Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A Spatiotemporal Characterisation of Redox Molecules in Planarians, with a Focus on the Role of Glutathione during Regeneration

A strict coordination between pro- and antioxidative molecules is needed for normal animal physiology, although their exact function and dynamics during regeneration and development remains largely unknown. Via in vivo imaging, we were able to locate and discriminate between reactive oxygen species (ROS) in real-time during different physiological stages of the highly regenerative planarian Schmidtea mediterranea. All ROS signals were strong enough to overcome the detected autofluorescence. Combined with an in situ characterisation and quantification of the transcription of several antioxidant genes, our data showed that the planarian gut and epidermis have a well-equipped redox system. Pharmacological inhibition or RNA interference of either side of the redox balance resulted in alterations in the regeneration process, characterised by decreased blastema sizes and delayed neurodevelopment, thereby affecting tails more than heads. Focusing on glutathione, a central component in the redox balance, we found that it is highly present in planarians and that a significant reduction in glutathione content led to regenerative failure with tissue lesions, characterised by underlying stem cell alterations. This exploratory study indicates that ROS and antioxidants are tightly intertwined and should be studied as a whole to fully comprehend the function of the redox balance in animal physiology.
Effects of Glycemic Gap on Post-Stroke Cognitive Impairment in Acute Ischemic Stroke Patients

Background: Post-stroke hyperglycemia is a frequent finding in acute ischemic stroke patients and is associated with poor functional and cognitive outcomes. However, it is unclear as to whether the glycemic gap between the admission glucose and HbA1c-derived estimated average glucose (eAG) is associated with post-stroke cognitive impairment (PSCI). Methods: We enrolled acute ischemic stroke patients whose cognitive functions were evaluated three months after a stroke using the Korean version of the vascular cognitive impairment harmonization standards neuropsychological protocol (K-VCIHS-NP). The development of PSCI was defined as having z-scores of less than −2 standard deviations in at least one cognitive domain. The participants were categorized into three groups according to the glycemic gap status: non-elevated (initial glucose − eAG ≤ 0 mg/dL), mildly elevated (0 mg/dL < initial glucose − eAG < 50 mg/dL), and severely elevated (50 mg/dL ≤ initial glucose − eAG). Results: A total of 301 patients were enrolled. The mean age was 63.1 years, and the median National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score was two (IQR: 1–4). In total, 65 patients (21.6%) developed PSCI. In multiple logistic regression analyses, the severely elevated glycemic gap was a significant predictor for PSCI after adjusting for age, sex, education level, initial stroke severity, Trial of Org 10172 in Acute Stroke Treatment (TOAST) classification, and left hemispheric lesion (aOR: 3.65, p-value = 0.001). Patients in the severely elevated glycemic gap group showed significantly worse performance in the frontal and memory domains. Conclusions: In conclusion, our study demonstrated that an elevated glycemic gap was significantly associated with PSCI three months after a stroke, with preferential involvement of frontal and memory domain dysfunctions.
LN-Derived Fibroblastic Reticular Cells and Their Impact on T Cell Response—A Systematic Review

Fibroblastic reticular cells (FRCs), usually found and isolated from the T cell zone of lymph nodes, have recently been described as much more than simple structural cells. Originally, these cells were described to form a conduit system called the “reticular fiber network” and for being responsible for transferring the lymph fluid drained from tissues through afferent lymphatic vessels to the T cell zone. However, nowadays, these cells are described as being capable of secreting several cytokines and chemokines and possessing the ability to interfere with the immune response, improving it, and also controlling lymphocyte proliferation. Here, we performed a systematic review of the several methods employed to investigate the mechanisms used by fibroblastic reticular cells to control the immune response, as well as their ability in determining the fate of T cells. We searched articles indexed and published in the last five years, between 2016 and 2020, in PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane, following the PRISMA guidelines. We found 175 articles published in the literature using our searching strategies, but only 24 articles fulfilled our inclusion criteria and are discussed here. Other articles important in the built knowledge of FRCs were included in the introduction and discussion. The studies selected for this review used different strategies in order to access the contribution of FRCs to different mechanisms involved in the immune response: 21% evaluated viral infection in this context, 13% used a model of autoimmunity, 8% used a model of GvHD or cancer, 4% used a model of Ischemic-reperfusion injury (IRI). Another four studies just targeted a particular signaling pathway, such as MHC II expression, FRC microvesicles, FRC secretion of IL-15, FRC network, or ablation of the lysophosphatidic acid (LPA)-producing ectoenzyme autotaxin. In conclusion, our review shows the strategies used by several studies to isolate and culture fibroblastic reticular cells, the models chosen by each one, and dissects their main findings and implications in homeostasis and disease.
Broad-Spectrum Antibiotic Regimen Affects Survival in Patients Receiving Nivolumab for Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

Antibiotic-induced dysbiosis may affect the efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors. We investigated the impact of antibiotics on the clinical outcomes of nivolumab in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Patients who received nivolumab for NSCLC between July 2015 and June 2018 and who were followed up until June 2020 were included in a retrospective cohort analysis. Of 140 eligible patients, 70 were on antibiotics. Overall survival (OS) was shorter in patients on antibiotics (ABX) compared to those not on antibiotics (NoABX) (p = 0.014). OS was negatively associated with piperacillin/tazobactam (PTZ) (HR = 3.31, 95% CI: 1.77–6.18), days of therapy (DOT) ≥ 2 weeks (HR = 2.56, 95% CI: 1.30–5.22) and DOT of PTZ. The defined daily dose (DDD) in PTZ (r = 0.27) and glycopeptides (r = 0.21) showed weak correlations with mortality. There was no difference in progression-free survival (PFS) between ABX and NoABX; however, PFS was negatively associated with the antibiotic class PTZ and DOT of PTZ. Therefore, the use of a broad-spectrum antibiotic, such as PTZ, the long-term use of antibiotics more than 2 weeks in total and the large amount of defined daily dose of specific antibiotics were associated with decreased survival in patients receiving nivolumab for NSCLC.
Comparative Metabolite Profile, Biological Activity and Overall Quality of Three Lettuce (Lactuca sativa L., Asteraceae) Cultivars in Response to Sulfur Nutrition

The main objective of the present study was to assess the effects of sulfur (S) nutrition on plant growth, overall quality, secondary metabolites, and antibacterial and radical scavenging activities of hydroponically grown lettuce cultivars. Three lettuce cultivars, namely, Pazmanea RZ (green butterhead, V1), Hawking RZ (green multi-leaf lettuce, V2), and Barlach RZ (red multi-leaf, V3) were subjected to two S-treatments in the form of magnesium sulfate (+S) or magnesium chloride (−S). Significant differences were observed under −S treatments, especially among V1 and V2 lettuce cultivars. These responses were reflected in the yield, levels of macro- and micro-nutrients, water-soluble sugars, and free inorganic anions. In comparison with the green cultivars (V1 and V2), the red-V3 cultivar revealed a greater acclimation to S starvation, as evidenced by relative higher plant growth. In contrast, the green cultivars showed higher capabilities in production and superior quality attributes under +S condition. As for secondary metabolites, sixteen compounds (e.g., sesquiterpene lactones, caffeoyl derivatives, caffeic acid hexose, 5-caffeoylquinic acid (5-OCQA), quercetin and luteolin glucoside derivatives) were annotated in all three cultivars with the aid of HPLC-DAD-MS-based untargeted metabolomics. Sesquiterpene lactone lactucin and anthocyanin cyanidin 3-O-galactoside were only detected in V1 and V3 cultivars, respectively. Based on the analyses, the V3 cultivar was the most potent radical scavenger, while V1 and V2 cultivars exhibited antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus in response to S provision. Our study emphasizes the critical role of S nutrition in plant growth, acclimation, and nutritional quality. The judicious-S application can be adopted as a promising antimicrobial prototype for medical applications.
Non-Financial Support Provided to Parents in Stepfamilies: Empirical Examination of Europeans 50+

The aging of the population, coupled with increasing divorce and remarriage rates, are changing the structure of potential non-financial support for older parents. The purpose of this study was to examine support provided to parents aged 50+ in stepfamilies and to determine if the difference existed between help provided by natural children and stepchildren. The primary objective was to investigate whether blood ties were a significant determinant of the support if the quality of the relationship between the parent and a natural child or a stepchild was taken into account. The secondary objective was to answer the question to what extent the reciprocal exchange motive of support was observed in stepfamilies. The probability of non-financial support from children and stepchildren was estimated based on the sixth wave of the SHARE (Survey on Health, Ageing, and Retirement in Europe) database for European countries. Children in stepfamilies provided less non-financial help to parents than those in intact families. Stepchildren were less likely to be in stepparents’ social networks, and stepparents provided less help with childcare for grandchildren than they did to their biological children. Relationship closeness and looking after grandchildren increased the probability of non-financial support to older parents, regardless of whether the donor was a natural child or a stepchild.
A Machine Learning Approach to Study Glycosidase Activities from Bifidobacterium

This study aimed to recover metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs) from human fecal samples to characterize the glycosidase profiles of Bifidobacterium species exposed to different prebiotic oligosaccharides (galacto-oligosaccharides, fructo-oligosaccharides and human milk oligosaccharides, HMOs) as well as high-fiber diets. A total of 1806 MAGs were recovered from 487 infant and adult metagenomes. Unsupervised and supervised classification of glycosidases codified in MAGs using machine-learning algorithms allowed establishing characteristic hydrolytic profiles for B. adolescentis, B. bifidum, B. breve, B. longum and B. pseudocatenulatum, yielding classification rates above 90%. Glycosidase families GH5 44, GH32, and GH110 were characteristic of B. bifidum. The presence or absence of GH1, GH2, GH5 and GH20 was characteristic of B. adolescentis, B. breve and B. pseudocatenulatum, while families GH1 and GH30 were relevant in MAGs from B. longum. These characteristic profiles allowed discriminating bifidobacteria regardless of prebiotic exposure. Correlation analysis of glycosidase activities suggests strong associations between glycosidase families comprising HMOs-degrading enzymes, which are often found in MAGs from the same species. Mathematical models here proposed may contribute to a better understanding of the carbohydrate metabolism of some common bifidobacteria species and could be extrapolated to other microorganisms of interest in future studies.
Lumbar Roll Usage While Sitting Reduces the Forward Head Posture in Healthy Individuals: A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis

This systematic review and meta-analysis investigated whether the use of a lumbar roll reduced forward head posture (FHP) while sitting among individuals with or without musculoskeletal disorders. EMBASE, MEDLINE, and the Cochrane Library were systematically searched from their inception to August 2020. The quality of evidence for variables used in the meta-analysis was determined using the GRADE system. Five studies satisfied the criteria for data analysis. All studies included individuals without any spinal symptoms. Data from five studies on neck angle showed a statistically significant (p = 0.02) overall effect (standardized mean difference (SMD) = 0.77), indicating a lesser neck flexion angle while sitting with a lumbar roll than without it. Data from two studies on head angle showed a statistically significant (p = 0.04) overall effect (SMD = 0.47), indicating a lesser head extension angle while sitting with a lumbar roll than without it. In each meta-analysis, the quality of evidence was very low in the GRADE system. The use of a lumbar roll while sitting reduced FHP among individuals without spinal symptoms.
Vancomycin-Loaded Collagen/Hydroxyapatite Layers Electrospun on 3D Printed Titanium Implants Prevent Bone Destruction Associated with S. epidermidis Infection and Enhance Osseointegration

The aim of the study was to develop an orthopedic implant coating in the form of vancomycin-loaded collagen/hydroxyapatite layers (COLHA+V) that combine the ability to prevent bone infection with the ability to promote enhanced osseointegration. The ability to prevent bone infection was investigated employing a rat model that simulated the clinically relevant implant-related introduction of bacterial contamination to the bone during a surgical procedure using a clinical isolate of Staphylococcus epidermidis. The ability to enhance osseointegration was investigated employing a model of a minipig with terminated growth. Six weeks following implantation, the infected rat femurs treated with the implants without vancomycin (COLHA+S. epidermidis) exhibited the obvious destruction of cortical bone as evinced via a cortical bone porosity of up to 20% greater than that of the infected rat femurs treated with the implants containing vancomycin (COLHA+V+S. epidermidis) (3%) and the non-infected rat femurs (COLHA+V) (2%). The alteration of the bone structure of the infected COLHA+S. epidermidis group was further demonstrated by a 3% decrease in the average Ca/P molar ratio of the bone mineral. Finally, the determination of the concentration of vancomycin released into the blood stream indicated a negligible systemic load. Six months following implantation in the pigs, the quantified ratio of new bone indicated an improvement in osseointegration, with a two-fold bone ingrowth on the COLHA (47%) and COLHA+V (52%) compared to the control implants without a COLHA layer (27%). Therefore, it can be concluded that COLHA+V layers are able to significantly prevent the destruction of bone structure related to bacterial infection with a minimal systemic load and, simultaneously, enhance the rate of osseointegration.
Effects of Association of Barley Plants with Hydrocarbon-Degrading Bacteria on the Content of Soluble Organic Compounds in Clean and Oil-Contaminated Sand

Plant-bacteria consortia are more effective in bioremediation of petroleum contaminated soil than when either organism is used individually. The reason for this is that plant root exudates promote growth and activity of oil degrading bacteria. However, insufficient attention has been paid to the ability of bacteria to influence root exudation. Therefore, the influence of barley plants and/or bacterial inoculation (Pseudomonas hunanensis IB C7 and Enterobacter sp. UOM 3) on the content of organic acids, sugars and plant hormones in the eluate from clean and oil-polluted sand was studied separately or in combination. These strains are capable of oxidizing hydrocarbons and synthesizing auxins. Concentrations of organic acids and sugars were determined using capillary electrophoresis, and hormones by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. In the absence of plants, no sugars were detected in the sand, confirming that root exudates are their main source. Introducing bacteria into the sand increased total contents of organic compounds both in the presence and absence of oil. This increase could be related to the increase in auxin amounts in the sand eluate, as well as in plants. The results indicate that bacteria are able to increase the level of root exudation. Since auxins can promote root exudation, bacterial production of this hormone is likely responsible for increased concentrations of soluble organic compounds in the sand. Bacterial mediation of root exudation by affecting plant hormonal status should be considered when choosing microorganisms for phytoremediation.
Thermal, Mechanical and Electrical Properties of Carbon Fiber Fabric and Graphene Reinforced Segmented Polyurethane Composites

Thermal conductive materials with reliable and high performances such as thermal interface materials are crucial for rapid heat transferring in thermal management. In this work, carbon fiber fabric and graphene reinforced segmented polyurethane composites (CFF-G/SPU) were proposed and prepared to obtain superior thermal, mechanical and electrical properties using the hot-pressing method. The composites exhibit excellent tensile strength and can withstand a tensile force of at least 350 N without breaking. The results show that, comparing with the SPU material, the thermal conductivity is increased by 28% for the CFF-G/SPU composite, while the in-plane electrical conductivity is increased by 8 orders of magnitude to 175 S·m−1. The application of CFF-G/SPU composite as a winding thermal interface material with electric-driven self-heating effect presents good performances of fluidity and interface wettability. The composite has great advantages in phase transition and filling the interfacial gap in the short time of few seconds under the condition of electrical field, with the interface temperature difference between two layers significantly reduced.
Factors Related to Nurses’ Burnout during the First Wave of Coronavirus Disease-19 in a University Hospital in Italy

Safety of healthcare workers in hospitals is a major concern during the COVID-19 pandemic. Being exposed for several working hours per day to infected patients, nurses dealing with COVID-19 face several issues that lead to physical/psychological breakdown. This study focused on burnout and its associated factors in nurses working in an Italian University Hospital during the first wave of COVID-19 pandemic. We designed a web-based cross-sectional study addressed to nurses working at the University Hospital in Foggia, Italy. The online questionnaire was organized in sections aimed at collecting demographic and occupational variables, including the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) and the Oldenburg Burnout Inventory (OBI). Two hundred and ninety-three nurses agreed to participate. According to MBI, we reported moderate/high emotional exhaustion in 76.5%, depersonalization in 50.2%, and personal gratification in 54.6% of participants. COVID-19-related burnout measured by OBI resulted medium/high in 89.1% of participants. Among demographic and occupational factors, a multivariate regression analysis identified emotional support, consideration of leaving job, and workload as predictive of burnout in nurses. In conclusion, this study suggests that the improvement of employer and family support to nurses, as well as reduction of workload and job-related stress, would contribute to reducing burnout in nurses during COVID-19 pandemics.
Ornithobacterium rhinotracheale: MALDI-TOF MS and Whole Genome Sequencing Confirm That Serotypes K, L and M Deviate from Well-Known Reference Strains and Numerous Field Isolates

Ornithobacterium rhinotracheale is one of the most important bacterial agents of respiratory diseases in poultry. For correct identification and characterization of this fastidious bacterium, reliable diagnostic tools are essential. Still, phenotypic tests are used to identify O. rhinotracheale and serotyping is the most common method for characterization, despite known drawbacks and disadvantages such as divergent results, cross-reactivity between strains, or the non-typeability of strains. The intention of the present study was to evaluate MALDI-TOF MS and whole genome sequencing for the identification and characterization of O. rhinotracheale. For this purpose, a selection of 59 well-defined reference strains and 47 field strains derived from outbreaks on Austrian turkey farms were investigated by MALDI-TOF MS. The field strains originated from different geographical areas in Austria with some of the isolates derived from multiple outbreaks on farms within a year, or recurrent outbreaks over several years. MALDI-TOF MS proved a suitable method for identification of O. rhinotracheale to genus or species level except for 3 strains representing serotypes M, K and F. Phylogenetic analysis showed that most strains grouped within one cluster even though they were comprised of different serotypes, while serotypes F, K, and M clearly formed a different cluster. All field isolates from turkey farms clustered together, independent of the origin of the isolates, e.g., geographical area, multiple outbreaks within a year or recurrent outbreaks over several years. Whole genome sequencing of serotype M, K and F strains confirmed the extraordinary status and deviation from known fully-sequenced strains due to a lack of sequence similarity. This was further confirmed by alignments of single genes (16S-RNA and rpoB) and multilocus sequence typing although the demarcation was less obvious. Altogether, the results indicate that these three serotypes belong to a different species than O. rhinotracheale, and might even be members of multiple new species.
High and Low Haemoglobin Levels in Early Pregnancy Are Associated to a Higher Risk of Miscarriage: A Population-Based Cohort Study

To evaluate whether women with anaemia or high haemoglobin (Hb) in early pregnancy would be at higher risk of miscarriage, this population-based cohort study involved 9453 women whose pregnancies were monitored at primary care centres between 2007 and 2012. The computerised clinical histories were used to collect: Hb measurements (up to 14 weeks of gestation), miscarriage before or by 24 weeks of gestation, and other maternal characteristics. The relation between anaemia (Hb < 110 g/L), normal Hb (110–140 g/L, reference), and high Hb concentrations (≥140 g/L) with miscarriage were expressed as adjusted OR with 95%CI. Restricted cubic spline models were applied to evaluate the dose-response relationships. A total of 520 (5.5%) women were recorded as having a miscarriage. The rate of miscarriage in anaemia, normal Hb, and high Hb concentrations was 8.4%, 5.1%, and 10.2%, respectively. Compared with women with normal Hb at the first trimester, the multivariable-adjusted OR for miscarriage was 2.11 (95%CI, 1.38–3.21) for women with anaemia and 1.83 (95%CI, 1.29–2.58) for women with high Hb. Hb concentrations showed a U-shaped association with miscarriage, with the lowest incidence among women with Hb of 120–130 g/L. These data highlight the importance of considering anaemia and high Hb levels in early pregnancy as harmful indicators for miscarriage.