Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Reproductive Cycles and Temporal Variation in Fecundity in the Black Swamp Snake, Seminatrix pygaea

-We studied the reproductive ecology of female black swamp snakes (Seminatrix pygaea) at Ellenton Bay, South Carolina, from 1983-1987. Females followed a Type I reproductive cycle, with rapid follicular growth in the spring, ovulation in June, and parturition in early August. There was no evidence of multiple clutches but most females were reproductively active in all years. Mean brood size for 70 females was 8.0 (range = 4-15) offspring, and brood size was positively related to maternal body size. Variability in reproductive traits was low. Despite a severe decrease in food availability in the last year of the study, we found no significant variation in mean brood size or proportion of females gravid among years, in contrast to studies on most other species of snakes followed for more than 2 yr. However, the relationship between brood size and female size differed among years.
The impact of using genetically modified (GM) corn/maize in Vietnam: Results of the first farm-level survey

ABSTRACT This study assessed the farm-level economic and environmental impacts from the use of genetically modified (GM) corn in Vietnam (resistant to Lepidopteran pests of corn and tolerant to the herbicide glyphosate). It was largely based on a farmer survey conducted in 2018–19. The GM varieties out-performed conventional varieties in terms of yield by +30.4% (+15.2% if the yield comparison is with only the nearest performing equivalent conventional varieties) and reduced the cost of production by between US $26.47 per ha and US $31.30 per ha. For every extra US $1 spent on GM seed relative to conventional seed, farmers gained between an additional US $6.84 and US $12.55 in extra income. The GM maize technology also reduced insecticide and herbicide use. The average amount of herbicide active ingredient applied to the GM crop area was 26% lower (1.66 kg per ha) than the average value for the conventional corn area (2.26 kg/ai per ha) and in terms of the associated environmental impact of the herbicide use, as measured by the Environmental Impact Quotient (EIQ) indicator, it was lower by 36% than the average value applicable to the conventional corn area. Insecticides were used on a significantly lower GM crop area and, when used, in smaller amounts. The average amount of insecticide applied to the GM corn crop was significantly lower by 78% (0.08 kg/ai per ha) than the average value for the conventional corn area (0.36 kg/ai per ha) and in terms of the associated environmental impact of the insecticide use, as measured by the EIQ indicator, it was also lower by 77% than the average value for conventional corn (14.06 per ha).
Aspergillus fumigatus Hsp90 interacts with the main components of the cell wall integrity pathway and cooperates in heat shock and cell wall stress adaptation

The initiation of Aspergillus fumigatus infection occurs via dormant conidia deposition into the airways. Therefore, conidial germination and subsequent hyphal extension and growth occur in a sustained heat shock (HS) environment promoted by the host. The cell wall integrity pathway (CWIP) and the essential eukaryotic chaperone Hsp90 are critical for fungi to survive HS. Although A. fumigatus is a thermophilic fungus, the mechanisms underpinning the HS response are not thoroughly described and important to define its role in pathogenesis, virulence and antifungal drug responses. Here, we investigate the contribution of the CWIP in A. fumigatus thermotolerance. We observed that the CWIP components PkcA, MpkA and RlmA are Hsp90 clients and that a PkcAG579R mutation abolishes this interaction. PkcAG579R also abolishes MpkA activation in the short‐term response to HS. Biochemical and biophysical analyses indicated that Hsp90 is a dimeric functional ATPase, which has a higher affinity for ADP than ATP and prevents MpkA aggregation in vitro. Our data suggest that the CWIP is constitutively required for A. fumigatus to cope with the temperature increase found in the mammalian lung environment, emphasising the importance of this pathway in supporting thermotolerance and cell wall integrity.
White matter and neurite morphology differ in psychogenic nonepileptic seizures

To further evaluate the relationship between the clinical profiles and limbic and motor brain regions and their connecting pathways in psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNES). Neurite Orientation Dispersion and Density Indices (NODDI) multicompartment modeling was used to test the relationships between tissue alterations in patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI) and multiple psychiatric symptoms.
Prescribed Burning in the Oak-pine Forest of the New Jersey Pine Barrens: Effects on Growth and Nutrient Dynamics of Two Quercus Species

To determine the effect of the transient increase in nutrient availability which follows prescribed burning in the New Jersey Pine Barrens, we monitored growth and foliar nutrient dynamics of white oak (Quercus alba) and chestnut oak (Q. prinus) in neighboring burned and unburned plots. Growth rates of oak trees in the burned plot were significantly higher in 1985 (the postburn year) than in the 4 years prior to the fire. Growth increases in the burned site averaged 55 % for white oak and 38% for chestnut oak. In contrast, relative growth rates of reference site Quercus trees did not differ between preburn and postburn years. Phosphorus resorption and calcium deposition in chestnut oak were greater in the burned site, though growth efficiencies did not differ between chestnut oak trees in the burned and reference sites. Calcium deposition and phosphorus growth efficiency of white oak were greater in the burned site; no differences in white oak N or P resorption were noted. These oaks showed rapid growth responses to the transient increases in nutrient supply produced by prescribed burning. Pinus rigida growth also increased slightly, though the increase was less than those of the oaks. These results contradict earlier assertions of the efficacy of sporadic prescribed burning as a management tool in these oak-pine forests and suggest that sporadic prescribed burning may accelerate, not retard, succession toward oak dominance. INTRODUCTION Since the early 1930s the use of prescribed burning as a forest management tool in the New Jersey Pine Barrens has been justified on the basis of four postulated benefits: (1) improvement of the seedbed for Pinus establishment; (2) preventing the exdusion of Pinus by oaks (Quercus spp.) by slowing or stopping oak growth, and killing oak saplings; (3) reduction of the fuel mass and therefore wildfire probability, and (4) improvement of soil fertility by the release of nutrients bound in the litter and humus (Little and Moore, 1945; Burns, 1952). Though we have demonstrated that prescribed burning on a 3-yr rotation does not mineralize a significantly greater mass of mineral nutrients than occurs through litter decay (Boerner and Lord, 1984), significant transient increases in nutrient availability may occur immediately after a prescribed burn. Current knowledge of the relationship between nutrient availability, nutrient use efficiency, and growth of oaks (Ostman and Weaver, 1982; Boerner, 1984) and the response of stress-tolerating trees to transient increases in nutrient availability (Grime, 1979) suggests that periodic prescribed burning would increase, not decrease, oak growth rate, though possibly at the expense of decreased nutrient use efficiency. If true, the effect of prescribed burning would be to ac'All correspondence should be forwarded to this author.
Effect of moisture content on angle of repose and bulk density of selected foodgrains

The angle of repose for sorghum, pearl millet, finger millet, Kodo millet, fox tail millet and little millet increased linearly with the increase of moisture content and the bulk density decreased linearly for all the grains. Regression equations were fitted and the regression coefficients ranged from 0.90 to 0.99.
Ophthalmic pathology for the general anatomical pathologist

Extranodal marginal zone B-cell lymphoma EMZLs develop in a variety of locations normally possessing minimal lymphoid tissue, the most common site being the stomach, while others include the salivary glands, the thyroid and the ocular adnexa. Regardless of the location of origin, EMZLs have similar clinical, pathological and molecular features. EMZLs usually demonstrate an indolent clinical course, often remaining localised to their sites of origin for many years prior to dissemination. It is important to note, however, that up to 40% of patients with ocular adnexal EMZL may have Stage II or more disease at the time of diagnosis. A typical clinical feature of EMZLs is the concurrent or subsequent involvement of ocular adnexal tissues and/or other extranodal sites, such as the lung or salivary glands. Bone marrow or peripheral blood involvement is very unusual.
Motor learning adaptations at the spinal cord level are task‐ and time‐dependent: Implications for future investigations and treatment interventions

Ryan M. Girts , Kylie K. Harmon, Tristan M. Starling-Smith, Gerard-Kyle B. Abad, Molly Gradl, Zachary Logeson and Johnathon Methven Neuromuscular Plasticity Laboratory, School of Kinesiology and Physical Therapy, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL, USA Physiology of Work and Exercise Response Laboratory, School of Kinesiology and Physical Therapy, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL, USA Institute of Exercise Physiology and Rehabilitation Science, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL, USA
Comparison of strategies for enhancing RNA interference efficiency in Ostrinia nubilalis.

BACKGROUND Targeting insect-specific genes through post-transcriptional gene silencing with RNA interference (RNAi) is a new strategy for insect pest management. However, lepidopterans are recalcitrant to RNAi, which prevents the application of novel RNAi technology to many notorious pests, including Ostrinia nubilalis (ECB). Strategies for enhancing RNAi efficiency, including large doses of double-stranded RNA (dsRNA), nuclease inhibitors, transfection reagents, and nanoparticles, have proved useful in other insects exhibiting substantial dsRNA degradation, a major mechanism limiting RNAi efficacy. To determine if similar strategies can enhance RNAi efficiency in ECB, various reagents were tested for their ability to enhance dsRNA stability in ECB tissues, then compared for their effectiveness in whole ECB. RESULTS Ex vivo incubation experiments revealed that Metafectene Pro, EDTA, chitosan-based dsRNA nanoparticles, and Zn2+ enhanced dsRNA stability in ECB hemolymph and gut content extracts, compared to uncoated dsRNA. Despite these positive results, the reagents used in this study were ineffective at enhancing RNAi efficiency in ECB in vivo. To reduce assay time and required dsRNA, midguts were dissected and incubated in tissue culture medium containing dsRNA with and without reagents. These experiments showed that RNAi efficiency varied between target genes, and nuclease inhibitors improved RNAi efficiency for only a portion of the refractory target genes investigated ex vivo. CONCLUSION These results indicate that enhancing dsRNA stability is insufficient to improve RNAi efficiency in ECB and suggests the existence of additional, complex mechanisms contributing to low RNAi efficiency in ECB. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Preclinical characterization of alginate‐poly‐L‐lysine encapsulated HepaRG for extracorporeal liver supply

We recently demonstrated that HepaRG cells encapsulated into 1.5% alginate beads are capable of self‐assembling into spheroids. They adequately differentiate into hepatocyte‐like cells, with hepatic features observed at Day 14 post‐encapsulation required for external bioartificial liver applications. Preliminary investigations performed within a bioreactor under shear stress conditions and using a culture medium mimicking acute liver failure (ALF) highlighted the need to reinforce beads with a polymer coating. We demonstrated in a first step that a poly‐l‐lysine coating improved the mechanical stability, without altering the metabolic activities necessary for bioartificial liver applications (such as ammonia and lactate elimination). In a second step, we tested the optimized biomass in a newly designed perfused dynamic bioreactor, in the presence of the medium model for pathological plasma for 6 h. Performances of the biomass were enhanced as compared to the steady configuration, demonstrating its efficacy in decreasing the typical toxins of ALF. This type of bioreactor is easy to scale up as it relies on the number of micro‐encapsulated cells, and could provide an adequate hepatic biomass for liver supply. Its design allows it to be integrated into a hybrid artificial/bioartificial liver setup for further clinical studies regarding its impact on ALF animal models.
‘Somebody that looks like me’ matters: a qualitative study of black women’s preferences for receiving sexual health services in the USA

Abstract Research dedicated to understanding the sexual experiences of Black women has historically been framed around adverse outcomes. There are limited data that can be used to understand the lived experiences of Black women related to sexual health care. Twenty-five Black women aged 18- 35 from across nine US states were interviewed to gain insight into their experiences and preferences for receiving sexual health services. Three themes were developed from their accounts: individual and structural barriers affect access to and perceived quality of care; service provider race and gender impact sexual health care experiences; and personalised care improves engagement. Findings suggest the need for culturally informed training for sexual health practitioners working with Black women.
Variation at the common polysaccharide antigen locus drives lipopolysaccharide diversity within the Pseudomonas syringae species complex

Summary The common polysaccharide antigen (CPA) of the lipopolysaccharide (LPS) from Pseudomonas syringae is highly variable, but the genetic basis for this is poorly understood. We have characterized the CPA locus from P. syringae pv. actinidiae (Psa). This locus has genes for l‐ and d‐rhamnose biosynthesis and an operon coding for ABC transporter subunits, a bifunctional glycosyltransferase and an o‐methyltransferase. This operon is predicted to have a role in the transport, elongation and termination of the CPA oligosaccharide and is referred to as the TET operon. Two alleles of the TET operon were present in different biovars (BV) of Psa and lineages of the closely related pathovar P. syringae pv. actinidifoliorum. This allelic variation was reflected in the electrophoretic properties of purified LPS from the different isolates. Gene knockout of the TET operon allele from BV1 and replacement with that from BV3, demonstrated the link between the genetic locus and the biochemical properties of the LPS molecules in Psa. Sequence analysis of the TET operon from a range of P. syringae and P. viridiflava isolates displayed a phylogenetic history incongruent with core gene phylogeny but correlates with previously reported tailocin sensitivity, suggesting a functional relationship between LPS structure and tailocin susceptibility.
Retrospective Case-Control Study of 2017 G2P[4] Rotavirus Epidemic in Rural and Remote Australia

Background: A widespread G2P[4] rotavirus epidemic in rural and remote Australia provided an opportunity to evaluate the performance of Rotarix and RotaTeq rotavirus vaccines, ten years after their incorporation into Australia’s National Immunisation Program. Methods: We conducted a retrospective case-control analysis. Vaccine-eligible children with laboratory-confirmed rotavirus infection were identified from jurisdictional notifiable infectious disease databases and individually matched to controls from the national immunisation register, based on date of birth, Aboriginal status and location of residence. Results: 171 cases met the inclusion criteria; most were Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander (80%) and the median age was 19 months. Of these cases, 65% and 25% were fully or partially vaccinated, compared to 71% and 21% of controls. Evidence that cases were less likely than controls to have received a rotavirus vaccine dose was weak, OR 0.79 (95% CI, 0.46–1.34). On pre-specified subgroup analysis, there was some evidence of protection among children <12 months (OR 0.48 [95% CI, 0.22–1.02]), and among fully vs. partially vaccinated children (OR 0.65 [95% CI, 0.42–1.01]). Conclusion: Despite the known effectiveness of rotavirus vaccination, a protective effect of either rotavirus vaccine during a G2P[4] outbreak in these settings among predominantly Aboriginal children was weak, highlighting the ongoing need for a more effective rotavirus vaccine and public health strategies to better protect Aboriginal children.
Greenhouse gases emissions from the diet and risk of death and chronic diseases in the EPIC-Spain cohort.

BACKGROUND Evidence from the scientific literature shows a significant variation in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from the diet, according to the type of food consumed. We aim to analyze the relationship between the daily dietary GHG emissions according to red meat, fruit and vegetables consumption and their relationship with risk of total mortality, and incident risk of chronic diseases. METHODS We examined data on the EPIC-Spain prospective study, with a sample of 40 621 participants. Dietary GHG emission values were calculated for 57 food items of the EPIC study using mean emission data from a systematic review of 369 published studies. RESULTS Dietary GHG emissions (kgCO2eq/day), per 2000 kcal, were 4.7 times higher in those with high red-meat consumption (>140 g/day) than those with low consumption (<70 g/day). The average dietary GHG emissions were similar in males and females, but it was significantly higher in youngest people and in those individuals with lower educational level, as well as for northern EPIC centers of Spain. We found a significant association with the risk of mortality comparing the third vs. the first tertile of dietary GHG emissions [hazard ratio (HR) 1.095; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.007-1.19; trend test 0.037]. Risk of coronary heart disease (HR 1.26; 95% CI 1.08-1.48; trend test 0.003) and risk of type 2 diabetes (HR 1.24; 95% CI 1.11-1.38; trend test 0.002) showed significant association as well. CONCLUSIONS Decreasing red-meat consumption would lead to reduce GHG emissions from diet and would reduce risk of mortality, coronary heart disease and type 2 diabetes.
Melanocortin Receptor 4 (MC4R) Signaling System in Nile Tilapia

The melanocortin receptor 4 (MC4R) signaling system consists of MC4R, MC4R ligands [melanocyte-stimulating hormone (MSH), adrenocorticotropin (ACTH), agouti-related protein (AgRP)], and melanocortin-2 receptor accessory protein 2 (MRAP2), and it has been proposed to play important roles in feeding and growth in vertebrates. However, the expression and functionality of this system have not been fully characterized in teleosts. Here, we cloned tilapia MC4R, MRAP2b, AgRPs (AgRP, AgRP2), and POMCs (POMCa1, POMCb) genes and characterized the interaction of tilapia MC4R with MRAP2b, AgRP, α-MSH, and ACTH in vitro. The results indicate the following. (1) Tilapia MC4R, MRAP2b, AgRPs, and POMCs share high amino acid identity with their mammalian counterparts. (2) Tilapia MRAP2b could interact with MC4R expressed in CHO cells, as demonstrated by Co-IP assay, and thus decrease MC4R constitutive activity and enhance its sensitivity to ACTH1-40. (3) As in mammals, AgRP can function as an inverse agonist and antagonist of MC4R, either in the presence or absence of MRAP2b. These data, together with the co-expression of MC4R, MRAP2b, AgRPs, and POMCs in tilapia hypothalamus, suggest that as in mammals, ACTH/α-MSH, AgRP, and MRAP2 can interact with MC4R to control energy balance and thus play conserved roles in the feeding and growth of teleosts.
Estrogen inhibition of adrenocortical function in the lactating dairy cow

Acetonemia is a metabolic disorder common among dairy cattle in the period from 10 days to six weeks post partum. It is during this time that milk production is at its maximum and in addition, the cow is beginning to exhibit regular estrous cycles. Thus, the profound demands for the precursors of milk production are superimposed upon a relatively unstable endocrine environment. The initial objective of this study was a clarification of the interactions between estrogens and endogenous substrates of glucose metabolism in the lactating cow. Since estrogen levels during the bovine estrous cycle had not been convincingly reported at the outset of this work, their measurement was the subject of the first experiment. Both estradiol and estrone exhibited peaks on the two days prior to the day of standing heat. These findings were later substantiated with the appearance of reports where plasma estrogen levels were measured by competitive protein binding and radioimmunoassay. A significant decline in plasma amino nitrogen concentration occurred after the estrogen peak, the decrease being reflected in marked reductions in the concentrations of threonine, methionine, proline and the branched chain amino acids. A notable hypoglycemia occurred somewhat later than the decline in amino acids. These findings were rationalized in terms of increased uterine and mammary uptake and/or decreased tissue mobilization of amino acids which may have given rise to the hypoglycemia as a result of decreased availability of glucogenic substrate. A possible mechanism of decreased tissue mobilization of amino acids was considered to be the inhibition by estrogens of adrenal glucocorticoid output, since glucocorticoids play a major role in regulating