Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Diel movement patterns influence daily variation in wolf kill rates on moose

Variation in predation can have important consequences for predators and prey, but little is known about associated mechanisms. Diel interactions between predators and prey are commonly assumed to be influenced by movement speeds of both predators and prey individuals, sensu the ideal gas model, but the influencing factors of diel predation dynamics have yet to be empirically examined. In this study, we apply principles of the ideal gas model to predict diel variation in kill frequency of moose (Alces alces) by wolves (Canis lupus) in northern Ontario, Canada based on GPS radio-telemetry data combined with field verification of kills. We used GPS telemetry data from wolves and moose combined with a unique data set on the diel pattern of wolf kills to test whether predator movement rate, prey movement rate, and ambient light condition influence diel variation in kill rates of wolves on moose. Our results indicate that the kill rate between wolves and moose was principally related to the effective movement rate of predators and prey, as predicted by the ideal gas model. We found little evidence that light conditions had any effect on kill rates, but rather the majority of kill rate variation corresponded to wolf movement rate, which was over an order of magnitude higher than that of moose.
Proteogenomics

The ability to sequence DNA rapidly, inexpensively and in a high‐throughput fashion provides a unique opportunity to sequence whole genomes of a large number of species. The cataloging of protein‐coding genes from these species, however, remains a non‐trivial task with the majority of initial genome annotation dependent on the use of gene prediction algorithms. Recent advances in mass spectrometry‐based proteomics now enable generation of accurate and comprehensive protein sequence of tissues and organisms. Proteogenomics allows us to harness the wealth of information available at the proteome level and apply it to the available genomic information of organisms. This includes identifying novel genes and splice isoforms, assigning correct start sites and validating predicted exons and genes. It is also possible to use proteogenomics to identify protein variants that could cause diseases, to identify protein biomarkers and to study genome variation. We anticipate proteogenomics to become a powerful approach that will be routinely employed by ‘Genome and Proteome Centers’ of the future.
Menstrual Phase Affects Coagulation and Hematological Parameters during Central Hypovolemia

Background: It has been reported that women have a higher number of heart attacks in the “follicular phase” of the menstrual cycle. We, therefore, tested the hypothesis that women in the follicular phase exhibit higher coagulability. As lower body negative pressure (LBNP) has been used previously to assess coagulation changes in whole blood (WB) samples in men and women, effects of menstrual phase on coagulation was assessed during LBNP. Methods: Seven women, all healthy young participants, with no histories of thrombotic disorders and not on medications, were tested in two phases of the menstrual cycle (early follicular (EF) and mid-luteal (ML)). LBNP was commenced at −10 mmHg and increased by −10 mmHg every 5 min until a maximum of −40 mmHg. Recovery up to 10 min was also monitored. Blood samples were collected at baseline, at end of LBNP, and at end of recovery. Hemostatic profiling included comparing the effects of LBNP on coagulation values in both phases of the menstrual cycle using standard coagulation tests, calibrated automated thrombogram, thrombelastometry, impedance aggregometry, and markers of thrombin formation. Results: LBNP led to coagulation activation determined in both plasma and WB samples. During both phases, coagulation was affected during LBNP, as reflected in their decreased partial thromboplastin time (PTT) and elevated coagulation factor VIII FVIII, F1 + 2, and thrombin-antithrombin (TAT) levels. Additionally, during the ML phase, greater PT [%] and shorter time to peak (ttPeak) values (implying faster maximum thrombin formation) suggest that women in the ML phase are relatively hypercoagulable compared to the early follicular phase. Conclusions: These results suggest that thrombosis occurs more during the midluteal phase, a finding with substantial medical implications.
Energy and Nutrient Intake of Americans according to Meeting Current Dairy Recommendations

Most Americans do not meet dairy food recommendations from the 2015 Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA). This study assesses differences in nutrient intake between Americans who meet recommendations for dairy intake and those who do not, using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey from 2013–2014 and 2015–2016 (n = 5670 children ages 2–18 years and n = 10,112 adults ages 19+). Among children and adults, those meeting dairy food recommendations were significantly more likely to have adequate intake (% above Estimated Average Requirement (EAR)) of calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, riboflavin, vitamin A, vitamin B12, and zinc and consume above the Adequate Intake (AI) for potassium and choline than Americans not meeting dairy recommendations, regardless of age, sex, or race/ethnicity. Americans meeting dairy recommendations were also more likely to exceed recommendations for sodium and saturated fat but consume less added sugars. Nearly 60% of Americans 2 years and older not meeting dairy recommendations consumed calcium and magnesium below the EAR. Only about 20% of Americans who did not meet dairy recommendations consumed above the AI for potassium. Dairy foods make important and unique contributions to dietary patterns, and it can be difficult to meet nutrient needs without consuming recommended amounts of dairy foods.
Phages in Anaerobic Systems

Since the discovery of phages in 1915, these viruses have been studied mostly in aerobic systems, or without considering the availability of oxygen as a variable that may affect the interaction between the virus and its host. However, with such great abundance of anaerobic environments on the planet, the effect that a lack of oxygen can have on the phage-bacteria relationship is an important consideration. There are few studies on obligate anaerobes that investigate the role of anoxia in causing infection. In the case of facultative anaerobes, it is a well-known fact that their shifting from an aerobic environment to an anaerobic one involves metabolic changes in the bacteria. As the phage infection process depends on the metabolic state of the host bacteria, these changes are also expected to affect the phage infection cycle. This review summarizes the available information on phages active on facultative and obligate anaerobes and discusses how anaerobiosis can be an important parameter in phage infection, especially among facultative anaerobes.
Removal of Yellow Warbler Eggs in Association with Cowbird Parasitism

In this study, I quantified the removal of eggs by the Brown-headed Cowbird (Molothrus ater) from parasitized Yellow Warbler (Dendroica petechia) nests. Laying cowbirds removed one warbler egg from about one in three parasitized nests. Assuming the same individual was involved in both acts, cowbirds removed host eggs on a day before or the same day they laid their own eggs (33.3%, n = 8 nests), on the same day (20.8%, n = 5) but after they laid, or on the same or subsequent days (46%, n = 11). As almost half (41%) of the parasitized nests received cowbird eggs before host eggs appeared, many cowbirds that removed eggs had to return to the nest to do so, although burial precluded that at some nests. Return trips increased the chances that a cowbird might mistakenly remove its own egg, especially if it was the only egg in the nest, and that interactions might occur between host and parasite. Explanations for the removal of eggs at the time of parasitism are summarized and two hypotheses are tested. The likelihood of warblers accepting a cowbird egg experimentally introduced into their nests was not influenced by the removal of a host egg at the time of parasitism, as predicted by the "host deception" hypothesis. Yellow Warblers tolerated fiveand four-egg clutches being reduced to three eggs (36/37 nests), but abandoned nearly one-third of clutches reduced to two eggs (13/42) and most clutches reduced to one egg (20/22). Only one control nest was deserted (n = 41 and 59 clutches of five and four eggs, respectively). Only four of 13 (31%) clutches reduced to one egg of each of the warbler and cowbird were abandoned, but 11 of 14 (79%) clutches reduced to only one cowbird egg were deserted. None of the 10 clutches reduced to two cowbird eggs was deserted. These results suggest that cowbirds can remove at least two eggs without risking desertion by the warblers. It is not clear why only one egg is removed, when removal occurs in the first place. Cowbirds that manage to ingest eggs they remove undoubtedly gain nourishment.
A survey on deep learning in DNA/RNA motif mining

Abstract DNA/RNA motif mining is the foundation of gene function research. The DNA/RNA motif mining plays an extremely important role in identifying the DNA- or RNA-protein binding site, which helps to understand the mechanism of gene regulation and management. For the past few decades, researchers have been working on designing new efficient and accurate algorithms for mining motif. These algorithms can be roughly divided into two categories: the enumeration approach and the probabilistic method. In recent years, machine learning methods had made great progress, especially the algorithm represented by deep learning had achieved good performance. Existing deep learning methods in motif mining can be roughly divided into three types of models: convolutional neural network (CNN) based models, recurrent neural network (RNN) based models, and hybrid CNN–RNN based models. We introduce the application of deep learning in the field of motif mining in terms of data preprocessing, features of existing deep learning architectures and comparing the differences between the basic deep learning models. Through the analysis and comparison of existing deep learning methods, we found that the more complex models tend to perform better than simple ones when data are sufficient, and the current methods are relatively simple compared with other fields such as computer vision, language processing (NLP), computer games, etc. Therefore, it is necessary to conduct a summary in motif mining by deep learning, which can help researchers understand this field.
Effect of Probiotic Supplementation to Complete Rations on the Nutrient Digestibility and Rumen Environment in Sheep

A complete ration with 60:40 roughage to concentrate ratio (CR-1) supplemented with Lactobacillus acidophilus, 1 g (CR-2), Saccharomyces cerevisiae (Yea-sacc1026), 10g (CR-3) or L. acidophilus, 0.5g + Yea-sacc1026, Sg (CR-4) was fed to 16 Nellore brown rams (26.06 kg±0.6 b.wt) divided into 4 groups of 4 animals each In a completely randomised experiment. The CP digestibility in CR-1 (60.7) was significantly lower (P<0.01) than those in CR-2 (72.9), CR-3 (78.6) or CR-4 (73.5). Improved fermentation efficiency due to Yea-sacc1026 supplementation resulted in higher (P<0.01) CF and cell wall constituents digestibility on CR-3 than on CR-1. Per cent DCP, TDN besides ME (Mcal/kg) contents of the complete rations 1 to 4 were 9.3, 58.4, 2.1; 10.8, 62.4, 2.3; 10.9, 69.7, 2.5 and 10.2, 64.0, 2.3, respectively and the variations among rations were significant. Retention of N was significantly lower (P<0.05) on CR-1 compared to CR-2, 3 or 4. All the rams were in positive balances for Ca and P. No difference existed for ruminal pH and NH3-N. However, significantly higher TVFA production (m.mole/1) was observed in CR-3 compared to CR-1, 2 or 4. The total ruminal bacterial count on CR-4 (64.5 x 109) was significantly higher (P<0.01) than CR-1 (36 x 109). The study inferred that probiotic supplementation to complete rations improved rumen bacterial count, TVFA production and nutrient digestibility in sheep.
Topical Propranolol Improves Epistaxis Control in Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia (HHT): A Randomized Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Trial

Epistaxis is a common debilitating manifestation in hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT), due to mucocutaneous telangiectases. The epistaxis can be difficult to control despite available treatments. Dysregulated angiogenesis has been shown to be associated with telangiectases formation. Topical propranolol has demonstrated antiangiogenic properties. We performed a two-phase study, i.e., a double-blind placebo-controlled phase, followed by an open-label phase. The aim of the study was assessment of safety and efficacy of nasal propranolol gel in HHT-related epistaxis. Twenty participants with moderate-severe HHT-related epistaxis were randomized to eight weeks of propranolol gel 1.5%, or placebo 0.5 cc, applied to each nostril twice daily; and continued propranolol for eight weeks in an open-label study. For the propranolol group, the epistaxis severity score (ESS) improved significantly (−2.03 ± 1.7 as compared with −0.35 ± 0.68 for the placebo group, p = 0.009); hemoglobin levels improved significantly (10.5 ± 2.6 to 11.4 ± 2.02 g/dL, p = 0.009); and intravenous iron and blood transfusion requirement decreased. The change in nasal endoscopy findings was not significant. During the open-label period, the ESS score improved significantly in the former placebo group (−1.99 ± 1.41, p = 0.005). The most common adverse event was nasal mucosa burning sensation. No cardiovascular events were reported. Our results suggest that topical propranolol gel is safe and effective in HHT-related epistaxis.
TRK xDFG mutations trigger a sensitivity switch from type I to II kinase inhibitors.

On-target resistance to next-generation TRK inhibitors in TRK fusion-positive cancers is largely uncharacterized. In patients with these tumors, we found that TRK xDFG mutations confer resistance to type I next-generation TRK inhibitors designed to maintain potency against several kinase domain mutations. Computational modeling and biochemical assays showed that TRKA G667 and TRKC G696 xDFG substitutions reduce drug binding by generating steric hindrance. Concurrently, these mutations stabilize the inactive (DFG-out) conformations of the kinases, thus sensitizing these kinases to type II TRK inhibitors. Consistently, type II inhibitors impede the growth and TRK-mediated signaling of xDFG-mutant isogenic and patient-derived models. Collectively, these data demonstrate that adaptive conformational resistance can be abrogated by shifting kinase engagement modes. Given the prior identification of paralogous xDFG resistance mutations in other oncogene-addicted cancers, these findings provide insights into rational type II drug design by leveraging inhibitor class affinity switching to address recalcitrant resistant alterations.
Comparison of screening methods for obstructive sleep apnea in the context of dental clinics: A systematic review

ABSTRACT Objective To review the available bibliographic data to identify the best screening methods to detect potential obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) patients during dental clinical practice. Methods Relevant studies published up to April 2020 were sourced from PubMed, Embase, MEDLINE, Cochrane, and LILACS databases. Results Thirty studies were selected. For adults, the screening methods available to the dentist included questionnaires, scales, indexes, pulse oximetry, and anatomical factors. A combination of questionnaires is potentially the most reliable method to detect OSA risk. For children, only information on questionnaires and anatomical factors was found; two questionnaires accurately identified potential OSA risk cases. Anatomical factors also displayed a significant relation with OSA for both populations. Conclusion Dentists have a fundamental role in early detection of potential OSA cases since they can use the methods identified in this review to perform an initial screening of the population. Abbreviations OSA: Obstructive sleep apnea; PSG: Polysomnography; HST: Home sleep study; BMI: Body mass index; PPV: Positive predictive value; NPV: Negative predictive value; AHI: Apnea hypopnea index; RDI: Respiratory disturbance index; ODI: Oxygen desaturation index; PSQ: Pediatric Sleep Questionnaire; SRBD: Sleep-related breathing disorder; CSHQ: Children’s Sleep Habits Questionnaire; ESS: Epworth Sleepiness Scale; PSQI: Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index
A Carboxyl-Functionalized Covalent Organic Framework Synthesized in a Deep Eutectic Solvent for Dye Adsorption.

Instead of the use of organic solvents, a deep eutectic solvent (DES) composed of tetrabutylammonium bromide and imidazole (Bu 4 NBr/Im) was employed as a solvent for the first time to synthesize covalent organic frameworks (COFs). Due to the low vapor pressure of the Bu 4 NBr/Im-based DES, a new carboxyl-functionalized COF (TpPa-COOH) was synthesized under the environmental pressure. The as-synthesized TpPa-COOH has open channels and the DES can be removed completely from the pores. The dye adsorption performance of TpPa-COOH was examined for three organic dyes with similar molecular sizes, including one anionic dye (eosin B, EB) and two cationic dyes (methylene blue, MB; safranine T, ST). TpPa-COOH showed an excellent selective adsorption effect on MB and ST. The electronegative keto form in TpPa-COOH may help to form electrostatic and π-π interactions between the π-stacking frameworks of TpPa-COOH and the positive plane MB and ST molecules. The adsorption isotherms of MB and ST on TpPa-COOH were further investigated in detail and the equilibrium adsorption was well-modeled by using Langmuir isotherm model. Together with hydrogen bonding, TpPa-COOH showed higher adsorption capacity for ST than that for MB (1135 vs 410 mg/g). These results could provide a guidance for the green synthesis of adsorbents in removing organic dyes from wastewater.
Association Between Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors With Cardiovascular Events and Atherosclerotic Plaque

Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text. Background: Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) treat an expanding range of cancers. Consistent basic data suggest that these same checkpoints are critical negative regulators of atherosclerosis. Therefore, our objectives were to test whether ICIs were associated with accelerated atherosclerosis and a higher risk of atherosclerosis-related cardiovascular events. Methods: The study was situated in a single academic medical center. The primary analysis evaluated whether exposure to an ICI was associated with atherosclerotic cardiovascular events in 2842 patients and 2842 controls matched by age, a history of cardiovascular events, and cancer type. In a second design, a case-crossover analysis was performed with an at-risk period defined as the 2-year period after and the control period as the 2-year period before treatment. The primary outcome was a composite of atherosclerotic cardiovascular events (myocardial infarction, coronary revascularization, and ischemic stroke). Secondary outcomes included the individual components of the primary outcome. In addition, in an imaging substudy (n=40), the rate of atherosclerotic plaque progression was compared from before to after the ICI was started. All study measures and outcomes were blindly adjudicated. Results: In the matched cohort study, there was a 3-fold higher risk for cardiovascular events after starting an ICI (hazard ratio, 3.3 [95% CI, 2.0–5.5]; P<0.001). There was a similar increase in each of the individual components of the primary outcome. In the case-crossover, there was also an increase in cardiovascular events from 1.37 to 6.55 per 100 person-years at 2 years (adjusted hazard ratio, 4.8 [95% CI, 3.5–6.5]; P<0.001). In the imaging study, the rate of progression of total aortic plaque volume was >3-fold higher with ICIs (from 2.1%/y before 6.7%/y after). This association between ICI use and increased atherosclerotic plaque progression was attenuated with concomitant use of statins or corticosteroids. Conclusions: Cardiovascular events were higher after initiation of ICIs, potentially mediated by accelerated progression of atherosclerosis. Optimization of cardiovascular risk factors and increased awareness of cardiovascular risk before, during, and after treatment should be considered among patients on an ICI.
Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation reverses reduced excitability of rat visual cortex induced by dark rearing during early critical period

Early critical period of visual cortex is characterized by enhanced activity‐driven neuronal plasticity establishing the specificity of neuronal connections required for optimal processing of sensory signals. Deprivation from visual input by dark rearing (DR) during this period leads to a lasting impairment of visual performance. Previously, we demonstrated that repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) applied with intermittent theta‐burst (iTBS) pattern during the critical period improved the visual performance of the DR rats. In this study, we describe that the excitability of the binocular part of the visual cortex (V1b), as measured in acute brain slices by input‐output ratios of field excitatory synaptic potentials (fEPSPs), is lowered in DR rats compared to normal controls. Verum rTMS applied with the iTBS pattern during DR reversed this DR effect, while no rTMS effect was evident in the non‐DR (nDR) rats. In addition, verum rTMS reduced the number of neurons expressing the 67 kD isoform of glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD67), the calcium‐binding protein calbindin (CB) and the zinc‐finger transcription factor zif268/EGR1, as determined via immunohistochemistry, only in DR rats but not in nDR rats. Moreover, rTMS reduced the number of neurons expressing the calcium‐binding protein parvalbumin (PV) only in nDR rats which showed more PV+ neurons compared to DR rats. This study confirms that iTBS‐rTMS may be able to prevent or reverse the effects of DR on visual cortex physiology, likely through a modulation of the activity of inhibitory interneurons.
Comparative pharmacokinetic analysis of levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine systems and levonorgestrel-containing contraceptives with oral or subdermal administration route

Abstract Objective To compare systemic exposure to levonorgestrel (LNG) released from commercially available intrauterine systems (IUSs), a subdermal implant, and oral contraceptives. Methods An integrated population pharmacokinetic (popPK) analysis of data from over 3400 individuals in ten clinical studies with six different LNG-releasing contraceptives (four long-acting reversible contraceptives [LARCs: LNG-IUS 8, 12, and 20, initially releasing LNG 14, 17.5, and 20 μg/day, a subdermal implant initially releasing LNG 100 μg/day according to label]; progestin-only pill [POP: LNG 30 μg/day]; and combined oral contraceptive [COC] pill [LNG 100 μg/day and ethinylestradiol 20 μg/day]), was conducted to generate a popPK model. LNG release rates, and total and unbound serum/plasma LNG concentrations with LARCs were estimated over the indicated period of use; maximum (Cmax) and average (Cav) serum LNG concentrations were estimated at steady state for oral contraceptives. Influence of body weight on LNG PK was also investigated. Results Serum LNG concentration with LARCs increased with increasing daily LNG release rate, being lowest with LNG-IUS 8, higher with LNG-IUS 12 and LNG-IUS 20, and highest with the subdermal implant (1.7–2.1-times that with LNG-IUS 20). Compared with early serum LNG concentrations with LNG-IUS 20, Cav and Cmax were 1.7- and 4.5-fold higher with POP, and 8.6- and 18-fold higher with COC. Total LNG bioavailability was >97% for the LNG-IUSs and 66–80% with other contraceptives. Serum/plasma LNG concentrations decreased with increasing body weight. Conclusions Among the contraceptives examined, COC had the highest and LNG-IUSs the lowest systemic exposure to LNG. Systemic LNG concentration was inversely correlated to body weight.