Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Dosimetry studies utilizing the urolase right angle firing neodymium: YAG laser fiber

Neodymium:YAG laser application was performed with the Urolase right angle laser fiber in a potato model and then in vivo in 29 canine prostates in an attempt to define dosimetry and optimal treatment parameters required to maximize tissue ablation and treatment efficacy. Depth and volume of prostatic tissue ablation for single, continuous laser applications with the Urolase fiber were measured at variable power settings from 20 to 60 watts, while holding total energy delivery constant. Peak tissue ablation was observed at 40 watts—up to a maximum of 21 mm tissue penetration in the canine model with a mode of 15 mm. The mean depth of tissue destruction at 40 watts power setting was 15.7 mm, with a mean volume of tissue ablation of 5.5 cc. The mean depth of tissue penetration at 40 watts was more than 30% greater than that observed at 60 watts, and the mean volume of tissue ablation was more than 60% greater than that observed at 60 watts. Holding the power setting constant at 40 watts, the extent of tissue ablation was measured for variable treatment times from 60 to 120 seconds. As treatment time was increased from 60 to 90 seconds, tissue ablation increased significantly. However, beyond 90 seconds of continuous laser application at 40 watts, a plateau in tissue effects was observed, with no real increase in tissue ablation between 90 and 120 seconds. Interruption or discontinuous laser application produced tissue effects which were significantly less than those observed for a single continuous 90 second laser treatment. © 1994 Wiley‐Liss, inc. This article is a US Government work and, as such, is in the public domain in the United States of America.
Multiple Heme Oxygenase Family Members Contribute to the Biosynthesis of the Phytochrome Chromophore in Arabidopsis1

The oxidative cleavage of heme by heme oxygenases (HOs) to form biliverdin IXα (BV) is the committed step in the biosynthesis of the phytochrome (phy) chromophore and thus essential for proper photomorphogenesis in plants. Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) contains four possible HO genes (HY1, HO2–4). Genetic analysis of the HY1 locus showed previously that it is the major source of BV with hy1 mutant plants displaying long hypocotyls and decreased chlorophyll accumulation consistent with a substantial deficiency in photochemically active phys. More recent analysis of HO2 suggested that it also plays a role in phy assembly and photomorphogenesis but the ho2 mutant phenotype is more subtle than that of hy1 mutants. Here, we define the functions of HO3 and HO4 in Arabidopsis. Like HY1, the HO3 and HO4 proteins have the capacity to synthesize BV from heme. Through a phenotypic analysis of T-DNA insertion mutants affecting HO3 and HO4 in combination with mutants affecting HY1 or HO2, we demonstrate that both of the encoded proteins also have roles in photomorphogenesis, especially in the absence of HY1. Disruption of HO3 and HO4 in the hy1 background further desensitizes seedlings to red and far-red light and accelerates flowering time, with the triple mutant strongly resembling seedlings deficient in the synthesis of multiple phy apoproteins. The hy1/ho3/ho4 mutant can be rescued phenotypically and for the accumulation of holo-phy by feeding seedlings BV. Taken together, we conclude that multiple members of the Arabidopsis HO family are important for synthesizing the bilin chromophore used to assemble photochemically active phys.
Vertebral marrow fat content and diffusion and perfusion indexes in women with varying bone density: MR evaluation.

PURPOSE To prospectively study the relationship among vertebral marrow fat content, marrow diffusion indexes, and marrow and erector spinae muscle perfusion indexes in female subjects with varying bone mineral density. MATERIALS AND METHODS Institutional study approval and informed consent were obtained. Dual x-ray absorptiometry, proton magnetic resonance (MR) spectroscopy, diffusion-weighted MR imaging, and dynamic contrast material-enhanced MR imaging of the lumbar spine and erector spinae muscle were performed in 110 women (mean age, 73 years; range, 67-84 years). Marrow fat content, marrow apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC), and perfusion indexes (maximum enhancement and enhancement slope) of marrow and erector spinae muscle were compared among three bone density groups (normal, osteopenic, and osteoporotic). The t test comparisons and Pearson correlations were applied. RESULTS Seven subjects were excluded, which yielded a final cohort of 103 subjects: 18 with normal bone density, 30 with osteopenia, and 55 with osteoporosis. Vertebral marrow fat content was significantly increased in the osteoporotic group (67.8% +/- 8.5 [standard deviation]) when compared with that of the normal bone density group (59.2% +/- 10.0, P = .002). Vertebral marrow perfusion indexes were significantly decreased in the osteoporotic group (enhancement slope, 1.10%/sec +/- 0.51) compared with those of the osteopenic group (1.45%/sec +/- 0.51, P = .01) and normal bone density group (1.70%/sec +/- 0.52, P < .001). Erector spinae muscle perfusion indexes did not decrease as bone density decreased. The ADC of vertebral marrow did not change with bone density. CONCLUSION The subjects experienced a decrease in vertebral marrow maximum enhancement and enhancement slope and an increase in marrow fat content as bone density decreased. The reduction in perfusion indexes occurred only within the vertebral body and not in the paravertebral tissues supplied by the same artery.
Time to Quit

This paper uses an extended cost-benefit analysis to estimate the distributional effect of tobacco tax increases in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The analysis considers the effect on household income of an increase in tobacco prices, changes in medical expenses, and the prolongation of working years under various scenarios, based on data in three waves of the national Household Budget Survey. One critical contribution is a quantification of the impacts by allowing price elasticities to vary across consumption deciles. The results indicate that a rise in tobacco prices generates positive income variations across the lowest income groups in the population (the bottom 20 percent). At the same time, tobacco price increases have negative income effects among middle-income and upper-income groups. These effects are larger, the higher the income level. If benefits through lower medical expenses and an expansion in working years are considered, the positive effect is acerbated among the lowest income groups. The middle of the distribution sees the income effect turn from negative to positive, and the top 40 percent, although continuing to experience a negative effect, see the magnitude of this effect diminish. Altogether, these effects mean that increases in tobacco prices have a pro-poor, progressive effect in Bosnia and Herzegovina. These results also hold within entities and across urban and rural areas.
Congenital cytomegalovirus infection in the Netherlands: Birth prevalence and risk factors

Congenital cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection is the most common congenital viral infection worldwide. The sequela encountered most frequently is hearing impairment, affecting approximately one out of five infants congenitally infected. Data on the birth prevalence and risk factors of congenital CMV infection in the Netherlands are scarce. The aim of this study was to determine the birth prevalence of congenital CMV in the Netherlands. A sample of 6,500 dried blood spots (DBS) from infants born in the Netherlands was tested anonymously for CMV DNA. The sample was stratified by the number of live births in different regions of the Netherlands of the year 2007. Additionally, on a regional level, risk factors for congenital CMV were analyzed. The birth prevalence of congenital CMV in the Netherlands was 0.54% (35/6,433, 95%CI 0.36–0.72). Congenital CMV infection was significantly higher in regions with more than 15% young children (0–5 years) compared with regions with a lower proportion of young children (OR 5.9, 95%CI 1.4–25.2). Congenital CMV infection was significantly higher in regions with more than 30% immigrants compared with regions with a lower proportion of immigrants (OR 2.2, 95%CI 1.1–4.6). This association was strongest for regions with more than 30% non‐Western immigrants (OR 3.3, 95%CI 1.5–7.5). Based on the knowledge of the natural history of congenital CMV infection, approximately 1,000 children are born with congenital CMV infection in the Netherlands annually, of whom eventually approximately 180 children (0.1% of all newborns) will be affected by long term sequelae, with hearing loss being the symptom encountered most frequently. J. Med. Virol. 83:1777–1782, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Toxicity and biotransformation of uncoated and coated nickel hydroxide nanoparticles on mesquite plants

Nanomaterials are of particular interest in environmental chemistry due to their unknown toxicity to living organisms. Reports indicate that nanoparticles (NPs) affect seed germination, but the uptake and biotransformation of metal nanoparticles is not well understood. The present study investigated the toxicity and biotransformation of Ni(OH)2 NPs by mesquite plants (Prosopis sp.). Three sets of plants were treated for four weeks with 0.01, 0.05, or 0.10 g of either uncoated or sodium citrate coated NPs before and after synthesis. Nickel concentrations in plants were determined by inductively coupled plasma‐optical emission spectroscopy (ICP‐OES) and the form and oxidation state of Ni was determined using X‐ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS). Results showed that uncoated NPs had an average size of 8.7 nm, whereas coated NPs before and after synthesis had an average of 2.5 and 0.9 nm, respectively. The ICP‐OES results showed that plants treated with 0.10 g of uncoated and coated NPs before and after synthesis had 803, 764, and 400 mg Ni kg dry weight, in the leaves, respectively. The XAS analyses showed Ni NPs in roots and shoots of plants treated with uncoated NPs, whereas leaves showed a Ni(II)‐organic acid type complex. However, plants treated with coated NPs before or after synthesis showed Ni NPs only in roots and a Ni(II)‐organic acid complex in shoots and leaves. Results also showed that none of the treatments reduced plant size or chlorophyll production. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first time that the biotransformation of nanoparticles by a plant system is reported. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2010;29:1146–1154. © 2010 SETAC
Chronic carbon tetrachloride and phospholipase D hepatotoxicity in rat: In vivo 1H magnetic resonance, total lipid analysis, and histology

Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging, localized in vivo proton spectroscopy, and T1 relaxation measurements were obtained from the livers of rats treated chronically with carbon tetrachloride and phospholipase D. The MR data correlated well with lipid changes measured biochemically and histologically. MR images appeared generally hyperintense during fatty infiltration, changing to hypointense mottling during cirrhosis. Water T 1 relaxation times showed no statistically significant change at any time during the experiments from the control value of 908 ms (SE = 42 ms). Minor changes in lipid T 1 values with time were noted. The average lipid T 1 curve demonstrated a linear relation with time (r = 0.81), increasing from the control value of 283 ms (±16 ms) to 365 ms (±53 ms) at the end of the third week and decreasing slightly through the end of the experiment. Water‐suppressed in vivo spectra showed quantitative changes in liver lipids which correlated well with the biochemical and histologic analysis. From the MR images and spectroscopy results it was possible to distinguish early fatty liver from more advanced cirrhosis. © 1990 Academic Press, Inc.
Identification of Myosin XI Receptors in Arabidopsis Defines a Distinct Class of Transport Vesicles[W][OPEN]

To drive active trafficking of endomembranes in Arabidopsis, myosin motors bind MyoB receptors that are localized to a specialized transport compartment. Comparative genomics analysis implies that the MyoB-dependent transport mechanism operates in all land plants. To characterize the mechanism through which myosin XI-K attaches to its principal endomembrane cargo, a yeast two-hybrid library of Arabidopsis thaliana cDNAs was screened using the myosin cargo binding domain as bait. This screen identified two previously uncharacterized transmembrane proteins (hereinafter myosin binding proteins or MyoB1/2) that share a myosin binding, conserved domain of unknown function 593 (DUF593). Additional screens revealed that MyoB1/2 also bind myosin XI-1, whereas myosin XI-I interacts with the distantly related MyoB7. The in vivo interactions of MyoB1/2 with myosin XI-K were confirmed by immunoprecipitation and colocalization analyses. In epidermal cells, the yellow fluorescent protein–tagged MyoB1/2 localize to vesicles that traffic in a myosin XI–dependent manner. Similar to myosin XI-K, MyoB1/2 accumulate in the tip-growing domain of elongating root hairs. Gene knockout analysis demonstrated that functional cooperation between myosin XI-K and MyoB proteins is required for proper plant development. Unexpectedly, the MyoB1-containing vesicles did not correspond to brefeldin A–sensitive Golgi and post-Golgi or prevacuolar compartments and did not colocalize with known exocytic or endosomal compartments. Phylogenomic analysis suggests that DUF593 emerged in primitive land plants and founded a multigene family that is conserved in all flowering plants. Collectively, these findings indicate that MyoB are membrane-anchored myosin receptors that define a distinct, plant-specific transport vesicle compartment.
Comparative analysis of autofluorescence and OCT angiography in Stargardt disease

Aims To characterise the vasculature of the retina in patients with Stargardt disease (STGD) using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) and to compare these functional findings with fundus autofluorescence (FAF) imaging. Methods This observational study included consecutive patients with STGD. The choriocapillaris (CC) layer was analysed on OCTA and retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) changes were assessed on FAF. Areas of CC and RPE impairment were quantified and correlated. Results Twenty-two patients suffering from different stages of STGD were enrolled. OCTA revealed a vascular rarefaction with vascular prominence in 15 (35%) eyes while the remaining cases had pure vascular rarefaction. On FAF imaging, 25 (58%) eyes had a peripapillary halo, a hypofluorescent lesion in foveal area and the presence of both hypofluorescent and hyperfluorescent changes. On FAF imaging, the average area of RPE impairment was 6.7±4.4 mm2 while on OCTA a hypointense area of 4.2±3.6 mm2 was shown at the level of the CC layer. Mann-Whitney U test showed a statistically significant difference in terms of lesion extension between these two findings (p=0.004). Conclusion RPE damage on FAF appears to be significantly larger than CC layer vessel loss on OCTA, which suggests that RPE damage might precede that of CC.
Altered thiol pattern in plasma of subjects affected by rheumatoid arthritis.

OBJECTIVE Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disease which involves the synovial membrane of multiple diarthroidal joints causing damage to cartilage and bones. The damage process seems to be related to an overproduction of oxygen reactive species inducing an oxidative perturbation. Since sulfhydryl groups are primary antioxidant factors, we were interested in investigating the balance of plasma sulfhydryl/disulfides in patients with active RA compared to healthy control subjects. METHODS Twenty-one patients with RA and 15 age-matched controls were studied. Plasmatic sulfhydryl groups and their disulfide form concentrations were measured by spectrophotometry or HPLC. RESULTS RA patients showed significantly lower levels of plasma protein sulfhydryls and cysteinyl-glycine compared to healthy controls (p < 0.001). Conversely, cystine and homocystine, and protein-bound cysteine and homocysteine were significantly increased (p < 0.005 in disulfides forms and p < 0.05 in protein mixed disulfides forms). There was a significant correlation between some clinical data (ESR, number of tender/swollen joints) and some of the parameters studied. CONCLUSION The results of this study indicate a biochemical disturbance of plasma sulfhydryl/disulfides balance in patients with RA compared to controls with an increase in some oxidised forms (disulfides and protein mixed disulfides) and a decrease in free thiols. The increase in total homocysteine, correlated to the higher risk of cardiovascular diseases in RA patients, is associated with higher levels of the oxidised forms, disulfides and protein-thiol mixed disulfides.
Limited Internodal Migration of T Follicular Helper Cells after Peripheral Infection with Herpes Simplex Virus-1

The ability of CD4 T cells to give rise to specialized T follicular helper cells (TFH) critical to initiating appropriate Ab responses is regulated by environmental cues in lymphoid tissues draining the site of infection. In this study, we used a skin infection with HSV-1 characterized by the successive involvement of interconnected but distinct lymph nodes (LNs), to investigate the anatomical diversification of virus-specific CD4 T cell responses and the migratory capacity of TFH or their precursors. Whereas Th1 effector CD4 T cells expressing peripheral-targeting migration molecules readily migrated from primary to secondary reactive LNs, Bcl6+ CXCR5+ PD1hi TFH were largely retained at the site of initial activation with little spillover into the downstream LNs involved at later stages of infection. Consistent with this, TFH maintained high-level surface expression of CD69, indicative of impaired migratory capacity. Notably, the biased generation and retention of TFH in primary LNs correlated with a preferential generation of germinal centers at this site. Our results highlight a limited anatomical diversification of TFH responses and germinal center reactions that were imprinted within the first few cell divisions during TFH differentiation in LNs draining the site of initial infection.
Investigation of telomere length and psychological stress in rape victims

Background: Women are at an increased risk of depression and other mental health problems following rape. Various etiological factors for depression, including predisposing genetic factors, have been identified. Telomeres are repetitive nucleoprotein structures located at chromosomal ends that protect them from premature degradation. Telomeres reduce in length with each cell division, resulting in cellular senescence and apoptosis. Methods: Relative quantification of telomeric repeats using qPCR was performed to investigate whether shorter relative leukocyte telomere length (LTL) in a cohort of 64 rape victims was associated with resilience, the development of rape trauma‐related major depressive disorder (MDD) or the development of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after 3 months. Results: Out of the 64 participants, 23 participants were diagnosed with MDD at baseline and 31 after 3 months. Nine participants were diagnosed with PTSD (MDD and PTSD specifically related to the trauma). No significant associations were observed between relative LTL and resilience or the development of MDD at either baseline or after 3 months in this cohort. However, a marginally significant association was evident between relative LTL and PTSD status. Conclusions: The significant association between relative LTL and PTSD suggests that shorter relative LTL might have acted as a predisposing factor in the development of PTSD after a severely traumatic event. The results of this study indicate that telomere shortening may be an important marker of PTSD risk, with implications for early intervention and timely treatment, and as such warrant replication in a larger cohort. Depression and Anxiety, 2011. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A novel RNA motif that binds efficiently and specifically to the Tat protein of HIV and inhibits the trans‐activation by Tat of transcription in vitro and in vivo

To find a novel RNA that would bind efficiently and specifically to Tat protein but not to other cellular factors, we used an in vitro selection method and isolated a novel aptamer RNATat, a 37‐mer RNA oligomer, that binds efficiently to the Tat protein of HIV‐1. In the present study, we analysed various properties of aptamer RNATat, including binding kinetics, identification of functional groups for Tat binding, and inhibition of Tat function.
[Clinicopathologic study of 128 cases of T-lymphoblastic lymphoma/leukemia].

OBJECTIVE To clarify clinical and morphological features and immunophenotype of T lymphoblastic lymphoma/leukaemia (T-LBL/ALL) and to further improve the knowledge and diagnostic accuracy for T-ALL/LBL. METHODS 128 cases of T-LBL/ALL were analyzed for the clinical features, morphology, immunophenotype and TCR gene rearrangement using routine eosin and haematoxylin stain, immunohistochemistry and polymerase chain reaction combining with the clinical findings. RESULTS In 128 cases of T-LBL/ALL, there were 94 male and 34 female. The ratio of male/female was 2.8:1. The age of patients ranged from 4 to 88 years, with an average of 27 years and a median of 22 years. Lymph nodes and extranodal areas were involved in 58/128 and 27/128 cases of T-LBL/ALL, respectively. The other 43 cases had involvement of both nodal and extranodal areas. Cervical node and mediastinum were involved in 74 cases and 43 cases, respectively. Diffuse growth pattern of tumor cells was predominant. Nodular growth pattern was seen only in a few cases. Most cases composed of small to medium-sized lymphoblasts, and other 7 cases showed a composition of large lymphoblasts. Tumor cells expressed TdT in 121/128 (94.5%) cases, CD34 in 48/98 (49.0%) cases, CD3 in 78/108 (72.2%) cases, CD7 in 104/108 (96.3%) cases, CD43 in 56/63 (88.9%) cases, CD79a in 5/70 (7.1%) cases, CD10 in 25/76 (32.9%) cases, CD99 in 58/60 (96.7%) cases and Pax-5 in 4/91(4.4%) cases. All of the cases were negative for MPO. A follow up data, ranging from 1 to 53 months, was obtained in 51/128 (39.8%) patients. The over all survival rate was 68.6% and the median survival time was 12 months. Under a similar condition of carrying a positive staining result on CD3 in tumor cells, there was a statistically significant difference between patients in the group of over 30 of age and that with the age ranging from 11 to 30. Patients associating with a CD10 positive staining of tumor cells showed also a shorter survival period. In addition, there were 4 out of 5 cases showing the presence of TCR gene rearrangement. CONCLUSIONS T-LBL/ALL are aggressive in behavior, associating mainly with enlarged cervical lymph nodes and masses in the mediastinum, occurring predominantly in children and young adults. Although small to medium-sized tumor cells with diffuse pattern were found in most cases, however, large-sized tumor cells and nodular pattern could also be obtained in a few cases. Immunohistochemistry staining particularly adoption of CD7, Pax-5, TdT, CD34 and Ki-67 stainings in combination are helpful of making a diagnosis for T-LBL/ALL. Analysis of TCR gene rearrangement will be helpful for the diagnosis of a few difficult cases.