Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Dynamic susceptibility contrast MR imaging of regional cerebral blood volume in Alzheimer disease: a promising alternative to nuclear medicine.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE The goal of our study was to evaluate the sensitivity and specificity for Alzheimer disease of semiquantitative dynamic susceptibility contrast (DSC) MR imaging as compared with results of qualitative single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) in the same patients and with previously published semiquantitative SPECT results. METHODS Fifty subjects were studied: 19 patients with probable Alzheimer disease with moderate cognitive impairment, eight mildly impaired patients with possible or probable Alzheimer disease, 18 group-matched elderly healthy comparison subjects, and five elderly comparison patients with psychiatric diagnoses. Relative values of temporoparietal regional cerebral blood volume (rCBV) were measured as a percentage of cerebellar rCBV, and group classification was assessed with logistic regression. The DSC MR imaging results were compared with SPECT scans in these same subjects and with previously published semiquantitative SPECT data. RESULTS Temporoparietal rCBV ratios were reduced 20% bilaterally in the patients with Alzheimer disease. Using left and right temporoparietal rCBV as index measures, sensitivity was 95% in moderately affected patients with Alzheimer disease and 88% in patients with mild cases. Specificity was 96% in healthy comparison subjects and in psychiatric comparison subjects. Sensitivity with DSC MR imaging was considerably better than with visual clinical readings of SPECT scans (74% in moderate and 50% in mild Alzheimer disease cases), and was similar to previous published SPECT temporoparietal measurements (90%). Specificity with SPECT was 100% visually and 87% based on previous temporoparietal measurements. CONCLUSIONS DSC MR imaging of rCBV is promising as a safe, potentially lower-cost alternative to nuclear medicine imaging for the evaluation of patients with dementia.
Novel Small Molecule &agr;9&agr;10 Nicotinic Receptor Antagonist Prevents and Reverses Chemotherapy-Evoked Neuropathic Pain in Rats

BACKGROUND: Peripheral neuropathy is a common dose-limiting side effect of chemotherapy. There are no clinically proven analgesics for the treatment of this condition. Drugs from different classes have been tested with mixed results. Identification of novel molecular targets for analgesic(s) is important. Antagonism of the &agr;9&agr;10 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) subtype (absent in brain) is thought to underlie analgesic efficacy of peptide &agr;-conotoxins. We found novel nonpeptide small molecule analogs from a family of tetrakis-, tris-, and bis-azaaromatic quaternary ammonium salts (high potency with selectivity as antagonists at the &agr;9&agr;10 nAChRs) to produce dose-related analgesia in rat models of nerve injury-evoked neuropathy and persistent inflammatory pain. No tests were done in a model of neuropathy induced by drug administration (ie, chemotherapy). METHODS: In this study, a lead bis-analog, ZZ1-61c, was characterized in a rat model of vincristine-evoked neuropathy. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were repeatedly dosed with the vinca-alkaloid, vincristine (100 &mgr;g/kg/day IP, days 1 to 5 and 8 to 12). ZZ1-61c (100 &mgr;g/kg/day IP) was given either along with or after completion of vincristine (commencing by day 15 when neuropathy was maximum). Responsiveness was assessed with von Frey hairs and the paw-pressure test. The effects of ZZ1-61c on motor function (rotarod) and muscle strength (grip test) were characterized in naïve rats. RESULTS: The development of neuropathy was demonstrated with repeated dosing of vincristine (pain hypersensitivity in response to mechanical stimulation). ZZ1-61c showed both preventive and restorative effects on this condition: (1) vincristine-evoked sensitivity to pressure was reduced by coadministration of ZZ1-61c; (2) established neuropathy was diminished by ZZ1-61c after cessation of chemotherapy. ZZ1-61c did not cause motor dysfunction (rotarod) or muscular weakness (the grip test). CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that ZZ1-61c, a novel compound with a unique mechanism of antagonistic action at the &agr;9&agr;10 nAChR, may be a potential drug candidate for prevention and attenuation of neuropathic pain resulting from chemotherapy. Such a strategy may provide effective treatment that circumvents toxicity of centrally acting agonists at nAChR.
Seroepidemiology of dengue virus infection in the adult population in tropical Singapore

SUMMARY To assess the impact of past dengue epidemics in Singapore, we undertook a national seroepidemiological study to determine the prevalence of past dengue virus (DENV) infection in the adult population in 2010 and make comparisons with the seroprevalence in 2004. The study involved residual sera from 3293 adults aged 18–79 years who participated in a national health survey in 2010. The overall prevalence of anti-DENV IgG antibodies was 56·8% (95% confidence interval 55·1–58·5) in 2010. The seroprevalence increased significantly with age. Males had significantly higher seroprevalence than females (61·5% vs. 53·2%). Among the three major ethnic groups, Malays had the lowest seroprevalence (50·2%) compared to Chinese (57·0%) and Indians (62·0%). The age-standardized seroprevalence in adults was significantly lower in 2010 (54·4%) compared to 2004 (63·1%). Older age, male gender, Indian ethnicity, permanent residency and being home-bound were independent risk factors significantly associated with seropositivity. About 43% of the Singapore adult resident population remain susceptible to DENV infection as a result of the successful implementation of a comprehensive nationwide Aedes surveillance and control programme since the 1970s. Vector suppression and concerted efforts of all stakeholders in the community remain the key strategy in the prevention and control of dengue.
Milk proteins as precursors of bioactive peptides.

Milk proteins, a source of bioactive peptides, are the subject of numerous research studies aiming to, among others, evaluate their properties as precursors of biologically active peptides. Physiologically active peptides released from their precursors may interact with selected receptors and affect the overall condition and health of humans. By relying on the BIOPEP database of proteins and bioactive peptides, developed by the Department of Food Biochemistry at the University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn (www.uwm.edu.pl/biochemia), the profiles of potential activity of milk proteins were determined and the function of those proteins as bioactive peptide precursors was evaluated based on a quantitative criterion, i.e. the occurrence frequency of bioactive fragments (A). The study revealed that milk proteins are mainly a source of peptides with the following types of activity: antihypertensive (Amax = 0.225), immunomodulating (0.024), smooth muscle contracting (0.011), antioxidative (0.029), dipeptidyl peptidase IV inhibitors (0.148), opioid (0.073), opioid antagonistic (0.053), bonding and transporting metals and metal ions (0.024), antibacterial and antiviral (0.024), and antithrombotic (0.029). The enzymes capable of releasing bioactive peptides from precursor proteins were determined for every type of activity. The results of the experiment indicate that milk proteins such as lactoferrin, α-lactalbumin, -casein and -casein hydrolysed by trypsin can be a relatively abundant source of biologically active peptides.
Persistence with therapy among patients treated with warfarin for atrial fibrillation.

Department of Laboratory Medicine, San Francisco General Hospital/University of California San Francisco, San Francisco (Drs Wu and Gerona). Correspondence: Dr Cantrell, California Poison Control System, San Diego Division, University of California San Francisco School of Pharmacy, 200 W Arbor Dr, San Diego, CA 92103-8925 (lcantrell@calpoison.org). Author Contributions: Study concept and design: Cantrell, Suchard, Wu, and Gerona. Acquisition of data: Gerona. Analysis and interpretation of data: Cantrell, Wu, and Gerona. Drafting of the manuscript: Cantrell, Suchard, Wu, and Gerona. Critical revision of the manuscript for important intellectual content: Cantrell, Suchard, Wu, and Gerona. Statistical analysis: Gerona. Obtained funding: Wu. Administrative, technical, and material support: Cantrell and Wu. Study supervision: Cantrell and Wu. Financial Disclosure: None reported. Previous Presentation: This study was an oral presentation at the 2011 North American Congress of Clinical Toxicology; September 23, 2011; Washington, DC.
A simple and efficient method for extraction of genomic DNA from tropical tuber crops

DNA extraction in many plants is difficult because of metabolites that interfere with DNA isolation procedures and subsequent applications, such as DNA restriction, amplification and cloning. We have developed a reliable and efficient method for isolating genomic DNA free from polysaccharide, polyphenols and protein contaminants from tropical tuber crops (Elephant foot yam, Cassava, Sweet potato Taro and Tannia). The method involves inactivation of contaminant proteins by using CTAB/Proteinase K and precipitation of polysaccharides in the presence of high concentration of salt. The purity of genomic DNA was confirmed by A260/280 and A260/230 ratios calculated from the spectrophotometric readings and further by restriction analysis of the isolated DNA using restriction enzymes EcoRI and Hind III. The described protocol also resulted in the isolation of sufficiently higher yield of DNA from leaf sample of tropical tuber crops. The new protocol can be successfully used for both small and large scale preparation of genomic DNA from leaf tissues of tuber crops which is highly suitable for further down stream processes like PCR amplification and restriction digestion analysis.
Novel Substrates as Sources of Ancient DNA: Prospects and Hurdles

Following the discovery in the late 1980s that hard tissues such as bones and teeth preserve genetic information, the field of ancient DNA analysis has typically concentrated upon these substrates. The onset of high-throughput sequencing, combined with optimized DNA recovery methods, has enabled the analysis of a myriad of ancient species and specimens worldwide, dating back to the Middle Pleistocene. Despite the growing sophistication of analytical techniques, the genetic analysis of substrates other than bone and dentine remain comparatively “novel”. Here, we review analyses of other biological substrates which offer great potential for elucidating phylogenetic relationships, paleoenvironments, and microbial ecosystems including (1) archaeological artifacts and ecofacts; (2) calcified and/or mineralized biological deposits; and (3) biological and cultural archives. We conclude that there is a pressing need for more refined models of DNA preservation and bespoke tools for DNA extraction and analysis to authenticate and maximize the utility of the data obtained. With such tools in place the potential for neglected or underexploited substrates to provide a unique insight into phylogenetics, microbial evolution and evolutionary processes will be realized.
An interferometric coherence optimization method in radar polarimetry for high-resolution imagery

This paper investigates to what extent a new interferometric coherence optimization in radar polarimetry allows the separation of point scatterers located in the same resolution cell according to their interferometric phases. An interferometric coherence definition called the single-mechanism coherence is introduced, and the corresponding optimization method is briefly discussed. This method was first validated theoretically when no volume decorrelation occurs. Then, it has been applied to simple target measurements acquired in an anechoic chamber, and to an X-band polarimetric and interferometric synthetic aperture radar image containing man-made targets. In both cases, the single-mechanism coherence optimization enables to resolve the interferometric phases of several scattering centers inside the same resolution cell.
A possible mouse model for spontaneous cholangitis: serological and histological characteristics of MRL/ lpr mice

Aims: MRL/Mp‐ lpr/lpr (MRL/ lpr ) mice spontaneously develop lymphadenopathy, hypergammaglobulinaemia, serum auto‐antibodies, and a generalised auto‐immune disease including glomerulonephritis and arthritis, and have been used as a model for the study of systemic lupus erythematosus. Recently, MRL/ lpr mice were also reported as a potentially suitable animal model of primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC). The aim of this study was to determine the suitability of MRL/Mp‐ lpr/lpr (MRL/ lpr ) mice as an experimental auto‐immune‐mediated cholangitis model for PBC. Methods: We investigated the serum hepatobiliary enzymes, histopathological findings, and the target antigen of antimitochondrial antibodies (AMA) in MRL/ lpr mice. Results: Serum levels of total bilirubin and hepatobiliary enzymes including alanine aminotransferase (ALT), leucine aminopeptidase (LAP), and gamma‐glutamyl transpeptidase (G‐GTP) in older‐aged (over 20 weeks old) MRL/ lpr or MRL/Mp‐ + / + (MRL/ + ) mice were not significantly higher than those in younger (8‐12 weeks old) MRL/ lpr, MRL/ +, or older‐aged control mice (C3H/HeJ and BALB/C mice). Histopathologically, 24 of 47 (51%) older‐aged MRL/ lpr mice showed evidence of cholangitis, compared with two of 20 (10%) younger MRL/ lpr mice. Especially, epithelioid granuloma and/or bile duct loss were seen in 11 out of 47 (23%) older‐aged MRL/ lpr mice, whereas such findings were seen in only one of 20 (5%) younger MRL/ lpr mice. None of the MRL/ +, C3H/HeJ, and BALB/C mice developed cholangitis. The target antigens of AMA were not pyruvate dehydrogenase complex but 2‐oxoglutarate dehydrogenase complex and/or branched‐chain oxo‐acid dehydrogenase complex as confirmed by immunoblotting. There was no significant correlation between the presence of AMA and severity of histological lesions in older‐aged MRL/ lpr mice, and there were no significant differences in these biochemical data, the proportion of mice with portal inflammation, cholangitis and AMA between male and female MRL/ lpr mice. Conclusion: Although several clinical features were incompatible with PBC, the serological and histopathological features of MRL/ lpr mice indicate that these mice can be used as an experimental immune‐mediated cholangitis model for PBC.
Maternal Intravenous Treatment with either Azithromycin or Solithromycin Clears Ureaplasma parvum from the Amniotic Fluid in an Ovine Model of Intrauterine Infection

ABSTRACT Intrauterine infection with Ureaplasma spp. is strongly associated with preterm birth and adverse neonatal outcomes. We assessed whether combined intraamniotic (IA) and maternal intravenous (IV) treatment with one of two candidate antibiotics, azithromycin (AZ) or solithromycin (SOLI), would eradicate intrauterine Ureaplasma parvum infection in a sheep model of pregnancy. Sheep with singleton pregnancies received an IA injection of U. parvum serovar 3 at 85 days of gestational age (GA). At 120 days of GA, animals (n = 5 to 8/group) received one of the following treatments: (i) maternal IV SOLI with a single IA injection of vehicle (IV SOLI only); (ii) maternal IV SOLI with a single IA injection of SOLI (IV+IA SOLI); (iii) maternal IV AZ and a single IA injection of vehicle (IV AZ only); (iv) maternal IV AZ and a single IA injection of AZ (IV+IA AZ); or (v) maternal IV and single IA injection of vehicle (control). Lambs were surgically delivered at 125 days of GA. Treatment efficacies were assessed by U. parvum culture, quantitative PCR, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and histopathology. Amniotic fluid (AF) from all control animals contained culturable U. parvum. AF, lung, and chorioamnion from all AZ- or SOLI-treated animals (IV only or IV plus IA) were negative for culturable U. parvum. Relative to the results for the control, the levels of expression of interleukin 1β (IL-1β), IL-6, IL-8, and monocyte chemoattractant protein 2 (MCP-2) in fetal skin were significantly decreased in the IV SOLI-only group, the MCP-1 protein concentration in the amniotic fluid was significantly increased in the IV+IA SOLI group, and there was no significant difference in the histological inflammation scoring of lung or chorioamnion among the five groups. In the present study, treatment with either AZ or SOLI (IV only or IV+IA) effectively eradicated macrolide-sensitive U. parvum from the AF. There was no discernible difference in antibiotic therapy efficacy between IV-only and IV+IA treatment regimens relative to the results for the control.
Resolved spectroscopy of gravitationally lensed galaxies: recovering coherent velocity fields in subluminous z ~ 2-3 galaxies

We present spatially resolved dynamics for six strongly lensed star-forming galaxies at z= 1.7–3.1 , each enlarged by a linear magnification factor of ~ ×8 . Using the Keck laser guide star AO system and the OH-Suppressing Infra-Red Imaging Spectrograph integral field unit spectrograph, we resolve kinematic and morphological detail in our sample with an unprecedented fidelity, in some cases achieving spatial resolutions of ≃100 pc. With one exception our sources have diameters ranging from 1 to 7 kpc, integrated star formation rates of 2–40 M_⊙ yr^(−1) (uncorrected for extinction) and dynamical masses of 10^(9.7−10.3) M_⊙ . With this exquisite resolution, we find that four of the six galaxies display coherent velocity fields consistent with a simple rotating disc model. Our model fits imply ratios for the systemic to random motion, V_c sin i/σ , ranging from 0.5 to 1.3 and Toomre disc parameters Q < 1 . The large fraction of well-ordered velocity fields in our sample is consistent with data analysed for larger, more luminous sources at this redshift. We demonstrate that the apparent contradiction with earlier dynamical results published for unlensed compact sources arises from the considerably improved spatial resolution and sampling uniquely provided by the combination of adaptive optics and strong gravitational lensing. Our high-resolution data further reveal that all six galaxies contain multiple giant star-forming H ii regions whose resolved diameters are in the range 300 pc to 1.0 kpc, consistent with the Jeans length expected in the case of dispersion support. From the kinematic data, we calculate that these regions have dynamical masses of 10^(8.8−9.5) M_⊙, also in agreement with local data. However, the density of star formation in these regions is ~100× higher than observed in local spirals; such high values are only seen in the most luminous local starbursts. The global dynamics and demographics of star formation in these H ii regions suggest that vigorous star formation is primarily governed by gravitational instability in primitive rotating discs. The physical insight provided by the combination of adaptive optics and gravitational lensing suggests it will be highly valuable to locate many more strongly lensed distant galaxies with high star formation rates before the era of the next-generation ground-based telescopes when such observations will become routine.
Neutral superfluid modes and "magnetic" monopoles in multilayered quantum Hall systems.

We show that, in the absence of interlayer hopping, the " = 1=m quantum Hall states in double-layer systems contain a neutral gapless mode with linear dispersion, describing the relative fluctuations of the electron densities in the two layers. At finite temperature the system experiences a Kosterlitz-Thouless transition. In the presence of interlayer hopping an energy gap proportional to the square root of the hopping amplitude will be opened. This, in field theory, corresponds to U(1) gauge field acquiring a mass due to the monopole-antimonopole plasma in the (2 + 1)-dimensional spacetime.
Two-Celled Promycelia and Mating-Type Segregation in Ustilago violacea (Microbotryum violaceum)

Teliospore germination by the anther-smut fungus, Ustilago violacea (Pers.) Roussel (Microbotryum violaceum Deml & Oberwinkler), was examined at a range of nutrient and temperature treatments. On germination, a teliospore produces a promycelium, and concurrently its nucleus undergoes meiosis. Promycelia of U. violacea are generally considered to consist of three cells; however, they were more often two-celled at low nutrients and temperatures. A cytological study of promycelial development confirmed that the daughter nuclei of the first meiotic division are separated immediately by a septation in the promycelium. After the second meiotic division, one of the two proximal nuclei migrated back into the teliospore. At high temperatures and levels of nutrients, the two distal nuclei were separated by a second septation event in the promycelium; this resulted in a three-celled promycelium, with each cell being uninucleate. However, at low nutrients and temperatures, the second septation event did not occur, resulting in two-celled promycelia with a single postmeiotic nucleus in the proximal cell and two postmeiotic nuclei in the distal cell. The morphology of conjugations between promycelial cells and sporidia confirmed first-division segregation of mating type in U. violacea. A consequence of centromere linkage of mating type in U. violacea and the septation event that separates the daughter nuclei of the first meiotic division is that both nuclei in the distal cell of two-celled promycelia are of the same mating type. Therefore, conjugation by the binucleate cell is required for formation of the infectious, heterokaryotic stage. The environmental influence on promycelial development can therefore affect the number of heterokaryons possible in single-teliospore colonies (one in colonies with two-celled promycelia, but at least two in colonies with three-celled promycelia), the relative contributions of postmeiotic nuclei to infective stages, and the representation of meiotic products in the sporidial population, and therefore the breeding system of the fungus.
Dual detector system for measuring out-of-field neutron dose in proton therapy

A novel technique for separating the out-of-field proton and neutron dose is presented. The technique combines measurements from special pin diodes sensitive to the non ionizing energy losses of protons and neutrons in silicon and standard clinical absorbed dose measurements. Preliminary testing shows good agreement with results from a GEANT4 study.
The Effect of Mechanical Force on mRNA Levels of Collagenase, Collagen Type I, and Tissue Inhibitors of Metalloproteinases in Gingivae of Dogs

Orthodontic force causes an injury to and subsequent degradation of the attachment apparatus, thus leading to the transposition of the tooth. The gingiva, however, is compressed and sometimes becomes hypertrophic with tooth movement and often shrinks after treatment. To study the effect of force on the gingiva, we applied orthodontic force in dogs and analyzed gingival tissues 1, 2, 3, 7, 14, and 28 days later as well as after removing the force. The effect of force on mRNA levels of collagen type I (col-I), matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1), and tissue inhibitors 1 and 2 (TIMPs) genes was analyzed by RT-PCR, and MMP-1 activity was determined by zymography. The results showed that force significantly increased both the mRNA levels of MMP-1 and its interstitial activity. After the removal of force, MMP-1 gene expression was significantly decreased. The results could partly explain the clinically observed shrinkage and adaptation of the gingiva during tooth movement. KEY WORDS: orthodontic force, MMP-1, gene expression.