Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Significance of CD271 in Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells-Changes by Cryopreservation

In investigating the biological activities of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMMSCs), an important task is cell sorting of effective BMMSCs. In the present study, we examined the usefulness of CD271 as a cell surface marker of BMMSCs. Specifically, we investigated (1) CD271 expression before and after freezing, (2) difference between the CD271(+) and CD271(−) fractions regarding calcium formation level after bone differentiation, and (3) method of harvesting effective BMMSCs from marrow tissue. CD271 was partially expressed in cryopreserved BMMSCs (CBMMSCs). We used CD271 in separating CBMMSCs into different cell groups and compared the calcium formation levels between the CD271-expressed and CD271-nonexpressed groups. A significant amount of BMMSCs existed even in the CD271(−) fraction, and the calcium formation level was high in 4 of 5 CD271(−) fraction specimens. The same investigation was conducted on nonfrozen BMMSCs. No major difference was found in CD271 expression compared with CBMMSCs. However, the calcium formation level of the CD271(+) fraction was higher in 3 of 5 specimens. We presumed that CD271 expression might have been substantially changed during culture and cryopreservation. We compared the method of directly culturing bone marrow tissue and that of washing the sample before culture and confirmed that the calcium formation level of BMMSCs was higher when the marrow tissue was washed before culture.
Cognitive factors predicting intentions to search for health information: an application of the theory of planned behaviour.

BACKGROUND Peoples' ability to obtain health information is a precondition for their effective participation in decision making about health. However, there is limited evidence describing which cognitive factors can predict the intention of people to search for health information. OBJECTIVES To test the utility of a questionnaire in predicting intentions to search for health information, and to identify important predictors associated with this intention such that these could be targeted in an Intervention. METHOD A questionnaire was developed based on the Theory of Planned Behaviour and tested on both a mixed population sample (n=30) and a sample of parents (n = 45). The questionnaire was explored by testing for internal consistency, calculating inter-correlations between theoretically-related constructs, and by using multiple regression analysis. RESULTS The reliability and validity of the questionnaire were found to be satisfactory and consistent across the two samples. The questionnaires' direct measures prediction of intention was high and accounted for 47% and 55% of the variance in behavioural intentions. Attitudes and perceived behavioural control were identified as important predictors to intention for search for health information. CONCLUSION The questionnaire may be a useful tool for understanding and evaluating behavioural intentions and beliefs related to searches for health information.
Preclinical evaluation of novel antibacterial agents by microbiological and molecular techniques

The defining property of an antibacterial agent is its ability to selectively interfere with bacterial growth and/or survival. Consequently, a considerable and crucial part of the preclinical evaluation of any novel antibacterial drug involves judging and characterising its effects on bacteria in vitro. These critical stages in drug development are sometimes made to appear somewhat trivial, sandwiched as they are between the highly demanding antibacterial discovery process and the formidable task of demonstrating safety and efficacy in vivo. However, careful biological evaluation in vitro is key to quantifying and understanding the basis of the antibacterial activity, providing preliminary indications and evaluations of therapeutic potential, assessing the likelihood for the development of bacterial resistance, guiding chemical refinement and assisting subsequent stages of the appraisal of any new antibacterial drug. This review covers concepts in, and strategies for, the in vitro microbiological and molecular evaluation of antibacterial drug candidates.
Predicting a Human Gut Microbiota’s Response to Diet in Gnotobiotic Mice

Model microbial communities in mouse guts respond quickly and predictably to dietary shifts. The interrelationships between our diets and the structure and operations of our gut microbial communities are poorly understood. A model community of 10 sequenced human gut bacteria was introduced into gnotobiotic mice, and changes in species abundance and microbial gene expression were measured in response to randomized perturbations of four defined ingredients in the host diet. From the responses, we developed a statistical model that predicted over 60% of the variation in species abundance evoked by diet perturbations, and we were able to identify which factors in the diet best explained changes seen for each community member. The approach is generally applicable, as shown by a follow-up study involving diets containing various mixtures of pureed human baby foods.
Disruption of the Escherichia coli cls gene responsible for cardiolipin synthesis

The cls gene of Escherichia coli is responsible for the synthesis of a major membrane phospholipid, cardiolipin, and has been proposed to encode cardiolipin synthase. This gene cloned on a pBR322 derivative was disrupted by either insertion of or replacement with a kanamycin-resistant gene followed by exchange with the homologous chromosomal region. The proper genomic disruptions were confirmed by Southern blot hybridization and a transductional linkage analysis. Both types of disruptants had essentially the same properties; cardiolipin synthase activity was not detectable, but the strains grew well, although their growth rates and final culture densities were lower than those of the corresponding wild-type strains and strains with the classical cls-1 mutation. A disruptant harboring a plasmid that carried the intact cls gene grew normally. The results indicate that the cls gene and probably the cardiolipin synthase are dispensable for E. coli but may confer growth or survival advantages. Low but definite levels of cardiolipin were synthesized by all the disruptants. Cardiolipin content of the cls mutants depended on the dosage of the pss gene, and attempts to transfer a null allele of the cls gene into a pss-1 mutant were unsuccessful. We point out the possibilities of minor cardiolipin formation by phosphatidylserine synthase and of the essential nature of cardiolipin for the survival of E. coli cells.
Social innovation, social enterprise, and local public services: Undertaking transformation?

This article discusses some of the challenges encountered in embedding effective and sustainable social enterprise and social innovation within established political institutional systems to deliver local welfare services. It draws upon evidence analyzing social innovation and social enterprise in Scotland to contribute to the debate over whether social innovations and social enterprises are able to meet expectations in addressing the significant challenges faced by welfare systems. The article clarifies the meaning of both these contested concepts and explains how social innovation and social enterprise relate to similar ideas in social and public policy. The evidence suggests that actually operating social enterprises and social innovations do not embrace the image of them promoted by enthusiasts as either “entrepreneurial” or “innovative”. Furthermore, they bring distinctive challenges in delivering local welfare services, including potential tensions or rivalry with existing public agencies. The article suggests that social enterprises and social innovations are not themselves instigators nor catalysts for systemic change, but that their impact is constrained by structural conditions and institutional factors beyond their control.
Preexposure to live Brugia malayi microfilariae alters the innate response of human dendritic cells to Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

BACKGROUND Mycobacterium tuberculosis and helminth coinfection is highly prevalent, and the presence of helminths may modulate the Th1 response necessary for M. tuberculosis control. METHODS Elutriated human monocytes, differentiated into dendritic cells (DCs) and macrophages, were exposed in vitro to live microfilariae (mf). The influence that mf had on M. tuberculosis infectivity, expression of cell surface molecules, and production of cytokines was determined. RESULTS Compared with mf-unexposed, M. tuberculosis-infected cells, mf-exposed, M. tuberculosis-infected DCs had decreased expression of CD14, CD54, and human leukocyte antigen-DR, and mf-exposed, M. tuberculosis-infected macrophages had decreased expression of CD40. DCs that were mf exposed and M. tuberculosis infected produced more interleukin (IL)-1 beta than did mf-unexposed, M. tuberculosis-infected DCs. Also, mf-exposed, M. tuberculosis-infected DCs and macrophages expressed less IL-10 and interferon (IFN)- alpha than did mf-unexposed, M. tuberculosis-infected cells. When they were cultured with autologous CD4+ T cells, mf-exposed, M. tuberculosis-infected DCs were less capable of stimulating the production of IFN- gamma than were other DCs. Exposure of DCs to mf decreased the surface expression of DC-specific intercellular adhesion molecule-3 grabbing nonintegrin, a receptor required by M. tuberculosis for entry into DCs. CONCLUSIONS Exposure to mf reduces a key receptor on the DC surface, which perhaps renders these cells less susceptible to infection with M. tuberculosis. Exposure to mf changes the surface expression of adhesion and costimulatory molecules on DCs and macrophages and alters their expression of cytokines and chemokines in a way that renders them less capable of immunologic responses.
Sp1 and Sp3 Transcription Factors Mediate Interleukin-1β Down-regulation of Human Type II Collagen Gene Expression in Articular Chondrocytes*

Interleukin-1β (IL-1β) is a pleiotropic cytokine that was shown to inhibit the biosynthesis of articular cartilage components. Here we demonstrate that IL-1β inhibits the production of newly synthesized collagens in proliferating rabbit articular chondrocytes and that this effect is accompanied by a decrease in the steady-state levels of type II collagen mRNA. IL-1β down-regulates COL2A1 gene transcription through a –41/–33 bp sequence that binds a multimeric complex including Sp1 and Sp3 transcription factors. Specificity of IL-1β effects on COL2A1 promoter activity was demonstrated in experiments in which transfection of a wild type –50/+1 sequence of COL2A1 promoter as a decoy oligonucleotide abolished the IL-1β inhibition of a –63/+47 COL2A1-mediated transcription. By contrast, transfection of the related oligonucleotide harboring a targeted mutation in the –41/–33 sequence did not modify the negative effect the cytokine. Because we demonstrated previously that Sp1 was a strong activator of COL2A1 gene expression via the –63/+1 promoter region, whereas Sp3 overexpression blocked Sp1-induced promoter activity and inhibited COL2A1 gene transcription, we conclude that IL-1β down-regulation of that gene, as we found previously for transforming growth factor-β1, is mediated by an increase in the Sp3/Sp1 ratio. Moreover, IL-1β increased steady-state levels of Sp1 and Sp3 mRNAs, whereas it enhanced Sp3 protein expression and inhibited Sp1 protein biosynthesis. Nevertheless, IL-1β decreased the binding activity of both Sp1 and Sp3 to the 63-bp short COL2A1 promoter, suggesting that the cytokine exerts a post-transcriptional regulatory mechanism on Sp1 and Sp3 gene expressions. Altogether, these data indicate that modulation of Sp3/Sp1 ratio in cartilage could be a potential target to prevent or limit the tissue degradation.
Population structure of Streptococcus agalactiae reveals an association between specific evolutionary lineages and putative virulence factors but not disease

To evaluate the genetic diversity and relationships in a collection of 85 Danish strains of Streptococcus agalactiae (group B streptococcus) we have performed restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis on EcoRI- and MspI-digested whole-cell DNA using as probes rRNA, DNA fragments representing the genes encoding hyaluronidase, C5a-peptidase, alpha-antigen, and beta-antigen as well as two randomly selected genomic DNA fragments for which the coding potential is unknown. In addition, we have assayed for expression of hyaluronidase activity and beta-antigen. Combined analyses of our data and those previously obtained by multilocus enzyme electrophoresis and serotyping revealed a population separating into six major lineages that correlate with individual serotypes. The significant linkage disequilibrium of alleles indicates that the S. agalactiae population examined is predominantly clonal. Notably, strains expressing the serotype III capsule divide into two distant evolutionary lineages, of which one lacks expression of hyaluronidase activity. Six North American isolates of serotype III clustered together with multiple Danish serotype III strains, showing that the combinations of characters on which the phylogenetic tree was based are conserved worldwide. Occurrence of beta-antigen correlated with a specific version of the alpha-antigen gene and was exclusively associated with a single major phylogenetic lineage. Comparisons with the clinical history of the strains revealed no evidence of differences in pathogenic potential among the six major genetic divisions.
The Amino Terminus of Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 Glycoprotein K (gK) Modulates gB-Mediated Virus-Induced Cell Fusion and Virion Egress

ABSTRACT Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1)-induced cell fusion is mediated by viral glycoproteins and other membrane proteins expressed on infected cell surfaces. Certain mutations in the carboxyl terminus of HSV-1 glycoprotein B (gB) and in the amino terminus of gK cause extensive virus-induced cell fusion. Although gB is known to be a fusogenic glycoprotein, the mechanism by which gK is involved in virus-induced cell fusion remains elusive. To delineate the amino-terminal domains of gK involved in virus-induced cell fusion, the recombinant viruses gKΔ31-47, gKΔ31-68, and gKΔ31-117, expressing gK carrying in-frame deletions spanning the amino terminus of gK immediately after the gK signal sequence (amino acids [aa] 1 to 30), were constructed. Mutant viruses gKΔ31-47 and gKΔ31-117 exhibited a gK-null (ΔgK) phenotype characterized by the formation of very small viral plaques and up to a 2-log reduction in the production of infectious virus in comparison to that for the parental HSV-1(F) wild-type virus. The gKΔ31-68 mutant virus formed substantially larger plaques and produced 1-log-higher titers than the gKΔ31-47 and gKΔ31-117 mutant virions at low multiplicities of infection. Deletion of 28 aa from the carboxyl terminus of gB (gBΔ28syn) caused extensive virus-induced cell fusion. However, the gBΔ28syn mutation was unable to cause virus-induced cell fusion in the presence of the gKΔ31-68 mutation. Transient expression of a peptide composed of the amino-terminal 82 aa of gK (gKa) produced a glycosylated peptide that was efficiently expressed on cell surfaces only after infection with the HSV-1(F), gKΔ31-68, ΔgK, or UL20-null virus. The gKa peptide complemented the gKΔ31-47 and gKΔ31-68 mutant viruses for infectious-virus production and for gKΔ31-68/gBΔ28syn-mediated cell fusion. These data show that the amino terminus of gK modulates gB-mediated virus-induced cell fusion and virion egress.
Association of TNFSF8 polymorphisms with peripheral neutrophil count.

OBJECTIVE To investigate the association between 347 single-nucleotide polymorphisms within candidate genes of the tumor necrosis factor, interleukin 1 and interleukin 6 families with neutrophil count. PATIENTS AND METHODS Four hundred cases with heart failure after myocardial infarction (MI) were matched by age, sex, and date of incident MI to 694 controls (MI without post-MI heart failure). Both genotypes and neutrophil count at admission for incident MI were available in 314 cases and 515 controls. RESULTS We found significant associations between the TNFSF8 poly morphisms rs927374 (P=5.1 x 10(-5)) and rs2295800 (P=1.3 x 10(-4)) and neutrophil count; these single-nucleotide polymorphisms are in high linkage disequilibrium (r(2)=0.97). Associations persisted after controlling for clinical characteristics and were unchanged after adjusting for case-control status. For rs927374, the neutrophil count of GG homozygotes (7.6±5.1) was 16% lower than that of CC homozygotes (9.0±5.2). CONCLUSION The TNFSF8 polymorphisms rs927374 and rs2295800 were associated with neutrophil count. This finding suggests that post-MI inflammatory response is genetically modulated.
Core muscle activation during Swiss ball and traditional abdominal exercises.

STUDY DESIGN Controlled laboratory study using a repeated-measures, counterbalanced design. OBJECTIVES To test the ability of 8 Swiss ball exercises (roll-out, pike, knee-up, skier, hip extension right, hip extension left, decline push-up, and sitting march right) and 2 traditional abdominal exercises (crunch and bent-knee sit-up) on activating core (lumbopelvic hip complex) musculature. BACKGROUND Numerous Swiss ball abdominal exercises are employed for core muscle strengthening during training and rehabilitation, but there are minimal data to substantiate the ability of these exercises to recruit core muscles. It is also unknown how core muscle recruitment in many of these Swiss ball exercises compares to core muscle recruitment in traditional abdominal exercises such as the crunch and bent-knee sit-up. METHODS A convenience sample of 18 subjects performed 5 repetitions for each exercise. Electromyographic (EMG) data were recorded on the right side for upper and lower rectus abdominis, external and internal oblique, latissimus dorsi, lumbar paraspinals, and rectus femoris, and then normalized using maximum voluntary isometric contractions (MVICs). RESULTS EMG signals during the roll-out and pike exercises for the upper rectus abdominis (63% and 46% MVIC, respectively), lower rectus abdominis (53% and 55% MVIC, respectively), external oblique (46% and 84% MVIC, respectively), and internal oblique (46% and 56% MVIC, respectively) were significantly greater compared to most other exercises, where EMG signals ranged between 7% to 53% MVIC for the upper rectus abdominis, 7% to 44% MVIC for the lower rectus abdominis, 14% to 73% MVIC for the external oblique, and 16% to 47% MVIC for the internal oblique. The lowest EMG signals were consistently found in the sitting march right exercise. Latissimus dorsi EMG signals were greatest in the pike, knee-up, skier, hip extension right and left, and decline push-up (17%-25% MVIC), and least with the sitting march right, crunch, and bent-knee sit-up exercises (7%-8% MVIC). Rectus femoris EMG signal was greatest with the hip extension left exercise (35% MVIC), and least with the crunch, roll-out, hip extension right, and decline push-up exercises (6%-10% MVIC). Lumbar paraspinal EMG signal was relative low (less than 10% MVIC) for all exercises. CONCLUSIONS The roll-out and pike were the most effective exercises in activating upper and lower rectus abdominis, external and internal obliques, and latissimus dorsi muscles, while minimizing lumbar paraspinals and rectus femoris activity. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2010;40(5):265-276, Epub 22 April 2010. doi:10.2519/jospt.2010. 3073.
Primary hormonal treatment in localized and locally advanced prostate cancer: effectiveness and survival predictive factors.

AIM to evaluate the effectiveness of primary hormonal treatment on localized and locally advanced prostate cancer, including the analysis on the survival predictive factors. METHODS patients with localized (T1,T2N0M0) and locally advanced (T3, T4N0M0) prostate cancer who had received primary hormonal treatment between January 1995 and December 2009 were evaluated retrospectively based on their specific medical records at Department of Urology in Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital (RSCM) and Dharmais Cancer Hospital (RSKD). RESULTS about 79 (29.9%) of 264 patients with localized and advanced local prostate cancer received primary hormonal treatment. In the localized prostate cancer group, mean survival was 58.3 months (range: 1.87-170.78) and 5-year survival was 77.3%; while in locally advanced prostate cancer patients, mean survival was 40.87 months (range 7.29-115.29) and 5-year survival was only 22.7%. Hemoglobin level was a significant clinical parameter of survival predictive factors for both localized and locally advanced prostate cancer groups. The lower the hemoglobin level, the survival will be shorter. CONCLUSION there were no significant differences between mean survival and 5-year survival rate, between localized and locally advanced prostate cancer patients who had received primary hormonal treatment. Hemoglobin level is survival predictive factors for localized and locally advanced prostate cancer patients.
Teaching English Using Social Media for the First Year of University Students

It is reasonable that technology has already become part of people‟s daily life. The number of young learners who are literate with new technologies as new means of communication is growing. Therefore, the use of current Information Communication Technology (ICT) along with its internet and web-based tools in classroom and teaching learning activities becomes increasingly reasonable and demanding. Facebook is chosen for this teaching and learning design since some studies suggest that this ICT successfully encourage students to participate in education settings, and access information anytime and anywhere confidently with students‟ own ability. It is to maintain students‟ interest than a passive teacher directed learning experience. The main focus of this project is to design a Facebook based activities for additional task in the conventional class. Under an English subject for the first year, this paper presents the opportunity to use one of popular social network sites; Facebook for language teaching and learning design. The discussion is about the background of using available technology, particularly Facebook as an online social media in education, and then, it will be narrowed down into the use of this online social media for language teaching and teaching, particularly for ESL students. Intentionally, the discussion will be used as the basic idea for teaching design using online-based media in the classroom. Therefore, it presents the theoretical framework, the opportunity, and alternative implementation of Facebook as a teaching media with its activities.
Alcohol Use and Cigarette Smoking During Pregnancy Among American Indians/Alaska Natives

Previous research states that American Indian/Alaska Native pregnant women exhibit high rates of alcohol use and smoking. The current study uses the National Survey of Drug Use and Health (2005–2009) to update and expand on this literature. Results reveal lower rates of alcohol use and, with compositional controls, lower rates of smoking for American Indian/Alaska Native pregnant women compared with pregnant women of other racial/ethnic groups. These findings support social–structural explanations of substance use among American Indian/Alaska Native pregnant women and refute commonly offered cultural arguments that alcohol use and smoking reflect something that is “uniquely Indian. ”