Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Regulation of Sporopollenin Biosynthesis Genes for Rapid Pollen Wall Formation1[OPEN]

A feed-forward loop facilitates the expression of the sporopollenin biosynthesis pathway genes, thereby promoting rapid sexine formation. Sporopollenin is the major component of the outer pollen wall (sexine). It is synthesized using a pathway of approximately eight genes in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana). MALE STERILITY188 (MS188) and its direct upstream regulator ABORTED MICROSPORES (AMS) are two transcription factors essential for tapetum development. Here, we show that all the sporopollenin biosynthesis proteins are specifically expressed in the tapetum and are secreted into anther locules. MS188, a MYB transcription factor expressed in the tapetum, directly regulates the expression of POLYKETIDE SYNTHASE A (PKSA), PKSB, MALE STERILE2 (MS2), and a CYTOCHROME P450 gene (CYP703A2). By contrast, the expression of CYP704B1, ACYL-COA SYNTHETASE5 (ACOS5), TETRAKETIDE a-PYRONE REDUCTASE1 (TKPR1) and TKPR2 are significantly reduced in ams mutants but not affected in ms188 mutants. However, MS188 but not AMS can activate the expression of CYP704B1, ACOS5, and TKPR1. In ms188, dominant suppression of MS188 homologs reduced the expression of these genes, suggesting that MS188 and other MYB family members play redundant roles in activating their expression. The expression of some sporopollenin synthesis genes (PKSA, PKSB, TKPR2, CYP704B1, and ACOS5) was rescued when MS188 was expressed in ams. Therefore, MS188 is a key regulator for activation of sporopollenin synthesis, and AMS and MS188 may form a feed-forward loop that activates the expression of the sporopollenin biosynthesis pathway for rapid pollen wall formation.
Fast Visual Odometry for a Low-Cost Underwater Embedded Stereo System †

This paper provides details of hardware and software conception and realization of a stereo embedded system for underwater imaging. The system provides several functions that facilitate underwater surveys and run smoothly in real-time. A first post-image acquisition module provides direct visual feedback on the quality of the taken images which helps appropriate actions to be taken regarding movement speed and lighting conditions. Our main contribution is a light visual odometry method adapted to the underwater context. The proposed method uses the captured stereo image stream to provide real-time navigation and a site coverage map which is necessary to conduct a complete underwater survey. The visual odometry uses a stochastic pose representation and semi-global optimization approach to handle large sites and provides long-term autonomy, whereas a novel stereo matching approach adapted to underwater imaging and system attached lighting allows fast processing and suitability to low computational resource systems. The system is tested in a real context and shows its robustness and promising future potential.
Differences in Upper and Lower Body Adipose Tissue Oxygen Tension Contribute to the Adipose Tissue Phenotype in Humans

Context and Objectives Upper and lower body adipose tissue (AT) exhibits opposing associations with obesity-related cardiometabolic diseases. Recent studies have suggested that altered AT oxygen tension (pO2) may contribute to AT dysfunction. Here, we compared in vivo abdominal (ABD) and femoral (FEM) subcutaneous AT pO2 in women who are overweight and have obesity, and investigated the effects of physiological AT pO2 on human adipocyte function. Design ABD and FEM subcutaneous AT pO2 and AT blood flow (ATBF) were assessed in eight [BMI (body mass index) 34.4 ± 1.6 kg/m2] postmenopausal women who were overweight with obesity and impaired glucose metabolism. ABD and FEM AT biopsy specimens were collected to determine adipocyte morphology and AT gene expression. Moreover, the effects of prolonged exposure (14 days) to physiological AT pO2 on adipokine expression/secretion, mitochondrial respiration, and glucose uptake were investigated in differentiated human multipotent adipose-derived stem cells. Results AT pO2 was higher in ABD than FEM AT (62.7 ± 6.6 vs 50.0 ± 4.5 mm Hg, P = 0.013), whereas ATBF was comparable between depots. Maximal uncoupled oxygen consumption rates were substantially lower in ABD than FEM adipocytes for all pO2 conditions. Low physiological pO2 (5% O2) decreased proinflammatory gene expression, increased basal glucose uptake, and altered adipokine secretion in ABD and FEM adipocytes. Conclusions We demonstrated for the first time, to our knowledge, that AT pO2 is higher in ABD than FEM subcutaneous AT in women who are overweight/with obesity, partly due to a lower oxygen consumption rate in ABD adipocytes. Moreover, low physiological pO2 decreased proinflammatory gene expression and improved the metabolic phenotype in differentiated human adipocytes, whereas more heterogeneous effects on adipokine secretion were found.
Landscape Features Associated with Blacklegged Tick (Acari: Ixodidae) Density and Tick-Borne Pathogen Prevalence at Multiple Spatial Scales in Central New York State

Abstract Blacklegged ticks (Ixodes scapularis Say, Acari: Ixodidae) are the most commonly encountered and medically relevant tick species in New York State (NY) and have exhibited recent geographic range expansion. Forests and adjacent habitat are important determinants of I. scapularis density and may influence tick-borne pathogen prevalence. We examined how percent forest cover, dominant land cover type, and habitat type influenced I. scapularis nymph and adult density, and associated tick-borne pathogen prevalence, in an inland Lyme-emergent region of NY. I. scapularis nymphs and adults were collected from edge and wooded habitats using tick drags at 16 sites in Onondaga County, NY in 2015 and 2016. A subsample of ticks from each site was tested for the presence of Borrelia burgdorferi, Borrelia miyamotoi, Anaplasma phagocytophilum, and Babesia microti using a novel multiplex real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay, and deer tick virus using reverse transcription–PCR. Habitat type (wooded versus edge) was an important determinant of tick density; however, percent forest cover had little effect. B. burgdorferi was the most commonly detected pathogen and was present in ticks from all sites. Ba. microti and deer tick virus were not detected. Habitat type and dominant land cover type were not significantly related to B. burgdorferi presence or prevalence; however, ticks infected with A. phagocytophilum and B. miyamotoi were collected more often in urban environments. Similarity between B. burgdorferi prevalence in Onondaga County and hyperendemic areas of southeastern NY indicates a more rapid emergence than expected in a relatively naive region. Possible mechanistic processes underlying these observations are discussed.
Starvation induces rapid degradation of selective autophagy receptors by endosomal microautophagy

It is not clear to what extent starvation-induced autophagy affects the proteome on a global scale and whether it is selective. In this study, we report based on quantitative proteomics that cells during the first 4 h of acute starvation elicit lysosomal degradation of up to 2–3% of the proteome. The most significant changes are caused by an immediate autophagic response elicited by shortage of amino acids but executed independently of mechanistic target of rapamycin and macroautophagy. Intriguingly, the autophagy receptors p62/SQSTM1, NBR1, TAX1BP1, NDP52, and NCOA4 are among the most efficiently degraded substrates. Already 1 h after induction of starvation, they are rapidly degraded by a process that selectively delivers autophagy receptors to vesicles inside late endosomes/multivesicular bodies depending on the endosomal sorting complex required for transport III (ESCRT-III). Our data support a model in which amino acid deprivation elicits endocytosis of specific membrane receptors, induction of macroautophagy, and rapid degradation of autophagy receptors by endosomal microautophagy.
Higher Whole-Grain Intake Is Associated with Lower Risk of Type 2 Diabetes among Middle-Aged Men and Women: The Danish Diet, Cancer, and Health Cohort.

BACKGROUND Type 2 diabetes is a major health concern worldwide. Whole grains and cereal fiber may offer protective effects on type 2 diabetes risk. However, few studies have been conducted in cohorts with detailed information on whole-grain cereal intakes and product types and with wide ranges of intake. Objective We investigated the associations between whole-grain intake, including intakes of different cereal types and products, and the risk of type 2 diabetes in a population with wide and diverse whole-grain intake. Methods We used data from the Danish Diet, Cancer, and Health cohort including 55,465 participants aged 50-65 y at baseline. Of these, 7417 participants were diagnosed with type 2 diabetes during follow-up (median: 15 y). Detailed information on the intake of whole-grain products was available from a food-frequency questionnaire, and total whole-grain intake and whole-grain cereal types (wheat, rye, oats) were calculated in grams per day. Associations were examined by using Cox proportional hazards models with adjustment for potential confounders. Results Whole-grain intake was associated with an 11% and 7% lower risk of type 2 diabetes per whole-grain serving (16 g) per day for men and women, respectively [HR (95% CI)-men: 0.89 (0.87, 0.91); women: 0.93 (0.91, 0.96)]. For men, the intake of all whole-grain cereal types investigated (wheat, rye, oats) was significantly associated with a lower risk of type 2 diabetes, but only wheat and oats intake was significantly associated for women. Among the different whole-grain products, rye bread, whole-grain bread, and oatmeal/muesli were significantly associated with a lower risk of type 2 diabetes for both men and women. Conclusions In this cohort study, we found consistent associations between high whole-grain intake and lower risk of type 2 diabetes. Overall, an association was found for all different cereals and whole-grain products tested.
The Processes of Anterior Pituitary Hormone Pulse Generation

More than 60 years ago, Geoffrey Harris described his "neurohumoral theory," in which the regulation of pituitary hormone secretion was a "simple" hierarchal relationship, with the hypothalamus as the controller. In models based on this theory, the electrical activity of hypothalamic neurons determines the release of hypophysiotropic hormones into the portal circulation, and the pituitary simply responds with secretion of a pulse of hormone into the bloodstream. The development of methodologies allowing the monitoring of the activities of members of the hypothalamic-vascular-pituitary unit is increasingly allowing dissection of the mechanisms generating hypothalamic and pituitary pulses. These have revealed that whereas hypothalamic input is required, its role as a driver of pulsatile pituitary hormone secretion varies between pituitary axes. The organization of pituitary cells has a key role in the modification of their response to hypophysiotropic factors that can lead to a memory of previous demand and enhanced function. Feedback can lead to oscillatory hormone output that is independent of pulses of hypophysiotropic factors and instead, results from the temporal relationship between pituitary output and target organ response. Thus, the mechanisms underlying the generation of pulses cannot be generalized, and the circularity of feedforward and feedback interactions must be considered to understand both normal physiological function and pathology. We describe some examples of the clinical implications of recognizing the importance of the pituitary and target organs in pulse generation and suggest avenues for future research in both the short and long term.
Stadiengerechte Therapie der akuten Divertikulitis anhand der neuen Klassifikation der Divertikelkrankheit

Zusammenfassung Hintergrund In den vergangenen Jahren gab es einen deutlichen Wandel in den Therapieempfehlungen der akuten Divertikulitis. Die stadiengerechte Therapie orientiert sich an der neuen Klassifikation der Divertikelkrankheit aus der aktuellen Leitlinie. Patienten und Methode Erfasst wurden alle Patienten, die in den Jahren 2010 bis 2014 wegen einer akuten Divertikulitis im Universitätsklinikum Würzburg behandelt wurden. Einschlusskriterium für die Auswertung war das Vorhandensein einer Computertomografie zur Stadieneinteilung. Ergebnisse Gut die Hälfte der untersuchten Patienten (n = 135, 52,9%) hatte bei Aufnahme eine akute unkomplizierte Divertikulitis, 112 (43,2%) wiesen eine gedeckte Perforation (Mikroabszess n = 63, 24,3%; bzw. Makroabszess n = 49, 18,9%), 12 Patienten (4,6%) eine freie Perforation auf. Bei insgesamt 150 (57,9%) Patienten war es der 1. Schub einer Divertikulitis, eine gedeckte (66,1%) oder eine freie Perforation (75,0%) trat dabei überdurchschnittlich häufig als Erstmanifestation auf. Knapp zwei Drittel (66,4%, n = 168) der Patienten wurden im Verlauf sigmareseziert. Diskussion und Schlussfolgerung Trotz des Trends hin zu einer konservativen Therapie der akuten Divertikulitis bleibt die (elektive) Sigmaresektion nach wie vor ein zentraler Bestandteil in der Therapie über alle Stadien hinweg. Die Indikationsstellung ist jedoch heutzutage deutlich differenzierter und erfordert neben der individuellen Klassifikation der Entzündungssituation auch Kenntnisse über die individuelle krankheitsspezifische Prognose in Bezug auf Rezidivwahrscheinlichkeit und Lebensqualität.
Neutrophils use superoxide to control bacterial infection at a distance

Understanding the roles of neutrophils and macrophages in fighting bacterial infections is a critical issue in human pathologies. Although phagocytic killing has been extensively studied, little is known about how bacteria are eliminated extracellularly in live vertebrates. We have recently developed an infection model in the zebrafish embryo in which leukocytes cannot reach the injected bacteria. When Escherichia coli bacteria are injected within the notochord, both neutrophils and macrophages are massively recruited during several days, but do not infiltrate the infected tissue presumably because of its tough collagen sheath. Nevertheless, the bacteria are killed during the first 24 hours, and we report here that neutrophils, but not macrophages are involved in the control of the infection. Using genetic and chemical approaches, we show that even in absence of phagocytosis, the bactericidal action relies on NADPH oxidase-dependent production of superoxide in neutrophils. We thus reveal a host effector mechanism mediated by neutrophils that eliminates bacteria that cannot be reached by phagocytes and that is independent of macrophages, NO synthase or myeloperoxidase.
Validation of the Rowland Universal Dementia Assessment Scale (RUDAS) in a multicultural sample across five Western European countries: diagnostic accuracy and normative data

ABSTRACT Background: With increasing cultural diversity and growing elderly immigrant populations in Western European countries, the availability of brief cognitive screening instruments adequate for assessment of dementia in people from diverse backgrounds becomes increasingly important. The aim of the present study was to investigate diagnostic accuracy of the Rowland Universal Dementia Assessment Scale (RUDAS) in a multicultural sample and to calculate normative data as a basis for demographic adjustment of RUDAS scores. Methods: The study was a prospective international cross-sectional multi-center study. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was used to examine diagnostic accuracy. Regression analysis was used to assess the impact of demographic variables. Results: Data was collected from 341 cognitively intact participants and 80 people with dementia with a wide age- and educational range. Of the 421 included participants, 239 (57%) had immigrant background. The RUDAS had high diagnostic accuracy with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.93. The optimal cut-off score was <25 (sensitivity 0.80, specificity 0.90). Regression analysis revealed that RUDAS scores were mainly affected by education and were unrelated to data collection site and immigrant status. Education-adjusted normative data was calculated as a basis for education adjustment of RUDAS scores. Applying education-adjusted RUDAS scores slightly but significantly improved diagnostic accuracy with an AUC of 0.95. Conclusion: We found the RUDAS to have excellent diagnostic properties in our multicultural sample. However, we suggest that RUDAS scores should be adjusted for education to increase diagnostic accuracy and that the choice of cut-off score should be considered based on the clinical context and expected base rate of dementia.
Effects of Mechanical Insufflation-Exsufflation on Airway Mucus Clearance Among Mechanically Ventilated ICU Subjects

BACKGROUND: Few studies have evaluated the effects of mechanical insufflation-exsufflation (MI-E) in subjects on mechanical ventilation. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of MI-E on airway mucus clearance among mechanically ventilated ICU subjects. METHODS: A randomized, parallel-group, open-label trial was conducted between June and November 2017 in a single, mixed ICU. Adult ICU subjects receiving mechanical ventilation for > 24 h with stable ventilatory and hemodynamic status were randomized to receive either standard respiratory physiotherapy alone (control group) or respiratory physiotherapy by using an MI-E device (intervention group). The primary outcome was the weight of aspirated airway mucus after study interventions. Secondary outcomes included variation in static lung compliance (ΔCL), airway resistance (ΔRaw), work of breathing (ΔWOB) in relation to the pre-intervention period, and hemodynamic and ventilator complications during the procedures. RESULTS: There were 90 subjects in each group. The mean ± SD weight of the aspirated airway mucus was higher in the intervention group than in the control group (2.42 ± 2.32 g vs 1.35 ± 1.56 g, P < .001). The ΔCL values in the intervention group were higher than those in the control group (1.76 ± 4.90 mL/cm H2O vs −0.57 ± 4.85 mL/cm H2O, P = .001). The ΔRaw and ΔWOB values were similar between the groups. No hemodynamic or ventilatory complications were observed. CONCLUSIONS: Among the general ICU subjects receiving mechanical ventilation, use of an MI-E device during respiratory physiotherapy resulted in a larger amount of airway mucus clearance than respiratory physiotherapy alone. (ClinicalTrials.gov registration NCT03178565.)
Sympathoexcitation by hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus neurons projecting to the rostral ventrolateral medulla

Causal relationships between central cardiovascular pathways and sympathetic vasomotor tone have not been evidenced. This study aimed to verify the sympathoexcitatory role of hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus neurons that project to the rostral ventrolateral medulla (PVN‐RVLM neurons). By using optogenetic techniques, we demonstrated that stimulation of PVN‐RVLM glutamatergic neurons increased renal sympathetic nerve activity and arterial pressure via, at least in part, stimulation of RVLM C1 neurons in rats. This monosynaptic pathway may function in acute sympathetic adjustments to stressors and/or be a component of chronic sympathetic hyperactivity in pathological conditions such as heart failure.
hPI: The Citation Index for Principal Investigators

A new citation index $h_{PI}$ for principal investigators (PIs) is defined in analogy to Hirsch's index $h$, but based on renormalized citations of a PI's papers. To this end, the authors of a paper are divided into two groups: PIs and non-PIs. A PI is defined as an assistant, associate or full professor at a university who supervises an individual research program. The citations for each paper of a certain PI are then divided by the number of PIs among the authors of that paper. Data are presented for a sample of 48 PIs who are senior faculty members of physics and physics-related engineering departments at a private research-oriented U.S. university, using the ISI Web of Science citations database. The main result is that individual rankings based on $h$ and $h_{PI}$ differ substantially. Also, to a good approximation across the sample of 48 PIs, one finds that $h_{PI} = h \,/ \sqrt{ }$ where is the average number of principal investigators on the papers of a particular PI. In addition, $h_{PI} = \frac{1}{2} \sqrt{C_{tot}\,/ }$, where $C_{tot}$ is the total number of citations. Approaches to broadening the scope of $h$ or $h_{PI}$ are discussed briefly, and a new metric for highly cited papers called $h_x$ is introduced which represents the average number of citations exceeding the minimum of $h^2$ in the $h$-core.
Integrative analysis of competing endogenous RNA networks reveals the functional lncRNAs in heart failure

Heart failure has become one of the top causes of death worldwide. It is increasing evidence that lncRNAs play important roles in the pathology processes of multiple cardiovascular diseases. Additionally, lncRNAs can function as ceRNAs by sponging miRNAs to affect the expression level of mRNAs, implicating in numerous biological processes. However, the functional roles and regulatory mechanisms of lncRNAs in heart failure are still unclear. In our study, we constructed a heart failure‐related lncRNA‐mRNA network by integrating probe re‐annotation pipeline and miRNA‐target interactions. Firstly, some lncRNAs that had the central topological features were found in the heart failure‐related lncRNA‐mRNA network. Then, the lncRNA‐associated functional modules were identified from the network, using bidirectional hierarchical clustering. Some lncRNAs that involved in modules were demonstrated to be enriched in many heart failure‐related pathways. To investigate the role of lncRNA‐associated ceRNA crosstalks in certain disease or physiological status, we further identified the lncRNA‐associated dysregulated ceRNA interactions. And we also performed a random walk algorithm to identify more heart failure‐related lncRNAs. All these lncRNAs were verified to show a strong diagnosis power for heart failure. These results will help us to understand the mechanism of lncRNAs in heart failure and provide novel lncRNAs as candidate diagnostic biomarkers or potential therapeutic targets.
Reducing micronutrient deficiencies in Pakistani children: are subsidies on fortified complementary foods cost-effective?

Abstract Objective To estimate the cost-effectiveness of price subsidies on fortified packaged complementary foods (FPCF) in reducing iodine deficiency, iron-deficiency anaemia and vitamin A deficiency in Pakistani children. Design The study proceeded in three steps: (i) we determined the current lifetime costs of the three micronutrient deficiencies with a health economic model; (ii) we assessed the price sensitivity of demand for FPCF with a market survey in two Pakistani districts; (iii) we combined the findings of the first two steps with the results of a systematic review on the effectiveness of FPCF in reducing micronutrient deficiencies. The cost-effectiveness was estimated by comparing the net social cost of price subsidies with the disability-adjusted life years (DALY) averted. Setting Districts of Faisalabad and Hyderabad in Pakistan. Subjects Households with 6–23-month-old children stratified by socio-economic strata. Results The lifetime social costs of iodine deficiency, iron-deficiency anaemia and vitamin A deficiency in 6–23-month-old children amounted to production losses of $US 209 million and 175 000 DALY. Poor households incurred the highest costs, yet even wealthier households suffered substantial losses. Wealthier households were more likely to buy FPCF. The net cost per DALY of the interventions ranged from a return per DALY averted of $US 783 to $US 65. Interventions targeted at poorer households were most cost-effective. Conclusions Price subsidies on FPCF might be a cost-effective way to reduce the societal costs of micronutrient deficiencies in 6–23-month-old children in Pakistan. Interventions targeting poorer households are especially cost-effective.