Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The potential role of using vaccine patches to induce immunity: platform and pathways to innovation and commercialization

ABSTRACT Introduction: In the last two decades, the evidence related to using vaccine patches with multiple short projections (≤1 mm) to deliver vaccines through the skin increased significantly and demonstrated their potential as an innovative delivery platform. Areas covered: We review the vaccine patch literature published in English as of 1 March 2019, as well as available information from key stakeholders related to vaccine patches as a platform. We identify key research topics related to basic and translational science on skin physical properties and immunobiology, patch development, and vaccine manufacturing. Expert opinion: Currently, vaccine patch developers continue to address some basic science and other platform issues in the context of developing a potential vaccine patch presentation for an existing or new vaccine. Additional clinical data and manufacturing experience could shift the balance toward incentivizing existing vaccine manufactures to further explore the use of vaccine patches to deliver their products. Incentives for innovation of vaccine patches differ for developed and developing countries, which will necessitate different strategies (e.g. public–private partnerships, push, or pull mechanisms) to support the basic and applied research needed to ensure a strong evidence base and to overcome translational barriers for vaccine patches as a delivery platform.
Attenuation of Cortically Evoked Motor-Neuron Potential in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats: A Study about the Effect of Diabetes upon Cortical-Initiated Movement

Aims/Hypothesis. The complications affecting the peripheral nervous system, associated with diabetes mellitus, have been the focus of considerable research. Comparably less research has focused upon the effect of diabetes upon the central nervous system. In this study, we investigate the effect of diabetes upon motor-neuron potentials evoked in the motor cortex of streptozotocin diabetic rats. Methods In this study, we investigated the cortical-evoked motor-neuron potentials in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Cortical potentials were evoked using direct current stimulation to the motor cortex, and the resulting evoked potentials were recorded in the sciatic nerve. As voluntary movement consists of repeated activation of muscles, repeated stimulation trials were used to determine the effect of diabetes upon the animals' ability to recuperate between stimulations. Results Our findings showed that diabetes severely decreased the amplitude of cortical-evoked potentials and compromised the recuperation of motor neurons between activation. Conclusion/Interpretation. The reduced amplitude and weakened recuperation of diabetic motor neurons potentially may contribute to impaired transmission in motor pathways and thereby motor dysfunction.
Dynamic Analysis and Prediction of Food Nitrogen Footprint of Urban and Rural Residents in Shanghai

The food nitrogen (N) footprint reflects the amount of reactive N emission and its impact on the environment as a result of food production and consumption to satisfy the basic food demands of an urban population. The N-Calculator model was used to estimate the food N footprint and its dynamic changes in Shanghai from 2000 to 2017, and the auto regressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) time series model was used to predict the food N footprint in Shanghai from 2018 to 2027. The results show that the food N footprint was higher in urban areas (15.3–18.8 kg N/capita/yr) than rural areas (12.6–17.4 kg N/capita/yr) of Shanghai from 2000 to 2017. The change in the food N footprint was consistent with changes in food consumption in urban and rural areas, and the total food N footprint of urban and rural residents was positively correlated with the per capita disposable income and population whereas it was negatively correlated with the Engel’s Coefficient and price index. It was predicted that the per capita food N footprint will gradually decrease in 2018–2027 in urban areas of Shanghai, but it will generally increase in the rural areas. This study will help to initiate policy interventions for sustainable N management and contribute to the achievement of key sustainable development goals (SDGs).
The Relationship between Selected Bioelements and Depressiveness Associated with Testosterone Deficiency Syndrome in Aging Men

Background and Objectives: Abnormal concentrations of bioelements (magnesium, manganese, chromium, copper, zinc) have been associated with physical and emotional dysfunctions, including depression. This association, however, has not been analyzed in testosterone deficiency syndrome (TDS) or patients with depressiveness, i.e., when individual symptoms do not form the picture of a full-syndrome depressive disorder. This study aimed to assess the relationship between concentrations of selected bioelements and the incidence of depressive symptoms in men aged 50 years and older with a concurrent testosterone deficiency syndrome. Material and Methods: Blood samples were taken from 314 men; the mean age of the population was 61.36 ± 6.38 years. Spectrophotometric method for biochemical analysis of magnesium (Mg), manganese (Mn), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), and zinc (Zn) was used. The diagnosis of testosterone deficiency syndrome (TDS) was based on the total testosterone (TT), free testosterone (FT), estradiol (E2), and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) levels by ELISA. Each participant completed the Androgen Deficiency in Aging Male (ADAM) questionnaire, as well as the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-Ia) measuring the severity of depressive symptoms. Results: Emotional disturbances manifested as depressive symptoms were diagnosed in 28.7% of all participants and testosterone deficiency syndrome in 49.3%. In the TDS group, the analysis showed a significant correlation between the level of manganese (R = 0.225, p = 0.005) and chromium (R = 0.185, p = 0.021) with the incidence of depression. Conclusions: The results of our study demonstrated a relationship between manganese and chromium concentrations with the incidence of depression in men aged 50 years and older with a concurrent testosterone deficiency syndrome. This may indicate that there is a correlation between these bioelements, as well as emotional disorders manifested as depressive symptoms in aging men with a diagnosed testosterone deficiency.
Monitoring nearshore ecosystem health using Pacific razor clams (Siliqua patula) as an indicator species

An emerging approach to ecosystem monitoring involves the use of physiological biomarker analyses in combination with gene transcription assays. For the first time, we employed these tools to evaluate the Pacific razor clam (Siliqua patula), which is important both economically and ecologically, as a bioindicator species in the northeast Pacific. Our objectives were to (1) develop biomarker and gene transcription assays with which to monitor the health of the Pacific razor clam, (2) acquire baseline biomarker and gene transcription reference ranges for razor clams, (3) assess the relationship between physiological and gene transcription assays and (4) determine if site-level differences were present. Pacific razor clams were collected in July 2015 and 2016 at three sites within each of two national parks in southcentral Alaska. In addition to determining reference ranges, we found differences in biomarker assay and gene transcription results between parks and sites which indicate variation in both large-scale and local environmental conditions. Our intent is to employ these methods to evaluate Pacific razor clams as a bioindicator of nearshore ecosystem health. Links between the results of the biomarker and gene transcription assays were observed that support the applicability of both assays in ecosystem monitoring. However, we recognize the need for controlled studies to examine the range of responses in physiology and gene transcripts to different stressors.
Oral surgery in paediatric dentistry: type of surgical treatment and age distribution in a Public Dental Service in Northern Italy.

AIM To describe the organisation of the oral dental surgery service of the Department of Pediatric Odontostomatology and Orthodontics, "G. Gaslini" Hospital of Genoa (Italy), as well as type and frequency of the interventions carried out in the considered period of time. MATERIALS AND METHODS Study design: Descriptive retrospective aepidemiological study about the access and surgery interventions in the years 2015-2018 and the first semester of 2019. This study was conducted at the Department of Pediatric Odontostomatology and Orthodontics of the "G. Gaslini" Hospital of Genoa, Italy, in which treatment is offered to children and adolescents aged between 0-14 years, to whom continuity of care is ensured also after this age range, and to special needs patients, even older that 18 years. The clinical data were extracted from the Hospital database and then statistically analysed with the SPSS programme. RESULTS Out of a total of 27,663 subjects, the patients who required oral surgery were 1,928 corresponding to 6.96%, for a total of 2,499 surgical interventions of which 1,667 were performed as outpatient surgery (dental chair) and 832 in the operating theatre. All the surgeries were performed by the same three doctors. In the group of patients under 18 years (1,773 subjects) the average age is 9.22 years; it should be underscored that over 70% of oral surgeries are performed on subjects between 7 and 13 years. CONCLUSIONS Given the low frequency of paediatric oral surgery, this type of intervention should be entrusted to operators and structures that have a wider experience in such cases in order to ensure the highest levels ofsafety.
DIGOXIN AND VERAPAMIL PROMOTE CARDIOMYOCYTE HYPERTROPHY IN SEDENTARY AND/OR TRAINED RATS

Introduction: Cardiotonics and calcium channel blockers are drugs that alter intracellular Ca2+ and can affect the heart. Objective: To evaluate the effects of administration of verapamil and digoxin on heart morphology of rats subjected to interval training (IT). Methods: Male Wistar rats were divided into groups (n = 8): Control, Digoxin (30.0μg.kg-1/day), Verapamil (5.0 mg.kg-1/day), Trained, Trained+digoxin and Trained+verapamil. The IT was performed on a treadmill (60 min/day/60 days) concurrently with the drugs administration. Fragments of the left ventricle (LV) were collected for histological analysis. Results: Digoxin and verapamil increased the total area of the LV (p<0.002), capillary/LV area (p<0.01) and cardiomyocytes area (p<2.8e-10), and in the latter variable, verapamil promoted even greater effect than digoxin. The IT increased LV/BW (p<4e-05), the inner diameter of the LV (p<2.7e-6), the area of cardiomyocytes (p<1.8e-6), and reduced the [Lac] (p<2.6e-5). There was interaction between IT and drugs in the total area (p<9.8e-5), capillaries (p<0.04), cell/area (p<0.004) and cardiomyocytes area (p <2.0e-16). Conclusions: Digoxin promoted cardiomyocyte hypertrophy and when associated with IT, potentiated the hypertrophy. Verapamil was more efficient in increasing the cardiomyocytes area compared with digoxin, but only when isolated.
Isolation, Characterization, and Application of a Bacteriophage Infecting the Fish Pathogen Aeromonas hydrophila

Bacteriophages are increasingly being used as biological control agents against pathogenic bacteria. In the present study, we isolate and characterize bacteriophage Akh-2 from Geoje Island, South Korea, to evaluate its utility in controlling motile Aeromonas septicemia. Akh-2 lysed four of the seven Aeromonas hydrophila strains tested. Transmission electron microscopy analysis showed that Akh-2 belongs to the Siphoviridae family, with head and tail sizes of 50 ± 5 and 170 ± 5 nm, respectively. One-step growth curve analysis revealed that the phage has a latent period of 50 ± 5 min and a burst size of 139 ± 5 plaque-forming units per infected cell. The phage appeared stable in a pH range of 6–8 and a temperature range of −80 to 46 °C. Based on next-generation sequencing analysis, its genome is 114,901 bp in size, with a 44.22% G + C content and 254 open reading frames. During an artificial induction of the disease, loach (Misgurnus anguillicaudatus) treated with Akh-2 showed an increased survival rate and time compared with the non-treated control. Our results suggest that Akh-2 is a potential biological agent for the treatment of Aeromonas infections in fish.
A Systematic Review on the Use of Wearable Body Sensors for Health Monitoring: A Qualitative Synthesis

The use of wearable body sensors for health monitoring is a quickly growing field with the potential of offering a reliable means for clinical and remote health management. This includes both real-time monitoring and health trend monitoring with the aim to detect/predict health deterioration and also to act as a prevention tool. The aim of this systematic review was to provide a qualitative synthesis of studies using wearable body sensors for health monitoring. The synthesis and analysis have pointed out a number of shortcomings in prior research. Major shortcomings are demonstrated by the majority of the studies adopting an observational research design, too small sample sizes, poorly presented, and/or non-representative participant demographics (i.e., age, gender, patient/healthy). These aspects need to be considered in future research work.
Sensory-Directed Genetic and Biochemical Characterization of Volatile Terpene Production in Kiwifruit1

The signature flavor in ripe kiwifruit is due to the terpene 1,8-cineole, which is produced via Actinidiachinensis terpene synthase 1b (AcTPS1b). Terpene volatiles are found in many important fruit crops, but their relationship to flavor is poorly understood. Here, we demonstrate using sensory descriptive and discriminant analysis that 1,8-cineole contributes a key floral/eucalyptus note to the aroma of ripe 'Hort16A’ kiwifruit (Actinidia chinensis). Two quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for 1,8-cineole production were identified on linkage groups 27 and 29a in a segregating A. chinensis population, with the QTL on LG29a colocating with a complex cluster of putative terpene synthase (TPS)-encoding genes. Transient expression in Nicotiana benthamiana and analysis of recombinant proteins expressed in Escherichia coli showed four genes in the cluster (AcTPS1a–AcTPS1d) encoded functional TPS enzymes, which produced predominantly sabinene, 1,8-cineole, geraniol, and springene, respectively. The terpene profile produced by AcTPS1b closely resembled the terpenes detected in red-fleshed A. chinensis. AcTPS1b expression correlated with 1,8-cineole content in developing/ripening fruit and also showed a positive correlation with 1,8-cineole content in the mapping population, indicating the basis for segregation is an expression QTL. Transient overexpression of AcTPS1b in Actinidia eriantha fruit confirmed this gene produced 1,8-cineole in Actinidia. Structure-function analysis showed AcTPS1a and AcTPS1b are natural variants at key TPS catalytic site residues previously shown to change enzyme specificity in vitro. Together, our results indicate that AcTPS1b is a key gene for production of the signature flavor terpene 1,8-cineole in ripe kiwifruit. Using a sensory-directed strategy for compound identification provides a rational approach for applying marker-aided selection to improving flavor in kiwifruit as well as other fruits.
The impact of the ancillary pilus‐1 protein RrgA of Streptococcus pneumoniae on colonization and disease

The Gram‐positive bacterium Streptococcus pneumoniae, the pneumococcus, is an important commensal resident of the human nasopharynx. Carriage is usually asymptomatic, however, S. pneumoniae can become invasive and spread from the upper respiratory tract to the lungs causing pneumonia, and to other organs to cause severe diseases such as bacteremia and meningitis. Several pneumococcal proteins important for its disease‐causing capability have been described and many are expressed on the bacterial surface. The surface located pneumococcal type‐1 pilus has been associated with virulence and the inflammatory response, and it is present in 20%–30% of clinical isolates. Its tip protein RrgA has been shown to be a major adhesin to human cells and to promote invasion through the blood‐brain barrier. In this review we discuss recent findings of the impact of RrgA on bacterial colonization of the upper respiratory tract and on pneumococcal virulence, and use epidemiological data and genome‐mining to suggest trade‐off mechanisms potentially explaining the rather low prevalence of pilus‐1 expressing pneumococci in humans.
Particulate-Matter Related Respiratory Diseases

Particulate matter (PM) is suspended dust that has a diameter of <10 µm and can be inhaled by humans and deposited in the lungs, particularly the alveoli. Recent studies have shown that PM has an adverse effect on respiratory diseases. The aim of this article is to review respiratory diseases associated with PM. According to existing studies, PM is associated with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, bronchial asthma, and several other respiratory diseases and increases the mortality rates of these diseases. Moreover, increased exposure in the high concentration of atmospheric PM is associated with the development of lung cancer. The most simple and common way to protect an individual from airborne PM is to wear a face mask that filters out PM. In areas of high concentration PM, it is recommended to wear a face mask to minimize the exposure to PM. However, the use of N95 or KF94 masks can interfere with respiration in patients with chronic respiratory diseases who exhibit low pulmonary function, leading to an increased risk of respiratory failure. Conclusionally, reduction of the total amount of PM is considered to be important factor and strengthening the national warning notification system to vulnerable patients and proper early management of exacerbated patients will be needed in the future.
Exploring miR-9 Involvement in Ciona intestinalis Neural Development Using Peptide Nucleic Acids

The microRNAs are small RNAs that regulate gene expression at the post-transcriptional level and can be involved in the onset of neurodegenerative diseases and cancer. They are emerging as possible targets for antisense-based therapy, even though the in vivo stability of miRNA analogues is still questioned. We tested the ability of peptide nucleic acids, a novel class of nucleic acid mimics, to downregulate miR-9 in vivo in an invertebrate model organism, the ascidian Ciona intestinalis, by microinjection of antisense molecules in the eggs. It is known that miR-9 is a well-conserved microRNA in bilaterians and we found that it is expressed in epidermal sensory neurons of the tail in the larva of C. intestinalis. Larvae developed from injected eggs showed a reduced differentiation of tail neurons, confirming the possibility to use peptide nucleic acid PNA to downregulate miRNA in a whole organism. By identifying putative targets of miR-9, we discuss the role of this miRNA in the development of the peripheral nervous system of ascidians.
Salivary Gland Mucosa‐Associated Lymphoid Tissue–Type Lymphoma From Sjögren’s Syndrome Patients in the Majority Express Rheumatoid Factors Affinity‐Selected for IgG

Patients with Sjӧgren's syndrome (SS) have an increased risk of developing malignant B cell lymphomas, particularly mucosa‐associated lymphoid tissue (MALT)–type lymphomas. We have previously shown that a predominant proportion of patients with SS‐associated salivary gland MALT lymphoma express somatically hypermutated IgM with strong amino acid sequence homology with stereotypic rheumatoid factors (RFs). The present study was undertaken in a larger cohort of patients with SS‐associated MALT lymphoma to more firmly assess the frequency of RF reactivity and the significance of somatic IGV‐region mutations for RF reactivity.
Brain–Computer Interfaces: Toward a Daily Life Employment

Recent publications in the Electroencephalogram (EEG)-based brain–computer interface field suggest that this technology could be ready to go outside the research labs and enter the market as a new consumer product. This assumption is supported by the recent advantages obtained in terms of front-end graphical user interfaces, back-end classification algorithms, and technology improvement in terms of wearable devices and dry EEG sensors. This editorial paper aims at mentioning these aspects, starting from the review paper “Brain–Computer Interface Spellers: A Review” (Rezeika et al., 2018), published within the Brain Sciences journal, and citing other relevant review papers that discussed these points.
Methods of Disinfecting Stethoscopes: Systematic Review

The aim of this systematic review was to investigate the effectiveness of various disinfection methods available for stethoscopes. In March 2019, we performed a search in PubMed and Scopus using the search terms: “reducing stethoscopes contamination” and “disinfection stethoscopes”; the Mesh terms used in PubMed were “Decontamination/methods” or “Disinfection/methods” and “Stethoscopes/microbiology”. Selection criteria were: English language; at least one disinfection method tested. A total of 253 publications were screened. After title, abstract, and full-text analysis, 17 papers were included in the systematic review. Ethanol at 90%, Ethanol-Based Hands Sanitizer (EBHS), triclosan, chlorhexidine, isopropyl alcohol, 66% ethyl alcohol, sodium hypochlorite, and benzalkonium chloride have been proven to lower the presence of bacteria on stethoscopes’ surfaces. In addition, alcohol wipes show effective results. A wearable device emitting ultraviolet C by Light-Emitting Diode (LED) resulted efficacious against common microorganisms involved in Healthcare Associated Infections. The cover impregnated with silver ions seemed to be associated with significantly higher colony counts. Instead, copper stethoscopes surface reduced bacterial load. The disinfection of stethoscopes appears to be essential. There are many valid methods available; the choice depends on various factors, such as the cost, availability, and practicality.
Dynamic Modification of Fermi Energy in Single-Layer Graphene by Photoinduced Electron Transfer from Carbon Dots

Graphene (Gr)—a single layer of two-dimensional sp2 carbon atoms—and Carbon Dots (CDs)—a novel class of carbon nanoparticles—are two outstanding nanomaterials, renowned for their peculiar properties: Gr for its excellent charge-transport, and CDs for their impressive emission properties. Such features, coupled with a strong sensitivity to the environment, originate the interest in bringing together these two nanomaterials in order to combine their complementary properties. In this work, the investigation of a solid-phase composite of CDs deposited on Gr is reported. The CD emission efficiency is reduced by the contact of Gr. At the same time, the Raman analysis of Gr demonstrates the increase of Fermi energy when it is in contact with CDs under certain conditions. The interaction between CDs and Gr is modeled in terms of an electron-transfer from photoexcited CDs to Gr, wherein an electron is first transferred from the carbon core to the surface states of CDs, and from there to Gr. There, the accumulated electrons determine a dynamical n-doping effect modulated by photoexcitation. The CD–graphene interaction unveiled herein is a step forward in the understanding of the mutual influence between carbon-based nanomaterials, with potential prospects in light conversion applications.