are heterogenous, representing a complex molecular network which is not evident in healthy donors’ plasma. Importantly, TEX appear to be able to reprogram functions of non-malignant CD3(+)T cells inducing them to produce CD3(+)sEV enriched in immunosuppressive proteins. Ratios of stimulatory/inhibitory proteins carried by TEX and by CD3(+)sEV derived from reprogrammed non-malignant cells vary broadly in patients and appear to negatively correlate with disease progression. Simultaneous capture from plasma and functional/molecular profiling of TEX and the CD3(+)sEV fractions allows for defining their role as cancer biomarkers and as monitors of cancer patients’ immune competence, respectively.
Neurogenesis after Spinal Cord Injury: State of the Art

Neurogenesis in the adult state is the process of new neuron formation. This relatively infrequent phenomenon comprises four stages: cell proliferation, cell migration, differentiation, and the integration of these cells into an existing circuit. Recent reports suggest that neurogenesis can be found in different regions of the Central Nervous System (CNS), including the spinal cord (SC). This process can be observed in physiological settings; however, it is more evident in pathological conditions. After spinal cord injury (SCI), the activation of microglial cells and certain cytokines have shown to exert different modulatory effects depending on the presence of inflammation and on the specific region of the injury site. In these conditions, microglial cells and cytokines are considered to play an important role in the regulation of neurogenesis after SCI. The purpose of this article is to present an overview on neural progenitor cells and neurogenic and non-neurogenic zones as well as the cellular and molecular regulation of neurogenesis. Additionally, we will briefly describe the recent advances in the knowledge of neurogenesis after SCI.
Synthesis of urethane—acrylic multi-block copolymers via electrochemically mediated ATRP

The electrochemically mediated atom transfer radical polymerisation (eATRP) of n-butyl acrylate was investigated under a variety of catalyst concentrations. Poly(n-butyl acrylate)-block-polyurethane-block-poly(n-butyl acrylate) copolymers were prepared via electrochemically mediated atom transfer radical polymerisation (eATRP) using only 7 × 10−6 mole % of CuII complex. The successful chain extension and formation of penta-block copolymers confirmed the living nature of the poly(alkyl acrylates) prepared by eATRP. In this work, the tri-block and penta-block urethane-acrylate copolymers were synthesised for the first time by using tertiary bromine-terminated polyurethane macro-initiators as transitional products reacting with n-butyl acrylate, and subsequently with tert-butyl acrylate in the presence of the CuIIBr2/TPMA catalyst complex. The results of 1H NMR spectral studies support the formation of tri-block poly(n-butyl acrylate)-block-polyurethane-block-poly(n-butyl acrylate) copolymers, and penta-block poly(tert-butyl acrylate)-block-poly(n-butyl acrylate)-block-polyurethane-block-poly(n-butyl acrylate)-block-poly(tert-butyl acrylate) copolymers.
Precipitation at Room Temperature as a Fast and Versatile Method for Calcium Phosphate/TiO2 Nanocomposites Synthesis

The constantly growing need for advanced bone regeneration materials has motivated the development of calcium phosphates (CaPs) composites with a different metal or metal-oxide nanomaterials and their economical and environmentally friendly production. Here, two procedures for the synthesis of CaPs composites with TiO2 nanoplates (TiNPl) and nanowires (TiNWs) were tested, with the immersion of TiO2 nanomaterials (TiNMs) in corrected simulated body fluid (c-SBF) and precipitation of CaP in the presence of TiNMs. The materials obtained were analyzed by powder X-ray diffraction, spectroscopic and microscopic techniques, Brunauer–Emmett–Teller surface area analysis, thermogravimetric analysis, dynamic and electrophoretic light scattering, and their hemocompatibility and ability to induce reactive oxygen species were evaluated. After 28 days of immersion in c-SBF, no significant CaP coating was formed on TiNMs. However, the composites with calcium-deficient apatite (CaDHA) were obtained after one hour in the spontaneous precipitation system. In the absence of TiNMs, CaDHA was also formed, indicating that control of the CaP phase formed can be accomplished by fine-tuning conditions in the precipitation system. Although the morphology and size of crystalline domains of CaDHA obtained on the different nanomaterials differed, no significant difference was detected in their local structure. Composites showed low reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and did not induce hemolysis. The results obtained indicate that precipitation is a suitable and fast method for the preparation of CaPs/TiNMs nanocomposites which shows great potential for biomedical applications.
Microbiological Changes in Meat and Minced Meat from Beavers (Castor fiber L.) during Refrigerated and Frozen Storage

This study aims to evaluate the microbiological status, pH, and water activity of European beaver meat to establish its shelf-life and microbiological safety. In this study, the microbiological profiles of meat and minced meat obtained from the carcasses of beavers were investigated. Microbial evaluation of the chilled meat was performed within 24 h after hunting, on the 7th day and 14th day, and the evaluation of the frozen meat was made during the 11th week of storage. Meat samples were analysed for total viable count (TVC), psychrotrophic bacteria count (PBC), Enterobacteriaceae count (EBC), Escherichia coli count (EC), total staphylococcal count (TSC), lactic acid bacteria count (LABC) and total yeast and mould counts (TYMC). Tests for the presence of pathogenic bacteria from the genus Salmonella and Listeria were also performed. Additionally, the pH and water activity were determined. The initial amount of TVC was 4.94 log CFU/g in meat samples and 4.80 log CFU/g in minced meat. After 14 days of storage, the TVC increased to 8.33 in meat samples and 8.08 log CFU/g in minced meat. Pathogenic bacteria such as Listeria and Salmonella were not found in the beaver meat tested. The microbiological state of meat stored frozen for 11 weeks was comparable to the state found in meat stored refrigerated for seven days regarding the number of microorganisms.