Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Unveiling the Correlation between Inadequate Energy/Macronutrient Intake and Clinical Alterations in Volunteers at Risk of Metabolic Syndrome by a Predictive Model

Although lifestyle-based interventions are the most effective to prevent metabolic syndrome (MetS), there is no definitive agreement on which nutritional approach is the best. The aim of the present retrospective analysis was to identify a multivariate model linking energy and macronutrient intake to the clinical features of MetS. Volunteers at risk of MetS (F = 77, M = 80) were recruited in four European centres and finally eligible for analysis. For each subject, the daily energy and nutrient intake was estimated using the EPIC questionnaire and a 24-h dietary recall, and it was compared with the dietary reference values. Then we built a predictive model for a set of clinical outcomes computing shifts from recommended intake thresholds. The use of the ridge regression, which optimises prediction performances while retaining information about the role of all the nutritional variables, allowed us to assess if a clinical outcome was manly dependent on a single nutritional variable, or if its prediction was characterised by more complex interactions between the variables. The model appeared suitable for shedding light on the complexity of nutritional variables, which effects could be not evident with univariate analysis and must be considered in the framework of the reciprocal influence of the other variables.
Self-Organization Regimes Induced by Ultrafast Laser on Surfaces in the Tens of Nanometer Scales

A laser-irradiated surface is the paradigm of a self-organizing system, as coherent, aligned, chaotic, and complex patterns emerge at the microscale and even the nanoscale. A spectacular manifestation of dissipative structures consists of different types of randomly and periodically distributed nanostructures that arise from a homogeneous metal surface. The noninstantaneous response of the material reorganizes local surface topography down to tens of nanometers scale modifying long-range surface morphology on the impact scale. Under ultrafast laser irradiation with a regulated energy dose, the formation of nanopeaks, nanobumps, nanohumps and nanocavities patterns with 20–80 nm transverse size unit and up to 100 nm height are reported. We show that the use of crossed-polarized double laser pulse adds an extra dimension to the nanostructuring process as laser energy dose and multi-pulse feedback tune the energy gradient distribution, crossing critical values for surface self-organization regimes. The tiny dimensions of complex patterns are defined by the competition between the evolution of transient liquid structures generated in a cavitation process and the rapid resolidification of the surface region. Strongly influencing the light coupling, we reveal that initial surface roughness and type of roughness both play a crucial role in controlling the transient emergence of nanostructures during laser irradiation.
Structural Basis for the C-Terminal Domain of Mycobacterium tuberculosis Ribosome Maturation Factor RimM to Bind Ribosomal Protein S19

Multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (TB) is a serious threat to public health, calling for the development of new anti-TB drugs. Chaperon protein RimM, involved in the assembly of ribosomal protein S19 into 30S ribosomal subunit during ribosome maturation, is a potential drug target for TB treatment. The C-terminal domain (CTD) of RimM is primarily responsible for binding S19. However, both the CTD structure of RimM from Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MtbRimMCTD) and the molecular mechanisms underlying MtbRimMCTD binding S19 remain elusive. Here, we report the solution structure, dynamics features of MtbRimMCTD, and its interaction with S19. MtbRimMCTD has a rigid hydrophobic core comprised of a relatively conservative six-strand β-barrel, tailed with a short α-helix and interspersed with flexible loops. Using several biophysical techniques including surface plasmon resonance (SPR) affinity assays, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) assays, and molecular docking, we established a structural model of the MtbRimMCTD–S19 complex and indicated that the β4-β5 loop and two nonconserved key residues (D105 and H129) significantly contributed to the unique pattern of MtbRimMCTD binding S19, which might be implicated in a form of orthogonality for species-dependent RimM–S19 interaction. Our study provides the structural basis for MtbRimMCTD binding S19 and is beneficial to the further exploration of MtbRimM as a potential target for the development of new anti-TB drugs.
Untargeted Metabolomics of Korean Fermented Brown Rice Using UHPLC Q-TOF MS/MS Reveal an Abundance of Potential Dietary Antioxidative and Stress-Reducing Compounds

Free radical-induced oxidative stress is the root cause of many diseases, such as diabetes, stress and cardiovascular diseases. The objective of this research was to screen GABA levels, antioxidant activities and bioactive compounds in brown rice. In this study, we first fermented brown rice with different lactic acid bacteria (LABs), and the best LAB was selected based on the levels of GABA in the fermentate. Lactobacillus reuterii generated the highest levels of GABA after fermentation. To ascertain whether germination can improve the GABA levels of brown rice, we compared the levels of GABA in raw brown rice (Raw), germinated brown rice (Germ), fermented brown rice (Ferm) and fermented-germinated brown rice (G+F) to identify the best approach. Then, antioxidant activities were investigated for Raw BR, Germ BR, Ferm BR and G+F BR. Antioxidant activity was calculated using a 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl hydrazile radical assay, 2,2-azino-bis-(3-ethylene benzothiozoline-6-sulfonic acid) radical assay and ferric-reducing antioxidant power. In Ferm BR, DPPH (114.40 ± 0.66), ABTS (130.52 ± 0.97) and FRAP (111.16 ± 1.83) mg Trolox equivalent 100 g, dry weight (DW), were observed as the highest among all samples. Total phenolic content (97.13 ± 0.59) and total flavonoids contents (79.62 ± 1.33) mg GAE/100 g and catechin equivalent/100 g, DW, were also found to be highest in fermented BR. Furthermore, an untargeted metabolomics approach using ultra-high-performance liquid tandem chromatography quadrupole time of flight mass spectrometry revealed the abundance of bioactive compounds in fermented BR, such as GABA, tryptophan, coumaric acid, L-ascorbic acid, linoleic acid, β-carotenol, eugenol, 6-gingerol, etc., as well as bioactive peptides which could contribute to the health-promoting properties of L. reuterii fermented brown rice.
PET Molecular Imaging: A Holistic Review of Current Practice and Emerging Perspectives for Diagnosis, Therapeutic Evaluation and Prognosis in Clinical Oncology

PET/CT molecular imaging has been imposed in clinical oncological practice over the past 20 years, driven by its two well-grounded foundations: quantification and radiolabeled molecular probe vectorization. From basic visual interpretation to more sophisticated full kinetic modeling, PET technology provides a unique opportunity to characterize various biological processes with different levels of analysis. In clinical practice, many efforts have been made during the last two decades to standardize image analyses at the international level, but advanced metrics are still under use in practice. In parallel, the integration of PET imaging with radionuclide therapy, also known as radiolabeled theranostics, has paved the way towards highly sensitive radionuclide-based precision medicine, with major breakthroughs emerging in neuroendocrine tumors and prostate cancer. PET imaging of tumor immunity and beyond is also emerging, emphasizing the unique capabilities of PET molecular imaging to constantly adapt to emerging oncological challenges. However, these new horizons face the growing complexity of multidimensional data. In the era of precision medicine, statistical and computer sciences are currently revolutionizing image-based decision making, paving the way for more holistic cancer molecular imaging analyses at the whole-body level.
Antimicrobial Resistance Patterns of Escherichia coli Isolated from Sheep and Beef Farms in England and Wales: A Comparison of Disk Diffusion Interpretation Methods

Little data exist on the levels of antimicrobial resistance from bacteria isolated from British sheep and beef cattle. The aim of this study was to investigate antimicrobial resistance patterns on sheep and beef farms in England and Wales using multiple interpretation methods. Fecal samples (n = 350) from sheep and beef cattle were collected from 35 farms. Disk diffusion antimicrobial susceptibility testing against ten antimicrobials was carried out for 1115 (699 sheep, 416 beef) β-glucuronidase-positive Escherichia coli isolates. Susceptibility was interpreted using clinical breakpoints, which determine clinically resistant bacteria, and epidemiological and livestock-specific cut-off values, which determine microbiological-resistant bacteria (non-wild type). Using livestock-specific cut-off values, a high frequency of wild type for all ten antimicrobials was observed in isolates from sheep (90%) and beef cattle (85%). Cluster analysis was performed to identify patterns in antimicrobial resistance. Interpretation of susceptibility using livestock-specific cut-off values showed a cluster of isolates that were non-wild type to cefotaxime and amoxicillin/clavulanic acid, whereas clinical breakpoints did not. A multilevel logistic regression model determined that tetracycline use on the farm and soil copper concentration were significantly associated with tetracycline non-wild type isolates. The results suggest that using human clinical breakpoints could lead to both the under-reporting and over-reporting of antimicrobial resistance in sheep and beef cattle.
Changes in Particle Size, Sedimentation, and Protein Microstructure of Ultra-High-Temperature Skim Milk Considering Plasmin Concentration and Storage Temperature

Age gelation is a major quality defect in ultra-high-temperature (UHT) pasteurized milk during extended storage. Changes in plasmin (PL)-induced sedimentation were investigated during storage (23 °C and 37 °C, four weeks) of UHT skim milk treated with PL (2.5, 10, and 15 U/L). The increase in particle size and broadening of the particle size distribution of samples during storage were dependent on the PL concentration, storage period, and storage temperature. Sediment analysis indicated that elevated storage temperature accelerated protein sedimentation. The initial PL concentration was positively correlated with the amount of protein sediment in samples stored at 23 °C for four weeks (r = 0.615; p < 0.01), whereas this correlation was negative in samples stored at 37 °C for the same time (r = −0.358; p < 0.01) due to extensive proteolysis. SDS-PAGE revealed that whey proteins remained soluble over storage at 23 °C for four weeks, but they mostly disappeared from the soluble phase of PL-added samples after two weeks’ storage at 37 °C. Transmission electron micrographs of PL-containing UHT skim milk during storage at different temperatures supported the trend of sediment analysis well. Based on the Fourier transform infrared spectra of UHT skim milk stored at 23 °C for three weeks, PL-induced particle size enlargement was due to protein aggregation and the formation of intermolecular β-sheet structures, which contributed to casein destabilization, leading to sediment formation.
Twenty-Five-Year Trends in Dietary Patterns among Chinese Adults from 1991 to 2015

Poor dietary habits have been shown to be associated with a range of chronic diseases and can potentially be a major contributor to non-communicable diseases (NCDs) mortality. We therefore aimed to identify the prevailing dietary patterns among Chinese adults and to evaluate trends in dietary patterns from 1991 to 2015. We used data collected in the China Health and Nutrition Survey (CHNS). Dietary patterns were identified using factor analysis of data from three consecutive 24 h dietary recalls. We studied 29,238 adults aged 18 and above with complete demo-graphic and dietary data. Three distinct dietary patterns were identified: southern (high intakes of rice, vegetables, and pork), modern (high intakes of fruits, dairy products, cakes, cookies, and pastries), and meat (high intakes of organ meats, poultry, and other livestock meat). The southern pattern score decreased (mean ± SD scores in 1991: 0.11 ± 1.13; scores in 2015: −0.22 ± 0.93). The modern pattern score (mean ± SD scores in 1991: −0.44 ± 0.59; scores in 2015: 0.21 ± 1.01) and meat pattern score (mean ± SD scores in 1991: −0.18 ± 0.98; scores in 2015: 0.27 ± 0.91) increased. We observed that China has experienced a shift from traditional dietary patterns to western dietary patterns.
A Walk in the Memory, from the First Functional Approach up to Its Regulatory Role of Mitochondrial Bioenergetic Flow in Health and Disease: Focus on the Adenine Nucleotide Translocator

The mitochondrial adenine nucleotide translocator (ANT) plays the fundamental role of gatekeeper of cellular energy flow, carrying out the reversible exchange of ADP for ATP across the inner mitochondrial membrane. ADP enters the mitochondria where, through the oxidative phosphorylation process, it is the substrate of Fo-F1 ATP synthase, producing ATP that is dispatched from the mitochondrion to the cytoplasm of the host cell, where it can be used as energy currency for the metabolic needs of the cell that require energy. Long ago, we performed a method that allowed us to monitor the activity of ANT by continuously detecting the ATP gradually produced inside the mitochondria and exported in the extramitochondrial phase in exchange with externally added ADP, under conditions quite close to a physiological state, i.e., when oxidative phosphorylation takes place. More than 30 years after the development of the method, here we aim to put the spotlight on it and to emphasize its versatile applicability in the most varied pathophysiological conditions, reviewing all the studies, in which we were able to observe what really happened in the cell thanks to the use of the “ATP detecting system” allowing the functional activity of the ANT-mediated ADP/ATP exchange to be measured.
Imbalance of Mg Homeostasis as a Potential Biomarker in Colon Cancer

Background: Increasing evidences support a correlation between magnesium (Mg) homeostasis and colorectal cancer (CRC). Nevertheless, the role of Mg and its transporters as diagnostic markers in CRC is still a matter of debate. In this study we combined X-ray Fluorescence Microscopy and databases information to investigate the possible correlation between Mg imbalance and CRC. Methods: CRC tissue samples and their non-tumoural counterpart from four patients were collected and analysed for total Mg level and distribution by X-Ray Fluorescence Microscopy. We also reviewed the scientific literature and the main tissue expression databases to collect data on Mg transporters expression in CRC. Results: We found a significantly higher content of total Mg in CRC samples when compared to non-tumoural tissues. Mg distribution was also impaired in CRC. Conversely, we evidenced an uncertain correlation between Mg transporters expression and colon malignancies. Discussion: Although further studies are necessary to determine the correlation between different cancer types and stages, this is the first report proposing the measurement of Mg tissue localisation as a marker in CRC. This study represents thus a proof-of-concept that paves the way for the design of a larger prospective investigation of Mg in CRC.
Expression of Enzymes Associated with Prostaglandin Synthesis in Equine Conceptuses

Simple Summary The mobile preimplantative phase of equine gestation, taking place between day 9 and 16 after ovulation, is characterized by peristaltic contractions of the uterus caused by secretion of prostaglandins by the spheric equine conceptus. This mobility is necessary for maternal recognition of pregnancy in equids, taking place around day 14 after ovulation. The presented study investigated the spatial and temporal abundance of prostaglandin synthesis enzymes of the equine conceptus, elucidating a basal and an inducible system for prostaglandin E2. Prostaglandin F2α synthesis is restricted to the “periembryonic”pole area and relies on enzymatic conversion of prostaglandin E2. This scenario led to a model able to explain the embryonic forward motion driven by the peristaltic contractions of the uterus. In vitro incubation of primary trophoblast cell cultures with oxytocin showed no influence of this hormone on prostaglandin synthesis. Abstract In the horse, mobility of the conceptus is required for maternal recognition of pregnancy depending on secretion of prostaglandins by the conceptus. The aim of this study was to determine the expression and localization of key enzymes of the different pathways leading to synthesis of prostaglandin E2 and F2α in the equine conceptus during the mobility phase. Enzyme expression was analyzed via quantitative RT-PCR in total RNA samples of equine conceptuses collected on days 10 (n = 5), 12 (n = 12), 14 (n = 5) and 16 (n = 7) from healthy mares. Relative abundance of cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 mRNA was higher (p < 0.05) than of COX-1 irrespective of conceptus age and for phospholipase A2 on day 16 in comparison to all other days (p < 0.01). Abundance of mRNA of cytosolic and microsomal prostaglandin E synthase (PGES) and of carbonyl reductase (CBR) 1 was not influenced by conceptus age. Immunohistochemically, COX-1, COX-2, as well as cytosolic and microsomal PGES were present in both the ectodermal and endodermal layer of the yolk sac wall. CBR-1 was restricted to periembryonic disc area. The localisation of the key enzymes explains the mechanism of embryo mobility. In vitro incubation of primary trophoblast cell cultures with oxytocin had no effect on key enzyme synthesis.
Photocatalytic activity of carbon nanofibers loading AgBr–TiO2 composites under visible light irradiation

Carbon nanofibers (CNFs) containing sliver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) were prepared via in situ reduction, electrospinning, and high-temperature calcination technique. Tetrabutyl titanate, the precursor of titanium dioxide (TiO2), was adsorbed to the surface of Ag/CNFs by physical adsorption process. Ag–TiO2/CNFs nanocomposites were obtained by high-temperature calcination treatment. Then, Ag NPs were oxidized to sliver bromide (AgBr) using bromine (Br2) as an oxidant. The characterizations of scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, proved that AgBr and anatase TiO2 NPs deposited on the surface of CNFs. The photocatalytic experiments exhibited that the as-prepared AgBr–TiO2/CNFs were easily recycled and the introduction of AgBr NPs made them possess well photocatalytic activity under visible light (λ ≥ 400 nm).
Pomegranate By-Products as Natural Preservative to Prolong the Shelf Life of Breaded Cod Stick

This work evaluated the efficacy of pomegranate byproducts, specifically peel powder, as valid preservatives for food quality. Ready-to-cook cod sticks breaded with pomegranate peel powder were prepared. Shelf-life tests were conducted on breaded cod sticks during refrigerated storage (17 days) at 4 °C, monitoring the pH, microbiological and sensory quality. In addition, the nutritional quality of both the breaded and control samples was assessed. The results highlighted that active samples showed higher phenol and flavonoid content and higher antioxidant activity compared to the control fish, suggesting that pomegranate peel powder was responsible for a significant increase in cod stick nutritional quality. Furthermore, the cod stick active breading led to a delay in microbial growth without affecting the sensory properties; rather, it helped slow down the sensory attribute decline during the refrigerated storage. The data suggest that using pomegranate byproducts in breaded cod stick was effective in prolonging its shelf life, as well as improving its nutritional quality. Therefore, pomegranate peel powder can be considered as a potential resource as natural food preservative.
Matrix Stiffness Modulates Mechanical Interactions and Promotes Contact between Motile Cells

The mechanical micro-environment of cells and tissues influences key aspects of cell structure and function, including cell motility. For proper tissue development, cells need to migrate, interact, and form contacts. Cells are known to exert contractile forces on underlying soft substrates and sense deformations in them. Here, we propose and analyze a minimal biophysical model for cell migration and long-range cell–cell interactions through mutual mechanical deformations of the substrate. We compute key metrics of cell motile behavior, such as the number of cell-cell contacts over a given time, the dispersion of cell trajectories, and the probability of permanent cell contact, and analyze how these depend on a cell motility parameter and substrate stiffness. Our results elucidate how cells may sense each other mechanically and generate coordinated movements and provide an extensible framework to further address both mechanical and short-range biophysical interactions.
Genetic Characterization of a Sheep Population in Oaxaca, Mexico: The Chocholteca Creole

Simple Summary Creole animals are an important genetic resource due to their adaptation to adverse conditions, however, many of them have disappeared or have been reduced in number; therefore, their identification and preservation should be promoted. In the Mixteca zone of Oaxaca, México, there is a group of creole sheep with physical differences with respect to the other known breeds. The objective of the present study was to determine the degree of differentiation among the individuals of the population of creole sheep and the similarities with other breeds, as well as to measure their level of conservation and consanguinity. It was found that there is a group of sheep which is different from the presently known breeds and that they do not present high degree of consanguinity, and thus may be considered a new breed. Therefore, it is proposed that they are identified as the Chocholteca Creole breed, in honor of the ethnic group which inhabits this region. The present study is very important because it discovers a new genotype of sheep, which amplifies the genetic diversity. Therefore, further studies are needed, given that they are a potential alternative of meat and wool. Abstract Creole sheep in México have undergone crossbreeding, provoking the loss of genetic variability. The objective of the present study is to determine the intra-racial genetic diversity, the genetic relationship with other genotypes, and the populational substructure of the Oaxacan Creole sheep. Twenty-nine blood samples were obtained of Creole sheep of the Oaxaca Mixteca region in México. A genetic analysis was made with 41 microsatellites recommended for studies of genetic diversity in sheep. An analysis was made of genetic diversity, populational structure, and genetic distance with 27 other sheep populations. The study found 205 alleles with a range of 2 to 9 by locus and an effective number of 3.33. The intra-racial analysis showed a moderate genetic diversity with values of expected heterozygosity of 0.686 and observed of 0.756, a mean polymorphic information content of 0.609, and a mean coefficient of consanguinity of −0.002. In interracial genetic diversity for the coefficients of consanguinity, the values were FIS = 0.0774, FIT = 0.16993, and FST = 0.10028, showing an elevated genetic distance with other creole breeds, but close to Argentine Creole, to another Creole of México and the Spanish Merino. Its genetic structure showed that it does not have any populational subdivision nor mixes with the others analyzed. It is concluded that it is a distinct and isolated population and is proposed as the creole breed “Chocholteca” for its conservation.