Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Influence of aphotic haloclines and euxinia on organic biomarkers and microbial communities in a thalassohaline and alkaline volcanic crater lake

Studies on microbial communities, and their associated organic biomarkers, that are found thriving in the aphotic euxinic waters in modern stratified ecosystems are scarce compared to those undertaken in euxinic photic zones. The Dziani Dzaha (Mayotte, Indian Ocean) is a tropical, saline, alkaline crater lake that has recently been presented as a modern analog of Proterozoic Oceans due to its thalassohaline classification (having water of marine origin) and specific biogeochemical characteristics. Continuous intense photosynthetic production and microbial mineralization keep most of the water column permanently aphotic and anoxic preventing the development of a euxinic (sulfidic and anoxic) photic zone despite a high sulfide/sulfate ratio and the presence of permanent or seasonal haloclines. In this study, the molecular composition of the organic matter in Lake Dziani Dzaha was investigated and compared to the microbial diversity evaluated through 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing, over two contrasting seasons (rainy vs. dry) that influence water column stratification. Depth profiles of organic biomarker concentrations (chlorophyll‐a and lipid biomarkers) and bacterial and archaeal OTU abundances appeared to be strongly dependent on the presence of aphotic haloclines and euxinia. OTU abundances revealed the importance of specific haloalkaliphilic bacterial and archaeal assemblages in phytoplanktonic biomass recycling and the biogeochemical functioning of the lake, suggesting new haloalkaline non‐phototrophic anaerobic microbial precursors for some of the lipid biomarkers. Uncultured Firmicutes from the family Syntrophomonadaceae (Clostridiales), and Bacteroidetes from the ML635J‐40 aquatic group, emerged as abundant chemotrophic bacterial members in the anoxic or euxinic waters and were probably responsible for the production of short‐chain n‐alkenes, wax esters, diplopterol, and tetrahymanol. Halocline‐dependent euxinia also had a strong impact on the archaeal community which was dominated by Woesearchaeota in the sulfide‐free waters. In the euxinic waters, methanogenic Euryarchaeota from the Methanomicrobia, Thermoplasmata, and WSA2 classes dominated and were likely at the origin of common hydrocarbon biomarkers of methanogens (phytane, pentamethyl‐eicosenes, and partially hydrogenated squalene).
Formulation Study of a Co-Processed, Rice Starch-Based, All-in-One Excipient for Direct Compression Using the SeDeM-ODT Expert System

A co-processed, rice starch-based excipient (CS), previously developed and shown to exhibit good pharmaceutical properties, is investigated as an all-in-one excipient for direct compression (DC). An SeDeM-ODT expert system is applied to evaluate the formulation containing CS, in comparison with those containing the physical mixture and the commercial DC excipients. The results revealed that CS showed acceptable values in all six incidence factors of the SeDeM-ODT diagram. In addition, the comprehensive indices (IGC and IGCB) were higher than 5.0, which indicated that CS could be compressed with DC technique without additional blending with a disintegrant in tablet formulation. The formulation study suggested that CS can be diluted up to 60% in the formulation to compensate for unsatisfactory properties of paracetamol. At this percentage, CS-containing tablets exhibited narrow weight variation (1.5%), low friability (0.43%), acceptable drug content (98%), and rapid disintegration (10 s). The dissolution profile of CS displayed that more than 80% of the drug content was released within 2 min. The functionality of CS was comparable to that of high functionality excipient composite (HFEC), whereas other excipients were unsuccessful in formulating the tablets. These results indicated that CS was a suitable all-in-one excipient for application in DC of tablets.
Development of Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba) Nut Starch Films Containing Cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum) Leaf Essential Oil

There have been many studies on the development biodegradable films using starch isolated from various food sources as a substitute for synthetic plastic packaging films. In this study, starch was extracted from ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba) nuts, which were mainly discarded and considered an environment hazard. The prepared starch (GBS) was then used for the preparation of antioxidant films by incorporating various amounts of cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum) essential oil (CZEO), which provides antioxidant activity. The prepared GBS films with CZEO were characterized by measuring physical, optical, and thermal properties, along with antioxidant activity (ABTS, DPPH, and FRAP) measurements. With the increasing amount of CZEO, the flexibility and antioxidant activities of the GBS films increased proportionally, whereas the tensile strength of the films decreased. The added CZEO also increased the water vapor permeability of the GBS films, and the microstructure of the GBS films was homogeneous overall. Therefore, the obtained results indicate that the developed GBS films containing CZEO are applicable as antioxidant food packaging.
The Impact of Multispecies Probiotics on Calcium and Magnesium Status in Healthy Male Rats

Although probiotics have been discovered in numerous diseases in the last decade, there is little consensus on the relationship between probiotic properties and minerals balance and their distribution in the organism. This research aimed to evaluate the calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg) status in rats on a diet containing multispecies probiotics. Thirty male 10-week-old Wistar rats were selected and divided into three groups (n = 10 rats)—a group fed a standard diet (C), a group fed a low-dose of multispecies probiotics with 2.5 × 109 CFU per day (LD), and a group fed high-dose of multispecies probiotics 1 × 1010 CFU per day (HD) for 6 weeks. The results revealed that HD intake significantly increased the Ca concentration in hair and Mg concentration in femur bones. A significant positive correlation was found between calcium and magnesium levels in hair. The Ca/Mg molar ratio was lower in testicles in the groups with probiotics. In conclusion, multispecies probiotics altered the Ca concentration in hair and Mg level in femur bone, and also changed the molar ratio of these elements in testicles in male rats.
Effects of Delayed-Release Olive Oil and Hydrolyzed Pine Nut Oil on Glucose Tolerance, Incretin Secretion and Appetite in Humans

Background: To investigate the potential synergistic effects of olive oil releasing 2-oleoylglycerol and hydrolyzed pine nut oil containing 20% pinolenic acid on GLP-1 secretion, glucose tolerance, insulin secretion and appetite in healthy individuals, when delivered to the small intestine as potential agonists of GPR119, FFA1 and FFA4. Methods: Nine overweight/obese individuals completed three 6-h oral glucose tolerance tests (OGTTs) in a crossover design. At −30 min, participants consumed either: no oil, 6 g of hydrolyzed pine nut oil (PNO-FFA), or a combination of 3 g hydrolyzed pine nut oil and 3 g olive oil (PNO-OO) in delayed-release capsules. Repeated measures of glucose, insulin, C-peptide, GLP-1, GIP, ghrelin, subjective appetite and gastrointestinal tolerability were done. Results: PNO-FFA augmented GLP-1 secretion from 0–360 min compared to no oil and PNO-OO (p < 0.01). GIP secretion was increased from 240–360 min after both PNO-FFA and PNO-OO versus no oil (p < 0.01). Both oil treatments suppressed subjective appetite by reducing hunger and prospective food consumption and increasing satiety (p < 0.05). Conclusions: In support of previous findings, 6 g of delayed-release hydrolyzed pine nut oil enhanced postprandial GLP-1 secretion and reduced appetite. However, no synergistic effect of combining hydrolyzed pine nut oil and olive oil on GLP-1 secretion was observed. These results need further evaluation in long-term studies including effects on bodyweight and insulin sensitivity.
Human Polyomaviruses (HPyV) in Wastewater and Environmental Samples from the Lisbon Metropolitan Area: Detection and Genetic Characterization of Viral Structural Protein-Coding Sequences

Due to the lack of reliable epidemiological information regarding the geographic distribution and genetic diversity of human polyomaviruses (HPyV) in Portugal, we addressed these issues in this initial study by focusing on the Lisbon Metropolitan area, the most populated and culturally diverse hub in the country. The HPyV structural protein-coding sequence was partially amplified using two touch-down PCR multiplex protocols, starting from water samples, collected between 2018 and 2020, where viral genomes were detected. The obtained results disclosed the frequent detection of HPyV1, HPyV2, HPyV5, and HPyV6 in 35.3% (n = 6), 29.4% (n = 5), 47.1% (n = 8) and 29.4% (n = 5), respectively, of the water samples analyzed. The sequences assigned to a given viral species did not segregate to a single genotype, this being especially true for HPyV2 for which five genotypes (including a putative new genotype 9) could be identified. The phylogenetic trees obtained for HPyV5 and HPyV6 had less resolving power than those obtained for HPyV1/HPyV2, but both viruses were shown to be genetically diverse. This analysis emphasizes the epidemiological helpfulness of these detection/genetic characterization studies in addition to being relevant tools for assessment of human waste contamination.
Interleukin-15 in Outcomes of Pregnancy

Interleukin-15 (IL-15) is a pleiotropic cytokine that classically acts to support the development, maintenance, and function of killer lymphocytes. IL-15 is abundant in the uterus prior to and during pregnancy, but it is subject to tight spatial and temporal regulation. Both mouse models and human studies suggest that homeostasis of IL-15 is essential for healthy pregnancy. Dysregulation of IL-15 is associated with adverse outcomes of pregnancy. Herein, we review producers of IL-15 and responders to IL-15, including non-traditional responders in the maternal uterus and fetal placenta. We also review regulation of IL-15 at the maternal–fetal interface and propose mechanisms of action of IL-15 to facilitate additional study of this critical cytokine in the context of pregnancy.
Cardiac Transplantation and the Use of Cannabis

Cardiac transplantation requires the careful allocation of a limited number of precious organs. Therefore, it is critical to select candidates that will receive the greatest anticipated medical benefit but will also serve as the best stewards of the organ. Individual transplant teams have established prerequisites pertaining to recreational drug, tobacco, alcohol, and controlled substance use in potential organ recipients and post-transplantation. Legalization of cannabis and implementation of its prescription-based use for the management of patients with chronic conditions have been increasing over the past years. Center requirements regarding abstinence from recreational and medical cannabis use vary due to rapidly changing state regulations, as well as the lack of clinical safety data in this population. This is evident by the results of the multicenter survey presented in this paper. Developing uniform guidelines around cannabis use will be imperative not only for providers but also for patients.
Resisted Sled Sprint Kinematics: The Acute Effect of Load and Sporting Population

In this study, we assessed the acute kinematic effects of different sled load conditions (unloaded and at 10%, 20%, 30% decrement from maximum velocity (Vdec)) in different sporting populations. It is well-known that an athlete’s kinematics change with increasing sled load. However, to our knowledge, the relationship between the different loads in resisted sled sprinting (RSS) and kinematic characteristics is unknown. Thirty-three athletes (sprinters n = 10; team sport athletes n = 23) performed a familiarization session (day 1), and 12 sprints at different loads (day 2) over a distance of 40 m. Sprint time and average velocity were measured. Sagittal-plane high-speed video data was recorded for early acceleration and maximum velocity phase and joint angles computed. Loading introduced significant changes to hip, knee, ankle, and trunk angle for touch-down and toe-off for the acceleration and maximum velocity phase (p < 0.05). Knee, hip, and ankle angles became more flexed with increasing load for all groups and trunk lean increased linearly with increasing loading conditions. The results of this study provide coaches with important information that may influence how RSS is employed as a training tool to improve sprint performance for acceleration and maximal velocity running and that prescription may not change based on sporting population, as there were only minimal differences observed between groups. The trunk lean increase was related to the heavy loads and appeared to prevent athletes to reach mechanics that were truly reflective of maximum velocity sprinting. Lighter loads seem to be more adequate to not provoke changes in maxV kinematics. However, heavy loading extended the distance over which it is possible to train acceleration.
The Effect of the Osmotically Active Compound Concentration Difference on the Passive Water and Proton Fluxes across a Lipid Bilayer

The molecular details of the passive water flux across the hydrophobic membrane interior are still a matter of debate. One of the postulated mechanisms is the spontaneous, water-filled pore opening, which facilitates the hydrophilic connection between aqueous phases separated by the membrane. In the paper, we provide experimental evidence showing that the spontaneous lipid pore formation correlates with the membrane mechanics; hence, it depends on the composition of the lipid bilayer and the concentration of the osmotically active compound. Using liposomes as an experimental membrane model, osmotically induced water efflux was measured with the stopped-flow technique. Shapes of kinetic curves obtained at low osmotic pressure differences are interpreted in terms of two events: the lipid pore opening and water flow across the aqueous channel. The biological significance of the dependence of the lipid pore formation on the concentration difference of an osmotically active compound was illustrated by the demonstration that osmotically driven water flow can be accompanied by the dissipation of the pH gradient. The application of the Helfrich model to describe the probability of lipid pore opening was validated by demonstrating that the probability of pore opening correlates with the membrane bending rigidity. The correlation was determined by experimentally derived bending rigidity coefficients and probabilities of lipid pores opening.
Lifestyle, WCRF/AICR Recommendations, and Esophageal Adenocarcinoma Risk: A Systematic Review of the Literature

One of the most notable changes in the epidemiology of esophageal cancer (EC) is the rising incidence and prevalence of esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) in developed countries. The aim of this systematic review was to collect and summarize all the available evidence regarding lifestyle, diet, and EAC risk. We searched the PubMed and Scopus databases in January 2021 for studies providing information about lifestyle, diet, WCRF/AICR recommendations, and EAC risk; published in English; without a time filter. The Newcastle–Ottawa Scale was used to assess risk of bias. The results are stratified by risk factor. A total of 106 publications were included. Half of the case-control studies were judged as high quality, whilst practically all cohort studies were judged as high quality. Body mass index and waist circumference were associated with increased EAC risk. Physical activity did not appear to have a significant direct role in EAC risk. A diet rich in fruit, vegetables, and whole grains appeared to be more protective than a Western diet. Alcohol does not seem to be related to EAC, whereas smokers, particularly heavy smokers, have an increased risk of EAC. Prevention remains the best option to avert EAC. Comprehensible and easy to follow recommendations should be provided to all subjects. Protocol ID number: CRD-42021228762, no funds received.
A High-Precision Implementation of the Sigmoid Activation Function for Computing-in-Memory Architecture

Computing-In-Memory (CIM), based on non-von Neumann architecture, has lately received significant attention due to its lower overhead in delay and higher energy efficiency in convolutional and fully-connected neural network computing. Growing works have given the priority to researching the array of memory and peripheral circuits to achieve multiply-and-accumulate (MAC) operation, but not enough attention has been paid to the high-precision hardware implementation of non-linear layers up to now, which still causes time overhead and power consumption. Sigmoid is a widely used non-linear activation function and most of its studies provided an approximation of the function expression rather than totally matched, inevitably leading to considerable error. To address this issue, we propose a high-precision circuit implementation of the sigmoid, matching the expression exactly for the first time. The simulation results with the SMIC 40 nm process suggest that the proposed circuit implemented high-precision sigmoid perfectly achieves the properties of the ideal sigmoid, showing the maximum error and average error between the proposed simulated sigmoid and ideal sigmoid is 2.74% and 0.21%, respectively. In addition, a multi-layer convolutional neural network based on CIM architecture employing the simulated high-precision sigmoid activation function verifies the similar recognition accuracy on the test database of handwritten digits compared to utilize the ideal sigmoid in software, with online training achieving 97.06% and with offline training achieving 97.74%.
Hybrid Sparsity Model for Fast Terahertz Imaging

In order to shorten the long-term image acquisition time of the terahertz time domain spectroscopy imaging system while ensuring the imaging quality, a hybrid sparsity model (HSM) is proposed for fast terahertz imaging in this paper, which incorporates both intrinsic sparsity prior and nonlocal self-similarity constraints in a unified statistical model. In HSM, a weighted exponentiation shift-invariant wavelet transform is introduced to enhance the sparsity of the terahertz image. Simultaneously, the nonlocal self-similarity by means of the three-dimensional sparsity in the transform domain is exploited to ensure high-quality terahertz image reconstruction. Finally, a new split Bregman-based iteration algorithm is developed to solve the terahertz imaging model more efficiently. Experiments are presented to verify the effectiveness of the proposed approach.
Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG Derived Extracellular Vesicles Modulate Gut Microbiota and Attenuate Inflammatory in DSS-Induced Colitis Mice

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a relapsing and remitting inflammatory disease. Probiotics have a potential beneficial effect on the prevention of UC onset and relapse in clinical trials. Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (L. rhamnosus GG) have shown clinical benefits on UC patients, however, the precise mechanisms are unknown. The aim of this study is to explore the effect of extracellular vesicles released from L. rhamnosus GG (LGG-EVs) on dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis and propose the underlying mechanism of LGG-EVs for protecting against colitis. The results showed that LGG-EVs could prevent colonic tissue damage and shortening of the colon (p < 0.01), and ameliorate intestinal inflammation by inhibiting TLR4-NF-κB-NLRP3 axis activation. Consistently, the pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-2) were suppressed effectively upon LGG-EVs treatment (p < 0.05). The 16S rRNA sequencing showed that LGG-EVs administration could reshape the gut microbiota in DSS-induced colitis mice, which further alters the metabolism pathways of gut microbiota. These findings propose a novel perspective of L. rhamnosus GG in attenuating inflammation mediated by extracellular vesicles and offer consideration for developing oral gavage of LGG-EVs for colitis therapies.
Beneficial Effects of Green Tea EGCG on Skin Wound Healing: A Comprehensive Review

Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) is associated with various health benefits. In this review, we searched current work about the effects of EGCG and its wound dressings on skin for wound healing. Hydrogels, nanoparticles, micro/nanofiber networks and microneedles are the major types of EGCG-containing wound dressings. The beneficial effects of EGCG and its wound dressings at different stages of skin wound healing (hemostasis, inflammation, proliferation and tissue remodeling) were summarized based on the underlying mechanisms of antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, angiogenesis and antifibrotic properties. This review expatiates on the rationale of using EGCG to promote skin wound healing and prevent scar formation, which provides a future clinical application direction of EGCG.
Interventions to Improve Hydration in Older Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Dehydration is common in the elderly, especially when hospitalised. This study investigated the impact of interventions to improve hydration in acutely unwell or institutionalised older adults for hydration and hydration linked events (constipation, falls, urinary tract infections) as well as patient satisfaction. Four databases were searched from inception to 13 May 2020 for studies of interventions to improve hydration. Nineteen studies (978 participants) were included and two studies (165 participants) were meta-analysed. Behavioural interventions were associated with a significant improvement in hydration. Environmental, multifaceted and nutritional interventions had mixed success. Meta-analysis indicated that groups receiving interventions to improve hydration consumed 300.93 mL more fluid per day than those in the usual care groups (95% CI: 289.27 mL, 312.59 mL; I2 = 0%, p < 0.00001). Overall, there is limited evidence describing interventions to improve hydration in acutely unwell or institutionalised older adults. Behavioural interventions appear promising. High-quality studies using validated rather than subjective methods of assessing hydration are needed to determine effective interventions.
The Design and Implementation of a High-Precision Positioner Fixture

In this paper, a novel positioner fixture with a high repeated positioning accuracy and a high stiffness is proposed and investigated. A high-precision end-toothed disc is used to achieve the high repeated positioning accuracy of the designed positioner fixture. The mathematical models of the cumulative error of the tooth pitch, the tooth alignment error and the error of the tooth profile half-angle of the end-toothed disc are analyzed. The allowable tolerance values of the cumulative error of the tooth pitch, the tooth alignment error and the error of the tooth profile half-angle of the end-toothed disc are given. According to the theoretical calculation results, a prototype positioner fixture is fabricated and its repeated positioning accuracy and stiffness are tested. The test results indicate that the stiffness of the proposed positioner fixture is 1050.5 N/μm, which is larger than the previous positioner fixtures of the same type. The repeated positioning accuracy of the proposed positioner fixture in the x, y and z directions are ±0.48 μm, ±0.45 μm and ±0.49 μm, respectively, which is significantly higher than the previous positioner fixtures.