Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effects of slow- v. fast-digested protein supplementation combined with mixed power training on muscle function and functional capacities in older men

Abstract Ageing leads to a progressive loss of muscle function (MF) and quality (MQ: muscle strength (MS)/lean muscle mass (LM)). Power training and protein (PROT) supplementation have been proposed as efficient interventions to improve MF and MQ. Discrepancies between results appear to be mainly related to the type and/or dose of proteins used. The present study aimed at determining whether or not mixed power training (MPT) combined with fast-digested PROT (F-PROT) leads to greater improvements in MF and MQ in elderly men than MPT combined with slow-digested PROT (S-PROT) or MPT alone. Sixty elderly men (age 69 (sd 7) years; BMI 18–30 kg/m2) were randomised into three groups: (1) placebo + MPT (PLA; n 19); (2) F-PROT + MPT (n 21) and (3) S-PROT + MPT (n 20) completed the intervention. LM, handgrip and knee extensor MS and MQ, functional capacity, serum metabolic markers, skeletal muscle characteristics, dietary intake and total energy expenditure were measured. The interventions consisted in 12 weeks of MPT (3 times/week; 1 h/session) combined with a supplement (30 g:10 g per meal) of F-PROT (whey) or S-PROT (casein) or a placebo. No difference was observed among groups for age, BMI, number of steps and dietary intake pre- and post-intervention. All groups improved significantly their LM, lower limb MS/MQ, functional capacity, muscle characteristics and serum parameters following the MPT. Importantly, no difference between groups was observed following the MPT. Altogether, adding 30 g PROT/d to MPT, regardless of the type, does not provide additional benefits to MPT alone in older men ingesting an adequate (i.e. above RDA) amount of protein per d.
Cypress pollen allergy in Milan: the story of an ongoing growth.

Cypress pollen allergy was virtually absent in Lombardy about 30 years ago. A 15-year clinical survey on cypress pollen sensitization and allergy in the area north of Milan reveals that both cypress pollen sensitization and allergy increased steadily from 2003 to 2017 along with the prevalence of clinical allergy over sensitization. The pollen concentration data recorded up from 1995 showed a dramatic increase in cypress Annual Pollen Index up from the beginning on the new millennium. Cypress pollen now represents a relevant allergen source in this area.
Assessing the aftermath of the fast track land reform programme in Zimbabwe on land-use and land-cover changes

An understanding of the role of land policies as major drivers behind tree species diversity reduction in southern Africa is still rudimentary. This study, therefore, sought to assess the aftermath of the fast track land reform programme in Zimbabwe on land-use and land-cover changes. Specifically, we characterised the spatio-temporal changes in land-cover between 2000 and 2010 as a result of the land reform policies in Quagga Pan Ranch, Masvingo Province, Zimbabwe. Secondly, we assessed the effects of the fast track land reform programme of 2000 on tree species diversity. Finally, we attempted to establish whether there was selective logging in newly resettled areas and also sought to understand the reasons behind selective tree logging. Land-cover changes were characterised after classifying Landsat satellite images of 2000 and 2010. Tree species data were collected using quadrats in newly resettled and unsettled areas for determining the state of selective logging. Questionnaires and observations were used to understand the patterns of diversity loss. Results show significant changes in land-use and land-cover between 2000 and 2010 with an increase in agricultural areas and a decrease in woodlands, specifically in newly resettled areas. Significant differences (α < 0.05) were noted between tree species diversity in areas that have been resettled and in areas that have not been resettled. Tree species diversity is relatively very high in areas that have not been resettled and very low in areas that have been resettled. Colophospermum mopane is the most used tree species because it's a cheap source of fuel and it's durable in domestic uses. It can be concluded that agricultural expansion is necessary for sustaining livelihoods as long as proper conservation methods of the tree species and the environment are maintained.
Fertilization and development in vitro of mouse eggs from inbred strains and f1 hybrids.

当研究室で維持されているC3H/He, Balb/c及びC57BL/6J-at/atの各近交系成熟雌マウス(いずれも実中研由来)とこれらのF1成熟雌マウスにPMSG及びHCGを投与して過排卵を誘起し, JCL:ICR系成燃雄マウスの精巣上体精子を用いて体外受精を行い,さらに体外受精卵の胚盤胞への培養を試みた。 培養液は,ピルビン酸0. 3mM,乳酸30 mM及びグルコース5. 55 mMを含むマウス卵子培養用培地を用い,体外受精から受精卵培養を通して同一条件下で行った(5%CO2,95%空気,温度37°C)。 授精後6時間に第2極体放出の有無で判定した受精率は,Balb/c, C57BL/6J-at/at及びC3H/He近交系由来卵子で,それぞれ69,81及び85%,Balb×C57BL,C3H×C57BL及びC3H×Balb F1雌由来卵子では,それそれ83,85及び82%であった。 いずれの系統でも受精卵のほとんどすべて(96~100%)が授精後24時間には2細胞期へ発生した。 一方,授精後48時間における4~8細胞期への発生率は,Balb/c, C57BL/6J-at/at及びC3H/Heでそれぞれ28,3. 6及び11%と低かったのに対して,Balb×C57BL, C3H×C57BL及びC3H×Balb F1由来卵子でそれぞれ69,83及び93%と高い値を示した。 さらに授精後96時間における胚盤胞への発生率はBalb/c, C57BL/6J-at/at及びC3H/Heでそれぞれ3,1及び0%とほとんど認められなかったが,Balb×C57BL, C3H×C57BL及びC3H×Balb由来卵子で,それぞれ30,30及び54%と近交系由来卵子に比較して明らかに高い発生率が得られた。
Facilitating transcatheter aortic valve implantation in the era of COVID-19: Recommendations for programmes

The COVID-19 pandemic continues to significantly impact the treatment of people living with aortic stenosis, and access to transcatheter aortic valve implantation. Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) programmes require unique coordinated processes that are currently experiencing multiple disruptions and are guided by rapidly evolving protocols. We present a series of recommendations for TAVI programmes to adapt to the new demands, based on recent evidence and the international expertise of nurse leaders and collaborators in this field. Although recommended in most guidelines, the uptake of the role of the TAVI programme nurse is uneven across international regions. COVID-19 is further highlighting why a nurse-led central point of coordination and communication is a vital asset for patients and programmes. We propose an alternative streamlined evaluation pathway to minimize patients’ pre-procedure exposure to the hospital environment while ensuring appropriate treatment decision and shared decision-making. The competing demands created by COVID-19 require vigilant wait list management, with risk stratification, telephone surveillance and optimized triage and prioritization. A minimalist approach with close scrutiny of all parts of the procedure has become an imperative to avoid any complications and ensure patients’ accelerated recovery. Lastly, we outline a nurse-led protocol of rapid mobilization and reconditioning as an effective strategy to facilitate safe next-day discharge home. As the pandemic abates, TAVI programmes must facilitate access to care without compromising patient safety, enable hospitals to manage the competing demands created by COVID-19 and establish new processes to support patients living with valvular heart disease.
Comparing higher and lower weekly treatment intensity for chronic aphasia: A systematic review and meta-analysis

ABSTRACT Optimizing intensity for aphasia treatment is a high priority research issue for people with aphasia, their families and clinicians, and could result in healthcare cost savings. An important aspect of intensity is the frequency of intervention, or how regularly treatment should be provided each week. While principles of neuroplasticity endorse massed practice, cognitive psychology has established superiority of distributed practice within normal learning. Neither concept has been conclusively tested in aphasia. There have been many literature reviews of intensity in aphasia intervention, but most have not investigated treatment intensity whilst also ensuring that therapy dose and treatment type are identical between study groups. Some have also combined studies across acute, subacute and chronic aphasia. We searched systematically for studies directly comparing higher and lower weekly treatment frequency in chronic aphasia. Eight studies were retrieved and rated for methodological quality. Meta-analysis was completed for group and single case experimental designs. Results showed that there are few studies investigating treatment frequency in chronic aphasia and their quality is low-moderate. Meta-analyses were inconclusive due to limited data, but there was no indication of either schedule being superior. Further research directly comparing treatment schedules is needed. Video Abstract Read the transcript Watch the video on Vimeo © 2022 The Author(s). Published by Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group Video Abstract Read the transcript Watch the video on Vimeo © 2022 The Author(s). Published by Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group
Voltage- and temperature-dependent rare-earth dopant contribution to the interfacial magnetic anisotropy

The control of magnetic materials and devices by voltages without electric currents holds the promise of power-saving nano-scale devices. Here we study the temperature-dependent voltage control of the magnetic anisotropy caused by rare-earth (RE) local moments at an interface between a magnetic metal and a non-magnetic insulator, such as Co|(RE)|MgO. Based on a Stevens operator representation of crystal and applied field effects, we find large dominantly quadrupolar intrinsic and field-induced interface anisotropies at room temperature. We suggest improved functionalities of transition metal tunnel junctions by dusting their interfaces with rare earths.
Real-time Approximation of Photometric Polygonal Lights

We present a real-time rendering technique for photometric polygonal lights. Our method uses a numerical integration technique based on a triangulation to calculate noise-free diffuse shading. We include a dynamic point in the triangulation that provides a continuous near-field illumination resembling the shape of the light emitter and its characteristics. We evaluate the accuracy of our approach with a diverse selection of photometric measurement data sets in a comprehensive benchmark framework. Furthermore, we provide an extension for specular reflection on surfaces with arbitrary roughness that facilitates the use of existing real-time shading techniques. Our technique is easy to integrate into real-time rendering systems and extends the range of possible applications with photometric area lights.
A Scoping Review of Interactions between Omega-3 Long-Chain Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids and Genetic Variation in Relation to Cancer Risk

This scoping review examines the interaction of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and genetic variants of various types of cancers. A comprehensive search was performed to identify controlled and observational studies conducted through August 2017. Eighteen unique studies were included: breast cancer (n = 2), gastric cancer (n = 1), exocrine pancreatic cancer (n = 1), chronic lymphocytic leukemia (n = 1), prostate cancer (n = 7) and colorectal cancer (n = 6). An additional 13 studies that focused on fish intake or at-risk populations were summarized to increase readers’ understanding of the topic based on this review, DHA and EPA interact with certain genetic variants to decrease breast, colorectal and prostate cancer risk, although data was limited and identified polymorphisms were heterogeneous. The evidence to date demonstrates that omega-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 LC-PUFA) may decrease cancer risk by affecting genetic variants of inflammatory pathways, oxidative stress and tumor apoptosis. Collectively, data supports the notion that once a genetic variant is identified, the benefits of a targeted, personalized therapeutic regimen that includes DHA and/or EPA should be considered.
IoT-based Systems Actuation Conflicts Management Towards DevOps: A Systematic Mapping Study

The Internet of Things (IoT) has long been understood as an infrastructure layer allowing to gather environmental data through sensors. However, it also provides means to physically interact with our living environments through actuators. To the extent that actuation effects are not without risks on safety and trustworthiness, providing the IoT infrastructure layer with merely sensors access control mechanisms is no longer sufficient. It is also required to prevent conflicting (and possibly unsafe) actuation effects to occur in the physical environment and deploy means to resolve them. In this paper, we consider actuation conflicts management as part of the DevOps approach, which aims to harmonize tools and objectives of actors involved in IoT-based systems life cycle from their design to their deployment. In this context, a systematic mapping study (SMS) is conducted to better understand the actuation conflicts management approaches and to what extent they could be integrated into the DevOps life cycle.
A mini-scale method for assay of D-amino acid oxidase activity in Trigonopsis variabilis against cephalosporin C

A mini-scale method for the estimation of D-amino acid oxidase activity against cephalosporin C was developed. The method allows implementation of the oxygenation and thorough mixing in a microfuge tube scale reactor. Dilution of reaction products in a buffer containing 0.03% hydrogen peroxide converted the intermediate product of the enzymatic reaction, α-keto adipyl-7-aminocephalosopranic acid (KA-7-ACA) to glutaryl-7-aminocephalosporanic acid (GL-7-ACA). In combination with high performance liquid chromatography, D-amino acid oxidase activity in the whole cells of Trigonopsis variabilis could be measured based on cephalosporin consumed in the reaction or the GL-7-ACA formed. This method could also be used for assay of D-amino acid oxidase activity in crude and soluble preparations.
A Fuzzy Controller for Self-adaptive Lightweight Edge Container Orchestration

Edge clusters consisting of small and affordable single-board devices are used in a range of different applications such as microcontrollers regulating an industrial process or controllers monitoring and managing traffic roadside. We call this wider context of computational infrastructure between the sensor and Internet-of-Things world and centralised cloud data centres the edge or edge computing. Despite the growing hardware capabilities of edge devices, resources are often still limited and need to be used intelligently. This can achieved by providing a self-adaptive scaling component in these clusters that is capable of scaling individual parts of the application running in the cluster. We propose an auto-scalable container-based cluster architecture for lightweight edge devices. A serverless architecture is at the core of the management solution. Our auto-scaler as the key component of this architecture is based on fuzzy logic in order to address challenges arising from an uncertain environment. In this context, it is crucial to evaluate the capabilities and limitations of the application in a real-world context. Our results show that the proposed platform architecture, the implemented application and the scaling functionality meet the set requirements and offer a basis for lightweight edge computing.
Global coronavirus pandemic (SARS‐CoV‐2): Past, present, and future of pediatric dermatology

Two months have passed since the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the pandemic of the Coronavirus Disease 19 (COVID‐19), caused by the SARS‐CoV‐2 virus, on 11 March 2020. Medical and healthcare workers have continued to be on the frontline to defeat this disease, however, continual changes are being made to their working habits which are proving to be difficult. Although the skin is not the main target of the SARS‐CoV‐2 infection, it is strongly involved both directly and indirectly, in many aspects of dermatological disease management, and particularly in pediatric dermatology. In this manuscript, our goal was to provide a “up‐to‐date” account on this topic, through analysis of current literature and sharing our experiences during this pandemic.
Evaluation of the acute toxic effect of azoxystrobin on non-target crayfish (Astacus leptodactylus Eschscholtz, 1823) by using oxidative stress enzymes, ATPases and cholinesterase as biomarkers

Abstract Azoxystrobin is a broad-spectrum fungicide used worldwide. Since azoxystrobin spreads to large areas, its toxic effects on non-target organisms have aroused interest. In this study, the acute toxicity (96 h) of azoxystrobin on the crayfish (Astacus leptodactylus) was examined by using various biomarkers. The 96 h-LC50 dose (1656 mg L−) and its three sub-doses (828, 414, 207 mg L−1) were applied to crayfish. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activities were increased significantly compared to the control in hepatopancreas, gill and muscle tissues. The activities of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and glutathione S-transferase (GST) increased, and glutathione reductase (GR) activity decreased significantly in hepatopancreas. Level of reduced glutathione (GSH) decreased significantly. The content of malondialdehyde (MDA) increased in a dose-dependent manner in all azoxystrobin treatments with the exception of the lowest dose (207 mg L-1)treatment. ATPases (Na+/K+ -ATPase, Mg2+ -ATPase, Ca2+ -ATPase, total ATPase) were significantly inhibited in gill and muscle tissues. The results of the present study indicate that azoxystrobin induces oxidative stress, and has adverse effects on activities of AChE and ATPases in crayfish.
The Role of Flies as Pollinators of Horticultural Crops: An Australian Case Study with Worldwide Relevance

Australian horticulture relies heavily on the introduced managed honey bee, Apis mellifera Linnaeus 1758 (Hymenoptera: Apidae), to pollinate crops. Given the risks associated with reliance upon a single species, it would be prudent to identify other taxa that could be managed to provide crop pollination services. We reviewed the literature relating to the distribution, efficiency and management potential of a number of flies (Diptera) known to visit pollinator-dependent crops in Australia and worldwide. Applying this information, we identified the taxa most suitable to play a greater role as managed pollinators in Australian crops. Of the taxa reviewed, flower visitation by representatives from the dipteran families Calliphoridae, Rhiniidae and Syrphidae was frequently reported in the literature. While data available are limited, there was clear evidence of pollination by these flies in a range of crops. A review of fly morphology, foraging behaviour and physiology revealed considerable potential for their development as managed pollinators, either alone or to augment honey bee services. Considering existing pollination evidence, along with the distribution, morphology, behaviour and life history traits of introduced and endemic species, 11 calliphorid, two rhiniid and seven syrphid species were identified as candidates with high potential for use in Australian managed pollination services. Research directions for the comprehensive assessment of the pollination abilities of the identified taxa to facilitate their development as a pollination service are described. This triage approach to identifying species with high potential to become significant managed pollinators at local or regional levels is clearly widely applicable to other countries and taxa.
Distribution, Relative Abundance and Conservation Status of Corroboree Frogs, Pseudophrne-Corroboree Moore (Anura, Myobatrachidae)

A survey of the distribution and abundance of the corroboree frog, Pseudophryne corroboree, was carried out over five summers between December 1984 and April 1989. The species has a restricted high-mountain distribution, occurring as three disjunctive populations: Snowy Mountains, Fiery Range and Brindabella Range. The Snowy Mountains and Fiery Range populations are relatively widespread, occupying areas of 400 and 550 km2 respectively. In contrast, the Brindabella Range population is restricted to about 60 km2. The abundance of the Snowy Mountains population has been considerably reduced throughout much of its range, perhaps because of frequent summer drought between 1979 and 1984. Although P. corroboree is rare, its range is largely within conservation reserves, and its relatively broad latitudinal distribution has prevented adverse conditions from affecting all populations. The decline in abundance of the distinctive Snowy Mountains population may be a response to adverse short-term weather, or it may be part of a decline and range contraction over a longer period.
A Site-Specific Integration Reporter System that Enables Rapid Evaluation of CRISPR/Cas9-mediated Genome Editing Strategies in CHO Cells.

Targeted gene knockout (KO) and site-specific integration (SSI) are powerful genome editing techniques to improve the development of industrially relevant Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cell lines. However, past efforts to perform SSI in CHO cells have been characterized by low efficiencies, necessitating tedious workflows to obtain a clone in which precise, rather than random, transgene integration has occurred. Moreover, numerous strategies have been proposed to boost SSI efficiency in mammalian cell types, yet few have been evaluated head to head or in combination to appreciably boost efficiencies in CHO. To enable systematic and rapid optimization of genome editing methods, we present the SSIGNAL ( site- specific integration and ge nome alteration) reporter system, a tool which can be operated in either of two modes to analyze CRISPR (clustered regularly interspaced palindromic repeats)/Cas9 (CRISPR-associated protein 9)-mediated disruption activity alone, or in conjunction with SSI efficiency. The reporter system functions by using green and red dual-fluorescence signals to indicate genotype states within four days following transfection, facilitating rapid data acquisition via standard flow cytometry instrumentation. In addition to describing the design and development of the system, we demonstrate two of its applications by first comparing transfection conditions to maximize CRISPR/Cas9 activity and subsequently assessing the efficiency of several promising SSI strategies. Due to its sensitivity and versatility, the SSIGNAL reporter system may serve as a tool to advance genome editing technology. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Enabling the Management and Orchestration of Virtual Networking Functions on the Edge

Tthe Internet of Things (IoT) is the pillar of the next generation of applications that will create a fusion between the real and digital worlds. Several use cases rely on Edge computing capabilities, and the virtualization capacity on Edge is a crucial requirement. The management and orchestration of computing, storage, and networking resources in the Edge cloud pose several challenges. In this work, we propose a Management and Orchestration (MANO) of Virtual Networking Functions (VNFs) on the Edge using standard solutions such as Open Source MANO (OSM) and OpenStack. To showcase our approach, we handled an experimental evaluation using an RPi3 infrastructure. OpenStack manages this infrastructure, and OSM provides the VNF MANO capabilities offering a significant improvement to support cloud computing on Edge. The evaluation showed the feasibility of using low-cost devices such as RPi with standard management solutions used in the