Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Reducing neutrophil exposure to oxygen allows their basal state maintenance

Neutrophils are the most abundant circulating white blood cells and are the central players of the innate immune response. During their lifecycle, neutrophils mainly evolve under low oxygen conditions (0.1–4% O2), to which they are well adapted. Neutrophils are atypical cells since they are highly glycolytic and susceptible to oxygen exposure, which induces their activation and death through mechanisms that remain currently elusive. Nevertheless, nearly all studies conducted on neutrophils are carried out under atmospheric oxygen (21%), corresponding to hyperoxia. Here, we investigated the impact of hyperoxia during neutrophil purification and culture on neutrophil viability, activation and cytosolic protein content. We demonstrate that neutrophil hyper‐activation (CD62L shedding) is induced during culture under hyperoxic conditions (24 h), compared with neutrophils cultured under anoxic conditions. Spontaneous neutrophil extracellular trap (NET) formation is observed when neutrophils face hyperoxia during purification or culture. In addition, we show that maintaining neutrophils in autologous plasma is the preferred strategy to maintain their basal state. Our results show that manipulating neutrophils under hyperoxic conditions leads to the loss of 57 cytosolic proteins during purification, while it does not lead to an immediate impact on neutrophil activation (CD11bhigh, CD54high, CD62Lneg) or viability (DAPI+). We identified two clusters of proteins belonging to cholesterol metabolism and to the complement and coagulation cascade pathways, which are highly susceptible to neutrophil oxygen exposure during neutrophil purification. In conclusion, protecting neutrophil from oxygen during their purification and culture is recommended to avoid activation and to prevent the alteration of cytosolic protein composition.
Physical Characterization of Bismuth Oxide Nanoparticle Based Ceramic Composite for Future Biomedical Application

Employment and the effect of eco-friendly bismuth oxide nanoparticles (BiONPs) in bio-cement were studied. The standard method was adopted to prepare BiONPs-composite. Water was adopted for dispersing BiONPs in the composite. A representative batch (2 wt. % of BiONPs) was prepared without water to study the impact of water on composite properties. For each batch, 10 samples were prepared and tested. TGA (thermogravimetric analysis) performed on composite showed 0.8 wt. % losses in samples prepared without water whereas, maximum 2 wt. % weight losses observed in the water-based composite. Presence of BiONPs resulted in a decrease in depth of curing. Three-point bending flexural strength decreased for increasing BiONPs content. Comparative study between 2 wt. % samples with and without water showed 10.40 (±0.91) MPa and 28.45 (±2.50) MPa flexural strength values, respectively, indicating a significant (p < 0.05) increase of the mechanical properties at the macroscale. Nanoindentation revealed that 2 wt. % without water composites showed significant (p < 0.05) highest nanoindentation modulus 26.4 (±1.28) GPa and hardness 0.46 (±0.013) GPa. Usage of water as dispersion media was found to be deleterious for the overall characteristics of the composite but, at the same time, the BiONPs acted as a very promising filler that can be used in this class of composites.
Preliminary evaluation of the Chinese version of the Baby Eating Behaviour Questionnaire

Abstract Background This study was conducted to develop a Chinese version of the Baby Eating Behaviour Questionnaire (BEBQ) and to evaluate its reliability and validity. Methods The Chinese version of the BEBQ was developed by translation and back‐translation of the original BEBQ, followed by revision according to experts on the most appropriate item content. Mothers of 300 infants aged <12 months were recruited for survey participation from the paediatric outpatient departments of two large general hospitals in Xi'an, China. Fifty of the mothers were selected randomly for retesting after 2 weeks. Face‐to‐face surveys included explanation of the process, administration of the Chinese version of the BEBQ with regard to the exclusive breast‐feeding period, and demographic data collection. The reliability, validity and discrimination of the questionnaire were evaluated through correlation coefficient calculation, factor analysis, parallel analysis and other methods. Results The Chinese version of the BEBQ consists of 15 items in four dimensions (food responsiveness, enjoyment of food, slowness in eating and satiety responsiveness). The cumulative variance contribution rate was 58.4%, the Cronbach's α coefficient was 0.93, the Guttman split‐half reliability coefficient was 0.87 and the test–retest reliability coefficient was 0.75. The satiety responsiveness and food responsiveness scores differed significantly according to gestational age at birth, infant sex and average monthly weight gain (all P < 0.05). The enjoyment of food score differed significantly according to average monthly weight gain (P < 0.05). Conclusions The Chinese version of the BEBQ showed good reliability and validity and can be used to evaluate infants' appetite through the assessment of eating behaviour.
Methiothepin Increases Chemotherapy Efficacy against Resistant Melanoma Cells

We previously reported that methiothepin, a small molecule known as a nonselective serotonin 5-HT receptor antagonist, inhibited the doxorubicin efflux activity of the Hedgehog receptor Ptch1 and enhanced the cytotoxic, pro-apoptotic, anti-proliferative, and anti-clonogenic effects of doxorubicin on adrenocortical carcinoma cells. Here, we show that methiothepin also inhibits doxorubicin efflux and increases doxorubicin cytotoxicity in melanoma cells which endogenously overexpress Ptch1. Melanoma patients having the BRAFV600E mutation are treated with vemurafenib, an inhibitor of BRAFV600E, often in combination with trametinib, an inhibitor of MEK. Almost all patients ultimately acquire resistance to the treatment leading to disease progression. Here, we report that methiothepin overcomes the resistance of BRAFV600E melanoma cells by enhancing the cytotoxicity of vemurafenib and trametinib on these cells leading to melanoma cells death. We observe that the addition of methiothepin to vemurafenib prevents migration of resistant melanoma cells more efficiently than vemurafenib alone. Our results provide an additional proof that Ptch1 drug efflux inhibition increases the effectiveness of anti-cancer treatments and overcomes resistance of melanoma cells expressing Ptch1.
Neuroendocrine-Related Circulating Transcripts in Small-Cell Lung Cancers: Detection Methods and Future Perspectives

Simple Summary The recent implementation of techniques to study circulating tumor cells allowed a rapid increase in knowledge about the molecular basis of Small-Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC), which appears to be more heterogeneous and dynamic than expected. Here, we present a summary of current knowledge and new findings about some of the neuroendocrine-related transcripts expressed in SCLC patients that could offer a great opportunity in distinguishing and managing different SCLC phenotypes. Abstract No well-established prognostic or predictive molecular markers of small-cell lung cancer (SCLC) are currently available; therefore, all patients receive standard treatment. Adequate quantities and quality of tissue samples are frequently unavailable to perform a molecular analysis of SCLC, which appears more heterogeneous and dynamic than expected. The implementation of techniques to study circulating tumor cells could offer a suitable alternative to expand the knowledge of the molecular basis of a tumor. In this context, the advantage of SCLC circulating cells to express some specific markers to be explored in blood as circulating transcripts could offer a great opportunity in distinguishing and managing different SCLC phenotypes. Here, we present a summary of published data and new findings about the detection methods and potential application of a group of neuroendocrine related transcripts in the peripheral blood of SCLC patients. In the era of new treatments, easy and rapid detection of informative biomarkers in blood warrants further investigation, since it represents an important option to obtain essential information for disease monitoring and/or better treatment choices.
Biowaste as a Potential Source of Bioactive Compounds—A Case Study of Raspberry Fruit Pomace

Raspberry fruit pomace, a byproduct of juice production, was studied as a potential source of antioxidant compounds. Target high-performance liquid chromatography analysis of important polyphenolic compounds (gallic, p-coumaric, caffeic, quercitrin, chlorogenic, and ellagic acid) was performed together with analysis of total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), total anthocyanins content (TAC), and antioxidant capacity (via ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) and 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assays). The differences in polyphenolic content of Rubus idaeus L. pomace were evaluated following ultrasound-assisted extraction and conventional maceration with different organic solvents. Additionally, the yield of free phenolics was measured in hydrolyzed pomace extracts. The results obtained show that the ultrasound method maximizes the quantity of antioxidant compounds in terms of TPC (27.79 mg/L gallic acid equivalent (GAE)), TFC (8.02 mg/g quercetin equivalent (QE)), TAC (7.13 mg/L cyanidine-3-glucoside equivalent (C3G Eq)), caffeic (19.17 µg/g), chlorogenic (3.56 µg/g), ellagic (105.52 µg/g), and gallic acids (8.75 µg/g), as well as FRAP (1002.72 µmol/L) and DPPH assays (969.71 µmol/mL vitamin C equivalent (vit C Eq); 567.00 µmol/100 g Trolox equivalent (TE)). On the other hand, conventional maceration maximizes the yield of quercetin and p-coumaric acid. In terms of biowaste valorization, raspberry fruit pomace has a promising industrial potential and may prove to be useful in the development of antioxidant dietary supplements.
The Integration of Meditation and Positive Psychology Practices to Relieve Stress in Women Workers (Flourish): Effects in Two Pilot Studies

Meditation and positive psychology have been reported as promising approaches to deal with stress. This exploratory pilot study aims to evaluate the efficacy of meditation and positive psychology-based intervention on stress. Two experiments are reported; in the first one, 29 healthcare professionals were included (intervention = 14; control = 15), and the second one included 57 women managers (intervention = 27; control = 30). All participants were evaluated before and after eight weeks for levels of stress, anxiety, depression, and psychiatric symptoms. In Experiment 1, intervention group participants showed a reduction in stress levels and anxiety symptoms, and in Experiment 2, participants in the intervention group showed a decrease in stress, psychiatric symptoms, and sleep quality, when compared to the control group. A multi-component intervention based on positive psychology and meditation practices was effective at reducing stress as well as improving related stress parameters such as anxiety, psychiatric symptoms, and sleep quality.
SARS-CoV-2 induces double-stranded RNA-mediated innate immune responses in respiratory epithelial-derived cells and cardiomyocytes

Significance SARS-CoV-2 emergence in late 2019 led to the COVID-19 pandemic that has had devastating effects on human health and the economy. While early innate immune responses are essential for protection against virus invasion and inadequate responses are associated with severe COVID-19 disease, gaps remain in our knowledge about the interaction of SARS-CoV-2 with host antiviral pathways. We characterized the innate immune response to SARS-CoV-2 in relevant respiratory tract-derived cells and cardiomyocytes and found that SARS-CoV-2 activates two antiviral pathways, oligoadenylate synthetase–ribonuclease L and protein kinase R, while inducing minimal levels of interferon. This is in contrast to Middle East respiratory syndrome-CoV, which inhibits all three pathways. Activation of these pathways may contribute to the distinctive pathogenesis of SARS-CoV-2. Coronaviruses are adept at evading host antiviral pathways induced by viral double-stranded RNA, including interferon (IFN) signaling, oligoadenylate synthetase–ribonuclease L (OAS-RNase L), and protein kinase R (PKR). While dysregulated or inadequate IFN responses have been associated with severe coronavirus infection, the extent to which the recently emerged SARS-CoV-2 activates or antagonizes these pathways is relatively unknown. We found that SARS-CoV-2 infects patient-derived nasal epithelial cells, present at the initial site of infection; induced pluripotent stem cell-derived alveolar type 2 cells (iAT2), the major cell type infected in the lung; and cardiomyocytes (iCM), consistent with cardiovascular consequences of COVID-19 disease. Robust activation of IFN or OAS-RNase L is not observed in these cell types, whereas PKR activation is evident in iAT2 and iCM. In SARS-CoV-2–infected Calu-3 and A549ACE2 lung-derived cell lines, IFN induction remains relatively weak; however, activation of OAS-RNase L and PKR is observed. This is in contrast to Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS)-CoV, which effectively inhibits IFN signaling and OAS-RNase L and PKR pathways, but is similar to mutant MERS-CoV lacking innate immune antagonists. Remarkably, OAS-RNase L and PKR are activated in MAVS knockout A549ACE2 cells, demonstrating that SARS-CoV-2 can induce these host antiviral pathways despite minimal IFN production. Moreover, increased replication and cytopathic effect in RNASEL knockout A549ACE2 cells implicates OAS-RNase L in restricting SARS-CoV-2. Finally, while SARS-CoV-2 fails to antagonize these host defense pathways, which contrasts with other coronaviruses, the IFN signaling response is generally weak. These host–virus interactions may contribute to the unique pathogenesis of SARS-CoV-2.
Effects of 4 Weeks of a Technique-Specific Protocol with High-Intensity Intervals on General and Specific Physical Fitness in Taekwondo Athletes: An Inter-Individual Analysis

The aim of this research was to compare the effects of a technique-specific high-intensity interval training (HIIT) protocol vs. traditional taekwondo training on physical fitness and body composition in taekwondo athletes, as well as to analyse the inter-individual response. Utilising a parallel controlled design, sixteen male and female athletes (five females and 11 males) were randomly divided into an experimental group (EG) that participated in the technique-specific HIIT and a control group (CG) that participated in traditional taekwondo training. Both groups trained three days/week for four weeks. Squat jump (SJ), countermovement jump (CMJ), 5-metre sprint (5M), 20-metre shuttle run (20MSR), taekwondo specific agility test (TSAT), multiple frequency speed of kick test (FSKTMULT), total kicks, and kick decrement index (KDI), as well as body composition were evaluated. Results indicate that there are no significant differences (p > 0.05) in the factors group and time factor and group by time interaction (p > 0.05). Although percentage and effect size increases were documented for post-intervention fitness components in TSAT, total kicks, KDI, and 20MSR, responders and non-responders were also documented. In conclusion, a HIIT protocol based on taekwondo-specific technical movements does not report significant differences in fitness and body composition compared to traditional taekwondo training, nor inter-individual differences between athletes.
Unveiling the N-Terminal Homodimerization of BCL11B by Hybrid Solvent Replica-Exchange Simulations

Transcription factors play a crucial role in regulating biological processes such as cell growth, differentiation, organ development and cellular signaling. Within this group, proteins equipped with zinc finger motifs (ZFs) represent the largest family of sequence-specific DNA-binding transcription regulators. Numerous studies have proven the fundamental role of BCL11B for a variety of tissues and organs such as central nervous system, T cells, skin, teeth, and mammary glands. In a previous work we identified a novel atypical zinc finger domain (CCHC-ZF) which serves as a dimerization interface of BCL11B. This domain and formation of the dimer were shown to be critically important for efficient regulation of the BCL11B target genes and could therefore represent a promising target for novel drug therapies. Here, we report the structural basis for BCL11B–BCL11B interaction mediated by the N-terminal ZF domain. By combining structure prediction algorithms, enhanced sampling molecular dynamics and fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) approaches, we identified amino acid residues indispensable for the formation of the single ZF domain and directly involved in forming the dimer interface. These findings not only provide deep insight into how BCL11B acquires its active structure but also represent an important step towards rational design or selection of potential inhibitors.
An improved Yasutomi correlation for viscosity at high pressure

The Yasutomi temperature–pressure–viscosity correlation is attractive for elastohydrodynamic lubrication analysis because it does not require an equation of state for the liquid. However, the original Yasutomi correlation suffers from the appearance of a zero in the function describing the pressure dependence of the relative free volume thermal expansivity. When the original correlation is employed, a liquid with a high inflection pressure lacks the inflection in the predicted pressure–viscosity behavior and a liquid with a low inflection pressure is predicted to have two inflections. A new function removes these concerns and provides improved precision without the need for an equation of state. The improved function gives a more faithful representation of viscosity at even low pressures.
The Scent of Antifungal Propolis

Propolis contains many effective antifungal compounds that have not yet been identified and evaluated. In addition, distinguishing samples of propolis with high antifungal activity from less active ones would be beneficial for effective therapy. Propolis samples were collected from four different geographical regions in Hungary and used to prepare ethanol extracts for analysis. First, an antifungal susceptibility test was performed on Candida albicans. Then, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and an opto-electronic nose were applied for the classification of propolis samples. In three propolis samples, the IC50 was measured between 72 and 134 µg/mL, but it was not calculable in the fourth sample. GC-MS analysis of the four propolis samples identified several compounds belonging to the various chemical classes. In the antifungal samples, the relative concentration of 11,14-eicosadienoic acid was the highest. Based on the opto-electronic electronic nose measurements, 98.4% of the original grouped antifungal/non-antifungal cases were classified correctly. We identified several molecules from propolis with potential antifungal properties. In addition, this is the first report to demonstrate the usefulness of a portable opto-electronic nose to identify propolis samples with high antifungal activity. These results may contribute to the rapid and efficient selection of new fungicide-candidate molecules and effective propolis samples for treatment.
Synthesis of a low bandgap polymer based on a thiadiazolo-indolo[3,2-b]carbazole derivative for enhancement of open circuit voltage of polymer solar cells

For the purpose of synthesizing an electron donor polymer with a low-lying highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) energy level and thus to achieve high open circuit voltage (VOC) of polymer solar cells, an indolocarbazole derivative, 3,8-bis-(4-octyl-thiophene-2-yl)-5,6-didodecyl-thiadiazolo-indolo[3,2-b]carbazole, was synthesized and used as a building block of a low bandgap alternating copolymer. An alternating copolymer, poly(3,8-bis-(4-octyl-thiophene-2-yl)-5,6-didodecyl-thiadiazolo-indolo[3,2-b]carbazole-alt-2,1,3-benzothiadiazole) (PTICThBT), was synthesized via the Suzuki coupling reaction, and the copolymer exhibited a deep HOMO level of −5.4 eV. When a blend of PTICThBT and PC71BM was used as an active layer in bulk heterojunction polymer solar cells, a high VOC of 0.84 V was obtained with a power conversion efficiency of 2.62% under AM 1.5G condition.
A Generative Method for Indoor Localization Using Wi-Fi Fingerprinting

Indoor localization is an enabling technology for pervasive and mobile computing applications. Although different technologies have been proposed for indoor localization, Wi-Fi fingerprinting is one of the most used techniques due to the pervasiveness of Wi-Fi technology. Most Wi-Fi fingerprinting localization methods presented in the literature are discriminative methods. We present a generative method for indoor localization based on Wi-Fi fingerprinting. The Received Signal Strength Indicator received from a Wireless Access Point is modeled by a hidden Markov model. Unlike other algorithms, the use of a hidden Markov model allows ours to take advantage of the temporal autocorrelation present in the Wi-Fi signal. The algorithm estimates the user’s location based on the hidden Markov model, which models the signal and the forward algorithm to determine the likelihood of a given time series of Received Signal Strength Indicators. The proposed method was compared with four other well-known Machine Learning algorithms through extensive experimentation with data collected in real scenarios. The proposed method obtained competitive results in most scenarios tested and was the best method in 17 of 60 experiments performed.
Covalently Functionalized Carbon Nano-Onions Integrated Gelatin Methacryloyl Nanocomposite Hydrogel Containing γ-Cyclodextrin as Drug Carrier for High-Performance pH-Triggered Drug Release

Herein, poly (n-(4-aminophenyl) methacrylamide)) carbon nano-onions (PAPMA-CNOs = f-CNOs) and γ-cyclodextrin/DOX-complex (CD) reinforced gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA)/f-CNOs/CD supramolecular hydrogel interfaces were fabricated using the photo-crosslinking technique. The physicochemical properties, morphology, biodegradation, and swelling properties of hydrogels were investigated. The composite hydrogels demonstrated enriched drug release under the acidic conditions (pH 4.5 = 99%, and pH 6.0 = 82%) over 18 days. Owing to the f-CNOs inclusion, GelMA/f-CNOs/CD supramolecular hydrogels presented augmented tensile strength (σult = 356.1 ± 3.4 MPa), toughness (K = 51.5 ± 0.24 Jg−1), and Young’s modulus (E = 41.8 ± 1.4 GPa). The strengthening of GelMA/f-CNOs/CD hydrogel systems indicates its good dispersion and the degree of polymer enveloping of f-CNOs within GelMA matrixes. Furthermore, the obtained hydrogels showed improved cell viability with human fibroblast cells. Nevertheless, the primed supramolecular hydrogels would pave the way for the controlled delivery systems for future drug delivery.