Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Clarion call for histopathological clot analysis in “cryptogenic” ischemic stroke: implications for diagnosis and treatment

Diagnosis, treatment, and secondary management of cryptogenic stroke patients pose a formidable challenge. The scenario is further complicated in patients with native and prosthetic valvular heart disease. We present a case study of a 36‐year‐old man who received intravenous thrombolysis (IV‐tPA) and endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) for presumed “cryptogenic” complete middle cerebral artery infarction who made a surprisingly excellent clinical recovery despite poor baseline and postintervention neuroimaging. Retrospective gram stain of his clot confirmed a diagnosis of infective endocarditis. This raises an important issue regarding need for more routine histopathological analysis of clot retrieved after EVT in “cryptogenic” stroke patients particularly those with valvular heart disease.
Generalized 'write-once' memories

Storage media such as digital optical discs, PROM's, or punched cards consist of a number of write-once bit positions (WIT's); each WIT initially contains a "0" that may later be irreversibly overwritten with a "r'. Rivest and Shamir have shown that such write-once memories (WOM's) can be reused very efficiently. Generalized WOM's are considered, in which the basic storage element has more than two possible states and the legal state transitions are described by an arbitrary directed acyclic graph. The capabilities of such memories depend on the depth of the graphs rather than on their size, and the decision problem associated with the generalized WOM's in NP-hard even for 3 -ary symbols rewritten several times or multiple values rewritten once.
Phenolic Contents and Antioxidant Properties of Stenochlaena Palustris, an Edible Medicinal Fern

Stenochlaena palustris is an edible fern that is used as vegetable and in traditional medicine. This study assessed the total polyphenol, flavonoid, hydroxycinnamic acid and anthocyanin contents, as well as radical scavenging, ferric reducing and metal chelating activities of the extracts of S. palustris. The four extracts analysed were prepared from the young sterile, mature sterile, young fertile, and mature fertile fronds of the fern. The extract of mature sterile frond had the highest contents of total polyphenols (51.69mg/g dry matter), flavonoids (58.05mg/g dry matter), and hydroxycinnamic acids (48.80mg/g dry matter). The extract of the edible young sterile frond contained 20-fold more anthocyanins (51.32mg/100 g dry matter) compared with the other extracts. Overall, total polyphenol contents correlated strongly and positively with radical scavenging activity (R^2=0.968) and ferric reducing activity (R^2=0.960), but only moderately with metal chelating activity (R^2=0.446). Anthocyanin content and high specific metal chelating activity of the edible young sterile frond highlight the potential of the fern as a functional food. On the other hand, the mature sterile frond, with its high phenolic contents, potent effectiveness as reductants and year-round availability, represents a potential source of natural antioxidants.
The Hematopoietic Transcription Factor AML1(RUNX1) Is Negatively Regulated by the Cell Cycle ProteinCyclinD3

ABSTRACT The family of cyclin D proteins plays a crucial role in the early events of the mammalian cell cycle. Recent studies have revealed the involvement of AML1 transactivation activity in promoting cell cycle progression through the induction of cyclin D proteins. This information in combination with our previous observation that a region in AML1 between amino acids 213 and 289 is important for its function led us to investigate prospective proteins associating with this region. We identified cyclin D3 by a yeast two-hybrid screen and detected AML1 interaction with the cyclin D family by both in vitro pull-down and in vivo coimmunoprecipitation assays. Furthermore, we demonstrate that cyclin D3 negatively regulates the transactivation activity of AML1 in a dose-dependent manner by competing with CBFβ for AML1 association, leading to a decreased binding affinity of AML1 for its target DNA sequence. AML1 and its fusion protein AML1-ETO have been shown to shorten and prolong the mammalian cell cycle, respectively. In addition, AML1 promotes myeloid cell differentiation. Thus, our observations suggest that the direct association of cyclin D3 with AML1 functions as a putative feedback mechanism to regulate cell cycle progression and differentiation.
Structure of the rare archaeal biosphere and seasonal dynamics of active ecotypes in surface coastal waters

Marine Archaea are important players among microbial plankton and significantly contribute to biogeochemical cycles, but details regarding their community structure and long-term seasonal activity and dynamics remain largely unexplored. In this study, we monitored the interannual archaeal community composition of abundant and rare biospheres in northwestern Mediterranean Sea surface waters by pyrosequencing 16S rDNA and rRNA. A detailed analysis of the rare biosphere structure showed that the rare archaeal community was composed of three distinct fractions. One contained the rare Archaea that became abundant at different times within the same ecosystem; these cells were typically not dormant, and we hypothesize that they represent a local seed bank that is specific and essential for ecosystem functioning through cycling seasonal environmental conditions. The second fraction contained cells that were uncommon in public databases and not active, consisting of aliens to the studied ecosystem and representing a nonlocal seed bank of potential colonizers. The third fraction contained Archaea that were always rare but actively growing; their affiliation and seasonal dynamics were similar to the abundant microbes and could not be considered a seed bank. We also showed that the major archaeal groups, Thaumarchaeota marine group I and Euryarchaeota group II.B in winter and Euryarchaeota group II.A in summer, contained different ecotypes with varying activities. Our findings suggest that archaeal diversity could be associated with distinct metabolisms or life strategies, and that the rare archaeal biosphere is composed of a complex assortment of organisms with distinct histories that affect their potential for growth.
Green tea in transdermal formulation: HPLC method for quality control and in vitro drug release assays

RP-HPLC based analytical method for use in both quality control of green tea in a semisolid formulation and for in vitro drug release assays was developed and validated. The method was precise (CV 0.99), robust, and specific for the determination of epigallocatechin 3-gallate (EGCG), caffeine (CAF), and gallic acid (GA). In a diffusion cell chamber, the release rate of EGCG was 8896.01 µg cm-2. This data showed that EGCG will be able to exert its systemic activity when delivered though the transdermal formulation, due to its good flux rates with the synthetic membrane.
The problem of management and monitoring in distributed telecommunication systems

This paper considers the problem of managing and maintaining the quality in communication networks. The significance of the end-to-end quality control on all network layers is shown. The problem of projection of the quality of experience requirements posed by customers on the plane of quality of service metrics is stated. Multilevel quality relationship model corresponding to the current state-of-the-art is proposed. Problems of implementation of network management and monitoring services in systems based on peer-to-peer approach are shown.
The Effect of E-Procurement Value to Supply Chain Performance : Supply Chain Integration view

This study aims to explore the effects of participant motive, system integration, and value-added services on supply chain performance, and the role of E-Procurement Value as a mediating role. We collected data via a cross-industry questionnaire, with total 127 survey instruments available. We analyzed our data using regression model. The results show that participant motive, system integration, and value-added services have a positive effect on E-Procurement Value and further affect the supply chain performance.
Determination of the Volatile Fatty Acid Content in the Rumen Liquid: Comparison of Gas Chromatography and Capillary Isotachophoresis

Two analytical procedures for determining volatile fatty acids in the rumen liquid were compared: capillary isotachophoresis (ITP) and gas chromatography. Acetic acid, propionic acid, butyric and valeric acids were determined. No significant differences (n = 53, P ≥ 0.05) have been identified in the amounts of acetic and propionic acids and the results are highly consistent. For butyric acid, the method of gas chromatography yielded higher results with a constant error of approximately 0.5 mmol/l in the whole range of concentration. In terms of diagnostics, however, this size of error is non-significant. In the case of valeric acid a proportional error was found. Gas chromatography yielded higher values, the difference being greater for the low values while for the higher values the results are almost identical. However, valeric acid is a minor acid and its determination is of secondary significance to rumen fermentation assessment. The gas chromatography method is able to clearly differentiate between n and iso forms in the case of butyric and valeric acids. It can be stated that the two analytical methods yield comparable results and both can be used for the needs of practical diagnostics. 6-aminocaproic acid, FFAP capillary column, acetic acid, butyric acid The analysis of volatile fatty acids (VFA) - acetic, propionic, butyric and valeric acids - in the rumen is of considerable clinical and diagnostic significance. To a large degree, it characterizes the metabolism of saccharides and nitrogen substances in the ruminant forestomach environment. The VFA determination can detect different disorders already at the subclinical stage and in this way enable timely and effective action. This is especially important with regard to large-scale breeding where prevention is much more efficient and economical than subsequent treatment. Numerous production diseases are caused mainly by flaws in dietetics and feeding technology, unbalanced feed rations, organic acid surplus in silage and haylage, and feeding non-wholesome or toxic feeds to animals. It is mostly in such cases that the VFA analysis as an integral part of the metabolic profile of the rumen liquid proves irreplaceable and provides valuable evidence (Dvořak et al. 1997; Jagos et
Serotonin modulation of cerebral blood flow measured with positron emission tomography (PET) in humans

To develop a method to measure the dynamic response of the serotonin system in vivo, the effects of intravenously administered citalopram (the most selective of the serotonin reuptake inhibitors) or clomipramine on cerebral blood flow (CBF) were evaluated. CBF was measured with positron emission tomography (PET) in 27 normal subjects scanned under baseline conditions and, on the same day, after an intravenous (IV) infusion of placebo, citalopram, or clomipramine using a randomized, double‐blind design. The main effects of the drugs on blood flow occurred in the thalamus, hypothalamus, and cingulate cortex. Compared to placebo, clomipramine reduced blood flow in the mediodorsal and ventral lateral nuclei of the thalamus, whereas citalopram reduced blood flow in the pulvinar nucleus and the hypothalamus. Compared to clomipramine, citalopram decreased blood flow in the cingulate cortex. The findings support previous reports showing acute central effects of citalopram and clomipramine on regional serotonergic functions measured by PET. Acute side effects may, however, require that care is taken in the selection of experimental designs for future PET studies using IV administration of these antidepressants. Synapse 55:224–229, 2005. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Echinostoma caproni and E. trivolvis alter the binding of glycoconjugates in the intestinal mucosa of C3H mice as determined by lectin histochemistry

Abstract Mouse (C3H) mucosal glycoconjugates were examined in normal small intestines and intestines infected with Echinostoma caproni, or E. trivolvis using six different fluorescein-conjugated lectins: Triticum, vulgaris agglutinin (WGA), Ulex europaeus agglutinin I (UEA-I), Ricinus communis agglutinin I (RCA-I). Glycine max soybean agglutinin (SBA), Dolichos biflorus agglutinin (DBA), and Arachis hypogaeu peanut agglutinin (PNA). The expression of lectin-binding sites and the intensity of the binding of lectins in the mouse small intestines were changed by infection with the echinostomes. Specific differences in the reaction to glycoproteins were clearly observed between the mouse intestines infected with E. caproni and those infected with E. trivolvis. In E. caproni infection, binding of most of the lectins to the villi was remarkably reduced in accord with the villous atrophy and loss of goblet cells. In contrast, in E. trivolvis infection, the binding of WGA, RCA-I and DBA was reduced in the microvillar surfaces, but binding of UEA-I and SBA were unchanged compared to the control intestines. The lectin binding to goblet cells in E. trivolvis-infected mice mostly increased. These observations may reflect the marked increase in goblet cells and the less severe damage in the villi of E. trivolvis infection compared to E. caproni infection. Most of the glycoconjugates were slightly reduced in the hyperplastic crypts except for N-acetyl glucosamine. It is possible that glucose metabolism in the host intestines infected with E. trivolvis was activated. resulting in an increase in the rate of mucin synthesis as well as qualitative changes in mucus, thereby mediating the expulsion of the worms.
Using the shortwave infrared to image middle ear pathologies

Significance Imaging with shortwave infrared (SWIR) light has great potential for visualizing biological structures previously undetectable with visible light. To demonstrate the clinical potential of SWIR imaging, we developed a medical otoscope sensitive to SWIR light. We show that the unique transmission of SWIR light through tissue improves resolution of anatomical structures lying behind thin tissue membranes like the ear drum. We therefore significantly improve imaging of underlying middle ear anatomy. SWIR imaging also allows identification of disease characterized by fluid accumulation, as in the diagnosis of otitis media. With successful diagnosis of otitis media estimated at 51% for US pediatricians, objectifying this diagnosis could curb the antibiotic resistance associated with an estimated 2 million overdiagnoses each year. Visualizing structures deep inside opaque biological tissues is one of the central challenges in biomedical imaging. Optical imaging with visible light provides high resolution and sensitivity; however, scattering and absorption of light by tissue limits the imaging depth to superficial features. Imaging with shortwave infrared light (SWIR, 1–2 μm) shares many advantages of visible imaging, but light scattering in tissue is reduced, providing sufficient optical penetration depth to noninvasively interrogate subsurface tissue features. However, the clinical potential of this approach has been largely unexplored because suitable detectors, until recently, have been either unavailable or cost prohibitive. Here, taking advantage of newly available detector technology, we demonstrate the potential of SWIR light to improve diagnostics through the development of a medical otoscope for determining middle ear pathologies. We show that SWIR otoscopy has the potential to provide valuable diagnostic information complementary to that provided by visible pneumotoscopy. We show that in healthy adult human ears, deeper tissue penetration of SWIR light allows better visualization of middle ear structures through the tympanic membrane, including the ossicular chain, promontory, round window niche, and chorda tympani. In addition, we investigate the potential for detection of middle ear fluid, which has significant implications for diagnosing otitis media, the overdiagnosis of which is a primary factor in increased antibiotic resistance. Middle ear fluid shows strong light absorption between 1,400 and 1,550 nm, enabling straightforward fluid detection in a model using the SWIR otoscope. Moreover, our device is easily translatable to the clinic, as the ergonomics, visual output, and operation are similar to a conventional otoscope.
Evolution of Sound Source Localization Circuits in the Nonmammalian Vertebrate Brainstem

The earliest vertebrate ears likely subserved a gravistatic function for orientation in the aquatic environment. However, in addition to detecting acceleration created by the animal's own movements, the otolithic end organs that detect linear acceleration would have responded to particle movement created by external sources. The potential to identify and localize these external sources may have been a major selection force in the evolution of the early vertebrate ear and in the processing of sound in the central nervous system. The intrinsic physiological polarization of sensory hair cells on the otolith organs confers sensitivity to the direction of stimulation, including the direction of particle motion at auditory frequencies. In extant fishes, afferents from otolithic end organs encode the axis of particle motion, which is conveyed to the dorsal regions of first-order octaval nuclei. This directional information is further enhanced by bilateral computations in the medulla and the auditory midbrain. We propose that similar direction-sensitive neurons were present in the early aquatic tetrapods and that selection for sound localization in air acted upon preexisting brain stem circuits like those in fishes. With movement onto land, the early tetrapods may have retained some sensitivity to particle motion, transduced by bone conduction, and later acquired new auditory papillae and tympanic hearing. Tympanic hearing arose in parallel within each of the major tetrapod lineages and would have led to increased sensitivity to a broader frequency range and to modification of the preexisting circuitry for sound source localization.
Some Psychological Aspects of Tinnitus

Tinnitus rarely can be cured. The patient, however, needs help to avoid countless ineffective treatments and considerable cost. The clinical examination of patients with severe and chronic tinnitus must include associated psychological disturbances. After all medical and audiological treatments have failed, tinnitus patients often are advised to “learn to live with it. ” The aim of psychosocial treatment is assisting patients in the identification of aggravating factors in tinnitus and teaching them various coping skills.
A Practitioner-Oriented Decision Support Process for Forestry Pest Management

The article discusses a new decision support process for forestry pest management. Over the past few years, DSS have been introduced for forestry pest management, providing forest growers with advice in areas such as selecting the most suitable pesticide and relevant treatment. Most of the initiatives process knowledge from various domains for providing support for specific decision making problems. However, very few studies have identified the requirements of developing a combined process model in which all relevant practitioners can contribute and share knowledge for effective decision making; such an approach would need to include the decision makers’ perspective along with other relevant attributes such as the problem context and relevant policies. We outline a decision support process for forestry pest management, based on the design science research paradigm, in which a focus group technique has application to acquire both expert and practical knowledge in order to construct the DSS solution.
Zinc-deficient Rats Are Insensitive to Glucoprivation Caused by 2-deoxy-D-glucose

Three-choice macronutrient intake studies indicate that zinc-deficient (Zn—) rats selectively decrease intake of carbohydrate. Because glucoprivic stimuli increase food intake and selection for carbohydrate, the ability of Zn—rats to respond to glucoprivation induced by 2-deoxy-D-glucose (2-DG) was tested. Rats were fed a Znadequate (Zn+) or Zn—diet. In part 1, rats were challenged with 0, 250, or 400 mg 2-DG/kg BW (i.p.) after zinc deficiency was established. In part 2, rats received saline or 2-DG while zinc deficiency was being induced and then after deficiency was established. Food intake was increased after injection of 2-DG to Zn+ rats; however, food intake was not higher after 2-DG administration to Zn—rats. A dose-response test for 2-DG further confirmed these results. In part 2, it was found that Zn—rats lose the response to 2-DG administration when zinc deficiency-induced anorexia begins, after 3 days of consuming a zinc-deficient diet. It appears that the ability to sense blood glucose concentrations may be impaired during zinc deficiency, and this impairment could be a part of the anorexia that develops during zinc deficiency in the rat.
[Agreement and repeatability of central corneal thickness measurement using the Pentacam and ultrasound pachymetry].

OBJECTIVE To compare the agreement and repeatability of the OCULUS Pentacam (a new Scheimpflug-based imaging system) with ultrasound pachymetry in the measurement of central corneal thickness (CCT). METHODS Central corneal thickness was measured in 112 subjects (112 eyes) separately by two examiners, first using the Pentacam instrument, then using an ultrasonic pachymetry. Measurements were repeated 3 times for each pachymetry. RESULTS Mean values of CCT for each instrument were (538.63 ± 31.55) µm and (541.02 ± 30.45) µm using the Pentacam and the ultrasonic pachymeter, respectively. The difference is significant between the two instruments (t = -3.414, P = 0.001), the mean value of the difference is (-2.39 ± 7.42) µm. The Bland-Altman Plots displayed relatively good agreement (limits of agreement were -16.93 µm to 12.15 µm) between the two instruments. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) of the two devices showed high repeatability (Separately 0.86 and 0.88). CONCLUSIONS The agreement between the Pentacam instrument and the ultrasonic pachymetry was good, and the repeatability was also good for both instruments independently, however it is needed to increase measure times to improve the repeatability of the Pentacam which is a promising new instrument for anterior eye evaluation.