Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Genetic basis for increased intestinal permeability in families with Crohn’s disease: role of CARD15 3020insC mutation?

Background and aim: A genetically impaired intestinal barrier function has long been suspected to be a predisposing factor for Crohn’s disease (CD). Recently, mutations of the capsase recruitment domain family, member 15 (CARD15) gene have been identified and associated with CD. We hypothesise that a CARD15 mutation may be associated with an impaired intestinal barrier. Methods: We studied 128 patients with quiescent CD, 129 first degree relatives (CD-R), 66 non-related household members (CD-NR), and 96 healthy controls. The three most common CARD15 polymorphisms (R702W, G908R, and 3020insC) were analysed and intestinal permeability was determined by the lactulose/mannitol ratio. Results: Intestinal permeability was significantly increased in CD and CD-R groups compared with CD-NR and controls. Values above the normal range were seen in 44% of CD and 26% of CD-R but only in 6% of CD-NR, and in none of the controls. A household community with CD patients, representing a common environment, was not associated with increased intestinal permeability in family members. However, 40% of CD first degree relatives carrying a CARD15 3020insC mutation and 75% (3/4) of those CD-R with combined 3020insC and R702W mutations had increased intestinal permeability compared with only 15% of wild-types, indicating a genetic influence on barrier function. R702W and G908R mutations were not associated with high permeability. Conclusions: In healthy first degree relatives, high mucosal permeability is associated with the presence of a CARD15 3020insC mutation. This indicates that genetic factors may be involved in impairment of intestinal barrier function in families with IBD.
Association of cytochrome P450 1B1 haplotypes with head and neck cancer risk

Genetic polymorphisms have been reported in several cytochrome P450 (CYP) genes, including CYP1B1 which metabolically activates procarcinogens present in tobacco to carcinogenic intermediates. This study used a case–control approach in North Indian population to determine associations between genetic variants in CYP1B1 and risk of Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma (HNSCC). We examined the genotype and haplotype frequencies at various single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), including SNPs previously reported in the promoter region and intron 1 of CYP1B1 in Caucasians. Using cycle sequencing, 9 SNPs were identified in the promoter region, intron 1, and exons 2 and 3. Haplotype analysis revealed that 5 SNPs (those in the promoter region, intron, and Arg48Gly and Ala119Ser in exon 2) were in strong linkage disequilibrium (LD). Cases with the T–A–T–G–T haplotype were significantly associated with increased risk of HNSCC. Interestingly, qRT‐PCR studies revealed a significant increase in mRNA expression of CYP1B1 in peripheral blood isolated from cases with the T–A–T–G–T haplotype compared with cases with the C–G–C–C–G haplotype, and in cases compared to controls for both main haplotypes. The data thus provide evidence that CYP1B1 haplotypes could be more effective in predicting HNSCC risk. Environ. Mol. Mutagen. 58:443–450, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Ultrafiltration and Small Solute Transport at Initiation of PD: Questioning the Paradigm of Peritoneal Function

Background Human peritoneal function on commencing peritoneal dialysis (PD) is not yet adequately understood. The objective of this study was to determine peritoneal functional patterns on commencing PD. Methods 367 end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients on PD for the first time were studied between their initial second to sixth weeks on PD. Urea and creatinine mass transfer area coefficients (MTAC) and standardized ultrafiltration (UF) capacity were determined. Results Mean parametric values were MTAC urea 22.9 ± 7.04 mL/min, MTAC creatinine 10.31 ± 4.68 mL/min, and UF 896 ± 344 mL. Gender, patient size, and diabetes or kidney disease did not affect these parameters. The relationship between values of MTAC creatinine and UF reached statistical significance, although with a low value for Pearson's coefficient (r=–0.30, p = 0.001). Age showed a significant inverse linear correlation with UF capacity (r = –0.15, p = 0.003) and MTAC urea (r = –0.11, p < 0.05). Logistic regression analysis demonstrated that UF below 400 mL was independently related to a high MTAC creatinine and older age. Diabetes was least frequent in patients with the lowest UF. However, in the analysis of MTAC creatinine quintiles, UF values did not follow the expected inverse pattern. The lack of differences in UF between the second and third to fourth MTAC creatinine quintiles is remarkable; MTAC creatinine ranged from 6.71 to 13.54. Conclusions The functional characteristics of human peritoneum varied markedly and there was a less intense than expected relationship between solute and water transports. This mild inverse relationship is intriguing and suggestive of the necessity of redefining some basic concepts. Age was associated with a lower peritoneal UF capacity, in part independently of small solute transport.
Cell cycle regulation of H2b histone octamer DNA-binding activity in Chinese hamster lung fibroblasts

The promoter regions of H2b histone genes contain a 14-base-pair element which includes the octamer ATTTGCAT. Mutational analysis has implicated the octamer element in the cell cycle-dependent expression of H2b histone genes. In this report, we address the question of whether the DNA-binding activity of the octamer transcription factor is itself cell cycle regulated. By using a gel mobility shift assay, we measured the relative amounts of octamer-binding activity during various phases of the cell cycle in serum-synchronized Chinese hamster fibroblasts. We found that the activity increased approximately fivefold between late G1 phase and early S phase and then decreased threefold between late S phase and G2 phase. These cell cycle-dependent changes in octamer DNA-binding activity may in part account for the selective transcription of H2b histone genes in late G1 and S phases.
Abnormal CD40 Ligand (CD154) Expression in Human Immunodeficiency Virus-Infected Children

ABSTRACT The CD40 ligand (CD154), expressed primarily on activated CD4-positive T cells, is a costimulatory molecule involved in B-cell proliferation, germinal center formation, and immunoglobulin class switching. Since B-cell abnormalities including hypergammaglobulinemia and abnormal antibody-specific immune responses are prominent and occur early during the course of pediatric human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, we measured the baseline levels and the induced levels of expression of CD154 on CD3+ CD8− (T helper cells) in HIV-infected children and uninfected children born to HIV-positive mothers. The percentage of CD154+ T helper cells activated in vitro and the level of CD154 expressed per T helper cell (mean fluorescent channel [MFC]) were significantly lower in the HIV-infected children than in the uninfected control group (77% ± 3% versus 89% ± 1%, respectively [P < 0.002], and 261 ± 174 versus 415 ± 130 MFC, respectively [P < 0.03]). The levels of CD154 expressed on resting T helper cells in the HIV-infected group were not significantly different from the levels observed in the control group. In the HIV-infected children, the level of CD154 on activated T helper cells correlated with the level of immunodeficiency, as assessed by the CD4 T-cell levels (correlation coefficient [r] = 0.707,P = 0.003), but did not correlate with the viral load or with any of the serum immunoglobulin concentrations measured in this group of HIV-infected children. The baseline level of CD154 expressed on T helper cells did, however, correlate with the concentration of immunoglobulin A in serum. We conclude that HIV-infected children have impaired regulation of CD154 expression which may contribute to the immune dysregulation commonly observed.
Immigration from China to Canada in the Age of Globalization: Issues of Brain Gain and Brain Loss

Historically, waves of immigrants who contributed to the labour supply needed for agricultural settlement and industrial expansion. Since the end of the Second World War, there has been a change in how immigrantreceiving countries have framed immigrant selection policies. As advanced industrial economies experienced an increased demand for skilled workers, the shift has been to an evaluation of the human capital and skill of prospective immigrants, rather than criteria based on national or racial origin. Under the influence of economic globalization, the recruitment of highly skilled workers has become a more pressing issue for immigrant-receiving countries like Canada and the US. The purpose of this paper is to examine the recent trends of immigration from China to Canada and to analyze the economic worth of human capital transfer to Canada. The paper provides estimates of the value of human capital transfer to Canada as a result of immigration from China, and assesses how the transferred human capital is being evaluated in the Canadian labour market. The analysis suggests that international migration in the global age involves the transference of human capital and the embedded economic value of such capital, but whether this capital is utilized is contingent upon how the labour market of the receiving country can fully recognize the productivity of such labour.
Entrepreneurial intention in the time of crisis: a field study

The aim of the work is to investigate the impact of a prolonged economic recession on the entrepreneurial intentions of young people (university students) distinguishing between propensity to start a new business (i.e. degree of interest in entrepreneurship) and perceived likelihood of becoming an entrepreneur (i.e. probability to succeed). Furthermore we verify if the recession strengthens the orientation to exploit new market opportunities, or simply supports self-employment objectives.Design/methodology/approach–Entrepreneurial intent and feasibility and psycho-social and economic variables concerning a sample of 3684 Italian university students enrolled in 12 different faculties. Information was gathered through questionnaires distributed in both electronic and paper-and-pencil form. Findings–Firstly, we found that while the perceived strength of the economic crisis does not impact on the propensity towards entrepreneurship, it has a negative and highly significant impact on the likelihood to start a business. Secondly, when we distinguished between opportunity-based and necessity-based types, we found that while for the latter the crisis impacts only on the perceived likelihood to become an entrepreneur, for the former it affects both dimensions of entrepreneurship, i.e., both propensity and perceived likelihood. Moreover, neither family support nor economic institutions are perceived as relevant in sustaining entrepreneurial intentions. On the contrary, the university is considered as a key support entity. Originality/value–The present paper is one of the few studies concerning the influence of rapid worsening of external economic context (severe recession) on the entrepreneurial intent. Research limitations–Reliance on cross-sectional questionnaires instead of an experimental design imposes caution about the causal relationships between predictors and entrepreneurial intent
Can smoking and/or occupational UV exposure have any role in the development of the morpheaform basal cell carcinoma? A critical role for peritumoral mast cells

Background The stroma of basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is rich in mast cells. Morpheaform BCC has been reported to contain many more mast cells than the other types of BCC. However, pathogenesis and clinical relevance of this observation are currently unclear. Smoking and ultraviolet (UV) exposure have recently been suggested to be related to the development of morpheaform BCC.
A Reproductive Fitness Cost Associated with Hessian Fly (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) Virulence to Wheat's H Gene-Mediated Resistance

ABSTRACT We studied whether adaptation of the Hessian fly, Mayetiola destructor (Say) (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae), to plant resistance incurs fitness costs. In this gene-for-gene interaction, adaptation to a single H resistance gene occurs via loss of a single effector encoded by an Avirulence gene. By losing the effector, the adapted larva now survives on the H gene plant, presumably because it evades the plant's H gene-mediated surveillance system. The problem is the Hessian fly larva needs its effectors for colonization. Thus, for adapted individuals, there may be a cost for losing the effector, with this then creating a trade-off between surviving on H-resistant plants and growing on plants that lack H genes. In two different tests, we used wheat lacking H genes to compare the survival and growth of a nonadapted strain to two H-adapted strains. The two adapted strains differed in that one had been selected for adaptation to H9, whereas the other strain had been selected for adaptation to H13. Tests showed that two H-adapted strains were similar to the nonadapted strain in egg-to-adult survival but that they differed in producing adults with smaller wings. By using known relationships between wing length and reproductive potential, we found that losses in wing length underestimate losses in reproductive potential. For example, H9- and H13-adapted females had 9 and 3% wing losses, respectively, but they were estimated to have 32 and 12% losses in egg production. Fitness costs of adaptation will be investigated further via selection experiments comparing Avirulence allele frequencies for Hessian fly populations exposed or not exposed to H genes.
Depression in Patients with Parkinsonism

Summary Forty-five patients with parkinsonism were carefully matched for age and sex with 45 chronically disabled control patients with a significantly more severe grade of physical handicap. Depression was measured by the Hamilton Rating Scale, and it was found that the parkinsonian group was very significantly more depressed than the control group (p < 0.0001). Depression scores in both groups were unaffected by the patient's sex or by the severity of the disability. Analysis of the individual ratings of the Hamilton Scale showed that parkinsonian patients had significantly higher scores on items relating to suicide, work and interests, retardation, psychic anxiety, general somatic symptoms, and loss of insight. It was concluded that patients with parkinsonism suffer a degree of depression which cannot be solely a reaction to the stress of physical disability. This finding is discussed with reference to the monoamine hypothesis of depressive illness.
Azospirillum agricola sp. nov., a nitrogen-fixing species isolated from cultivated soil.

A polyphasic approach was used to characterize a novel nitrogen-fixing bacterial strain, designated CC-HIH038T, isolated from cultivated soil in Taiwan. Cells of strain CC-HIH038T were Gram-stain-negative, facultatively aerobic and spiral-shaped, with motility provided by a single polar flagellum. The 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis of strain CC-HIH038T showed highest sequence similarity to Azospirillum doebereinerae (98.0 %), Azospirillum thiophilum (97.5 %), Azospirillum rugosum (97.4 %) and Azospirillum zeae (97.2 %) and lower sequence similarity ( < 97.0 %) to all other species of the genus Azospirillum. According to DNA-DNA association, the relatedness values of strain CC-HIH038T with A. doebereinerae, A. thiophilum, A. rugosum and A. zeae were 51.8 %, 41.2 %, 56.5 % and 37.5 %, respectively. Strain CC-HIH038T was able to grow at 20-37 °C and pH 7.0-8.0. Strain CC-HIH038T gave positive amplification for dinitrogen reductase (nifH gene); the activity was recorded as 8.4 nmol ethylene h- 1. The predominant quinone system was ubiquinone Q-10 and the DNA G+C content was 68.8 mol%. The major fatty acids found in strain CC-HIH038T were C16 : 0, iso-C18 : 0, C16 : 0 3-OH, C14 : 0 3-OH/iso-C16 : 1 and C18 : 1ω7c/C18 : 1ω6c. Based on the distinct phylogenetic, phenotypic and chemotaxonomic traits together with results of comparative 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis, strain CC-HIH038T is considered to represent a novel species in the genus Azospirillum, for which the name Azospirillum agricola sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is CC-HIH038T ( = BCRC 80909T = JCM 30827T).
Estrogens modulate experimentally induced apoptosis of granule cells in the adult hippocampus

Estrogens are known to have broad effects on neuronal plasticity, but their specific role in neuronal cell death has not been determined. In the present study, we investigated the effects of β‐estradiol on an experimental model of apoptosis of granule cells of the dentate gyrus, i.e., apoptosis induced by intraventricular injection of the microtubule polymerization inhibitor colchicine. Cell death was characterized with multiple methods, including TUNEL and DNA electrophoresis. Nonrandom digestion of DNA was observed within 8–10 hours after colchicine injection, followed by condensation and fragmentation of granule cell nuclei and extensive anterograde degeneration of mossy fibers/terminals in 2 days. We compared the outcomes of the above‐described manipulation in ovariectomized or sham‐operated rats and animals treated daily with β‐estradiol or vehicle. Animals were lesioned with colchicine or vehicle 2 weeks after ovariectomy or sham operation. β‐Estradiol or vehicle was administered for 1 week prior to lesion and was continued for a further 2 weeks. Total numbers and densities of granule cells in different animal groups were counted by stereology in various anteroposterior levels of the hippocampus. Our results show that ovariectomy intensifies colchicine‐induced granule cell apoptosis, which is ameliorated by exogenous β‐estradiol. In doses that ameliorate the adverse effect of ovariectomy, exogenous β‐estradiol appears to have no effect of preventing granule cell death in animals with intact ovaries; i.e., an estrogen excess is not more neuroprotective than physiological levels of these hormones. Taken together, our results indicate that estrogen deprivation increases the vulnerability of hippocampal neurons to injury and may predispose to neurological diseases occurring after menopause. J. Comp. Neurol. 441:1–8, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Climate-Change Communication Within Public Natural Resource Agencies: Lessons Learned From the U.S. Forest Service

ABSTRACT By analyzing interview and survey data from U.S. Forest Service employees, we examined the strategies used for communicating about climate change within the agency and their effectiveness from the perspective of agency employees. We found a limited awareness among employees regarding climate policy. We found that horizontal information flow through informal social networks was an important way in which climate-change information was communicated. We also found a lack of confidence among employees in their ability to provide feedback to agency leadership. Our results suggest that (1) agency leadership’s ability to set priorities and deliver positive vision is important for increasing employee awareness and inspiring actions, (2) the agency could play a role in facilitating formal and informal networking among employees, and (3) using advanced information technologies may contribute to information flow horizontally and vertically, formally and informally.
Towards a Long-Term Strategy for Voluntary-Based Internal Radiation Contamination Monitoring: Representativeness of the Monitoring Results in Fukushima, Japan

Following Japan’s 2011 Fukushima nuclear incident, voluntary participation, rather than mandatory, was adopted as the default scenario for individual radiation monitoring. We evaluated the representativeness of the internal monitoring results from voluntary participants in Minamisoma City, which is located 10–40 km from the Fukushima nuclear plant. Of approximately 70,000 individuals who were residing in Minamisoma City before the incident, a total of 19,263 residents (aged ≥21 years) participated in the monitoring from 1 October 2011 to 31 March 2015. Based on regression projection techniques with the available data obtained from the voluntary participants, the modeled probabilities of radiocesium (Cs) detection in October 2011 for Cs-137 and Cs-134 were 66.9% and 52.9%, respectively, which declined dramatically within a year following the incident. The rate of decline had stagnated since mid-2012, and the probability was close to zero after mid-2014. Sufficient agreement between the modeled probabilities of Cs detection (for the whole population) versus the measured Cs levels (for voluntary participants) was observed, except for Cs-134 in October 2011, indicating that the voluntary monitoring participant group was a good representative sample. Our findings affirmed the clinical importance of voluntary-based monitoring as a screening and dose-assessment tool in a post-nuclear incident. Our study informs societal decision-making regarding the long-term maintenance of the monitoring program under the current low exposure levels.
Pseudomonas savastanoi pv. savastanoi Contains Two iaaL Paralogs, One of Which Exhibits a Variable Number of a Trinucleotide (TAC) Tandem Repeat

ABSTRACT In this study, Pseudomonas savastanoi pv. savastanoi isolates were demonstrated to contain two iaaL paralogs, which are both chromosomally located in most strains. Comparative analysis of iaaL nucleotide sequences amplified from these two paralogs revealed that one paralog, iaaLPsn, is 100% identical to iaaL from P. savastanoi pv. nerii, while the other paralog, iaaLPsv, exhibited 93% identity to iaaL from Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato (iaaLPto). A 3-nucleotide motif (TAC) comprised of 3 to 15 repeats, which remained stable after propagation of the strains in olive plants, was found in iaaLPsv. Based on the observed nucleotide sequence variations, a restriction fragment length polymorphism assay was developed that allowed differentiation among iaaLPsn, iaaLPsv, and iaaLPto. In addition, reverse transcriptase PCR on total RNA from P. savastanoi pv. savastanoi strains demonstrated that both iaaLPsv and iaaLPsn containing 14 or fewer TAC repeats are transcribed. Capillary electrophoresis analysis of PCR-amplified DNA fragments containing the TAC repeats from iaaLPsv allowed the differentiation of P. savastanoi pv. savastanoi isolates.
Migration, displacement and identity in post-Soviet Russia

Figures and tables, Acknowledgements, Part 1: Policy and Practice - The Formation of the Russian Migration Regime, 1. Introduction, 2. Redrawing a nation's borders, 3. The legislative framework, 4. The institutional framework, 5. Putting policy into practice, Part Two: Going Home? Social and Cultural Adaptation of Refugees and Forced Migrants, Introduction: Into the field. , 6. More push than pull? , 7.Surviving the drop, 8. 'Us and them', 9. The 'other' Russians, 10. Conclusion, Bibliography, Index