Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Fecal Microbiota Monitoring in Elite Soccer Players Along the 2019–2020 Competitive Season

Abstract Physical exercise affects the human gut microbiota, which in turn influences athletes’ performance. The current understanding of how the microbiota of professional athletes changes along with different phases of training is sparse. We aim to characterize the fecal microbiota in elite soccer players along with different phases of a competitive season using 16 S rRNA gene sequencing. Fecal samples were collected after the summer off-season period, the pre-season retreat, the first half of the competitive season, and the 8 weeks of COVID-19 lockdown that interrupted the season 2019–2020. According to our results, the gut microbiota of professional athletes changes along with the phases of the season, characterized by different training, diet, nutritional surveillance, and environment sharing. Pre-season retreat, during which nutritional surveillance and exercise intensity were at their peak, caused a decrease in bacterial groups related to unhealthy lifestyle and an increase in health-promoting symbionts. The competitive season and forced interruption affected other features of the athletes’ microbiota, i.e., bacterial groups that respond to dietary fiber load and stress levels. Our longitudinal study, focusing on one of the most followed sports worldwide, provides baseline data for future comparisons and microbiome-targeting interventions aimed at developing personalized training and nutrition plans for performance maximization.
Aboveground plant-to-plant electrical signaling mediates network acquired acclimation

Abstract Systemic acquired acclimation and wound signaling require the transmission of electrical, calcium, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) signals between local and systemic tissues of the same plant. However, whether such signals can be transmitted between two different plants is largely unknown. Here, we reveal a new type of plant-to-plant aboveground direct communication involving electrical signaling detected at the surface of leaves, ROS, and photosystem networks. A foliar electrical signal induced by wounding or high light stress applied to a single dandelion leaf can be transmitted to a neighboring plant that is in direct contact with the stimulated plant, resulting in systemic photosynthetic, oxidative, molecular, and physiological changes in both plants. Furthermore, similar aboveground changes can be induced in a network of plants serially connected via touch. Such signals can also induce responses even if the neighboring plant is from a different plant species. Our study demonstrates that electrical signals can function as a communication link between transmitter and receiver plants that are organized as a network (community) of plants. This process can be described as network-acquired acclimation.
Preliminary study on the antigen-removal from extracellular matrix via different decellularization.

Due to the abundance of bioactive components, surficial decoration with cell-derived extracellular matrix (ECM) is a promising strategy to improve the biological functionality of the tissue engineering scaffolds. However, decellularization is necessary to remove antigenic components in ECM that may trigger adverse immune response. Freeze-thaw cycles (FT) and treatment with Triton X-100/ammonium hydroxide (TN) are two commonly used decellularization methods for ECM, but their effects on both growth factor retention and antigen removal are still controversial. The objectives of this study are to compare the preservation of ECM texture and beneficial ingredients and the removal of cellular antigens by these two methods. Firstly, the constructs combined bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs)-derived ECM and poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) membrane are prepared and decellularized using FT and TN treatments. Moreover, the effects of decellularization on the ultrastructure and the composition of ECM-decorated PLGA membrane are compared by SEM observation and protein quantification. Furthermore, the ECM deposited on PLGA is stripped off and then implanted subcutaneously in rats, and the host macrophage and local lymphocyte responses were investigated. Finally, ECM-decorated porous PLGA scaffolds are implanted into rat calvarial defects, and the new bone formation is evaluated. Our results showed that both methods effectively removed DNA. TN treatment partially retained collagen, glycosaminoglycan, bone morphogenetic protein-2 and vascular endothelial growth factor, and better preserved structural integrity than FT treatment. ECM implants decellularized by both methods induced a mild host response after subcutaneous implantation. Although the total content of residual DNA in the two ECM digested by DNA enzyme seemed to be similar and very low, the interfaces between implanted materials and natural tissues in TN group recruited lower numbers of CD68+ macrophages, CD68+CD86+ (M1) macrophages, and CD4+ T lymphocytes than that in FT group, implying that there exist other ECM antigens to influence immune response besides DNA. Furthermore, ECM-decorated scaffolds decellularized by TN treatment induced greater bone formation than that of bare scaffolds in vivo, demonstrating the effective retention of ECM bioactive components after decellularization. This study showed that Triton X-100/NH4OH treatment was a more effective and safer decellularization method than freeze-thaw cycles.
Clinical and behavioral attributes leading to sleep disorders in children on the autism spectrum

Sleep disorders are a common comorbid condition in children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (“autism”). However, the relationship between the clinical features of autism and sleep disorders remains unclear. A better understanding of the inherent autism‐related characteristics linked to comorbid sleep disorders would improve comprehensive assessment and management. This study examined the relationship between sociodemographics, autism symptoms, sleep problems, cognitive status, behavioral attributes, and sensory profiles. Using data from 1268 participants who took part in the Australian Autism Biobank, sleep‐related measurements using the Child Sleep Habits Questionnaire (CSHQ) were compared between autistic children aged 2 to 17 (N = 969), their siblings (N = 188), and unrelated children without an autism diagnosis (N = 111). The known relationship between sleep problems and autism was further explored by including scores from the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule‐2, Mullen Scales of Early Learning, Vineland Adaptive Behavioral Scale‐II and the Short Sensory Profile‐2; which were included in analyses for autistic participants who had a completed CSHQ. Multiple regression models were used to identify clinical/behavioral variables associated with CSHQ subscales. The autism group had a significantly higher total CSHQ score than the sibling and comparison groups (p < 0.001), indicating worse sleep quality. Within the autism group, lower adaptive behaviors (i.e., VABS‐II) and sensory issues (i.e., SSP‐2 subclass scores) were positively associated with the severity of sleep problems (i.e., the CSHQ subclass scores) (p < 0.001). The significant functional impact of poor sleep on autistic children warrants an assessment of sleep as a critical part of a holistic approach to supporting autistic children and their families.
The road not taken: Evolution of tetrodotoxin resistance in the Sierra garter snake (Thamnophis couchii) by a path less travelled

The repeated evolution of tetrodotoxin (TTX) resistance provides a model for testing hypotheses about the mechanisms of convergent evolution. This poison is broadly employed as a potent antipredator defence, blocking voltage‐gated sodium channels (Nav) in muscles and nerves, paralysing and sometimes killing predators. Resistance in taxa bearing this neurotoxin and a few predators appears to come from convergent replacements in specific Nav residues that interact with TTX. This stereotyped genetic response suggests molecular and phenotypic evolution may be constrained and predictable. Here, we investigate the extent of mechanistic convergence in garter snakes (Thamnophis) that prey on TTX‐bearing newts (Taricha) by examining the physiological and genetic basis of TTX resistance in the Sierra garter snake (Th. couchii). We characterize variation in this predatory adaptation across populations at several biological scales: whole‐animal TTX resistance; skeletal muscle resistance; functional genetic variation in three Nav encoding loci; and levels of gene expression for one of these loci. We found Th. couchii possess extensive geographical variation in resistance at the whole‐animal and skeletal muscle levels. As in other Thamnophis, resistance at both levels is highly correlated, suggesting convergence across the biological levels linking organism to organ. However, Th. couchii shows no functional variation in Nav loci among populations or difference in candidate gene expression. Local variation in TTX resistance in Th. couchii cannot be explained by the same relationship between genotype and phenotype seen in other taxa. Thus, historical contingencies may lead different species of Thamnophis down alternative routes to local adaptation.
Linoleic Acid‐Rich Oil Alters Circulating Cardiolipin Species and Fatty Acid Composition in Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Scope Higher circulating linoleic acid (LA) and muscle‐derived tetralinoleoyl‐cardiolipin (LA4CL) are each associated with decreased cardiometabolic disease risk. Mitochondrial dysfunction occurs with low LA4CL. Whether LA‐rich oil fortification can increase LA4CL in humans is unknown. The aims of this study are to determine whether dietary fortification with LA‐rich oil for 2 weeks increases: 1) LA in plasma, erythrocytes, and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC); and 2) LA4CL in PBMC in adults. Methods and results In this randomized controlled trial, adults are instructed to consume one cookie per day delivering 10 g grapeseed (LA‐cookie, N = 42) or high oleate (OA) safflower (OA‐cookie, N = 42) oil. In the LA‐cookie group, LA increases in plasma, erythrocyte, and PBMC by 6%, 7%, and 10% respectively. PBMC and erythrocyte OA increase by 7% and 4% in the OA‐cookie group but is unchanged in the plasma. PBMC LA4CL increases (5%) while LA3OA1 CL decreases (7%) in the LA‐cookie group but are unaltered in the OA‐cookie group. Conclusions LA‐rich oil fortification increases while OA‐oil has no effect on LA4CL in adults. Because LA‐rich oil fortification reduces cardiometabolic disease risk and increases LA4CL, determining whether mitochondrial dysfunction is repaired through dietary fortification is warranted.
Remote ischaemic preconditioning – translating cardiovascular benefits to humans

Remote ischaemic preconditioning (RIPC), induced by intermittent periods of limb ischaemia and reperfusion, confers cardiac and vascular protection from subsequent ischaemia–reperfusion (IR) injury. Early animal studies reliably demonstrate that RIPC attenuated infarct size and preserved cardiac tissue. However, translating these adaptations to clinical practice in humans has been challenging. Large clinical studies have found inconsistent results with respect to RIPC eliciting IR injury protection or improving clinical outcomes. Follow‐up studies have implicated several factors that potentially affect the efficacy of RIPC in humans such as age, fitness, frequency, disease state and interactions with medications. Thus, realizing the clinical potential for RIPC may require a human experimental model where confounding factors are more effectively controlled and underlying mechanisms can be further elucidated. In this review, we highlight recent experimental findings in the peripheral circulation that have added valuable insight on the mechanisms and clinical benefit of RIPC in humans. Central to this discussion is the critical role of timing (i.e. immediate vs. delayed effects following a single bout of RIPC) and the frequency of RIPC. Limited evidence in humans has demonstrated that repeated bouts of RIPC over several days uniquely improves vascular function beyond that observed with a single bout alone. Since changes in resistance vessel and microvascular function often precede symptoms and diagnosis of cardiovascular disease, repeated bouts of RIPC may be promising as a preclinical intervention to prevent or delay cardiovascular disease progression.
Activation of the NLRP3/IL-1β/MMP-9 pathway and intracranial aneurysm rupture associated with the depletion of ERα and Sirt1 in oophorectomized rats.

OBJECTIVE Subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) due to intracranial aneurysm (IA) rupture is often a devastating event. Since the incidence of SAH increases especially in menopause, it is crucial to clarify the detailed pathogenesis of these events. The activation of vascular nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor family pyrin domain-containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasomes has been studied in ischemic stroke and cardiovascular disease. However, the role of NLRP3 in IA rupture still needs to be explained. The authors sought to test their hypothesis that, under estrogen-deficient conditions, activation of NLRP3 inflammasomes via downregulation of the estrogen receptor (ER) facilitates IA rupture. METHODS Ten-week-old female Sprague Dawley rats with and without oophorectomy were subjected to hemodynamic changes and hypertension (OVX+/HT and OVX-/HT, respectively) and fed a high-salt diet. Separately, using human brain endothelial cells (HBECs) and human brain smooth muscle cells (HBSMCs), the authors tested the effect of NLRP3 under estrogen-free conditions and in the presence of estradiol or of ER agonists. RESULTS In OVX+/HT rats, the frequency of IA rupture was significantly higher than in OVX-/HT rats (p = 0.03). In the left posterior cerebral artery prone to rupture in OVX+/HT rats, the levels of the mRNAs encoding ERα and Sirt1, but not of that encoding ERβ, were decreased, and the levels of the mRNAs encoding NLRP3, interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9) were elevated. Immunohistochemical analysis demonstrated that the expression profiles of these proteins correlated with their mRNA levels. Treatment with an ER modulator, bazedoxifene, normalized the expression profiles of these proteins and improved SAH-free survival. In HBECs and HBSMCs under estrogen-free conditions, the depletion of ERα and Sirt1 and the accumulation of NLRP3 were counteracted by exposure to estradiol or to an ERα agonist but not to an ERβ agonist. CONCLUSIONS To the authors' knowledge, this work represents the first demonstration that, in an aneurysm model under estrogen-deficient conditions, the depletion of ERα and Sirt1 may contribute to activation of the NLRP3/IL-1β/MMP-9 pathway, facilitating the rupture of IAs in the estrogen-deficient rat IA rupture model.
Heuristic Methods in Librarianship and Customer Knowledge Management (Case Study: Sun City Tele-Library)

As identity of public libraries depends on quantity and quality aspects, main effort of these libraries should be concentrated on this problem. Using new methods in absorbing users could help to keep their identity. Studying heuristic library methods in providing library services and managing knowledge of customer are aims of this research. Library method and providing services in tele-library of sun-city is considered as case study. Its performance is analyzed as a successful experience in view of author of article to absorb customer. By a study on history of last researches inside and outside of Iran by library studies, a conceptual model was designed by author to increase efficiency to provide library services by using heuristic methods in librarianship. Result: according to this investigation, the method used in library during 2005-2009 that 8700 people in age range of 8-18 years became membership in region 15, and 36000 books have been loaned. In order to promote the culture of reading book, an innovative method has been quite successful.
Policy to support digitalisation of industries in various regional settings: A conceptual discussion

ABSTRACT The purpose of the article is to analyse regions’ varying preconditions for digitalisation of industry and, on that basis, discuss regionally tailored policy strategies to stimulate digitalisation. Building on both regional innovation system and asset modification approaches, the authors suggest a theoretical framework that identifies regions’ potential for digitalisation from their stock of relevant assets at the firm and innovation system level. The analysis identifies four types of regions with different preconditions for supporting digitalisation of industries. This in turn provides the foundation for a discussion of the role of actor-based and system-based policy strategies to support digitalisation in each type of region. From the existing literature, the authors discuss empirical examples of digitalisation within each of the four types of regions but also highlight that individual regions need to tailor the portfolio of policy support within the identified strategy, as each region is structurally and institutionally unique.
Empirical Study of User Behavior on Home Page Layouts: SAPO Portal Case Study

The use of eye tracking in usability research has increased in the past years. The work presented in this paper reports on an empirical study that took place at the University of Aveiro. 58 participants were asked to read news on the SAPO homepage while their eye movements and mouse interaction were recorded. An analysis of their visual and interactive behavior on the news areas of interest was made as well as other areas of the homepage. Acquired results were considered, and reinforced interaction design criteria used in the reconceptualization of the actual SAPO homepage.
Exoskeletons: an upcoming aid.

A powered exoskeleton is a machine that a person wears to give them mechanical support for their muscular movements, such as lifting or walking. It is named after the exoskeleton of insects, which supports their biological movements just as a manmade exoskeleton supports ours. In a powered exoskeletal system, the biological part is the skeletal muscles of the human body and the technological part is the load-carrying parts of the exoskeleton. Even though an exoskeleton can be removed, its addition to the body is irreversible because the gains it allows will be lost without it. Most people only know of powered exoskeletal systems from science fiction, such as the popular recent Iron Man superhero movies. But in real life, exoskeletons are a growing source of study for extending people’s strength. These currently fall into two types: those that enhance normal strength for civilian and military use and those that assist disabled people, currently mostly paraplegics, to walk. (Colombo et al. 2000) (Esquenazi et al. 2012) Both serve to support the user in their actions to remain more ambulatory with less muscular stress than they normally would be.
The substance P/NK-1 receptor system: NK-1 receptor antagonists as anti-cancer drugs

The substance P (SP)/neurokinin (NK)-1 receptor system plays an important role in cancer. SP promotes the proliferation of tumour cells, angiogenesis and the migration of tumour cells. We review the involvement of SP, the NK-1 receptor and NK-1 receptor antagonists in cancer. Tumour cells overexpress NK-1 receptors, which are involved in their viability. This overexpression suggests the possibility of specific treatment against tumour cells using NK-1 receptor antagonists, thus promoting a considerable decrease in the side effects of the treatment. This strategy opens up new approaches for cancer treatment, since these antagonists, after binding to their molecular target, induce the death of tumour cells by apoptosis, exert an antiangiogenic action and inhibit the migration of tumour cells. The use of NK-1 receptor antagonists such as aprepitant (used in clinical practice) as antitumour agents could be a promising innovation. The value of aprepitant as an antitumour agent could be determined faster than for less well-known compounds because many studies addressing its safety and characterization have already been completed. The NK-1 receptor may be a promising target in the treatment of cancer; NK-1 receptor antagonists could act as specific drugs against tumour cells; and these antagonists could be new candidate anti-cancer drugs. SP and peptide NK-1 receptor antagonists bind to the extracellular loops of the receptor, whereas NK-1 receptor antagonists (e.g. aprepitant) bind more deeply, between the transmembrane segments. receptor antagonism
From doomsday to triumph: Changing our view on ageing

In a new book about to hit shelves, former minister for ageing Mark Butler challenges common misconceptions on the ageing population - from how treasury reports on the economic 'burden' to the role of media and entertainment. He speaks to Darragh O'Keeffe about changing minds, government lobbying and the need for leadership.
Influence of the cavity design on the differential gain and linewidth enhancement factor of a QD comb laser

This work investigates the effects of the confinement factor on the linewidth enhancement factor in hybrid silicon quantum dot comb lasers, which is a key parameter involved in frequency comb generation. Experiments are performed on two laser devices sharing the same gain material with slightly different cavity designs resulting in different confinement factors. The results highlight that a lower confinement factor leads to a smaller carrier-induced refractive index variation and a larger differential gain, together resulting in a smaller linewidth enhancement factor, which in turn translates into different sets of performance regarding the feedback applications. This paper brings novel insights on the fundamental aspects of quantum dot comb lasers and provides new guidelines of future on-chip light sources for integrated wavelength-division multiplexing applications.
Characterization of an Immortalized Human Microglial Cell Line as a Tool for the Study of Diabetic Retinopathy

The complexity of the retinal structure reflects on the difficulty to describe its composite cell interactions. Microglia is responsible for the immune reaction to inflammatory stimuli during diabetic retinopathy (DR), but most studies still use rodent cells. We characterized a commercially available immortalized human microglial line and tested its susceptibility to inflammation, to study the interactions between the neuro-vascular retinal portions in species-specific models. After checking the expression of microglial markers, we tried lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulation and several pro-inflammatory cocktails to select the best combination able to induce a significant M1 (inflammatory) response. We measured M1 induction through the expression of pro- and anti-inflammatory molecules and performed morphologic and functional assays. Marker expression confirmed the human microglial derivation of these cells. Differently from rodents, LPS did not induce a M1 profile. The best pro-inflammatory stimulus was an interleukin-1β + tumor necrosis factor-α + interferon-γ cocktail, which induced morphology changes and increased proliferation, apoptosis, migration, reactive oxygen species, and the expression of inflammatory cytokines and miRNAs. In conclusion, this microglial line proved potentially useful to investigate the cascade of events leading to DR. In perspective, co-culture models involving microvascular cells will help in the understanding of multifaceted interactions of the neurovascular unit.