Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Characteristics of Vibrio cholerae O1 isolated from water of the River Ganga, Varanasi, India

Background: Vibrio cholerae is an autochthonous inhabitant of fresh and brackish water and estuarine system. Investigation of V. cholerae from the River Ganga seems important to find variation in CTX arrangement and genomic diversity. Objectives: To investigate V. cholerae O1 strains for the presence of virulence and regulatory genes, variation in number and organisation of the pre-CTXΦ and/or CTXΦ, and for the genomic diversity. Materials and Methods: Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to detect virulence and regulatory genes, type of rstR and location of CTXΦ on the chromosome. Southern hybridisation was conducted to see the number and arrangement of pre-CTXΦ and CTXΦ. Ribotyping and pulsed-field gel electrophoresis were used to find genetic relatedness. Results: Seven strains gave positive results by PCR for the gene encoding for ctx A, zot, ace, tcp A (El Tor), omp U, and tox R, except one strain that was negative for the ctx A. Three strains were positive for the tcp A (El Tor), omp U and tox R genes. Determination of CTX organisation showed that among the ctx-positive strains, four harboured two copies of CTXETΦ arranged in tandem and two harboured one copy of CTXETΦ, and one ctx-negative strain harboured only one copy of pre-CTXETΦ. Pulsotype and ribotype analysis showed existence of at least three pulsotype and ribotypes indicating diversity in genomic content among them. Conclusion: This study thus indicates that multiple clones (ribotypes/pulsotypes) of V. cholerae O1 carrying pre-CTXΦ and/or CTXΦ and ctx-negative strains were present in the water of the River Ganga, Varanasi, India.
Protocatechuic Aldehyde Inhibits Lipopolysaccharide‐induced Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cell Apoptosis via Regulation of Caspase‐3

Apoptosis of vascular endothelial cells results in the loss of endothelial integrity, and is a risk factor of atherosclerosis (AS). Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulates inflammation during AS. The current study examined the effect of a potent water‐soluble antioxidant, protocatechuic aldehyde (PCA; derived from the Chinese herb Salvia miltiorrhiza) on apoptosis in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) stimulated with LPS. The LPS (15 µg/ml) stimulation for 30 h resulted in significant HUVEC apoptosis, as detected by Hoechst 33258 staining and Annexin V analysis. The PCA (0.25–1.0 mmol/L, 12 h) inhibited LPS‐induced HUVEC apoptosis in a dose‐dependent manner. Lipopolysaccharide induced caspase‐3 activation, but had no significant effect on caspase‐2, Bcl‐2/Bax, cytochrome c, caspase‐9 and granzyme B expression. Protocatechuic aldehyde (0.25–1.0 mmol/L) significantly inhibited caspase‐3 activation in a dose‐dependent manner. A specific caspase‐3 inhibitor also protected against LPS‐induced apoptosis; however, no cooperative effect of PCA and the inhibitor was observed in this study. Collectively, these results indicate that PCA inhibits LPS‐induced apoptosis in HUVECs through a mechanism that involves caspase‐3. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Biologically active human islet amyloid polypeptide/amylin in transgenic mice.

OBJECTIVE Human islet amyloid polypeptide (hIAPP), also named amylin, is a pancreatic beta cell protein implicated in the pathogenesis of pancreatic islet amyloid formation and type 2 diabetes mellitus. To study the (patho)physiological roles of hIAPP, we have generated transgenic mice that overexpress hIAPP mRNA, in relation to endogenous mouse IAPP (mIAPP) mRNA, in pancreatic beta cells. The biological activity of human and mouse IAPP derived from pancreatic extracts was determined. METHODS Pancreatic and plasma extracts of transgenic and control mice were analyzed by reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and radioimmunoassay, yielding a separation of hIAPP from mIAPP. Biological activity of immunoreactive human and mouse IAPP components derived from pancreatic extracts was assessed by calcitonin receptor-mediated stimulation of cyclic AMP accumulation in T47D human breast carcinoma cells. RESULTS The predominant immunoreactive human and mouse IAPP gene products had the retention times on HPLC analysis of the corresponding synthetic peptides. The ratio of bioactive over immunoreactive hIAPP and mIAPP was 0.93 +/- 0.18 and 1.19 +/- 0.56 respectively. In extracts of two plasma pools from 4 transgenic animals, hIAPP was 4.6- to 7-fold more abundant than mIAPP. CONCLUSION This study has shown that correctly processed hIAPP produced in transgenic mouse pancreatic beta cells exhibits full biological activity. The results validate these transgenic mice for the study of (patho)physiological roles of hIAPP in vivo.
What Predicts Corruption?

The ability to predict corruption is crucial to policy. Using rich micro-data from Brazil, we show that multiple machine learning models display high levels of performance in predicting municipality-level corruption in public spending. We then quantify which individual municipality features and groups of similar characteristics have the highest predictive power. We find that measures of private sector activity, financial development, and human capital are the strongest predictors of corruption, while public sector and political features play a secondary role. Our findings have implications for the design and cost-effectiveness of various anti-corruption policies.
Earnings Discontinuity as the Proxy for Earnings Management: Empirical Study from the UK, Germany and the Czech Republic

The paper deals with the phenomenon of earnings discontinuity around zero level in the UK, as the common law representative, Germany, as the civil law representative, and the Czech Republic, as the civil law representative where earnings management research has not yet been thoroughly realized. We undertake both cross-sectional and time-series analysis from 2006 to 2013. According to our findings, the UK is a low-earnings-management country with slightly decreasing trend of the earnings management level. On the other hand, earnings management engagement in Germany and the Czech Republic is of a significantly higher level than in the UK. Moreover, Czech companies suggest an increasing trend of the earnings management level. We find significant difference between the common law representative and the civil law ones in terms of the earnings management level.
CD62/P-selectin binding sites for myeloid cells and sulfatides are overlapping.

P-Selectin (CD62/GMP140/PADGEM) is an inducible cell-surface glycoprotein expressed by endothelial cells and platelets following stimulation by inflammatory mediators such as thrombin, histamine, or peroxides. P-Selectin mediates the binding of leukocytes to activated vascular endothelium at sites of inflammation and plays a role in mediating the binding of activated platelets to leukocytes and the vascular cell wall. The adhesive function of P-selectin is mediated by its calcium-dependent (or C-type) lectin domain, which is known to bind to carbohydrate ligands including fucosyl-N-acetyllactosamine (Lex, CD15), sialyl-Lex, and 3-sulfated galactosylceramides (sulfatides). Sulfatides can efficiently block P-selectin/myeloid cell binding in vitro and are excreted at high levels by activated granulocytes. These observations led to the hypothesis that sulfatide may play a role in facilitating the disengagement of CD62, allowing the efficient exit of granulocytes from the blood stream at sites of inflammation. In this report, we extend our previous mutagenesis analysis of the P-selectin binding site [Hollenbaugh, D. , Bajorath, J., Stenkamp, R. , & Aruffo, A. (1993) Biochemistry 32, 2960] and show that replacement of Tyr48 with Ser or Lys113 with Arg results in P-selectin mutants that, although correctly folded, do not bind to HL60 cells. These results suggest that the conservation of charged and hydrogen-bonding site chains is not sufficient to maintain the P-selectin function and that the exact stereochemistry provided by the side chains of residues lining the P-selectin binding pocket is critical for P-selectin binding. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Regulation of the Cytotoxic Enterotoxin Gene inAeromonas hydrophila: Characterization of an Iron Uptake Regulator

ABSTRACT The cytotoxic enterotoxin Act from a diarrheal isolate, SSU, of Aeromonas hydrophila is aerolysin related and crucial to the pathogenesis of Aeromonas infections. To elucidate the role of environmental signals which influence the expression of the cytotoxic enterotoxin gene (act), a portion of the act gene, including the putative promoter region, was fused in frame to a truncated alkaline phosphatase gene (phoA) of Escherichia coli. Theact::phoA reporter gene was then introduced into the chromosome of A. hydrophila by using the suicide vector pJQ200SK, allowing the fusion protein to be secreted out into the culture medium. Western blot analysis demonstrated the presence of a correctly size 110-kDa fusion protein in the culture supernatant, which reacted with both anti-Act and anti-alkaline phosphatase antibodies. Based on alkaline phosphatase (PhoA) activity in the culture supernatant, we demonstrated that calcium significantly increased the activity of the actpromoter but that glucose and iron repressed its activity in a dose-dependent fashion. The act promoter exhibited optimal activity at pH 7.0 and at 37°C, and maximal PhoA activity was noted when the culture was aerated. Using a Vibrio cholerae iron uptake regulator gene (fur) as a probe, a 2.6-kb SalI/HindIII DNA fragment from an A. hydrophila chromosome was cloned and sequenced. The DNA sequence revealed a 429-bp open reading frame that exhibited 69% homology at the DNA level with thefur gene and 79% homology at the amino acid level with the iron uptake regulator (Fur) protein of V. cholerae. Complementation experiments demonstrated that the A. hydrophila fur gene could restore iron regulation in anE. coli fur-minus mutant. Using the suicide vector pDMS197, we generated a fur isogenic mutant of wild-typeA. hydrophila SSU. Northern blot analysis data indicated that the repression in the transcription of theact gene by iron was relieved in the furisogenic mutant. Further, iron regulation in the furisogenic mutant of A. hydrophila could be restored by complementation. These results are important in understanding the regulation of the act gene under in vivo conditions.
Effects of COX‐2 inhibition on spinal nociception: the role of endocannabinoids

Background and purpose: Recent studies suggest that the effects of cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2) inhibition are mediated by cannabinoid receptor activation. However, some non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs inhibit the enzyme fatty acid amide hydrolase, which regulates levels of some endocannabinoids. Whether COX‐2 directly regulates levels of endocannabinoids in vivo is unclear. Here, the effect of the COX‐2 inhibitor nimesulide, which does not inhibit fatty acid amide hydrolase, on spinal nociceptive processing was determined. Effects of nimesulide on tissue levels of endocannabinoids and related compounds were measured and the role of cannabinoid 1 (CB1) receptors was determined.
Second-strand synthesis is a rate-limiting step for efficient transduction by recombinant adeno-associated virus vectors

The ability of recombinant adeno-associated virus (AAV) to transduce cells with a marker gene in vitro was found to be substantially increased by the presence of adenovirus. Transfection experiments with adenovirus genomic DNA suggest that this increase is not facilitated by adenovirus-mediated viral uptake but is instead dependent on adenovirus gene expression. Using various adenovirus mutants, we were able to map this function to early-region E4 open reading frame 6. Plasmid expression of open reading frame 6 protein in cells infected with recombinant AAV increased transduction between 100- and 1,000-fold. The increase in transduction was not dependent on the recombinant AAV gene cassette but instead appeared to involve an immediate early step of the AAV life cycle. Chemical and physical agents that have been shown to induce helper-free replication of wild-type AAV were also able to stimulate recombinant AAV transduction, suggesting that the phenomenon might affect AAV DNA replication. Further experiments showed that viral uncoating was not affected and that the rate-limiting step involved synthesis of a second strand on the single-stranded genomic AAV DNA. These data suggest that the adenovirus E4 region, as well as chemical and physical agents, can play an essential role in an immediate-early step of the AAV life cycle, specifically in second-strand synthesis, and have important implications for the use of AAV vectors in gene therapy protocols.
Effects of Estrogen on Beta-Amyloid-Induced Cholinergic Cell Death in the Nucleus Basalis Magnocellularis

Alzheimer disease is characterized by accumulation of β-amyloid (Aβ) and cognitive dysfunctions linked to early loss of cholinergic neurons. As estrogen-based hormone replacement therapy has beneficial effects on cognition of demented patients, and it may prevent memory impairments, we investigated the effect of estrogen-pretreatment on Aβ-induced cholinergic neurodegeneration in the nucleus basalis magnocellularis (NBM). We tested which Aβ species induces the more pronounced cholinotoxic effect in vivo. We injected different Aβ assemblies in the NBM of mice, and measured cholinergic cell and cortical fiber loss. Spherical Aβ oligomers had the most toxic effect. Pretreatment of ovariectomized mice with estrogen before Aβ injection decreased cholinergic neuron loss and partly prevented fiber degeneration. By using proteomics, we searched for proteins involved in estrogen-mediated protection and in Aβ toxicity 24 h following injection. The change in expression of, e.g., DJ-1, NADH ubiquinone oxidoreductase, ATP synthase, phosphatidylethanolamine-binding protein 1, protein phosphatase 2A and dimethylarginine dimethylaminohydrolase 1 support our hypothesis that Aβ induces mitochondrial dysfunction, decreases MAPK signaling, and increases NOS activation in NBM. On the other hand, altered expression of, e.g., MAP kinase kinase 1 and 2, protein phosphatase 1 and 2A by Aβ might increase MAPK suppression and NOS signaling in the cortical target area. Estrogen pretreatment reversed most of the changes in the proteome in both areas. Our experiments suggest that regulation of the MAPK pathway, mitochondrial pH and NO production may all contribute to Aβ toxicity, and their regulation can be prevented partly by estrogen pretreatment.
Progressive cerebral volume loss in human immunodeficiency virus infection: a longitudinal volumetric magnetic resonance imaging study. HIV Neurobehavioral Research Center Group.

OBJECTIVE To compare rates and anatomical patterns of brain atrophy during 3 stages of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) disease. DESIGN Comparisons of multiple serial brain magnetic resonance images in men without HIV infection and HIV-infected men in Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC, Atlanta, Ga) stages A, B, and C. SETTING Longitudinal cohort study of the San Diego HIV Neurobehavioral Research Center, San Diego, Calif. PARTICIPANTS Eighty-six HIV-1-positive (HIV-positive) and 23 HIV-negative men who were similar in age and risk group. The number of HIV-positive men in each CDC stage was as follows: A, 33; B, 19; C, 34. All HIV-positive men were free of clinically detectable opportunistic neurologic illness. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Regional volumes of serial magnetic resonance images converted to standardized slope estimates of change in regional volumes of interest. RESULTS Medically asymptomatic men (CDC stage A) and medically symptomatic men (CDC stage C) had more rapid loss of cortical tissues than did HIV-negative men as manifested by higher slopes (Tukey honestly significant difference test, P=.02 and P=.001, respectively) for cortical fluid volume. Accelerated ventricular volume enlargement occurred only in men with CDC stage C disease. Reduction in the volume of white matter was accelerated in participants with CDC stage C disease compared with participants with CDC stage A disease. Of the gray matter regions, only the caudate nucleus sustained accelerated volume loss during CDC stage C disease. Participants whose systemic disease progressed to a higher CDC stage had significantly accelerated ventricular volume increases and caudate atrophy. Rates of cortical and subcortical fluid volume increases and reductions in the volumes of white matter and the caudate nucleus were significantly related to the rate of decline in the CD4+ lymphocyte count. CONCLUSIONS In the absence of cerebral opportunistic disease, HIV infection causes progressive atrophy within the gray and white matter in the brain. These changes were most severe in the most advanced stage of disease but were evident even in medically asymptomatic HIV-positive persons. Within the gray matter, the caudate nucleus exhibited progressive volume loss linked to disease stage and the rate of decline of the CD4+ cell count. Structural brain changes can begin in the early stages of HIV infection and accelerate during advanced illness.
THE OPTIMIZATION OF THE ROLE OF ZAKAT IN THE ALLEVIATING POVERTY IN INDONESIA

This study aims to determine the extent of the role of zakat in alleviating identified as mustahiq inentrepreneurship. Zakat intended for mustahiq can be used as business capital where businessesdeveloped by mustahiq are generally still small-scale, which is not accessed by bank financialinstitutions. The mentoring process includes planning, implementing, supervising and controlling andevaluating the program, becoming one of the amil zakat programs in managing productive zakat so thatit is expected to create economic circulation, increase the productivity of community businesses,increase income / economic results, and be sustainable. The methodology used in this study is adescriptive qualitative method to see the effect of productive zakat on the empowerment of the poorthrough the poverty index. This study consisted of primary data and secondary data. Primary dataobtained from the survey results or the results of questionnaires and conducted in-depth interviews withproductive Zakat program managers in Baznas and mustahiq as participants of the communityempowerment program through productive zakat. While secondary data is obtained from the BAZNASProgram Report on the internet, several kinds of literature, articles both magazines, journals,newspapers and the internet. The results of the study show that overall mustahik considers that theproductive zakat program by Baznas has run very well.
Synthesis and biological activity of N6-(p-sulfophenyl)alkyl and N6-sulfoalkyl derivatives of adenosine: water-soluble and peripherally selective adenosine agonists.

A series of N6-(p-sulfophenyl)alkyl and N6-sulfoalkyl derivatives of adenosine was synthesized, revealing that N6-(p-sulfophenyl)adenosine (10b) is a moderately potent (Ki vs [3H]PIA in rat cortical membranes was 74nM) and A1-selective (120-fold) adenosine agonist, of exceptional aqueous solubility of > 1.5 g/mL (approximately 3 M). Compound 10b was very potent in inhibiting synaptic potentials in gerbil hippocampal slices with an IC50 of 63 nM. At a dose of 0.1 mg/kg ip in rats, 10b inhibited lipolysis (a peripheral A1 effect) by 85% after 1 h. This in vivo effect was reversed using the peripherally selective A1-antagonist 1,3-dipropyl-8-[p-(carboxyethynyl)phenyl]xanthine (BW1433). The same dose of 10b in NIH Swiss mice (ip) was nearly inactive in locomotor depression, an effect that has been shown to be centrally mediated when elicited by lower doses of other potent adenosine agonists, such as N6-cyclohexyladenosine (CHA) (Nikodijevic et al. FEBS Lett. 1990, 261, 67). HPLC studies of biodistribution of a closely related and less potent homologue, N6-[4-(p-sulfophenyl)butyl]adenosine indicated that a 25 mg/kg ip dose in mice resulted in a plasma concentration after 30 min of 0.46 micrograms/mL and no detectable drug in the brain (detection limit < 0.1% of plasma level). Although 10b at doses > 0.1 mg/kg in mice depressed locomotor activity, this depression was unlike the effects of CHA and was reversible by BW1433. These data suggest that 10b is a potent adenosine agonist in vivo and shows poor CNS penetration.
IGF1 stimulates crypt expansion via differential activation of 2 intestinal stem cell populations

Insulin‐like growth factor 1 (IGF1) has potent trophic effects on normal or injured intestinal epithelium, but specific effects on intestinal stem cells (ISCs) are undefined. We used Sox9‐enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) reporter mice that permit analyses of both actively cycling ISCs (Sox9‐EGFPLow) and reserve/facultative ISCs (Sox9‐EGFPHigh) to study IGF1 action on ISCs in normal intestine or during crypt regeneration after high‐dose radiation‐induced injury. We hypothesized that IGF1 differentially regulates proliferation and gene expression in actively cycling and reserve/facultative ISCs. IGF1 was delivered for 5 days using subcutaneously implanted mini‐pumps in uninjured mice or after 14 Gy abdominal radiation. ISC numbers, proliferation, and transcriptome were assessed. IGF1 increased epithelial growth in nonirradiated mice and enhanced crypt regeneration after radiation. In uninjured and regenerating intestines, IGF1 increased total numbers of Sox9‐EGFPLow ISCs and percentage of these cells in M‐phase. IGF1 increased percentages of Sox9‐EGFPHigh ISCs inS‐phase but did not expand this population. Microarray revealed that IGF1 activated distinct gene expression signatures in the 2 Sox9‐EGFP ISC populations. In vitro IGF1 enhanced enteroid formation by Sox9‐EGFPHigh facultative ISCs but not Sox9‐EGFPLow actively cycling ISCs. Our data provide new evidence that IGF1 activates 2 ISC populations via distinct regulatory pathways to promote growth of normal intestinal epithelium and crypt regeneration after irradiation. —Van Landeghem, L. , Santoro, M. A. , Mah, A. T. , Krebs, A. E. , Dehmer, J. J., McNaughton, K. K. , Helmrath, M.A., Magness, S.T. , Lund, P. K. IGF1 stimulates crypt expansion via differential activation of 2 intestinal stem cell populations. FASEB J. 29, 2828‐2842 (2015). www.fasebj. org
Intracranial malignant B-cell lymphoma of the dura.

OBJECTIVE Malignant B-cell lymphomas of the dura mater are very rare. A case of primary centroblastic/centrocytic lymphoma of the dura mimicking a bilateral convexity meningioma is presented. CLINICAL PRESENTATION A 50-year-old woman was referred to our institution with a 6-month history of headache and two Jacksonian seizures. Computed tomography revealed a parafalcine and bilateral convexity lesion. Cerebral angiography and magnetic resonance imaging were performed prior to surgery. At surgery the tumor was removed subtotally. The patient was treated postoperatively by combined chemo- and radiotherapy. CONCLUSION Laboratory studies and follow-up examinations revealed no evidence of systemic lymphoma nor of any immunocompromised state. According to the presented case combined surgery and chemoradiotherapy seems to be an effective treatment for this rare lesion.
Random walks on complex networks with inhomogeneous impact.

In many complex systems, for the activity f(i) of the constituents or nodes i a power-law relationship was discovered between the standard deviation sigma(i) and the average strength of the activity: sigma(i) proportional variant alpha: universal values alpha=1/2 or 1 were found, however, with exceptions. With the help of an impact variable we present a random walk model where the activity is the product of the number of visitors at a node and their impact. If the impact depends strongly on the node connectivity and the properties of the carrying network are broadly distributed (as in a scale-free network) we find both analytically and numerically nonuniversal alpha values. The exponent always crosses over to the universal value of 1 if the external drive dominates.