Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Excessive EDTA induces morphologic changes in bone marrow smears that mimic specific features of dysplasia

The WHO 2008 guidelines recommend that bone marrow (BM) slides for the morphological assessment of dysplasia should be made from freshly obtained BM specimens, and that specimens exposed to anticoagulants for more than two hours are unsatisfactory. However, BM aspirates may be exposed to excessive concentrations of anticoagulant, due to underfilling of the tube or inadequate mixing of the specimen. Here, we document the morphologic changes in BM smears resulting from exposure to excessive concentrations of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA).
Chlamydia trachomatis serovars of endemic trachoma had been predominantly existed in Japan

In contrast to urogenital chlamydial infection, trachoma is a household disease that has disappeared in Japan as many parts of world because of improved living conditions and hygiene. However, chlamydial inclusion conjunctivitis is still not a rare disease in the outpatient clinics of general Japanese ophthalmologists. The serovars that we identified from Japanese infants and pregnant women were similar to those reported in other studies from non-trachoma-endemic areas and were thought to be mainly urogenital tract-origin. Once Japan was thought to be belong to an endemic area of trachoma as other Asian countries. Chlamydia trachomatis serovars of trachoma-endemic area had been really existed and predominantly associated with trachoma in Japan? Journal of Applied Sciences and Environmental Management Vol. 8 (2) 2004: 67-69
Genetic influences on the association between fetal growth and susceptibility to type 2 diabetes

The fetal insulin hypothesis proposes that low birth weight and susceptibility to type 2 diabetes (T2D) could both be two phenotypes of the same genotype. Insulin is a key growth factor in utero, and T2D is characterized by insulin resistance and/or beta-cell dysfunction. Therefore, genetic variants impacting on insulin secretion and action are likely to alter both fetal growth and susceptibility to T2D. There are three lines of evidence in support of this hypothesis. (1) Studies of rare monogenic diabetes have shown mutations in a single gene, such as GCK or KCNJ11, can cause diabetes by reducing insulin secretion, and these mutations are also associated with reduced birth weight. (2) Epidemiological studies have indicated that children born to fathers with diabetes are born smaller. As the father cannot influence the intrauterine environment, this association is likely to reflect genes inherited by the fetus from the father. (3) The most compelling evidence comes from recent genome-wide association studies. Variants in the CDKAL1 and HHEX-IDE genes that predispose to diabetes, if present in the fetus, are associated with reduced birth weight. These data provide evidence for a genetic contribution to the association between low birth weight and susceptibility to T2D. This genetic background is important to take into consideration when investigating the impact of environmental determinants and developing strategies for intervention and prevention.
Conserved cross‐interactions in Drosophila and Xenopus between Ras/MAPK signaling and the dual‐specificity phosphatase MKP3

The extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK) is a key transducer of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR) signaling pathways, and its function is required in multiple processes during animal development. The activity of ERK depends on the phosphorylation state of conserved threonine and tyrosine residues, and this state is regulated by different kinases and phosphatases. A family of phosphatases with specificity toward both threonine and tyrosine residues in ERK (dual‐specificity phosphatases) play a conserved role in its dephosphorylation and consequent inactivation. Here, we characterize the function of the dual‐specificity phosphatase MKP3 in Drosophila EGFR and Xenopus FGFR signaling. The function of MKP3 is required during Drosophila wing vein formation and Xenopus anteroposterior neural patterning. We find that the expression of the MKP3 gene is localized in places of high EGFR and FGFR signaling. Furthermore, this restricted expression depends on ERK function both in Drosophila and Xenopus, suggesting that MKP3 constitutes a conserved negative feedback loop on the activity of the Ras/ERK signaling pathway. Developmental Dynamics 232:695–708, 2005. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Convex Anterior and Posterior Hemiarthrodesis and Hemiepiphyseodesis in Young Children with Progressive Congenital Scoliosis

Ten children with progressive congenital scoliosis have been treated by convex anterior and posterior epiphyseodesis and arthrodesis. The average curve was 54 degrees, the average age at surgery 3 years, 10 months, and the average follow-up 2 years, 9 months. There were no complications. The curve progression was halted in all cases, no fusion mass bending has been observed to date, and two patients have shown evidence of spontaneous curve improvement. Follow-up for several more years will be necessary before definitive conclusions can be reached.
Expression of Androgen Receptor by Fibroepithelioma of Pinkus: Evidence Supporting Classification as a Basal Cell Carcinoma Variant?

The classification of fibroepithelioma of Pinkus as basal cell carcinoma or trichoblastoma remains controversial. Immunohistochemical stains for androgen receptor may be useful in differentiating basal cell carcinoma from trichoepithelioma or trichoblastoma. We studied androgen receptor expression in 13 fibroepitheliomas of Pinkus, 11 basal cell carcinomas, 12 trichoepitheliomas, and 3 trichoblastomas. Androgen receptor expression was present in 77% (10/13) of fibroepitheliomas of Pinkus, 73% (8/11) of basal cell carcinomas, 17% (2/12) of trichoepitheliomas, and 0% (0/3) of trichoblastomas. Androgen receptor expression was significantly higher in fibroepitheliomas of Pinkus compared with trichoepitheliomas and trichoblastomas (P = .0007), but not basal cell carcinoma (P = 1.00). Tumor-associated Merkel cells, a feature of benign follicular tumors, was identified by cytokeratin 20 stains. Merkel cells were identified in 85% (11/13) of fibroepitheliomas of Pinkus, 27% (3/11) of basal cell carcinoma cases, and 73% (11/15) of benign follicular tumors. Cytokeratin 20 expression was significantly higher in fibroepithelioma of Pinkus and benign follicular tumors compared with basal cell carcinomas (P = 0.0111 and P = 0.025, respectively). No significant difference was found between fibroepitheliomas of Pinkus and trichoepitheliomas and trichoblastomas (P = 1.00). Similar to basal cell carcinomas, fibroepitheliomas of Pinkus express androgen receptors, potentially supporting classification as a basal cell carcinoma. Conversely, fibroepithelioma of Pinkus demonstrates retention of Merkel cells, a feature of benign follicular tumors. Immunophenotypic evidence for the classification of fibroepithelioma of Pinkus remains inconclusive. In small, partial biopsy specimens, coexpression of androgen receptor and cytokeratin 20 may aid in the diagnosis of fibroepithelioma of Pinkus.
Visions of the past and dreams of the future in the Orient: the Irano‐Turanian region from classical botany to evolutionary studies

Ever since the 19th century, the immense arid lands of the Orient, now called the Irano‐Turanian (IT) floristic region, attracted the interest of European naturalists with their tremendous plant biodiversity. Covering approximately 30% of the surface of Eurasia (16000000 km2), the IT region is one of the largest floristic regions of the world. The IT region represents one of the hotspots of evolutionary and biological diversity in the Old World, and serves as a source of xerophytic taxa for neighbouring regions. Moreover, it is the cradle of the numerous species domesticated in the Fertile Crescent. Over the last 200 years, naturalists outlined different borders for the IT region. Yet, the delimitation and evolutionary history of this area remain one of the least well‐understood fields of global biogeography, even though it is crucial to explaining the distribution of life in Eurasia. No comprehensive review of the biogeographical delimitations nor of the role of geological and climatic changes in the evolution of the IT region is currently available. After considering the key role of floristic regions in biogeography, we review the history of evolving concepts about the borders and composition of the IT region over the past 200 years and outline a tentative circumscription for it. We also summarise current knowledge on the geological and climatic history of the IT region. We then use this knowledge to generate specific evolutionary hypotheses to explain how different geological, palaeoclimatic, and ecological factors contributed to range expansion and contraction, thus shaping patterns of speciation in the IT region over time and space. Both historical and ecological biogeography should be applied to understand better the floristic diversification of the region. This will ultimately require evolutionary comparative analyses based on integrative phylogenetic, geological, climatic, ecological, and species distribution studies on the region. Furthermore, an understanding of evolutionary and ecological processes will play a major role in regional planning for protecting biodiversity of the IT region in facing climatic change. With this review, we aim to introduce the IT floristic region to a broader audience of evolutionary, ecological and systematic biologists, thus promoting cutting‐edge research on this area and raising awareness of this vast and diverse, yet understudied, part of the world.
Hypertension, antihypertensive treatment and cancer incidence and mortality: a pooled collaborative analysis of 12 Australian and New Zealand cohorts

Background: Observational studies examining associations between hypertension and cancer are inconsistent. We explored the association of hypertension, graded hypertension and antihypertensive treatment with cancer incidence and mortality. Method: Eighty-six thousand five hundred and ninety-three participants from the Australian and New Zealand Diabetes and Cancer Collaboration were linked to the National Death Index and Australian Cancer Database. Cox proportional hazards models estimated hazard ratios and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) for the association of treated and untreated hypertension with cancer incidence and mortality. Results: Over a median follow-up of 15.1 years, 12 070 incident and 4350 fatal cancers were identified. Untreated and treated hypertension, compared with normotension, were associated with an increased risk for cancer incidence [hazard ratio 1.06, 95% CI (1.00–1.11) and 1.09 (1.02–1.16) respectively], and cancer mortality (1.07, 0.98–1.18) and (1.15, 1.03–1.28), respectively. When compared with untreated hypertension, treated hypertension did not have a significantly greater risk for cancer incidence (1.03, 0.97–1.10) or mortality (1.07, 0.97–1.19). A significant dose–response relationship was observed between graded hypertension and cancer incidence and mortality; Ptrend = 0.053 and Ptrend = 0.001, respectively. When stratified by treatment status, these relationships remained significant in untreated, but not in treated, hypertension. Conclusion: Hypertension, both treated and untreated, is associated with a modest increased risk for cancer incidence and mortality. Similar risks in treated and untreated hypertension suggest that the increased cancer risk is not explained by the use of antihypertensive treatment.
Color polymorphic lures target different visual channels in prey

Selection for signal efficacy in variable environments may favor color polymorphism, but little is known about this possibility outside of sexual systems. Here we used the color polymorphic orb‐web spider Gasteracantha fornicata, whose yellow‐ or white‐banded dorsal signal attracts dipteran prey, to test the hypothesis that morphs may be tuned to optimize either chromatic or achromatic conspicuousness in their visually noisy forest environments. We used data from extensive observations of naturally existing spiders and precise assessments of visual environments to model signal conspicuousness according to dipteran vision. Modeling supported a distinct bias in the chromatic (yellow morph) or achromatic (white morph) contrast presented by spiders at the times when they caught prey, as opposed to all other times at which they may be viewed. Hence, yellow spiders were most successful when their signal produced maximum color contrast against viewing backgrounds, whereas white spiders were most successful when they presented relatively greatest luminance contrast. Further modeling across a hypothetical range of lure variation confirmed that yellow versus white signals should, respectively, enhance chromatic versus achromatic conspicuousness to flies, in G. fornicata's visual environments. These findings suggest that color polymorphism may be adaptively maintained by selection for conspicuousness within different visual channels in receivers.
[Socioeconomic inequalities in oral health: factors associated with tooth brushing frequency among Nicaraguan schoolchildren].

OBJECTIVE To identify the association between tooth brushing frequency and variables of socioeconomic position in Nicaraguan schoolchildren. MATERIAL AND METHODS A cross sectional study was undertaken in 1353 schoolchildren ages 6 to 12 randomly selected from 25 elementary schools in Leon, Nicaragua. Using a questionnaire addressed to mothers, sociodemographic, socioeconomic and behavioral variables were collected. The dependent variable was tooth brushing frequency, which was dichotomized in 0 "at least one 7 times/week" and 1 "7 or more times/week". A multivariate analysis was carried out with logistic regression in STATA 9. RESULTS The average age of child participants was 8.99 +/- 2.00 years and 49.7% were women. In the final model, older age (OR = 2.04), female sex (OR = 1.39) and having a mother with positive attitudes toward oral health (OR = 2.5) were positively associated with the tooth brushing frequency (p < 0.05). Larger family size (OR = 0.89) and having low socioeconomic status (1st quartile; OR = 0.54, 2nd quartile; OR = 0.62, 3rd quartile; OR = 0.67) showed a negative relationship with the tooth brushing frequency. To have had at least one preventive dental visit in the previous year was positively associated (p < 0.10) with tooth brushing frequency. CONCLUSION This study suggested that existence of indicators of socioeconomic inequalities exist even within less developed countries, and thus emphasize the need to target health promotion programs to vulnerable socioeconomic groups.
Overproduction of CcmG and CcmFHRc Fully Suppresses the c-Type Cytochrome Biogenesis Defect of Rhodobacter capsulatus CcmI-Null Mutants

ABSTRACT Gram-negative bacteria like Rhodobacter capsulatus use intertwined pathways to carry out the posttranslational maturation of c-type cytochromes (Cyts). This periplasmic process requires at least 10 essential components for apo-Cyt c chaperoning, thio-oxidoreduction, and the delivery of heme and its covalent ligation. One of these components, CcmI (also called CycH), is thought to act as an apo-Cyt c chaperone. In R. capsulatus, CcmI-null mutants are unable to produce c-type Cyts and thus sustain photosynthetic (Ps) growth. Previously, we have shown that overproduction of the putative heme ligation components CcmF and CcmHRc (also called Ccl1 and Ccl2) can partially bypass the function of CcmI on minimal, but not on enriched, media. Here, we demonstrate that either additional overproduction of CcmG (also called HelX) or hyperproduction of CcmF-CcmHRc is needed to completely overcome the role of CcmI during the biogenesis of c-type Cyts on both minimal and enriched media. These findings indicate that, in the absence of CcmI, interactions between the heme ligation and thioreduction pathways become restricted for sufficient Cyt c production. We therefore suggest that CcmI, along with its apo-Cyt chaperoning function, is also critical for the efficacy of holo-Cyt c formation, possibly via its close interactions with other components performing the final heme ligation steps during Cyt c biogenesis.
GOLD EMPLACEMENT AND HYDROTHERMAL ALTERATION IN METABASIC ROCKS AT THE MOUSKA MINE, BOUSQUET DISTRICT, ABITIBI, QUEBEC, CANADA

The Mouska mine, in the Bousquet region of the Abitibi greenstone belt, Quebec, exploits a sulfide-rich quartz-vein-type gold deposit hosted by a metavolcanic sequence of basalt and andesite. The ore zones constitute three main structural and lithologic systems, named 07, 08 and 22, comprising both lenses of massive and disseminated sulfides and quartz veins. Gold, varying from microscopic to visible, is hosted by both sulfide and quartz veins. The ore minerals consist of pyrrhotite and chalcopyrite, together with minor amounts of pyrite. Pyrite in particular, consists of two generations. Pyrite I is fine-grained (100 to 200 μm), and encloses micro-inclusions of gold (10 to 12 μm), chalcopyrite and pyrrhotite. Pyrite II is late, coarse-grained and cataclastic, and lacks micro-inclusions of gold. Pyrite I is rare, and partially to completely replaced by chalcopyrite and pyrrhotite. It may well represent a remnant of the first paragenetic assemblage (with chalcopyrite and pyrrhotite inclusions) in the deposit. Gold in the Mouska deposit exhibits a wide range of occurrences and habits. The gold micro-inclusions in pyrite I contain 4 to 6% Ag; gold in any other habit contains up to 25% Ag. Compared to the common Archean auriferous quartz-vein deposits, the Mouska deposit has a higher sulfide content of the veins, and the variably altered and deformed metabasic rocks show both distal and proximal halos of alteration. Such halos result from a complex and progressive interaction between hydrothermal-predeformational (sulfide event) and tectonometamorphic (quartz event) imprints. Mineralogical, geochemical and isotopic studies show that alteration assemblages surrounding the ore zones not only vary with lithology (basalt to andesite), but indicate a complex hydrothermal history, where the mafic protoliths have undergone several transformations during the Au–sulfide and Au–quartz depositions. In the proximal alteration, the mass-balance calculations display a clear addition of K, which may account for the observed enrichment in biotite and white mica toward the ore zones. However, these calculations show substantial addition of SiO2 only in the altered basalts, which can be explained by the massive destruction of ferromagnesian minerals.
Actin assembly mechanisms at a glance

ABSTRACT The actin cytoskeleton and associated motor proteins provide the driving forces for establishing the astonishing morphological diversity and dynamics of mammalian cells. Aside from functions in protruding and contracting cell membranes for motility, differentiation or cell division, the actin cytoskeleton provides forces to shape and move intracellular membranes of organelles and vesicles. To establish the many different actin assembly functions required in time and space, actin nucleators are targeted to specific subcellular compartments, thereby restricting the generation of specific actin filament structures to those sites. Recent research has revealed that targeting and activation of actin filament nucleators, elongators and myosin motors are tightly coordinated by conserved protein complexes to orchestrate force generation. In this Cell Science at a Glance article and the accompanying poster, we summarize and discuss the current knowledge on the corresponding protein complexes and their modes of action in actin nucleation, elongation and force generation. Summary: The morphological diversity and distinct dynamics of mammalian actin structures are established by coordinating the targeting and activation of actin filament nucleators, elongators and associated myosin motor proteins.
Usefulness of Electron Beam Tomography in the Prone Position for Detecting Atrial Thrombi in Chronic Atrial Fibrillation

Objective We compared the usefulness of electron beam tomography (EBT) in the prone position relative to that in the supine position for detecting atrial thrombi. Methods We studied 96 patients with chronic atrial fibrillation, of whom 71 were scanned in the supine position and 25 were scanned in the prone position. Electron beam tomography was performed twice after contrast medium injection to obtain early- and late-phase images. Results Filling defects were detected in 13 patients in the supine position by EBT. Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) revealed a thrombus in the region of the filling defect in 9 patients. In 4 patients, filling defects in the left atrial appendage were not confirmed as thrombi by TEE. Filling defects were detected in 4 patients in the prone position, all of which were confirmed as thrombi by TEE. Conclusion Electron beam tomography in the prone position is an effective technique for reducing false-positive results in the detection of atrial thrombi.
Performance of Non-Homogeneous Multi-Agent Systems on a Graph

Abstract This paper considers distributed control of interconnected multi-agent systems. The dynamics of the individual agents are not required to be homogeneous and the interaction topology is described by an arbitrary directed graph. We derive the sensitivity transfer functions between every pair of agents and we analyze performance of non-homogeneous systems, showing that the low frequency behavior is influenced not only by topology, but also by static gain and poles of the agents.
Performance modeling for SPMD message-passing programs

Today's massively parallel machines are typically message-passing systems consisting of hundreds or thousands of processors. Implementing parallel applications efficiently in this environment is a challenging task, and poor parallel design decisions can be expensive to correct. Tools and techniques that allow the fast and accurate evaluation of different parallelization strategies would significantly improve the productivity of application developers and increase throughput on parallel architectures. This paper investigates one of the major issues in building tools to compare parallelization strategies: determining what type of performance models of the application code and of the computer system are sufficient for a fast and accurate comparison of different strategies. The paper is built around a case study employing the performance prediction tool (PerPreT) to predict performance of the parallel spectral transform shallow water model code (PSTSWM) on the Intel Paragon. PSTSWM is a parallel application code that was designed to evaluate different parallel strategies for the spectral transform method as it is used in climate modeling and weather forecasting. Multiple parallel algorithms and algorithm variants are embedded in the code. PerPreT uses a relatively simple algebraic model to predict execution time for SPMD (single program multiple data) parallel applications. Applications are modeled through parameterized formulae for communication and computation, where the parameters include the problem size, the number of processors used to execute the program, and system characteristics (e.g. setup times for communication, link bandwidth and sustained computing performance per processor). In this paper we describe performance models that predict the performance of the different algorithms in PSTSWM accurately enough to allow them to be compared, establishing the feasibility of such a demanding application of performance modeling. We also discuss issues in generating and validating the performance models, emphasizing the practical importance of tools such as PerPreT in such studies. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.