Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A Novel Role for Thrombopoietin in Regulating Osteoclast Development in Humans and Mice

Emerging data suggest that megakaryocytes (MKs) play a significant role in skeletal homeostasis. Indeed, osteosclerosis observed in several MK‐related disorders may be a result of increased numbers of MKs. In support of this idea, we have previously demonstrated that MKs increase osteoblast (OB) proliferation by a direct cell–cell contact mechanism and that MKs also inhibit osteoclast (OC) formation. As MKs and OCs are derived from the same hematopoietic precursor, in these osteoclastogenesis studies we examined the role of the main MK growth factor, thrombopoietin (TPO) on OC formation and bone resorption. Here we show that TPO directly increases OC formation and differentiation in vitro. Specifically, we demonstrate the TPO receptor (c‐mpl or CD110) is expressed on cells of the OC lineage, c‐mpl is required for TPO to enhance OC formation in vitro, and TPO activates the mitogen‐activated protein kinases, Janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription, and nuclear factor‐kappaB signaling pathways, but does not activate the PI3K/AKT pathway. Further, we found TPO enhances OC resorption in CD14+CD110+ human OC progenitors derived from peripheral blood mononuclear cells, and further separating OC progenitors based on CD110 expression enriches for mature OC development. The regulation of OCs by TPO highlights a novel therapeutic target for bone loss diseases and may be important to consider in the numerous hematologic disorders associated with alterations in TPO/c‐mpl signaling as well as in patients suffering from bone disorders. J. Cell. Physiol. 230: 2142–2151, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
One-step inkjet printing of conductive silver tracks on polymer substrates

A one-step process to fabricate conductive features on flexible polymer substrates by inkjet printing an organometallic silver ink directly onto a substrate that is heated to 130 °C is presented. This process led to the immediate sintering of the printed features. The samples were left for 5 min at elevated temperature, which resulted in conductive silver features with a resistivity of eight times the bulk silver value. The combination of this ink and the simultaneous printing/sintering process opens up routes for the direct fabrication of conductive features on common polymer substrates that could be applied, for example, in roll-to-roll production of flexible microelectronic systems.
Two New Brackish Ciliates, Amphileptus spiculatus sp. n. and A. bellus sp. n. from Mangrove Wetlands in Southern China, with Notes on the Molecular Phylogeny of the Family Amphileptidae (Protozoa, Ciliophora, Pleurostomatida)

Two new brackish pleurostomatid ciliates, Amphileptus spiculatus sp. n. and A. bellus sp. n. were collected from mangrove wetlands of southern China and their morphology and molecular phylogeny were studied. Amphileptus spiculatus sp. n. can be distinguished from congeners by the presence of 11–14 right and 6–8 left kineties, two macronuclear nodules and a conspicuous beak‐like anterior body end. Amphileptus bellus sp. n. is characterized by the presence of 2–4 macronuclear nodules, 31–35 right and 6 or 7 left kineties and two types of extrusomes. Phylogenetic analyses based on SSU rDNA sequences data indicate that the family Amphileptidae is paraphyletic.
Biomaterials and Biologics in Craniofacial Reconstruction

Abstract Complications related to surgery, including infection, wound dehiscence, and implant protrusion, are costly and may cause severe morbidity to patients. The choice of implants materials is critical for a successful outcome, particularly in craniofacial reconstructions. This review discusses the potential benefits and drawbacks of biologically active materials used for craniofacial bone repair as alternatives to inert implant prostheses.
Morphological and Molecular Identification of the New Species, Trichodina pseudoheterodentata sp. n. (Ciliophora, Mobilida, Trichodinidae) from the Channel Catfish, Ictalurus punctatus, in Chongqing China

It is difficult to differentiate similar trichodinids solely based on morphological examination, thus other identification methods, such as molecular identification, are necessary for identification. One mobilid ciliate named Trichodina pseudoheterodentata sp. n. was isolated from the gills of channel catfish, Ictalurus punctatus, in Chongqing, China. In the present study, its SSU rDNA was sequenced for the first time. Based on the results from both morphological identification and SSU rDNA sequencing, the new species was identified and compared with similar species. The morphological analysis revealed that T. pseudoheterodentata is a large Trichodina species (cell diameter 73.0–82.5 μm) and possesses robust denticles with broad blades and well‐developed blade connections. Characterization of its primary and secondary SSU rDNA structures indicated that T. pseudoheterodentata was distinctly different from congeneric species in H12, H15, E10_1, and V4 regions. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the genetic distances among the new species and similar species reached interspecific levels, furthermore, the phylogenetic study also validated the identification of T. pseudoheterodentata and its placement in the genus Trichodina.
Pattern and outcome of motorcyclists head injury in Ilorin, Nigeria

Background: Head injuries are a leading cause of death and morbidity among motorcycle users. Objectives: To determine the pattern, severity and outcome of motorcyclists' head injury presenting to our facility over 12 months. Materials and Methods: We prospectively studied 104 consecutive head injured motorcyclists using a predesigned questionnaire. Results: Seventy per cent of our patients were young adult males. Motorcycle versus other vehicle collision (49%) was the commonest mechanism of injury followed by lone cycle crash (26.0%). Only six motorcyclists, who were all riders (5.8%), wore crash helmet at the time of the crash. Brain contusions (33.3%) and intra-cerebral haematomas (26.7%) were the leading intracranial lesions. Seventy-eight percent of the patients suffered associated injuries, including face (63%) and extremities (24%). Mortality rate from lone crash was 37%, followed closely by motorcycle-vehicular collision. Conclusion: Outcome of head injury was significantly predictable by the nature of intracranial pathology and injury severity score ( P = 0.000), being more favourable in younger age group, patients with normal brain computed tomography (CT) scan and those with extra-dural haematoma. Outcome was less favourable in patients with severe head injury, acute subdural haematoma and multiple intracranial haematomas.
Preemptive Analgesic Effect of Low Doses of Celecoxib Is Superior to Low Doses of Traditional Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs

PurposeThe purpose of the study was to compare the preemptive analgesic effect of celecoxib, a cyclooxygenase 2 inhibitor, with a traditional nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, ibuprofen, in patients after minor oral surgery procedures. Patients and MethodsThis randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, prospective clinical trial was conducted over an 8-month period. Participants were randomly allocated to receive a standard oral dose of 200 mg celecoxib, 400 mg ibuprofen, or a placebo containing lactose, preemptively 1 h before surgery. Using a patient diary, patients recorded pain intensity, pain relief, and global evaluations throughout the 24-hour period after dosing. The overall analgesic effect, onset of action, peak effect, and duration of effect were evaluated, with the primary end point being total pain relief over 8 hours. The safety profile was assessed on the basis of physical findings and spontaneous reports of adverse experiences. ResultsThe results showed that compared with ibuprofen, celecoxib had superior analgesic effects on all measures of analgesic efficacy, including overall analgesic effect (total pain relief over 8 hours: 18.1 vs 12.2, P < 0.001), time to onset of effect (30 vs 60 minutes, P = 0.003), peak pain relief (score, 2.7 vs 2.4, P < 0.05), and duration of effect (>24 vs 7.0 hours, P < 0.001). The safety profile was similar across all treatment groups. ConclusionsThis is the first reported study that demonstrates the superior analgesic effect of celecoxib, for the release of acute postoperative pain following surgery, when compared with the traditional nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, ibuprofen. There was no safety compromise when celecoxib was used in lower doses to provide analgesia for patients who need minor surgery.
CD44 Influences Fibroblast Behaviors Via Modulation of Cell–Cell and Cell–Matrix Interactions, Affecting Survivin and Hippo Pathways

CD44 has been studied in a wide variety of cell types, in a diverse array of cell behaviors and in a diverse range of signaling pathways. We now document a role for CD44 in mediating fibroblast behaviors via regulation of N‐cadherin, extracellular matrix expression, Survivin and the Hippo pathway. Here, we report our findings on the roles of CD44 in modulating proliferation, apoptosis, migration and invasion of murine wild‐type (WT‐FB) and CD44 knockout dermal fibroblasts (CD44KO‐FB). As we have documented in microvascular endothelial cells lacking CD44, we found persistent increased proliferation, reduced activation of cleaved caspase 3, increased initial attachment, but decreased strength of cell attachment in high cell density, post confluent CD44KO‐FB cultures. Additionally, we found that siRNA knock‐down of CD44 mimicked the behaviors of CD44KO‐FB, restoring the decreases in N‐cadherin, collagen type I, fibronectin, Survivin, nuclear fractions of YAP and phospho‐YAP and decreased levels of cleaved caspase 3 to the levels observed in CD44KO‐FB. Interestingly, plating CD44KO‐FB on collagen type I or fibronectin resulted in significant decreases in secondary proliferation rates compared to plating cells on non‐coated dishes, consistent with increased cell adhesion compared to their effects on WT‐FB. Lastly, siRNA knockdown of CD44 in WT‐FB resulted in increased fibroblast migration compared to WT‐FB, albeit at reduced rates compared to CD44KO‐FB. These results are consistent with CD44's pivotal role in modulating several diverse behaviors important for adhesion, proliferation, apoptosis, migration and invasion during development, growth, repair, maintenance and regression of a wide variety of mesenchymal tissues. J. Cell. Physiol. 231: 731–743, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Phosphorylation of Serine 148 in Giardia lamblia End‐binding 1 Protein is Important for Cell Division

Giardia lamblia is a unicellular organism, showing a polarity with two nuclei and cytoskeletal structures. Accurate positioning of these organelles is essential for division of G. lamblia, which is poorly understood. Giardia lamblia end‐binding 1 (GlEB1) protein and G. lamblia aurora kinase (GlAK) have been shown to modulate microtubule (MT) distribution during cytokinesis. A direct association between GlEB1 and GlAK was demonstrated. Like GlEB1, GlAK was also found at nuclear envelopes and median bodies of G. lamblia. In vitro kinase assays using Giardia lysates immunoprecipitated with anti‐GlAK antibodies or recombinant GlAK suggested that GlEB1 is a substrate of GlAK. Site‐directed mutagenesis indicated that threonine‐205 in GlAK was auto‐phosphorylated and that GlAK phosphorylated serine (Ser)‐148 in GlEB1. Ectopic expression of a mutant GlEB1 (with conversion of Ser‐148 into alanine of GlEB1) resulted in an increased number of Giardia cells with division defects. Treatment of G. lamblia with an AK inhibitor triggered cytokinesis defects, and ectopic expression of a phospho‐mimetic mutant GlEB1 (with conversion of Ser‐148 into aspartate) rescued the defects in Giardia cell division caused by the AK inhibitor. These results suggested that phosphorylation of GlEB1 played a role in cytokinesis in G. lamblia.
Autophagy‐Induced Apoptosis in Lung Cancer Cells by a Novel Digitoxin Analog

We have synthesized a novel derivative of Digitoxin, termed “MonoD”, which demonstrates cytotoxic effects in lung cancer cells with much higher potency as compared to Digitoxin. Our data show that within 1 h of MonoD treatment, H460 cells showed increased oxidative stress, increased formation of autophagic vacuoles, and increased expression of pro‐autophagic markers Beclin‐1 and LC3‐II. Cells pretreated with MnTBAP, a superoxide scavenger not only lowered superoxide production, but also had lower levels of LC3‐II and Beclin‐1. Prolonged treatment with MonoD‐induced apoptosis in lung cancer cells. We investigated MonoD‐dependent regulation of Akt and Bcl2, proteins that are known regulators of both autophagy and apoptosis. Molecular and pharmacologic inhibitors of Bcl2 and Akt, when combined with MonoD, led to higher expression of LC3‐II and Beclin‐1 as compared to MonoD alone, suggesting a repressive effect for these proteins in MonoD‐dependent autophagy. Pretreatment of cells with an autophagy inhibitor repressed the apoptotic potential of MonoD, confirming that early autophagic flux is important to drive apoptosis. Therapeutic entities such as MonoD that target multiple pathways such as autophagy and apoptosis may prove advantageous over current therapies that have unimodal basis for action and may drive sustained tumor regression, which is highly desirable. J. Cell. Physiol. 231: 817–828, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Therapeutic Approaches in Mitochondrial Dysfunction, Proteolysis, and Structural Alterations of Diaphragm and Gastrocnemius in Rats With Chronic Heart Failure

Patients with chronic heart failure (CHF) experience exercise intolerance, fatigue and muscle wasting, which negatively influence their survival. We hypothesized that treatment with either the antioxidant N‐acetyl cysteine (NAC) or the proteasome inhibitor bortezomib of rats with monocrotaline‐induced CHF may restore inspiratory and limb muscle mass, function, and structure through several molecular mechanisms involved in protein breakdown and metabolism in the diaphragm and gastrocnemius. In these muscles of CHF‐cachectic rats with and without treatment with NAC or bortezomib (N = 10/group) and non‐cachectic controls, proteolysis (tyrosine release, proteasome activities, ubiquitin‐proteasome markers), oxidative stress, inflammation, mitochondrial function, myosin, NF‐κB transcriptional activity, muscle structural abnormalities, and fiber morphometry were analyzed together with muscle and cardiac functions. In diaphragm and gastrocnemius of CHF‐cachectic rats, tyrosine release, proteasome activity, protein ubiquitination, atrogin‐1, MURF‐1, NF‐κB activity, oxidative stress, inflammation, and structural abnormalities were increased, while muscle and cardiac functions, myosin content, slow‐ and fast‐twitch fiber sizes, and mitochondrial activity were decreased. Concomitant treatment of CHF‐cachectic rats with NAC or bortezomib improved protein catabolism, oxidative stress, inflammation, muscle fiber sizes, function and damage, superoxide dismutase and myosin levels, mitochondrial function (complex I, gastrocnemius), cardiac function and decreased NF‐κB transcriptional activity in both muscles. Treatment of CHF‐cachectic animals with NAC or bortezomib attenuated the functional (heart, muscles), biological, and structural alterations in muscles. Nonetheless, future studies conducted in actual clinical settings are warranted in order to assess the potential beneficial effects and safety concerns of these pharmacological agents on muscle mass loss and wasting in CHF‐cachectic patients. J. Cell. Physiol. 231: 1495–1513, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Variation in the SSUrDNA of the Genus Protostelium Leads to a New Phylogenetic Understanding of the Genus and of the Species Concept for Protostelium mycophaga (Protosteliida, Amoebozoa)

Members of the genus Protostelium (including P. mycophaga, P. nocturnum, and P. okumukumu) are protosteloid amoebae commonly found in terrestrial habitats on dead plant matter. They, along with the closely allied nominal genus Planoprotostelium, containing the single species Pl. aurantium, all have an amoeboid trophic stage with acutely pointed subpseudopodia and orange lipid droplets in the granuloplasm. These amoebae form stalked fruiting bodies topped with a single, usually deciduous spore. The species are identified based on their fruiting body morphologies except for Pl. aurantium which looks similar to P. mycophaga in fruiting morphology, but has amoebae that can make flagella in liquid medium. We built phylogenetic trees using nuclear small subunit ribosomal DNA sequences of 35 isolates from the genera Protostelium and Planoprotostelium and found that (1) the nonflagellated P. nocturnum and P. okumukumu branch basally in the genus Protostelium, (2) the flagellate, Pl. aurantium falls within the genus Protostelium in a monophyletic clade with the nominal variety, P. mycophaga var. crassipes, (3) the cultures initially identified as Protostelium mycophaga can be divided into at least three morphologically recognizable taxa, P. aurantium n. comb. , P. apiculatum n. sp. , and P. m. rodmani n. subsp. , as well as a paraphyletic assemblage that includes the remainder of the P. mycophaga morphotype. These findings have implications for understanding the ecology, evolution, and diversity of these amoeboid organisms and for using these amoebae as models for other amoeboid groups.
A Riboswitch‐based Inducible Gene Expression System for Trypanosoma brucei

Generation of conditional mutants in Trypanosoma brucei can be done by the use of RNA interference (RNAi). However, RNAi frequently produces off target effects. Here, we present an alternative strategy in which the glmS ribozyme is inserted in the C‐terminal region of one allele of a GOI and effectively knocks it down in response to the presence of glucosamine in the culture medium. Using several endogenous genes, we show that the glmS ribozyme cleaves the mRNA in vivo leading to reduction in mRNA and protein expression following glucosamine treatment in both T. brucei procyclic and bloodstream forms. Glucosamine‐induced ribozyme activation can be rapidly reversed by removing the inducer. In summary, the glmS ribozyme could be used as a tool to study essential genes in T. brucei.
Providers’ Perception of Quality of Care and Constraints to Delivery of Quality Maternal Health Services in Primary Health Centers of Enugu State, Nigeria.

Aims: The aim of the study was to assess providers’ perception of quality of care and constraints to delivery of quality maternal health services in urban and rural primary health centers of Enugu state, Nigeria. Study Design: This was a qualitative descriptive study. Methodology: A descriptive study design using qualitative data collection and analysis method. Data was collected through a face to face in-depth interview using an interview guide between May Original Research Article Ossai and Uzochukwu; IJTDH, 8(1): 13-24, 2015; Article no.IJTDH. 2015.072 14 and June 2013. A total of 24 providers participated in the study. They included six heads of department of health of six local government areas and officers-in–charge of eighteen primary health centers in urban and rural areas of Enugu state, Nigeria. Results: Most of the providers perceived the quality of maternal health services in the primary health centers as good and they attributed this to results that were achieved. On measures the providers adopted to ensure clients satisfaction, most of the providers in the urban favoured good work attitude while those in the rural relied on provision of incentives. Inability of the health centers to remain open round the clock was identified as the major constraint to the delivery of quality maternal health care in the health centers and this was attributed to the prevailing security challenges in the study area. Other constraints included inadequate number of health workers, poor amenities, and inadequate equipment. Conclusion: The providers in the study area perceived good quality care to be the same as good utilization of services at the health centers. This has made them to adopt client friendly measures like good work attitude and use of incentives to encourage the clients to utilize the health centers. This may invariably lead to good quality care. Also, they view situations that limit access to services at the health centers as constraints to delivery of quality maternal health care. The providers need adequate support from the local government authorities who are the custodians of primary health care in Nigeria and they should also involve the host communities in the discharge of their duties. The primary health centers should be adequately fenced and personnel employed for security purposes as this will improve access primarily and then good quality care. There is also the need to train the health workers specifically on good quality care.
New eastern Pacific Ocean records of Hydrolagus melanophasma, with annotations of a juvenile female.

Two new records of Hydrolagus melanophasma, one juvenile female from off the central Mexican coast and one adult male from off the coast of Ecuador, confirm the presence of this species throughout its known range in the eastern Pacific Ocean, from southern California, U.S.A. , to Valdivia, Chile. This report gives a description and comparison of proportional measurements, head shape and colouration for juvenile and adult H. melanophasma. A taxonomic key to distinguish the eastern Pacific Ocean species of Hydrolagus is included.
Osteoactivin Promotes Migration of Oral Squamous Cell Carcinomas

Nearly 50% of patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) die of metastases or locoregional recurrence. Metastasis is mediated by cancer cell adhesion, migration, and invasion. Osteoactivin (OA) overexpression plays a role in metastases in several malignancies. The aims were to determine how integrin interactions modulate OA‐induced OSCC cell migration; and to investigate OA effects on cell survival and proliferation. We confirmed OA mRNA and protein overexpression in OSCC cell lines. We assessed OA's interactions with integrins using adhesion inhibition assays, fluorescent immunocytochemistry and co‐immunoprecipitation. We investigated OA‐mediated activation of mitogen‐activated protein kinases (MAPKs) and cell survival. Integrin inhibition effects on OA‐mediated cell migration were determined. We assessed effects of OA knock‐down on cell migration and proliferation. OA is overexpressed in OSCC cell lines, and serves as a migration‐promoting adhesion molecule. OA co‐localized with integrin subunits, and co‐immunoprecipitated with the subunits. Integrin blocking antibodies, especially those directed against the β1 subunit, inhibited cell adhesion (P = 0.03 for SCC15 cells). Adhesion to OA activated MAPKs in UMSCC14a cells and OA treatment promoted survival of SCC15 cells. Integrin‐neutralizing antibodies enhanced cell migration with OA in the extracellular matrix. OA knock‐down resulted in decreased proliferation of SCC15 and SCC25 cells, but did not inhibit cell migration. OA in the extracellular matrix promotes OSCC cell adhesion and migration, and may be a novel target in the prevention of HNSCC spread. J. Cell. Physiol. 231: 1761–1770, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.