Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Transmitting Diet‐Related Microbial Benefit through Fecal Microbiota Transplant in NASH: Can Microbiota Cut Through the Fat?

The interaction between dietary changes and gut microbiota can potentially affect host physiology and pathophysiology. (1) These are attractive targets for manipulation in obesity, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). However, most current studies are either relatively short in duration compared with the natural history of NAFLD or have not yielded significant results focused on fibrosis, which is the major determinant of liver-related mortality. (2) Diets such as carbohydrate-restricted, low-fat, Mediterranean, and plant-based/vegan create their unique signature on the microbiome. (1) These changes in the microbiome could, in addition, modulate their impact on host health. However, these diets in the real world are not often followed regularly, can be expensive in resource-strapped subjects, and require intensive monitoring. In animal models, tissues from a donor following a healthy lifestyle, be it lean status or better brain function, can promote the similar phenotype in the recipient. (3,4) A pilot study has shown benefit in alcohol-related behavior after fecal microbiota transplant (FMT) in humans. (5) It is tempting to speculate that a similar result could be achieved in humans through a magic FMT pill that encapsulates all of the potential benefits of the lean habitus and vegan dietary practice without the effort of becoming lean or vegan (Fig. 1). In this issue of Hepatology Communications, Witjes et al. transplanted stool from lean healthy vegan donors via esophagogastroduodenoscopy and a duodenal enteral feeding tube, performed 3 times over 8 weeks in patients with NASH free of comorbid conditions such as diabetes. (REF) Most patients in the study did not have significant liver fibrosis. The study showed a trend toward improvement in necro-inflammatory scores noted on pre-intervention and postintervention liver biopsies. This intensive study missed the primary endpoint, because the study recruitment was incomplete. More relevant from the viewpoint of microbiota, there were changes in the intervention group with related gene and metabolomic changes showing that there was engraftment of the FMT with a translational impact on metabolism. The team is to be greatly commended for conceptualizing and putting into practice this intense series of investigations. There are several important points to be learned from this incredible effort. First, study designs Abbreviations: FMT, fecal microbiota transplant; NAFLD, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease; NASH, nonalcoholic steatohepatitis.
Effects of Bacterial Cellulose Nanocrystals on the Mechanical Properties of Resin-Modified Glass Ionomer Cements

Abstract Objectives The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of bacterial cellulose nanocrystals (BCNCs) on the mechanical properties of resin-modified glass ionomer cements (RMGICs) including compressive strength (CS), diametral tensile strength (DTS), and modulus of elasticity (E). Materials and Methods BCNCs were incorporated into RMGIC at various concentrations (0.3, 0.5, and 1 wt%). Unmodified RMGIC was used as the control group. The specimens were stored in distilled water at 37°C for 24 hours. CS and DTS, as well as modulus of elasticity, were evaluated using a universal testing machine. The nanostructure of BCNCs was observed via field emission scanning electron microscopy. Statistical Analysis One-way analysis of variance and post-hoc Tukey tests were used for data analysis. Level of significance was at p < 0.05. Results The addition of BCNCs to RMGIC led to an increase in all of the tested mechanical properties compared with the control group, with a significant increase observed for 1 wt% BCNC. CS and DTS improved up to 23%, and modulus of elasticity increased by 44%. Conclusions The addition of BCNCs to the RMGIC improved the mechanical properties, including CS, elastic modulus, and DTS. Thus, the newly developed RMGICs with BCNCs might represent an ideal and promising novel dental material in restorative dentistry.
B Cell Activating Factor (BAFF) Is Required for the Development of Intra-Renal Tertiary Lymphoid Organs in Experimental Kidney Transplantation in Rats

Intra-renal tertiary lymphoid organs (TLOs) are associated with worsened outcome in kidney transplantation (Ktx). We used an anti-BAFF (B cell activating factor) intervention to investigate whether BAFF is required for TLO formation in a full MHC-mismatch Ktx model in rats. Rats received either therapeutic immunosuppression (no rejection, NR) or subtherapeutic immunosuppression (chronic rejection, CR) and were sacrificed on d56. One group additionally received an anti-BAFF antibody (CR + AB). Intra-renal T (CD3+) and B (CD20+) cells, their proliferation (Ki67+), and IgG+ plasma cells were analyzed by immunofluorescence microscopy. Formation of T and B cell zones and TLOs was assessed. Intra-renal expression of TLO-promoting factors, molecules of T:B crosstalk, and B cell differentiation was analyzed by qPCR. Intra-renal B and T cell zones and TLOs were detected in CR and were associated with elevated intra-renal mRNA expression of TLO-promoting factors, including CXCL13, CCL19, lymphotoxin-β, and BAFF. Intra-renal plasma cells were also elevated in CR. Anti-BAFF treatment significantly decreased intra-renal B cell zones and TLO, as well as intra-renal B cell-derived TLO-promoting factors and B cell differentiation markers. We conclude that BAFF-dependent intra-renal B cells promote TLO formation and advance local adaptive alloimmune responses in chronic rejection.
Forage Quality of Salsola yazdiana and S. tomentosa in Different Growth Stages in Saline Desert of Yazd Province, Iran

Information on forage quality could help rangeland managers to select suitable grazing method to achieve higher animal performance without damage to vegetation. The aim of this study was to determine and compare the forage quality of S. yazdiana and S. tomentosa, which are the most important species of saline rangelands in Ardakan in Yazd province, Iran. These two species are grazed by goats and camels. The edible biomass of both species was sampled in three phenological stages during 2015-2016. Forage quality indices such as Crude Protein (CP), Dry Matter Digestibility (DMD), Metabolizable Energy (ME), Acid Detergent Fiber (ADF), Crude Fiber (CF), and Water Soluble Carbohydrate (WSC) were measured using Near Infrared Spectroscopy (NIRS). Data were analyzed using a factorial experiment in a completely randomized design. Means comparison was conducted using Duncan's Multiple Range test. According to the results, phenological stages showed significant differences for DMD, CP, WSC, ASH, ADF (P<0.01) CF and ME (P<0.05). Moreover, results showed significant differences between species for DMD, WSC, ASH, ADF (P<0.01) and CP (P<0.05). However, interactions (species × stage) showed significant differences only for DMD and ASH (P<0.05). In both species, forage quality based on positive indicators such as DMD (72.83, 63.91), CP (11.18, 10.12), and ME (7.7, 7.44) for both S. yazdiana and S. tomentosa had the highest values at the vegetative stage. By the progress of growth stages in both species, these indices were decreased. In comparison, S. tomentosa had higher forage quality than that of S. yazdiana. Although the grazing season for goat and camel in these rangelands is in fall and winter, the suitable time for grazing by these livestock is the late winter and early spring at the vegetative stage. Thus, by considering the grazing time of goat and camel from these species, supplementary feeding is required.
Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 (GLP-1) in the Integration of Neural and Endocrine Responses to Stress

Glucagon like-peptide 1 (GLP-1) within the brain is produced by a population of preproglucagon neurons located in the caudal nucleus of the solitary tract. These neurons project to the hypothalamus and another forebrain, hindbrain, and mesolimbic brain areas control the autonomic function, feeding, and the motivation to feed or regulate the stress response and the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. GLP-1 receptor (GLP-1R) controls both food intake and feeding behavior (hunger-driven feeding, the hedonic value of food, and food motivation). The activation of GLP-1 receptors involves second messenger pathways and ionic events in the autonomic nervous system, which are very relevant to explain the essential central actions of GLP-1 as neuromodulator coordinating food intake in response to a physiological and stress-related stimulus to maintain homeostasis. Alterations in GLP-1 signaling associated with obesity or chronic stress induce the dysregulation of eating behavior. This review summarized the experimental shreds of evidence from studies using GLP-1R agonists to describe the neural and endocrine integration of stress responses and feeding behavior.
Efficacy of infliximab, cyclosporine and tacrolimus on ulcerative colitis

Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text Abstract Background: Positioning infliximab (IFX), cyclosporine and tacrolimus (TAC) for treating ulcerative colitis (UC) is in great debate. Methods: A literature search identified studies that investigated IFX vs. cyclosporine or IFX vs TAC in UC patients. Short-term remission, short-term, 1-year and 3-year colectomy rate were employed as primary end-points to assess efficacy. Odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were analyzed. Results: Overall, 15 studies comprised 596 patients in IFX group and 866 in calcineurin inhibitors group (644 received cyclosporine and 222 received TAC). No significant difference was seen between IFX and calcineurin inhibitors with regard to short-term remission. IFX led to a lower short-term (OR: 0.59, 95% CI: 0.43–0.82, P:.001), 1-year (OR: 0.53, 95% CI: 0.38–0.73, P < .001), 3-year colectomy (OR: 0.41, 95% CI: 0.20–0.84, P:.02) than calcineurin inhibitors. IFX led to a lower short-term (OR: 0.51, 95% CI: 0.36–0.71, P < .001), 1-year (OR: 0.53, 95% CI: 0.37–0.74, P:.003) colectomy and a trend of lower 3-year colectomy (OR: 0.49, 95% CI: 0.22–1.06, P:.07) than cyclosporine while no significant difference was seen between IFX and TAC. Results of network meta-analysis showed that the order was cyclosporine, TAC and IFX from high rate to low with regard to short-term and 1-year colectomy. Conclusion: IFX treatment leads to a lower short-term, 1-year colectomy rate and a trend of lower 3-year colectomy rate in UC patients than cyclosporine while no significant difference is seen between IFX and TAC. TAC may be superior than cyclosporine with regard to efficacy based on indirect comparisons. Randomized trials with fixed protocol are warranted to identify the optimal medical strategy in patients with UC.
New horizons in microbiota and metabolic health research.

Decade old studies demonstrated that microbes living in our gut (microbiota) contribute in both maintaining normal metabolic function and pathology of metabolic diseases such as obesity and diabetes. Emerging evidence suggest that gut microbiota influences the personalized effects of diets and drugs, and impact-gut brain axis and leaky gut-inflammation to control metabolic function/diseases. Gut microbiota can be an ideal source of prognostic markers and therapies for metabolic diseases. Here we discussed the emerging concepts in the area of microbiota and metabolic interactions in personalized nutrition, drug response and disease prognosis.
Autonomous Functioning Thyroid Nodule - A Rare Pediatric Diagnosis.

Autonomous functioning thyroid nodules may be defined as nodules in which follicular cells have a TSH independent function. Although not uncommon in adults, they are rare in patients younger than 18 years of age. Presenting features may be a visibly growing anterior cervical mass, symptoms related to airway or esophageal compression, or even hyperthyroidism-related symptoms. Diagnosis is made through thyroid function assessments and confirmed through a thyroid scintigraphy. We present the case of a teenage patient that presented with an anterior progressively growing cervical mass that, on initial assessment, had a normal thyroid function. On follow up, TSH suppression was detected, and the suspicion of an Autonomous Functioning Thyroid Nodule was later confirmed through I131 scintigraphy. The patient underwent surgical resection, and has since, remained euthyroid. Although rare, AFTN should be part of the differential diagnosis for thyroid nodules in the pediatric population, even if initial thyroid function assessments are normal.
Sociodemographic Correlates of Obesity among Spanish Schoolchildren: A Cross-Sectional Study

Some studies have been conducted in order to assess the association between weight status (assessed by body mass index) and socio-demographic factors. Nevertheless, only a few of them have indicated these associations by other anthropometric parameters (e.g., skinfolds). The aim of this study was to determine, compare, and examine the influence of age, sex, type of the schooling, per capita income, area of residence, and immigrant status on obesity parameters in schoolchildren aged 6–13 from the Region of Murcia. A cross-sectional study was carried out in six different Primary schools of the Region of Murcia (Spain). A total sample of 370 children (166 girls) aged 6–13 (8.7 ± 1.8) were selected. In order to determine participants’ body composition, body mass index, waist circumference, waist-to-height ratio, and skinfold measurements were calculated. Higher associations of excess of weight (OR = 1.96; 95%CI = 1.19–3.20) and abdominal obesity (OR = 3.12; 95CI% = 1.49–6.94) were shown in the case of children from public schools. A greater association of high trunk fat mass was found in children from municipalities with high per capita income (OR = 3.20; 95%CI = 1.05–9.77). Therefore, lower association of having an inadequate %BF was found in the participants aged 6–9 (OR = 0.38; 95%CI = 0.24–0.54), and immigrant students (OR = 2.63; 95%CI = 1.69–4.10). Our study suggested that overweight/obesity among schoolchildren in the Region of Murcia is higher than the overall prevalence of Spain. The results of the adjusted analyses showed that age, type of schooling, per capita income, and immigrant status were associated with obesity parameters.
Veteran stroke survivors’ lived experiences after being discharged home: a phenomenological study

Abstract Background Stroke is a leading cause of disability in adults and third cause of death in the United States. Survivors face challenges postdischarge, including risks in self-management (SM) following prescribed regimens. Although SM education can help develop skills to control risk factors for stroke recurrence, little is known about lived experiences of patients adopting SM. Aims To examine Veterans’ lived poststroke experiences after discharge and their experiences in SM goal setting/attainment. Methods Patients within one year of discharge from a Veterans Administration Medical Center in the United States with two risk factors for stroke recurrence were enrolled and received an SM workbook. Eight patients were interviewed (six males, two females; mean age 62: range 45–80). Part I concerned lived experience. Part II described experiences with goal setting and attainment. Data were analyzed inductively, identifying common experiences. Deductive analysis described goal setting and attainment. Transcript reviews identified SM themes and strategies. Results Lived experiences included 1) uncertainty about life, 2) anger and frustration, and 3) healthcare system challenges. Coping skills and setting goals to manage risks were critical for physical and emotional functioning. Conclusions SM coping and goal setting aided recovery and improved life quality among Veterans after stroke. SM interventions assisted in regaining physical and emotional function. Findings may help in design of interventions for survivors, using SM and goal setting and attainment. IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATION Several implications for clinical practice were identified: Providers should acknowledge Veterans’ challenges and struggles after their stroke and help Veterans to re-establish social identity, enhance self-esteem and improve mood. More emphasis should be given to the Veterans’ caregivers’ availability and willingness to help with their loved one’s recovery, work reinstatement status and financial struggles. Recognition of the importance of the social context of recovery after a stroke is important, as nonmedical social interaction is often overlooked. Improvements are needed in the area of providers working with social workers and physical, occupational and mental health therapists to arrange more inpatient and outpatient treatments, including more frequent home visits. Veterans should be strongly encouraged to attend self-management diabetes education classes and smoking cessation and weight-loss programs offered for free within the Veterans Health Administration system. Self-management strategies using goal-setting and attainment concepts may assist individuals with stroke to regain physical and emotional functions, subsequently preventing another stroke.
Reliability of Throwing Velocity during Non-specific and Specific Handball Throwing Tests

Abstract Throwing velocity is one of the most important factors for scoring goals in handball. This study aimed to identify the type of throw and procedure for selecting the final test outcome that provide throwing velocity with the greatest reliability. Fifteen experienced handball players and 33 non-experienced participants were tested in two sessions. Each session consisted of 4 trials of 3 different throwing tests (unspecific, 7-meters, and 3-steps). The maximum value of 4 trials, average value of 4 trials, and average value of the 3 best trials were considered. Throwing velocity was highly reliable (coefficient of variation [CV]≤3.3%, intraclass correlation coefficient≥0.89) with the exception of the unspecific throw for the non-experienced group (CV≥5.9%, intraclass correlation coefficient≤0.56). The 3-steps throw (CV=1.7%) was more reliable than the 7-meters throw (CV=2.1%) (CVratio=1.19) and unspecific throw (CV = 3.8%) (CVratio=2.18), the 3 procedures provided a comparable reliability (CV range=2.4−2.6%; CVratio≤1.07), and the experienced group (CV=1.0%) presented a higher reliability than the non-experienced group (CV=4.0%) (CVratio=3.83). These results support the 3-steps throw to maximise the reliability of throwing velocity performance.
Do early warning track and trigger tools improve patient outcomes? A systematic synthesis without meta-analysis.

AIM To determine the effect of Early Warning Track and Trigger Tools on patient outcomes. DESIGN A systematic review: synthesis without meta-analysis. DATA SOURCES Electronic databases were searched from 1 January 2013-1 August 2018 and 221 papers identified. REVIEW METHODS A systematic review and narrative synthesis supported the identification of synthesized findings named and reported according to outcome measure. RESULTS Five international papers representing over 74,000 patients were included in the analysis. Seven key findings were identified, the impact of NEWS on: (a) cardiopulmonary arrest; (b) mortality; (c) serious adverse events; (d) length of hospital stay; (e) hospital admissions; (f) observation frequency; and (g) Intensive/High dependency Unit admission. Papers identified statistically significant improvements in mortality, serious adverse events, hospital admissions, observation frequency, and intensive care unit/high dependency unit admission when an Early Warning Track and Trigger protocol is in use. There were conflicting results regarding length of stay and cardiopulmonary arrest data. CONCLUSION Early Warning Track and Trigger Tools can aid recognition of deteriorating patients. Further research is required in relation to hospital length of stay and cardiopulmonary arrests. IMPACT Early warning track and trigger tools have been implemented nationally and to a lesser degree internationally. There is evidence to suggest improved clinical outcomes following their use. Further research needs to combine the use of the National Early Warning Score with an agreed set of measured outcomes, and then subsequent study data could be combined to provide much stronger levels of evidence.
Novel Function of α-Cubebenoate Derived from Schisandra chinensis as Lipogenesis Inhibitor, Lipolysis Stimulator and Inflammasome Suppressor

The efficacy of α-cubebenoate isolated from Schisandra chinensis has been previously studied in three disease areas, namely inflammation, sepsis, and allergy, and its role in other diseases is still being explored. To identify the novel function of α-cubebenoate on lipid metabolism and related inflammatory response, alterations in fat accumulation, lipogenesis, lipolysis, and inflammasome activation were measured in 3T3-L1 preadipocytes and primary adipocytes treated with α-cubebenoate. Lipid accumulation significantly decreased in MDI (3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine, dexamethasone, and insulin)-stimulated 3T3-L1 adipocytes treated with α-cubebenoate without any significant cytotoxicity. The mRNA levels of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)γ and CCAAT-enhancer binding protein (C/EBP) α for adipogenesis, as well as adipocyte fatty acid binding protein 2 (aP2) and fatty acid synthetase (FAS) for lipogenesis, were reduced after α-cubebenoate treatment, while cell cycle arrest at G2/M stage was restored in the same group. α-cubebenoate treatment induced glycerol release in primary adipocytes and enhanced expression of lipolytic proteins (HSL, perilipin, and ATGL) expression in MDI-stimulated 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Inflammasome activation and downstream cytokines expression were suppressed with α-cubebenoate treatment, but the expression of insulin receptor signaling factors was remarkably increased by α-cubebenoate treatment in MDI-stimulated 3T3-L1 adipocytes. These results indicate that α-cubebenoate may play a novel role as lipogenesis inhibitor, lipolysis stimulator, and inflammasome suppressor in MDI-stimulated 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Our results provide the possibility that α-cubebenoate can be considered as one of the candidates for obesity management.
Experimental and Numerical Study of Vacuum Resin Infusion of Stiffened Carbon Fiber Reinforced Panels

Liquid resin infusion processes are becoming attractive for aeronautic applications as an alternative to conventional autoclave-based processes. They still present several challenges, which can be faced only with an accurate simulation able to optimize the process parameters and to replace traditional time-consuming trial-and-error procedures. This paper presents an experimentally validated model to simulate the resin infusion process of an aeronautical component by accounting for the anisotropic permeability of the reinforcement and the chemophysical and rheological changes in the crosslinking resin. The input parameters of the model have been experimentally determined. The experimental work has been devoted to the study of the curing kinetics and chemorheological behavior of the thermosetting epoxy matrix and to the determination of both the in-plane and out-of-plane permeability of two carbon fiber preforms using an ultrasonic-based method, recently developed by the authors. The numerical simulation of the resin infusion process involved the modeling of the resin flow through the reinforcement, the heat exchange in the part and within the mold, and the crosslinking reaction of the resin. The time necessary to fill the component has been measured by an optical fiber-based equipment and compared with the simulation results.