Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Identification of cancer stem cells in vincristine preconditioned SGC7901 gastric cancer cell line

Cancer stem cells (CSCs), or tumor initiating cells, are a subpopulation of cancer cells with self‐renewal and differentiation properties. However, there has been no direct observation of the properties of gastric CSCs in vitro. Here we describe a vincristine (VCR)‐preconditioning approach to obtain cancer stem‐like cells (CSLCs) from the gastric cancer cell line SGC7901. The CSLCs displayed mesenchymal characteristics, including the up‐regulated mesenchymal markers Snail, Twist, and vimentin, and the down‐regulated epithelial marker E‐cadherin. Using a Matrigel‐based differentiation assay, CSLCs formed 2D tube‐like and 3D complex lumen‐like structures, which resembled differentiated gastric crypts. The characteristic of cellular differentiation was also found by transmission electron microscopy and up‐regulation of gastrointestinal genes CDX2 and SOX2. We further showed that CSLCs could self‐renew through significant asymmetric division compared with parent cells by tracing PKH‐26, BrdU, and EDU label‐retaining cells. In addition, these CSLCs also increased expression of CD44, CD90, and CXCR4 at the mRNA level, which was identified as novel targets. Furthermore, drug sensitivity assays and xenograft experiments demonstrated that the cells developed multi‐drug resistance (MDR) and significant tumorigenicity in vivo. In summary, gastric CSCs were identified from VCR‐preconditioned SGC7901 cell line, characterized by high tumorigenicity and the capacity for self‐renewal and differentiation. J. Cell. Biochem. 113: 302–312, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Human umbilical cord Wharton's jelly stem cells and its conditioned medium support hematopoietic stem cell expansion ex vivo

Bone marrow mesenchymal stromal cells (BMMSCs) have been used as feeder support for the ex vivo expansion of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) but have the limitations of painful harvest, morbidity, and risk of infection to the patient. This prompted us to explore the use of human umbilical cord Wharton's jelly MSCs (hWJSCs) and its conditioned medium (hWJSC‐CM) for ex vivo expansion of HSCs in allogeneic and autologous settings because hWJSCs can be harvested in abundance painlessly, are proliferative, hypoimmunogenic, and secrete a variety of unique proteins. In the presence of hWJSCs and hWJSC‐CM, HSCs put out pseudopodia‐like outgrowths and became highly motile. Time lapse imaging showed that the outgrowths helped them to migrate towards and attach to the upper surfaces of hWJSCs and undergo proliferation. After 9 days of culture in the presence of hWJSCs and hWJSC‐CM, MTT, and Trypan blue assays showed significant increases in HSC numbers, and FACS analysis generated significantly greater numbers of CD34+ cells compared to controls. hWJSC‐CM produced the highest number of colonies (CFU assay) and all six classifications of colony morphology typical of hematopoiesis were observed. Proteomic analysis of hWJSC‐CM showed significantly greater levels of interleukins (IL‐1a, IL‐6, IL‐7, and IL‐8), SCF, HGF, and ICAM‐1 compared to controls suggesting that they may be involved in the HSC multiplication. We propose that cord blood banks freeze autologous hWJSCs and umbilical cord blood (UCB) from the same umbilical cord at the same time for the patient for future ex vivo HSC expansion and cell‐based therapies. J. Cell. Biochem. 113: 658–668, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
AMPK promotes skeletal muscle autophagy through activation of forkhead FoxO3a and interaction with Ulk1

In skeletal muscle, protein levels are determined by relative rates of protein synthesis and breakdown. The balance between synthesis and degradation of intracellular components determines the overall muscle fiber size. AMP‐activated protein kinase (AMPK), a sensor of cellular energy status, was recently shown to increase myofibrillar protein degradation through the expression of MAFbx and MuRF1. In the present study, the effect of AMPK activation by AICAR on autophagy was investigated in muscle cells. Our results show that FoxO3a transcription factor activation by AMPK induces the expression of the autophagy‐related proteins LC3B‐II, Gabarapl1, and Beclin1 in primary mouse skeletal muscle myotubes and in the Tibialis anterior (TA) muscle. Time course studies reveal that AMPK activation by AICAR leads to a transient nuclear relocalization of FoxO3a followed by an increase of its cytosolic level. Moreover, AMPK activation leads to the inhibition of mTORC1 and its subsequent dissociation of Ulk1, Atg13, and FIP200 complex. Interestingly, we identify Ulk1 as a new interacting partner of AMPK in muscle cells and we show that Ulk1 is associated with AMPK under normal conditions and dissociates from AMPK during autophagy process. Moreover, we find that AMPK phosphorylates FoxO3a and Ulk1. In conclusion, our data show that AMPK activation stimulates autophagy in skeletal muscle cells through its effects on the transcriptional function of FoxO3a and takes part in the initiation of autophagosome formation by interacting with Ulk1. Here, we present new evidences that AMPK plays a crucial role in the fine tuning of protein expression programs that control skeletal muscle mass. J. Cell. Biochem. 113: 695–710, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Endothelium-derived relaxing factor and protection against contraction to norepinephrine in isolated canine and human coronary arteries

Canine and human coronary artery rings were studied in organ baths to determine if endothelium-derived relaxing factor (EDRF) modulated the responses to norepinephrine in the same way in both species. In both canine and human preparations, incubated with propranolol (3 μM) and prazosin (1 μM), and contracted with prostaglandin F 2a (PGF 2a ), norepinephrine (0.01-10 μM) induced endothelium-dependent relaxations that were significantly higher in canine preparations than in human preparations (maximal response: 88±5 vs. 32±7%).
Determinants of the specificity of protease‐activated receptors 1 and 2 signaling by factor Xa and thrombin

Factor Xa (FXa) elicits intracellular signaling responses through the activation of protease‐activated receptor 2 (PAR2) and possibly also through PAR1 in endothelial cells. In this study, we investigated FXa signaling in endothelial cells when the protease was either in free form or assembled into the prothrombinase complex. Furthermore, we prepared several wild‐type and mutant PAR1 and PAR2 cleavage‐reporter constructs in which their exodomains were fused to cDNA encoding for a soluble alkaline phosphatase (ALP). In the mutants, P2 residues were exchanged between PAR1 and PAR2 cleavage‐reporter constructs and the hirudin‐like binding site (HLBS) of PAR1 was inserted into the homologous site of PAR2. In non‐transfected cells, FXa elicited a protective response which could be blocked by a specific anti‐PAR2 but not by an anti‐PAR1 antibody. A similar protective activity was observed for FXa in the prothrombinase complex. Further studies revealed that neither the Gla‐ nor EGF1‐domain of FXa is required for its signaling activity, however, the N‐terminus Arg‐86 and Lys‐87 of the EGF2‐domain were essential. In the cleavage‐reporter transfected cells, FXa cleaved the PAR2 construct effectively, however, replacing its P2‐Gly with P2‐Pro of PAR1 impaired its cleavage by FXa but improved it by thrombin. A PAR2 construct containing both P2‐Pro and HLBS of PAR1 was poorly cleaved by FXa, but effectively by thrombin. A PAR1 construct containing P2 and P3 residues of PAR2 was poorly cleaved by thrombin but effectively by FXa. These results provide new insight into mechanisms through which coagulation proteases specifically interact with their target PAR receptors. J. Cell. Biochem. 113: 977–984, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Periodontal health status of pregnant women attending various government hospitals in Faridabad city, Haryana, India.

Aims: The aim of the present study was to find out the periodontal health status among pregnant women attending various government hospitals in Faridabad city. Methodology: This was a descriptive cross sectional single study carried on 800 pregnant women attending various government hospitals in Faridabad city, Haryana. The format consisted of a questionnaire to assess the demographic profile, type of diet, trimester, number of pregnancies, and medical complications if any, perceived oral health problems, oral hygiene attitudes, oral hygiene practices and visit to dentist. The type III clinical examination of all the subjects was done by a single examiner using Plane mouth mirrors and CPITN probe within the Gynaecology section of the hospitals. Original Research Article British Journal of Medicine & Medical Research, 4(15): 2969-2982, 2014 2970 Periodontal health status was assessed by Community Periodontal index and Loss of attachment index. Results: Mean age of study participants was 24.53±4.23. More subjects were in third trimester (62.96%). A highest CPI score 2 was found among 53% subjects, where as score 3 was seen among 44.25% and score 4, among 2.75% subjects. Mean number of sextants recorded with CPI score of 2 were 4.06. 78.5% subjects used toothbrush and 81.25% toothpaste for oral hygiene maintenance. Conclusion: Overall prevalence of periodontitis was 47% and increased with poor oral hygiene practices, thus requiring the necessity of interventions and preventions.
Non‐coding RNAs as theranostics in human cancers

Theranostics was coined originally as a term used to describe a system that combines diagnosis and therapy, aiming to provide the tools for personalized medicine. This review reasserts the grounds for regarding non‐coding RNAs (ncRNA) as theranostics in human cancers. The microRNAs (miRNAs) are the most well studied ncRNAs in recent years; their pivotal role in orchestrating tumor initiation and progression has been confirmed in all types of cancers. Hence, these small ncRNAs have emerged as attractive therapeutic targets and diagnostic tool. Various approaches to use their therapeutic potential have been taken, here we summarize the most important ones. In the near future, the focus of theranostics will be shifted towards longer and mechanistically more versatile ncRNAs, and we included some recent advances supporting this view. J. Cell. Biochem. 113: 1451–1459, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Current Practice of Forceps and Vacuum Deliveries by Nigerian Obstetricians

Obstetricians should be competent and confident in the use of both the forceps and vacuum extractor to assist vaginal delivery. Objective : To asses the current practice of forceps and vacuum deliveries by Nigerian Obstetricians. Methodology: A self administered questionnaire survey of 57 Obstetricians that attended the 6th International Congress of the Society of Gynaecology and Obstetrics of Nigeria (SOGON) held in Abuja in November 2002. Results: Most (94.7%) of the Obstetricians surveyed performed these deliveries. The vacuum extractor was used by slightly more Obstetricians (81.5% compared to 79.6% using the forceps). The mean number of forceps and vacuum deliveries performed annually were 17.44 + 16.84 and 9.30 + 10.16 respectively. Most of the respondents believed that these instruments have a place in modern Obstetric practice with more favouring the vacuum to the forceps (89.4 % compared to 77.2%). The most common severe maternal complication experienced by them from both instruments was perineal and lower genital lacerations, while scalp injuries and cephalohaematoma were the most common severe fetal complications from forceps and vacuum deliveries respectively. Maternal and fetal mortality occurred only with the forceps. Conclusion: Assistance with the birth process may be desirable and can be life saving and should always be available. Operative vaginal deliveries are an art that can safely and quickly deliver the fetus in skilled hands. Obstetricians should be trained in their use. Key Words: Forceps, Vacuum, Operative, Vaginal, Delivery, Obstetricians. [Trop J Obstet Gynaecol, 2004;21:40-43]
The physics of wind-blown sand and dust

The transport of sand and dust by wind is a potent erosional force, creates sand dunes and ripples, and loads the atmosphere with suspended dust aerosols. This paper presents an extensive review of the physics of wind-blown sand and dust on Earth and Mars. Specifically, we review the physics of aeolian saltation, the formation and development of sand dunes and ripples, the physics of dust aerosol emission, the weather phenomena that trigger dust storms, and the lifting of dust by dust devils and other small-scale vortices. We also discuss the physics of wind-blown sand and dune formation on Venus and Titan.
Genetic differentiation in the ice‐dependent fish Pleuragramma antarctica along the Antarctic Peninsula

Pleuragramma antarctica is an Antarctic notothenioid fish with a pelagic life‐cycle. It plays a major trophic role in coastal Antarctic waters as a predator of krill and as prey for penguins and seals. A previous study, using mtDNA to investigate Pleuragramma population structure at multiple Antarctic sites was unable to discriminate between hypotheses of panmixia, with occasional fluctuations of allelic frequencies, and population structure. The aim of the present study was to investigate the population structure of P. antarctica along the Antarctic Peninsula (AP) shelf by microsatellite genotyping.
The physics of the colloidal glass transition

As one increases the concentration of a colloidal suspension, the system exhibits a dramatic increase in viscosity. Beyond a certain concentration, the system is said to be a colloidal glass; structurally, the system resembles a liquid, yet motions within the suspension are slow enough that it can be considered essentially frozen. For several decades, colloids have served as a valuable model system for understanding the glass transition in molecular systems. The spatial and temporal scales involved allow these systems to be studied by a wide variety of experimental techniques. The focus of this review is the current state of understanding of the colloidal glass transition, with an emphasis on experimental observations. A brief introduction is given to important experimental techniques used to study the glass transition in colloids. We describe features of colloidal systems near and in glassy states, including increases in viscosity and relaxation times, dynamical heterogeneity and ageing, among others. We also compare and contrast the glass transition in colloids to that in molecular liquids. Other glassy systems are briefly discussed, as well as recently developed synthesis techniques that will keep these systems rich with interesting physics for years to come.
The effect of colchicine on pyrin and pyrin interacting proteins

MEFV which encodes pyrin, cause familial Mediterranean fever (FMF), the most common auto‐inflammatory disease. Pyrin is believed to be a regulator of inflammation, though the nature of this regulatory activity remains to be identified. Prophylactic treatment with colchicine, a microtubule toxin, has had a remarkable effect on disease progression and outcome. It has been thought that, inhibition of microtubule polymerization is the main mechanism of action of colchicine. But, the exact cellular mechanism explaining the efficacy of colchicine in suppressing FMF attacks is still unclear. Given the ability of colchicine treatment to be considered as a differential diagnosis criteria of FMF, we hypothesized that colchicine may have a specific effect on pyrin and pyrin interacting proteins. This study showed that colchicine prevents reticulated fibrils formed by PSTPIP1 filaments and reduces ASC speck rates in transfected cells. We further noted that, colchicine down‐regulates MEFV expression in THP‐1 cells. We also observed that colchicine causes re‐organization of actin cytoskeleton in THP‐1 cells. Pyrin is an actin‐binding protein that specifically localizes with polymerizing actin filaments. Thus, MEFV expression might be affected by re‐organization of actin cytoskeleton. The data presented here reveal an important connection between colchicine and pyrin which might explain the remarkable efficacy of colchicine in preventing FMF attacks. J. Cell. Biochem. 113: 3536–3546, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Listening strategy use and influential factors in Web-based computer assisted language learning

This study investigates second and foreign language L2 learners' listening strategy use and factors that influence their strategy use in a Web-based computer assisted language learning CALL system. A strategy inventory, a factor questionnaire and a standardized listening test were used to collect data from a group of 82 Chinese students enrolled in a required course in college English. A descriptive statistical analysis measures the frequency of these learners' use of overall strategies and strategy types. A multiple regression analysis identifies factors and their interactions that influence the learners' use of listening strategies. t-tests examine the characteristics and proficiency levels that affect the overall listening strategies and strategy types used by these learners. The results show that cognitive and metacognitive strategies are used most frequently. They also reveal that motivation, learning anxiety and learning styles significantly affect the learners' use of various listening strategies. The results of this study provide directions for future research into the listening strategies employed in Web-based CALL and suggest ways for strategy instruction that may improve listening comprehension for L2 learners with different characteristics in Web-based CALL.
Early pathogenesis in the adult‐onset neurodegenerative disease amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a devastating paralytic disorder caused by dysfunction and degeneration of motor neurons starting in adulthood. Most of our knowledge about the pathophysiological mechanisms of ALS comes from transgenic mice models that emulate a subgroup of familial ALS cases (FALS), with mutations in the gene encoding superoxide dismutase (SOD1). In the more than 15 years since these mice were generated, a large number of abnormal cellular mechanisms underlying motor neuron degeneration have been identified, but to date this effort has led to few improvements in therapy, and no cure. Here, we consider that this surfeit of mechanisms is best interpreted by current insights that suggest a very early initiation of pathology in motor neurons, followed by a diversity of secondary cascades and compensatory mechanisms that mask symptoms for decades, until trauma and/or aging overloads their protective function. This view thus posits that adult‐onset ALS is the consequence of processes initiated during early development. In fact, motor neurons in neonatal mutant SOD mice display important alterations in their intrinsic electrical properties, synaptic inputs and morphology that are accompanied by subtle behavioral abnormalities. We consider evidence that human mutant SOD1 protein in neonatal hSOD1G93A mice instigates motor neuron degeneration by increasing persistent sodium currents and excitability, in turn altering synaptic circuits that control excessive motor neuron firing and leads to excitotoxicity. We also discuss how therapies that are aimed at suppressing abnormal neuronal activity might effectively mitigate or prevent the onset of irreversible neuronal damage in adulthood. J. Cell. Biochem. 113: 3301–3312, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
What's going on behind the screens? Researching young students' learning pathways using iPads

Since their introduction in 2010, much has been said and written about Apple's iPad Apple Inc., Cupertino, CA, USA and its potential to transform when and how students learn. Much of this hype has focused on attributes of the device such as its touch screen interface, light and portable form factor, easy-to-use operating system, and large array of apps. Emerging studies mainly report positive outcomes for students from using iPads in specific learning situations. These studies have cited enhanced motivation and learner engagement, often linking this with improved learning outcomes. However, there is a dearth of research exploring how students interact with these devices, and the factors that affect the quality and learning value from that interaction.
Evolution of parasitic diseases in a collectivity of HIV positive children

Abstract Introduction: Intestinal parasitism represents an important problem of children health. Infestations with protozoa and helmints even have an increased incidence in children they weren’t observed because they were asymptomatic and atypical but with negative influence on their health regardless their immune status. Objective: To evaluate parasitic infections in a collectivity of 38 children HIV+ from Cernavoda city (Hospis “St. Laurence”) over a period of 10 years (2002 - 2012). Material and method: We performed two coproparasitologic examinations (in year 2002 - before antiretroviral treatment and in year 2012 - after 10 years of antiretroviral treatment) by concentration and staining methods and ELISA for Cryptosporidium parvum antigen. Results: In our group of study the median age was 11.65 yrs. in 2002 and 20.6 yrs. in 2012. Sex ratio was M: F = 1:1.2. In year 2002 we found an incidence of parasitic disease of 94.9%, and in year 2012 we found an incidence of 26.31%. In year 2002 we found 6 cases of Giardia intestinalis, 5 cases of Blastocystis hominis, 15 cases of Chilomastix mesnili, 2 cases of Entamoeba coli, 1 case of Ascaris lumbricoides, 2 cases of Hymenolepis nana and 5 cases of poliparasitic disease. In year 2012 we found 4 cases of Giardia intestinalis, 2 cases of Entamoeba coli, 2 cases of Blastocystis hominis and one case of Isospora belli and another one case of Ascaris lumbricoides. Conclusions: After ten years of HAART the incidence of parasitic diseases registered an important decrease from 94.9% to 26.31%.
Pulmonary hydatid cyst detected on FDG PET-CT.

A 40-year-old man on follow-up for treated tongue cancer was evaluated with a chest radiograph for cough of recent onset. The radiograph revealed a lung mass which was diagnosed as hydatid cyst after surgical resection. Tapeworms of the genus Echinococcus cause hydatid disease in humans, which most commonly involves the liver. Pulmonary hydatid cysts may, however, be seen in isolation. These have varied imaging appearances and can often be mistaken for a lung mass or masses of more sinister origins. We describe the positron emission tomography-computed tomography appearance of a lung hydatid cyst.
Tunneling nanotube formation is essential for the regulation of osteoclastogenesis

Osteoclasts are the multinucleated giant cells formed by cell fusion of mononuclear osteoclast precursors. Despite the finding of several membrane proteins involving DC‐STAMP as regulatory proteins required for fusion among osteoclast precursors, cellular and molecular events concerning this process are still ambiguous. Here we identified Tunneling Nanotubes (TNTs), long intercellular bridges with small diameters, as the essential cellular structure for intercellular communication among osteoclast precursors in prior to cell fusion. Formation of TNTs was highly associated with osteoclastogenesis and it was accompanied with the significant induction of the M‐Sec gene, an essential gene for TNT formation. M‐Sec gene expression was significantly upregulated by RANKL‐treatment in osteoclast precursor cell line. Blockage of TNT formation by Latrunclin B or by M‐Sec siRNA significantly suppressed osteoclastogenesis. We have detected the rapid intercellular transport of not only the membrane phospholipids labeled with DiI but also the DC‐STAMP‐GFP fusion protein through TNTs formed among osteoclast precursors during osteoclastogenesis. Transportation of such regulatory molecules through TNTs would be essential for the process of the specific cell fusion among osteoclast precursors. J. Cell. Biochem. 114: 1238–1247, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.