Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Oocytes and hypoxanthine orchestrate the G2-M switch mechanism in ovarian granulosa cells

ABSTRACT In mammalian growing follicles, oocytes are arrested at the diplotene stage (which resembles the G2/M boundary in mitosis), while the granulosa cells (GCs) continue to proliferate during follicular development, reflecting a cell cycle asynchrony between oocytes and GCs. Hypoxanthine (Hx), a purine present in the follicular fluid, has been shown to induce oocytes meiotic arrest, although its role in GC proliferation remains ill-defined. Here, we demonstrate that Hx indiscriminately prevents G2-to-M phase transition in porcine GCs. However, oocyte-derived paracrine factors (ODPFs), particularly GDF9 and BMP15, maintain the proliferation of GCs, partly by activating the ERK1/2 signaling and enabling the G2/M transition that is suppressed by Hx. Interestingly, GCs with lower expression of GDF9/BMP15 receptors appear to be more sensitive to Hx-induced G2/M arrest and become easily detached from the follicular wall. Importantly, Hx-mediated inhibition of G2/M progression instigates GC apoptosis, which is ameliorated in the presence of GDF9 and/or BMP15. Therefore, our data indicate that the counterbalance of intrafollicular factors, particularly Hx and oocyte-derived GDF9/BMP15, fine-tunes the development of porcine follicles by regulating the cell cycle progression of GCs. Summary: Hypoxanthine interacts with oocyte-derived paracrine factors to fine-tune granulosa cell proliferation in growing ovarian follicles.
Comparing acne follow-up: teledermatology versus outpatient dermatology visits.

The application of teledermatology for evaluating acne patients has yielded comparable therapeutic outcomes with traditional face-to-face evaluation, but follow-up compliance between these modalities is not well-studied. Our objective is to compare the rate and duration of follow-up between acne patients initially evaluated by teledermatology versus in-person outpatient consultation. Electronic medical review of acne patients, 18-35 years-old seen via teledermatology and face-to-face evaluation at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center between 2010-2018 was performed. Teledermatology patients were less likely to follow-up in the first 90 days (13.0% versus 31.0%, P<0.001) compared to patients seen face-to-face with overall follow-up rates of 22% among both modalities. The median time to follow-up was 45.5 days (IQR: 13/57) in the teledermatology group compared to 64 days (IQR: 56/77) in the face-to-face group (P<0.001). Teledermatology patients were more likely to be treated with oral antibiotics (43.0% versus 28.5%) or oral spironolactone (18.5% versus 12.5%) compared to patients seen face-to-face (P<0.001). Teledermatology poses a promising solution to extend dermatologic care with earlier access to follow-up. Our data demonstrates a need to improve teledermatology follow-up education to improve follow-up care.
Pregnancy per- and polyfluoroalkyl substance concentrations and postpartum health in Project Viva, a prospective cohort.

CONTEXT Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are environmental chemicals linked to weight gain and type 2 diabetes. OBJECTIVE We examined the extent to which PFAS plasma concentrations during pregnancy were associated with postpartum anthropometry and biomarkers. DESIGN, PATIENTS, MEASURES We studied women recruited between 1999-2002 in the Project Viva prospective cohort with pregnancy plasma concentrations of PFAS, including perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS), perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), and 2-(N-ethyl-perfluorooctane sulfonamide) acetic acid (EtFOSAA). Three-year postpartum anthropometry measurements were available from 786-801 women, blood pressure from 761 women, and blood biomarkers from 450-454 women. We used multivariable regression to evaluate the association of log2-transformed PFAS with postpartum anthropometry, blood pressure, and blood biomarkers (leptin, adiponectin, sex hormone binding globulin [SHBG], hemoglobin A1c [HbA1c], interleukin-6 [IL-6], C-reactive protein [CRP]), adjusting for age, pre-pregnancy BMI, marital status, race/ethnicity, education, income, smoking, parity, and breastfeeding history. RESULTS Pregnancy concentrations of certain PFAS were associated with greater adiposity (e.g., 0.4 cm [95%CI: -0.1, 0.9] greater waist circumference per doubling in EtFOSAA; 0.2 cm [95%CI: -0.1, 0.5] greater mid-upper arm circumference per doubling in PFOA; 1.2 mm [95%CI: 0.1, 2.2] thicker sum of subscapular and triceps skinfolds per doubling in PFOS) and higher systolic blood pressure (e.g., 1.2 mm Hg [95%CI: 0.3, 2.2] per doubling in PFOS) at three years postpartum. Higher EtFOSAA concentrations were also associated with 10.8% higher IL-6 (95%CI: 3.3, 18.9) and 6.1% lower SHBG (95%CI: 0.7, 11.2) per doubling. CONCLUSIONS Pregnancy concentrations of EtFOSAA, PFOS, and PFOA were associated with adverse postpartum cardiometabolic markers.
A proposed strategy for management of immunosuppression in heart transplant patients with COVID‐19

There is limited experience in management of orthotopic heart transplant (OHT) patients with COVID‐19. In this study, we present our initial experience using a standardized management algorithm. Data collection was performed on OHT patients with COVID‐19 after March 10, 2020 (declaration of state of emergency in Massachusetts). Among the 358 OHT patients currently followed at our program, 5 patients (1.4%) tested positive for COVID‐19 (median age 50 years [IQR, 49‐58], duration post‐OHT 21 years [IQR, 6‐25], and 4 of 5 [80%] were men). Among the 5 OHT patients, 2 of 5 (20%) had mild disease and had no change in baseline immunosuppression therapy. Two of 5 (20%) had moderate disease and received remdesivir as part of a clinical trial and reduced immunosuppression therapy. One patient (20%) died prior to presenting to the hospital, consistent with 20% case fatality rate. Four patients (80%) are doing well 4 weeks post‐discharge. In this small cohort of OHT patients with COVID‐19, we report a 1.4% COVID‐19 infection rate and 20% case fatality rate. All OHT patients managed under our clinical management algorithm had good short‐term outcomes. Further study to estimate the true risk profile of OHT patients and validate the proposed management strategy is warranted.
Whole grain and dietary fiber intake and risk of colorectal cancer in the NIH-AARP Diet and Health Study cohort.

BACKGROUND Whole grains and other foods containing fiber are thought to be inversely related to colorectal cancer (CRC). However, whether these associations reflect fiber or fiber source remains unclear. OBJECTIVES We evaluated associations of whole grain and dietary fiber intake with CRC risk in the large NIH-AARP Diet and Health Study. METHODS We used Cox proportional hazard models to estimate HRs and 95% CIs for whole grain and dietary fiber intake and risk of CRC among 478,994 US adults, aged 50-71 y. Diet was assessed using a self-administered FFQ at baseline in 1995-1996, and 10,200 incident CRC cases occurred over 16 y and 6,464,527 person-years of follow-up. We used 24-h dietary recall data, collected on a subset of participants, to evaluate the impact of measurement error on risk estimates. RESULTS After multivariable adjustment for potential confounders, including folate, we observed an inverse association for intake of whole grains (HRQ5 vs.Q1 : 0.84; 95% CI: 0.79, 0.90; P-trend < 0.001), but not dietary fiber (HRQ5 vs. Q1: 0.96; 95% CI: 0.88, 1.04; P-trend = 0.40), with CRC incidence. Intake of whole grains was inversely associated with all CRC cancer subsites, particularly rectal cancer (HRQ5 vs. Q1: 0.76; 95% CI: 0.67, 0.87; P-trend < 0.001). Fiber from grains, but not other sources, was associated with lower incidence of CRC (HRQ5 vs. Q1: 0.89; 95% CI: 0.83, 0.96; P-trend < 0.001), particularly distal colon (HRQ5 vs. Q1: 0.84; 95% CI: 0.73, 0.96; P-trend = 0.005) and rectal cancer (HRQ5 vs. Q1: 0.77; 95% CI: 0.66, 0.88; P-trend < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Dietary guidance for CRC prevention should focus on intake of whole grains as a source of fiber.
The maturase HydF enables [FeFe] hydrogenase assembly via transient, cofactor-dependent interactions

[FeFe] hydrogenases have attracted extensive attention in the field of renewable energy research because of their remarkable efficiency for H2 gas production. H2 formation is catalyzed by a biologically unique hexanuclear iron cofactor denoted the H-cluster. The assembly of this cofactor requires a dedicated maturation machinery including HydF, a multidomain [4Fe4S] cluster protein with GTPase activity. HydF is responsible for harboring and delivering a precatalyst to the apo-hydrogenase, but the details of this process are not well understood. Here, we utilize gas-phase electrophoretic macromolecule analysis to show that a HydF dimer forms a transient interaction complex with the hydrogenase and that the formation of this complex depends on the cofactor content on HydF. Moreover, Fourier transform infrared, electron paramagnetic resonance, and UV-visible spectroscopy studies of mutants of HydF show that the isolated iron-sulfur cluster domain retains the capacity for binding the precatalyst in a reversible fashion and is capable of activating apo-hydrogenase in in vitro assays. These results demonstrate the central role of the iron-sulfur cluster domain of HydF in the final stages of H-cluster assembly, i.e. in binding and delivering the precatalyst.
An increase in the abundance of anchovies and sardines in the north‐western North Sea since 1995

Trawl data from Scottish research vessels dating from January 1925 show that catches of the warm water pelagic species, anchovy (Engraulis encrasicholus) and sardine (Sardina pilchardus), increased suddenly after 1995. Most were observed in the first quarter of each year, with 1998 and 2003 having the largest numbers, although few data are available for the last quarter. The authors believe that these long‐term changes are related to rising sea temperatures although the exact causal mechanism is not clear.
Some Factors Influencing Shank and Skin Color in the Growing Chicken

Abstract ACCORDING to Benjamin and Pierce (1937) the skin color in market chickens may range from white through cream to golden yellow and even to a dark brownish yellow. They stated that the white, cream, or golden yellow colors are satisfactory, although the lighter colors are preferred by discriminating consumers. They also stated that the market preference is for smooth yellow shanks. It is common knowledge among producers that there is a marked preference for yellow shanks and skin in broilers on the New York live poultry market. Lee (1911) reported that packers did not care about skin color except when they were supplying a special market that wanted deep yellow skin. These packers believed that deep yellow color could be obtained by adding molasses or, sometimes, artificial butter color to the fattening diet. Later, Lee (1914) found that the bleach produced by fattening with buttermilk varies with the quantity of .
In silico feasibility assessment of extracorporeal delivery of low-intensity pulsed ultrasound to intervertebral discs within the lumbar spine

Low intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) may have utility for non-invasive treatment of discogenic lower back pain through stimulating, remodeling and accelerating healing of injured or degenerated intervertebral disc (IVD) tissues. This study investigates the feasibility of delivering LIPUS to lumbar IVDs between L2 and S1 spine vertebra using a planar extracorporeal phased array (8 × 8 cm, 1024 elements, 500 kHz). Three 3D anatomical models with heterogenous tissues were generated from patient CT image sets and used in the simulation-based analysis. Time-reversal acoustic modeling techniques were applied to optimize posterior-lateral placement of the array with respect to the body to facilitate energy deposition in discrete target regions spanning the annulus fibrosus and central nucleus of each IVD. Forward acoustic and biothermal simulations were performed with time-reversal optimized array placements and driving amplitude/phase settings to predict LIPUS intensity distributions at target sites and to investigate off-target energy deposition and heating potential. Simulation results demonstrate focal intensity gain of 5–168 across all IVD targets and anatomical models, with greater average intensity gain (>50) and energy localization in posterior, posterolateral, and lateral target sites of IVDs. Localized LIPUS delivery was enhanced in thinner patient anatomies and in the high lumbar levels (L2-L3 and L3-L4). Multiple amplitude/phasing illumination patterns could be sequenced at a fixed array position for larger regional energy coverage in the IVD. Biothermal simulations demonstrated that LIPUS-appropriate exposures of 100 mW cm−2 ISPTA to the target disc region would result in <1 °C global peak temperature elevation for all cases. Hence, simulations suggest that spatially-precise extracorporeal delivery of therapeutically relevant LIPUS doses to discrete regions of lumbar IVDs is feasible and may be useful in clinical management of discogenic back pain.
Functional Metagenomics: Recent Advances and Future Challenges

Abstract Metagenomics is a relatively new but fast growing field within environmental biology directed at obtaining knowledge on genomes of environmental microbes as well as of entire microbial communities. With the sequencing technologies improving steadily, generating large amounts of sequence is becoming routine. However, it remains difficult to connect specific microbial phyla to specific functions in the environment. A number of ‘functional metagenomics’ approaches have been implemented in the recent years that allow high-resolution genomic analysis of uncultivated microbes, connecting them to specific functions in the environment. These include analysis of nichespecialized low complexity communities, reactor enrichments, and the use labeling technologies. Metatranscriptomics and metaproteomics are the newest sub-disciplines within the metagenomics field that provide further levels of resolution for functional analysis of uncultivated microbes and communities. The recent emergence of new (next generation) sequencing technologies, resulting in higher sequence output and dramatic drop in the price of sequencing, will be defining a new era in metagenomics. At this time the sequencing effort will be taken to a new level to allow addressing new, previously unattainable biological questions as well as accelerating genome-based discovery for medical and biotechnological applications.
Integrating commercial and research surveys to estimate the harvestable biomass, and establish a quota, for an “unexploited” abalone population

Mayfield, S. , McGarvey, R. , Carlson, I. J., and Dixon, C. 2008. Integrating commercial and research surveys to estimate the harvestable biomass, and establish a quota, for an “unexploited” abalone population. - ICES Journal of Marine Science, 65: 1122-1130.A key challenge facing many fisheries managers is the absence of information on the level of harvestable biomass. We describe an integrated, two-stage survey approach that was used to measure the spatial distribution and harvestable biomass of a largely unexploited metapopulation of greenlip abalone (Haliotis laevigata) over a large area of northwestern Spencer Gulf, South Australia. In stage 1, commercial fishers conducted systematic surveys to identify subareas with abalone at harvestable densities. Cpue measures from these surveys were used to map and stratify a bounded survey subregion, within which leaded-line, research-diver surveys measured absolute density and harvestable biomass (stage 2). Decision tables, showing minimum biomass at various probabilities vs. harvest fraction, were developed to provide a risk-assessment framework for quota setting. Within two years, our approach allowed, first, the mapping of the broad-scale, spatial distribution and abundance of greenlip abalone in an area of 1143 km 2 , second, the estimation of harvestable biomass in a smaller (16.9 km 2 ) area, and finally, the allocation by State fishery managers of an additional quota inside a newly defined management subzone. The collaborative approach we describe for providing estimates of absolute biomass over large spatial scales affords multiple advantages for the assessment and management of invertebrate dive fisheries.
ON ATMOSPHERIC MOISTURE AS A FACTOR INFLUENCING DISTRIBUTION OF BREEDING BIRDS IN TEMPERATE DECIDUOUS FOREST

Vegetation structure, frequently measured as “foliage height diversity” (FHD; MacArthur and MacArthur 196 l), has been shown to be correlated with bird species diversity across seral stages of vegetation (e.g., MacArthur 1964, Karr 1968, Recher 1969) and within seral stages of geographical and structural similarity (e.g., MacArthur and MacArthur 196 1, MacArthur 1964). However, the validity of the correlation within similarly structured habitats has been questioned (e.g., Tomoff 1974, Wiens 1974, Willson 1974). Willson (1974) and Roth (1976) contend that there is a need for a heterogeneity index that is sensitive to both subtle and large-scale variation in vegetation structure. Although there have been several attempts to develop a universal predictor of species diversity (see Roth 1976), they have met with limited success. MacArthur (1964) and Rotenberry and Wiens (1980) theorized that birds in desert scrub were selecting habitat in response to factors other than foliage structure. MacArthur and Wilson (1967) postulated that the incorporation of additional environmental variables would increase the accuracy of a biotic diversity index. One of these variables could be atmospheric moisture. The significance of relative humidity for the behavior and physiology of many terrestrial animals has been well documented. Whittaker (1952) and Janzen and Schoener (1968) found total insect densities to be correlated with stand moisture. Janzen and Schoener (1968) related intraforest moisture to insect species diversity, indicating the importance of this environmental constituent in the distribution of arthropods. Several studies have shown that abundance of breeding birds increases from xeric to mesic woodlands (e.g., Odum 1950, Smith 1977). Kendeigh and Fawver (198 1) considered the changes in bird species within a particular stand as possibly a response to moisture. Stamp (1978) suggested that food resources may influence the relationship between FHD and avian community structure, and that “future studies should also investigate climatic variables as estimators of resource variation . ” Bertin (1977) demonstrated that soil moisture is a necessary component in habitat selection of two woodland thrushes, Catharus fuscescens and Hylocichla mustelina, and that “factors such as moisture regime or postulated microclimate variables may be more highly correlated than vegetation structure with abundances of certain bird species. ” More recently, Swift
Foliar Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P) Dynamics, and Foliar Resorption of Corylus avellana var. avellana

Corylus avellana var. avellana (Corylaceae) has a widespread distribution in the Central Black Sea Region of Turkey and is very valuable in the food industry and plays an important role in the economy o f the Black Sea Region o f Turkey. In this study, nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) concentrations along a topographical gradient (from sea level to 550 m) and through the growing season (from April to October) were investigated. In addition to this, foliar resorption was also studied as resorption efficiency (RE) and resorption proficiency (Rp) which is defined as the proportion o f nutrients withdrawn from leaves and the N and P concentrations in senesced leaves, respectively. Statistically significant differences were not found with respect to leaf N concentration and SLA during the growing season although leaf P concentration, leaf N /P ratio and SLA were significantly changed during the growing season. Except for N re, Pre, N rp, and Prp all o f the leaf traits were significantly changed along the topographic gradient. The N /P ratio which is an indicator o f N - and P-limitation decreased during the growing season and along the topographic gradient. The N and P concentrations in the senescent leaves o f C. avellana was below 50 xg cm-2 and 3 xg cm-2, respectively along the topographic gradient and this species is N and P-proficient according to the threshold values. Soil properties along the topographic gradient also changed.
Conifer sawflies, Diprionidae: key to North American genera, checklist of world species, and new species from Mexico (Hymenoptera).

A key is given for tlie identification of the 6 genera of the family Diprionidae found in North America. The 11 world genera and 91 species and subspecies of the family Diprionidae are listed with the general distribution and host plant genera for each. Three new species from Mexico are described: Monoctenus sadadus, JMdiprion liowdeni, and Zadiprion roteus. Notes on the occurrence of the genus Neodiprion in Mexico and Central America are given. L Key to North American Genera of Diprionidae This key is provided to aid in the identification of adults of the Diprionidae encountered in North America. The use of the name Gilpinia as a genus rather than as a subgenus of Diprion is incorporated here. It is a name in wide usage throughout the world except for North America, and the genus is very distinct from Diprion, in fact, even more so than from Neodiprion. This key is partially adapted from Benson's (1939, 1945) key to the world genera. 1. Anal cell of forewing contracted in middle forming basal and apical anal cells, no anal crossvein ( fig. 1 ) ; male flagellar segments unipectinate [Monocteninae] 2 — Anal cell of forewing not contracted, anal crossvein present (fig. 2); male with at least 10 basal flagellar segments bipectinate [Diprioninae] — _ 3 2. Supraclypeal area not tiiberculate; clypeus emarginate; forewing witli veins M and Rs + M meeting before fusing witli Sc + R Augornonoctemis — Supraclypeal area tuberculate; clypeus subtruncate; forewing with vein M meeting Sc + R basad to point where Rs + M meets Sc + R -. Monoctenus 3. Cenchri small, nearly two times farther apart than breadth of one; metascutellum large, at least as long as breadth of a cenchrus (fig. 3) Diprion — Cenchri large, close together, distance between them less than the breadth of a cenchrus; metascutellum small, shorter than breadth of a cenchrus (fig. 4, 5) 4 4. Anal cell of hindwing with petiole much longer than cell width; abdominal terga densely sculptured; mesoscutellum blunt in front ( fig. 4 ) . Gilpinia — Anal cell of hindwing with petiole scarcely longer than cell width; abdominal terga usually polished, sometimes with fine microsculpture; mesoscutellum acute in front (fig. 5) 5 5. Female pulvillar pad of hindbasitarsus shorter than apical breadth of ^ Mail address: c/o U.S. National Museum, Washington, D.C. 20560.
Relationship among seed size from different seed positions at several-seeded pod in soybean

Seed size is an important yield component of soybean, which is influenced by both genetic traits and environmental factors. The seed-position effects on seed size were investigated by glyphosate-resistant soybean cultivar grown under both ambient and light-enriched conditions. Obvious effect of seed position on seed size was found. Seed size of the first-seeded position within several seeded pod was minimal (P<0.05). The more the seed number within a pod, the smaller the seed size of the first-seeded position. Light enrichment increased seed size from different-seeded position. The increment in seed size by light enrichment from first-seeded position was greater than that from other-seeded position, while the inherent seed size character in different position was not changed, and seed size from first-seeded position was still minimal. Light enrichment changed correlation degree between seed size from different seed positions. Seed size is modulated by assimilate distribution mechanism within pod. Seed size in oneseeded pod was more sensitive to light enrichment and density conditions. More seed number in a pod could decrease the increment of a single seed size.