Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Human adult stem cells from menstrual blood and endometrial tissue

The article “Plasticity of human menstrual blood stem cells derived from the endometrium” by Lin et al. (2011), published in Journal of Zhejiang University-SCIENCE B (Biomedicine & Biotechnology), described a newly identified mesenchymal-like stem cell (MSC) from human menstrual blood known as MenSC. Here we describe the latest findings in this area and clarify the difference between human adult stem cells from menstrual blood and endometrial tissue. MenSCs express pluripotent markers such as octamer-binding transcription factor 4 (Oct-4), stage-specific embryonic antigen 4 (SSEA-4), Nanog, and c-kit, in addition to typical MSC surface markers including cluster of differentiation 9 (CD9), CD29, CD44, CD49f, CD90, CD105, and CD166 (Patel et al., 2008; Borlongan et al., 2010). MenSCs have the ability to differentiate into mesoderm tissues such as cartilage (40%–50%), adipose (60%–70%), and bone (45%), with the degree of differentiation similar to or better than bone marrow-derived MSCs. MenSCs also have the capacity to differentiate into neural and cardiac lineages (Patel et al., 2008). Our animal studies show that the human menstrual blood stem cells can repair several types of damaged cells in vivo (unpublished data). Meng et al. (2007) and Murphy et al. (2008) described the cells from menstrual blood termed endometrial regenerative cells (ERCs) that express CD9, CD29, CD44, CD59, CD73, CD90, CD105, and Oct-4, but lack SSEA-4, Nanog, and c-kit. These cells have been demonstrated to differentiate into nine different cell lineages (cardiomyocytic, respiratory epithelial, neurocytic, myocytic, endothelial, pancreatic, hepatic, adipocytic, and osteogenic). Another source of human adult stem cell from endometrial tissue called eMSC expresses similar MSC markers (Gargett and Masuda, 2010). Both MenSC and eMSC are negative for hematopoietic and endothelial markers such as CD34, CD38, CD45, and CD133 (Patel et al., 2008; Gargett and Masuda, 2010). Major differences between the cells include the invasive process required to retrieve the eMSC as well as the growth properties identified in vitro where eMSC but not MenSC requires growth factors and an extracellular matrix. Independent studies comparing eMSC to MenSC demonstrated 57 significant and differentially expressed genes (unpublished data). Both MenSC and eMSC are similar to bone marrow-derived MSC; however, stromal-derived factor-1 (STRO-1), a marker used to prospectively isolate bone marrow-derived MSC (Gronthos et al., 2003), has not been found in cells from the endometrial tissue (Gargett and Masuda, 2010) or in MenSCs, although decidual cells are known to express STRO-1 (Garcia-Pacheco et al., 2001). MenSCs recapitulate pluripotency properties as an alternative adult stem cell source that circumvents ethical and logistical limitations of embryonic stem (ES) cells. Recent studies reveal great potential of MenSCs for treating stroke (Borlongan et al., 2010) and liver damage (unpublished data).
Anxiety's Relationship to Inconsistent Use of Oral Contraceptives

Five percent of typical oral contraceptive users experience an unintended pregnancy every year. Inconsistent use of oral contraception may be a leading contributor to the high rate of unintended pregnancy among oral contraceptive users. Previous medical research also suggests that anxiety may play a role in medication compliance, yet no known studies have examined the relationship between anxiety and oral contraceptive use. To test this relationship, the authors analyze data from the National Survey of Family Growth Cycle V (NSFG-V), restricting their sample to sexually activewomen currently taking oral contraceptives. They find thatwomenwho report multiple episodes of anxiety lasting at least 6 months have a greater probability of inconsistent use. The authors suggest goals for future research and discuss the role of health care professionals in addressing oral contraception compliance in light of their findings.
Unbiased stereological estimation of the number of neurons in the human hippocampus

The total numbers of neurons in five subdivisions of human hippocampi were estimated using unbiased Stereological principles and systematic sampling techniques. The method addresses the problems associated with the results and conclusions of previous quantitative studies, virtually all of which have been based on biased estimates of neuron densities. For each subdivision, the total number of neurons was calculated as the product of the estimate of the volume of the neuron‐containing layers and the estimate of the numerical density of neurons in the layers.
MicroRNA 156 : A Potential Graft-Transmissible MicroRNA That Modulates Plant Architecture and Tuberization in Solanum tuberosum ssp . andigena 1

MicroRNA156 (miR156) functions in maintaining the juvenile phase in plants. However, the mobility of this microRNA has not been demonstrated. So far, only three microRNAs, miR399,miR395, and miR172, have been shown to be mobile. We demonstrate here that miR156 is a potential graft-transmissible signal that affects plant architecture and tuberization in potato (Solanum tuberosum). Under tuber-noninductive (long-day) conditions, miR156 shows higher abundance in leaves and stems, whereas an increase in abundance of miR156 has been observed in stolons under tuber-inductive (short-day) conditions, indicative of a photoperiodic control. Detection of miR156 in phloem cells of wild-type plants and mobility assays in heterografts suggest that miR156 is a graft-transmissible signal. This movement was correlated with changes in leaf morphology and longer trichomes in leaves. Overexpression of miR156 in potato caused a drastic phenotype resulting in altered plant architecture and reduced tuber yield. miR156 overexpression plants also exhibited altered levels of cytokinin and strigolactone along with increased levels of LONELY GUY1 and StCyclin D3.1 transcripts as compared with wild-type plants. RNA ligase-mediated rapid amplification of complementary DNA ends analysis validated SQUAMOSA PROMOTER BINDING-LIKE3 (StSPL3), StSPL6, StSPL9, StSPL13, and StLIGULELESS1 as targets of miR156. Gel-shift assays indicate the regulation of miR172 by miR156 through StSPL9. miR156resistant SPL9 overexpression lines exhibited increasedmiR172 levels under a short-day photoperiod, supporting miR172 regulation via the miR156-SPL9 module. Overall, our results strongly suggest that miR156 is a phloem-mobile signal regulating potato development.
High Voltage Gas Gap Switching with Picosecond Accuracy

Modes of precision triggering of a high-pressure nitrogen spark gap at voltages of some tens of kilovolts have been investigated. The spark gap was triggered by a high-current electron beam. Experimentally, a total jitter no more than 25 ps relative to the leading edge of the beam-accelerating voltage pulse was attained. The time for which the spark gap was in the induced conduction state corresponds to the duration of the triggering beam current.
A Simple Algorithm for Identifying Abbreviation Definitions in Biomedical Text

The volume of biomedical text is growing at a fast rate, creating challenges for humans and computer systems alike. One of these challenges arises from the frequent use of novel abbreviations in these texts, thus requiring that biomedical lexical ontologies be continually updated. In this paper we show that the problem of identifying abbreviations' definitions can be solved with a much simpler algorithm than that proposed by other research efforts. The algorithm achieves 96% precision and 82% recall on a standard test collection, which is at least as good as existing approaches. It also achieves 95% precision and 82% recall on another, larger test set. A notable advantage of the algorithm is that, unlike other approaches, it does not require any training data.
Causes of Liver and Lung Condemnation among Apparently Healthy Slaughtered Sheep and Goats at Luna Abattoir, Modjo, Ethiopia

Each year a large loss from slaughtered animals results due to condemnation of edible organs such as liver and lung. Therefore, this study was conducted from November 2013 to March 2014 at Luna export abattoir with the aims to identify and determine the major health problems that cause liver and lung condemnation among sheep and goats slaughtered in the abattoir. Standard ante-mortem and post-mortem inspection procedures were followed throughout the study. Ante mortem inspection was carried out in the lairage and abnormalities encountered were recorded, followed by postmortem examination through their identification number to detect gross abnormalities and aesthetic reasons that rendered liver and lung to be rejected from local and international market. During the study a total of 501 goat and 319 sheep liver and lung were examined. The study revealed that in both species 548(66.8%) livers and 522(63.6%) lung was rejected due to various causes. S. hepatica 167 (20.4%) and hepatitis 162(19.8%) was the highest cause of liver condemnation in both species. As well as Pneumonia 246(30.0%) and Lung worm 93(11.3%) was the main cause of lung condemnation. Liver condemnation due to parasites such as S. hepatica, fasciola and hydatid cyst contributed to 167(20.4%), 41(5.0%) and 4 (0.5%) respectively of the total condemned liver of Shoat. Additionally emphysema and hemorrhage contributed to 91(11.1%) and 44(5.4%) for cause of lung condemnation respectively. However, there was no statistically significance difference (p>0.05) for all causes of liver condemnation between young and adult but, there was statistically significance difference (p<0.05) for cause of liver condemnation between sheep and goats. This study has a paramount importance for the country by providing data in monitoring animal disease conditions and management practices which lead to the condemnation of organs and carcasses during slaughtering of animals. So as to reduce these losses such recommendations are mentioning: Immediate, safe and controlled elimination of all condemned abattoir materials and contaminated offal and heads as dog's feed should be prohibited by law; different workshops should be prepared to enhance the awareness of the animal attendants, farmers, customers, abattoir workers and butchers pertaining the public health significance of the diseases and proper disposal of condemned offal's and carcasses.
Factors influencing the use of social media by SMEs and its performance outcomes

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate the factors that influence Facebook usage among small and medium enterprises (SMEs). In addition, it examines the impact of Facebook usage on financial and non-financial performance of the SMEs. Design/methodology/approach – Using integrated model, this study examined the influence of compatibility, cost effectiveness, interactivity and trust on Facebook usage and its subsequent impact on organizations performance. Statistical analyses were based on the data collected, through survey questionnaire from 259 SMEs in Malaysia. Partial Least Square (PLS) method was used to test the hypotheses. Findings – The study revealed that Facebook usage has a strong positive impact on financial performance of SMEs; similarly it was also found that Facebook usage positively impacts the non-financial performance of SMEs in terms of cost reduction on marketing and customer service, improved customer relations and improved information accessibility. Additionally, factors.
Paclitaxel at ultra low concentrations inhibits angiogenesis without affecting cellular microtubule assembly

Many conventional chemotherapeutics, such as the microtubule-stabilizing anticancer drug paclitaxel (Taxol), have been shown to have anti-angiogenic activity and clinical application of a continuous low dose of these agents has been suggested for cancer therapy. In this study, we show that paclitaxel selectively inhibits the proliferation of human endothelial cells (ECs) at ultra low concentrations (0.1–100 pM), with an IC50=0.1 pM, while it inhibits non-endothelial type human cells at 104- to 105-fold higher concentrations, with IC50=1–10 nM. The selectivity of paclitaxel inhibition of cell proliferation is also species specific, as mouse ECs are not sensitive to paclitaxel at ultra low concentrations. They are inhibited by higher concentrations of paclitaxel with IC50=1–10 nM. Inhibition of human ECs by paclitaxel at ultra low concentrations does not affect the cellular microtubule structure, and the treated cells do not show G2/M cell cycle arrest and apoptosis, suggesting a novel but as yet unidentified mechanism of action. In an in vitro angiogenesis assay, paclitaxel at ultra low concentrations blocks human ECs from forming sprouts and tubes in the three-dimensional fibrin matrix. In summary, paclitaxel selectively inhibits human EC proliferation and in vitro angiogenesis at low picomolar concentrations. The data support a clinical application of continuous ultra-low-dose paclitaxel to treat cancer.
Analyses of the caries decline and incidence among Norwegian adolescents 1985-2000

Since most studies of caries decline are descriptive time-trend analyses, the purpose of this article was to identify factors statistically associated with the caries decline among Norwegian adolescents after 1985. The DMFT scores for the age groups 12 and 18 years reported annually by 19 counties were analysed. The average caries-free proportions of 18-year-olds increased from 2% to 15% between 1985 and 2000, while the DMFT declined by 49%; 10.2 - 0.75 to 5.2 - 0.78. The decline for the 12-year-olds was 53%. The mean DT at the dentinal level remained at about 0.8 for 12-year-olds and 1.5 for 18-year-olds throughout the observation period. There was no significant difference in DMFT increment from age 12 to 18 between the birth cohorts 1973 (3.8 - 0.46) and 1982 (3.0 - 0.52) when controlling for counties. The variables migration and children per dentist were significantly associated with the DMFT decline in multivariate analyses. The caries decline for 18-year-olds was significantly steeper before than after 1990. The decline among the 18-year-olds may be attributed to fluoride and more restrictive criteria for placement of fillings in teenagers in the 1980s and fewer filled teeth before the age of 12 years in the 1990s.
Adrenocorticotropic Hormone (ACTH) Responses Require Actions of the Melanocortin-2 Receptor Accessory Protein on the Extracellular Surface of the Plasma Membrane*

Background: Signaling by G protein-coupled melanocortin-2 receptors requires MRAP, a transmembrane accessory protein that forms antiparallel homodimers. Results: Mutational analysis of MRAP-MRAP-receptor fusion proteins established that MRAP oriented with an extracellular amino terminus is essential. Conclusion: MRAP acts on the outside of the cell in the ACTH-MRAP-MRAP-receptor signaling complex. Significance: The results provide insight into molecular mechanisms of GPCR accessory proteins. The melanocortin-2 (MC2) receptor is a G protein-coupled receptor that mediates responses to ACTH. The MC2 receptor acts in concert with the MC2 receptor accessory protein (MRAP) that is absolutely required for ACTH binding and signaling. MRAP has a single transmembrane domain and forms a highly unusual antiparallel homodimer that is stably associated with MC2 receptors at the plasma membrane. Despite the physiological importance of the interaction between the MC2 receptor and MRAP, there is little understanding of how the accessory protein works. The dual topology of MRAP has made it impossible to determine whether highly conserved and necessary regions of MRAP are required on the intracellular or extracellular face of the plasma membrane. The strategy used here was to fix the orientation of two antiparallel MRAP molecules and then introduce inactivating mutations on one side of the membrane or the other. This was achieved by engineering proteins containing tandem copies of MRAP fused to the amino terminus of the MC2 receptor. The data firmly establish that only the extracellular amino terminus (Nout) copy of MRAP, oriented with critical segments on the extracellular side of the membrane, is essential. The transmembrane domain of MRAP is also required in only the Nout orientation. Finally, activity of MRAP-MRAP-MC2-receptor fusion proteins with inactivating mutations in either MRAP or the receptor was rescued by co-expression of free wild-type MRAP or free wild-type receptor. These results show that the basic MRAP-MRAP-receptor signaling unit forms higher order complexes and that these multimers signal.
Early Virologic Failure and Rescue Therapy of Tenofovir, Abacavir, and Lamivudine for Initial Treatment of HIV-1 Infection: TONUS Study

Abstract Background: To assess the efficacy and safety of the triple NRTI combination of abacavir (ABC), lamivudine (3TC), and tenofovir (TDF) in a once-daily regimen. Method: 38 HIV-naive patients (pts) were treated in a prospective open-arm study over 48 weeks (W48). Virological failure was defined as never achieving plasma HIV-1 RNA <400 copies/mL or rebound of ≥0.7 log10. Results: 12/36 (33%) pts had virologic failure at W24 and 10 additional pts had HIV RNA >50 copies/mL at W12 or W24. There was a significant association between baseline viral load (VL) and virologic failure in 0%, 29%, and 64% pts with baseline VL levels <4, 4-5, and >5 log10 copies/mL, respectively (p = .014). 76% of pts developed K65R and M184V/I mutations by W24, and 19% developed M184V/I alone. At W4, 86% of pts had adequate plasma Cmin for the 3 drugs. 14 pts with K65R and M184V/I were given a rescue therapy with a successful outcome (<50 copies/mL; median follow-up 48 weeks). Conclusion: Convergent genetic pathway to resistance, in conjunction with lower antiretroviral potency, may explain the high rate of selection K65R and M184V mutations. These mutations did not appear to have a negative effect on rescue therapy with a variety of regimens.
Evolving a Project-Based Software Engineering Course: A Case Study

This paper presents the evolution of a project-based course in Software Engineering for undergraduate students at the Universidad Nacional de Colombia. We describe and explain the changes we have done over six semesters. In addition, we investigate the effects of the changes on the students' grades and their project activities, by analyzing the software project repositories and the student feedback. Most of the changes had positive and expected results, while some had unexpected consequences. We distill a set of lessons regarding the class evolution, which will guide the future improvement of the course and which could be useful for other educators developing a similar course.
Escitalopram for the treatment of major depressive disorder in youth

Introduction: Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a serious public problem, affecting 4 – 6% of adolescents at any one time. Although adolescent MDD needs early and appropriate intervention, concerns regarding the risk of suicidality associated with antidepressant treatment and efficacy of pharmacotherapy have led to decreased use of antidepressants in children and adolescents. After the approval of fluoxetine in 2003, escitalopram received FDA approval in 2009 for the acute and maintenance treatment of MDD in adolescent patients. Areas covered: The paper addressed the following questions: Is escitalopram effective for adolescent MDD? How large is the magnitude of effectiveness? Does escitalopram treatment have any benefit in adolescents compared with the risk of suicidal behavior and treatment-emergent adverse events? Expert opinion: The efficacy of escitalopram in adolescent MDD was demonstrated in a double-blind, randomized, controlled trial and extrapolated from a similar citalopram trial. The optimal dose is 10 mg/day and the magnitude of the antidepressant effect is modest. Escitalopram treatment is generally well tolerated by adolescents, but treatment-emergent agitation, suicidal behavior and manic symptoms should be closely monitored. Escitalopram can be used as one of the first-line treatment options for moderate to severe MDD in adolescents.
[Chlamydia trachomatis infection in male infertility--the clinical usefulness of the detection of antibodies against Chlamydia trachomatis].

BACKGROUND The objective of this study is to investigate the clinical usefulness of the detection of antibodies against Chlamydia trachomatis (C. trachomatis) in potential male infertility patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS Analysis of serum samples for the presence of antibodies against C. trachomatis by enzyme immunoassay was performed in 83 male infertility patients. RESULTS Immunoglobulin A (IgA) and G (IgG)-antibodies against C. trachomatis were found in 16 and 10 of 83 serum samples (19.3 and 12.0%) respectively. IgA and/or IgG-antibodies against C. trachomatis were found in 20 of 83 serum samples (24.1%). Serum IgA, IgG, or IgA and/or IgG positive patients showed increased semen and urine leukocytes numbers and reduced semen volume and sperm numbers, compared with negative patients, respectively, although these effects are not statistically significant. By Spearman's correlation analysis, however, significant positive correlations with serum IgA or IgG antibody index were found in semen and urine leukocytes numbers. Significant negative correlations with serum IgA antibody index was found in semen volume. In serum IgA positive patients, only 1 of 8 first-voided urine samples was positive for C. trachomatis-DNA by PCR. Moreover, the positive rates of surum IgA antibody and cervical antigen in the 8 female partners of IgA positive patients were only 25% (2 of 8 serum samples) and 12.5% (1 of 8 cervical specimens) respectively. CONCLUSION There was a high prevalence (24.1%) of serum IgA and/or IgG-antibodies against C. trachomatis from infertility patients. The existance of antibodies against C. trachomatis in serum samples possibly influence semen quality, suggesting that C. trachomatis infection may play an important role in male infertility.
The Continuing Growth of Global Cooperation Networks in Research: A Conundrum for National Governments

Global collaboration continues to grow as a share of all scientific cooperation, measured as coauthorships of peer-reviewed, published papers. The percent of all scientific papers that are internationally coauthored has more than doubled in 20 years, and they account for all the growth in output among the scientifically advanced countries. Emerging countries, particularly China, have increased their participation in global science, in part by doubling their spending on R&D; they are increasingly likely to appear as partners on internationally coauthored scientific papers. Given the growth of connections at the international level, it is helpful to examine the phenomenon as a communications network and to consider the network as a new organization on the world stage that adds to and complements national systems. When examined as interconnections across the globe over two decades, a global network has grown denser but not more clustered, meaning there are many more connections but they are not grouping into exclusive ‘cliques’. This suggests that power relationships are not reproducing those of the political system. The network has features an open system, attracting productive scientists to participate in international projects. National governments could gain efficiencies and influence by developing policies and strategies designed to maximize network benefits—a model different from those designed for national systems.