Scientifica (United Kingdom)

Granulosa cells (GCs) play crucial roles in oocyte maturation. Through gap junctions and extracellular vesicles, they mediate the exchange of molecules such as microRNAs and messenger RNAs. Different ovarian cell types exhibit unique gene expression profiles, reflecting their specialized functions and stages. By combining RNA-seq data from various cell types forming the follicle, we aimed at capturing a wide range of expression patterns, offering insights into the functional diversity and complexity of the transcriptome regulation across GCs. Herein, we performed an integrated bioinformatics analysis of RNA sequencing datasets present in public databases, with a unique and standardized workflow., By combining the data from different studies, we successfully increased the robustness and reliability of our findings and discovered novel genes, miRNAs, and signaling pathways associated with GCs function and oocyte maturation. Moreover, our results provide a valuable resource for further wet-lab research on GCs biology and their impact on oocyte development and competence.

There is some evidence that both distance from transmission lines and measured or calculated magnetic fields are associated with childhood leukemia. Because distance is a key component when calculating the magnetic field generated by power lines, distance from lines and calculated fields based on lines tend to be highly correlated. Socioeconomic status (SES) and dwelling type are also associated with magnetic field exposure. We used exposure data from two large studies of childhood leukemia and other cancers, in the US and the UK, to describe a relationship between distance and magnetic fields across the population within 100 meters (m) of power lines as a whole and evaluate potential modifiers such as SES and type of dwelling. There were 387 subjects living within 100 m of an overhead power line. There was no significant difference in mean calculated fields or distance to 200+ kV lines within 100 m by study. Within the range where the power-line field is expected to be significant compared to other sources, which we take as 100 m, distance to high-voltage lines predicted magnetic field (MF) variation in both studies better than other functions of distance tested in both linear and logistic regression. There were no differences between high and low SES or dwelling types (single-family home versus other). In conclusion, we found that calculated fields do appear to diminish linearly with increasing distance from overhead power lines, up to 100 m, particularly those 200+ kV and above. These results are stronger in the UK study. Within 100 m, distance to high-voltage lines continues to be highly correlated with calculated MFs and each can be a proxy for the other.

Laboratory investigations of the strength and chemical resistance of the final product of thermochemical reprocessing of reactor graphite wastes in the Al-TiO2-C system are presented. The 137Cs and 90Sr leaching rate, which is determined for samples synthesized from a charge with real irradiated graphite from an AM research reactor, does not exceed 10−6 g/(cm2·day) at the 28th day.

There are relatively large amounts of quinic acid in young apples and small amounts of shikimic acid in senescent apples. The possible significance of these acids in the biosynthesis of the aromatic ring is discussed. The widespread occurrence of varying amounts of these acids in edible fruits (pears, gooseberries, blackberries, strawberries, cherries, bananas) and in tanning extracts is described and the origin of these alicyclic acids is considered.