Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
LIM‐homeodomain genes as developmental and adult genetic markers of Xenopus forebrain functional subdivisions

We have investigated the expression patterns of five LIM‐homeodomain (LIM‐hd) genes, x‐Lhx1, x‐Lhx2, x‐Lhx5, x‐Lhx7, and x‐Lhx9 in the forebrain of the frog Xenopus laevis during larval development and in the adult. The results were analyzed in terms of neuromeric organization of the amphibian brain and of combinatorial LIM‐hd code and showed that LIM‐hd developmental transcription factors are particularly powerful to highlight the coherence of several groups or nuclei, to delineate subdivisions, and/or to clarify structures that are still a matter of debate. Among other findings, we bring substantial evidence for the following: (1) a dual origin of olfactory bulb neurons, based on x‐Lhx5 expression; (2) the existence of a ventral pallium in frog, based on x‐Lhx9 expression; (3) a multiple (pallial and subpallial) origin for the nuclei of the amygdaloid complex, based on distinct combinations of the five studied genes; (4) a clear homology between the Xenopus medial pallium and the mammalian hippocampus, based on x‐Lhx2 pattern; and (5) a confirmed prosomeric organization of the diencephalon, based on alternating x‐Lhx1/5 and x‐Lhx2/9 expressions. In addition, the important expression levels for LIM‐hd factors found throughout development and in the adult brain suggest a role for these genes in development and maintenance of neuronal specification and phenotype, as for example in the case of x‐Lhx7 and cholinergic neurons. Moreover, following LIM‐hd patterns throughout development points out to some of the migrations and morphogenetic movements, which give rise to the adult structures. Finally, the detailed description of the LIM‐hd code in the developing and adult Xenopus forebrain provides interesting cues for the possible mechanisms of evolution of the vertebrate forebrain. J. Comp. Neurol. 472:52–72, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Prevention of fertilization in vitro by an acrosin inhibitor from rete testis fluid of the ram.

One of the enzymes probably involved in sperm penetration through the outer layers of the ovum is a trypsin-like enzyme, called acrosin because of its location in the acrosome. This enzyme is inhibited by substances found in semen and in the secretion of seminal vesicles of several mammalian species (see Werle & Zickgraf-R\l=u"\del,1972). It is generally thought that the spermatozoa mix with these inhibitors during ejaculation, and a complex between the inhibitors and the acrosin is formed at that time (Zaneveld, Polakoski, Robertson & Williams, 1971; Werle & Zickgraf-R\l=u"\del,1972). Removal of these inhibitors from the acrosome is supposed to be an essential part of the process of capacitation and the acrosome reaction (see Bedford, 1970). Several attempts have been made to prevent fertilization with synthetic or natural trypsin inhibitors, and most of these experiments have been successful (Stambaugh, Brackett & Mastroianni, 1969; Zaneveld, Polakoski, Robertson & Williams, 1971; Zaneveld, Robertson, Kessler & Williams, 1971). We have found a high concentration of trypsin inhibitor in the fluid collected from the rete testis of rams and boars (Suominen & Setchell, 1972), and it would appear therefore that the spermatozoa are exposed to trypsin inhibitors from the moment they leave the testis. This inhibitor from the rete testis fluid (RTF) of the ram has been purified and characterized ; it can be separated into three fractions (I, II and III) by CM-cellulose chromatography, but all three inhibitor fractions have similar characteristics. They do not inhibit any other
Surface Ultrastructure of Collagen Fibrils and Their Association With Proteoglycans in Human Cornea and Sclera by Atomic Force Microscopy and Energy-filtering Transmission Electron Microscopy

Purpose. We aimed to investigate the possible association of proteoglycans with D-periodic collagen fibrils in the human cornea and sclera, using energy-filtering transmission electron microscopy (EF-TEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). Methods. Human cornea and sclera were digested with keratanase to eliminate keratan sulfate proteoglycans (KSPGs). For EF-TEM observation, surface proteoglycans were detected by cupromeronic blue (CB) staining. For AFM observation, cornea and sclera were treated with sodium hydroxide before and after keratanase digestion, and the surface topology of collagen fibrils was analyzed. Results. With CB staining, numerous CB-positive short filaments of surface proteoglycans (proteoglycan filaments) were observed in the interfibrillar spaces of cornea and sclera associated with collagen fibrils. AFM imaging showed that the depth and periodicity of D-periodic collagen fibrils in keratanase-treated corneal collagens were deeper and more regular than in untreated ones. Moreover, the depth and periodicity of keratanase-untreated corneal collagens were shallow and irregular in comparison with keratanase-untreated scleral collagens. On the other hand, there was no difference in depth or regularity between keratanase-treated and -untreated scleral collagen fibrils. Using AFM imaging, additional thin grooves sub-bands were detected on the surface of keratanase-treated corneal collagen fibrils. The grooves were not detected in keratanase-untreated collagen fibrils nor in scleral collagen fibrils with or without keratanase digestion. Comparing densitometry waves, the grooves of D-periodic corneal collagen sub-bands corresponded to a and c bands. Conclusion. Using AFM and EF-TEM to study corneal and scleral collagen fibrils and their association with proteoglycans, we conclude that KSPG is found in ample amounts in the human cornea in comparison with sclera. Moreover, we topologically detected KSPG attached to a and c bands of collagen fibrils.
Management of Otogenic Sigmoid Sinus Thrombosis

Objectives: To analyze the demographics, presenting symptoms, diagnosis, and management of otogenic sigmoid sinus thrombosis and to propose an algorithm in diagnosis and treatment. Methods: A retrospective chart review was performed. Six patients who were treated at the ENT University Hospital Graz between 2005 and 2010 were included. Results: The mean age of the patients was 11.7 years. Patients were experiencing symptoms for 9.8 days on average. Presenting symptoms were headache, neck stiffness, fever, otalgia, postauricular pain, and erythema. One patient presented with sixth nerve palsy. The otoscopic findings were abnormal in all cases. Computed tomography with contrast enhancement was performed in all patients. It was possible to detect the thrombosis in all cases with computed tomographic scans after contrast administration. An additional magnetic resonance imaging was performed in 3 patients. One patient was treated completely conservatively. All other patients underwent surgical treatment consisting of mastoidectomy. Additional thrombectomy was performed in 3 patients, and ligation of the internal jugular vein was performed in 2 of these 3 patients. All patients were administered intravenous antibiotics and anticoagulants. There were no complications related to the therapy. Recanalization was found in all patients who were treated without thrombectomy or ligation of the internal jugular vein and in the patient with complete conservative treatment. Conclusion: Otogenic sigmoid sinus thrombosis is a rare complication of otitis media. Early treatment with broad-spectrum antibiotics combined with simple mastoidectomy is the standard treatment. Anticoagulants represent a safe treatment option if they are administered correctly.
Europa's Radiation Environment and Its Effects on the Surface

Europa’s orbit in the radiation environment of Jupiter is reviewed as is the influence of the neutral gas torus on the surface weathering of that moon. Data and fits to charged particle intensities in the 1-keV to the tens-of-MeV energy range are provided near Europa. Leading/trailing hemisphere differences are highlighted. Effects of charged particles on the surface of Europa, such as sputtering and chemistry, are reviewed.
Effects of Monovalent Ions on the Transport of Noradrenaline Across the Plasma Membrane of Neuronal Cells (PC‐12 Cells)

Abstract: The dependence on Na+, K+, and C1− of uptake and accumulation of [3H]noradrenaline was studied in plasma membrane vesicles isolated from PC‐12 pheochromocytoma cells. Plasma membrane vesicles accumulated [3H]noradrenaline when an inward‐directed gradient for Na+ and an outward‐directed gradient for K+ were imposed across the vesicle membrane. Under these conditions, initial rates of uptake of [3H]noradrenaline were saturable (Km= 0.14 μM) and inhibited by a series of substrates and inhibitors of “uptake1. ’ The IC50 values were positively correlated with those for inhibition of uptake into intact PC‐12 cells. Uptake and accumulation [3H]noradrenaline in plasma membrane vesicles were absolutely dependent on external Na+ and C1−; they were dependent on an inwardly directed gradient for Na+ but less dependent on an inwardly directed gradient for C1−. Internal K+ strongly enhanced uptake and accumulation of [3H]noradrenaline. Rb+, but not Li+, had the capacity to replace internal K+. Two explanations are proposed for this effect of internal K+: (a) creation of a K+ diffusion potential (inside negative) provides a driving force for inward transport, and/or (b) K+ increases the turnover rate by formation of a highly mobile potassium–carrier complex. A hypothetical scheme for the transport of noradrenaline is presented.
Aminated Polysaccharide Microspheres as DNA Delivery Systems

This article describes the production and characterization of cationic microparticles based on pullulan and starch for the delivery of nucleic acids. The microparticles were prepared by chemically cross-linkinking of a polymer solution dispersed in organic phase, followed by amination with N, N-diethyl-2-chloroethyl amine hydrochloride, or N-glycidyl-N,N-dimethyl-N-methylammonium chloride. The association of desoxyribonucleotide (DNA) with positively charged microparticles was determined. The association capacity and the affinity of microspheres for DNA were investigated as a function of type of polysaccharide, content and basicity of the amino groups. It was found that the both types of carriers synthetized display a high affinity for defibrotide due to the high porosity of polysaccharide microspheres (PMs). The in vitro release kinetics from microspheres showed an initial fast release of DNA (30 min) followed by slower release rate over 14 days. DNA release was influenced by the ionic strength of the receiving fluid. In addition, DNA release was slightly more rapid from pullulan than from starch complexes. DNA stability studies were performed by agarose gel, indicating no degradation even after 14 days. All the produced cationic microspheres were able to quantitatively load DNA. The release of DNA from PMs was strongly affected by the ionic strength of the receiving fluid. Finally, agarose gel electrophoresis of DNA released from microspheres indicated that no DNA degradation occurs even after 14 days of release from PMs.
Cadmium toxicity causes alteration in mRNA expression pattern of Rho-like genes in human lung A549 cell line

Cadmium is a potent toxic heavy metal element which has apparently no constructive purpose in our body. Lung has been found to be a potential target of cadmium toxicity due to the presence of cadmium in cigarette smoke which puts both active as well as passive smokers at risk. In this report we studied the effect of cadmium on in vitro cultured human lung adenocarcinoma A549 cell line. Cells were exposed to different doses of cadmium chloride for 24-48 hours; and cell viability, morphological difference and expression pattern of Rho-like genes were compared with the unexposed healthy cells. The cells exhibited dose dependent responses for cell death, morphological differences and differential expression of Rho-like genes which are involved in deciding the cellular architecture. Our results not only demonstrated that cadmium stress leads to drastic changes in cellular morphology through differential expression of cell shape regulating Rho family genes, but also revealed that there is dose-dependent cadmium effect persisting the regulation of expression of these genes.
Efi cácia dos sistemas de retratamento ProTaper Universal ® e D-RaCe ® na remoção de material obturador : estudo in vitro utilizando subtração radiográfi ca digital

Aim: To compare the effectiveness of the ProTaper Universal® Retreatment system, the D-Race® NiTi system and Hedströem fi les for removal of fi lling material from curved root canals. Methodology: A total of 39 fi rst mandibular molars were selected and their mesiobuccal (MB) canals were used for the study. Teeth were assigned to one of three identical groups (n = 13 per group) according to removal technique: G1 – ProTaper Universal® Retreatment (D1, D2, D3); G2 – D-RaCe® (DR1, DR2); or G3 – Hedströem fi les (35, 30, 25, 20). In all groups, supplementary fi les were used for re-preparation. Digital subtraction radiography images were produced by superimposing the fi rst radiograph, taken after fi lling the canal, over the second, taking after removal of the fi lling, in buccolingual (BL) and mesiodistal (MD) projections. Quantitative data were analyzed using intraclass correlation coeffi cients and the Kruskal-Wallis and Friedman non-parametric tests (p ≤ 0.05). Results: Comparison of groups detected no differences in fi lling removal between teeth in the ProTaper Universal® Retreatment, D-RaCe® or Hedströem fi le groups for the cervical or mid thirds (for either MD or BL projections). In the apical third (MD projection), ProTaper Universal® Retreatment produced the best results; and Hedströem fi les exhibited the worst results (MD projection). Intra-group comparisons showed that the cervical third was the cleanest and the apical third was the least well-cleaned, for the ProTaper Universal® Retreatment and D-RaCe® groups (MD Caroline Zanesco is an MSc in Dentistry from Universidade Luterana do Brasil (ULBRA), Canoas, RS, Brazil. Roberta Garcia Prestes and Matias Geremia are dental surgeons at Universidade de Santa Cruz do Sul (UNISC), Santa Cruz do Sul, RS, Brazil. Ronise Ferreira Dotto is a PhD in Dentistry and a professor of Endodontics at UNISC, Santa Cruz do Sul, RS, Brazil. Vania Regina Camargo Fontanela is a PhD in Dentistry and coordinator of the Graduate Program in Dentistry at ULBRA, Canoas, RS, Brazil. Fernando Branco Barletta is a PhD in Dentistry and professor of the Graduate Program in Dentistry at ULBRA, Canoas, Brazil. The authors have no confl icts of interest to declare concerning the publication of this manuscript. Correspondence: Caroline Zanesco, Rua Dom José Baréa, 41, CEP 95700-000, Bento Gonçalves, RS, Brasil. Tel. : +55-54-9127-7711. E-mail: carolinezanesco@me.com No 39 Vol. 20 Stomatos Jul./Dec. 2014 p.42-50 Canoas 43 Stomatos, Vol. 20, No 39, Jul./Dec. 2014 projection), while less fi lling material was removed using Hedströem when the canals approached the apical third (MD and BL projections). Conclusions: Our fi ndings indicate that the ProTaper Universal® Retreatment system is the best choice for endodontic fi lling material removal, combined with supplementary instrumentation to achieve better results in the apical third.
Comparison of a specialist haematological malignancy database against a regional cancer registry: case ascertainment and diagnostic accuracy

Summary. No large‐scale study has been performed to assess the problem of registering all subtypes of haematological malignancies. We compared registration of haematological malignancies between 1994 and 1996 by haematologists in 14 National Health Service Trusts in the Eastern part of the South Thames Region with data for the same area recorded by the Thames Cancer Registry (TCR). Case ascertainment and diagnostic accuracy were the two main outcome measures. A combined total of 4714 haematological malignancies were recorded over the 3‐year period. Of these, 1329 (28%) were common to both databases, 1975 (42%) were recorded only by the TCR and 1410 (30%) were recorded only by the haematologists. Nearly one‐third (31%) of all cases recorded by the TCR were death certificate‐only registrations. The TCR records were obtained from 30 clinical specialities. Haematology only accounted for 35% of these cases. Discordant diagnoses were recorded in 20% of the cases that were recorded in both databases. Our data suggests that both registers have deficiencies in collecting and validating data on the incidence of haematological malignancies. To address this, a partnership was established in 1998 between haematologists in the South Thames Region and the Thames Cancer Registry. It is anticipated that engaging clinicians in the collection and validation of data will enhance the completeness of case ascertainment and improve the quality of data on haematological malignancies.
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder three years after the siege of Sarajevo.

The goals of this study were to estimate the lifetime prevalence of traumatic events, the current prevalence of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), and the connection between the kinds of traumatic events experienced and the probability of developing PTSD in three study samples in Sarajevo, Bosnia-Herzegovina, three years after the end of the war. A total of 311 people surviving the siege of Sarajevo were assessed with the Checklist for War Related Experiences (CWE) and an adapted version of the Posttraumatic Diagnostic Scale (PDS). The study groups consisted of a randomly selected residents sample (n = 98), a group of individuals in psychological treatment (n = 114), and a group in medical treatment (n = 99). Each individual survived an average of 24 traumatic events. According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th ed. (DSM-IV; American Psychiatric Association, 1994) criteria, 18.6% of individuals in the residents sample, 32.7% of those in medical treatment, and 38.6% of those in psychological treatment developed PTSD.
On the accuracy of ion measurements using a neutral cluster and air ion spectrometer

1) Department of Physics, P.O. Box 64, FI-00014 University of Helsinki, Finland (*corresponding author’s e-mail: robert.wagner@helsinki.fi) 2) Paul Scherrer Institute, CH-5232 Villigen PSI, Switzerland 3) Institute of Physics, University of Tartu, Ulikooli 18, EE-50090 Tartu, Estonia 4) Faculty of Physics, University of Vienna, Boltzmanngasse 5, A-1090 Wien, Austria 5) Institute of Ion Physics and Applied Physics, Leopold-Franzens University, Innsbruck, Technikerstraße 25, A-6020 Innsbruck, Austria 6) Helsinki Institute of Physics, P.O. Box 64, FI-00014 University of Helsinki, Finland
Mechanisms of Glucose-Induced Hyperemia in the Jejunum 1

Summary The present study compared the effects of placement of three glucose analogs into the jejunal lumen, with or without bile, on local blood flow, oxygen consumption, and glucose absorption. Both glucose and 3-O-methyl glucose were absorbed and increased local blood flow when placed into the lumen, 2-deoxy glucose was not absorbed and did not alter local blood flow. Glucose increased but 3-O-methyl glucose did not alter oxygen consumption and the former produced a greater hyperemia than the latter. The study thus suggests that the hyperemic effect of glucose in the jejunal lumen is, at least in part, related to glucose absorption and an increase in oxidative metabolism. Of the three glucoses, only the vascular effect of glucose was influenced by bile. Although the underlying mechanisms of this effect of bile are unknown, the study suggests that the mechanisms require structure specificity.
Taxonomic revision of true morels (Morchella) in Canada and the United States

Recent molecular phylogenetic studies have revealed the existence of at least 50 species of Morchella worldwide and demonstrated a high degree of continental endemism within the genus. Here we describe 19 phylogenetic species of Morchella from North America, 14 of which are new (M. diminutiva, M. virginiana, M. esculentoides, M. prava, M. cryptica, M. frustrata, M. populiphila, M. sextelata, M. septimelata, M. capitata, M. importuna, M. snyderi, M. brunnea and M. septentrionalis). Existing species names (M. rufobrunnea, M. tomentosa, M. punctipes and M. angusticeps) are applied to four phylogenetic species, and formal description of one species (M. sp. “Mel-8”) is deferred pending study of additional material. Methods for assessing morphological features in Morchella are delineated, and a key to the known phylogenetic species of Morchella in North America is provided. Type studies of M. crassistipa, M. hotsonii, M. angusticeps and M. punctipes are provided. Morchella crassistipa is designated nomen dubium.
Relationship between A2A Adenosine Receptor Expression and Intradialytic Hypotension during Hemodialysis

Background Intradialytic hypotension (IDH) is a common complication of hemodialysis sessions (HDSs). Adenosine may contribute to the drop in blood pressure during IDH events because it has hypotensive effects. As A2A adenosine receptor expression is essential for blood pressure control, we compared the expression of A2A receptors (Bmax, KD, and messenger ribonucleic acid [mRNA] levels) in peripheral blood mononuclear cells from IDH and non-IDH patients and from controls. We also evaluated adenosine plasma levels (APLs). Methods We included 10 hemodialyzed patients with at least three IDH events per month. We also included 11 hemodialyzed patients with no history of IDH events and 10 healthy subjects as controls. Results IDH patients had higher Bmax values than non-IDH patients (mean before HDS, +86%; after HDS, +112%), whereas non-IDH patients had lower Bmax values than controls (mean −72%). KD values were not significantly different between patients and controls. The levels of mRNA increased significantly during HDS but without an increase in receptor expression on the cell membranes. APLs were higher in hemodialyzed patients than in controls. Conclusion We found that A2A receptors are more expressed in IDH patients than in non-IDH patients, whereas APL was high in all patients. Both high APL and a relative increase in A2A receptor expression may favor IDH events.
Quality of life improves after minimally invasive repair of pectus excavatum

Background Pectus excavatum is the most common chest wall deformity. This deformity may cause physical limitations and psychosocial problems. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effect of minimally invasive repair of pectus excavatum on the quality of life. Methods This study included 88 patients, aged 18.44 ± 3.93 years (85.2% male), who underwent minimally invasive repair of pectus excavatum; 40.9% had an associated anomaly or disease, and 17.0% had scoliosis. The patients and their parents completed the patient and parent forms of the Nuss questionnaire modified for adults preoperatively and 6 months after the operation. Results The patients’ median Nuss score increased from 31 (interquartile range 31–35) preoperatively to 43 (interquartile range 43–46) at 6 months after the operation (p = 0.000). The parents’ preoperative score of 33 (interquartile range 29–36) increased to 38 (interquartile range 34–41; p = 0.000). Improvements in the physical and psychosocial component scores of the Nuss questionnaire were also significant in the patient (p = 0.000, p = 0.000, respectively) and parent forms (p = 0.005, p = 0.000, respectively). Conclusions Minimally invasive repair of pectus excavatum significantly improved the physical and psychosocial wellbeing of patients. Longitudinal studies are needed to determine the long-term changes related to quality of life.