Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Flagellum tapering and midpiece volume in songbird spermatozoa

In contrast to numerous studies on spermatozoa length, relatively little work focuses on the width of spermatozoa, and particularly the width of the midpiece and flagellum. In flagellated spermatozoa, the flagellum provides forward thrust while energy may be provided via mitochondria in the midpiece and/or through glycolysis along the flagellum itself. Longer flagella may be able to provide greater thrust but may also require stronger structural features and more or larger mitochondria to supply sufficient energy. Here, we use scanning electron microscopy to investigate the ultrastructure of spermatozoa from 55 passerine species in 26 taxonomic families in the Passerides infraorder. Our data confirm the qualitative observation that the flagellum tapers along its length, and we show that longer flagella are wider at the neck. This pattern is similar to mammals, and likely reflects the need for longer cells to be stronger against shearing forces. We further estimate the volume of the mitochondrial helix and show that it correlates well with midpiece length, supporting the use of midpiece length as a proxy for mitochondrial volume, at least in between‐species studies where midpiece length is highly variable. These results provide important context for understanding the evolutionary correlations among different sperm cell components and dimensions.
Grief trajectories among bereaved parents after the 2011 Utøya terror attack: A qualitative analysis

Abstract This study took a qualitative approach to explore terror-bereaved parents’ long-term experiences with grief. Data were drawn from a larger, longitudinal study, and interviews with 10 bereaved parents were selected based on their reported change in scores on Inventory of Complicated Grief (ICG) over a period of 6.5 years, including the five parents with the largest change (group 1) and the five parents with the least change (group 2). Reflexive thematic analysis of the interview transcripts resulted in four main themes: “I felt completely lost and helpless, like I was stuck in a whirlwind” and “I have been fighting to get back to my everyday life”, which both groups contributed to. Participants in group 1 contributed to the theme “I have found a way to a new life,” while participants in group 2 contributed to the theme “I cannot seem to find a way to a new life. ” Findings suggest that sense of control, acceptance, and social support enhanced experienced coping following terror-related bereavement, while comorbid mental health problems, difficulties with acceptance, and repetitive thoughts about the death was experienced as contributing to long-term struggles following terror-related bereavement.
Low-dose aspirin to prevent preeclampsia and growth restriction in nulliparous women identified by uterine artery Doppler as at high risk of preeclampsia: A double blinded randomized placebo-controlled trial

Introduction This trial evaluates whether daily low-dose aspirin initiated before 16 weeks of gestation can reduce preeclampsia and fetal growth restriction in nulliparous women identified by first-trimester uterine artery Dopplers as at high risk of preeclampsia. Methods This randomized, blinded, placebo-controlled, parallel-group trial took place in 17 French obstetric departments providing antenatal care. Pregnant nulliparous women aged ≥ 18 years with a singleton pregnancy at a gestational age < 16 weeks of gestation with a lowest pulsatility index ≥ 1.7 or a bilateral protodiastolic notching for both uterine arteries on an ultrasound performed between 11+0 and 13+6 weeks by a certified sonographer were randomized at a 1:1 ratio to 160 mg of low-dose aspirin or to placebo to be taken daily from inclusion to their 34th week of gestation. The main outcome was preeclampsia or a birthweight ≤ 5th percentile. Other outcomes included preeclampsia, severe preeclampsia, preterm preeclampsia, preterm delivery before 34 weeks, mode of delivery, type of anesthesia, birthweight ≤ 5th percentile and perinatal death. Results The trial was interrupted due to recruiting difficulties. Between June 2012 and June 2016, 1104 women were randomized, two withdrew consent, and two had terminations of pregnancies. Preeclampsia or a birthweight ≤ 5th percentile occurred in 88 (16.0%) women in the low-dose aspirin group and in 79 (14.4%) in the placebo group (proportion difference 1.6 [-2.6; 5.9] p = 0.45). The two groups did not differ significantly for the secondary outcomes. Conclusion Low-dose aspirin was not associated with a lower rate of either preeclampsia or birthweight ≤ 5th percentile in women identified by their first-trimester uterine artery Doppler as at high risk of preeclampsia. Trial registration (NCT0172946).
Circadian preference in young adults: Associations with sleep and mental health outcomes from a national survey of Norwegian university students

ABSTRACT Individual preferred timing of sleep and activity patterns, known as circadian preference, ranges from definitely morning types to definitely evening types. Being an evening type has been linked to adverse sleep and mental health outcomes. This study aimed to explore the associations between circadian preference and self-reported sleep, depression, anxiety, quality of life, loneliness, and self-harm/suicidal thoughts. Data stem from a national survey of students in higher education in Norway (the SHoT-study). All 169,572 students in Norway were invited to participate, and 59,554 students (66.5% women) accepted (response rate = 35.1%). Circadian preference was associated with sleep and mental health outcomes in a dose–response manner. For both genders, being an evening type (either definitely evening or more evening than morning) was associated with an increase in age-adjusted relative risk (RR-adjusted; range = 1.44 to 2.52 vs. 1.15 to 1.90, respectively) across all outcomes compared with definitely morning types. Overall, the present study provides further evidence that evening circadian preference is associated with adverse sleep and mental health outcomes in young adults. As such, future efforts to improve sleep and mental health in young adults should consider their circadian preferences.
Experiences of carers of youth, adult children and spouses with ME/CFS

Objectives The debilitating nature of Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) means that family members often take on a caring role. This study compared the experiences of people caring for three groups: youth, young adults, spouses. Methods An opportunistic sample of 36 carers completed an online survey of open-ended questions asking about their experiences. Thematic analysis was used to consider the three sets of responses separately and Thematic Comparison was used to identify points of connection and disconnection across the sets. Results The themes identified were very similar to those identified in past studies. Two super-ordinate themes were identified: “Lack of knowledge and understanding” and “Holistic Impact”. Though most sub-ordinate themes were evident across all three groups, important differences were found. The sub-ordinate themes “Caring Blindly”, “Emotional and physical health cost”, and “Impact on the whole family” were more evident amongst carers of youth while the theme “Worry for the future” was more evident from carers of young adults and spouses. Discussion Differences seemed to be related to both the time since diagnosis and the life stage. A longitudinal study would help to understand how carer experiences change over the life course of caring for someone with ME/CFS.
Umbilical cord vessels other than the umbilical arteries and vein: a histological study of midterm human fetuses

At birth, the umbilical cord contains various types of thin vessels that are near and outside the umbilicus and separate from the umbilical arteries and vein. These vessels are regarded as the remnant “vitelline vessels” and are often called “umbilical vessels”, although this terminology could lead to confusion with the true umbilical arteries and vein. No study has yet comprehensively examined these vessels using histological sections. Our examination of these vessels in 25 midterm fetuses (gestational age: 10–16 weeks) led to five major findings: (i) all specimens had umbilical branches of the inferior epigastric artery; (ii) 5 specimens had vitelline vein remnants; (iii) 4 specimens had a thin artery originating from the left hepatic artery that ran along the umbilical vein; (iv) 2 specimens had a so-called “para-umbilical vein” that was along the umbilical vein and reached the umbilicus; and (v) all specimens had lymphatic vessels originating from the umbilicus that ran caudally along the umbilical artery. The pelvic vein tributaries were well developed along the intra-abdominal umbilical artery, but did not reach the umbilicus. The lymphatic vessel was distinguished from the veins by an intraluminar cluster of lymphocytes attaching to the endothelium. The arterial branch in the umbilical cord did not accompany veins and lymphatic vessels, in contrast to the mother artery in the rectus abdominis. All these thin vessels seemed to be obliterated when the fibrous umbilical ring grew during late-term. The para-umbilical collateral vein in adults might develop outside the fibrous umbilical ring after birth.
TRANSIT CONFIRMATION AND IMPROVED STELLAR AND PLANET PARAMETERS FOR THE SUPER-EARTH HD 97658 b AND ITS HOST STAR

Super-Earths transiting nearby bright stars are key objects that simultaneously allow for accurate measurements of both their mass and radius, providing essential constraints on their internal composition. We present here the confirmation, based on Spitzer transit observations, that the super-Earth HD 97658 b transits its host star. HD 97658 is a low-mass (M* = 0.77 ± 0.05 M☉) K1 dwarf, as determined from the Hipparcos parallax and stellar evolution modeling. To constrain the planet parameters, we carry out Bayesian global analyses of Keck–High Resolution Echelle Spectrometer (Keck-HIRES) radial velocities and Microvariability and Oscillations of STars (MOST) and Spitzer photometry. HD 97658 b is a massive () and large ( at 4.5 μm) super-Earth. We investigate the possible internal compositions for HD 97658 b. Our results indicate a large rocky component, of at least 60% by mass, and very little H–He components, at most 2% by mass. We also discuss how future asteroseismic observations can improve the knowledge of the HD 97658 system, in particular by constraining its age. Orbiting a bright host star, HD 97658 b will be a key target for upcoming space missions such as the Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS), the Characterizing Exoplanet Satellite (CHEOPS), the Planetary Transits and Oscillations of stars (PLATO), and the James Webb Space Telescope to characterize thoroughly its structure and atmosphere.
The diagnosis, classification, and treatment of sarcoma in this era of artificial intelligence and immunotherapy

Soft‐tissue sarcomas (STS) represent a group of rare and heterogeneous tumors associated with several challenges, including incorrect or late diagnosis, the lack of clinical expertise, and limited therapeutic options. Digital pathology and radiomics represent transformative technologies that appear promising for improving the accuracy of cancer diagnosis, characterization and monitoring. Herein, we review the potential role of the application of digital pathology and radiomics in managing patients with STS. We have particularly described the main results and the limits of the studies using radiomics to refine diagnosis or predict the outcome of patients with soft‐tissue sarcomas. We also discussed the current limitation of implementing radiomics in routine settings. Standard management approaches for STS have not improved since the early 1970s. Immunotherapy has revolutionized cancer treatment; nonetheless, immuno‐oncology agents have not yet been approved for patients with STS. However, several lines of evidence indicate that immunotherapy may represent an efficient therapeutic strategy for this group of diseases. Thus, we emphasized the remarkable potential of immunotherapy in sarcoma treatment by focusing on recent data regarding the immune landscape of these tumors. We have particularly emphasized the fact that the development of immunotherapy for sarcomas is not an aspect of histology (except for alveolar soft‐part sarcoma) but rather that of the tumor microenvironment. Future studies investigating immunotherapy strategies in sarcomas should incorporate at least the presence of tertiary lymphoid structures as a stratification factor in their design, besides including a strong translational program that will allow for a better understanding of the determinants involved in sensitivity and treatment resistance to immune‐oncology agents.
“It’s been a double-edged sword”: An online qualitative exploration of the impact of COVID-19 on individuals with spinal cord injury in the US with comparisons to previous UK findings

Objective The impact of COVID-19 lockdowns and social distancing for persons with spinal cord injury (SCI) are poorly understood. This exploratory online qualitative study collected self-reported COVID-19 experiences from persons with SCI in the United States (US). To enrich understanding, these data were compared to similar previously-published data from a sample of SCI participants from the United Kingdom (UK). Design Explorative, online qualitative study. Participants completed an online survey of open-ended qualitative questions pertaining to their experiences during the pandemic. Thematic analysis was utilized to generate themes from the US data. These themes were compared to our previously-published thematic analysis of data from the UK. Setting Community-based sample of persons with SCI in the US. Participants Participants were recruited via SCI-focused research registries and social media outlets serving the SCI community, using convenience sampling (n = 36). Key themes identified in the US data were compared to themes identified in a similar sample from the UK (n = 42) collected at the same time and published previously. Results Analysis resulted in three themes from the US data, each containing positive and negative qualitative reflections. Themes included (1) health and access to care, (2) making sense of the pandemic, and (3) daily life during the pandemic. Each theme captured common facets of life during the pandemic, often shared by those without physical disabilities, but included accounts particularly relevant to persons with disabilities. Comparisons to thematic findings from the UK study revealed similarities (e.g. healthcare access challenges, isolation) and differences (e.g. importance of previous SCI experiences). Conclusion We detailed common experiences of COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns and their impact on people with SCI, while contrasting these with sense-making positive reflections and social benefits that appeared to be helpful in managing distress and coping with the pandemic.
Granulosa Cell Conditioned Medium Enhances The Rate of Mouse Oocyte In Vitro Maturation and Embryo Formation

Objective In vitro maturation (IVM) and cryopreservation of oocytes are two important parts of assisted reproductive technology (ART), but their efficacy is low. This study aimed to improve the quality of in vitro vitrified-warmed maturated oocytes using granulosa cell conditioned medium (GCCM). Materials and Methods In the experimental study, fresh/non-vitrified and vitrified-warmed mouse germinal vesicle (GV) oocytes (as F and V) were in vitro maturated using basal medium (BM) and also BM supplemented with 50% GCCM as treated groups (GM), and categorized as FBM, FGM, VBM and VGM groups, respectively. The rate of successful IVM (MII oocyte formation), mitochondrial membrane potential and the viability of MII oocytes were determined using inverted microscopy, JC-1 and trypan blue staining. Then, the rate of in vitro fertilization (IVF) and subsequent two-cell embryo formation was calculated. Finally, the expression levels of Oct4, Sox2, Cdk-2, Gdf9, Integrin beta1 and Igf2 were analyzed using real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in MII oocytes and two-cell embryos. Results These analyses showed that GCCM significantly increased the IVM rate, oocyte meiotic resumption and mitochondrial membrane potential (P<0.05). In addition, the rate of IVF and two-cell embryo formation was significantly higher in FGM and VGM compared to FBM and VBM (P<0.05). Interestingly, GCCM significantly affected the expression of the studied genes. Conclusion Our findings suggest that GCCM might be useful for improving the efficiency of IVM and the subsequent IVF outcomes.
Developing the "Choosing Health" Digital Weight Loss and Maintenance Intervention: Intervention Mapping Study

Background Digital health promotion programs tailored to the individual are a potential cost-effective and scalable solution to enable self-management and provide support to people with excess body weight. However, solutions that are widely accessible, personalized, and theory- and evidence-based are still limited. Objective This study aimed to develop a digital behavior change program, Choosing Health, that could identify modifiable predictors of weight loss and maintenance for each individual and use these to provide tailored support. Methods We applied an Intervention Mapping protocol to design the program. This systematic approach to develop theory- and evidence-based health promotion programs consisted of 6 steps: development of a logic model of the problem, a model of change, intervention design and intervention production, the implementation plan, and the evaluation plan. The decisions made during the Intervention Mapping process were guided by theory, existing evidence, and our own research—including 4 focus groups (n=40), expert consultations (n=12), and interviews (n=11). The stakeholders included researchers, public representatives (including individuals with overweight and obesity), and experts from a variety of relevant backgrounds (including nutrition, physical activity, and the health care sector). Results Following a structured process, we developed a tailored intervention that has the potential to reduce excess body weight and support behavior changes in people with overweight and obesity. The Choosing Health intervention consists of tailored, personalized text messages and email support that correspond with theoretical domains potentially predictive of weight outcomes for each participant. The intervention content includes behavior change techniques to support motivation maintenance, self-regulation, habit formation, environmental restructuring, social support, and addressing physical and psychological resources. Conclusions The use of an Intervention Mapping protocol enabled the systematic development of the Choosing Health intervention and guided the implementation and evaluation of the program. Through the involvement of different stakeholders, including representatives of the general public, we were able to map out program facilitators and barriers while increasing the ecological validity of the program to ensure that we build an intervention that is useful, user-friendly, and informative. We also summarized the lessons learned for the Choosing Health intervention development and for other health promotion programs. International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID) RR2-10.1136/bmjopen-2020-040183
Conditional deletion of KOR (Oprk1) in kisspeptin cells does not alter LH pulses, puberty, or fertility in mice.

Classic pharmacological studies suggested that endogenous dynorphin-KOR signaling is important for reproductive neuroendocrine regulation. With the seminal discovery of an interconnected network of hypothalamic arcuate neurons co-expressing kisspeptin, neurokinin B, and dynorphin ("KNDy neurons"), the KNDy hypothesis was developed to explain how GnRH and LH pulses are generated. Key to this hypothesis is dynorphin released from KNDy neurons acting paracrinely on other KNDy neurons via kappa opioid receptor (KOR) signaling to terminate neural "pulse" events. While in vitro evidence supports this aspect of the KNDy hypothesis, a direct in vivo test of the necessity of KOR signaling in kisspeptin neurons for proper LH secretion has been lacking. We therefore conditionally knocked out KOR selectively from kisspeptin neurons of male and female mice and tested numerous reproductive measures, including in vivo LH pulse secretion. Surprisingly, despite validating successful knockout of KOR kisspeptin neurons, we found no significant effect of kisspeptin cell-specific deletion of KOR on any measure of puberty, LH pulse parameters, LH surges, FSH levels, estrous cycles, or fertility. These outcomes suggest that the KNDy hypothesis, while sufficient normally, may not be the only neural mechanism for sculpting GnRH and LH pulses, supported by recent findings in humans and mice. Thus, besides normally acting via KOR in KNDy neurons, endogenous dynorphin and other opioids may, under some conditions, regulate LH and FSH secretion via KOR in non-kisspeptin cells or perhaps via non-KOR pathways. The current models for GnRH and LH pulse generation should be expanded to consider such alternate mechanisms.
Structure and electrical properties of K0.5Na0.5NbO3-LiSbO3 lead-free piezoelectric ceramics

Lead-free piezoelectricceramics ( 1 − x ) K 0.5 Na 0.5 Nb O 3 – x Li Sb O 3 have been fabricated by a conventional ceramicsintering technique. The results of x-ray diffraction suggest that Li + and Sb 5 + diffuse into the K 0.5 Na 0.5 Nb O 3 lattices to form a solid solution with a perovskite structure. The ceramics can be well sintered at 1070 – 1110 ° C . The introduction of Li Sb O 3 into the Na 0.5 K 0.5 Nb O 3 solid solution decreases slightly the paraelectric cubic-ferroelectric tetragonal phase transition temperature ( T c ) , but greatly shifts the ferroelectric tetragonal-ferroelectric orthorhombic phase transition ( T O – F ) to room temperature. Coexistence of the orthorhombic and tetragonal phases is formed at 0.05 < x < 0.07 at room temperature, leading to a significant enhancement of the piezoelectric properties. For the ceramic with x = 0.06 , the piezoelectric properties become optimum: piezoelectric constant d 33 = 212 pC ∕ N , planar and thickness electromechanical coupling factors k P = 46 % and k t = 47 % , respectively, remanent polarization P r = 15.0 μ C ∕ cm 2 , coercive field E c = 1.74 kV ∕ mm , and Curie temperature T C = 358 ° C .
SMG6 localizes to the chromatoid body and shapes the male germ cell transcriptome to drive spermatogenesis

Abstract Nonsense-mediated RNA decay (NMD) is a highly conserved and selective RNA turnover pathway that depends on the endonuclease SMG6. Here, we show that SMG6 is essential for male germ cell differentiation in mice. Germ-cell conditional knockout (cKO) of Smg6 induces extensive transcriptome misregulation, including a failure to eliminate meiotically expressed transcripts in early haploid cells, and accumulation of NMD target mRNAs with long 3′ untranslated regions (UTRs). Loss of SMG6 in the male germline results in complete arrest of spermatogenesis at the early haploid cell stage. We find that SMG6 is strikingly enriched in the chromatoid body (CB), a specialized cytoplasmic granule in male germ cells also harboring PIWI-interacting RNAs (piRNAs) and the piRNA-binding protein PIWIL1. This raises the possibility that SMG6 and the piRNA pathway function together, which is supported by several findings, including that Piwil1-KO mice phenocopy Smg6-cKO mice and that SMG6 and PIWIL1 co-regulate many genes in round spermatids. Together, our results demonstrate that SMG6 is an essential regulator of the male germline transcriptome, and highlight the CB as a molecular platform coordinating RNA regulatory pathways to control sperm production and fertility.