Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Influence of Acute SSRI Administration on White Matter Microstructure in Patients Suffering From Major Depressive Disorder and Healthy Controls

Abstract Background Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are predominantly prescribed for people suffering from major depressive disorder. These antidepressants exert their effects by blocking the serotonin transporter (SERT), leading to increased levels of serotonin in the synaptic cleft and subsequently to an attenuation of depressive symptoms and elevation in mood. Although long-term studies investigating white matter (WM) alterations after exposure to antidepressant treatment exist, results on the acute effects on the brain’s WM microstructure are lacking. Methods In this interventional longitudinal study, 81 participants were included (33 patients and 48 healthy controls). All participants underwent diffusion weighted imaging on 2 separate days, receiving either citalopram or placebo using a randomized, double-blind, cross-over design. Fractional anisotropy, mean diffusivity, axial diffusivity, and radial diffusivity were calculated within the FMRIB software library and analyzed using tract-based spatial statistics. Results The repeated-measures ANOVA model revealed significant decreases after SSRI administration in mean diffusivity, axial diffusivity, and radial diffusivity regardless of the group (P < .05, family-wise error [FWE] corrected). Results were predominantly evident in frontal WM regions comprising the anterior corona radiata, corpus callosum, and external capsule and in distinct areas of the frontal blade. No increases in diffusivity were found, and no changes in fractional anisotropy were present. Conclusions Our investigation provides the first evidence, to our knowledge, that fast WM microstructure adaptations within 1 hour after i.v. SSRI administration precede elevations in mood due to SSRI treatment. These results add a new facet to the complex mode of action of antidepressant therapy. This study was registered at clinicaltrials.gov with the identifier NCT02711215.
Dioxin levels in the breast milk and estradiol and androgen levels in the saliva of Vietnamese primiparae

Human exposure to polychlorinated dibenzodioxins (PCDD) and dibenzofurans (PCDF), especially 2,3,7,8 tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD), was investigated in Vietnam since initial severe adverse health effects were reported in the late 1970s. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of dioxin exposure on steroid hormones of primiparae in an Agent Orange/dioxin hot-spot and a non-exposed area in Vietnam. Sixteen primiparae (8 at each site), all of whom were aged between 20 and 30 years with infants aged between 4 and 16 weeks, agreed to participate in this study. The mean dioxin levels in breast milk of primiparae from the hot-spot area, in terms of PCDD, PCDF, and PCDD + PCDF toxic equivalents (TEQ), were significantly higher than those for the non-exposed area. PCDD TEQ, PCDF TEQ, and PCDD + PCDF TEQ levels showed a significant correlation with dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), androstenedione (A-dione), and estradiol (E2) in the saliva of primiparae in a combination of hot-spot and non-exposed areas in Vietnam. The dose–response curve between salivary E2 or A-dione levels and dioxin levels was U-shaped in humans. This study provides an overview of studies regarding dioxin hot-spots and effects on human health and steroid hormone levels in particular, with a focus on the toxicity attributed to dioxins and furans. Furthermore, causal evidence regarding the effects of dioxins on endocrine disruption in humans is provided.
Autochthonous Austrian Varieties of Prunus avium L. Represent a Regional Gene Pool, Assessed Using SSR and AFLP Markers

Sweet cherry production faces new challenges that necessitate the exploitation of genetic resources such as varietal collections and landraces in breeding programs. A harmonized approach to characterization is key for an optimal utilization of germplasm in breeding. This study reports the genotyping of 63 sweet cherry accessions using a harmonized set of 11 simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers optimized in two multiplexed PCR reactions. Thirty-eight distinct allelic profiles were identified. The set of SSR markers chosen proved highly informative in these germplasm; an average of 6.3 alleles per locus, a PIC value of 0.59 and above-average expected and observed heterozygosity levels were detected. Additionally, 223 amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) markers derived from eight selective primer combinations were employed to further differentiate 17 closely related accessions, confirming the SSR analysis. Genetic relationships between internationally known old cultivars were revealed: SSR fingerprints of “Schneiders Späte Knorpelkirsche” and “Germersdorfer” were found to be identical to those of the standard cultivar “Noire de Meched”, among others, whereas four accessions known as “Hedelfinger Riesenkirsche” and four known as “Große Schwarze Knorpelkirsche” showed allelic differences at various loci. The genetic diversity of locally-grown cultivars worldwide might be currently underestimated. Several autochthonous Austrian sweet cherry germplasm accessions were genotyped for the first time and their genetic relationships analyzed and discussed. Interestingly, seven Austrian sweet cherry landraces were shown to be clearly genetically separated from international and modern varieties, indicating that Austrian germplasm could include valuable genetic resources for future breeding efforts.
Placebo Effect of Caffeine on Substrate Oxidation during Exercise

By using deceptive experiments in which participants are informed that they received caffeine when, in fact, they received an inert substance (i.e., placebo), several investigations have demonstrated that exercise performance can be enhanced to a similar degree as a known caffeine dose. This ‘placebo effect’ phenomenon may be part of the mechanisms explaining caffeine’s ergogenicity in exercise. However, there is no study that has established whether the placebo effect of caffeine is also present for other benefits obtained with acute caffeine intake, such as enhanced fat oxidation during exercise. Therefore, the aim of this investigation was to investigate the placebo effect of caffeine on fat oxidation during exercise. Twelve young men participated in a deceptive double-blind cross-over experiment. Each participant completed three identical trials consisting of a step incremental exercise test from 30 to 80% of V.O2max. In the two first trials, participants ingested either 3 mg/kg of cellulose (placebo) or 3 mg/kg of caffeine (received caffeine) in a randomized order. In the third trial, participants were informed that they had received 3 mg/kg of caffeine, but a placebo was provided (informed caffeine). Fat oxidation rates were derived from stoichiometric equations. In received caffeine, participants increased their rate of fat oxidation over the values obtained with the placebo at 30%, 40%, 50%, and 60% of V.O2max (all p < 0.050). In informed caffeine, participants increased their rate of fat oxidation at 30%, 40%, 50% 60%, and 70% of V.O2max (all p < 0.050) over the placebo, while there were no differences between received versus informed caffeine. In comparison to placebo (0.32 ± 0.15 g/min), the rate of maximal fat oxidation was higher in received caffeine (0.44 ± 0.22 g/min, p = 0.045) and in informed caffeine (0.41 ± 0.20 g/min, p = 0.026) with no differences between received versus informed caffeine. However, the intensity at which maximal fat oxidation rate was obtained (i.e., Fatmax) was similar in placebo, received caffeine, and informed caffeine trials (42.5 ± 4.5, 44.2 ± 9.0, and 41.7 ± 10.5% of V.O2max, respectively, p = 0.539). In conclusion, the expectancy of having received caffeine produced similar effects on fat oxidation rate during exercise than actually receiving caffeine. Therefore, the placebo effect of caffeine is also present for the benefits of acute caffeine intake on substrate oxidation during exercise and it may be used to enhance fat oxidation during exercise in participants while reducing any risks to health that this substance may have.
Mesenchymal Stem Cell-Derived Extracellular Vesicles: Regenerative Potential and Challenges

Simple Summary Mesenchymal stem cell extracellular vesicles (MSCEVs) obtained from MSCs can have numerous therapeutic applications via regeneration of various body tissues. There are certain approaches by which the therapeutic effect of MSCEVs can be further potentiated. Translation of MSCEVs from the preclinical to clinical level presents several challenges to investigators. Thus, knowledge of isolation, culturing, application, and various challenges faced during clinical applications of MSCEVs are the important aspects highlighted in the present review. Abstract Evidence suggests that stem cells exert regenerative potential via the release of extracellular vesicles. Mesenchymal stem cell extracellular vesicles (MSCEVs) offer therapeutic benefits for various pathophysiological ailments by restoring tissues. Facts suggest that MSCEV action can be potentiated by modifying the mesenchymal stem cells culturing methodology and bioengineering EVs. Limited clinical trials of MSCEVs have questioned their superiority, culturing quality, production scale-up and isolation, and administration format. Translation of preclinically successful MSCEVs into a clinical platform requires paying attention to several critical matters, such as the production technique, quantification/characterization, pharmacokinetics/targeting/transfer to the target site, and the safety profile. Keeping these issues as a priority, the present review was designed to highlight the challenges in translating preclinical MSCEV research into clinical platforms and provide evidence for the regenerative potential of MSCEVs in various conditions of the liver, kidney, heart, nervous system, bone, muscle, cartilage, and other organs/tissues.
Chilean Digital Press Coverage of the Relation between Diet and Mental Health

Chile has a serious public health problem due to the high prevalence of both unhealthy dietary patterns and mental illnesses. Given that dietary quality is positively associated with the quality of mental health, it is urgent that healthy dietary patterns be promoted among Chileans. The WHO recommends the use of mass media for the dissemination of knowledge about mental health. Since health news affect people’s attitudes and health behaviors, this study analyzed the coverage by three Chilean online newspapers with the largest readership regarding the relation between diet and mental health in 2016. A previously constructed corpus of 2551 news items about food was analyzed quantitatively. The results show that the relevance of the topic diet and mental health was low in all three newspapers. The most frequent type of information was on “foods” and not “nutrients” that “benefit”—not that “damage”—mental health. The quality of the news was poor as a narrow range of sources was found. An individual responsibility frame predominated in the information to the detriment of a public health frame.
Methionine-Functionalized Graphene Oxide/Sodium Alginate Bio-Polymer Nanocomposite Hydrogel Beads: Synthesis, Isotherm and Kinetic Studies for an Adsorptive Removal of Fluoroquinolone Antibiotics

In spite of the growing demand for new antibiotics, in the recent years, the occurrence of fluoroquinolone antibiotics (as a curative agent for urinary tract disorders and respiratory problems) in wastewater have drawn immense attention. Traces of antibiotic left-overs are present in the water system, causing noxious impact on human health and ecological environments, being a global concern. Our present work aims at tackling the major challenge of toxicity caused by antibiotics. This study deals with the efficient adsorption of two commonly used fluoroquinolone (FQ) antibiotics, i.e., Ofloxacin (OFX) and Moxifloxacin (MOX) on spherical hydrogel beads generated from methionine‒functionalized graphene oxide/ sodium alginate polymer (abbreviated Met-GO/SA) from aqueous solutions. The composition, morphology and crystal phase of prepared adsorbents were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM) and thermogravimetric analysis/differential thermogravimetry (TGA/DTG). Batch adsorption tests are followed to optimize the conditions required for adsorption process. Both functionalized and non-functionalized adsorbents were compared to understand the influence of several experimental parameters, such as, the solution pH, contact time, adsorbent dosage, temperature and initial concentration of OFX and MOX on adsorption. The obtained results indicated that the functionalized adsorbent (Met-GO/SA) showed a better adsorption efficiency when compared to non-functionalized (GO/SA) adsorbent. Further, the Langmuir isotherm was validated as the best fitting model to describe adsorption equilibrium and pseudo second-order-kinetic model fitted well for both types of adsorbate. The maximum adsorption capacities of Met-GO/SA were 4.11 mg/g for MOX and 3.43 mg/g for OFX. Thermodynamic parameters, i.e., ∆G°, ∆H° and ∆S° were also calculated. It was shown that the overall adsorption process was thermodynamically favorable, spontaneous and exothermic in nature. The adsorbents were successfully regenerated up to four cycles with 0.005 M NaCl solutions. Overall, our work showed that the novel Met-GO/SA nanocomposite could better contribute to the removal of MOX and OFX from the liquid media. The gel beads prepared have adequate features, such as simple handling, eco-friendliness and easy recovery. Hence, polymer gel beads are promising candidates as adsorbents for large-scale water remediation.
Stature is negatively associated with increased arterial stiffness after high-intensity bicep curls training in young Japanese men

ABSTRACT Reports have indicated that high-intensity resistance training (RT) increases or does not change arterial stiffness. Meanwhile, higher stature has been suggested to have a protective effect on cardiovascular disease and arterial stiffness. Stature could explain the disagreement in the reported effects of RT on arterial stiffness. This study was aimed at investigating whether stature is related to RT-induced change in arterial stiffness. Thirty-six young Japanese men were assigned to the control (n = 15) and training groups (n = 21). RT programme consisted of supervised bicep curls 3 days per week for 4 weeks (5 sets of 10 repetitions at 75% of 1-repetition maximum). Arterial compliance (AC) and β-stiffness index (via combination of ultrasound and carotid pressure waveforms) were measured in all participants. To verify the effect of stature on RT-induced change in arterial stiffness, the training group was divided into tertiles of stature: lower, middle, and higher stature groups (each group, n = 7). RT significantly decreased AC and increased β-stiffness index in only the lower stature group (both, P < 0.05). Moreover, stature was positively associated with decreased AC and negatively associated with increased β-stiffness index, even after adjusting for confounders including changes in relative strength, pulse pressure, and arterial distension (P < 0.05). The present results suggest that short stature contributes to the increase in arterial stiffness induced by RT in young Japanese men. The present findings suggest that stature should be taken into consideration when designing/engaging in RT programme, due to potential implications for cardiovascular health. Highlights Participants were divided into 3 groups according to tertiles of statures, and arterial stiffness of lower stature group (range of stature: 161.0–169.8 cm) increased after resistance training in young Japanese men, but not middle and higher stature group. Stature was negatively associated with the changed arterial stiffness by resistance training. This study suggests that short stature contributes to the elevation in arterial stiffness elicited by resistance training.
Vitamin D and Lung Outcomes in Elderly COVID-19 Patients

Background and aim: Vitamin D deficiency is frequently reported in patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection. The aim of this study was to correlate the 25OH-Vitamin D serum concentrations with clinical parameters of lung involvement, in elderly patients hospitalized for SARS-CoV-2 infection. Methods: Sixty-five consecutive COVID-19 patients (mean age 76 ± 13 years) and sixty-five sex- and age-matched control subjects (CNT) were analyzed. The following clinical parameters, including comorbidities, were collected at admission: type of pulmonary involvement, respiratory parameters (PaO2, SO2, PaCO2, PaO2/FiO2), laboratory parameters (including 25OH-vitamin D, D-dimer, C-reactive protein). Results: Significantly lower vitamin D serum levels were found in COVID-19 patients than in CNT (median 7.9 vs. 16.3 ng/mL, p = 0.001). Interestingly, a statistically significant positive correlation was observed between vitamin D serum levels and PaO2 (p = 0.03), SO2 (p = 0.05), PaO2/FiO2 (p = 0.02), while a statistically significant negative correlation was found between vitamin D serum levels and D-dimer (p = 0.04), C-reactive protein (p = 0.04) and percentage of O2 in a venturi mask (p = 0.04). A negative correlation was also observed between vitamin D serum levels and severity of radiologic pulmonary involvement, evaluated by computed tomography: in particular, vitamin D was found significantly lower in COVID-19 patients with either multiple lung consolidations (p = 0.0001) or diffuse/severe interstitial lung involvement than in those with mild involvement (p = 0.05). Finally, significantly lower vitamin D serum levels were found in the elderly COVID-19 patients who died during hospitalization, compared to those who survived (median 3.0 vs. 8.4 ng/mL, p = 0.046). Conclusions: This study confirms that 25OH-vitamin D serum deficiency is associated with more severe lung involvement, longer disease duration and risk of death, in elderly COVID-19 patients. The detection of low vitamin D levels also in younger COVID-19 patients with less comorbidities further suggests vitamin D deficiency as crucial risk factor at any age.
Stem Cell Impairment at the Host-Microbiota Interface in Colorectal Cancer

Simple Summary The mechanisms underlying the effects of exogenous factors on impaired intestinal stem niche homeostasis in colorectal cancer pathogenesis are an important and ongoing focus for stem cell research. The most recent findings indicate that dysbiosis (changes in the homeostatic gut microbiota composition) can induce an aberrant reprogramming of the intestinal stem cells (ISCs) through several mechanisms, such as impaired metabolism and abnormal activation of the immune system, as well as genetic and epigenetic instability. The review goes beyond the discussion of the involvement of gut dysbiosis in colorectal cancer development, mainly summarizing the most recent findings linking the gut microbiome to colorectal cancer pathogenesis through the ISC niche impairment. The most significant advances in this field are described, focusing on different “omics” strategies, with a particular interest for the multiomics approach which will be gradually included into the framework of precision medicine. Abstract Colorectal cancer (CRC) initiation is believed to result from the conversion of normal intestinal stem cells (ISCs) into cancer stem cells (CSCs), also known as tumor-initiating cells (TICs). Hence, CRC evolves through the multiple acquisition of well-established genetic and epigenetic alterations with an adenoma-carcinoma sequence progression. Unlike other stem cells elsewhere in the body, ISCs cohabit with the intestinal microbiota, which consists of a diverse community of microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, and viruses. The gut microbiota communicates closely with ISCs and mounting evidence suggests that there is significant crosstalk between host and microbiota at the ISC niche level. Metagenomic analyses have demonstrated that the host-microbiota mutually beneficial symbiosis existing under physiologic conditions is lost during a state of pathological microbial imbalance due to the alteration of microbiota composition (dysbiosis) and/or the genetic susceptibility of the host. The complex interaction between CRC and microbiota is at the forefront of the current CRC research, and there is growing attention on a possible role of the gut microbiome in the pathogenesis of CRC through ISC niche impairment. Here we primarily review the most recent findings on the molecular mechanism underlying the complex interplay between gut microbiota and ISCs, revealing a possible key role of microbiota in the aberrant reprogramming of CSCs in the initiation of CRC. We also discuss recent advances in OMICS approaches and single-cell analyses to explore the relationship between gut microbiota and ISC/CSC niche biology leading to a desirable implementation of the current precision medicine approaches.
Youths’ Habitual Use of Smartphones Alters Sleep Quality and Memory: Insights from a National Sample of Chinese Students

A growing body of work has been devoted to studying the smartphone addiction in youths and its impact on their lives, but less is known about the predictors and effects of youth habitual use of smartphones. Guided by social cognitive theory, this study investigates how habitual smartphone use affects sleep quality and everyday memory based on a nationally representative sample of Chinese students (N = 2298). It uses a cluster-randomized sampling with stratification of different areas, consisting of both urban and rural students aged 6–18 years from elementary, middle, and high schools across China. It found that Chinese students exhibited a habitual smartphone use, who were generally confident in using mobile devices, but few had smartphone addiction. Significant gender and age differences were identified concerning the habitual use of smartphone. Specifically, boys demonstrated higher levels of habitual use and smartphone self-efficacy than the girls. High school students showed the highest level of habitual smartphone use compared to those in elementary and middle schools. Smartphone use duration, frequency, and self-efficacy predicted the habitual use, which also led to poorer sleep quality and worse memory outcomes. Prebedtime exposure moderated the relationship between habitual smartphone uses and sleep quality. The results show that students’ habitual smartphone use had a significant impact on their health, cognition and more, even when they exhibited little smartphone addiction. The findings contribute to a better understanding of smartphone impact on school-age youths.
The Potential of Mesenchymal Stromal Cells in Neuroblastoma Therapy for Delivery of Anti-Cancer Agents and Hematopoietic Recovery

Neuroblastoma is one of the most common pediatric cancers and a major cause of cancer-related death in infancy. Conventional therapies including high-dose chemotherapy, stem cell transplantation, and immunotherapy approach a limit in the treatment of high-risk neuroblastoma and prevention of relapse. In the last two decades, research unraveled a potential use of mesenchymal stromal cells in tumor therapy, as tumor-selective delivery vehicles for therapeutic compounds and oncolytic viruses and by means of supporting hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Based on pre-clinical and clinical advances in neuroblastoma and other malignancies, we assess both the strong potential and the associated risks of using mesenchymal stromal cells in the therapy for neuroblastoma. Furthermore, we examine feasibility and safety aspects and discuss future directions for harnessing the advantageous properties of mesenchymal stromal cells for the advancement of therapy success.