Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Prevention of Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy—Is There a Place for Metformin?

The possibility of prophylaxis of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDPs) such as preeclampsia (PE) and pregnancy-induced hypertension is of interest due to the unpredictable course of these diseases and the risks they carry for both mother and fetus. It has been proven that their development is associated with the presence of the placenta, and the processes that initiate it begin at the time of the abnormal invasion of the trophoblast in early pregnancy. The ideal HDP prophylaxis should alleviate the influence of risk factors and, at the same time, promote physiological trophoblast invasion and maintain the physiologic endothelium function without any harm to both mother and fetus. So far, aspirin is the only effective and recommended pharmacological agent for the prevention of HDPs in high-risk groups. Metformin is a hypoglycemic drug with a proven protective effect on the cardiovascular system. Respecting the anti-inflammatory properties of metformin and its favorable impact on the endothelium, it seems to be an interesting option for HDP prophylaxis. The results of previous studies on such use of metformin are ambiguous, although they indicate that in a certain group of pregnant women, it might be effective in preventing hypertensive complications. The aim of this study is to present the possibility of metformin in the prevention of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy with respect to its impact on the pathogenic elements of development
Olive Polyphenols: Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Properties

Oxidative stress and inflammation triggered by increased oxidative stress are the cause of many chronic diseases. The lack of anti-inflammatory drugs without side-effects has stimulated the search for new active substances. Plant-derived compounds provide new potential anti-inflammatory and antioxidant molecules. Natural products are structurally optimized by evolution to serve particular biological functions, including the regulation of endogenous defense mechanisms and interaction with other organisms. This property explains their relevance for infectious diseases and cancer. Recently, among the various natural substances, polyphenols from extra virgin olive oil (EVOO), an important element of the Mediterranean diet, have aroused growing interest. Extensive studies have shown the potent therapeutic effects of these bioactive molecules against a series of chronic diseases, such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, neurodegenerative disorders and cancer. This review begins from the chemical structure, abundance and bioavailability of the main EVOO polyphenols to highlight the effects and the possible molecular mechanism(s) of action of these compounds against inflammation and oxidation, in vitro and in vivo. In addition, the mechanisms of inhibition of molecular signaling pathways activated by oxidative stress by EVOO polyphenols are discussed, together with their possible roles in inflammation-mediated chronic disorders, also taking into account meta-analysis of population studies and clinical trials.
A Comprehensive Overview of TCP Congestion Control in 5G Networks: Research Challenges and Future Perspectives

In today’s data networks, the main protocol used to ensure reliable communications is the transmission control protocol (TCP). The TCP performance is largely determined by the used congestion control (CC) algorithm. TCP CC algorithms have evolved over the past three decades and a large number of CC algorithm variations have been developed to accommodate various network environments. The fifth-generation (5G) mobile network presents a new challenge for the implementation of the TCP CC mechanism, since networks will operate in environments with huge user device density and vast traffic flows. In contrast to the pre-5G networks that operate in the sub-6 GHz bands, the implementation of TCP CC algorithms in 5G mmWave communications will be further compromised with high variations in channel quality and susceptibility to blockages due to high penetration losses and atmospheric absorptions. These challenges will be particularly present in environments such as sensor networks and Internet of Things (IoT) applications. To alleviate these challenges, this paper provides an overview of the most popular single-flow and multy-flow TCP CC algorithms used in pre-5G networks. The related work on the previous examinations of TCP CC algorithm performance in 5G networks is further presented. A possible implementation of TCP CC algorithms is thoroughly analysed with respect to the specificities of 5G networks, such as the usage of high frequencies in the mmWave spectrum, the frequent horizontal and vertical handovers, the implementation of the 5G core network, the usage of beamforming and data buffering, the exploitation of edge computing, and the constantly transmitted always-on signals. Moreover, the capabilities of machine learning technique implementations for the improvement of TCPs CC performance have been presented last, with a discussion on future research opportunities that can contribute to the improvement of TCP CC implementation in 5G networks. This survey paper can serve as the basis for the development of novel solutions that will ensure the reliable implementation of TCP CC in different usage scenarios of 5G networks.
Antiviral Effects of Green Tea EGCG and Its Potential Application against COVID-19

(–)-Epigallocatechin-3-O-gallate (EGCG), the most abundant component of catechins in tea (Camellia sinensis (L.) O. Kuntze), plays a role against viruses through inhibiting virus invasiveness, restraining gene expression and replication. In this paper, the antiviral effects of EGCG on various viruses, including DNA virus, RNA virus, coronavirus, enterovirus and arbovirus, were reviewed. Meanwhile, the antiviral effects of the EGCG epi-isomer counterpart (+)-gallocatechin-3-O-gallate (GCG) were also discussed.
Using Social Media to Preserve Consumers’ Awareness on Food Identity in Times of Crisis: The Case of Bakeries

Departing from the understanding of food tourism in urban environments, this research analyses the brand engagement of bakeries during the COVID-19 lockdown period, and the first stages of the de-escalation process. A mixed-methods study is designed to analyze the case of six selected bakeries in Catalonia (Spain). Drawing on data obtained from semi-structured interviews (N = 6) and a visual content analysis of the businesses’ social media promotion in Instagram (N = 638), results show the performance of bakeries during pandemic times, where a change in production and consumption behaviors is observed and takeaway and delivery helped them to survive. In particular, their social media promotion in Instagram also revealed how bakeries have managed this difficult situation and kept a close relationship with customers, standing up as a symbol of resilience against the odds and contributing to preserve customers’ awareness on food and health, and the city’s identity, through digital branding strategies that communicate messages around bread and pastry foods (the product), the shop and the workshop (the place), and both the employees and the customers (the people).
Targeted Sequencing of Taiwanese Breast Cancer with Risk Stratification by the Concurrent Genes Signature: A Feasibility Study

Breast cancer is the most common female malignancy in Taiwan, while conventional clinical and pathological factors fail to provide full explanation for prognostic heterogeneity. The aim of the study was to evaluate the feasibility of targeted sequencing combined with concurrent genes signature to identify somatic mutations with clinical significance. The extended concurrent genes signature was based on the coherent patterns between genomic and transcriptional alterations. Targeted sequencing of 61 Taiwanese breast cancers revealed 1036 variants, including 76 pathogenic and 545 likely pathogenic variants based on the ACMG classification. The most frequently mutated genes were NOTCH, BRCA1, AR, ERBB2, FANCA, ATM, and BRCA2 and the most common pathogenic deletions were FGFR1, ATM, and WT1, while BRCA1 (rs1799965), FGFR2 (missense), and BRCA1 (rs1799949) were recurrent pathogenic SNPs. In addition, 38 breast cancers were predicted into 12 high-risk and 26 low-risk cases based on the extended concurrent genes signature, while the pathogenic PIK3CA variant (rs121913279) was significantly mutated between groups. Two deleterious SH3GLB2 mutations were further revealed by multivariate Cox’s regression (hazard ratios: 29.4 and 16.1). In addition, we identified several significantly mutated or pathogenic variants associated with differentially expressed signature genes. The feasibility of targeted sequencing in combination with concurrent genes risk stratification was ascertained. Future study to validate clinical applicability and evaluate potential actionability for Taiwanese breast cancers should be initiated.
When the World Breaks Down: A 3-Stage Existential Model of Nihilism in Schizophrenia

The existential crisis of nihilism in schizophrenia has been reported since the early days of psychiatry. Taking first-person accounts concerning nihilistic experiences of both the self and the world as vantage point, we aim to develop a dynamic existential model of the pathological development of existential nihilism. Since the phenomenology of such a crisis is intrinsically subjective, we especially take the immediate and pre-reflective first-person perspective’s (FPP) experience (instead of objectified symptoms and diagnoses) of schizophrenia into consideration. The hereby developed existential model consists of 3 conceptualized stages that are nested into each other, which defines what we mean by existential. At the same time, the model intrinsically converges with the phenomenological concept of the self-world structure notable inside our existential framework. Regarding the 3 individual stages, we suggest that the onset or first stage of nihilistic pathogenesis is reflected by phenomenological solipsism, that is, a general disruption of the FPP experience. Paradigmatically, this initial disruption contains the well-known crisis of common sense in schizophrenia. The following second stage of epistemological solipsism negatively affects all possible perspectives of experience, that is, the first-, second-, and third-person perspectives of subjectivity. Therefore, within the second stage, solipsism expands from a disruption of immediate and pre-reflective experience (first stage) to a disruption of reflective experience and principal knowledge (second stage), as mirrored in abnormal epistemological limitations of principal knowledge. Finally, the experience of the annihilation of healthy self-consciousness into the ultimate collapse of the individual’s existence defines the third stage. The schizophrenic individual consequently loses her/his vital experience since the intentional structure of consciousness including any sense of reality breaks down. Such a descriptive-interpretative existential model of nihilism in schizophrenia may ultimately serve as input for future psychopathological investigations of nihilism in general, including, for instance, its manifestation in depression.
Relationship between Posture and Non-Contact Lower Limb Injury in Young Male Amateur Football Players: A Prospective Cohort Study

Posture, a potentially modifiable injury risk factor, is considered important in injury screening/prevention in athletes, yet few studies investigate relationships between posture and injury. This prospective cohort study investigated whether static posture is associated with lower limb injury risk in male football players (n = 263). Nine aspects of static standing posture (left and right rearfoot, knee interspace, lateral knee, lumbar lordosis, thoracic kyphosis, scoliosis S and C, forward head) were assessed from photographs during the pre-season using the modified Watson and Mac Donncha scale, which was dichotomised for analysis (deviated or normal). Player characteristics (age, height, mass, body mass index, competition level), match/training exposure, and previous and in-season non-contact lower limb injuries were recorded. Binary logistic regression investigated relationships between posture and injury (previous and in-season). Eighty previous and 24 in-season lower limb injuries were recorded. Previous injury was not associated with any postural variable. In-season injury was associated with previous injury (OR = 3.04, 95% CI 1.20–7.68, p = 0.02) and having a normal thoracic curve compared to kyphosis (OR = 0.38, 95% CI 0.15–1.00, p = 0.05) but no other postural variables. Static postural deviations observed in male football players in the pre-season are not typically associated with non-contact lower limb injury risk; thus, they are unlikely to add value to pre-season screening programs.
The Role of Motor Imagery in Predicting Motor Skills in Young Male Soccer Players

The study aimed to find out whether the imagery ability within the two subcomponents of motor imagery (visual and kinesthetic) allows predicting the results in simple response time task and eye–hand coordination task in a group of young male soccer players (9–15 years old). Non-specific simple response time and eye–hand coordination play a key role in predicting specific sports performance level. Participants performed Reaction Time Task, Eye–Hand Coordination Task, and completed Motor Imagery Questionnaire–Revised. Data were submitted to the structural equations analysis based on the maximum likelihood method in order to estimate a structural model of relationship between variables. Results indicate visual rather than kinesthetic motor imagery is associated with non-specific motor skills. Higher scores on the visual motor imagery scale were observed to correlate with faster reaction times and better coordination in the study group. This supports the idea that during learning a new perceptual-motor-task the visual control is required. Results provide the evidence for the specific role of the third-person perspective imagery in young athletes playing soccer.
Caries Prevalence Associated with Oral Health-Related Behaviors among Romanian Schoolchildren

Oral health-related behaviors and living conditions play an important role in general and oral health. This study aimed to evaluate caries prevalence and severity in schoolchildren residing in rural and urban areas of Romania, and to correlate these with oral health-related behaviors. An estimation of the required sample size was conducted (sampling error of ±3% at a 95% confidence level), followed by the stratification of administrative units and then the selection of 49 schools. The Hurdle approach was used to analyze the dataset, requiring two sets of analyses for each outcome variable: a multilevel binary model to predict prevalence, and a multilevel Poisson analysis using only non-zero values. The mean and standard deviation (SD) for the dentinal caries index was 4.96 (5.33). Girls were more likely to have non-zero restoration codes (β = 0.14, SE = 0.08, p < 0.05). Low education levels of each parent were associated with an increased likelihood of having non-zero carious tooth surfaces (β = 0.23, SE = 0.06, p = 0.01; β = 0.22, SE = 0.06, p < 0.01). The presence of cavities was predicted by the consumption of carbonated soft drinks (β = 0.19, SE = 0.07, p < 0.01), candies (β = 0.13, SE = 0.06, p < 0.01), sweetened milk (β = 0.12, SE = 0.06, p < 0.05), tea (β = 0.16, SE = 0.08, p < 0.05), or cocoa (β = 0.13, SE = 0.06, p < 0.05). Furthermore, the non-zero values of the dentinal caries index were more likely in rural schools (β = −0.37, SE = 0.11, p < 0.01), and a negative association between the county development index and the fillings/restorations index (β = −0.01, SE = 0.01, p < 0.05) was also established. The outcome of this research highlights that the presence of caries (dentinal caries index) in Romanian schoolchildren is influenced by their socioeconomic background, as well as their specific consumption behaviors.
Novel Spray Dried Algae-Rosemary Particles Attenuate Pollution-Induced Skin Damage

The present study investigated the effect of spray-dried algae-rosemary particles against pollution-induced damage using ex-vivo human biopsies exposed to diesel engine exhaust (DEE). For this, the complexation of hydroalcoholic rosemary extract with Chlorella (RCH) and Spirulina (RSP) protein powders was conducted. The process efficiency and concentration of rosmarinic acid (RA), carnosic acid (CA), and carnosol (CR) phenolic compounds of both products were compared. The RSP spray-dried production was more efficient, and RSP particles presented higher CR and CA and similar RA concentrations. Therefore, spray-dried RSP particles were prioritized for the preparation of a gel formulation that was investigated for its ability to mitigate pollution-induced skin oxinflammatory responses. Taken altogether, our ex-vivo data clearly demonstrated the ability of RSP gel to prevent an oxinflammatory phenomenon in cutaneous tissue by decreasing the levels of 4-hydroxynonenal protein adducts (4HNE-PA) and active matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) as well as by limiting the loss of filaggrin induced by DEE exposure. Our results suggest that the topical application of spirulina-rosemary gel is a good approach to prevent pollution-induced skin aging/damage.
Effect of Fungicide Application on Lowbush Blueberries Soil Microbiome

Lowbush blueberries (Vaccinium sp.) are perennial crops produced throughout eastern Canada and Maine through management of wild populations. Given the constraints of this cropping system, the application of fungicides is critical to reducing disease pressure and ensuring consistent yields. However, as plant health is intertwined with soil health, it is important to consider the impact of fungicides on microbial communities. To understand the effects of fungicides in this context, bacterial and fungal microbial communities from fungicide-treated plots, as well as untreated control plots (UTG) were analyzed using amplicon sequencing. The fungicides, considered collectively as a combined treatment group (CTG), lead to a loss in fungal richness. One family, Clavariaceae, had an increased abundance under prothioconazole relative to UTG. This finding may be significant as taxa in Clavariaceae have been thought to potentially form ericoid mycorrhizae with Vaccinium. Five functional pathways and 74 enzymes differed significantly in relative abundance between CTG and UTG including enzymes associated with soil nutrient cycles. Most notably, enzymes corresponding to the breakdown of halogen-organic compounds had an increased abundance in CTG, suggesting bacterial fungicide degradation. Some enzymes associated with soil nutrient cycles differed significantly, possibly implying changes to nutrient pathways due to fungicide treatment.
Diagnostic Performance and Accuracy of the MNA-SF against GLIM Criteria in Community-Dwelling Older Adults from Poland

Up to 28% of elderly residents in Europe are at risk of malnutrition. As uniform diagnostic criteria for malnutrition have not been formulated, in autumn 2018, the Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition (GLIM) presented a consensus on its diagnosis. According to the consensus, the diagnosis of malnutrition requires a positive screening test result for the risk of malnutrition, and the presence of at least one etiologic and one phenotypic criterion. This study aimed to assess the diagnostic performance and accuracy of the Mini Nutritional Assessment—Short Form (MNA-SF) against GLIM criteria. The analysis involved 273 community-dwelling volunteers aged ≥ 60 years. All participants were screened for malnutrition with the MNA-SF questionnaire. Next, the GLIM phenotypic and etiologic criteria were assessed in all subjects. Based on the presence of at least one phenotypic and one etiologic criterion, malnutrition was diagnosed in more than one-third of participants (n = 103, 37.7%). According to the MNA-SF, only 7.3% of subjects had malnutrition, and 28.2% were at risk of malnutrition. The agreement between the MNA-SF score and the GLIM criteria were observed in only 22.3% of the population. The sensitivity and specificity of MNA-SF against the GLIM criteria were fair (59.2% and 78.8%, respectively). The area under the curve (AUC) was 0.77, indicating the fair ability of MNA-SF to diagnose malnutrition. Based on the present study results, the best solution may be an optional replacement of the screening tool in the first step of the GLIM algorithm with clinical suspicion of malnutrition.
Epididymosomes: A potential male fertility influencer

During transit and storage in epididymis, spermatozoa undergo final maturation, acquire motility, functional competence and the ability to fertilise an oocyte. Epididymal secretions contain a complex biochemical milieu of diverse inorganic ions, proteins, metabolites and other molecules. Since it is believed that spermatozoa are translationally silent, proteins appearing in them are thought to be synthesised elsewhere, including epididymis, and then incorporated to the cells. One of the important mechanisms suggested to be involved in transfer of epididymal secretions to spermatozoa is through exosomes called epididymosomes. Epididymosomes released from the epididymal epithelium contain proteins, noncoding RNAs and distinct set of lipids that are transferred to spermatozoa while they pass through the different epididymal regions. Owing to the importance of these molecules for sperm maturation and fertilising ability, research on epididymosomes has gained increasing attention during the last decade. This review is focused on epididymosomes, with emphasis on recent advances in the understanding of mechanisms of epididymosomal cargo transfer to spermatozoa and potential roles of epididymosomes in sperm function and beyond. Possibilities of utilising the molecular signatures of epididymosomes as a tool for male fertility assessment are also discussed.
Profile Pictures in the Digital World: Self-Photographs Predict Better Life Satisfaction

Profiles pictures as online identities represent an extension of the user’s self in the digital world. Changes in self-representation are responsible for reduced well-being in individuals in the offline world. However, whether profile picture selection predicts the well-being of internet users is unknown. To address this question, we tested the relationship between the type of profile picture (e.g., self-photographs or other pictures) used on social media and the life satisfaction of internet users, accounting for gender and personality traits that have been thought to relate to the selection of profile pictures. The results showed that individuals using self-photographs as profiles reported a higher level of life satisfaction compared to individuals using other pictures as profiles. This effect was influenced by gender, openness, and extraversion. Hierarchical regression and moderation analyses revealed that openness and profile type interacted to predict life satisfaction in women, while openness and profile picture independently predicted life satisfaction in men. Furthermore, extraversion directly predicted life satisfaction in both men and women. These results indicate that the consistency between one’s online and offline self-representation may characterize internet users’ well-being, with potential implications for digital wellness.