Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Characterization and In Vitro Efficacy against Listeria monocytogenes of a Newly Isolated Bacteriophage, ΦIZSAM-1

Listeria monocytogenes is a bacterial pathogen responsible of listeriosis, a disease that in humans is often related to the contamination of ready-to-eat foods. Phages are candidate biodecontaminants of pathogenic bacteria thanks to their ability to lyse prokaryotes while being safe for eukaryotic cells. In this study, ΦIZSAM-1 was isolated from the drain-waters of an Italian blue cheese plant and showed lytic activity against antimicrobial resistant Listeria monocytogenes strains. This phage was subjected to purification and in vitro efficacy tests. The results showed that at multiplicities of infection (MOIs) ≤ 1, phages were able to keep Listeria monocytogenes at low optical density values up to 8 h, with bacterial counts ranging from 1.02 to 3.96 log10 units lower than the control. Besides, ΦIZSAM-1 was further characterized, showing 25 principal proteins (sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis profile) and a genome of approximately 50 kilo base pairs. Moreover, this study describes a new approach to phage isolation for applications in Listeria monocytogenes biocontrol in food production. In particular, the authors believe that the selection of phages from the same environments where pathogens live could represent a new approach to successfully integrating the control measures in an innovative, cost effective, safe and environmentally friendly way.
Mdm2-Mediated Downmodulation of GRK2 Restricts Centrosome Separation for Proper Chromosome Congression

The timing of centrosome separation and the distance moved apart influence the formation of the bipolar spindle, affecting chromosome stability. Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) signaling induces early centrosome separation through downstream G protein-coupled receptor kinase GRK2, which phosphorylates the Hippo pathway component MST2 (Mammalian STE20-like protein kinase 2), in turn allowing NIMA kinase Nek2A activation for centrosomal linker disassembly. However, the mechanisms that counterbalance centrosome disjunction and separation remain poorly understood. We unveil that timely degradation of GRK2 by the E3 ligase Mdm2 limits centrosome separation in the G2. Both knockout expression and catalytic inhibition of Mdm2 result in GRK2 accumulation and enhanced centrosome separation before mitosis onset. Phosphorylation of GRK2 on residue S670 enables a complex pattern of non-K48-linked polyubiquitin chains assembled by Mdm2, which correlate with kinase protein degradation. Remarkably, GRK2-S670A protein fails to phosphorylate MST2 despite overcoming Mdm2-dependent degradation, which results in defective centrosome separation, shorter spindles, and abnormal chromosome congression. Conversely, extra levels of wild-type kinase in the G2 cause increased inter-centrosome distances with longer spindles, also converging in congression issues. Our findings show that the signals enabling activity of the GRK2/MST2/Nek2A axis for separation also switches on Mdm2 degradation of GRK2 to ensure accurate centrosome dynamics and proper mitotic spindle functionality.
Plant Carotenoids as Pigment Sources in Laying Hen Diets: Effect on Yolk Color, Carotenoid Content, Oxidative Stability and Sensory Properties of Eggs

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of a supplementation diet for hens consisting of dried basil herb and flowers of calendula and dandelion for color, carotenoid content, iron-induced oxidative stability, and sensory properties of egg yolk compared with commercial pigment (control) and marigold flower. The plant parts were supplemented in diets at two levels: 1% and 3%. In response to dietary content, yolks from all diets differed in carotenoid profile (p < 0.001). The 3% supplementation level resulted in a similar total carotenoid content as the control (21.25 vs. 21.79 μg/g), but by 3-fold lower compared to the 3% marigold (66.95 μg/g). The tested plants did not achieve yolk color fan values as the control (13.47) or 3% marigold (11.47), and among them, calendula had the highest values (9.73). Despite the low carotenoid content in diets supplemented with basil herb, iron-induced malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration was low as for marigold (on average 106.83 vs. 92.68 ng/g after 250 min). The treatments differed in sensory color scores for fresh and hard-boiled yolks and flavor while other sensory properties were similar. In conclusion, the supplementation of plants in a hen diet may result in yolks containing carotenoids and other compounds showing a high antioxidant effect.
Periodontitis Prevalence, Severity, and Risk Factors: A Comparison of the AAP/CDC Case Definition and the EFP/AAP Classification

Background: This cross-sectional study evaluated the utility of the 2018 European Federation of Periodontology/American Academy of Periodontology (EFP/AAP) classifications of epidemiological studies in terms of periodontitis severity, prevalence and associated risk factors and the 2012 American Academy of Periodontology/Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (AAP/CDC) case definitions. Methods: We included 488 participants aged 35–74 years. Measurements were recorded at six sites per tooth by two qualified examiners. The evaluated parameters included pocket depth (PD), clinical attachment loss (CAL) and bleeding on probing (BOP). Periodontitis prevalence and severity were reported using the 2018 EFP/AAP classification and the AAP/CDC case definitions. The data were stratified by recognized risk factors (age, diabetes and smoking status). Results: The 2018 EFP/AAP classification indicated that all patients suffered from periodontitis. When CAL served as the main criterion, the frequency of patients with severe (Stages III–IV) periodontitis was 54%. When the AAP/CDC case definitions were applied, the prevalence of periodontitis was 61.9% and that of severe periodontitis 16.8%. Age was the most significant risk factor, regardless of the chosen case definition. Conclusion: It is essential to employ a globalized standard case definition when monitoring periodontitis and associated risk factors.
Socioeconomic Characteristics and Trends in the Consumption of Ultra-Processed Foods in Korea from 2010 to 2018

There is growing evidence for a global transition to a more highly processed diet. While the dietary share of ultra-processed foods depends on a country’s economic status, food choice and consumption are also influenced by the socioeconomic situation of individuals. This study investigated whether ultra-processed food consumption differed across socioeconomic subgroups and over time (2010–2018) in Korea. Cross-sectional data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2010–2018 were analyzed. Food and beverages reported in a one-day 24 h recall were classified according to the NOVA food classification criteria. The dietary energy contribution of ultra-processed foods was high among men and urban residents, and increased with education and income level; additionally, it reached its peak in adolescents and thereafter decreased with increasing age. After adjusting the socioeconomic variables, such associations remained significant, except for income level. The overall contribution of ultra-processed foods increased from 23.1% (2010–2012) to 26.1% (2016–2018), and the same trend over time was observed in all age groups and socioeconomic strata. In the Korean population, ultra-processed food consumption differed by individual socioeconomic characteristics, but gradually increased over time, and this trend was consistently found in all socioeconomic subgroups. Future strategies to promote healthy food choices are needed for the Korean population.
Sacubitril/Valsartan Improves Diastolic Function But Not Skeletal Muscle Function in a Rat Model of HFpEF

The angiotensin receptor/neprilysin inhibitor Sacubitril/Valsartan (Sac/Val) has been shown to be beneficial in patients suffering from heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). However, the impact of Sac/Val in patients presenting with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is not yet clearly resolved. The present study aimed to reveal the influence of the drug on the functionality of the myocardium, the skeletal muscle, and the vasculature in a rat model of HFpEF. Female obese ZSF-1 rats received Sac/Val as a daily oral gavage for 12 weeks. Left ventricle (LV) function was assessed every four weeks using echocardiography. Prior to organ removal, invasive hemodynamic measurements were performed in both ventricles. Vascular function of the carotid artery and skeletal muscle function were monitored. Sac/Val treatment reduced E/é ratios, left ventricular end diastolic pressure (LVEDP) and myocardial stiffness as well as myocardial fibrosis and heart weight compared to the obese control group. Sac/Val slightly improved endothelial function in the carotid artery but had no impact on skeletal muscle function. Our results demonstrate striking effects of Sac/Val on the myocardial structure and function in a rat model of HFpEF. While vasodilation was slightly improved, functionality of the skeletal muscle remained unaffected.
Proposal of a New Orange Selection Process Using Sensory Panels and AHP

Although the consumption of fruits and vegetables is being promoted by different institutions as a key question of public health, their consumption is decreasing and their waste is increasing. To address this situation, we propose to include the consumer’s perception of the quality (from a sensory point of view) of a fruit, in particular Valencian oranges, in the supplier’s selection process by retailers. To do so, we use a combination of consumer and trained sensory panels and Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP). This approach is completely novel in the literature. According to the expert panel, the most important criteria when evaluating the quality of an orange are fruity smell, juiciness, sweetness and acidity. These criteria are related to the freshness and taste of the oranges. Consumers found the methodology proposed useful and easy to develop. The application of the AHP methodology has helped to facilitate a participatory discussion among consumers on the concept of the quality of the oranges. The methodology proposed can help the agrifood sector in different ways up and down the supply chain. Specially, it can contribute to better meet consumer’s demands, increasing the consumption of fruits and vegetables and reducing its waste.
Redox Homeostasis and Metabolic Profile in Young Female Basketball Players during in-Season Training

Background: Most studies on oxidative stress markers and antioxidant levels have been conducted in male athletes, although female participation in sport has increased rapidly in the past few decades. In particular, it could be important to assess oxidative stress markers in relation to the training load because the anaerobic path becomes predominant in high-intensity actions. Methods: Ten female professional basketball players, performing five 2 h-lasting training sessions per week, and 10 sedentary control women were investigated. Capillary blood and saliva samples were collected in the morning before the training session. The antioxidant capacity and the levels of reactive oxygen metabolites on plasma were determined measuring Reactive Oxygen Metabolite and Biological Antioxidant Potential (d-ROMs and the BAP Test). Salivary cortisol was detected by using commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit. Results: The antioxidant capacity (BAP value) was significantly higher in elite basketball players (21.2%; p < 0.05). Conversely, cortisol (51%; p < 0.009) and the levels of oxidative species (d-ROM, 21.9%; p < 0.05) showed a significant decrease in elite athletes.
OmpA Protein-Deficient Acinetobacter baumannii Outer Membrane Vesicles Trigger Reduced Inflammatory Response

Multidrug resistant Acinetobacter baumannii shows a growing number of nosocomial infections worldwide during the last decade. The outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) produced by this bacterium draw increasing attention as a possible treatment target. OMVs have been implicated in the reduction of antibiotic level in the surrounding environment, transfer of virulence factors into the host cells, and induction of inflammatory response. Although the evidence on the involvement of OMVs in A. baumannii pathogenesis is currently growing, their role during inflammation is insufficiently explored. It is likely that bacteria, by secreting OMVs, can expand the area of their exposure and prepare surrounding matrix for infection. Here, we investigated the impact of A. baumannii OMVs on activation of macrophages in vitro. We show that OmpA protein present in A. baumannii OMVs substantially contributes to the proinflammatory response in J774 murine macrophages and to the cell death in both lung epithelium cells and macrophages. The loss of OmpA protein in OMVs, obtained from A. baumannii ∆ompA mutant, resulted in the altered expression of genes coding for IL-6, NLRP3 and IL-1β proinflammatory molecules in macrophages in vitro. These results imply that OmpA protein in bacterial OMVs could trigger a more intense proinflammatory response.
Recombination Events Shape the Genomic Evolution of Infectious Bronchitis Virus in Europe

Infectious bronchitis of chicken is a high morbidity and mortality viral disease affecting the poultry industry worldwide; therefore, a better understanding of this pathogen is of utmost importance. The primary aim of this study was to obtain a deeper insight into the genomic diversity of field infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) strains using phylogenetic and recombination analysis. We sequenced the genome of 20 randomly selected strains from seven European countries. After sequencing, we created a genome sequence data set that contained 36 European origin field isolates and 33 vaccine strains. When analyzing these 69 IBV genome sequences, we identified 215 recombination events highlighting that some strains had multiple recombination breaking points. Recombination hot spots were identified mostly in the regions coding for non-structural proteins, and multiple recombination hot spots were identified in the nsp2, nsp3, nsp8, and nsp12 coding regions. Recombination occurred among different IBV genotypes and involved both field and vaccine IBV strains. Ninety percent of field strains and nearly half of vaccine strains showed evidence of recombination. Despite the low number and the scattered geographical and temporal origin of whole-genome sequence data collected from European Gammacoronaviruses, this study underlines the importance of recombination as a major evolutionary mechanism of IBVs.
A metallic molybdenum suboxide buffer layer for organic electronic devices

Molybdenum trioxide (MoO3) is commonly used as a buffer layer in organic electronic devices to improve hole-injection. However, stoichiometric MoO3 is an insulator, and adds a series resistance. Here it is shown that a MoO3 buffer layer can be reduced to form a metallic oxide buffer that exhibits more favorable energy-level alignment with N,N′-diphenyl-N,N′-bis-(1-naphthyl)-1-1′-biphenyl-4,4′-diamine (α-NPD) than does MoO3. This buffer layer thus provides the conductivity of a metal with the favorable energy alignment of an oxide. Photoemission shows the reduced oxide contains Mo4+ and Mo5+, with a metallic valence band structure similar to MoO2.
Different Cross-Reactivities of IgM Responses in Dengue, Zika and Tick-Borne Encephalitis Virus Infections

Flaviviruses circulate worldwide and cause a number of medically relevant human diseases, such as dengue, Zika, yellow fever, and tick-borne encephalitis (TBE). Serology plays an important role in the diagnosis of flavivirus infections, but can be impeded by antigenic cross-reactivities among flaviviruses. Therefore, serological diagnosis of a recent infection can be insufficiently specific, especially in areas where flaviviruses co-circulate and/or vaccination coverage against certain flaviviruses is high. In this study, we developed a new IgM assay format, which is well suited for the specific diagnosis of TBE, Zika and dengue virus infections. In the case of TBE and Zika, the IgM response proved to be highly specific for the infecting virus. In contrast, primary dengue virus infections induced substantial amounts of cross-reactive IgM antibodies, which is most likely explained by structural peculiarities of dengue virus particles. Despite the presence of cross-reactive IgM, the standardized nature and the quantitative read-out of the assay even allowed the serotype-specific diagnosis of recent dengue virus infections in most instances.
Antiviral Properties of Human Milk

Humans have always coexisted with viruses, with both positive and negative consequences. Evolutionary pressure on mammals has selected intrinsic properties of lactation and milk to support the relatively immunocompromised neonate from environmental pathogens, as well as support the normal development of diverse immune responses. Human milk supports both adaptive and innate immunity, with specific constituents that drive immune learning and maturation, and direct protection against microorganisms. Viruses constitute one of the most ancient pressures on human evolution, and yet there is a lack of awareness by both public and healthcare professionals of the complexity of human milk as an adaptive response beyond the production of maternal antibodies. This review identifies and describes the specific antiviral properties of human milk and describes how maternal support of infants through lactation is protective beyond antibodies.
Unique metabolic phenotype and its transition during maturation of juvenile male germ cells

Human male reproductive development has a prolonged prepubertal period characterized by juvenile quiescence of germ cells with immature spermatogonial stem cell (SSC) precursors (gonocytes) present in the testis for an extended period of time. The metabolism of gonocytes is not defined. We demonstrate with mitochondrial ultrastructure studies via TEM and IHC and metabolic flux studies with UHPLC‐MS that a distinct metabolic transition occurs during the maturation to SSCs. The mitochondrial ultrastructure of prepubertal human spermatogonia is shared with prepubertal pig spermatogonia. The metabolism of early prepubertal porcine spermatogonia (gonocytes) is characterized by the reliance on OXPHOS fuelled by oxidative decarboxylation of pyruvate. Interestingly, at the same time, a high amount of the consumed pyruvate is also reduced and excreted as lactate. With maturation, prepubertal spermatogonia show a metabolic shift with decreased OXHPOS and upregulation of the anaerobic metabolism‐associated uncoupling protein 2 (UCP2). This shift is accompanied with stem cell specific promyelocytic leukemia zinc finger protein (PLZF) protein expression and glial cell‐derived neurotropic factor (GDNF) pathway activation. Our results demonstrate that gonocytes differently from mature spermatogonia exhibit unique metabolic demands that must be attained to enable their maintenance and growth in vitro.
Heat Acclimatization, Cooling Strategies, and Hydration during an Ultra-Trail in Warm and Humid Conditions

The aim of this study was to assess the history of exertional heat illness (EHI), heat preparation, cooling strategies, heat related symptoms, and hydration during an ultra-endurance running event in a warm and humid environment. This survey-based study was open to all people who participated in one of the three ultra-endurance races of the Grand Raid de la Réunion. Ambient temperature and relative humidity were 18.6 ± 5.7 °C (max = 29.7 °C) and 74 ± 17%, respectively. A total of 3317 runners (56% of the total eligible population) participated in the study. Overall, 78% of the runners declared a history of heat-related symptoms while training or competing, and 1.9% reported a previous diagnosis of EHI. Only 24.3% of study participants living in temperate climates declared having trained in the heat before the races, and 45.1% of all respondents reported a cooling strategy during the races. Three quarter of all participants declared a hydration strategy. The planned hydration volume was 663 ± 240 mL/h. Fifty-nine percent of the runners had enriched their food or drink with sodium during the race. The present study shows that ultra-endurance runners have a wide variability of hydration and heat preparation strategies. Understandings of heat stress repercussions in ultra-endurance running need to be improved by specific field research.
Thrombin-Derived Peptides Potentiate the Activity of Gram-Positive-Specific Antibiotics against Gram-Negative Bacteria

The continued rise of antibiotic resistance threatens to undermine the utility of the world’s current antibiotic arsenal. This problem is particularly troubling when it comes to Gram-negative pathogens for which there are inherently fewer antibiotics available. To address this challenge, recent attention has been focused on finding compounds capable of disrupting the Gram-negative outer membrane as a means of potentiating otherwise Gram-positive-specific antibiotics. In this regard, agents capable of binding to the lipopolysaccharide (LPS) present in the Gram-negative outer membrane are of particular interest as synergists. Recently, thrombin-derived C-terminal peptides (TCPs) were reported to exhibit unique LPS-binding properties. We here describe investigations establishing the capacity of TCPs to act as synergists with the antibiotics erythromycin, rifampicin, novobiocin, and vancomycin against multiple Gram-negative strains including polymyxin-resistant clinical isolates. We further assessed the structural features most important for the observed synergy and characterized the outer membrane permeabilizing activity of the most potent synergists. Our investigations highlight the potential for such peptides in expanding the therapeutic range of antibiotics typically only used to treat Gram-positive infections.
Autophagy-Dependent Sensitization of Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Models to Topoisomerase II Poisons by Inhibition of the Nucleosome Remodeling Factor

Epigenetic regulators can modulate the effects of cancer therapeutics. To further these observations, we discovered that the bromodomain PHD finger transcription factor subunit (BPTF) of the nucleosome remodeling factor (NURF) promotes resistance to doxorubicin, etoposide, and paclitaxel in the 4T1 breast tumor cell line. BPTF functions in promoting resistance to doxorubicin and etoposide, but not paclitaxel, and may be selective to cancer cells, as a similar effect was not observed in embryonic stem cells. Sensitization to doxorubicin and etoposide with BPTF knockdown (KD) was associated with increased DNA damage, topoisomerase II (TOP2) crosslinking and autophagy; however, there was only a modest increase in apoptosis and no increase in senescence. Sensitization to doxorubicin was confirmed in vivo with the syngeneic 4T1 breast tumor model using both genetic and pharmacologic inhibition of BPTF. The effects of BPTF inhibition in vivo are autophagy dependent, based on genetic autophagy inhibition. Finally, treatment of 4T1, 66cl4, 4T07, MDA-MB-231, but not ER-positive 67NR and MCF7 breast cancer cells with the selective BPTF bromodomain inhibitor, AU1, recapitulates genetic BPTF inhibition, including in vitro sensitization to doxorubicin, increased TOP2-DNA crosslinks and DNA damage. Taken together, these studies demonstrate that BPTF provides resistance to the antitumor activity of TOP2 poisons, preventing the resolution of TOP2 crosslinking and associated autophagy. These studies suggest that BPTF can be targeted with small-molecule inhibitors to enhance the effectiveness of TOP2-targeted cancer chemotherapeutic drugs. Implications: These studies suggest NURF can be inhibited pharmacologically as a viable strategy to improve chemotherapy effectiveness.