Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Biological Activity and Enrichment of Spermatogonial Stem Cells in Vitamin A-Deficient and Hyperthermia-Exposed Testes from Mice Based on Colonization Following Germ Cell Transplantation1

Abstract Spermatogenesis is a complex process in which spermatogonial stem cells divide and subsequently differentiate into spermatozoa. This process requires spermatogonial stem cells to self-renew and provide a continual population of cells for differentiation. Studies on spermatogonial stem cells have been limited due to a lack of unique markers and an inability to detect the presence of these cells. The technique of germ cell transplantation provides a functional assay to identify spermatogonial stem cells in a cell population. We hypothesized that vitamin A-deficient (VAD) and hyperthermically treated testes would provide an enriched in vivo source of spermatogonial stem cells. The first model, hyperthermic treatment, depends on the sensitivity of maturing germ cells to high temperatures. Testes of adult mice were exposed to 43°C for 15 min to eliminate the majority of differentiating germ cells. Treated donor testes were 50% of normal adult testis size and, when transplanted into recipients, resulted in a 5.3- and 19-fold (colonies and area, respectively) increase in colonization efficiency compared to controls. The second model, VAD animals, also lacked differentiating germ cells, and testes weights were 25% of control values. Colonization efficiency of germ cells from VAD testes resulted in a 2.5- and 6.2-fold (colonies and area, respectively) increase in colonization compared to controls. Hyperthermically treated mice represent an enriched source of spermatogonial stem cells. In contrast, the low extent of colonization with germ cells from VAD animals raises important questions regarding the competency of stem cells from this model.
Non-targeted molecular characterisation of a rose flower ethyl acetate extract using Ultra-HPLC with atmospheric pressure photoionisation and quadrupole time-of-flight MS/MS.

INTRODUCTION A non-targeted approach to characterise the phytochemical composition of the flower organ of an original rose cultivar 'Jardin de Granville'® was developed. Particular attention was paid to the less documented molecular families of intermediate polarity, compared with the polyphenol family (anthocyanins, flavonoids, tannins) and volatile compounds. OBJECTIVE To develop a molecular fingerprinting method for the rapid qualitative phytochemical characterisation of the rose flower ethyl acetate extract. MATERIAL AND METHODS An ultra-HPLC with atmospheric pressure photoionisation (APPI) and quadrupole time-of-flight (QTOF) MS/MS combined with microwave-assisted extraction was carried out for ethyl acetate extracts as an intermediate polarity extraction solvent in order to obtain the most exhaustive extract containing a large range of molecular families. An optimised methodology based on the coupling of the UHPLC and APPI source with a QTOF analyser was developed to characterise the extracted molecules. RESULTS Sixty-one compounds were identified in the extract, covering eight molecular families of intermediate polarity ranging from polyphenols to triglycerides. The presence of flavonoids with anti-oxidant properties and of triterpenoids with potential anti-inflammatory activity was evidenced and cell-wall constituents such as fatty acids, glycolipids, sphingolipids and acylated sterol glycosides were characterised. Some chlorophyll derivatives were also detected. CONCLUSION The method developed is appropriate for fast phytochemical evaluation of rose ethyl acetate extract. It produced accurate mass and MS/MS spectra, which permitted identification of a wide range of compounds of intermediate polarity.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Analysis of Percutaneous Discectomy| A Preliminary Report

Twenty-one consecutive patients (27 lumbar discs) were treated by percutaneous discectomy for lumbar herniated disc disease from July 1988 through March 1989. Twenty-six discs in 20 patients were evaluated with preoperative and postoperative magnetic resonance images graded by a neuroradiologist blinded to the clinical and prior imaging results. Fifteen patients were treated by one-level percutaneous discectomy and six patients by two-level percutaneous discectomy. The disc herniations were graded with respect to size, type, location, and hydration status on the magnetic resonance image scans. The postoperative magnetic resonance images were obtained 2–6 months after percutaneous discectomy. Early clinical outcomes after percutaneous discectomy were compared with the various magnetic resonance imaging parameters. Overall, treatment for thirteen patients (62%) was considered clinically successful (decrease or elimination of pain) after percutaneous discectomy, whereas treatment for eight (38%) patients was considered to clinically fail (persistence of pain) with follow-up ranging from 1 to 6 months postoperatively. Three of the patients in whom treatment failed have been subsequently treated successfully by laminotomy and discectomy. On the average, there is a small absolute decrease (5% of the anteroposterior diameter of the spinal canal) in the size of disc herniations when treated by percutaneous discectomy. Although this study is limited by a small sample size and lacks statistical significance, it appears that an early clinical success after percutaneous discectomy may be related to a few magnetic resonance imaging parameters. Early successful outcome appears more likely in a patient with a type II disc herniation [protrusion/bulge) and a disc herniation that has been shown to decrease in absolute size by greater than 10% of the anteroposterior diameter of the spinal canal from preoperative to postoperative (for exmaple, if a disc herniation measured 38% preoperatively and 28% postoperatively, the absolute change in size is 10%).
New approaches to high‐throughput structure characterization of SH3 complexes: The example of Myosin‐3 and Myosin‐5 SH3 domains from S. cerevisiae

SH3 domains are small protein modules that are involved in protein–protein interactions in several essential metabolic pathways. The availability of the complete genome and the limited number of clearly identifiable SH3 domains make the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisae an ideal proteomic‐based model system to investigate the structural rules dictating the SH3‐mediated protein interactions and to develop new tools to assist these studies. In the present work, we have determined the solution structure of the SH3 domain from Myo3 and modeled by homology that of the highly homologous Myo5, two myosins implicated in actin polymerization. We have then implemented an integrated approach that makes use of experimental and computational methods to characterize their binding properties. While accommodating their targets in the classical groove, the two domains have selectivity in both orientation and sequence specificity of the target peptides. From our study, we propose a consensus sequence that may provide a useful guideline to identify new natural partners and suggest a strategy of more general applicability that may be of use in other structural proteomic studies.
Self-Consistent Steady-State Simulation of Microwave Photonic Systems Using Harmonic Balance

This paper presents a technique to perform steady-state simulation of optical-electrical systems using the harmonic balance (HB). One of the unique features of this method is that it includes the phase of the optical signal in finding the steady-state solution of the system. The inclusion of phase in a framework using HB poses several challenges since all system variables in HB are assumed to be periodic, whereas the phase of optical signals is, in general, nonperiodic, owing to the nonzero chirp present in laser diodes that are used as drivers for the optical systems. Several examples are presented that demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed method, and, where possible, the results are compared with theory and existing techniques.
Mobile Internet Acceptance among University Students: A Value-based Adoption Model

The mobile internet market has so far experienced in a rapid growth and intense competition. These conditions have caused many mobile internet providers to adopt marketing approaches since they must compete to attract and stay close to retain their customers. Despite its phenomenal growth, there is lack of research that focus on personal users of mobile internet. By applying the Value-based adoption model, the objective of this study is to analyse the perceived value relations to new ICT mobile internet adoption behavior. Purposive sampling was employed to gather the data. 199 valid data were analysed using Partial Least squares. The results show that usefulness and enjoyment which represent benefits had positive influence on perceived value. Whereas, technicality was the only dimension (represented as sacrifices) that influenced perceived value. Perceived fee was not significant as dimensions of perceived value. Overall, perceived value had positive effect on adoption intentions. Key words: Perceived value, adoption intention, mobile internet
Evaluation of an Audio-Visual Novela to Improve Beliefs, Attitudes and Knowledge toward Dementia: A Mixed-Methods Approach

ABSTRACT Objectives: Dementia is a clinical syndrome characterized by progressive degeneration in cognitive ability that limits the capacity for independent living. Interventions are needed to target the medical, social, psychological, and knowledge needs of caregivers and patients. This study used a mixed methods approach to evaluate the effectiveness of a dementia novela presented in an audio-visual format in improving dementia attitudes, beliefs and knowledge. Methods: Adults from Los Angeles (N = 42, 83% female, 90% Hispanic/Latino, mean age = 42.2 years, 41.5% with less than a high school education) viewed an audio-visual novela on dementia. Participants completed surveys immediately before and after viewing the material. Results: The novela produced significant improvements in overall knowledge (t(41) = −9.79, p < . 0001) and led to positive increases in specific attitudes toward people with dementia but not in beliefs that screening would be beneficial. Qualitative results provided concordant and discordant evidence for the quantitative findings. Conclusions: Results indicate that an audio-visual novela can be useful for improving attitudes and knowledge about dementia, but further work is needed to investigate the relation with health disparities in screening and treatment behaviors. Clinical Implications: Audio visual novelas are an innovative format for health education and change attitudes and knowledge about dementia.
CMP Aerogels: Ultrahigh‐Surface‐Area Carbon‐Based Monolithic Materials with Superb Sorption Performance

Monolithic conjugated microporous polymer (CMP) aerogels are obtained in an extremely facile way by selection of adequate reaction conditions and a freeze-drying technique. The aerogels possess an ultrahigh specific surface area and hierarchical interconnected pores, exhibiting superb gas/oil adsorption performance compared with all microporous organic polymers to date.
Hindbrain Herniation in Chiari II Malformation on Fetal and Postnatal MRI

The authors examined the neuroimaging findings with a focus on hindbrain herniation and ventricular size in fetuses with open spinal dysraphism and compared them with postnatal imaging features in groups undergoing prenatal-versus-postnatal repair. Thirty-two of 102 (31.3%) fetuses underwent in utero repair of open spinal dysraphism; 68.6% (70/102) underwent postnatal repair. Of those who underwent prenatal repair 81.3% (26/32) had resolved cerebellar ectopia postnatally. Of those who had severe cerebellar ectopia (grade 3) that underwent postnatal repair, 65.5% (36/55) remained grade 3, while 34.5% (19/55) improved to grade 2. They conclude that most fetuses who undergo in utero repair have resolved cerebellar ectopia postnatally. BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: As the practice of in utero repair of myelomeningoceles becomes more prevalent, knowledge of the expected MR imaging findings has become increasingly important. Our aim was to examine neuroimaging findings with a focus on hindbrain herniation and ventricular size in fetuses with open spinal dysraphism and to compare them with postnatal imaging features in groups undergoing prenatal-versus-postnatal repair. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Single-center retrospective analysis was performed on MRIs of fetuses with open spinal dysraphism from January 2004 through July 2015 with available postnatal imaging. One hundred two fetuses were included. Reports from available fetal ultrasound were also examined. Images were reviewed by 2 board-certified fellowship-trained pediatric neuroradiologists. Descriptive analyses were performed to demonstrate the distribution of the imaging findings. RESULTS: Thirty-two of 102 (31.3%) fetuses underwent in utero repair of open spinal dysraphism; 68.6% (70/102) underwent postnatal repair. Ninety-four of 102 (92.2%) fetuses had cerebellar ectopia. Of those who underwent prenatal repair (26 grade 3, 6 grade 2), 81.3% (26/32) had resolved cerebellar ectopia postnatally. Of those who had severe cerebellar ectopia (grade 3) that underwent postnatal repair, 65.5% (36/55) remained grade 3, while the remaining 34.5% (19/55) improved to grade 2. The degree of postnatal lateral ventriculomegaly in those that underwent prenatal repair (20.3 ± 5.6 mm) was not significantly different from that in those that underwent postnatal repair (21.5 ± 10.2 mm, P = .53). Increased Chiari grade was significantly correlated with decreased head size for gestational age on fetal sonography (P = .0054). CONCLUSIONS: In fetuses with open spinal dysraphism and severe Chiari II malformation that do not undergo prenatal repair, most have no change in the severity of cerebellar ectopia/Chiari grade. However, in fetuses that undergo in utero repair, most have resolved cerebellar ectopia postnatally.
Assessment of the Periodontal Status among Kota Stone Workers in Jhalawar, India.

CONTEXT Periodontal disease is one of the most prevalent dental diseases which affects the adult population of the world, varying only in degree from mild to severe. Its prevalence, which was reported in various studies which were conducted in different parts of the globe, signifies its need for a control. AIMS To assess the periodontal status among the Kota stone workers in Jhalawar and to provide a baseline data for the planning and evaluation of the oral health care promotion programmes. SETTINGS AND DESIGN A cross-sectional descriptive survey was conducted among the Kota stone workers who were working in the Kota stone factories which were located in the Ricco Industrial Area in Jhalawar. METHOD AND MATERIALS The study population comprised 420 subjects who were in the age group of 21 to 60 years. The data were collected by means of a close ended, self administered questionnaire and clinical examination with the use of the CPI index. Statistical analyses which were used: Chi-square, Student's t-test, One way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), and Multiple Logistic Regression. RESULTS The socio-demographic characteristics, except the gender, were found to be significantly associated with the periodontal status in the study population (P≤0.05). Multivariate analysis showed high CPI scores which were associated with males (OR=1.313), the 21-40 year age group (OR=0.548), education upto 10th class (OR=4.776), oral hygiene practices other than toothbrush with toothpaste (OR=0.774) and smoking (OR=3.994). CONCLUSION The observations of this study indicate the need for a reorientation of the dental care services, with further emphasis on the preventive care in such a population.
Alcohol drinking and breast cancer risk: an evaluation based on a systematic review of epidemiologic evidence among the Japanese population.

BACKGROUND We reviewed epidemiological studies on alcohol drinking and breast cancer among the Japanese population. This report is one among a series of articles by our research group evaluating the existing evidence concerning the association between health-related lifestyles and cancer. METHODS Original data were obtained from MEDLINE searches using PubMed or from searches of the Ichushi database, complemented with manual searches. Evaluation of associations was based on the strength of evidence and the magnitude of association, together with biological plausibility as previously evaluated by the International Agency for Research on Cancer. RESULTS Three cohort studies and eight case-control studies were identified. There were inconsistent results regarding alcohol drinking and breast cancer risk among cohort studies. A significant positive association was observed in one, but another showed nonsignificant inverse association. Out of the eight case-control studies, two studies showed a significantly increased risk among women who drink daily and who had higher intake of alcohol, respectively. Experimental studies have supported the biological plausibility of a positive association between alcohol drinking and breast cancer risk. CONCLUSION We conclude that epidemiologic evidence on the association between alcohol drinking and breast cancer risk remains insufficient in terms of both the number and methodological quality of studies among the Japanese population.
Chronic constrictive pericarditis: pending issues.

Chronic constrictive pericarditis (CCP) is a well characterized clinical entity. With advances in the understanding of hemodynamics, Doppler echocardiography, and cardiac cross-sectional imaging, the diagnosis of CCP has been straightforward. However, it often masquerades as chronic liver disease, cardiomyopathy, unexplained heart failure, etc. Furthermore, there is a remarkable paucity of information regarding the pathogenesis, and the optimal management of patients with CCP. In this article, we provide a brief perspective on the recent advances in CCP, and highlight the need for more evidence-based data regarding a disease that is still common in India.
Matrix‐enabled gene transfer for cutaneous wound repair

Several growth factor proteins have been evaluated as therapeutic agents for the treatment of chronic dermal wounds. Unfortunately, most have failed to produce significant improvements in wound healing, in part due to ineffective delivery and poor retention in the wound defect. It has been proposed that gene therapy might overcome the limitations of protein therapy via ongoing transcription and translation, thus prolonging the availability of the therapeutic protein. Reasoning that it would be of further benefit to ensure retention of the DNA vector as well as the therapeutic protein within the wound defect, we have evaluated matrix‐enabled gene transfer for cutaneous wound repair (Gene Activated Matrix). Formulations consisting of bovine type I collagen mixed with adenoviral or plasmid gene vectors have been evaluated in 3 in vivo models. The therapeutic transgenes employed encode human platelet‐derived growth factor‐A or ‐B, proteins key to each phase of normal wound repair. Increased granulation tissue formation, vascularization, and reepithelialization have been shown compared to controls treated with collagen alone or collagen containing a reporter gene vector. Further enhancements of the tissue repair response have been achieved by combining matrix‐enabled gene transfer with molecular targeting, in which the DNA vector is conjugated to a growth factor ligand (basic fibroblast growth factor). These promising results support the clinical evaluation of gene activated matrices for the treatment of chronic dermal wounds.
Association between Helicobacter pylori-related peptic ulcer tissue and somatic mitochondrial DNA mutations.

Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) is particularly susceptible to oxidative damage and mutations because of the high level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) generated and the inefficiency of the mtDNA repair system. Although the limited repair capacity hypothesis has been validated experimentally in some experimental systems, recent data have shown the existence of base excision repair mechanisms in mammalian mtDNA (1). ROS are commonly released in gastric mucosa inflamed as a result of Helicobacter pylori infection. It is postulated that mtDNA mutations arise in inflamed or chronically damaged gastroduodenal epithelial cells. Therefore, we investigated mtDNA alterations in 25 matched peptic ulcer tissue specimens associated with H . pylori infection, blood samples, and 5 nonulcer tissue samples. The study received institutional review board approval, and all participants gave informed consent. We used a published protocol to sequence the mtDNA control region and cytochrome b ( Cytb ) gene and to determine the mtDNA copy number and the qualitative and quantitative profiles of …
Subcutaneous alternariosis

A case of subcutaneous alternariosis caused by Alternaria alternata is reported in a 52‐year‐old male who underwent kidney transplantation 1 year earlier. The infection manifested as a vegetating mass about 7 cm in diameter on the right forearm. Histological examination with Grocott staining and periodic acid–Schiff diastase revealed fungal spores and hyphae with chronic granulomatous inflammation. Biopsy fragments inoculated on Sabouraud‐glucose agar with chloramphenicol produced colonies which were identified as Alternaria alternata on the basis of macroscopic and microscopic characters.
Structure elucidation of sildenafil analogues in herbal products

The structure of unknown compounds present in herbal products was elucidated using liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry, direct-infusion electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry, and nuclear magnetic resonance. Compounds 1 – 3 were identified as sildenafil analogues, 1 bearing an N-ethylpiperazine moiety instead of an N-methylpiperazine, and an acetyl group instead of the sulfonyl group, named acetildenafil, 2 bearing an N-ethylpiperazine moiety instead of an N-methylpiperazine (homosildenafil), and 3 bearing an N-hydroxylethylpiperazine moiety instead of an N-methylpiperazine, named hydroxyhomosildenafil. When analysing products marketed for penile erectile dysfunction or marketed as aphrodisiacs, attention should be given to the possible presence of these components.
What do patients think about during their consultations? A qualitative study.

BACKGROUND The consultation has been widely examined, but chiefly from the doctor's standpoint. Comparatively little is known about how patients view the event even though shared understanding is an accepted goal of each consultation. AIM The aim of the study was to describe the range and types of thoughts which patients have during their consultations. METHOD In semistructured interviews, prompted by video playback and transcript, 18 patients gave detailed accounts of their thoughts and feelings during a recent consultation. RESULTS The study confirmed patients' central desire for understanding but also revealed a complex mix of other thoughts. Multiple problems and aims were usual. Patients routinely considered their relationship with the doctor, the doctor's willingness, ability and available time, and altered their behaviour accordingly. CONCLUSION Patients and doctors have different models of the consultation-better understanding of how patients consult should lead to better training for doctors and improve shared understanding.
Cryptococcal thyroiditis: Report of a case diagnosed by fine‐needle aspiration cytology

A 54‐yr‐old female diabetic presented with a febrile illness and respiratory distress associated with bilateral alveolar infiltration. The left lobe of the thyroid gland was enlarged and failed to concentrate pertechnetate. The patient was euthyroid. Cryptococcus neoformans was recognized in a fine‐needle aspirate and was confirmed by culture: it was also grown in blood culture. Death was attributed to the respiratory condition. This report emphasizes the emergence of mycotic infections of the thyroid and presents an efficient method for their identification.