Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Spectral Distortions & Enhancements In Coherent Anti-Stokes Raman Scattering Hyperspectroscopy

Coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering microscopy is a versatile technique for label-free imaging and spectroscopy of systems of biophysical interest. Due to the coherent nature of the generated signals, CARS images and spectra can often be difficult to interpret. In this thesis, we document how distortions and enhancements can be produced in CARS hyperspectroscopy as a result of the instrument, geometrical optical effects, or unique molecular states, and discuss how these effects may be suppressed or exploited in various CARS applications. Microscopie “coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering” est une technique polyvalent pour l’imagerie et la spectroscopie des systèmes d’intérêt biophysique. En raison de la nature cohérente des signaux générés, les images et les spectre de CARS peuvent souvent être difficiles à l’interpréter. Dans cette thèse, nous montrons comment les distorsions et les améliorations peuvent être produites dans CARS hyper-spectroscopie comme un résultat de l’instrument, des effets d’optique géométrique, ou états moléculaires uniques, et nous discutons comment ces effets peuvent être supprimés ou exploités dans diverses applications de CARS.
Ultrasound of Ankle and Foot: Overuse and Sports Injuries

Sports and overuse injuries of the ankle and foot are commonly encountered in clinical practice. Ultrasound (US) has been established as an excellent diagnostic modality for foot and ankle injuries, providing a rapid noninvasive, economical, and readily available tool that is well tolerated by the patient with acute or chronic pain. The opportunity for dynamic examination is another advantage of US in evaluating ankle and foot pathology, where maneuvers such as muscle contraction and stressing of the joint may be particularly helpful. In many cases, US can be used as a ﬁrst-line and only imaging modality for diagnosis. This article focuses on ankle disorders related to sports or overuse that affect tendons, including tendinosis, tenosynovitis, paratendinitis, rupture, dislocation, and ligaments that are commonly torn. The sonographic features of certain common foot disorders related to physical activity and overuse are also discussed, including plantar fasciitis, Morton’s neuroma, stress fractures, and plantar plate injury.
Evaluation and Diagnosis of Psychogenic Disorders in Neurological Patients

Patients with psychogenic neurological symptoms present a diagnostic challenge. There are certain elements in a history that are indicative of a psychogenic condition. These include sudden onset of symptoms, highly emotional events at the time of symptom onset, paroxysmal nature of symptoms, and migrating or changing complaints. Likewise, some ﬁndings on examination are more often seen in psychogenic cases than in organic disorders. Multiple symptoms that do not correspond to any identiﬁable neuroanatomical abnormality, distractibility, entrainment, and false weakness or sensory complaints, are all possible clues that a condition is emotional rather than organic. However, none of these features is an absolute indication of psychogenicity and each must be taken in the context of the complete clinical picture.
Actions of Steroids in Mitochondria

Investigations of indirect and direct actions of steroids on the mitochondria are relatively new areas of research. In this review we provide brief background information regarding mitochondrial structure and function and then focus upon interactions of glucocorticoid, estrogen, androgen, and progesterone receptors with mitochondria. We evaluate the current evidence for steroid receptor localization in the mitochondria based on techniques of Western blot analysis, immunocytochemistry, electron microscopy, and mass spectrometry. Steroid receptor–dependent interactions with mitochondria may include transcriptional regulation of nuclear DNA–encoded mitochondrial proteins, transcriptional regulation of mitochondrial DNA–encoded proteins, or indirect effects on mitochondria due to interactions with cytoplasmic signaling peptides and non-genomic control of cation ﬂuxes. These interactions may play a role in mitochondrial-dependent processes of oxidative phosphorylation and apoptosis. Physiological examples of these interactions are discussed.
The Molecular Pathogenesis of Cholangiocarcinoma

Cholangiocarcinoma is rising in clinical importance because of increasing incidence, poor prognosis, and suboptimal response to therapy. Recent investigations into the underlying molecular mechanisms involved in cholangiocarcinogenesis and tumor growth have contributed greatly to our understanding of this disease. To review this topic, we discuss the molecular mechanisms in sections reﬂecting the unique features that allow cancer cells to develop and maintain a growth advantage. Through a better understanding of these mechanisms, improved and more speciﬁc diagnostic, therapeutic, and preventative strategies may be developed and hopefully improve the outcome of this devastating disease.
Complications of Radiation Therapy on the Brain and Spinal Cord

Various nervous system complications can result from radiation therapy. Usually classiﬁed according to the timing of onset after irradiation, these complications can be debilitating and even life-threatening. A better knowledge of the risk factors has allowed the deﬁnition of ‘‘safe’’ procedures that have reduced the incidence of severe sequelae. This review addresses the main clinical, radiological, biological, and therapeutic issues pertaining to the side effects of radiation therapy on the brain and spinal cord, including radiation-induced vascular and endocrine complications.
The Role of MR Imaging in Avascular Necrosis of the Femoral Head

Due to the pattern of its blood supply, the femoral head is particularly vulnerable to avascular necrosis (AVN). Nontraumatic AVN is a devastating disorder affecting young patients, and despite treatment it normally follows a progressive course toward a destructive osteoarthropathy. Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging is currently used in major classi-ﬁcation systems solely for early detection of femoral head AVN when plain radiographs are normal. More recent data have shown that MR imaging may improve staging, investigate radiologically occult collapse, depict other causes of disability and pain, assess prognosis, and evaluate treatment. This article reviews the established and evolving role of MR imaging in patients at risk or with known femoral head AVN.
The Use of Serial Human Chorionic Gonadotropin Levels to Establish a Viable or a Nonviable Pregnancy

Measurement of serial human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) concentrations facilitates the diagnosis of normal or abnormal early gestation, as deviations from expected rates of rise or decline prompt intervention and/or treatment of abnormal pregnancies. Recently, the expected rise in hCG levels for normal intrauterine pregnancies (IUPs) was well characterized, and based on a 95% conﬁdence interval, it was determined that the slowest rise in a normal IUP was 53% in 2 days. When the hCG level is decreasing, it is clear that the pregnancy is not viable. The management of such cases consists of observation or intervention. The rate of decline associated with nonviable pregnancies that resolved with expectant management has been described, with a faster decline observed with higher hCG levels at presentation. A rate of decline that is slower than 21 to 35% in 48 hours suggests the presence of retained trophoblastic tissue or an ectopic pregnancy and indicates the need for intervention to achieve a deﬁnitive diagnosis. While there is no consistent pattern of serial hCG levels characterizing ectopic pregnancies, the majority of patients ultimately diagnosed with ectopic pregnancy will exhibit rates of rise or decline that are outside the ‘‘normal’’ range as deﬁned by the established curves.
Prostasomes, Angiogenesis, and Tissue Factor

Prostasomes are membrane-bound secretory vesicles produced by prostatic epithelial cells. They are known to carry many proteins, including tissue factor, and have membranes unusually rich in cholesterol and sphingomyelin. Prostasomes have well-documented effects on fertility, promoting sperm motility, stabilizing the acrosome reaction, and facilitating immunosuppression. This article reviews the evidence of the effects of prostasomes on in vitro angiogenesis assays, and the mechanism by which these effects occur. Seminal prostasomes seem to inhibit angiogenesis, whereas the equivalent particles released by malignant prostate cells promote angiogenesis. In both cases, the effects seem preserved after heat treatment to denature the protein content, suggesting an important role for lipid transfer, in particular, transfer of sphingomyelin.
Measuring Cartilage Morphology with Quantitative Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a three-dimensional imaging technique with unparalleled ability to delineate articular cartilage morphology in health and disease. In this article we will review work on the assessment of cartilage morphology with quantitative magnetic resonance imaging and its relevance to the study of cartilage anatomy, physiology, deformation, disease status, disease progression, and response to treatment. The review outlines available pulse sequences and techniques for segmentation and morphological analysis of cartilage morphology. It addresses the accuracy (validity) and precision (reproducibility) of these techniques and summarizes studies on cartilage deformation in intact joints. This article will also review work on determinants and functional adaptation of cartilage morphology and describe changes seen in osteoarthritis. We conclude that fat-suppressed or water excitation gradient-echo magnetic resonance sequences and state-of-the-art digital image analysis techniques display high accuracy and adequate precision for quantitative assessment of cartilage morphology. This renders these techniques powerful and promising tools for cartilage and osteoarthritis research.
The Contact System and Angiogenesis: Potential for Therapeutic Control of Malignancy

We have demonstrated that domain 5 (D5, kininostatin) and cleaved high-molecular-weight kininogen (HKa) inhibit endothelial proliferation, migration, and neovascularization in the in ovo chicken chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) assay, and that D5 and HKa act by stimulating apoptosis and interfering with the cell cycle at the G 1 - S transition. Both intact high-molecular-weight kininogen (HK) and low-molecular-weight kininogen induce angiogenesis in the CAM assay by releasing bradykinin. A monoclonal antibody, mAb C11C1, targeted to HK D5, inhibits FGF2-(ﬁbroblast growth factor-2) and vascular endothelial growth factor-stimulated angiogenesis in the CAM assay by interfering with the binding of HK to endothelial cells. We also demonstrate the inhibitory effects of both mAb C11C1 and glutathione-S-transferase–D5 on the growth of a human tumor supplied by CAM vessels.
Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension Complicating Connective Tissue Diseases

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) may complicate diverse connective tissue diseases (CTDs) such as systemic sclerosis (SSc), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and mixed CTD (MCTD) and is an important cause of morbidity and mortality in this context. From a histological standpoint, the pulmonary vascular lesions in PAH complicating CTD are similar to those observed in idiopathic PAH (IPAH). However, prognosis and responsiveness to therapy are distinctly worse in PAH associated with CTD. PAH is most common in SSc (affecting up to 20% of patients with SSc), and most of the data regarding incidence, clinical features, and therapy of CTD-associated PAH are derived from patients with SSc (scleroderma). Although PAH may involve other CTDs, data are more limited (primarily small, uncontrolled series and case reports). Treatment strategies for PAH associated with CTD are similar to but are distinctly less effective than those for IPAH. Lung transplantation may be offered for a subset of patients with CTD-associated PAH, but results are less favorable than for IPAH due to comorbidities and speciﬁc complications associated with CTD (e.g., esophageal involvement, aspiration with SSc).
Testicular Inhibin

It has been recognized over fifty years ago that gonadal functions both in male and female are regulated by pituitary gonadotropins and that gonadal substances, in turn, can affect gonadotropin secretions through negative feedback mechanisms. Whereas the luteinizing hormone (LH) is mainly influenced by gonadal steroids, the feedback regulation of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) appears to involve also a nonsteroidal substance of gonadal origin. Based on morphologic changes in the pituitary gland following various experimental manipulations, McCullagh postulated in 1932 that the testes may secrete a water-soluble substance that would exert negative feedback on FSH secretion. He named the hypothetical substance "inhibin. " This hypothesis was supported by numerous clinical observations and experiments in animals that often revealed elevated pituitary and /or plasma FSH levels with little or no change in the levels of LH and circulating testosterone. Moreover, none of the gonadal steroids tested in animals could bring about a selective decrease of FSH, even when administered at much higher doses than those required to suppress LH. More direct evidence for the existence of inhibin was provided when steroid-free testicular fluids or tissue extracts were shown to suppress FSH secretion in various animal models in vivo or in pituitary cultures in vitro. Evidence accumulated to date indicates that inhibin-like substances are produced by male and female gonads, and in both sexes these substances probably play a signifificant role in the regulation of reproductive functions. However, since none of the inhibin preparations have been completely purified and characterized, it remains to be determined whether inhibins obtained from different sources represent the same active principle. The main emphasis of this article is on studies of inhibin in the male. Since the chapter was not intended as an exhaustive review of the literature on this topic, some references may not be cited.
Pulmonary Aspergillosis

The genus Aspergillus is a ubiquitous dimorphic fungus that is present in soil and water and abundant in decaying and moldy vegetation. It is one of the most frequently cultured molds in our environment, from humid basements, antique furniture, potting soils, bedding, house dust, bird droppings, and foodstuffs. Humid climate, rain, and wind play important roles in disseminating the fungal spore. There are more than 300 species of Aspergillus but A. fumigatus is the most frequent pathogen; it is responsible for more than 90 % of human disease. Other less frequently involved species include A. flavus, A. niger, A. nidulans, A. clavitus, A. terreus, A. ochraceus, A. restrictus, A. glaucus, A. oryzae, and A. versicolor. A. fumigatus is known to secrete a number of toxins, such as large molecular weight fumigatoxin, an endotoxin-like substance and low molecular weight shock toxin. Other species of Aspergillus were shown to have similar properties but to a lesser degree. This may explain why A. fumigatus is the most common but not the only species responsible for aspergillosis in man. Aspergillosis is a common disease among animals, especially in birds, poultry, and sheep. However, there has been no reported animal-to-human or man-to-man transmission. Two distinct lines of defense against Aspergillus have been demonstrated both in vitro with murine and human cells and in vivo with a murine model. Macrophages are the first line of defense; they rapidly phagocytose and destroy fungal conidia. The polymorphonuclear cell, the second line of defense, kills fungal mycelia. Impairment of macrophage or P M N defense permits its multiplication and the development of the Aspergillus spore. Aspergillus is a unique fungus that can cause a wide spectrum of pulmonary disease in man, ranging from simple colonization to life-threatening invasive aspergillosis, depending on the immunologic status of the host, individual susceptibility, or preexisting lung disease (Table 1). In atopic individuals, the fungus antigen can induce a varied immunologic reaction causing allergic asthma or allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA). In nonatopic individuals, the fungus can cause simple colonization in the bronchial tree or extrinsic allergic alveolitis (EAA) following inhalation of a large number of spores. In patients with preexisting lung disease the fungus may grow as a saprophyte in a cavity, resulting in aspergilloma. In immunosuppressed patients, the Aspergillus may invade lung parenchyma as well as other organs, causing invasive aspergillosis. It is important to understand the full spectrum of pulmonary aspergillosis because the clinical presentation, diagnosis, and treatment vary widely. Early recognition and prompt appropriate treatment can prevent irreversible lung damage, life-threatening pulmonary hemorrhage, and even death.
Hepatitis C Infection Associated with Renal Disease and Chronic Renal Failure

Screening of blood products and attention to stricter infection control measures in hemodialysis units have reduced the incidence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection among dialysis patients. HCV can be transmitted via transplanted organs. Renal transplantation may accelerate the course of liver disease, which has an impact on patient and graft survival. Interferon (IFN) alfa monotherapy has produced promising results during treatment but disappointing long-term results in patients with HCV-associated glomerulonephritis. Dialysis patients with HCV infection respond well to IFN-based therapy, and there appears to be clinical beneﬁt in clearing HCV in renal transplantation candidates. Larger prospective trials are required to fully determine the role of IFN in these patient groups, including the potential use of IFN plus ribavirin and pegylated IFNs. IFN therapy in renal transplantation patients is not recommended because of potential graft rejection.
Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis, Inflammatory Bowel Disease, and Colon Cancer

The prevalence of inﬂammatory bowel disease (IBD) in patients with PSC differs in various part of the world. Ulcerative colitis (UC) is most common, but 1 to 14% of all primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) patients have Crohn disease with colonic involvement. Many PSC patients without clinical symptoms of IBD have colonoscopic and histological ﬁndings compatible with IBD, and the subclinical phase may last several years before onset of symptoms of active colitis. The characteristics of UC in patients with PSC are different from those in UC patients without PSC. The colitis is usually substantial, the clinical course of the colitis is quiescent, and rectal sparing is common. Moreover, PSC patients with UC have a higher risk of developing colorectal dysplasia/carcinoma than UC patients without PSC. In patients having an ileal pelvic pouch with ileal anal anastomosis, PSC is a risk factor for development of pouchitis. It is important that all PSC patients with UC are included in colonoscopic surveillance programs.
Receptor Mechanisms Mediating Non-Genomic Actions of Sex Steroids

Sex steroid hormones, including estrogen, progesterone, and androgen, mediate their biological effects on cell proliferation, differentiation, and homeostasis through their respective nuclear receptors. In addition to functioning as ligand-activated nuclear transcription factors to regulate gene transcription, these receptors also have been shown to mediate rapid activation of non-genomic signaling pathways independent of their transcriptional activity. Despite the fact that non-genomic effects of sex steroids have been observed since more than three decades ago, the receptor mechanisms mediating these rapid effects still are not well understood. A subpopulation of nuclear steroid receptors localized to the cell membrane or cytoplasm has been proposed to mediate steroid hormone activation of signaling pathways; however, novel membrane receptors unrelated to nuclear receptors have also been implicated. This review focuses on recent advances in our understanding of the nature of the receptors and mechanisms responsible for rapid non-genomic signaling actions of sex steroids, including novel membrane receptors and interactions of nuclear steroid receptors with membrane and cytoplasmic signaling molecules such as adapter proteins, G proteins, ion channels, and protein kinases. A better deﬁnition of receptor mechanisms involved in mediating activation of non-genomic signaling pathways is important to our overall understanding of the biology of steroid hormones.
Exploring the correlations between ten monthly climatic variables and the vegetation index of four different crop types at the global scale

ABSTRACT The relationship between vegetation index (VI) and climatic variables such as temperature (TEP) and precipitation (PRE) at local, regional and global scales are conventionally analysed to understand the responses of vegetation to climate change. Those unique responses also afford opportunities for using climate variables to discriminate vegetation types. This paper presents a data-driven analysis to explore correlations between ten monthly climatic variables (temperature, precipitation, potential evapotranspiration (PET), vapour pressure (VAP), wet days (WET), and others) and monthly VIs of four different crop types (maize, rice, soybeans, and wheat) at global scale. The purpose is to show the VI–climate correlations in a spatially explicit way, laying the foundation for better crop type mapping by integrating climatic variables and remote sensing. The results show large variations in VI–climate correlation for different crop types and regions. Most cropland areas in the world show strong correlations between VI and VAP, and other variables such as WET, PET, and monthly average daily minimum temperature (TMN). This result encourages future studies using additional climate variables (in addition to TMP and PRE) for detailed vegetation/crop-type mapping.
Assessment and Optimization of Oocyte Quality during Assisted Reproductive Technology Treatment

The health of fetuses, neonates, and adults depends on normal development of the oocytes and embryos from which they arise. In addition, the ability of an embryo to implant, sustain a pregnancy, and give rise to a viable offspring is unquestionably rooted in oogenesis. Therefore, deﬁning markers that can reliably predict the best quality oocytes will prove invaluable in the care and management of infertility patients. Furthermore, identiﬁcation of the best quality oocyte will also permit the transfer of a single embryo, thereby increasing overall pregnancy rates and reducing multiple rates. Although a few potentially important predictors of oocyte quality have been identiﬁed, their application for routine use in the assisted reproductive technology (ART) laboratory remains to be established. With the critical need for markers to be noninvasive, reliable, and assayable with a rapid turnaround, key areas that will take advantage of recent technological advances are identiﬁed in this article. Oocyte quality also needs to be improved in the management of human infertility by ART programs. Given that mechanisms determining oocyte quality are multifactorial and complex, several possible areas that continue to necessitate optimization are discussed.