Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Stability of Phenolic Compounds in Grape Stem Extracts

Grape stem is rich in phenolic compounds, especially stilbenes. These antioxidants can be degraded during the storage of grape stem extracts for long periods of time. The aim of this work was to analyze the stability of Mazuelo stem extracts during storage at 25 and 40 °C, in two different light conditions (amber and transparent vials). The stability of the antioxidants was studied after 2, 4 and 6 months of conservation. Gallic acid and the quercetin derivative concentration were stable throughout the storage period. In contrast, catechin disappeared from all the extracts in just two months of storage. Anthocyanins were significantly affected by temperature, and light enhanced their degradation when the extracts were kept at 40 °C. Resveratrol and viniferin showed a similar behavior. Their concentration decreased from the beginning of storage, and in both cases, they were significantly affected by both temperature and light.
High Trophic Niche Overlap between a Native and Invasive Mink Does Not Drive Trophic Displacement of the Native Mink during an Invasion Process

Simple Summary Invasive species are widely recognized to negatively affect native species through both direct and indirect interactions. When diet overlap between the native and invasive species increases, their competitive interaction is expected to increase too. This in turn may lead to displacement of one of the species. However, the specific mechanisms of the diet displacement are still unclear. In this study, we analysed the diet and diet overlap between the critically endangered European mink and the invasive American mink during the invasion process of the latter species by means of stable isotope analyses. We found a significant diet overlap between the native and invasive mink when they co-occur, an important individual variation of diet, and no significant change of diet of the native species in response to the arrival of the invasive mink. These results suggest significant competitive pressure imposed on the native European mink by the invasive American mink. As such, urgent implementation of control measures of invasive species is needed to ensure the viability and conservation of endangered European mink populations. Abstract The pressure elicited by invasive species on native species significantly increases with the increase of the overlap of their ecological niches. Still, the specific mechanisms of the trophic displacement of native species during the invasion process are unclear. The effects of the invasive American mink (Neovison vison) on the critically endangered European mink (Mustela lutreola) was assessed by analyses of diet and niche overlap during the invasion process. To do this, the isotopic composition (δ13C and δ15N) of both species of mink and their four main types of prey was analysed. Significant trophic overlap between the native European mink and invasive American mink was found when they coexisted in sympatry. Furthermore, both mink species were characterised by significant individual variation in diet and no obvious change in diet of the native species in response to the arrival of the introduced species was observed. High niche overlap registered between both species in sympatry with no displacement in diet of the native mink in response to the arrival of the invasive mink is expected to have important consequences for the viability and conservation of the native mink populations, as it suggests high competitive pressure.
Sex differences in CSF biomarkers vary by Alzheimer disease stage and APOE ε4 genotype

Objective To evaluate sex differences in CSF biomarkers, taking the potential modifying role of clinical disease stage and APOE ε4 genotype into account. Method We included participants (n = 1,801) with probable Alzheimer disease (AD) dementia (n = 937), mild cognitive impairment (MCI; n = 437), and subjective cognitive decline (SCD; n = 427). Main outcomes were CSF β-amyloid1–42 (Aβ42), total tau (t-Tau), and tau phosphorylated at threonine 181 (p-Tau) levels. Age-corrected 3-way interactions between sex, disease stage (i.e., syndrome diagnosis at baseline), and APOE ε4 were tested with linear regression analyses for each outcome measure. In case of significant interactions (p < 0.05), sex differences were further evaluated by stratifying analyses for clinical disease stage and APOE ε4 genotype, including age as a covariate. Results Three-way interactions were significant for t-Tau (p < 0.001) and p-Tau (p < 0.01) but not Aβ42. In APOE ε4 carriers, women showed higher p-Tau concentrations than men in SCD (Cohen d [95% confidence interval]: t-Tau = 0.52 [0.19–0.84], p < 0.001; p-Tau = 0.44 [0.11–0.77] p = 0.004) and MCI (Cohen d [95% CI]: t-Tau = 0.54 [0.28–0.80], p < 0.001; p-Tau = 0.52 [0.26–0.77], p < 0.001) but not in AD dementia. In APOE ε4 noncarriers, women showed higher p-Tau concentrations in MCI (Cohen d [95% CI]: t-Tau = 0.49 [0.17–0.80], p = 0.002; p-Tau = 0.47 [0.16–0.78], p = 0.003) and AD dementia (Cohen d [95% CI]: t-Tau = 0.42 [0.19–0.65], p < 0.001; p-Tau = 0.38 [0.15–0.61] p = 0.002) but not in SCD. Conclusions Within APOE ε4 carriers, sex differences in CSF p-Tau are more evident in early disease stages, whereas for APOE ε4 noncarriers, sex differences are more evident in advanced disease stages. These findings suggest that the effect of APOE ε4 on sex differences in CSF biomarkers depends on disease stage in AD.
Dendritic spine abnormalities correlate with behavioral and cognitive deficits in mouse models of Lafora disease

Lafora disease (LD) is a genetic and fatal form of neurodegenerative disorder characterized by myoclonic epilepsy and cognitive deficits. LD is caused by loss‐of‐function mutations in the EPM2A or the NHLRC1 gene. A major hallmark of LD is the presence of abnormal glycogen aggregates in neurons and other tissues. Functional studies on the genes have, therefore, mostly focused on glycogen metabolism. The physiological basis of cognitive deficits in LD is thus largely unexplored. Alterations in dendritic spine morphology are known in neurodevelopmental and neuropsychiatric disorders. We, therefore, analyzed the dendritic spine morphologies in pyramidal neurons of the hippocampal and Cortical layer V of the Epm2a or Nhlrc1 knockout mice brain. We found a significant increase in the density, length, and reduction in the width of the dendritic spines in Postnatal day 21 to 12‐month‐old LD animals. Similar observations were made in the primary cultures of neurons derived from the hippocampi of the embryonic brain, suggesting that the aberrant spine phenotype could be a developmental defect in LD. We also looked at the cognitive and behavioral deficits as a possible readout of the spine abnormalities. The LD animals exhibited hyperactivity, reduced anxiety‐like behavior, and deficits in the spatial and nonspatial memory. Such abnormalities were seen in the younger (1–2 months) as well as the older (7–8 months) age groups. Taken together, our results suggest that the dendritic spine abnormalities are primary developmental defects in the LD model and these defects might underlie some of the symptoms, including cognitive deficits, in LD.
Antibacterials in Aquatic Environment and Their Toxicity to Fish

Antibacterial agents are commonly present in aquatic environment at low concentrations. Terrestrial animal farms, human medicine and aquaculture are main sources of water contamination with antibacterials. Antibiotics were proved to be directly toxic to fish causing oxidative stress, general stress response, histopathological lesions, hematological, metabolic, and reproductive disorders, as well as immunosuppressive and genotoxic effects. Environmentally realistic low concentrations of antibiotics also disturb aquatic bacterial communities causing alterations in fish symbiotic microbiota and induce emergence of antibiotic-resistant pathogenic bacteria by exerting selective pressure on spread of antibiotic-resistance genes.
State Alcohol Policies, Binge Drinking Prevalence, Socioeconomic Environments and Alcohol's Harms to Others: A Mediation Analysis.

AIMS Alcohol policy effects on alcohol's harms due to others' drinking (AHTO) and contextual factors that may mediate such policy effects have been understudied. This study examines state binge drinking prevalence as a mediator of the relationship between state alcohol policy and socioeconomic environments and individual-level AHTO. METHODS A nationally representative sample of US adults (N = 32,401; 13,873 males, 18,528 females) from the 2000, 2005, 2010 and 2015 National Alcohol Surveys and the 2015 National Alcohol's Harm to Others Survey, administered in telephone interviews and based on random digit dialed sampling, were linked with state-level Alcohol Policy Scale (APS) scores, binge drinking prevalence and socioeconomic status (SES) data. Three 12-month AHTO measures were family/marriage difficulties, assault or vandalism and riding with drunk driver or having traffic accident. Three-level mediation analyses were conducted, controlling for gender, race, education, marital status, family problem-drinking history and state policing rate. RESULTS The effects of the APS on reduced risks for assault/vandalism and drinking-driving harms were significantly mediated by reduced state binge drinking prevalence. The APS had no direct or indirect effect on family/marital trouble. State SES had significant indirect effects on increased risks for assault/vandalism and driving-related harm through increased state binge drinking prevalence and a direct effect on reduced family/marital problems. CONCLUSIONS A more stringent alcohol policy environment could reduce assault/vandalism and driving-related harm due to another drinker by lowering state binge drinking rates. Alcohol policies may not be effective in reducing family problems caused by another drinker more prevalent in low-SES states.
Risk of Cancer in Family Members of Patients with Lynch-Like Syndrome

Lynch syndrome (LS) is a common cause of hereditary colorectal cancer (CRC). Some CRC patients develop mismatch repair deficiency without germline pathogenic mutation, known as Lynch-like syndrome (LLS). We compared the risk of CRC in first-degree relatives (FDRs) in LLS and LS patients. LLS was diagnosed when tumors showed immunohistochemical loss of MSH2, MSH6, and PMS2; or loss of MLH1 with BRAF wild type; and/or no MLH1 methylation and absence of pathogenic mutation in these genes. CRC and other LS-related neoplasms were followed in patients diagnosed with LS and LLS and among their FDRs. Standardized incidence ratios (SIRs) were calculated for CRC and other neoplasms associated with LS among FDRs of LS and LLS patients. In total, 205 LS (1205 FDRs) and 131 LLS families (698 FDRs) had complete pedigrees. FDRs of patients with LLS had a high incidence of CRC (SIR, 2.08; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.56–2.71), which was significantly lower than that in FDRs of patients with LS (SIR, 4.25; 95% CI, 3.67–4.90; p < 0.001). The risk of developing other neoplasms associated with LS also increased among FDR of LLS patients (SIR, 2.04; 95% CI, 1.44–2.80) but was lower than that among FDR of patients with LS (SIR, 5.01, 95% CI, 4.26–5.84; p < 0.001). FDRs with LLS have an increased risk of developing CRC as well as LS-related neoplasms, although this risk is lower than that of families with LS. Thus, their management should take into account this increased risk.
Ecological niche of an abundant teleost Pelates octolineatus in a subtropical seagrass ecosystem

This study used primary producer abundance surveys, stomach content analysis, stable isotope analysis, and mixing models to investigate the ecological niche of western striped trumpeters Pelates octolineatus in the subtropical seagrass ecosystem of Shark Bay, Australia. The percent cover of seagrass and macroalgae in the study area was 35.9 ± 4.3 and 28.59 ± 3.8% (mean ± SE), respectively. Of the 2 dominant seagrass species, Amphibolis antarctica was present at a higher number of stations than Posidonia australia, and although fast-growing, smaller-bodied seagrass species occurred infrequently, only 3 stations surveyed did not contain seagrass. Algae also occurred at the majority of stations (47 of 49 stations). P. octolineatus stomach contents consisted mainly of primary producers (87.7%). The mean relative amount of seagrass and algae in P. octolineatus stomachs was similar (43.7 ± 44.1 and 44.0 ± 43.8%, respectively), although there was considerable variation among individuals. There was a positive relationship between fish length and percentage of seagrass consumed. Stable isotope values suggested that algae contributed a larger portion of assimilated food rather than seagrass, but predictions from mixing models more closely coincided with stomach content analysis when the standard deviation of potential food sources was increased. P. octolineatus exhibited a similar, but smaller, isotopic niche space to sympatric, largely herbivorous, green turtles Chelonia mydas (27.3 and 62.4 units, respectively). These data suggest that P. octolineatus function as herbivores in this subtropical seagrass system, thereby having the potential to structure primary producer communities and facilitate the transfer of primary production to higher trophic levels.
How Nanophotonic Label-Free Biosensors Can Contribute to Rapid and Massive Diagnostics of Respiratory Virus Infections: COVID-19 Case

The global sanitary crisis caused by the emergence of the respiratory virus SARS-CoV-2 and the COVID-19 outbreak has revealed the urgent need for rapid, accurate, and affordable diagnostic tests to broadly and massively monitor the population in order to properly manage and control the spread of the pandemic. Current diagnostic techniques essentially rely on polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests, which provide the required sensitivity and specificity. However, its relatively long time-to-result, including sample transport to a specialized laboratory, delays massive detection. Rapid lateral flow tests (both antigen and serological tests) are a remarkable alternative for rapid point-of-care diagnostics, but they exhibit critical limitations as they do not always achieve the required sensitivity for reliable diagnostics and surveillance. Next-generation diagnostic tools capable of overcoming all the above limitations are in demand, and optical biosensors are an excellent option to surpass such critical issues. Label-free nanophotonic biosensors offer high sensitivity and operational robustness with an enormous potential for integration in compact autonomous devices to be delivered out-of-the-lab at the point-of-care (POC). Taking the current COVID-19 pandemic as a critical case scenario, we provide an overview of the diagnostic techniques for respiratory viruses and analyze how nanophotonic biosensors can contribute to improving such diagnostics. We review the ongoing published work using this biosensor technology for intact virus detection, nucleic acid detection or serological tests, and the key factors for bringing nanophotonic POC biosensors to accurate and effective COVID-19 diagnosis on the short term.
Exploring the experience of health professionals who cared for patients with coronavirus infection: Hospitalised isolation and self‐image

Abstract Aims and objectives This study aimed to examine the lived experience of physicians and nurses who underwent hospitalised isolation during the Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus outbreak that hit Korea in 2015, and how it may have affected their professional self‐image. Background Health professionals caring for patients during infectious outbreaks such as the Middle East respiratory syndrome have reported negative psychological effects. However, little is known about how the experience influences their professional self‐image. Design An interpretive phenomenological approach was applied using individual in‐depth interviews. Methods Through purposeful and snowball sampling, 11 health professionals who had experienced hospital isolation due to suspicious symptoms of Middle East respiratory syndrome during the outbreak, participated in face‐to‐face interviews (50–90 min). We adhered to the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research guideline for reporting. Results Six themes were identified: (a) engulfed in chaos and exhaustion; (b) feeling hurt and constrained by the rejection and blame; (c) anxiety induced by the enclosed environment; (d) dread of this uncertain and critical disease; (e) sustained by family and colleagues; and (f) reflection at this turning point, expanding self‐understanding and seeking a balance. Conclusion Hospitalised isolation was a “turning point” that appeared to change health professionals’ sense of identity and direction. Relevance to clinical practice Preparedness for infectious epidemics should ensure tangible assistance, protection, and clear communication with health professionals, with careful attention to their psychological needs and affirmation of their self‐image in the aftermath.
A Type 2 Deiodinase-Dependent Increase in Vegfa Mediates Myoblast-Endothelial Cell Crosstalk During Skeletal Muscle Regeneration.

BACKGROUND The type 2 deiodinase (DIO2) converts thyroxine (T4) to 3,3',5-triiodothyronine (T3), modulating intracellular T3. An increase in DIO2 within muscle stem cells during skeletal muscle regeneration leads to T3-dependent potentiation of differentiation. The muscle stem cell niche is comprised of numerous cell types, which coordinate the regeneration process. For example, muscle stem cells provide secretory signals stimulating endothelial cell-mediated vascular repair, and in turn, endothelial cells promote muscle stem differentiation. We hypothesized Dio2 loss in muscle stem cells directly impairs muscle stem cell-endothelial cell communication leading to downstream disruption of endothelial cell function. METHODS We assessed the production of pro-angiogenic factors in differentiated C2C12 cells and in a C2C12 cell line without Dio2 (D2KO C2C12) by qRT-PCR and ELISA. Conditioned medium was collected daily in parallel to evaluate its effects on human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) proliferation, migration and chemotaxis, and vascular network formation. The effects of T3-treatment on vascular endothelial growth factor (Vegfa) mRNA expression in C2C12 cells and mouse muscle were assessed. Chromatin Immunoprecipitation (ChIP) identified thyroid hormone receptor (TR) binding to the Vegfa gene. Using mice with a targeted disruption of Dio2 (D2KO mice), we determined endothelial cell number by immunohistochemistry/flow cytometry and evaluated related gene expression in both uninjured and injured skeletal muscle. RESULTS In differentiated D2KO C2C12 cells Vegfa expression was 46% of WT C2C12 cells, while secreted VEGF was 45%. D2KO C2C12 conditioned medium exhibited significantly less pro-angiogenic effects on HUVECs. In vitro and in vivo T3-treatment of C2C12 cells and WT mice, and ChIP using antibodies against TRα, indicated that Vegfa is a direct genomic T3-target. In uninjured D2KO soleus muscle Vegfa expression was decreased by 28% compared to WT mice, while endothelial cell numbers were decreased by 48%. 7 days after skeletal muscle injury, D2KO mice had 36% fewer endothelial cells coinciding with an 83% decrease in Vegfa expression in FACS purified muscle stem cells. CONCLUSION Dio2 loss in the muscle stem cell impairs muscle stem cell-endothelial cell crosstalk via changes in the T3-responsive gene Vegfa, leading to downstream impairment of endothelial cell function in vitro and in vivo.
The protective effect and mechanism of lentinan on acute kidney injury in septic rats.

Background This study aimed to investigate the protective effect and mechanism of lentinan (LNT) on acute kidney injury (AKI) in septic rats. Methods A total 72 male SD rats were randomly divided into 6 groups with 12 rats in each group. Except for the sham group, all groups, including the burn sepsis group (BS group), the positive drug control group (dexamethasone, 5 mg/kg, PC group), the LNT low-concentration group (LNT-L group) (50 mg/kg), the LNT medium-concentration group (LNT-M group) (100 mg/kg), and the LNT high-concentration group (LNT-H group) (200 mg/kg), were intraperitoneally injected with the same amount of normal saline 30 min before injury. The levels of serum interleukin (IL)-4, IL-6, IL-10, and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α); the indexes of blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine (Cr); and the protein expression levels of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1), and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) in renal tissue were detected 24 hours after the model was established. Results Compared with the sham group, the BUN and Cr of the other groups were significantly higher, while those of the LNT group with different concentrations were significantly lower than those of the BS group (P<0.05). Compared with the sham group, the protein expression levels of NF-κB, iNOS, and ICAM-1 along with the levels of pro-inflammatory factors TNF-α and IL-6 in serum were significantly increased, while the levels of anti-inflammatory factors IL-4 and IL-10 were obviously lower in the BS group. Compared with the BS group, the protein expression levels of NF-κB, iNOS, and ICAM-1 along with the levels of pro-inflammatory factors TNF-α and IL-6 in serum were significantly decreased, while the levels of anti-inflammatory factors IL-4 and IL-10 were obviously increased in the LNT group with different concentrations. Conclusions LNT has a certain protective effect on AKI in septic rats, and its mechanism may involve inhibiting the activation of NF-κB, which suppresses the expression of proinflammatory factors in turn, thus promoting the release of anti-inflammatory factors.
Management tools in nursing care for children with pressure injury.

OBJECTIVES to develop and validate management tools for the systematization of nursing care for children with pressure injuries. METHODS methodological study in which the focus group technique was used for validation of tools in three different groups of 17 nurses. Conducted in April and May 2018 at a large pediatric hospital. RESULTS two management tools were developed. The first was the Nursing care systematization instrument for children with pressure injury with three parts: a) risk factors; b) Psychobiological Basic Human Needs; c) signs of wound infection. The second was the Flowchart of pressure injury risk and prevention in pediatric patients with three categories: a) risk factors; b) Braden Q scale; c) nursing care. Final Considerations: the tools will support nurses in the care of children with pressure injuries by aiming at an individualized and systematized assessment based on a theoretical framework.