Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Current Knowledge on Functionality and Potential Therapeutic Uses of Donkey Milk

Simple Summary This paper examines scientific evidence on the positive effects of donkey milk consumption on human health and its possible therapeutic applications. The most investigated clinical use of donkey milk is in feeding infants with food allergies, in whom donkey milk is well tolerated in the 82.6–98.5% of cases. Donkey milk has shown several beneficial properties, including immunomodulatory activity, antioxidant and detoxifying effects, modulation of the intestinal microbiota, and lowering of blood sugar and triglycerides, which have been tested almost exclusively in experimental animals. Inhibitory actions on microorganisms have been also observed in vitro studies. This literature review highlights the need for new clinical trials to collect stronger evidence about the positive effects observed in experimental models which could lead to new therapeutic applications of donkey milk in humans. Abstract The increase of knowledge on the composition of donkey milk has revealed marked similarities to human milk, which led to a growing number of investigations focused on testing the potential effects of donkey milk in vitro and in vivo. This paper examines the scientific evidence regarding the beneficial effects of donkey milk on human health. Most clinical studies report a tolerability of donkey milk in 82.6–98.5% of infants with cow milk protein allergies. The average protein content of donkey milk is about 18 g/L. Caseins, which are main allergenic components of milk, are less represented compared to cow milk (56% of the total protein in donkey vs. 80% in cow milk). Donkey milk is well accepted by children due to its high concentration of lactose (about 60 g/L). Immunomodulatory properties have been reported in one study in humans and in several animal models. Donkey milk also seems to modulate the intestinal microbiota, enhance antioxidant defense mechanisms and detoxifying enzymes activities, reduce hyperglycemia and normalize dyslipidemia. Donkey milk has lower calorie and fat content compared with other milks used in human nutrition (fat ranges from 0.20% to 1.7%) and a more favourable fatty acid profile, being low in saturated fatty acids (3.02 g/L) and high in alpha-linolenic acid (about 7.25 g/100 g of fat). Until now, the beneficial properties of donkey milk have been mostly related to whey proteins, among which β-lactoglobulin is the most represented (6.06 g/L), followed by α-lactalbumin (about 2 g/L) and lysozyme (1.07 g/L). So far, the health functionality of donkey milk has been tested almost exclusively on animal models. Furthermore, in vitro studies have described inhibitory action against bacteria, viruses, and fungi. From the literature review emerges the need for new randomized clinical trials on humans to provide stronger evidence of the potential beneficial health effects of donkey milk, which could lead to new applications as an adjuvant in the treatment of cardiometabolic diseases, malnutrition, and aging.
Different csrA Expression Levels in C versus K-12 E. coli Strains Affect Biofilm Formation and Impact the Regulatory Mechanism Presided by the CsrB and CsrC Small RNAs

Escherichia coli C is a strong biofilm producer in comparison to E. coli K-12 laboratory strains due to higher expression of the pgaABCD operon encoding the enzymes for the biosynthesis of the extracellular polysaccharide poly-β-1,6-N-acetylglucosamine (PNAG). The pgaABCD operon is negatively regulated at the post-transcriptional level by two factors, namely CsrA, a conserved RNA-binding protein controlling multiple pathways, and the RNA exonuclease polynucleotide phosphorylase (PNPase). In this work, we investigated the molecular bases of different PNAG production in C-1a and MG1655 strains taken as representative of E. coli C and K-12 strains, respectively. We found that pgaABCD operon expression is significantly lower in MG1655 than in C-1a; consistently, CsrA protein levels were much higher in MG1655. In contrast, we show that the negative effect exerted by PNPase on pgaABCD expression is much stronger in C-1a than in MG1655. The amount of CsrA and of the small RNAs CsrB, CsrC, and McaS sRNAs regulating CsrA activity is dramatically different in the two strains, whereas PNPase level is similar. Finally, the compensatory regulation acting between CsrB and CsrC in MG1655 does not occur in E. coli C. Our results suggest that PNPase preserves CsrA-dependent regulation by indirectly modulating csrA expression.
Influence of Grain- and Grass-Finishing Systems on Carcass Characteristics, Meat Quality, Nutritional Composition, and Consumer Sensory Attributes of Bison

The objective of this study was to determine the influence of two finishing systems (grain- or grass-finishing) on carcass characteristics, meat quality, nutritional composition, and sensory attributes of bison. Bison heifers were assigned to either a grain- or grass-finishing treatment for 130 days prior to slaughter. Carcass measurements, lean color and fat color were recorded. Striploins (M. longissimus lumborum) were collected for analysis of pH, fatty acid profile, cholesterol, proximate analysis, Warner-Bratzler shear force, cook loss, and consumer sensory evaluation. Grain-finished bison heifers had greater (p < 0.01) hot carcass weights, dressing percentage, ribeye area, backfat, and marbling scores compared to grass-finished heifers. Instrumental color values (L*, a*, b*) of the ribeye and a* value of backfat opposite the ribeye were greater (p < 0.01) for grain-finished heifers. Steaks from grain-finished heifers had increased (p < 0.05) crude protein and fat content and decreased (p < 0.01) moisture compared to grass-finished heifers. The grain-finishing system produced steaks with increased (p < 0.01) cholesterol and total fatty acids (mg/g of wet tissue). The grain-finished system produced more tender (p < 0.05) steaks, but consumer sensory ratings did not differ (p > 0.10) between treatments. These data indicate that finishing systems influence bison carcass characteristics, nutritional composition, and meat quality, but do not translate to differences in consumer preferences.
Flexibility of Oxidized and Reduced States of the Chloroplast Regulatory Protein CP12 in Isolation and in Cell Extracts

In the chloroplast, Calvin–Benson–Bassham enzymes are active in the reducing environment created in the light by electrons from the photosystems. In the dark, these enzymes are inhibited, mainly caused by oxidation of key regulatory cysteine residues. CP12 is a small protein that plays a role in this regulation with four cysteine residues that undergo a redox transition. Using amide-proton exchange with solvent, measured by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and mass-spectrometry, we confirmed that reduced CP12 is intrinsically disordered. Using real-time NMR, we showed that the oxidation of the two disulfide bridges is simultaneous. In oxidized CP12, the C23–C31 pair is in a region that undergoes a conformational exchange in the NMR-intermediate timescale. The C66–C75 pair is in the C-terminus that folds into a stable helical turn. We confirmed that these structural states exist in a physiologically relevant environment: a cell extract from Chlamydomonas reinhardtii. Consistent with these structural equilibria, the reduction is slower for the C66–C75 pair than for the C23–C31 pair. The redox mid-potentials for the two cysteine pairs differ and are similar to those found for glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase and phosphoribulokinase, consistent with the regulatory role of CP12.
Chromosome and Molecular Analyses Reveal Significant Karyotype Diversity and Provide New Evidence on the Origin of Aegilops columnaris

Aegilops columnaris Zhuk. is tetraploid grass species (2n = 4x = 28, UcUcXcXc) closely related to Ae. neglecta and growing in Western Asia and a western part of the Fertile Crescent. Genetic diversity of Ae. columnaris was assessed using C-banding, FISH, nuclear and chloroplast (cp) DNA analyses, and gliadin electrophoresis. Cytogenetically Ae. columnaris was subdivided into two groups, C-I and C-II, showing different karyotype structure, C-banding, and FISH patterns. C-I group was more similar to Ae. neglecta. All types of markers revealed significant heterogeneity in C-II group, although group C-I was also polymorphic. Two chromosomal groups were consistent with plastogroups identified in a current study based on sequencing of three chloroplast intergenic spacer regions. The similarity of group C-I of Ae. columnaris with Ae. neglecta and their distinctness from C-II indicate that divergence of the C-I group was associated with minor genome modifications. Group C-II could emerge from C-I relatively recently, probably due to introgression from another Aegilops species followed by a reorganization of the parental genomes. Most C-II accessions were collected from a very narrow geographic region, and they might originate from a common ancestor. We suggest that the C-II group is at the initial stage of species divergence and undergoing an extensive speciation process.
Phenothiazinium Photosensitizers Associated with Silver Nanoparticles in Enhancement of Antimicrobial Photodynamic Therapy

Antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (APDT) and silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are known as promising alternatives for the control of microorganisms. This study aims to evaluate the antifungal activity of APDT, particularly by using the association of low concentrations of phenothiazinium photosensitizers (PS) methylene blue (MB), new methylene blue N (NMBN), and new methylene blue N Zinc (NMBN-Zn) in association with biosynthesized AgNPs. The AgNPs were characterized by UV-Vis spectrophotometry, transmission electron microscopy, and the dynamic light scattering method. The minimum inhibitory concentration of compounds in APDT against Candida albicans and Fusarium keratoplasticum was obtained and the Fractional Inhibitory Concentration Index determined the antifungal effect. The toxicity of compounds and associations in APDT were evaluated in Galleria mellonella. The AgNPs presented a surface plasmon band peak at 420 nm, hydrodynamic diameter of 86.72 nm, and zeta potential of −28.6 mV. AgNPs-PS showed a wider and displaced plasmon band peak due to PS ligands on the surface and decreased zeta potential. AgNPs-NMBN and AgNPs-NMBN-Zn associations presented synergistic effect in APDT with 15 J cm−2 against both fungi and did not show toxicity to G. mellonella. Hence, the enhancement of antifungal activity with low concentrations of compounds and absence of toxicity makes APDT with AgNPs-PS a promising therapeutic alternative for fungal infections.
Endopolyploidy Variation in Wild Barley Seeds across Environmental Gradients in Israel

Wild barley is abundant, occupying large diversity of sites, ranging from the northern mesic Mediterranean meadows to the southern xeric deserts in Israel. This is also reflected in its wide phenotypic heterogeneity. We investigated the dynamics of DNA content changes in seed tissues in ten wild barley accessions that originated from an environmental gradient in Israel. The flow cytometric measurements were done from the time shortly after pollination up to the dry seeds. We show variation in mitotic cell cycle and endoreduplication dynamics in both diploid seed tissues (represented by seed maternal tissues and embryo) and in the triploid endosperm. We found that wild barley accessions collected at harsher xeric environmental conditions produce higher proportion of endoreduplicated nuclei in endosperm tissues. Also, a comparison of wild and cultivated barley strains revealed a higher endopolyploidy level in the endosperm of wild barley, that is accompanied by temporal changes in the timing of the major developmental phases. In summary, we present a new direction of research focusing on connecting spatiotemporal patterns of endoreduplication in barley seeds and possibly buffering for stress conditions.
The Potential Role of Flavonoids in Ameliorating Diabetic Cardiomyopathy via Alleviation of Cardiac Oxidative Stress, Inflammation and Apoptosis

Diabetic cardiomyopathy is one of the major mortality risk factors among diabetic patients worldwide. It has been established that most of the cardiac structural and functional alterations in the diabetic cardiomyopathy condition resulted from the hyperglycemia-induced persistent oxidative stress in the heart, resulting in the maladaptive responses of inflammation and apoptosis. Flavonoids, the most abundant phytochemical in plants, have been reported to exhibit diverse therapeutic potential in medicine and other biological activities. Flavonoids have been widely studied for their effects in protecting the heart against diabetes-induced cardiomyopathy. The potential of flavonoids in alleviating diabetic cardiomyopathy is mainly related with their remedial actions as anti-hyperglycemic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic agents. In this review, we summarize the latest findings of flavonoid treatments on diabetic cardiomyopathy as well as elucidating the mechanisms involved.
Effects of Mini-Basketball Training Program on Social Communication Impairment and Executive Control Network in Preschool Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

This study evaluated the effect of a 12-week mini-basketball training program (MBTP) on social communication (SC) and the executive control network (ECN) in preschool children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). We finally assigned 30 preschool children with ASD to an experiment group (n = 15, 12 males, 3 females) or a control group (n = 15, 13 males, 2 females). The experiment group participated in a 12-week MBTP (40-min sessions per day, 5 days a week), while the control group only received the institutional routine behavioral rehabilitation intervention. The SC of preschool children with ASD was measured using the Social Responsiveness Scale, Second Edition (SRS-2), whereas functional connectivity (FC) of the ECN was assessed using resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI) at pre-and post-test. Our results showed that SC exhibited significant improvement in the intervention group, especially in SRS-2 total score, social cognition, and social communication. We found significantly enhanced functional connectivity between the right cerebellum and left inferior frontal gyrus in the experimental group, while functional connectivity between the left middle temporal gyrus and right cerebellum were decreased in the control group. Furthermore, there were no significant correlations between the change in SC scores and FC of the ECN. Altogether, this study provides valuable insights that a 12-week MBTP improves SC and functional connectivity of the ECN in preschool children with ASD. We further inferred that neural mechanisms might be associated with changing the ECN of preschool ASD children caused by the 12-week MBTP.
Communicative Interaction with and without Eye-Gaze Technology between Children and Youths with Complex Needs and Their Communication Partners

Use of eye-gaze assistive technology (EGAT) provides children/youths with severe motor and speech impairments communication opportunities by using eyes to control a communication interface on a computer. However, knowledge about how using EGAT contributes to communication and influences dyadic interaction remains limited. Aim: By video-coding dyadic interaction sequences, this study investigates the impacts of employing EGAT, compared to the Non-EGAT condition on the dyadic communicative interaction. Method: Participants were six dyads with children/youths aged 4–19 years having severe physical disabilities and complex communication needs. A total of 12 film clips of dyadic communication activities with and without EGAT in natural contexts were included. Based on a systematic coding scheme, dyadic communication behaviors were coded to determine the interactional structure and communicative functions. Data were analyzed using a three-tiered method combining group and individual analysis. Results: When using EGAT, children/youths increased initiations in communicative interactions and tended to provide more information, while communication partners made fewer communicative turns, initiations, and requests compared to the Non-EGAT condition. Communication activities, eye-control skills, and communication abilities could influence dyadic interaction. Conclusion: Use of EGAT shows potential to support communicative interaction by increasing children’s initiations and intelligibility, and facilitating symmetrical communication between dyads.
Correlation of the Commercial Anti-SARS-CoV-2 Receptor Binding Domain Antibody Test with the Chemiluminescent Reduction Neutralizing Test and Possible Detection of Antibodies to Emerging Variants

This study provides a diagnostic evidence of test validity, which can lead to vaccine efficacy and proof of recovery after COVID-19. It is not easy to know neutralization against SARS-CoV-2 in the clinical laboratory because of technical and biohazard issues. ABSTRACT Serological tests are beneficial for recognizing the immune response against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2). To identify protective immunity, optimization of the chemiluminescent reduction neutralizing test (CRNT) is critical. Whether commercial antibody tests have comparable accuracy is unknown. Serum samples were obtained from COVID-19 patients (n = 74), SARS-CoV-2 PCR-negative (n = 179), and suspected healthy individuals (n = 229) before SARS-CoV-2 variants had been detected locally. The convalescent phase was defined as the period after day 10 from disease onset or the episode of close contact. The CRNT using pseudotyped viruses displaying the wild-type (WT) spike protein and a commercial anti-receptor-binding domain (RBD) antibody test were assayed. Serology for the B.1. 1.7 and B.1. 351 variants was also assayed. Both tests concurred for symptomatic COVID-19 patients in the convalescent phase. They clearly differentiated between patients and suspected healthy individuals (sensitivity: 95.8% and 100%, respectively; specificity: 99.1% and 100%, respectively). Anti-RBD antibody test results correlated with neutralizing titers (r = 0.31, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.22–0.38). Compared with the WT, lower CRNT values were observed for the variants. Of the samples with ≥100 U/mL by the anti-RBD antibody test, 77.8% and 88.9% showed ≥50% neutralization against the B.1. 1.7 and the B.1. 351 variants, respectively. Exceeding 100 U/mL in the anti-RBD antibody test was associated with neutralization of variants (P < 0.01). The CRNT and commercial anti-RBD antibody test effectively classified convalescent COVID-19 patients. Strong positive results with the anti-RBD antibody test can reflect neutralizing activity against emerging variants. IMPORTANCE This study provides a diagnostic evidence of test validity, which can lead to vaccine efficacy and proof of recovery after COVID-19. It is not easy to know neutralization against SARS-CoV-2 in the clinical laboratory because of technical and biohazard issues. The correlation of the quantitative anti-receptor-binding domain antibody test, which is widely available, with neutralizing test indicates that we can know indirectly the state of acquisition of functional immunity against wild and variant-type viruses in the clinical laboratory.
Safe balloon inflation parameters for resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta

Supplemental digital content is available in the text. BACKGROUND Noncompressible hemorrhage is a leading cause of preventable death in civilian and military trauma populations. Resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta (REBOA) is a promising method for controlling noncompressible hemorrhage, but safe balloon inflation parameters are not well defined. Our goal was to determine the balloon inflation parameters associated with benchtop flow occlusion and aortic/balloon rupture in ex vivo human aortas and test the hypothesis that optimal balloon inflation characteristics depend on systolic pressure and subject demographics. METHODS Aortic occlusion parameters in human thoracic aortas (TAs) and abdominal aortas (AAs) from 79 tissue donors (median ± SD age, 52 ± 18 years [range, 13–75 years]; male, 52; female, 27) were recorded under 100/40, 150/40, and 200/40 mm Hg flow pressures for ER-REBOA and Coda balloons. Rupture tests were done with Coda balloons only without flow. RESULTS In the TA, the average balloon inflation volumes and pressures resulting in 100/40 mm Hg flow occlusion were 11.7 ± 3.8 mL and 174 ± 65 mm Hg for the ER-REBOA, and 10.6 ± 4.3 mL and 94 ± 57 mm Hg for the Coda balloons. In the AA, these values were 6.2 ± 2.6 mL and 110 ± 47 mm Hg for the ER-REBOA, and 5.9 ± 2.2 mL and 71 ± 30 mm Hg for the Coda. The average balloon inflation parameters associated with aortic/Coda balloon rupture were 39.1 ± 6.5 mL and 1,284 ± 385 mm Hg in the TA, and 27.7 ± 7.7 mL and 1,410 ± 483 mm Hg in the AA. Age, sex, and systolic pressure all had significant effects on balloon occlusion and rupture parameters. CONCLUSION Optimal balloon inflation parameters depend on anatomical, physiological, and demographic characteristics. Pressure-guided rather than volume-guided balloon inflation may reduce the risk of aortic rupture. These results can be used to help improve the safety of REBOA procedures and devices.