Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Effect of an Alternative Swimming Learning Program on Skills, Technique, Performance, and Salivary Cortisol Concentration at Primary School Ages Novice Swimmers

The playful training method shows positive effects on sports learning, thus the aim of the present study was to compare the effect of two different swimming learning programs. In an 8-week intervention with a training frequency of three times per week, 23 healthy primary school-aged novice swimmers (13 boys, 10 girls) aged 9.0 ± 0.9 participated. They were split into control (CG) and alternative (AG) groups and evaluated on skills (Start, Sink), backstroke (BK) and breaststroke (BR) technique, performance (Skills time, Kicks Time), and salivary cortisol concentration. According to the results, “Start” had a greater percentage of success in AG, at the first (CG = 9.1% vs. AG = 58.3%, p = 0.027) and third (CG = 63.6% vs. AG = 100%, p = 0.037) measurement. Additionally, greater scores were found in technique for AG in both BK (p = 0.009, η2 = 0.283) and BR (p = 0.020, η2 = 0.231). Salivary cortisol concentration was decreased for both groups (p < 0.001) and greater in CG at the second measurement (p < 0.001). The alternative swimming learning program was found to be more efficient or equally effective, compared with the standardized method in-water skills, swimming technique and performance, and in salivary cortisol concentration.
An Influence of Modification with Phosphoryl Guanidine Combined with a 2′-O-Methyl or 2′-Fluoro Group on the Small-Interfering-RNA Effect

Small interfering RNA (siRNA) is the most important tool for the manipulation of mRNA expression and needs protection from intracellular nucleases when delivered into the cell. In this work, we examined the effects of siRNA modification with the phosphoryl guanidine (PG) group, which, as shown earlier, makes oligodeoxynucleotides resistant to snake venom phosphodiesterase. We obtained a set of siRNAs containing combined modifications PG/2′-O-methyl (2′-OMe) or PG/2′-fluoro (2′-F); biophysical and biochemical properties were characterized for each duplex. We used the UV-melting approach to estimate the thermostability of the duplexes and RNAse A degradation assays to determine their stability. The ability to induce silencing was tested in cultured cells stably expressing green fluorescent protein. The introduction of the PG group as a rule decreased the thermodynamic stability of siRNA. At the same time, the siRNAs carrying PG groups showed increased resistance to RNase A. A gene silencing experiment indicated that the PG-modified siRNA retained its activity if the modifications were introduced into the passenger strand.
Evaluation of Effects of Ractopamine on Cardiovascular, Respiratory, and Locomotory Physiology in Animal Model Zebrafish Larvae

Ractopamine (RAC) is a beta-adrenoceptor agonist that is used to promote lean and increased food conversion efficiency in livestock. This compound has been considered to be causing behavioral and physiological alterations in livestock like pig. Few studies have addressed the potential non-target effect of RAC in aquatic animals. In this study, we aimed to explore the potential physiological response after acute RAC exposure in zebrafish by evaluating multiple endpoints like locomotor activity, oxygen consumption, and cardiovascular performance. Zebrafish larvae were subjected to waterborne RAC exposure at 0.1, 1, 2, 4, or 8 ppm for 24 h, and the corresponding cardiovascular, respiratory, and locomotion activities were monitored and quantified. In addition, we also performed in silico molecular docking for RAC with 10 zebrafish endogenous β-adrenergic receptors to elucidate the potential acting mechanism of RAC. Results show RAC administration can significantly boost locomotor activity, cardiac performance, oxygen consumption, and blood flow rate, but without affecting the cardiac rhythm regularity in zebrafish embryos. Based on structure-based flexible molecular docking, RAC display similar binding affinity to all ten subtypes of endogenous β-adrenergic receptors, from adra1aa to adra2db, which are equivalent to the human one. This result suggests RAC might act as high potency and broad spectrum β-adrenergic receptors agonist on boosting the locomotor activity, cardiac performance, and oxygen consumption in zebrafish. To validate our results, we co-incubated a well-known β-blocker of propranolol (PROP) with RAC. PROP exposure tends to minimize the locomotor hyperactivity, high oxygen consumption, and cardiac rate in zebrafish larvae. In silico structure-based molecular simulation and binding affinity tests show PROP has an overall lower binding affinity than RAC. Taken together, our studies provide solid in vivo evidence to support that RAC plays crucial roles on modulating cardiovascular, respiratory, and locomotory physiology in zebrafish for the first time. In addition, the versatile functions of RAC as β-agonist possibly mediated via receptor competition with PROP as β-antagonist.
Modifications in the Intestinal Functionality, Morphology and Microbiome Following Intra-Amniotic Administration (Gallus gallus) of Grape (Vitis vinifera) Stilbenes (Resveratrol and Pterostilbene)

This efficacy trial evaluated the effects of two polyphenolic stilbenes, resveratrol and pterostilbene, mostly found in grapes, on the brush border membrane functionality, morphology and gut microbiome. This study applied the validated Gallus gallus intra-amniotic approach to investigate the effects of stilbene administration versus the controls. Three treatment groups (5% resveratrol; 5% pterostilbene; and synergistic: 4.75% resveratrol and 0.25% pterostilbene) and three controls (18 MΩ H2O; no injection; 5% inulin) were employed. We observed beneficial morphological changes, specifically an increase in the villus length, diameter, depth of crypts and goblet cell diameter in the pterostilbene and synergistic groups, with concomitant increases in the serum iron and zinc concentrations. Further, the alterations in gene expression of the mineral metabolism proteins and pro-inflammatory cytokines indicate a potential improvement in gut health and mineral bioavailability. The cecal microbiota was analyzed using 16S rRNA sequencing. A lower α-diversity was observed in the synergistic group compared with the other treatment groups. However, beneficial compositional and functional alterations in the gut microbiome were detected. Several key microbial metabolic pathways were differentially enriched in the pterostilbene treatment group. These observations demonstrate a significant bacterial–host interaction that contributed to enhancements in intestinal functionality, morphology and physiological status. Our data demonstrate a novel understanding of the nutritional benefits of dietary stilbenes and their effects on intestinal functionality, morphology and gut microbiota in vivo.
Pulses Twice a Week in Replacement of Meat Modestly Increases Diet Sustainability

The French food-based dietary guidelines recommend eating pulses at least twice a week and to reduce meat consumption. This study assessed the impact on the sustainability characteristics (nutrition, cost, environment) of individual diets of meeting the pulse guideline. Dietary data of 2028 adults from the Esteban survey were completed with the nutritional content (considering bioavailability on iron, zinc and protein), price and environmental impacts of foods. When the pulse guideline (i.e., 57 g/day) was not met, two substitution scenarios raised the quantity of pulses to the recommended level, in replacement of an equivalent portion of (i) starches or (ii) meat. Only 9.6% of the participants reached the pulse guideline. Diet sustainability characteristics improved with the meat scenario (nutritional indicators improved; diet cost, greenhouse gas emissions and acidification decreased), while several indicators deteriorated with the starches scenario. Zinc available for absorption slightly decreased in both scenarios while iron available for absorption decreased in the meat scenario only. Increasing pulse consumption to two portions/week could modestly improve the sustainability of diets when pulses replace meat but not starches. Cultural acceptability of that substitution still needs to be proven, and iron and zinc status of individuals at risk of deficiency should be monitored.
Impact of Phytochemicals on Viability and Cereulide Toxin Synthesis in Bacillus cereus Revealed by a Novel High-Throughput Method, Coupling an AlamarBlue-Based Assay with UPLC-MS/MS

Due to its food-poisoning potential, Bacillus cereus has attracted the attention of the food industry. The cereulide-toxin-producing subgroup is of particular concern, as cereulide toxin is implicated in broadscale food-borne outbreaks and occasionally causes fatalities. The health risks associated with long-term cereulide exposure at low doses remain largely unexplored. Natural substances, such as plant-based secondary metabolites, are widely known for their effective antibacterial potential, which makes them promising as ingredients in food and also as a surrogate for antibiotics. In this work, we tested a range of structurally related phytochemicals, including benzene derivatives, monoterpenes, hydroxycinnamic acid derivatives and vitamins, for their inhibitory effects on the growth of B. cereus and the production of cereulide toxin. For this purpose, we developed a high-throughput, small-scale method which allowed us to analyze B. cereus survival and cereulide production simultaneously in one workflow by coupling an AlamarBlue-based viability assay with ultraperformance liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS). This combinatory method allowed us to identify not only phytochemicals with high antibacterial potential, but also ones specifically eradicating cereulide biosynthesis already at very low concentrations, such as gingerol and curcumin.
Mechanical Properties of Basalt-Based Recycled Aggregate Concrete for Jeju Island

Recycled aggregate is essential to protect Jeju Island’s natural environment, but waste concrete, including porous basalt, is a factor that lowers the quality of recycled aggregate. Therefore, an experiment was conducted to analyze the properties of concrete application of basalt-based recycled aggregate (B-RA) through quality improvement. The absorption of the B-RA ranged from 3–5%; restricting its absorption to less than 3% was challenging owing to its porosity and irregular shape. However, the increase in the solid volume percentage of the concrete when replacing 25 or 50% of fresh basalt aggregate with recycled basalt aggregate improved the mechanical performance of the concrete, especially at 25%, for which a compressive strength of 55.9 MPa and modulus of elasticity of 25.9 GPa exceeded those of concrete with fresh basalt aggregate. Moreover, increasing the replacement ratio of the fresh basalt with recycled aggregate reduced the slump and decreased the air content, consequently increasing the concrete drying shrinkage. However, the replacement of fresh basalt aggregate with recycled basalt aggregate unaltered the mechanical performance of the concrete. The results indicate that efficient use of recycled aggregates can yield superior performance to that of fresh basalt, irrespective of aggregate quality.
Physicochemical Parameters, Phytochemical Profile and Antioxidant Properties of a New Beverage Formulated with Xique-Xique (Pilosocereus gounellei) Cladode Juice

This study elaborated different formulations with xique-xique (Pilosocereus gounellei) cladode, passion fruit and lime juice and sugar cane syrup. The formulated beverages were subjected to physical and physicochemical analysis, determination of total carotenoid, total flavonoid and total phenolic compound contents, as well as of their antioxidant activity (ABTS and FRAP method), organic acid, sugar and phenolic compound profile during 21 days of refrigeration storage (4 °C). Significant variations were found among formulated beverages for most of the measured parameters during storage. Beverages with xique-xique juice were less acidic (7.90–10.27 g/100 mL) than beverages without this juice (11.66–12.76 g/100 mL). Beverages with xique-xique juice had overall higher contents of bioactive compounds and higher antioxidant activity when compared to the control formulation. Beverages with the highest xique-xique juice concentrations had the highest contents of carotenoids (51.51–59.27 µg/100 mL), flavonoids (1.39–2.15 mg CE/100 mL), phenolic compounds (68.49–115.66 mg EGA/100 mL) and antioxidant activity, as measured by ABTS (0.71–0.84 µmol Trolox/mL) and FRAP (0.33–0.39 µmol Trolox/mL). These results indicate that the incorporation of xique-xique cladode juice in these mixed beverages enhanced their bioactive properties, especially of antioxidant compounds, enabling the development of a new product with potential functional properties to the beverage industry.
Healthy Schoolhouse 2.0 Health Promotion Intervention to Reduce Childhood Obesity in Washington, DC: A Feasibility Study

Childhood obesity prevalence trends involve complex societal and environmental factors as well as individual behaviors. The Healthy Schoolhouse 2.0 program seeks to improve nutrition literacy among elementary school students through an equity-focused intervention that supports the health of students, teachers, and the community. This five-year quasi-experimental study follows a baseline–post-test design. Research activities examine the feasibility and effectiveness of a professional development series in the first program year to improve teachers’ self-efficacy and students’ nutrition literacy. Four elementary schools in Washington, DC (two intervention, two comparison) enrolled in the program (N = 1302 students). Demographic and baseline assessments were similar between schools. Teacher participation in professional development sessions was positively correlated with implementing nutrition lessons (r = 0.6, p < 0.001, n = 55). Post-test student nutrition knowledge scores (W = 39985, p < 0.010, n = 659) and knowledge score changes (W = 17064, p < 0.010, n = 448) were higher among students in the intervention schools. Students who received three nutrition lessons had higher post knowledge scores than students who received fewer lessons (H(2) =22.75, p < 0.001, n = 659). Engaging teachers to implement nutrition curricula may support sustainable obesity prevention efforts in the elementary school environment.
A Distinctive Human Metabolomics Alteration Associated with Osteopenic and Osteoporotic Patients

Osteoporosis is a common progressive metabolic bone disease resulting in decreased bone mineral density (BMD) and a subsequent increase in fracture risk. The known bone markers are not sensitive and specific enough to reflect the balance in the bone metabolism. Finding a metabolomics-based biomarker specific for bone desorption or lack of bone formation is crucial for predicting bone health earlier. This study aimed to investigate patients’ metabolomic profiles with low BMD (LBMD), including those with osteopenia (ON) and osteoporosis (OP), compared to healthy controls. An untargeted mass spectrometry (MS)-based metabolomics approach was used to analyze serum samples. Results showed a clear separation between patients with LBMD and control (Q2 = 0.986, R2 = 0.994), reflecting a significant difference in the dynamic of metabolic processes between the study groups. A total of 116 putatively identified metabolites were significantly associated with LBMD. Ninety-four metabolites were dysregulated, with 52 up- and 42 downregulated in patients with LBMD compared to controls. Histidine metabolism, aminoacyl-tRNA biosynthesis, glyoxylate, dicarboxylate metabolism, and biosynthesis of unsaturated fatty acids were the most common metabolic pathways dysregulated in LBMD. Furthermore, 35 metabolites were significantly dysregulated between ON and OP groups, with 11 up- and 24 downregulated in ON compared to OP. Among the upregulated metabolites were 3-carboxy-4-methyl-5-propyl-2-2furanopropionic acid (CMPF) and carnitine derivatives (i.e., 3-hydroxy-11-octadecenoylcarnitine, and l-acetylcarnitine), whereas phosphatidylcholine (PC), sphingomyelin (SM), and palmitic acid (PA) were among the downregulated metabolites in ON compared to OP. This study would add a layer to understanding the possible metabolic alterations associated with ON and OP. Additionally, this identified metabolic panel would help develop a prediction model for bone health and OP progression.
Improved Oral Health and Adaptation to Treatment in Dogs Using Manual or Ultrasonic Toothbrush or Textile of Nylon or Microfiber for Active Dental Home Care

Simple Summary Poor oral health is a common problem in dogs and can cause them pain and impaired welfare. In this study, four different devices used for active dental home care were examined: two toothbrushes, manual and ultrasonic; and two textile products, a nylon glove and a microfiber finger cloth. These pieces of equipment were evaluated for efficacy against gingivitis, plaque, and tartar, using twenty-one beagle dogs. The dogs had their teeth cleaned once a day during five weeks. Each dog received two treatments (toothbrushes or textiles) but on separate sides of the mouth, right and left, respectively. The dogs’ oral health was assessed before and after the five-week period, by a veterinarian not aware of treatment. Each device improved the oral health in the dogs, reducing plaque and gingivitis. Furthermore, the amount of calculus also decreased in some individuals. The study also assessed the dogs’ stress, fear and anxiety levels during treatment using a (fear, anxiety, stress (FAS) protocol. The assessment of the stress levels in the dogs showed that adaptation occurs in the dogs subjected to daily dental care. These results can be used by veterinary staff who want to inspire and encourage dog owners to start brushing their dog’s teeth. Abstract Poor oral health is a common problem in dogs causing pain and impaired welfare. The gold standard to maintain good oral health and prevent periodontitis is daily tooth brushing. However, many dog owners find it difficult, and dogs often show aversive behavior. There are several different tools available, and in this intra-subject study, four different active dental home care treatment options were examined: manual and ultrasonic toothbrush, a nylon glove, and a microfiber finger cloth. The treatments were evaluated for efficacy against gingivitis, plaque, and calculus in beagle dogs. Each dog received two treatments on the buccal sides of the teeth once daily, either two types of toothbrushes (N = 10) or two types of textiles (N = 11), on separate sides of the mouth. The dogs’ teeth were assessed before and after the five-week treatment period, with the assessor blinded by additional, similar dogs (N = 7). The study also assessed the dogs’ stress levels during treatment using a fear, anxiety, stress (FAS) protocol. All four treatments improved dog oral health, reducing gingivitis and plaque. Furthermore, the amount of calculus also decreased in some individuals. Adaptation to dental care occurred in the dogs over time. This information can be used to encourage dog owners to brush their dogs’ teeth.
Supplementation of Live Yeast, Mannan Oligosaccharide, and Organic Selenium during the Adaptation Phase of Newly Arrived Beef Cattle: Effects on Health Status, Immune Functionality, and Growth Performance

The effect of a nutraceutical mixture, based on live yeast (LY), mannan oligosaccharides (MOS) and organic selenium (Se) on health status, as well as immune functionality and growth performance in the fattening of newly received beef cattle, was evaluated. A total of 1036 Charolaise heifers were allocated into two experimental groups: (i) control group, without any nutraceutical support (n = 487; initial weight = 325 ± 21 kg); and (ii) treatment group, supplementation during the first 30 days, with LY (5 g/head/day), organic Se (3 mg/head/day), and MOS (10 g/head/day) (n = 549; initial weight = 323 ± 23 kg). The incidence of bovine respiratory disease (BRD) and other health issues was monitored, as well as the mortality rate. Blood samples were taken at d0 and d30 to evaluate the immune functionality and the inflammatory status. Growth performances, feces chemical composition, and carcass characteristics were recorded. The BRD occurrence tended to be reduced (p = 0.06) in the Treatment group. The BHV-1 antibody production after vaccination was significantly improved (p = 0.031), as well as the bactericidal activity (p = 0.0012) in the Treatment group. No differences were found in the inflammatory status parameters. The final weight (p = 0.006) and the average daily gain at d30 (p < 0.0001) were significantly improved by the treatment. No differences were found in terms of carcass characteristics, while the fecal content of NDF (p < 0.0001), ADF (p = 0.0003), and starch (p < 0.0001) were significantly reduced by the treatment. The result of the present study suggests that the nutraceutical mixture used can support the animal’s immune systems, improving its ability to react against pathogens, as well as feed efficiency and growth performances during the whole fattening period.
Sweetpotato Leaves Inhibit Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Inflammation in RAW 264.7 Macrophages via Suppression of NF-κB Signaling Pathway

Limited information is available regarding the health-promoting activities of sweetpotato leaves (SPL). The present study investigated antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, and phenolic contents in 29 SPL cultivars harvested in 2018 and 2019. Extracts showed total phenolic contents 9.4–23.1 mg gallic acid equivalent/g, and DPPH radical scavenging activity indicated 36.6–247.3 mM of Trolox equivalent/g. SPL extracts were identified to contain bioactive components such as, chlorogenic acid (11.7–22.1 μg/mg), 3,4-dicaffeoylquinic acid (16.3–59.9 μg/mg), 3,5-dicaffeoylquinic acid (50.9–72.7 μg/mg), chlorophyll B (6.1–12.3 μg/mg), lutein (1.9–4.9 μg/mg), chlorophyll A (2.7–4.3 μg/mg) and β-carotene (0.1 ≤ μg/mg). RAW 264.7 murine macrophage cells were pretreated with 100–200 μg/mL of SPL extracts and 20 μM of dexamethasone, and inflammation was stimulated by lipopolysaccharide (LPS, 100 ng/mL) treatment for 24 h. In LPS-treated cells, prostaglandin E2 production and COX-2 expression were not downregulated by pretreatment of SPL extracts. However, SPL pretreated cells showed significant suppression of nitric oxide (NO), TNF-α, and IL-1β levels under the LPS-induced inflammatory condition. In addition, SPL extracts induced an anti-inflammatory effect in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells through suppression of NF-κB nuclear translocation, IKK-α and IκB-α phosphorylation, and iNOS expression. These results indicate that SPL extract can be utilized as a functional food ingredient.