Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Morphological events in cultures of mechanically isolated maize mcirospores

SummaryIn tis androgenic response, maize is considered to be a recalcitrant plant. We used mechanically isolated microspores of maize genotype A18 to establish a responsive microspore culture of maize. Morphological events occurring during the first days of maize androgenesis in a microspore culture were observed and described, and some morphological markers for distinguishing between embryogenic microspores and nonembryogenic microspores were identified. It was found that the enlargement of microspores during the first days in culture and the ‘star-like’ organization of the cytoplasm inside the microspore are connected with reprogramming of the developmental pathway in maize microspores. Some differences were also found in the surface wall architecture of embryogenic microspores. Fertile plants were successfully recovered from microspore-originated structures.
Potential Value of Quantitative Analysis of Cerebral PET in Early Cognitive Decline

Background. In patients diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease, positron emission tomography brain scans can have characteristic hypometabolic patterns that strongly support this diagnosis, but this pattern is often subtle or absent in early stages. A sensitive and objective method for detection of positron emission tomography abnormalities may have value in early detection of Alzheimer's disease. Methods. A 2-fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose positron emission tomography scans from cognitively impaired patients (n = 43) were compared individually to 28 normal controls using statistical parametric mapping, hypometabolic regions visualized, and clinically correlated. The objective SPM results were compared to the official Nuclear Medicine report based upon subjective interpretation criteria. Results. A total of 22/43 had abnormalities per the Nuclear Medicine physician, while 21/43 appeared normal. The objective analysis detected abnormalities in 41/43 participants, including 19 of 21 that appeared normal. In these 19, 8 had findings consistent with early Alzheimer's disease. Conclusion. Objective analysis of positron emission tomography brain scans may extend the ability to detect early brain abnormalities in patients with cognitive decline.
Gender differences in clinical and angiographic findings of patients with Takayasu arteritis.

OBJECTIVES Because Takayasu arteritis (TA) predominantly affects females, few data regarding gender differences have been reported. The aim of the present study is to describe clinical features and angiographic findings of patients with TA according to gender. METHODS According to the 1990 American College of Rheumatology criteria, 294 patients were diagnosed with TA between September 1994 and April 2014 at a single tertiary hospital. We reviewed clinical, laboratory, and radiologic data at the time of diagnosis. RESULTS Among the 294 patients studied, 257 (87.4%) were female (male:female ratio=1:6.9). Female patients had a higher tendency to exhibit blood pressure differences between arms (p=0.595) and a weak pulse at the brachial artery (p=0.063). In male patients, we observed higher serum creatinine levels (p=0.038) and hypertension more frequently (p=0.061) than in females. Females exhibited more common lesions in the thoracic aorta and its branches, while males had more frequent lesions in the abdominal aorta and its branches. An analysis of angiographic classification according to the International TA Conference in Tokyo 1994 classification revealed that male patients had a higher incidence of type IV and females showed a higher incidence of types I, IIa, and IIb. CONCLUSIONS Female patients with TA have more frequent involvement of the thoracic aorta and its branches, whereas involvement of the abdominal aorta and its branches is more common in males. Considering these gender-specific differences, adjustment of diagnostic criteria for TA according to gender may be necessary.
A Naturally Processed Rat Major Histocompatibility Complex Class I-associated Viral Peptide as Target Structure of Borna Disease Virus-specific CD8+ T Cells*

The first naturally processed peptide synthesized by a virus and recognized by classical CD8+ T cells in association with the RT1.Al major histocompatibility complex class I molecule of the Lewis rat is reported. Borna disease virus-specific CD8+ T cells recognize syngeneic target cells pulsed with peptides extracted from Borna disease virus-infected cells. The predicted peptide sequence ASYAQMTTY from the viral p40 protein coeluted with the cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-reactive fraction was identified among natural ligands by tandem mass spectrometry. Numerous naturally processed peptides derived from intracellular bacteria, viruses, or tumors and recognized by CD8+ T cells of man and mice are known, leading to a better understanding of cellular immune mechanisms against pathogens in these two species. In contrast, for the rat little information exists with regard to the function and role of CD8+ T cells as part of their cellular immune defense system. This first naturally processed viral epitope in the rat contributes to the understanding of the rat cellular immune response and might trigger the identification of more cytotoxic T-lymphocyte epitopes in this animal.
Frontal lobe bioenergetic metabolism in depressed adolescents with bipolar disorder: a phosphorus‐31 magnetic resonance spectroscopy study

Shi X‐F, Kondo DG, Sung Y‐H, Hellem TL, Fiedler KK, Jeong E‐K, Huber RS, Renshaw PF. Frontal lobe bioenergetic metabolism in depressed adolescents with bipolar disorder: a phosphorus‐31 magnetic resonance spectroscopy study. Bipolar Disord 2012: 14: 607–617. © 2012 The Authors. Journal compilation © 2012 John Wiley & Sons A/S.
Computer simulation of emerging asymmetry in the mouse blastocyst

The mechanism of embryonic polarity establishment in mammals has long been controversial. Whereas some claim prepatterning in the egg, we recently presented evidence that mouse embryonic polarity is not established until blastocyst and proposed the mechanical constraint model. Here we apply computer simulation to clarify the minimal cellular properties required for this morphology. The simulation is based on three assumptions: (1) behavior of cell aggregates is simulated by a 3D vertex dynamics model; (2) all cells have equivalent mechanical properties; (3) an inner cavity with equivalent surface properties is gradually enlarged. However, an initial attempt reveals a requirement for an additional assumption: (4) the surface of the cavity is firmer than intercellular surfaces, suggesting the presence of a basement membrane lining the blastocyst cavity, which is indeed confirmed by published data. The simulation thus successfully produces a structure recapitulating the mouse blastocyst. The axis of the blastocyst, however, remains variable, leading us to an additional assumption: (5) the aggregate is enclosed by a capsule, equivalent to the zona pellucida in vivo. Whereas a spherical capsule does not stabilize the blastocyst axis, an ellipsoidal capsule eventually orients the axis in accordance with its longest diameter. These predictions are experimentally verified by time-lapse recordings of mouse embryos. During simulation, equivalent cells form two distinct populations composed of smaller inner cells and larger outer cells. These results reveal a unique feature of early mammalian development: an asymmetry may emerge autonomously in an equivalent population with no need for a priori intrinsic differences.
Prevalence of Tick-Borne Pathogens in Host-Seeking Amblyomma americanum (Acari: Ixodidae) and Odocoileus virginianus (Artiodactyla: Cervidae) in Florida

Abstract Amblyomma americanum (L.), the lone star tick, is an aggressive tick that is expanding its geographic range within the United States. This tick is the vector for the human and veterinary pathogens Ehrlichia chaffeensis and Ehrlichia ewingii and is associated with other microbes of unspecified pathogenicity including Rickettsia amblyommii, Panola Mountain Ehrlichia, and Borrelia lonestari. In Florida, there has been sparse contemporary data on the prevalence of these organisms in host-seeking lone star ticks. To determine the prevalence of this tick and associated microbes in North Central Florida state parks, ∼1,500 lone star tick specimens were collected between 2010 and 2012 analyzed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) sequencing. Additionally, 393 white-tailed deer, Odocoileus virginianus (Zimmerman), samples were analyzed for pathogen prevalence using molecular methods and serology. In lone star ticks, 14.6, 15.6, and 57.1% were positive for E. chaffeensis, E. ewingii, and Rickettsia spp. DNA, respectively. Panola Mountain Ehrlichia or B. lonestari DNA were each detected in nearly 2% of tick specimens. In white-tailed deer, 7.3% were PCR positive for E. chaffeensis, 6.0% for E. ewingii, and 3.2% for rickettsial species. Approximately 45% of white-tailed deer specimens had antibodies to Ehrlichia spp. , and <1% had antibodies to Borrelia burgdorferi. In summary, E. chaffeensis, E. ewingii, and spotted fever group rickettsia are highly prevalent in host-seeking lone star ticks and in white-tailed deer in Florida. The molecular and serological evidence of these microbes underscore their zoonotic potential in this region.
Ligand-Independent Exhaustion of Killer Immunoglobulin-Like Receptor-Positive CD8+ T Cells in Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 Infection

ABSTRACT Virus-specific CD8+ T cells play a central role in the control of viral infections, including human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) infection. However, despite the presence of strong and broad HIV-specific CD8+ T-cell responses in chronic HIV-1 infection, these cells progressively lose critical effector functions and fail to clear the infection. Mounting evidence suggests that the upregulation of several inhibitory regulatory receptors on the surface of CD8+ T cells during HIV-1 infection may contribute directly to the impairment of T-cell function. Here, we investigated the role of killer immunoglobulin receptors (KIR), which are expressed on NK cells and on CD8+ T cells, in regulating CD8+ T-cell function in HIV-1 infection. KIR expression was progressively upregulated on CD8+ T cells during HIV-1 infection and correlated with the level of viral replication. Expression of KIR was associated with a profound inhibition of cytokine secretion, degranulation, proliferation, and activation by CD8+ T cells following stimulation with T-cell receptor (TCR)-dependent stimuli. In contrast, KIR+ CD8+ T cells responded potently to TCR-independent stimulation, demonstrating that these cells are functionally competent. KIR-associated suppression of CD8+ T-cell function was independent of ligand engagement, suggesting that these regulatory receptors may constitutively repress TCR activation. This ligand-independent repression of TCR activation of KIR+ CD8+ T cells may represent a significant barrier to therapeutic interventions aimed at improving the quality of the HIV-specific CD8+ T-cell response in infected individuals.
Osmotic Homeostasis in Dictyostelium Discoideum: Excretion of Amino Acids and Ingested Solutes

ABSTRACT. The response to osmotic stress in axenically cultured Dictyostelium discoideum was examined. Hypoosmotic buffers elicited two changes in the large (‐50 mM) cytosolic pool of amino acids: a) the total size of the pool diminished, while b) about half of the initial pool was excreted. Hyperosmotic stress had the opposite effect. Among the predominant amino acids in the pool were glycine, alanine and proline. Putrescine, the major diamine, was neither excreted nor modulated. Recently ingested radioactive amino acids were excreded in preference to those in the cytoplasm, suggesting that the endocytic pathway might be involved in water excretion. Furthermore, hypoosmotic stresss strimulated the selective exretion of small, membrane‐impermeable fluorescent dyes which had been ingested into endocytic vacuoles. Caffeine inhibited the excretion of the fluorophores but not the amino acids. We conclude that the response of Dictyostelium to osmotic stress is complex and includes both modulation of the cytoplasmic amino acid pool and the excretion of amino acids and other small solutes from the endocytic pathway.
GABA‐Ergic interneurons of the striatum express the shaw‐like potassium channel KvS3.1

In addition to numerous GABA‐ergic efferent neurons, the striatum contains a subpopulation of fast‐firing GABA‐ergic interneurons characterized by the presence of immunoreactivity for the calcium‐binding protein, parvalbumin. Doublelabel in situ hybridization with digoxigenin‐ and radiolabelled cRNA probes was performed on striatal: sections of adult rats to identify mRNAs expressed by striatal GABAergic interneurons. In the dorsolateral striatum, only parvalbumin mRNA‐positive neurons expressed the mRNA encoding the potassium channel Kv3.1, a member of the Shaw family of potassium channels with rapid activation and inactivation kinetics, usually found in fast‐firing neurons such as the basket cells of the hippocampus. Colocalization of the parvalbumin and Kv3.1 proteins was confirmed by double‐label immunohistochemistry. Parvalbumin mRNA‐positive neurons expressed very high levels of the mRNA encoding glutamic acid decarboxylase (Mr 67,000: GAD67) in the dorsolateral striatum. A smaller proportion of double‐labelled neurons was found in the ventrolateral striatum. A small number of densely labelled neurons for GAD67 mRNA also expressed the mRNA encoding the dopamine D2 receptor, but none expressed detectable levels of the dopamine D1 receptor mRNA. This indicates major differences in the expression of dopamine receptor mRNA in a majority of GABA‐ergic interneurons vs. GABA‐ergic efferent neurons of the striatum. The results suggest that distinct molecular characteristics are associated with the distinct electrophysiological properties of striatal GABA‐ergic neurons. © 1994 Wi1ey‐Liss; Inc.
GRIM-19 Expression and Function in Human Gliomas.

OBJECTIVE We determined whether the expression of GRIM-19 is correlated with pathologic types and malignant grades in gliomas, and determined the function of GRIM-19 in human gliomas. METHODS Tumor tissues were isolated and frozen at -80 just after surgery. The tissues consisted of normal brain tissue (4), astrocytomas (2), anaplastic astrocytomas (2), oligodendrogliomas (13), anaplastic oligodendrogliomas (11), and glioblastomas (16). To profile tumor-related genes, we applied RNA differential display using a Genefishing DEG kit, and validated the tumor-related genes by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). A human glioblastoma cell line (U343MG-A) was used for the GRIM-19 functional studies. The morphologic and cytoskeletal changes were examined via light and confocal microscopy. The migratory and invasive abilities were investigated by the simple scratch technique and Matrigel assay. The antiproliferative activity was determined by thiazolyl blue Tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay and FACS analysis. RESULTS Based on RT-PCR analysis, the expression of GRIM-19 was higher in astrocytic tumors than oligodendroglial tumors. The expression of GRIM-19 was higher in high-grade tumors than low-grade tumors or normal brain tissue; glioblastomas showed the highest expression. After transfection of GRIM-19 into U343MG-A, the morphology of the sense-transfection cells became larger and more spindly. The antisense-transfection cells became smaller and rounder compared with wild type U343MG-A. The MTT assay showed that the sense-transfection cells were more sensitive to the combination of interferon-beta and retinoic acid than U343MG-A cells or antisense-transfection cells; the anti-proliferative activity was related to apoptosis. CONCLUSION GRIM-19 may be one of the gene profiles which regulate cell death via apoptosis in human gliomas.
Virologic, hematologic, and immunologic risk factors for classic Kaposi sarcoma

Classic Kaposi sarcoma (CKS) is an inflammatory‐mediated neoplasm that develops in the presence of KS‐associated herpesvirus (KSHV) and immune perturbation. In the current study, the authors compared CKS cases with age‐matched and sex‐matched KSHV‐seropositive controls without human immunodeficiency virus‐1 infection and markers of viral control, blood counts, CD4‐positive and CD8‐positive lymphocytes, and serum β‐2‐microglobulin and neopterin levels.
Anatomic Basis of Anorectal Reconstruction by Dynamic Graciloplasty With Pudendal Nerve Anastomosis

BACKGROUND: Dynamic graciloplasty has been proposed for anal reconstruction, but this method has 2 major drawbacks. First, an electrical device is required for control of the gracilis. The anastomosis with the pudendal nerve will provide more physiological control. Second, the limitation in the mobility of the muscle flap results in wrapping the anal canal with the muscle’s distal portion, which is tendonlike and inelastic. Enhancing the mobility of the muscle flap will enable wrapping with the proximal, muscle-like, and extensible portion, possibly providing better sphincteric function. However, the basis for such an operative method is lacking. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to provide the basis for the refined method of anal sphincter reconstruction by dynamic graciloplasty with pudendal nerve anastomosis and to verify the feasibility of lengthening the nerve to the gracilis muscle flap by dissecting into the muscle belly, detaching the gracilis muscle from its origin, and enhancing the mobility of the muscle flap. STUDY DESIGN: This is a retrospective, descriptive study. METHODS: The results from the anatomical study on 9 cadavers are reported. RESULTS: Tension-free anastomosis of the pudendal nerve and nerve to the gracilis was successfully performed in all the 9 cases: in 2 cases, by lengthening the nerve. The detachment of the muscle origin improved the mobility of the muscle flap, and the more proximal portion could be used for wrapping the anal canal, as confirmed in 4 cases. LIMITATIONS: The limited number of cases was a shortcoming of this study. CONCLUSIONS: By lengthening the nerve to the muscle, the gracilis can be used for anal sphincter reconstruction with pudendal nerve anastomosis, negating the need for an electrical device. By detaching the origin of the gracilis muscle, its proximal portion can be used to wrap the anal canal, possibly enabling a longer functional canal with stronger constricting force and better vascularity. These modifications to past methods may improve fecal continence after the operation.
A Robust Reference Signal Generator for Synchronized Ventricular Assist Devices

Ventricular assist devices (VADs) are blood pumps that offer an option to support the circulation of patients with severe heart failure. Since a failing heart has a remaining pump function, its interaction with the VAD influences the hemodynamics. Ideally, the heart's action is taken into account for actuating the device such that the device is synchronized to the natural cardiac cycle. To realize this in practice, a reliable real-time algorithm for the automatic synchronization of the VAD to the heart rate is required. This paper defines the tasks such an algorithm needs to fulfill: the automatic detection of irregular heart beats and the feedback control of the phase shift between the systolic phases of the heart and the assist device. We demonstrate a possible solution to these problems and analyze its performance in two steps. First, the algorithm is tested using the MIT-BIH arrhythmia database. Second, the algorithm is implemented in a controller for a pulsatile and a continuous-flow VAD. These devices are connected to a hybrid mock circulation where three test scenarios are evaluated. The proposed algorithm ensures a reliable synchronization of the VAD to the heart cycle, while being insensitive to irregularities in the heart rate.
Texture Feature Analysis of Ultrasonic Images with Wryneck

Torticollis, also called wryneck, is a clinical sign or symptom that could be the result of a variety of possible disorders. Among the etiologies, congenital muscular torticollis (CMT) with impairment of the sternocleidomastoid (SCM) is the most frequent cause of torticollis in infants. Infants with CMT have the symptom of head tilt to one side, which is often combined with rotation of the head to the opposite side. In this paper, we report a study on the analysis of the ultrasonic images on two sides of the neck for the CMT classification. To this end, we first apply an interactive ROI segmentation procedure, followed by the extraction of several different texture features for the classification of CMT type. We use three types of texture features, including gray-lever co-occurrence matrix, Laplacian of Gaussian, and Gabor features. In addition, three feature comparison methods, such as mutual information, Bhattacharyya Distance, and Kullback-Leibler divergence, are used to compute the distribution distances for different texture features and feed them into the support vector machine classifier for the CMT classification. Experimental results demonstrate the performance of the proposed image analysis and classification method on real ultrasonic images.
Functional attenuation of human sperm by novel, non-surfactant spermicides: precise targeting of membrane physiology without affecting structure.

BACKGROUND We have attempted to identify structural, physiological and other targets on human sperm vulnerable to the spermicidal action of two novel series of non-detergent molecules, reported to irreversibly immobilize human sperm in <30 s, apparently without disrupting plasma membrane. METHODS Three sperm samples were studied. Scanning and transmission electron microscopy were used to assess structural aberrations of sperm membrane; plasma membrane potential and intracellular pH measurements (fluorometric) were used to detect changes in sperm physiology; reactive oxygen species (ROS, fluorometric) and superoxide dismutase activity (colorimetric) were indicators of oxidative stress; and sperm dynein ATPase activity demonstrated alterations in motor energy potential, in response to spermicide treatment. Post-ejaculation tyrosine phosphorylation of human sperm proteins (immunoblotting) was a marker for functional integrity. RESULTS Disulfide esters of carbothioic acid (DSE compounds) caused complete sperm attenuation at > or =0.002% concentration with hyper-polarization of sperm membrane potential (P < 0.001), intracellular alkalinization (P < 0.01), ROS generation (P < 0.05) and no apparent effect on sperm (n = 150) membrane structure. Isoxazolecarbaldehyde compounds required > or =0.03% for spermicidal action and caused disrupted outer acrosomal membrane structure, depolarization of membrane potential (P < 0.001), intracellular acidification (P < 0.01) and ROS generation (P < 0.01). Detergent [nonoxynol-9 (N-9)] action was sustainable at > or =0.05% and involved complete breakdown of structural and physiological membrane integrity with ROS generation (P < 0.001). All spermicides caused functional attenuation of sperm without inhibiting motor energetics. Unlike N-9, DSE-37 (vaginal dose, 200 microg) completely inhibited pregnancy in rats and vaginal epithelium was unchanged (24 h,10 mg). CONCLUSIONS The study reveals a unique mechanism of action for DSE spermicides. DSE-37 holds promise as a safe vaginal contraceptive. CDRI Communication No. 7545.