Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Mitochondrial Electron Transport Chain Is Dispensable for Proliferation and Differentiation of Epidermal Progenitor Cells

Tissue stem cells and germ line or embryonic stem cells were shown to have reduced oxidative metabolism, which was proposed to be an adaptive mechanism to reduce damage accumulation caused by reactive oxygen species. However, an alternate explanation is that stem cells are less dependent on specialized cytoplasmic functions compared with differentiated cells, therefore, having a high nuclear‐to‐cytoplasmic volume ratio and consequently a low mitochondrial content. To determine whether stem cells rely or not on mitochondrial respiration, we selectively ablated the electron transport chain in the basal layer of the epidermis, which includes the epidermal progenitor/stem cells (EPSCs). This was achieved using a loxP‐flanked mitochondrial transcription factor A (Tfam) allele in conjunction with a keratin 14 Cre transgene. The epidermis of these animals (TfamEKO) showed a profound depletion of mitochondrial DNA and complete absence of respiratory chain complexes. However, despite a short lifespan due to malnutrition, epidermal development and skin barrier function were not impaired. Differentiation of epidermal layers was normal and no proliferation defect or major increase of apoptosis could be observed. In contrast, mice with an epidermal ablation of prohibitin‐2, a scaffold protein in the inner mitochondrial membrane, displayed a dramatic phenotype observable already in utero, with severely impaired skin architecture and barrier function, ultimately causing death from dehydration shortly after birth. In conclusion, we here provide unequivocal evidence that EPSCs, and probably tissue stem cells in general, are independent of the mitochondrial respiratory chain, but still require a functional dynamic mitochondrial compartment. STEM CELLS 2011;29:1459–1468
Molecular characterization of a de novo 6q24.2q25.3 duplication interrupting UTRN in a patient with arthrogryposis

Chromosome 6q duplications have been documented repeatedly, allowing the delineation of a “6q duplication syndrome,” characterized by hypertelorism, downslanting palpebral fissures, tented upper lip, short neck, severe mental and growth retardation, and joint contractures. Most reported cases result from malsegregation of a reciprocal translocation leading to a terminal 6q duplication and partial monosomy of another chromosome. Only 11 cases of de novo pure duplication have been reported so far. The breakpoints do not appear to be recurrent, but in most cases they have not been characterized molecularly, precluding genotype–phenotype correlation. We report on an 8‐year‐old girl with a phenotype consistent with mild 6q duplication syndrome, including characteristic physical findings, mild mental retardation, and joint contractures. She carries a 13 Mb de novo 6q24.2q25. 3 duplication, diagnosed by high‐resolution karyotype and confirmed by array‐CGH. Molecular characterization of the duplicated segment with quantitative PCR showed that the proximal breakpoint is localized within the UTRN gene, encoding utrophin, the autosomal homologue of dystrophin. We discuss the possible implication of UTRN in arthrogryposis associated with duplications spanning the 6q23q26 region. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The Use of CD45/SSC Dot Plots in the Classification of Acute Leukemias

Volume 2 • Issue 2 • 1000e107 J Hematol Thromb Dis ISSN: 2329-8790 JHTD, an open access journal The Use of CD45/SSC Dot Plots in the Classification of Acute Leukemias Mohamed Brahimi1,2*, Djamel Saidi3, Hadj Touhami3 and Mohamed Amine Bekadja2 1Department of Hemobiology, EHU “1er Novembre 1954” Oran, Algeria 2Department of Hematology and Cell Therapy, EHU “1er Novembre 1954” Oran, Algeria 3Department of Hematology, CHU Oran, Algeria
The Brain Parenchyma Is Permissive for Full Antitumor CTL Effector Function, Even in the Absence of CD4 T Cells1

Effective antitumor immune responses against cerebral malignancies have been demonstrated in several models, but precise cellular function of specific effector cells is poorly understood. We have explored this topic by analyzing the MHC class I-restricted T cell response elicited after implantation of HLA-CW3-transfected P815 mastocytoma cells (P815-CW3) in syngeneic mice. In this model, tumor-specific CTLs use a distinctive repertoire of TCRs that allows ex vivo assessment of the response by immunophenotyping and TCR spectratyping. Thus, for the first time in a brain tumor model, we are able to directly visualize ex vivo CTLs specific for a tumor-expressed Ag. Tumor-specific CTLs are detected in the CNS after intracerebral implantation of P815-CW3, together with other inflammatory cells. Moreover, despite observations in other models suggesting that CTLs infiltrating the brain may be functionally compromised and highly dependent upon CD4 T cells, in this syngeneic P815-CW3 model, intracerebral tumors were efficiently rejected, whether or not CD4 T cells were present. This observation correlated with potent ex vivo cytotoxicity of brain-infiltrating CTLs, specific for the immunodominant epitope CW3170–179 expressed on P815-CW3 tumor cells.
Prediction of early pregnancy failure by use of first trimester ultrasound screening

Background: Spontaneous miscarriage is defined as an involuntary termination of pregnancy before 20 th week of gestation or spontaneous expulsion of fetus below a fetal weight of 500 gm. The introduction of ultrasound into the obstetrical practice has been extremely useful in providing better understanding of the etiology of the first trimester spontaneous abortion and a basis for its clinical classification and management. The aims and objective of this study is to assess the early pregnancy developmental changes in first trimester ultrasound screening, identify abnormal ultrasound parameters and correlate the ultrasonic findings with the clinical outcomes and also to analyze the success of conservative management on patients. Methods: The study included 150 patients attending OPD/emergency within 5-12 weeks of gestation fulfilling the exclusion and inclusion criteria. Results: The abortion rate in our study was 16%. Seventy two percent of abortion occurred at 8-12 weeks of gestation. Threatened abortion was noted in 10% of the patients. Sixteen percent of patients had abnormal USG findings in terms of large yolk sac, abnormal mean sac diameter, crown rump length, embryonic bradycardia, increased resistive index and intrauterine hematoma. Conclusions: This study emphasizes the role of ultrasound in prediction of early pregnancy failure in first trimester. It also stresses on the importance of learning obstetric ultrasound and performing obstetric practice in the community with precision and perfection.
A Structural Analysis of Growth and Poverty in the Short-Term

“Growth is good for the poor” is a ubiquitous statement and one generally backed by theory, research and history. In the long-run, growth reduces poverty. Yet, growth in output - per se - is neither a necessary nor a sufficient condition for poverty reduction in the short-term. The paper uses a number of parametric and non-parametric methodologies to assess the relation between growth and poverty in Kazakhstan, a country that experienced rapid growth and poverty reduction in the short-term. Combining macro and micro regional data, we find a very small trickle down effect of output growth on household incomes and no evidence that output growth is correlated with poverty reduction. We find instead that pro-poor growth in household income explains well poverty reduction.
GRADIENT SCHEMES: A GENERIC FRAMEWORK FOR THE DISCRETISATION OF LINEAR, NONLINEAR AND NONLOCAL ELLIPTIC AND PARABOLIC EQUATIONS

Gradient schemes are nonconforming methods written in discrete variational formulation and based on independent approximations of functions and gradients, using the same degrees of freedom. Previous works showed that several well-known methods fall in the framework of gradient schemes. Four properties, namely coercivity, consistency, limit-conformity and compactness, are shown in this paper to be sufficient to prove the convergence of gradient schemes for linear and nonlinear elliptic and parabolic problems, including the case of nonlocal operators arising for example in image processing. We also show that the schemes of the Hybrid Mimetic Mixed family, which include in particular the Mimetic Finite Difference schemes, may be seen as gradient schemes meeting these four properties, and therefore converges for the class of above-mentioned problems.
Association between the c.3751G>a genetic variant of MDR1 and hepatocellular carcinoma risk in a Chinese Han population.

UNLABELLED The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of a genetic variant in the multidrug resistance 1 gene (MDR1) on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) risk. This case-control study was conducted in a Chinese population of 645 HCC cases and 658 cancer-free controls. The genotype of the c.3751G>A genetic variant in the MDR1 gene was investigated by created restriction site-polymerase chain reaction (CRS-PCR) and DNA sequencing methods. Our data demonstrated significantly differences detected in the allelic and genotypic frequencies between HCC cases and those of cancer-free controls. Association analyses indicated that there were statistically increased risk of HCC in the homozygote comparison (AA versus (vs.) GG: OR = 2.22, 95% CI 1.51-3.27, χ(2) = 16.90, P < 0.001), dominant model (AA/GA vs. GG: OR = 1.25, 95% CI 1.00-1.55, χ(2) = 3.98, P = 0.046), recessive model (AA vs. GA/GG OR = 2.14, 95% CI 1.47-3.09, χ(2) = 16.68, P < 0.001) and allele comparison (A vs. G: OR = 1.33, 95% CI 1.13-1.57, χ(2) = 11.66, P = 0.001). The allele-A and genotype-AA may contribute to HCC susceptibility. These preliminary findings suggest that the c.3751G>A genetic variant in the MDR1 gene is potentially related to HCC susceptibility in a Chinese Han population, and might be used as a molecular marker for evaluating HCC susceptibility.
Anti Pandemic Simulation by SOARS

Next pandemic caused by human to human outbreak of mutated H5N1 bird flu is almost inevitable. To prevent the pandemic we must take steps not only from medical point of view but also from social program point of view. In this paper we propose four categories of social protection programs. We modeled the infection process under the social activities of agents by using SOARS (Spot Oriented Agent Role Simulator). We evaluated the effectiveness of the social programs to protect the pandemic by agent based simulation. As a result we found that there exists a critical bifurcation point between eradication and spreading by controlling the combination of social protection program
Application of Mycobacterial Interspersed Repetitive Unit Typing to Manitoba Tuberculosis Cases: Can Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism Be Forgotten?

ABSTRACT Since 1993, all Mycobacterium tuberculosis isolates recovered in the province of Manitoba, Canada, have been genotyped by the standard IS6110-restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) method for routine surveillance, prevention, and control purposes. To date, our laboratory has collected 1,290 isolates, from which we have identified approximately 390 unique fingerprint patterns or “types. ” Although the standard method is well known for being a lengthy and labor-intensive procedure, a more efficient alternative for typing tuberculosis isolates, the mycobacterial interspersed repetitive unit-variable number tandem repeat (MIRU-VNTR) method, has recently gained acceptance. Consequently, all isolates acquired in 2003 (n = 126) were typed by both methods in order to determine the utility of replacing the RFLP method with MIRU typing for all future isolates. Application of Hunter's discriminatory index to the available study population showed that the MIRU method was close in discriminatory power (D) to the RFLP method (DMIRU = 0.831 to 0.984 versus DRFLP = 0.821 to 0.997). Clustering of isolates by using MIRU data correlated with RFLP-derived clustering, lending useful information for either an investigation or confirmation of an incidence of recent transmission. In addition, it was determined that each predominant RFLP type in Manitoba had a corresponding, recognizable MIRU type. It is conceivable that in the future RFLP typing can be replaced with MIRU for real-time, ongoing tuberculosis surveillance in the province.
Canadian Association of Neuroscience Review: Axonal Regeneration in the Peripheral and Central Nervous Systems – Current Issues and Advances

Abstract Injured nerves regenerate their axons in the peripheral (PNS) but not the central nervous system (CNS). The contrasting capacities have been attributed to the growth permissive Schwann cells in the PNS and the growth inhibitory environment of the oligodendrocytes in the CNS. In the current review, we first contrast the robust regenerative response of injured PNS neurons with the weak response of the CNS neurons, and the capacity of Schwann cells and not the oligodendrocytes to support axonal regeneration. We then consider the factors that limit axonal regeneration in both the PNS and CNS. Limiting factors in the PNS include slow regeneration of axons across the injury site, progressive decline in the regenerative capacity of axotomized neurons (chronic axotomy) and progressive failure of denervated Schwann cells to support axonal regeneration (chronic denervation). In the CNS on the other hand, it is the poor regenerative response of neurons, the inhibitory proteins that are expressed by oligodendrocytes and act via a common receptor on CNS neurons, and the formation of the glial scar that prevent axonal regeneration in the CNS. Strategies to overcome these limitations in the PNS are considered in detail and contrasted with strategies in the CNS.
Ultrastructural and immunocytochemical evidence that an incompetent blood-brain barrier is related to the pathophysiology of cavernous malformations

OBJECTIVES Cerebral cavernous malformations are linked to mutations of the KRIT1 gene at the CCM1 locus and to mutations at two other loci, CCM2 and CCM3, for which genes are not yet identified. There is little information regarding the function of KRIT1. Histological and immunocytochemical analysis of cavernous malformations have not shed much light on their pathophysiology. METHODS Morphological analysis of cavernous malformations was extended to the ultrastructural level by examining lesions from two patients by immunocytochemistry and electron microscopy. RESULTS The lesions consisted of endothelial lined vascular sinusoids embedded in a collagen matrix. Nuclei belonging to cells distinct from endothelial cells were rare. The basal lamina of the endothelial cells consisted focally of multiple layers. No tight junctions at endothelial cell interfaces were found; however, several examined endothelial cell interfaces demonstrated apparent gaps between endothelial cell processes where basal lamina was exposed directly to the lumen of the sinusoids. Heavy hemosiderin deposits were found underlying the vascular channels within microns of the basal lamina without evidence of disrupted vessels. No astrocytic foot processes were seen within lesions. Glial fibrillary acidic protein immunocytochemistry confirmed that astrocyte processes stopped at the border of the lesions. CONCLUSIONS The absence of blood-brain barrier components may lead to leakage of red blood cells into these lesions and the surrounding brain in the absence of major haemorrhage, thus accounting for the propensity of cavernous malformations to cause seizures. These data also raise the possibility that KRIT1 plays a part in the formation of endothelial cell junctions and expression of a mature vascular phenotype.
Effects of High Hydrostatic Pressure on Coastal Bacterial Community Abundance and Diversity

ABSTRACT Hydrostatic pressure is an important parameter influencing the distribution of microbial life in the ocean. In this study, the response of marine bacterial populations from surface waters to pressures representative of those under deep-sea conditions was examined. Southern California coastal seawater collected 5 m below the sea surface was incubated in microcosms, using a range of temperatures (16 to 3°C) and hydrostatic pressure conditions (0.1 to 80 MPa). Cell abundance decreased in response to pressure, while diversity increased. The morphology of the community also changed with pressurization to a predominant morphotype of small cocci. The pressure-induced community changes included an increase in the relative abundance of Alphaproteobacteria, Gammaproteobacteria, Actinobacteria, and Flavobacteria largely at the expense of Epsilonproteobacteria. Culturable high-pressure-surviving bacteria were obtained and found to be phylogenetically similar to isolates from cold and/or deep-sea environments. These results provide novel insights into the response of surface water bacteria to changes in hydrostatic pressure.
HOW DO WE IDENTIFY MICRONYCTERIS (SCHIZONYCETRIS) SANBORNI SIMMONS, 1996 (CHIROPTERA, PHYLLOSTOMIDAE) RELIABLY AND WHERE WE CAN FIND THIS SPECIES IN BRAZIL?

Micronycteris esta dividido em quatro subgeneros, Micronycteris, Leuconycteris, Xenoctenes e Schizonycteris. Este ultimo inclui Micronycteris (Schizonycteris) minuta, Micronycteris (S.) schmidtorum, Micronycteris (S.) sanborni e Micronycteris (S.) yatesi. Atualmente pouco se sabe sobre a biologia de M. (S.) sanborni, a qual e amplamente distribuida pelas florestas secas da America do Sul, apesar de ser conhecida de apenas poucas localidades. A escassez de registros de M. sanborni parece esta parcialmente relacionado a dificuldade de diferenciar esta especie de outros membros do subgenero Schizonycteris. Dessa forma, o presente estudo visa identificar as caracteristicas diagnosticas que distingue esta especie dos outros Schizonycteris, revisar a distribuicao geografica dessa especie e apresentar comentarios sobre o seu padrao reprodutivo. Seis novas localidades sao apresentadas aqui para M. sanborni e, juntas com as outras disponiveis na literatura, foram analisadas fornecendo novas abordagens sobre o padrao ecologico e zoogeografico dessa especie. Varias caracteristicas diagnosticas estabelecidas por Simmones (1996) na descricao de M. sanborni mostraram-se de pouco valor taxonomico, especialmente para a diferenciacao entre M. minuta e M. yatesi, das quais mais se assemelha. As principais diferencas externas sao a coloracao branco pura do ventre e a proporcao da base branca (2/3-4/5) do pelo dorsal em M. sanborni, em contraste com a coloracao branco sujo ou acinzentado e a base dorsal branca muito mais curta das outras especies. Outras caracteristicas cranianas mostraram-se tambem importantes para a diferenciacao. Os dados de distribuicao levantados indicam que M. sanborni ocorre principalmente em areas mesicas e abertas, incluindo ambientes alterados, na Caatinga arbustiva e nas savanas do Cerrado do nordeste do Brasil, especialmente em areas com afloramentos rochosos. Micronycteris sanborni parece ser monoestrico, com os nascimentos coincidindo com a estacao chuvosa.
Access to livelihood assets: Inclusion, exclusion, and the reality of development interventions

In development studies with a focus on livelihoods, assets (also referred to as resources, capital, or means) represent a crucial dimension that influences people’s ability to secure a livelihood. Lack of access to land, water, or education often leads to poverty. The present paper summarises research findings from an international research network, the Swiss National Centre of Competence in Research (NCCR) North-South, regarding the crucial relation between such assets and access to them. It brings together insights obtained in studies around the globe as to why some people are excluded from access to assets. Beyond this, it raises the question of whether gaining access is sufficient – does access to resources in itself lead to benefits, or do we need to broaden the concept of access? In addressing these and other questions, this review of NCCR North-South research embeds the concepts of assets and access within a broader understanding of contested political processes, informed by contemporary social science debates. In the concluding section, this enhanced understanding of social realities is contrasted with social analyses underpinning (donor-supported) development interventions.
Investigation of the Static Breakdown Voltage of the Lubricating Film in a Mechanical Ball Bearing

In this paper, the current pulse (discharge) activity in a small bearing is investigated when current-limited DC voltages of different levels are applied to the shaft under varying rotational speeds and mechanical loads. The measurements show that the inception voltage of discharges in the bearing is higher than the extinction voltage. However, when the discharge activity has been intense the bearing exhibits difficulties to recover its insulating properties when the voltage is decreased to a low voltage level and thus the discharge activity continues. The measurements also show that at low voltages the bearing acts as an insulator but if the voltage is increased the bearing starts to act as a conductor. This transition occurs during a narrow voltage interval. The time interval between two consecutive current pulses decreases significantly with increasing shaft voltage.
Fibronectin-binding protein of Streptococcus pyogenes: sequence of the binding domain involved in adherence of streptococci to epithelial cells

The sequence of the fibronectin-binding domain of the fibronectin-binding protein of Streptococcus pyogenes (Sfb protein) was determined, and its role in streptococcal adherence was investigated by use of an Sfb fusion protein in adherence studies. A 1-kb DNA fragment coding for the binding domain of Sfb protein was cloned into the expression vector pEX31 to produce an Sfb fusion protein consisting of the N-terminal part of MS2 polymerase and a C-terminal fragment of the streptococcal protein. Induction of the vector promoter resulted in hyperexpression of fibronectin-binding fusion protein in the cytoplasm of the recombinant Escherichia coli cells. Sequence determination of the cloned 1-kb fragment revealed an in-frame reading frame for a 268-amino-acid peptide composed of a 37-amino-acid sequence which is completely repeated three times and incompletely repeated a fourth time. Cloning of one repeat into pEX31 resulted in expression of small fusion peptides that show fibronectin-binding activity, indicating that one repeat contains at least one binding domain. Each repeat exhibits two charged domains and shows high homology with the 38-amino-acid D3 repeat of the fibronectin-binding protein of Staphylococcus aureus. Sequence comparison with other streptococcal ligand-binding surface proteins, including M protein, failed to reveal significant homology, which suggests that Sfb protein represents a novel type of functional protein in S. pyogenes. The Sfb fusion protein isolated from the cytoplasm of recombinant cells was purified by fast protein liquid chromatography. It showed a strong competitive inhibition of fibronectin binding to S. pyogenes and of the adherence of bacteria to cultured epithelial cells. In contrast, purified streptococcal lipoteichoic acid showed only a weak inhibition of fibronectin binding and streptococcal adherence. These results demonstrate that Sfb protein is directly involved in the fibronectin-mediated adherence of S. pyogenes to epithelial cells.