Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Leflunomide Loaded Chitosan Nanoparticles for the Preparation of Aliphatic Polyester Based Skin Patches

In the present study, the preparation of controlled-released leflunomide (LFD)-loaded skin patches was evaluated, utilizing the combination of chitosan (CS) nanoparticles (NPs) incorporated into suitable poly(l-lactic acid) (PLLA) or poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) polyester matrices. Initially, LFD-loaded CS NPs of ~600 nm and a smooth surface were prepared, while strong inter-molecular interactions between the drug and the CS were unraveled. In the following step, the prepared LFD-loaded CS NPs were incorporated into PLLA or PLGA, and thin-film patches were prepared via spin-coating. Analysis of the prepared films showed that the incorporation of the drug-loaded CS NPs resulted in a significant increase in the drug’s release rate and extent as compared to neat LFD-loaded polyester patches (i.e., prepared without the use of CS NPs). In-depth analysis of the prepared formulations showed that the amorphization of the drug within the matrix and the increased wetting properties of the prepared CS NPs were responsible for the improved thin-film patch characteristics.
Selection Response Due to Different Combination of Antagonistic Milk, Beef, and Morphological Traits in the Alpine Grey Cattle Breed

Simple Summary A selection index considering milk, beef, and functional traits is required by breeders of the local dual-purpose Alpine Grey breed because of the worsening of beef and other functional characteristics of the breed not yet accounted for in the present selection scheme. The present study has examined genetic correlations among different traits to investigate the possible breeding scenarios for this breed. Results indicate the need to shift selection toward a greater economic weight for beef and functional traits to improve the dual-purpose attitude and maintain the breed’s peculiar characteristics. Abstract Selection in local dual-purpose breeds requires great carefulness because of the need to preserve peculiar traits and also guarantee the positive genetic progress for milk and beef production to maintain economic competitiveness. A specific breeding plan accounting for milk, beef, and functional traits is required by breeders of the Alpine Grey cattle (AG), a local dual-purpose breed of the Italian Alps. Hereditability and genetic correlations among all traits have been analyzed for this purpose. After that, different selection indexes were proposed to identify the most suitable for this breed. Firstly, a genetic parameters analysis was carried out with different datasets. The milk dataset contained 406,918 test day records of milk, protein, and fat yields and somatic cells (expressed as SCS). The beef dataset included performance test data conducted on 749 young bulls. Average daily gain, in vivo estimated carcass yields, and carcass conformation (SEUROP) were the phenotypes obtained from the performance tests. The morphological dataset included 21 linear type evaluations of 11,320 first party cows. Linear type traits were aggregated through factor analysis and three factors were retained, while head typicality (HT) and rear muscularity (RM) were analyzed as single traits. Heritability estimates (h2) for milk traits ranged from 0.125 to 0.219. Analysis of beef traits showed h2 greater than milk traits, ranging from 0.282 to 0.501. Type traits showed a medium value of h2 ranging from 0.238 to 0.374. Regarding genetic correlation, SCS and milk traits were strongly positively correlated. Milk traits had a negative genetic correlation with the factor accounting for udder conformations (−0.40) and with all performance test traits and RM. These latter traits showed also a negative genetic correlation with udder volume (−0.28). The HT and the factor accounting for rear legs traits were not correlated with milk traits, but negatively correlated with beef traits (−0.32 with RM). We argue that the consequence of these results is that the use of the current selection index, which is mainly focused on milk attitude, will lead to a deterioration of all other traits. In this study, we propose more appropriate selection indexes that account for genetic relationships among traits, including functional traits.
The Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate and Its Relation to Cell Shape and Rigidity of Red Blood Cells from Chorea-Acanthocytosis Patients in an Off-Label Treatment with Dasatinib

Background: Chorea-acanthocytosis (ChAc) is a rare hereditary neurodegenerative disease with deformed red blood cells (RBCs), so-called acanthocytes, as a typical marker of the disease. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) was recently proposed as a diagnostic biomarker. To date, there is no treatment option for affected patients, but promising therapy candidates, such as dasatinib, a Lyn-kinase inhibitor, have been identified. Methods: RBCs of two ChAc patients during and after dasatinib treatment were characterized by the ESR, clinical hematology parameters and the 3D shape classification in stasis based on an artificial neural network. Furthermore, mathematical modeling was performed to understand the contribution of cell morphology and cell rigidity to the ESR. Microfluidic measurements were used to compare the RBC rigidity between ChAc patients and healthy controls. Results: The mechano-morphological characterization of RBCs from two ChAc patients in an off-label treatment with dasatinib revealed differences in the ESR and the acanthocyte count during and after the treatment period, which could not directly be related to each other. Clinical hematology parameters were in the normal range. Mathematical modeling indicated that RBC rigidity is more important for delayed ESR than cell shape. Microfluidic experiments confirmed a higher rigidity in the normocytes of ChAc patients compared to healthy controls. Conclusions: The results increase our understanding of the role of acanthocytes and their associated properties in the ESR, but the data are too sparse to answer the question of whether the ESR is a suitable biomarker for treatment success, whereas a correlation between hematological and neuronal phenotype is still subject to verification.
Administration of Bifidobacterium breve Improves the Brain Function of Aβ1-42-Treated Mice via the Modulation of the Gut Microbiome

Psychobiotics are used to treat neurological disorders, including mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and Alzheimer’s disease (AD). However, the mechanisms underlying their neuroprotective effects remain unclear. Herein, we report that the administration of bifidobacteria in an AD mouse model improved behavioral abnormalities and modulated gut dysbiosis. Bifidobacterium breve CCFM1025 and WX treatment significantly improved synaptic plasticity and increased the concentrations of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), fibronectin type III domain-containing protein 5 (FNDC5), and postsynaptic density protein 95 (PSD-95). Furthermore, the microbiome and metabolomic profiles of mice indicate that specific bacterial taxa and their metabolites correlate with AD-associated behaviors, suggesting that the gut–brain axis contributes to the pathophysiology of AD. Overall, these findings reveal that B. breve CCFM1025 and WX have beneficial effects on cognition via the modulation of the gut microbiome, and thus represent a novel probiotic dietary intervention for delaying the progression of AD.
Maintenance of Maternal Breastfeeding up to 6 Months: Predictive Models

Background: There is evidence of the benefits of exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) but maintaining EBF for the minimum recommended time of 6 months is challenging. Aims: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of breastfeeding types in a Spanish setting, explore the influencing factors, and analyze the relationships between the reasons for EBF cessation and the EBF durations achieved. Method: This longitudinal descriptive study included 236 healthy children with standard weight followed up by the public health system. A baseline survey and three telephone interviews (1, 3, and 6 months) were conducted. Results: The prevalence of EBF at 6 months was 19.49%. The mean age of the mothers was 32.3 (±5.3). The variables influencing EBF maintenance were the prior decision to practice EBF (p = 0.03), the belief that EBF is sufficient (p = 0.00), not offering water or fluid to the child (p = 0.04), delaying pacifier use (p < 0.001), a longer gestation time (p = 0.05), and previous experience with practicing EBF for more than 6 months (p = 0.00). The reason for the earliest EBF cessation (mean 52.63 ± 56.98 days) was the mother’s lack of self-efficacy (p = 0.05). Conclusion: Knowing the reasons for EBF cessation among mothers is important for helping mothers and preventing early weaning. A safe environment and support can prevent early weaning.
Biogenic ZnO Nanoparticles Synthesized Using a Novel Plant Extract: Application to Enhance Physiological and Biochemical Traits in Maize

The need to increase crop productivity and resistance directs interest in nanotechnology. Indeed, biogenic metal oxide nanoparticles can promote beneficial effects in plants, while their synthesis avoids the environmental impacts of conventional synthetic procedures. In this context, this research aimed to synthesize biogenic zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) using, for the first time, an extract of a wild and spontaneous aquatic species, Lemna minor (duckweed). The effectiveness of this biogenic synthesis was evidenced for comparison with non-biogenic ZnO-NPs (obtained without using the plant extract), which have been synthesized in this research. XRD (X-ray diffraction), FE-SEM (field emission gun electron scanning microscopy), EDX (energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy), TEM (transmission electron microscope) and UV-vis (ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometry) showed the biogenic approach effectiveness. The duckweed extract was subjected to UHPLC-ESI/QTOF-MS (ultra high-pressure liquid chromatography quadrupole time of flight mass spectrometry) phenolic profiling. This untargeted characterization highlighted a high and chemically diverse content in the duckweed extract of compounds potentially implicated in nanoparticulation. From an application standpoint, the effect of biogenic nanoparticles was investigated on some traits of maize subjected to seed priming with a wide range of biogenic ZnO-NPs concentrations. Inductive effects on the shoot and root biomass development were ascertained concerning the applied dosage. Furthermore, the biogenic ZnO-NPs stimulated the content of chlorophylls, carotenoids, and anthocyanin. Finally, the study of malondialdehyde content (MDA) as a marker of the oxidative status further highlighted the beneficial and positive action of the biogenic ZnO-NPs on maize.
Micronutrients Deficiency, Supplementation and Novel Coronavirus Infections—A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background: Micronutrients play roles in strengthening and maintaining immune function, but their supplementation and/or deficiency effects on respiratory tract infections are inconclusive. This review aims to systematically assess the associations between micronutrient supplementation or deficiency, with novel coronavirus incidence and disease severity. Methods: Systematic literature searches conducted in five electronic databases identified 751 unique studies, of which 33 studies (five supplementation studies, one supplementation and deficiency study, and 27 deficiency studies) were eventually included in this review. Proportions of incidence and severity outcomes in each group, and adjusted summary statistics with their relevant 95% confidence intervaIs (CI) were extracted. Data from 19 studies were pooled in meta-analysis using the generic inverse variance method. Findings: A total of 360,346 patients across 16 countries, with a mean age between 32 and 87.7 years, were involved across 33 studies. All studies were on COVID-19 infections. In individuals without micronutrient deficiency, there was a significant reduction on odds of COVID-19 incidence (pooled OR: 0.37, 95% CI: 0.18, 0.78), and ICU admissions or severe/critical disease onset when combined as a severity outcome (pooled OR: 0.26, 95% CI: 0.08, 0.89). Insignificant protective effects were observed on other outcome measures, namely mortality, ICU admission, progression to respiratory-related complications, severe/critical disease onset or requiring respiratory support and hospitalization rate. Conclusion: The absence of micronutrient deficiency significantly reduced COVID-19 incidence and clinical deterioration in hospitalized patients. Usage of micronutrients as prophylaxis and complementary supplement in therapeutic management of COVID-19 patients may be a promising and cost-effective approach warranting in-depth investigation.
Replications, Comparisons, Sampling and the Problem of Representativeness in Animal Cognition Research

Animal cognition research often involves small and idiosyncratic samples. This can constrain the generalizability and replicability of a study’s results and prevent meaningful comparisons between samples. However, there is little consensus about what makes a strong replication or comparison in animal research. We apply a resampling definition of replication to answer these questions in Part 1 of this article, and, in Part 2, we focus on the problem of representativeness in animal research. Through a case study and a simulation study, we highlight how and when representativeness may be an issue in animal behavior and cognition research and show how the representativeness problems can be viewed through the lenses of, i) replicability, ii) generalizability and external validity, iii) pseudoreplication and, iv) theory testing. Next, we discuss when and how researchers can improve their ability to learn from small sample research through, i) increasing heterogeneity in experimental design, ii) increasing homogeneity in experimental design, and, iii) statistically modeling variation. Finally, we describe how the strongest solutions will vary depending on the goals and resources of individual research programs and discuss some barriers towards implementing them.
Towards Biological Control of Aspergillus carbonarius and Botrytis cinerea in Grapevine Berries and Transcriptomic Changes of Genes Encoding Pathogenesis-Related (PR) Proteins

Grapevine bunch rot, caused by Botrytis cinerea and Aspergillus carbonarius, causes important economic losses every year in grape production. In the present study, we examined the plant protective activity of the biological control agents, Paenibacillus alvei K165, Blastobotrys sp. FP12 and Arthrobacter sp. FP15 against B. cinerea and A. carbonarius on grapes. The in vitro experiments showed that strain K165 significantly reduced the growth of both fungi, while FP15 restricted the growth of A. carbonarius and FP12 was ineffective. Following the in vitro experiments, we conducted in planta experiments on grape berries. It was shown that K165, FP12 and FP15 reduced A. carbonarius rot severity by 81%, 57% and 37%, respectively, compared to the control, whereas, in the case of B. cinerea, the only protective treatment was that with K165, which reduced rot by 75%. The transcriptomic analysis of the genes encoding the pathogenesis-related proteins PR2, PR3, PR4 and PR5 indicates the activation of multiple defense responses involved in the biocontrol activity of the examined biocontrol agents.
Influence of Cooking Methods on Onion Phenolic Compounds Bioaccessibility

The impact of domestic cooking (baking, boiling, frying and grilling) and in vitro digestion on the stability and release of phenolic compounds from yellow-skinned (YSO) and red-skinned onions (RSO) have been evaluated. The mass spectrometry identification pointed out flavonols as the most representative phenolic class, led by quercetin-derivatives. RSO contained almost the double amount of phenolic compounds respect to YSO (50.12 and 27.42 mg/100 g, respectively). Baking, grilling and primarily frying resulted in an increased amount of total phenolic compounds, especially quercetin-derivatives, in both the onion varieties. Some treatments promoted the degradation of quercetin-3-O-hexoside-4′-O-hexoside, the main compound present in both the onion varieties, leading to the occurrence of quercetin-4′-O-hexoside and protocatechuic acid-4-O-hexoside. After in vitro digestion, the bioaccessibility index for total phenolic compounds ranged between 42.6% and 65.5% in grilled and baked YSO, respectively, and between 39.8% and 80.2% in boiled and baked RSO, respectively. Baking contributed to the highest amount of bioaccessible phenolic compounds for both the onion varieties after in vitro digestion. An in-depth design of the cooking process may be of paramount importance in modulating the gastro-intestinal release of onion phenolic compounds.
The Relationship of Leptin (+19) AG, Leptin (2548) GA, and Leptin Receptor Gln223Arg Gene Polymorphisms with Obesity and Metabolic Syndrome in Obese Children and Adolescents

Purpose Obesity is defined as the abnormal or excessive accumulation of fat over acceptable limits. Leptin is a metabolic hormone present in the circulation in amounts proportional to fat mass. Leptin reduces food intake and increases energy expenditure, thus regulating body weight and homeostasis. Various polymorphisms are present in the leptin gene and its receptor. These polymorphisms may be associated with obesity. This study aimed to show the association of leptin (+19) AG, leptin (2548) GA, and Gln223Arg leptin receptor polymorphisms with obesity and metabolic syndrome in Turkish children aged 6–17 years, and to conduct further investigations regarding the genetic etiology of obesity. Methods A total of 174 patients diagnosed with obesity and 150 healthy children who were treated at Tokat Gaziosmanpaşa Medical School Hospital between September 2014 and March 2015 were included in this study. The ages of the children were between 6 and 17 years, and anthropometric and laboratory results were recorded. Genotyping of leptin (+19) AG, leptin (2548) GA, and leptin receptor Gln223Arg polymorphisms was performed by polymerase chain reaction. Results An association between leptin receptor Gln223Arg gene polymorphism and obesity was detected. Conclusion Further studies are needed to determine the role of genetic etiologies and to indicate the role of leptin signal transmission impairment in the pathogenesis of obesity. We hope that gene therapy can soon provide a solution for obesity.
Executive Function, Working Memory, and Verbal Fluency in Relation to Non-Verbal Intelligence in Greek-Speaking School-Age Children with Developmental Language Disorder

Developmental Language Disorder (DLD) is often associated with impairments in working memory (WM), executive functions (EF), and verbal fluency. Moreover, increasing evidence shows poorer performance of children with DLD on non-verbal intelligence tests relative to their typically developing (TD) peers. Yet, the degree and generality of relevant difficulties remain unclear. The present study aimed at investigating WM capacity, key EFs and verbal fluency in relation to non-verbal intelligence in Greek-speaking school-age children with DLD, compared to TD peers (8–9 years). To our knowledge, the present study is the first to attempt a systematic relevant assessment with Greek-speaking school-age children, complementing previous studies mostly involving English-speaking participants. The results showed that children with DLD scored lower than TD peers on the non-verbal intelligence measure. Groups did not differ in the inhibition measures obtained (tapping resistance to either distractor or proactive interference), but children with DLD were outperformed by TD peers in the WM capacity, updating, monitoring (mixing cost), and verbal fluency (phonological and semantic) measures. The effects showed limited (in the case of backward digit recall) or no dependence on non-verbal intelligence. Findings are discussed in terms of their theoretical and practical implications as well as in relation to future lines of research.
Factors Influencing the Accuracy of Freehand Implant Placement: A Prospective Clinical Study

(1) Background: The objective of implant prosthetic restoration is to ensure the best possible rehabilitation of function and esthetics. Optimal positioning of the implant with regard to the bone availability, surrounding soft tissue, and prosthetic sustainability should be strived for during implant placement. The factors influencing freehand implant placement and the accuracy achieved with this procedure are investigated in this prospective clinical study. (2) Methods: Implants were placed in the single-tooth edentulous sites of the premolar and molar areas in 52 patients. Three-dimensional (3D)-planning was performed virtually prior to the freehand implant operation, and the desired position of the implant was provided to the surgeon. (3) Results: The deviations between the planned and the actually achieved position with freehand implant placement showed the following mean values and standard deviations: angle 8.7 ± 4.8°, 3D deviation at the implant shoulder 1.62 ± 0.87 mm, mesiodistal deviation 0.87 ± 0.75 mm, buccolingual deviation 0.70 ± 0.66 mm, and apiocoronal deviation 0.95 ± 0.61 mm. The type of jaw had a significant influence on accuracy. Major deviations were observed in the lower jaw. Furthermore, the timing of implant placement influenced the mesiodistal deviation and angular deviation; (4) Conclusions: Freehand implant placement demonstrated a higher level of deviation between the planned and actually achieved implant positions. In particular, the ranges showed a large spread. From a prosthetic point of view, there may be complications during the restoration of the prosthetic crown if the implant exit point is not optimally located or if the implants show a high angular deviation.
Analytical Validation and Clinical Application of Rapid Serological Tests for SARS-CoV-2 Suitable for Large-Scale Screening

Recently, large-scale screening for COVID-19 has presented a major challenge, limiting timely countermeasures. Therefore, the application of suitable rapid serological tests could provide useful information, however, little evidence regarding their robustness is currently available. In this work, we evaluated and compared the analytical performance of a rapid lateral-flow test (LFA) and a fast semiquantitative fluorescent immunoassay (FIA) for anti-nucleocapsid (anti-NC) antibodies, with the reverse transcriptase real-time PCR assay as the reference. In 222 patients, LFA showed poor sensitivity (55.9%) within two weeks from PCR, while later testing was more reliable (sensitivity of 85.7% and specificity of 93.1%). Moreover, in a subset of 100 patients, FIA showed high sensitivity (89.1%) and specificity (94.1%) after two weeks from PCR. The coupled application for the screening of 183 patients showed satisfactory concordance (K = 0.858). In conclusion, rapid serological tests were largely not useful for early diagnosis, but they showed good performance in later stages of infection. These could be useful for back-tracing and/or to identify potentially immune subjects.