Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Reverse Gyrase from the Hyperthermophilic BacteriumThermotoga maritima: Properties and Gene Structure

ABSTRACT The hyperthermophilic bacterium Thermotoga maritimaMSB8 possesses a reverse gyrase whose enzymatic properties are very similar to those of archaeal reverse gyrases. It catalyzes the positive supercoiling of the DNA in an Mg2+- and ATP-dependent process. Its optimal temperature of activity is around 90°C, and it is highly thermostable. We have cloned and DNA sequenced the corresponding gene (T. maritima topR). This is the first report describing the analysis of a gene encoding a reverse gyrase in bacteria. The T. maritima topR gene codes for a protein of 1,104 amino acids with a deduced molecular weight of 128,259, a value in agreement with that estimated from the denaturing gel electrophoresis of the purified enzyme. Like its archaeal homologs, theT. maritima reverse gyrase exhibits helicase and topoisomerase domains, and its sequence matches very well the consensus sequence for six reverse gyrases now available. Phylogenetic analysis shows that all reverse gyrases, including the T. maritimaenzyme, form a very homogeneous group, distinct from the type I 5′ topoisomerases of the TopA subfamily, for which we have previously isolated a representative gene in T. maritima(topA). The coexistence of these two distinct genes, coding for a reverse gyrase and an ω-like topoisomerase, respectively, together with the recent description of a gyrase in T. maritima (O. Guipaud, E. Marguet, K. M. Noll, C. Bouthier de la Tour, and P. Forterre, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 94:10606–10611, 1977) addresses the question of the control of the supercoiling in this organism.
Effect of low-level GaAlAs laser irradiation on the proliferation rate of human periodontal ligament fibroblasts: an in vitro study.

AIM The aim of this in vitro study was to evaluate a potential stimulatory effect of low-level laser irradiation on the proliferation of human periodontal ligament fibroblasts (PDLF). MATERIALS AND METHODS PDLF obtained from third molar periodontal ligaments were cultured under standard conditions and spread on 96-well tissue culture plates. Subconfluent monolayers were irradiated with an 809-nm diode laser operated at a power output of 10 mW in the continuous wave (cw) mode at energy fluences of 1.96-7.84 Jcm-2. The variable irradiation parameters were the time of exposure (75-300 s per well) and the number of irradiations (1-3). After laser treatment, the cultures were incubated for 24 h. The proliferation rate of the lased and control cultures was determined by means of fluorescence activity of a reduction-oxidation (REDOX) indicator (Alamar Blue Assay) added to the cell culture. Proliferation, expressed in relative fluorescence units (RFU), was determined 24, 48 and 72 h after irradiation. RESULTS The irradiated cells revealed a considerably higher proliferation activity than the controls. The differences were significant up to 72 h after irradiation (Mann-Whitney U-test, p<0.05). CONCLUSION A cellular effect of the soft laser application is clearly discernible. Clinical studies are needed to evaluate whether the application of low-level laser therapy might be beneficial in regenerative periodontal therapy.
Greening Arctic Cruise Shipping Through Law and Technology: A Role for China

Increased shipping in the Arctic will mean not only increasing tourism revenue for local communities but, more importantly in the long run, increasing health risks for local residents. The overwhelming majority of ships is powered with fossil fuels and concerns over emissions have led to the creation of Emission Control Areas, such as the Sulphur Emissions Control Area (SECA) in the Baltic Sea, the North Sea and along much, but not all, of the coasts of the United States and Canada. None of the existing SECAs includes areas north of the Arctic Circle. This means that coastal communities, in particular in cruise ship destinations, are put at risk from high emissions of SO2. The research presented here shows that China has the potential to play several roles in contributing to the protection of coastal communities in the Arctic and in safeguarding the human right to live in a healthy environment, which has long been recognized by the European Court of Human Rights. It will be shown that China has the potential to use international forms of cooperation in the context of the work of the International Maritime Organization in order to support the establishment of a SECA for the entire Arctic Ocean but can also profit from it in the long run, provided that China’s shipbuilding industry becomes able to meet the needs of more environment conscious ship buyers.
Causes and empirical treatment of fever in HIV-infected adult outpatients, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire

ObjectivesIn Abidjan, HIV prevalence has been estimated at 20% in outpatients attending community clinics. Documenting causes of fever in HIV-infected adult outpatients may help to improve care in these centres with limited facilities. DesignProspective study. MethodsWe describe all diagnoses and treatments made during febrile episodes in HIV-infected adults participating in the ANRS 059 trial and followed up in a dedicated outpatient centre. ResultsCauses of fever could be identified in half of the 269 febrile episodes. Bacterial diseases were the leading identified cause of fever in all CD4 cell count strata (53, 56 and 43% of identified causes in episodes with CD4 count < 200 × 106/l, 200–499 × 106/l, and ⩾ 500 × 106/l, respectively), followed by malaria (5, 22, and 38%, respectively). Among febrile bacterial diseases, respiratory tract infections and enteritis accounted for 62% of organ involvement, and Streptococcus pneumoniae and non-typhi Salmonella represented 69% of isolated bacterial strains. In these bacterial episodes, an early empirical antibacterial treatment was associated with shorter duration of hospitalization and fever. In the 19 episodes leading to death (7%), the two leading diagnoses were atypical mycobacteriosis (26%) and acute unexplained fever (21%). Death was associated with the absence of antimalarial treatment in the group of acute unexplained fevers. ConclusionsAfrican HIV treatment guidelines should take into account the predominant role of bacterial infections and malaria in HIV-infected adult outpatients. Reports from other African settings would be useful to compare experiences in algorithms of empirical early antibacterial and antimalarial treatments.
Test-retest reliabilty of isokinetic hip adductor and flexor muscle strength.

OBJECTIVE To determine the test-retest reliability of eccentric hip flexor and adductor peak torque and endurance using a Cybex Norm isokinetic dynamometer and to evaluate muscle soreness after exercise as a result of the testing procedure. DESIGN Prospective test-retest reliability study. PARTICIPANTS A total of 19 male volunteers (21-43 years old). INTERVENTION Tests included hip flexor and adductor peak torque strength measured at 60 degrees/s (concentric and eccentric) and endurance measurements (total work done over 20 continuous concentric/eccentric contractions at 150 degrees/s). Subjects were tested on three occasions at 1-week intervals. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Repeated measures analysis of variance was performed for all dependent variables including the subject's dominant and nondominant side among the three test sessions. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) were calculated to compare the data between sessions. In addition, simple linear regression analysis was completed to determine the relationship between session measurements for all measures with ICC > 0.75. RESULTS The main findings of this study are that eccentric peak hip adductor torque was reliably measured on a Cybex Norm isokinetic dynamometer using a continuous eccentric/ concentric cycle protocol at a speed of 60 degrees/s (ICC > 0.84). Peak concentric adductor torque and peak eccentric and concentric hip flexor torque were less reliable using the same protocol (ICC < 0.67). Endurance measurements, using total work done over 20 repetitions, were not reliable for hip flexor and adductor muscle groups using a continuous eccentric/concentric cycle protocol at a speed of 150 degrees/s (ICC < 0.55). Posttest muscle soreness was found to be of significant concern with such a protocol. CONCLUSION The results from this test-retest reliability study confirm the reliability of eccentric peak hip adductor torque measurements for use clinically and in future research. In addition, the need to assess posttest muscle soreness after isokinetic muscle testing is confirmed.
Localization of HIV‐1 in human brain using polymerase chain reaction/in situ hybridization and immunocytochemistry

Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV‐1) infects the brains of a majority of patients with the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), and has been linked to the development of a progressive dementia termed “HIV‐associated dementia. ” This disorder results in severe cognitive, behavioral, and motor deficits. Despite this neurological dysfunction, HIV‐1 infection of brain cells does not occur significantly in neurons, astrocytes, or oligodendrocytes, but is restricted to brain macrophages and microglia. To identify possible low‐level or latent infection of other brain cells, we combined the techniques of the polymerase chain reaction with in situ hybridization for the detection of HIV DNA, and used immunocytochemistry to identify the HIV‐expressing cells. In the 21 adult brains studied (15 AIDS and 6 seronegative control brains), we found that polymerase chain reaction/in situ hybridization was both sensitive and specific for identifying HIV‐infected cells. In all brains, the majority of infected cells were macrophages and microglia. In several brains, however, a substantial minority of cells harboring HIV DNA were identified as astrocytes. Neurons, oligodendrocytes, and endothelial cells were not infected with HIV, even in cases with HIV‐associated dementia. These findings confirm previous data regarding the importance of macrophage/microglial infection, and essentially exclude neuronal infection in pathogenetic models of HIV‐associated neurological disease. These data also demonstrate that latent or low‐level infection of astrocytes occurs in AIDS, a finding that may be of importance in understanding HIV neuropathogenesis.
Cytotoxic effects and pro‐apoptotic mechanism of TBIDOM, a novel dehydroabietylamine derivative, on human hepatocellular carcinoma SMMC‐7721 cells

We have investigated the antiproliferative effects of TBIDOM (N‐(4‐(2,2,2‐trifluoroethyl) benzylidene) (7‐isopropyl‐1,4a‐dimethyl‐1,2,3,4,4a,9,10,10a‐octahydrophenanthren‐1‐yl) meth‐anamine) and have explored its possible mechanisms on human hepatocellular carcinoma SMMC‐7721 cells. The proliferative status of cells treated with TBIDOM was measured by the colorimetric MTT assay. Cellular apoptosis was analysed using Hoechst 33342 staining and flow cytometry. Reduction of mitochondrial membrane potential (Δψm) was also detected by flow cytometry. Western blotting assay was used to evaluate the release of cytochrome c and expression of p53, Bcl‐2 and Bax proteins. It was shown that TBIDOM displayed a significant inhibitory effect on growth of SMMC‐7721 cells in a dose‐ and time‐dependent manner. Hoechst 33342 staining and flow cytometry analysis showed an increase of apoptosis rate and decrease of mitochondrial membrane potential after SMMC‐7721 cells were exposed to TBIDOM for 24 h. Pretreatment of SMMC‐7721 cells with TBIDOM significantly induced a decrease of Bcl‐2 protein expression and an increase of caspase‐3 activity and Bax protein expression. The results indicated that TBIDOM could effectively inhibit proliferation by induction of apoptosis and could be a promising candidate in the development of a novel class of antitumour agent.
Administration of Superantigens Protects Mice from Lethal Listeria monocytogenes Infection by Enhancing Cytotoxic T Cells

ABSTRACT Superantigens stimulate T-cell-receptor Vβ-selective T-cell proliferation accompanying the release of cytokines, which may eventually protect the host from microbial infections. We investigated here whether superantigens can rescue the host from lethal bacterial infection. Mice were pretreated with Staphylococcus aureus enterotoxin B (SEB) 1 and 2 days before bacterial infection, and the mortality of infected mice was assessed. SEB pretreatment protected mice from lethal infection with Listeria monocytogenes but not from lethal infection withStreptococcus pyogenes. This enhanced protection was also observed upon pretreatment with recombinant streptococcal pyrogenic exotoxin A. Furthermore, L. monocytogenes-specific delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) due to type 1 helper T (Th1) cells and the cytotoxicity of CD8+T cells were significantly enhanced after SEB administration and bacterial infection. Depletion of either CD4+ T cells or CD8+ T cells in SEB-pretreated mice completely abolished this protection. This phenomenon was ascribed to the elimination ofL. monocytogenes-specific CD8+cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL). It was found that CD4+ T cells contributed to the induction of the CTL populations. Furthermore, SEB pretreatment of heat-killed L. monocytogenes-immunized mice enhanced the protection from challenge of L. monocytogenes. Taken together, these results indicated that administrations of superantigens protected mice from infection with L. monocytogenes, which was dependent on the enhanced L. monocytogenes-specific CTL activity in the presence of CD4+ T cells, and superantigens exhibited adjuvant activity in the immunization against intracellular pathogens.
The effect of increased general education in vocational schools - Evidence from a Hungarian vocational school reform

This paper aims at the evaluation of the reform of vocational education introduced in 1998 in Hungary. The reform extended the duration of education by one year, and increased teaching time spent on non-vocational subjects. The reform affected two of the three tracks in upper-secondary education in Hungary, vocational secondary school and vocational school. We estimate the effect of the reform on educational attainment, employment and wages in a comparative interrupted time series (CITS) framework, using the academic track and secondary school drop-outs as control groups. The results suggest that the reform has had heterogeneous effects. First, we detect no effect for the vocational secondary track, while the reform has improved labour market outcomes of vocational school students. Second, in the vocational school group the reform has increased men’s wages, while not affected their employment. For women we found a positive employment effect, while wages have increased only for the younger cohorts.
Decreased Corticotropin‐Releasing Factor Receptor Expression and Adrenocorticotropic Hormone Responsiveness in Anterior Pituitary Cells of Wistar‐Kyoto Rats

The Wistar‐Kyoto (WKY) rat shows signs of persistent activation of the hypothalamic‐pituitary‐adrenal axis, but the cause and site of this activation is not yet known. Chronically activated corticotrophs generally show blunted adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) response to corticotropin releasing factor (CRF); therefore, the anterior pituitary responsiveness to ACTH secretagogues, CRF and vasopressin, was compared in male WKY and Wistar rats. Anterior pituitary CRF binding and CRF receptor mRNA expression was significantly decreased in WKY rats. ACTH response to CRF or vasopressin was markedly impaired, and vasopressin failed to potentiate the CRF‐stimulated ACTH release in cultured WKY anterior pituitary cells. In contrast, CRF and vasopressin alone and in combination stimulated large, concentration‐dependent increases in ACTH release in Wistar anterior pituitary cells. By contrast to the decreased ACTH secretory responses, steady‐state anterior pituitary pro‐opiomelanocortin mRNA levels were approximately 12‐fold greater in WKY rats compared to Wistar rats, and they further increased in response to CRF stimulation. These findings suggest that, although the WKY rat corticotroph is under a chronic state of activation or disinhibition, the in vitro secretory responses to classic ACTH secretagogues are impaired.
The Relation between International Tourism and Economic Growth

Having recognized the importance of tourism to economic growth, many researchers have started to argue that tourism growth can also influence the economy and tourism. This paper attempts to test the long-run and short-run relationships between international tourism and Iran’s economic growth by accommodating structural breaks and Bayer and Hanks cointegration test and using the Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) and Granger Causality to examine the relationships between investment in physical capital and human capital and household consumption expenditures over the period of 1980-2014. The main finding of this study is the TLG hypothesis can be accepted in Iran. The more the country prospers the more stable and sounds are the economic, social and political situations. The prospective tourists will have more confidence to visit Iran.
Using PP GIS interviews to understand residents’ perspective of European ecological network Natura 2000

ABSTRACT Sustainable nature-based tourism was brought to the public's attention as a solution to the problem of economic diversification in Central and Eastern European (CEE) communities included in European Ecological Network – N2000. However, Natura 2000 tourism development has not yet proven to be an effective way to boost local economies and the notion of sustainable tourism based on Natura 2000 resources has been challenged by residents of the CEE communities. The study goal was to explore issues concerning Natura 2000 tourism from the perspective of local residents within three municipalities of Małopolska in Poland to determine if Natura 2000 is perceived by local residents as a valuable tourism asset. We employed a mix-mode methodology: an in-depth interview and public participation GIS mapping task. The study results highlight several areas of concern regarding resident perspectives of Natura 2000-based tourism: first, the misconception that residents need and want nature-based tourism when other economic activities provide sufficient income; second, the misconception that Natura 2000 is considered a valuable asset when other tourism attractions in a municipality attract more visitors; third, the residents misconception of nature-based tourism itself; and last but not least the importance of engaging with residents when assessing the potential for Natura 2000 tourism. These findings can assist policy-makers and tourism managers with prioritizing avenues for further action.
Local Resection of Rectal Tumors by Transanal Endoscopic Microsurgery: Experience with the First 70 Cases – with Invited Commentary

Background: Transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEM) can access the whole rectum up to 20 cm from the anal verge. Due to its excellent view and accurate dissection, TEM is useful for the removal of adenoma and selected low risk cancers of the rectum. We report our experience with the first 70 patients presenting. Methods: A prospective descriptive study of 70 patients treated for rectal tumor with TEM from December 99 until October 2002 at Haukeland University Hospital. Results: TEM was performed in 37 men and 33 women, median age 70.5 (19–90) years, for anticipated adenoma (n = 64), adenocarcinoma (n = 3), rectal ulcer (n = 1), and re-resection after snare resection of rectal polyp with adenocarcinoma (n = 1) and carcinoid tumor (n = 1). The median observation time was 12 (1–33) months. The distance from the anal verge to the lower tumor border was 5.5 (2.5–14) cm. The median resected area was 15.4 (1.5–132) cm2. 56 of the 64 anticipated adenomas were true adenoma, resected without recurrences; 8 (12.5%) were unexpected adenocarcinoma. Three of these underwent a secondary rectal resection and 5 patients have been observed without recurrence. Of the 3 patients with known adenocarcinoma, there was one recurrence which was treated with a secondary curative rectal resection. Conclusions: TEM can access tumors in the whole rectum. Large tumors may be removed with low frequency of per- and postoperative complications and short hospital stay. TEM is highly useful for removal of rectal adenoma. A role for primary treatment of selected low-risk rectal cancers may emerge.
Realization of centrality measure on Wireless Sensor Network

The routing algorithms for wireless sensor networks (WSN) are in process of optimization for addressing issues like energy conservation, delay and throughput in presence of limited resources in terms of memory, CPU processing power and power source (batteries). Although, it has not been possible to date, a development of routing algorithm addressing all the issues of WSN. Various tradeoffs exists between different routing algorithms. Network analysis metric ‘centrality’, has been found to be a useful parameter used in judging the importance of a vertex, a network node, for its contribution towards data routing in the network. Betweenness centrality metric has been used in this research paper to develop a routing algorithm for Wireless Sensor Networks and therefore a network structure has been developed on the fly based on Betweenness values of nodes neighbors. The Betweenness centrality allows to identify nodes in the network having brokerage role and hence they can be equipped with extra resources like battery power. The routing algorithm developed has been programmed and tested on real hardware (test bed) and data routing is performed by each node based on the algorithm developed.
Oligopeptidase B from Trypanosoma evansi

Serine oligopeptidases of trypanosomatids are emerging as important virulence factors and therapeutic targets in trypanosome infections. We report here the isolation and characterization of oligopeptidase B (OpdB) and its corresponding gene from Trypanosoma evansi, a pathogen of significant veterinary importance. The T. evansi opdB gene was present as a single copy per haploid genome containing an open reading frame of 2148 bp encoding a protein of 80.664 kDa. Purified OpdB hydrolyzed substrates with basic residues in P1 (kcat/Km for carbobenzyloxy-l-arginyl-l-arginyl-7-amido-4-methylcoumarin, 337 s–1·μm–1) and exhibited potent arginyl carboxypeptidase activity (kcat/Km for Val-Lys-Arg↓Arg-OH, 231 s–1·mm–1). While not secreted, T. evansi released OpdB into the plasma of infected hosts where it retained catalytic activity. Plasma OpdB levels correlated with blood parasitemia. In vitro, OpdB cleaved the peptide hormone atrial natriuretic factor (ANF) at four sites: Arg3↓Arg4, Arg4↓Ser5, Arg11↓Ile12, and Arg27↓Tyr28, thereby abrogating smooth muscle relaxant and prohypotensive properties of ANF. Circulating plasma ANF levels in T. evansi-infected rats were depressed from 130 to 8 pg·ml–1, and plasma ANF levels inversely correlated with plasma OpdB activity. The in vitro half-life of ANF in rat plasma was reduced 300-fold in plasma from T. evansi-infected rodents, which contains high levels of OpdB activity. Addition of OpdB inhibitors to cell-free plasma from infected rodents significantly abrogated this ANF hydrolysis. Furthermore the in vivo ANF half-life was reduced 5-fold in T. evansi-infected rats. Thus, we propose a role for OpdB in peptide hormone dysregulation in trypanosomiasis, specifically in generating the depressed plasma levels of ANF in mammals infected with T. evansi.