Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Patterns of Retinal Ganglion Cell Damage in Neurodegenerative Disorders: Parvocellular vs Magnocellular Degeneration in Optical Coherence Tomography Studies

Many neurodegenerative disorders, such as Parkinson’s disease (PD) and Alzheimer’s disease (AD), are characterized by loss of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) as part of the neurodegenerative process. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) studies demonstrated variable degree of optic atrophy in these diseases. However, the pattern of degenerative changes affecting the optic nerve (ON) can be different. In particular, neurodegeneration is more evident for magnocellular RGCs in AD and multiple system atrophy with a pattern resembling glaucoma. Conversely, in PD and Huntington’s disease, the parvocellular RGCs are more vulnerable. This latter pattern closely resembles that of mitochondrial optic neuropathies, possibly pointing to similar pathogenic mechanisms. In this review, the currently available evidences on OCT findings in these neurodegenerative disorders are summarized with particular emphasis on the different pattern of RGC loss. The ON degeneration could become a validated biomarker of the disease, which may turn useful to follow natural history and possibly assess therapeutic efficacy.
Lymph node assessment and lymphadenectomy in bladder cancer

Lymph node status is a key prognostic indicator in patients with bladder cancer, so lymphadenectomy is important for accurate staging. Moreover, lymphadenectomy is curative for some patients with nodal metastases. Although there is evidence that the quality of regional node dissection is associated with oncologic outcome, controversy exists because other factors may also explain this observation. Consequently, there is no consensus regarding the optimal extent of lymphadenectomy and number of nodes that should be assessed. J. Surg. Oncol. 2009;99:225–231. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Vitamin D and Age-Related Macular Degeneration

In recent years, the relationship between vitamin D and health has received growing attention from the scientific and medical communities. Vitamin D deficiencies have been repeatedly associated with various acute and chronic diseases, including age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Its active metabolite, 1α,25-dihydoxy vitamin D, acts as a modulator of cell proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis, and cumulative data from experimental and observational studies suggest that relatively a lower vitamin D status could be a potential risk factor for the development of early and/or late AMD. Herein, we made a narrative review of the mechanisms linking a potential role of vitamin D with the current concepts of AMD pathophysiology.
What Would Popeye Choose: Trends of the U.S. Western Organic vs. Conventional Spinach Purchases

Recent data shows that Western states account for more than half of the total production value of vegetables in the U.S. (USDA ERS 2014). Of all vegetables, one of the fastest growing segments is triple-washed cello-packed spinach (USDA ERS 2007), given its convenience and top rank in the list of “Super Foods. ” Spinach is full of vitamins, minerals, and the phytochemical lutein (University of Wyoming 2009). In the U.S., 85% of the spinach is grown in two Western statesCalifornia and Arizona. In particular, California accounts for about three-fourths of the value of both the fresh and processing spinach crops.
CROSS-MAGNETIC-FIELD HEAT CONDUCTION IN NON-NEUTRAL PLASMAS

This Letter discusses cross-magnetic-field collisional heat transport for a non-neutral plasma in the typical operating regime {lambda}{sub D}{gt}r{sub c}, where {lambda}{sub D} is the Debye length and r{sub c} is the cyclotron radius. The dominant transport mechanism is the exchange of energy associated with velocity components parallel to the magnetic field. For a thermal gradient scale length L{sub T}{approx_gt}100{lambda}{sub D}, the energy exchange is dominated by interactions between particles separated by O({lambda}{sub D}) and yields a thermal diffusivity {chi}{approximately}{nu}{sub c}{lambda}{sup 2}{sub D}, where {nu}{sub c}=n{ovr v}b{sup 2} is the collision frequency. The diffusivity is even larger for larger L{sub T}, where the energy exchange is dominated by the emission and absorption of plasma waves. {copyright} {ital 1997} {ital The American Physical Society}
Attentional Bias in People With Acute Versus Persistent Insomnia Secondary to Cancer

This study investigated the role of attentional bias in the development of persistent insomnia. Two groups of people with cancer who developed sleep-onset problems 0-3 months and 12-18 months after diagnosis completed a computerized emotional Stroop task comprising cancer-related and sleep-related word cues and self-complete measures. Both groups demonstrated attentional bias for cancer-related words, but only the persistent insomnia group demonstrated attentional bias for sleep-related words. High levels of presleep cognitive arousal were evident in both groups despite lower levels of psychological distress in the persistent insomnia group. Results suggest that secondary, sleep-related mental preoccupation may inhibit recovery to normal sleep after stress-related acute sleep disturbance. Findings are discussed in relation to current models of insomnia.
Fast design approach for implementing the approximate squaring function

The paper presents a novel method to design the approximate squaring functions. A weighted table is used to derive the Boolean expression for the approximate squaring function which possesses the advantages of less circuit cost, lower power dissipation and shorter critical delay. From the result comparison, the design of 7-bit approximate squaring function only requires 144 MOS transistors which is much less than that required by the other existing approaches. The corresponding MRE (maximum relative error) and ARE (average relative error) are only 16.95% and 5.11 % respectively.
Phospho-kinase profile of colorectal tumors guides in the selection of multi-kinase inhibitors

Protein kinases play a central role in the oncogenesis of colorectal tumors and are attractive druggable targets. Detection of activated kinases within a tumor could open avenues for drug selection and optimization of new kinase inhibitors. By using a phosphokinase arrays with human colorectal tumors we identified activated kinases, including the Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR), components of the PI3K/mTOR pathway (AKT and S6), and STAT, among others. A pharmacological screening with kinase inhibitors against these proteins helped us to identify a new kinase inhibitor, termed EC-70124 that showed the highest anti-proliferative activity in cell lines. EC-70124 also inhibited cell migration and biochemical experiments demonstrated its effect targeting the PI3K/mTOR pathway. This drug also arrested cells at G2/M and induced apoptosis. Experiments in combination with standard chemotherapy used in the clinical setting indicated a synergistic effect. EC-70124 also reduced tumor growth in vivo and inhibited pS6 in the implanted tumors. In conclusion, by studying the kinase profile of colorectal tumors, we identified relevant activated pathways, and a new multi-kinase compound with significant antitumor properties.
Age-Related Differences in Strategy Knowledge Updating: Blocked Testing Produces Greater Improvements in Metacognitive Accuracy for Younger than Older Adults

ABSTRACT Age-related differences in updating knowledge about strategy effectiveness after task experience have not been consistently found, perhaps because the magnitude of observed knowledge updating has been rather meager for both age groups. We examined whether creating homogeneous blocks of recall tests based on two strategies used at encoding (imagery and repetition) would enhance people's learning about strategy effects on recall. Younger and older adults demonstrated greater knowledge updating (as measured by questionnaire ratings of strategy effectiveness and by global judgments of performance) with blocked (versus random) testing. The benefit of blocked testing for absolute accuracy of global predictions was smaller for older than younger adults. However, individual differences in correlations of strategy effectiveness ratings and postdictions showed similar upgrades for both age groups. Older adults learn about imagery's superior effectiveness but do not accurately estimate the magnitude of its benefit, even after blocked testing.
Locally advanced and metastatic breast cancer in a tertiary hospital.

INTRODUCTION The breast cancer incidence among Singapore women has risen through the years and is now the highest in Asia. Despite efforts to promote a greater awareness of breast cancer among the public, a significant number of patients still present with locally advanced or metastatic breast cancer. Our study aims to evaluate the clinical and pathological characteristics between patients presenting with locally advanced (LABC) and metastatic breast cancer (MBC) and those presenting with early breast cancer (EBC), to identify factors that predict for advanced disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS We reviewed 622 patients who were newly diagnosed with invasive breast cancer in our department over a 4-year period from January 2000 to December 2003. Patient and tumour characteristics including age, parity, family history, tumour size and histology, grade and hormonal receptor status were analysed. Comparisons were made between those with EBC and those with LABC and MBC, as well as between Malay women and women of other ethnic groups. RESULTS One hundred and thirty-four patients (21.5%) presented with either LABC or MBC. Adjusted analysis found that these patients were older and more likely to be nulliparous than those with EBC. Older patients tend to have larger tumours, but otherwise, age and parity did not correlate with tumour histology, grade or hormonal status. It was noted that Malay women, who were more likely to present with LABC or MBC, were more likely to have oestrogen receptor- and progesterone receptor-negative tumours. CONCLUSIONS Older women and those who were nulliparous were found more likely to present with LABC and MBC. However, age and parity did not appear to be related to tumour histology, grade and hormonal status. Given that tumour size and stage have the greatest impact on overall survival, efforts to raise public awareness of the benefits of early detection and treatment should be continued, and possibly directed towards these groups of women who appear to be at an increased risk of presenting late.
Genetic Diversity among Xanthomonas campestris Strains Pathogenic for Small Grains

A collection of 51 Xanthomonas campestris strains from throughout the world was studied to detect and assess genetic diversity among pathogens of small grains. Isolates from barley, bread wheat, bromegrass, canary grass, cassava, maize, orchard grass, rice, rough-stalked meadow grass, rye, timothy, and triticale were analyzed by pathogenicity tests on bread wheat cv. Alondra and barley cv. Corona, indirect immunofluorescence, and restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP). Three probes were used for the RFLP analysis. They were an acetylaminofluorene-labelled 16S+23S rRNA probe from Escherichia coli and two (sup32)P-labelled restriction fragments from either plasmidic (pBSF2) or chromosomal (pBS8) DNA of X. campestris pv. manihotis. Strains clustered in 9 and 20 groups with the rRNA probe and the pBSF2 DNA probe, respectively. Strains of X. campestris pv. graminis, X. campestris pv. phleipratensis, and X. campestris pv. poae are shown to be related but are also distinguishable by RFLP patterns, serology, and pathogenicity on bread wheat. Strains pathogenic only for barley and not for wheat grouped together. Another group is temporarily designated deviant X. campestris pv. undulosa. These South American isolates from bread wheat did not react by indirect immunofluorescence and produced atypical lesions in pathogenicity tests. The results stress the need to perform pathogenicity tests before strains are named at the pathovar level. The importance of the different probes used for epidemiological studies or phylogenetic studies of closely related strains is underlined.
Rho and ribosome mutation interaction: lethality of rho-15 in rpsL or rpsE strains, and rho-15 methionine auxotrophy in rps+ strains of Escherichia coli.

The phenotype of Escherichia coli K-12 carrying rho-15 in the genetic background DW319 ilv lacZ::IS1 is described. Seventy-eight percent (70/90) of Ilv+ transductants acquired the following phenotype: temperature-sensitive growth on minimal salts medium, Ts+ growth on complex medium and suppression of the lac polar mutation. At 42 degrees on minimal medium, the rho-15 transductants were cross-fed by a substance diffusing from Rho+ transductants or controls. The requirement for this substance was satisfied by methionine or cystathionine, but not by any other single amino acid or combination of amino acids, by spermidine, or by mono- or divalent cationic salts. --Transduction of rho-15 into four other Ilv- recipients revealed two phenotypic patterns. Recipients with rpsL or rpsE ribosomes yielded rho-15 transductants that were Ts on all media, or Ts on minimal medium whether or not methionine was present. The effect of the ribosome on expression of rho-15 was confirmed by transduction of appropriate rps alleles into DW319, followed by co-transduction of rho-15 with Ilv+. The growth rate of double rho-15 rpsL or rho-15 rpsE strains was severely reduced at 42 degrees in comparison with strains carrying any of these single mutations. Models for rho and ribosome interaction are presented.
Los grabados rupestres del despoblado medieval de Revenga (Burgos)

During the archaeological fieldwork that took place forty years ago in the necropolis of Revenga (Burgos), an interesting group of rock engravings was found out. They were mainly placed on the rocky floor of the colonnaded porch or atrium enclosing the church of this ghost town. Recent works on the updating of the archaeological register in this settlement allowed gathering exhaustively the information concerning the rocky platform where the engravings were placed on and to enlarge the range of prints discovered by Alberto del Castillo. The new reading of these evidences offers quite a more meaningful view to interpret its chronology and purpose.
Regulation of Interleukin-2-Induced Vascular Leak Syndrome by Targeting CD44 Using Hyaluronic Acid and Anti-CD44 Antibodies

Previous studies from our laboratory demonstrated that CD44 knockout mice exhibit marked decrease in interleukin (IL)-2-induced vascular leak syndrome (VLS), thereby suggesting a role for CD44 in VLS. In the current study, we tested whether treatment with mAbs against CD44 or hyaluronic acid (HA), the ligand for CD44, can abrogate IL-2-induced VLS. Interestingly, administration of HA caused a marked increase in IL-2-induced VLS in the lungs and liver of C57BL/6 mice. In contrast, use of anti-CD44 mAbs reduced IL-2-induced VLS in the lungs and liver. Treatment with HA enhanced the IL-2-induced edema and lymphocytic infiltration in these organs and caused marked increase in IL-2-induced lymphokine-activated killer (LAK) cell activity, whereas administration of anti-CD44 mAbs caused a significant decrease in edema and LAK activity but similar levels of lymphocytic infiltration. Anti-CD44 mAbs, but not HA caused marked downregulation of CD44 expression on LAK cells. These studies demonstrate that molecular targeting of CD44 may serve as a useful tool to selectively alter the LAK activity and to prevent endothelial cell injury induced by IL-2.
Assessment of reverberation time by two measurement systems for room electromagnetics analysis

A closed room environment is viewed as a lossy cavity, characterized by possibly a line of sight (LOS) component and diffuse scattering parts from walls and internal obstacles. A theory used in acoustics and reverberation chambers is applied for the electromagnetics case, and main issues related to measurement systems and antennas characteristics are discussed. The goal of this paper is the assessment of the reverberation time in an environment with different measurement systems. From the reverberation time one can derive the absorption area and hence the absorption cross section for humans in realistic environments.
Total Radical-Trapping Antioxidant Parameter in NIDDM Patients

OBJECTIVE The existence of an oxidative stress in diabetes is still debated. This is largely due to the lack of good tools to assay the level of oxidative stress. The use of total radical-trapping antioxidant parameter (TRAP) has recently been proposed to explore the antioxidant property of a plasma sample. TRAP may be either directly measured by a fluorescence-based method (TRAPm) or calculated (TRAPc) by a mathematical formula, taking into account the serum levels of four natural antioxidants: protein-bound SH (thiol) groups, uric acid, vitamin E, and vitamin C. The difference between TRAPm and TRAPc is due to antioxidants, which are still unidentified, and to the possible synergism among the antioxidants. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS In this study, we evaluated malondialdehyde (MDA), TRAPm, TRAPc, protein-bound SH groups, uric acid, vitamin E, and vitamin C in 40 NIDDM patients and 40 matched normal control subjects. RESULTS TRAPm and TRAPc were significantly lower in diabetic patients. A good correlation between TRAPm and TRAPc was found in both NIDDM patients (r = 0.68, P < 0.0001) and control subjects (r = 0.74, P < 0.0001). Protein-bound SH groups and uric acid were significantly lower in diabetic subjects, while MDA and vitamin E level were significantly higher. After correction for serum triglycerides (MDA) and cholesterol (vitamin E), MDA lost significance, while vitamin E did not. Vitamin C was not different in the two groups. CONCLUSIONS These data show decreased TRAP levels in NIDDM patients, suggesting the existence of lower antioxidant defenses in diabetes. The decrease appears to be due to various antioxidants, some of them not yet clearly defined. TRAP may represent a more reliable estimation of serum antioxidant capacity than the measurement of each known antioxidants. The correlation found between TRAPm and TRAPc values suggests that TRAPc, easier to measure than TRAPm, might be adequately reliable for routine assessment of oxidative stress in diabetic patients.
Function of the Evx‐2 gene in the morphogenesis of vertebrate limbs.

Vertebrate gene members of the HoxD complex are essential for proper development of the appendicular skeletons. Inactivation of these genes induces severe alterations in the size and number of bony elements. Evx‐2, a gene related to the Drosophila even‐skipped (eve) gene, is located close to Hoxd‐13 and is expressed in limbs like the neighbouring Hoxd genes. To investigate whether this tight linkage reflects a functional similarity, we produced a null allele of Evx‐2. Furthermore, and because Hoxd‐13 function is prevalent over that of nearby Hoxd genes, we generated two different double mutant loci wherein both Evx‐2 and Hoxd‐13 were inactivated in cis. The analysis of these various genetic configurations revealed the important function of Evx‐2 during the development of the autopod as well as its genetic interaction with Hoxd‐13. These results show that, in limbs, Evx‐2 functions like a Hoxd gene. A potential evolutionary scenario is discussed, in which Evx‐2 was recruited by the HoxD complex in conjunction with the emergence of digits in an ancestral tetrapod.
Treatment of chronic symptomatic vertebral compression fractures with percutaneous vertebroplasty.

OBJECTIVE Most fractures treated with percutaneous vertebroplasty are subacute and less than 1 year old. We report our experience treating chronic vertebral fractures with vertebroplasty. MATERIALS AND METHODS Our database identified 41 patients with symptomatic fractures more than 1 year old. These patients were categorized into subgroups determined by fracture age: 12 months 1 day-24 months (n = 16) or more than 24 months 1 day (n = 25). Changes in pain and mobility for the study group were compared with those in 49 patients with fractures less than 1 year old. RESULTS Thirty-three (80%) of the 41 patients in the study group had improvement in pain-seven (17%) had complete and 26 (63%) had partial relief. Forty-five (92%) of the 49 control group patients had improvement in pain-24 (49%) had complete and 21 (43%) had partial relief. The number of patients achieving partial or complete relief of pain was not statistically different between groups (p > 0.05), although complete relief was significantly more frequent in the control group (p = 0.002). Twenty patients (49%) in the study group versus 34 patients (69%) in the control group had improved mobility after vertebroplasty (p = 0.047). Patients with fractures 12 months 1 day-24 months old had improvement in mobility similar to that in patients in the control group (p = 0.962). Fractures more than 24 months 1 day old were associated with significantly less improvement in mobility (p = 0.006). CONCLUSION Most patients with fractures more than 1 year old will experience clinical benefit from vertebroplasty. Complete relief of pain is more likely when less mature fractures are treated.
Inhibition of Human Tyrosyl-DNA Phosphodiesterase by Aminoglycoside Antibiotics and Ribosome Inhibitors

DNA topoisomerase I (Top1) is the target of camptothecin, and novel Top1 inhibitors are in development as anticancer agents. Top1 inhibitors damage DNA by trapping covalent complexes between the Top1 catalytic tyrosine and the 3′-end of the broken DNA. Tyrosyl-DNA phosphodiesterase (Tdp1) can repair Top1-DNA covalent complexes by hydrolyzing the tyrosyl-DNA bond. Inhibiting Tdp1 has the potential to enhance the anticancer activity of Top1 inhibitors (http://discover.nci.nih.gov/pommier/pommier.htm) and to act as antiproliferative agents. In the present study, we report that neomycin inhibits Tdp1 more effectively than the related aminoglycosides paromomycin and lividomycin A. Inhibition of Tdp1 by neomycin is observed both with single- and double-stranded substrates but is slightly stronger with duplex DNA, which is different from aclarubicin, which only inhibits Tdp1 with the double-stranded substrate. Inhibition by neomycin can be overcome with excess Tdp1 and is greatest at low pH. To our knowledge, aminoglycoside antibiotics and the ribosome inhibitors thiostrepton, clindamycin-2-phosphate, and puromycin are the first reported pharmacological Tdp1 inhibitors.
Reversibility of airways obstruction in chronic bronchitis.

1. Airways resistance and lung volume were measured in twenty-five patients with chronic bronchitis and fifteen patients without chest disease before and after the inhalation of isoprenaline. Similar measurements were made on fourteen of these patients with chronic bronchitis and twelve other patients without chest disease before and after the intravenous injection of atropine sulphate. 2. There were significant decreases in airways resistance after isoprenaline inhalation and intravenous atropine both in patients with bronchitis and normal subjects but the decreases were greater in the patients with chronic bronchitis. 3. The decrease in resistance was proportional to the degree of initial airways resistance. 4. The results are considered to indicate that bronchial muscle contraction increases the airways resistance of patients with chronic bronchitis and contributes to the airways obstruction; its contribution increases with increasing severity of the condition. A significant part of the increased airways resistance in these patients is potentially reversible and nervously mediated.