Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Arylesterase Activity of Paraoxonase-1 in Serum and Cerebrospinal Fluid of Patients with Alzheimer’s Disease and Vascular Dementia

Background: It has been suggested that circulating Paraoxonase-1 (PON1) and apolipoprotein A1 (APOA1), which closely interacts with the antioxidant enzyme, could be implicated in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and vascular dementia (VaD) development. This study aimed to evaluate PON1 changes in serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) as evidence for its association with AD or VaD. Methods: Serum PON-arylesterase activity was measured in patients with AD, VaD, and CONTROLS distributed in two cohorts: Ferrara cohort (FC: n = 503, age = 74 years) and Amsterdam Dementia cohort (ADC: n = 71, age = 65 years). In the last cohort, CSF PON-arylesterase, CSF β-amyloid1-42, p-tau and t-tau, and imaging biomarkers were also measured. Results: AD and VaD patients of FC showed significantly lower levels of serum PON-arylesterase compared to CONTROLS, but this outcome was driven by older subjects (>71 years, p < 0.0001). In the younger ADC, a similar decreasing (but not significant) trend was observed in serum and CSF. Intriguingly, PON-arylesterase per APOA1 correlated with t-tau in AD group (r = −0.485, p = 0.002). Conclusion: These results suggest that decreased peripheral PON-arylesterase might be a specific feature of older AD/VaD patients. Moreover, we showed that PON-arylesterase/APOA1 is inversely related to neurodegeneration in AD patients, suggesting a prognostic usefulness of this composite parameter.
The Gluten Free Diet’s Impact on Growth in Children with Celiac Disease in Two Different Countries

The effects of gluten free diet (GFD) on body mass index (BMI) and growth parameters in pediatric patients with celiac disease (CD) and their dependence on different socio-cultural environments are poorly known. We conducted an international retrospective study on celiac patients diagnosed at the University of Verona, Italy, and at the University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA, as underweight. A total of 140 celiac children and 140 controls (mean age 8.4 years) were enrolled in Chicago; 125 celiac children and 125 controls (mean age 7.3 years, NS) in Verona. At time of diagnosis, Italian celiac children had a weight slightly lower (p = 0.060) and a BMI z-score significantly (p < 0.001) lower than their American counterparts. On GFD, Italian celiac children showed an increased prevalence of both underweight (19%) as well as overweight (9%), while American children showed a decrease prevalence of overweight/obese. We concluded that while the GFD had a similar impact on growth of celiac children in both countries, the BMI z-score rose more in American than in Italian celiac children. Additionally, in Italy, there was an alarming increase in the proportion of celiac children becoming underweight. We speculate that lifestyle and cultural differences may explain the observed variations.
In Vitro Activity of Essential Oils Against Planktonic and Biofilm Cells of Extended-Spectrum β-Lactamase (ESBL)/Carbapenamase-Producing Gram-Negative Bacteria Involved in Human Nosocomial Infections

The aim of this study was to analyze the antibacterial activity of four essential oils (EOs), Melaleuca alternifolia, Eucalyptus globulus, Mentha piperita, and Thymus vulgaris, in preventing the development and spread of extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae, metallo-beta-lactamase (MBL)-producing Pseudomonas aeruginosa and carbapenemase (KPC)-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae. A total of 60 strains were obtained from the stock collection from the Microbiology Laboratory of Hesperia Hospital, Modena, Italy. Twenty ESBL-producing E. coli, 5 K. pneumoniae, 13 KPC-producing K. pneumoniae, and 20 MBL-producing P. aeruginosa were cultured and reconfirmed as ESBL and carbapenamase producers. Polymerase chain reaction was used for the detection of genes responsible for antibiotic resistance (ESBL and KPC/MBL). Antibacterial activity of the EOs was determined using the agar disk diffusion assay, and minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) were also evaluated. Lastly, adhesion capability and biofilm formation on polystyrene and glass surfaces were studied in 24 randomly selected strains. M. alternifolia and T. vulgaris EOs showed the best antibacterial activity against all tested strains and, as revealed by agar disk diffusion assay, M. alternifolia was the most effective, even at low concentrations. This effect was also confirmed by MICs, with values ranging from 0.5 to 16 µg/mL and from 1 to 16 µg/mL, for M. alternifolia and T. vulgaris EOs, respectively. The EOs’ antibacterial activity compared to antibiotics confirmed M. alternifolia EO as the best antibacterial agent. T. vulgaris EO also showed a good antibacterial activity with MICs lower than both reference antibiotics. Lastly, a significant anti-biofilm activity was observed for the two EOs (*P < 0.05 and **P < 0.01 for M. alternifolia and T. vulgaris EOs, respectively). A good antibacterial and anti-biofilm activity of M. alternifolia and T. vulgaris EOs against all selected strains was observed, thus demonstrating a future possible use of these EOs to treat infections caused by ESBL/carbapenemase-producing strains, even in association with antibiotics.
Adjustable electronic and optical properties of BlueP/MoS2 van der Waals heterostructure by external strain: a first-principles study

Blue phosphorene (BlueP) has been widely researched recently as a potential material for novel photocatalytic and electronic devices. In this letter, due to its similar in-plane hexagonal lattice structure to MoS2, BlueP/MoS2 van der Waals heterostructures were built in six configurations. The II-stacking configuration was the most stable due to the lowest binding energy obtained from the calculation results. Furthermore, by controlling the external vertical strain, the geometry structures were optimized and the electronic structures of the BlueP/MoS2 heterostructure were modulated. We found that when the interlayer distance was 3.71 Å, the structure was the most optimized. In addition, as the result of charge transfer at the interlayer, a built-in electric field was formed in the BlueP/MoS2 heterostructure, which explained the formation of the type-II band alignment structure. The optical properties results show that the BlueP/MoS2 heterostructure has a wide optical response range and good light absorption ability, which indicated significant potential for BlueP/MoS2 heterostructure use in the next generation of photovoltaic devices and water-splitting materials.
GOLDEN-WINGED WARBLER BREEDING HABITAT CHARACTERISTICS AND NEST SUCCESS IN CLEARCUTS IN THE SOUTHERN APPALACHIAN MOUNTAINS

Abstract Despite widespread population declines, few studies have sought to quantify nesting habitat and reproductive characteristics of Golden-winged Warblers (Vermivora chrysoptera). We characterized territory and nesting habitat and measured productivity in forest regeneration areas in the Nantahala National Forest, North Carolina, and Cherokee National Forest, Tennessee, during 1997–1998. We located 82 territories and monitored 23 nests. Golden-winged Warblers occupied young stands with low basal area and annually mowed daylit roads (roads mowed wider than the track to facilitate drying), and nested in sites with high herbaceous density compared to unoccupied regeneration areas. Nest sites had fewer saplings and less canopy cover than the surrounding territory. Overall nest success was 72.5% and nests fledged an average of 3.65 young. Recently harvested forest stands (age ;le13 yr) with herbaceous cover on logging roads and log landings provided habitat capable of supporting Golden-winged Warbler reproduction at levels equal to or greater than productivity reported from other study sites across the range of this species.
Crucial Role of Lamin A/C in the Migration and Differentiation of MSCs in Bone

Lamin A/C, intermediate filament proteins from the nuclear lamina encoded by the LMNA gene, play a central role in mediating the mechanosignaling of cytoskeletal forces into nucleus. In fact, this mechanotransduction process is essential to ensure the proper functioning of other tasks also mediated by lamin A/C: the structural support of the nucleus and the regulation of gene expression. In this way, lamin A/C is fundamental for the migration and differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), the progenitors of osteoblasts, thus affecting bone homeostasis. Bone formation is a complex process regulated by chemical and mechanical cues, coming from the surrounding extracellular matrix. MSCs respond to signals modulating the expression levels of lamin A/C, and therefore, adapting their nuclear shape and stiffness. To promote cell migration, MSCs need soft nuclei with low lamin A content. Conversely, during osteogenic differentiation, lamin A/C levels are known to be increased. Several LMNA mutations present a negative impact in the migration and osteogenesis of MSCs, affecting bone tissue homeostasis and leading to pathological conditions. This review aims to describe these concepts by discussing the latest state-of-the-art in this exciting area, focusing on the relationship between lamin A/C in MSCs’ function and bone tissue from both, health and pathological points of view.
COVID-19 pandemic: a multinational report providing professional experiences in the management of mental health of elderly

There is a huge amount of information on SARSCoV-2 (COVID-19), but its influence on mental health is still lacking. Although all age groups are at risk of contracting COVID-19, older people face significant risk of developing severe illness (Kluge, 2020). The old age is an independent factor for the COVID-19-related death (RR= 9.45) (Zhao et al., 2020). This pandemic might affect this population’s mental health. Retrospective studies of the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome epidemic demonstrated that suicide rates raised among elderly during this period (Kluge, 2020). This data emphasize the urgency of studying COVID-19 mental health impact in real time, since it has brought consequences such as psychological suffering, fear, depression and anxiety (Courtin and Knapp, 2017; Fiorillo and Gorwood, 2020). Researchers and health professionals from Brazil, Norway and Portugal documented their health professional experiences facing this novel pandemic to advise health services. These countries were selected due to their position in the worldwide ranking on the 2019 Human Development (HD) Report (http:// www.hdr.undp.org/en/2019-report). HD classifies countries according to indices such as economic and gender inequality, health, education, dignity and respect for human rights. Among the 100 countries in that report, Norway (1st), Portugal (40th) and Brazil (75th) are top, middle and bottom listed, respectively. Could the differences between these countries counteract the assistance to elderly in the COVID-19 pandemic age? This report aims to provide an overview of each country’s response from the authors’ perspective based on their informal interviews with a multidisciplinary health professional range.
Programmable hyperspectral microscopy for high-contrast biomedical imaging in a snapshot

Abstract. Significance: Hyperspectral microscopy has been intensively explored in biomedical applications. However, due to its huge three-dimensional hyperspectral data cube, it typically suffers from slow data acquisition, mass data transmission and storage, and computationally expensive postprocessing. Aim: To overcome the above limitations, a programmable hyperspectral microscopy technique was developed, which can perform hardware-based hyperspectral data postprocessing by the physical process of optical imaging in a snapshot. Approach: A programmable hyperspectral microscopy system was developed to collect coded microscopic images from samples under multiplexed illumination. Principal component analysis followed by linear discriminant analysis scheme was coded into multiplexed illumination and realized by the physical process of optical imaging. The contrast enhancement was evaluated on two representative types of microscopic samples, i.e., tissue section and cell samples. Results: Compared to the microscopic images collected under white light illumination, the contrasts of coded microscopic images were significantly improved by 41% and 59% for tissue section and cell samples, respectively. Conclusions: The proposed method can perform hyperspectral data acquisition and postprocessing simultaneously by its physical process, while preserving the most important spectral information to maximize the difference between the target and background, thus opening a new avenue for high-contrast microscopic imaging in a snapshot.
Allergic contact dermatitis to caprylyl glycol: A novel “para‐preservative” allergen

dards. These tests were negative at day (D) 2 and D4 post-application, thereby excluding type IV hypersensitivity and resulting allergic contact dermatitis. The inner face of a portion of her blue nitrile glove was also applied to intact forearm skin for 20 minutes under Scanpor tape as part of a short contact testing protocol. This resulted in the development of an intensely pruritic wheal measuring over 2 cm, which resolved shortly after removal of the glove material. These findings supported a presumed diagnosis of contact urticaria to an unidentified component of her nitrile gloves. Although likely to be immunological, a non-immunological urticarial reaction cannot be excluded.
Comparing the Influence of Assembly Processes Governing Bacterial Community Succession Based on DNA and RNA Data

Quantifying which assembly processes structure microbiomes can assist prediction, manipulation, and engineering of community outcomes. However, the relative importance of these processes might depend on whether DNA or RNA are used, as they differ in stability. We hypothesized that RNA-inferred community responses to (a)biotic fluctuations are faster than those inferred by DNA; the relative influence of variable selection is stronger in RNA-inferred communities (environmental factors are spatiotemporally heterogeneous), whereas homogeneous selection largely influences DNA-inferred communities (environmental filters are constant). To test these hypotheses, we characterized soil bacterial communities by sequencing both 16S rRNA amplicons from the extracted DNA and RNA transcripts across distinct stages of soil primary succession and quantified the relative influence of each assembly process using ecological null model analysis. Our results revealed that variations in α-diversity and temporal turnover were higher in RNA- than in DNA-inferred communities across successional stages, albeit there was a similar community composition; in line with our hypotheses, the assembly of RNA-inferred community was more closely associated with environmental variability (variable selection) than using the standard DNA-based approach, which was largely influenced by homogeneous selection. This study illustrates the need for benchmarking approaches to properly elucidate how community assembly processes structure microbial communities.
Superação da profundidade de semeadura e densidades de palha para Mucuna aterrima, Mucuna deeringiana e Mucuna cinerea

O experimento foi desenvolvido em casa de vegetacao, com o objetivo de verificar a capacidade das sementes de Mucuna aterrima, Mucuna cinerea e Mucuna deeringiana para superar diferentes profundidades do solo acrescido de densidades de palha de cana-de-acucar. O delineamento utilizado foi o inteiramente casualizado; os tratamentos foram distribuidos em esquema fatorial 3 x 3 x 3, com quatro repeticoes. Os fatores foram constituidos por camada de palha (0, 5 e 10 cm), especies de Mucuna (M. aterrima, M. cinerea e M. deeringiana) e profundidade de semeadura (1, 4 e 8 cm). As especies de Mucuna superaram ate 23 t ha-1 de palha (10 cm) e ate 8 cm de profundidade de semeadura, expondo as partes aereas a superficie a partir dos 10 dias apos emergencia (DAS); elas foram capazes tambem de desenvolver a altura (>96 cm por planta), a area foliar (>723 cm-2 por planta) e o acumulo de massa seca (>2,09 g por planta) ate os 35 DAS.
Cooking Temperature, Bird Type, and Muscle Origin Effects on Sensory Properties of Broiled Emu Steaks

Trained sensory panel scores and Warner-Bratzier shear values (WBS) of emu meat cooked to three end-point temperatures (60, 66, and 75 degrees C), obtained from two bird types (breeder quality, BQ; and nonbreeder quality, NBQ), and from five carcass locations were determined and compared in three studies. NBQ birds had obvious conformational defects. Full rumps and inside drums broiled to 60 degrees C were more tender and juicy than those broiled to 66 or 75 degrees C (p 0.05). BQ vs NBQ sources had no effect on tenderness or juiciness (p>0.05). Differences in tenderness, juiciness, meat-flavor intensity and WBS were found among the five meat cuts (p<0.05).
Seeding patterns and companion grasses affect total forage yield and components of binary red clover-grass mixtures

Lafrenière, C. and Drapeau, R. 2011. Seeding patterns and companion grasses affect total forage yield and components of binary red clover-grass mixtures. Can. J. Plant Sci. 91: 91-97. Red clover (Trifolium pratense L.) is the most popular seeded legume for forage production in northern Quebec and Ontario because of the poorly drained soils that prevail in these regions. The objective of this experiment was to determine which seeding patterns [mixed within a row (MR), single alternate rows (1+1), or double alternate rows (2+2)] and which companion grasses (smooth bromegrass, Bromus inermis L.; tall fescue, Festuca arundinacea Schreb.; orchardgrass, Dactylis glomerata L.; or timothy, Phleum pratense L.), in association with red clover, were best for sustaining the total forage yield of a red clover-grass mixture and how these factors affect red clover and grass components. Test plots were established at Kapuskasing, ON, and Normandin, QC. At each site, two independent seedings were performed and harvested over 3 yr following the seeding year. Total dry matter (DM) yield and contribution of red clover grasses and weeds to total forage yield were measured. The MR pattern gave higher yield over both alternate seeding patterns by nearly 0.5 Mg DM ha-1 at the Normandin site and 1.0 Mg DM ha-1 at the Kapuskasing site. Neither the seeding pattern nor the companion grass species improved significantly the contribution of red clover to total forage yield beyond the second production year even though there were differences between sites. Environmental conditions, principally high precipitation in the fall, and maturity stage at harvest resulted in major differences between sites. Results from this experiment showed that tall fescue and orchardgrass could be good alternatives to timothy or bromegrass in association with red clover given that plots were still productive in the third production year and invasion by weeds was lower.
Characteristics and composition of the pulp oil and cake of the African pear, Dacryodes edulis (G. don)

The pulp of the African pear, Dacryodes edulis, was investigated for its nutritional quality and oil characteristics. The crude protein, fat, fibre and carbohydrate contents were 25.9, 31.9, 17.9 and 13.5%, respectively. The pulp was found to contain significant levels of Ca, Mg, K and P. The fatty acid profiles showed a saturated fatty acid content of 50.85% and an unsaturated fatty acid content of 49.14%. The predominant fatty acids were palmitic and oleic acids. The saponification value and iodine value were 201.4 and 59.6. The amino acid profiles showed high contents of the essential amino acids lysine, leucine and threonine.
Attitudes Toward Retirement Drive the Effects of Retirement Preparation on Psychological and Physical Well-Being of Hong Kong Chinese Retirees Over Time

Recent findings on retirement preparation found a positive impact on the psychological and physical well-being of retirees. However, the types of mental resources that are driving the relationship, such as attitudes toward retirement, only received limited attention. Reasoning from previous findings, we posit that attitudes toward retirement would explain the relationship between retirement preparation and well-being over time after retirement. A three-wave study was conducted in a sample of 130 Hong Kong Chinese retirees over a period of 1.5 years. Data were collected 6 months prior to retirement (T1) and 6 and 12 months after retirement (T2 and T3, respectively), in which preretirement preparation, attitudes toward retirement, and psychological and physical well-being were measured. The positive effect of T1 retirement planning on T3 physical and psychological well-being was partially mediated by T2 attitudes toward retirement. These results remain significant even after controlling for gender, education level, preretirement occupation, and well-being at T1. These findings reveal the role of attitudes toward retirement in driving postretirement adjustment over time.
A 30-Year Long-Term Experience in Appendix Neuroendocrine Neoplasms—Granting a Positive Outcome

Neuroendocrine neoplasms (NENs) are the most common tumor of the appendix and have an excellent prognosis. Appendiceal tumors diagnosed between 1989 and 2019 were reviewed, and clinical data were collected from patient files. Part of the series was immuno-profiled for markers related to cell cycle proliferation and/or senescence-type, apoptotic, and metastatic potential. Appendix NENs were detected in 74 patients, with 0.47% of incidence per appendectomy. The median age of the patients was 21.5 years, with two age peaks of incidence at 17.0 and 55.2 years. The median tumors size was 5.8 mm, and most were smaller than 10 mm. Lymphovascular and perineural invasion, as well as necrosis, was associated with larger tumor size. G1 tumors composed 96.0% of the cohort. The presence of moderate/strong p16 and the absent/low Bcl-2 expression was frequently observed and associated with a smaller size. This study represents one of the largest cohorts and with a long follow-up. For tumors smaller than 10 mm appendicectomy was sufficient as a curative procedure, as revealed by the good outcome. This series presented a 100% disease-free survival. The indolent phenotype of appendix NENs is supported by the expression of markers that point towards a strong inhibition of cell replication and growth inhibition.
Discussing the Score of Cardioembolic Ischemic Stroke in Chagas Disease

Chagas disease is an important infection in Latin America but it is also reported in non-endemic countries all over the world. Around 30% of infected patients develop chronic Chagas cardiopathy, which is responsible for most poor outcomes, mainly heart failure, arrhythmias and thromboembolic events. Of all thromboembolic events, stroke is the most feared, due to the high probability of evolution to death or disability. Despite its importance, the actual incidence of cardioembolic ischemic stroke in Chagas disease is not completely known. The Instituto de Pesquisa Evandro Chagas/Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (IPEC-FIOCRUZ) score aims to propose prophylaxis strategies against cardioembolic ischemic stroke in Chagas disease based on clinical risk–benefit. To date, the IPEC-FIOCRUZ score is considered the best tool to identify patients for stroke prophylaxis in Chagas disease according the Latin American guideline and Brazilian consensus. It can prevent many cardioembolic strokes that would not be predicted, by applying the current recommendations to other cardiopathies. However, the IPEC-FIOCRUZ score still requires external validation to be used in different Chagas disease populations with an appropriate study design.