Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) such as ulcerative colitis (UC) represent serious health burdens because of both the tissue-damaging disease itself and an elevated risk of colon cancer. The increased expression of many members of the matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) family of enzymes that occurs in colitis has long been associated with ...

BACKGROUND: Topical therapies have become an integral component in the management plan for chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). Several topical therapy strategies have been evaluated, but a formal comprehensive evaluation of the evidence has never been performed. The purpose of this article is to provide an evidence-based approach for the utilization of ...

In Pinus radiata D. Don, the transition from the juvenile to the mature phase is characterized by a reduction in the tree's organogenic potential, which is usually reverted in breeding programs by reinvigoration procedures to enable vegetative propagation. In this work we have determined the best culture conditions for in ...

PURPOSE: The degree of difficulty in performing lateral window sinus augmentation may depend on the morphology of the maxillary sinus. The aim of this was to measure the distances between the medial and lateral sinus wall (sinus width [SW]) at different levels and apply those SW values to formulate a ...

Allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation is an established treatment for hematologic and nonhematologic malignancies. Donor-derived immune cells can identify and attack host tumor cells, producing a graft-versus-tumor (GVT) effect that is crucial to the effectiveness of the transplantation therapy. CBLB502 is a novel agonist for TLR5 derived from Salmonella flagellin. On ...

In continuation of our previous work, several 2,3,5-triarylpyrroles with chlorine or fluorine substituents in the aryl residues were synthesised and tested for estrogen receptor (ER) binding at isolated ERα/ERß receptors (HAP assay) and in transactivation assays using ERα-positive MCF-7/2a as well as U2-OS/ERα and U2-OS/ERß cells. In the competition experiment ...

OBJECTIVE:To summarize evidence on the rates of co-occurring impairments, diseases, and functional limitations with cerebral palsy into succinct clinical messages.METHODS:A search was conducted of the databases PubMed, Medline, CINAHL, and PsycINFO, and the results were supplemented with hand searches. Two independent reviewers determined whether retrieved abstracts met the following inclusion ...

Objective: This study aims to explore the relation between childhood obesity and procoagulant and anticoagulant systems. Method: Fifty-one obese children and 32 normal-weighted children with similar age and gender distribution and between ages of 5 and 16 years were recruited to the study. Antropometric measures of all subjects, existence of any ...

MOTIVATION: For the analysis of rare variants in sequence data, numerous approaches have been suggested. Fixed and flexible threshold approaches collapse the rare-variant information of a genomic region into a test statistic with reduced dimensionality. Alternatively, the rare-variant information can be combined in statistical frameworks that are based on suitable ...

BackgroundThe diagnostic value of procalcitonin (PCT) for patients with renal impairment is unclear.MethodsWe searched multiple databases for studies published through December 2011 that evaluated the diagnostic performance of PCT among patients with renal impairment and suspected systemic bacterial infection. We summarized test performance characteristics with the use of forest plots, ...

There has been no research that has investigated the psychosocial impact on children whose parents have undergone a lung transplant. The aim of this qualitative study was to describe children's concerns and understandings of their parent's transplant surgery. Artwork was used as a creative medium to enable children to portray ...

Biological invasions have been accelerated by a variety of human activities. Propagule pressure, the number of introduced individuals and independent introductions, is probably to be influenced by these human activities and may be an important factor for successful range expansion in new environments. We tested whether the current distribution of ...

Black carbon (BC) is functionally defined as the absorbing component of atmospheric total carbonaceous aerosols (TC) and is typically dominated by soot-like elemental carbon (EC). However, organic carbon (OC) has also been shown to absorb strongly at visible to UV wavelengths and the absorbing organics are referred to as brown ...

White matter tissue properties are highly correlated with reading proficiency; we would like to have a model that relates the dynamics of an individual's white matter development to their acquisition of skilled reading. The development of cerebral white matter involves multiple biological processes, and the balance between these processes differs ...

OBJECTIVES.: Matrix-based risk models have been proposed as a tool to predict rapid radiographic progression (RRP) in rheumatoid arthritis (RA), but the experience with such models is limited. We tested the performance of three risk models for RRP in an observational cohort. METHODS.: Subjects from an observational RA cohort with ...

Using the dipyrrin ligand (ArLH = 5-mesityl-1,9-(2,4,6-triphenylphenyl)dipyrrin), four-coordinate CoII (ArL)CoCl(py) and a three-coordinate CoI complexes (ArL)Co(py) were synthesized and characterized. Reaction of (ArL)Co(py) with tBuN3 afforded an isolable three-coordinate, Co-imido complex (ArL)Co(NtBu) that is paramagnetic at room temperature. Variable-temperature 1H NMR and SQUID magnetometry revealed (ArL)Co(NtBu) undergoes a thermally induced ...

Abstract Background: In the past three decades, the incidence of thyroid cancer in the United States (US) has been increasing. There has been debate on whether the increase is real or an artifact of improved diagnostic scrutiny. Our hypothesis is that both improved detection and a real increase have contributed ...

PURPOSECurrent assessment of lymph node metastasis in patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma is not accurate enough to prevent overtreatment. The aim of this study was validation of a gene expression signature for distinguishing metastasizing (N+) from nonmetastasizing (N0) squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity (OSCC) and ...

To evaluate Michigan newborn screening for congenital hypothyroidism (CH) protocol changes. This population-based study includes infants born and screened in Michigan (January 1, 1994-June 30, 2010). Screening performance is compared across 4 periods defined by the dried blood spot testing method: (1) thyroxine (T4) with backup thyrotropin, (2) tandem T4 ...

Vitamin D is an important regulator of the expression of antimicrobial peptides, and vitamin D deficiency is associated with respiratory infections. Regulating expression of antimicrobial peptides, such as the human cathelicidin antimicrobial peptide 18 (hCAP18)/LL-37, by vitamin D in bronchial epithelial cells requires local conversion of 25(OH)-vitamin D(3) (25D(3)) into ...

Introduction: Treatment for HIV infection requires a lifetime antiretroviral therapy. In order to improve adherence, once daily (OD) is thus a preferred regimen. Areas covered: Evidence-based information and most recent guidelines recommendation, both from resource-rich and resource-limited settings, on antiretroviral regimens that can be administered OD will be reviewed. Sources ...

The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is overexpressed and activated in many human cancers and predicts poor patient prognosis. Targeting the kinase domain with specific EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) like gefitinib and erlotinib has been used in anticancer treatments. However, patient response rates in different human cancers were initially ...

Agaricus bisporus is the model fungus for the adaptation, persistence, and growth in the humic-rich leaf-litter environment. Aside from its ecological role, A. bisporus has been an important component of the human diet for over 200 y and worldwide cultivation of the "button mushroom" forms a multibillion dollar industry. We ...

OBJECTIVES: To study the level of anti-mullerian hormone (AMH) and its relationship with age and previous cyclophosphamide (CYC) exposure in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). METHOD: Consecutive female patients aged 18-52 years who had menstruation in the preceding 12 months and fulfilled ?4 ACR criteria for SLE were recruited. ...

Cone photoreceptors show lower light sensitivity and briefer light responses than rod photoreceptors. The light detection signal in these cells is amplified through a phototransduction cascade. The first step of amplification in the cascade is the activation of a GTP-binding protein, transducin (Tr), by light-activated visual pigment (R*). We quantified ...

Context: Moringa oleifera Lam. (Moringaceae) is a rich source of essential minerals and antioxidants; it has been used in human and animal nutrition. The leaves and flowers are being used by the population with great dietary importance. Objective: The present study was to investigate the therapeutic effects of the hydroethanolic ...

The Mec1 and Rad53 protein kinases are essential for budding yeast cell viability and are also required to activate the S-phase checkpoint, which supports DNA replication under stress conditions. Whether these two functions are related to each other remains to be determined, and the nature of the replication stress-dependent lethality ...

Reactive oxygen species induce oxidative damage in DNA precursors, i.e., dNTPs, leading to point mutations upon incorporation. E. coli mutT strains, deficient in the activity hydrolyzing 8-oxo-7,8-dihydro-2'-deoxyguanosine 5'-triphosphate (8-oxo-dGTP), display more than a 100-fold higher spontaneous mutation frequency over the wild-type strain. 8-oxo-dGTP induces A to C transversions when misincorporated ...

Despite initial dramatic response, epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutant lung cancer patients always acquire resistance to EGFR-tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs). Gatekeeper T790M mutation in EGFR is the most prevalent genetic alteration underlying acquired resistance to EGFR-TKI, and EGFR mutant lung cancer cells are reported to be addictive to EGFR/Akt ...

This review covers the design, structure, and function of auditory brainstem implants. Auditory brainstem implants (ABIs) are auditory prostheses initially designed to treat deafness in patients with neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2). NF2 typically results in deafness due to disruption of the cochlear nerves. When the tumors are removed the auditory ...

We report that two mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs), MPK9 and MPK12, positively regulate abscisic acid (ABA)-induced stomatal closure in Arabidopsis thaliana. Yeast elicitor (YEL) induced stomatal closure accompanied by intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation and cytosolic free calcium concentration ([Ca(2+) ](cyt) ) oscillation. In this study, we examined whether ...

The psychometric properties of a questionnaire developed to assess symptoms of anxiety disorders (SCARED-71) were compared between two groups of children: children with high-functioning autism spectrum disorder and comorbid anxiety disorders (ASD-group; n = 115), and children with anxiety disorders (AD-group; n = 122). Anxiety disorders were established with a ...

Crotalus durissus terrificus snake venom (CdtV) has long-lasting anti-inflammatory properties and inhibits the spreading and phagocytic activity of macrophages. Crotoxin (CTX), the main component of CdtV, is responsible for these effects. Considering the role of neutrophils in the inflammatory response and the lack of information about the effect of CdtV ...

Assembly of a spliceosome, catalyzing precursor-messenger RNA splicing, involves multiple RNA-protein remodeling steps, driven by eight conserved DEXD/H-box RNA helicases. The 250-kDa Brr2 enzyme, which is essential for U4/U6 di-small nuclear ribonucleoprotein disruption during spliceosome catalytic activation and for spliceosome disassembly, is the only member of this group that is ...

Schindler/Kanzaki disease is an inherited metabolic disease with no current treatment options. This neurologic disease results from a defect in the lysosomal α-N-acetylgalactosaminidase (α-NAGAL) enzyme. In this report, we show evidence that the iminosugar DGJNAc can inhibit, stabilize, and chaperone human α-NAGAL both in vitro and in vivo. We demonstrate ...

Muscle diseases are major health concerns. For example, ischemic heart disease is the third most common cause of death. Cell therapy is an attractive approach for treating muscle diseases, although this is hampered by the need to generate large numbers of functional muscle cells. Small molecules have become established as ...

Numerous virulence factors have been associated with pathogenic non-O1/non-O139 serogroup strains of Vibrio cholerae. Among them are the thermostable direct hemolysin (TDH) and the TDH-related hemolysin (TRH), which share amino acid similarities to the TDH and TRH proteins of Vibrio parahaemolyticus, where they have been shown to contribute to pathogenesis. ...

OBJECTIVE.: The role of tumor necrosis factor (TNF) in Systemic Sclerosis (SSc) remains controversial. We aimed to investigate the influence of TNF receptor (TNFR) co-stimulated lymphocytes on collagen expression in fibroblasts. METHODS.: TNFR expression on mononuclear cells from dermis and blood of SSc patients was assessed by flow cytometry. Peripheral ...

The immunomodulatory potential of fragments derived from the cow's milk allergen bovine ß-lactoglobulin (BLG) was assessed in a mouse model of oral tolerance (OT). Native BLG (nBLG) and chemically denatured BLG (lacking S-S bridges, dBLG), products resulting from their hydrolysis using cyanogen bromide (CNBr) and some synthetic peptides were produced ...

The three RUNX family members are lineage specific master regulators, which also have important, context-dependent roles in carcinogenesis as either tumor suppressors or oncogenes. Here we review evidence for such roles in breast cancer (BCa). RUNX1, the predominant RUNX family member in breast epithelial cells, has a tumor suppressor role ...

The sinus node of yak has been studied by the histological methods and transmission electron microscopy. The sinus node artery of yak was also determined by the injection-corrosion casting technique, the angiography, and histological methods. The results showed that the sinus node of yak contained an extensive framework of collagen ...

Here, we review the molecular basis of mechanosensory cell and mechanosensory organ development and evolution with an emphasis on the conservation of transcription factors and emerging data on conserved gene networks. The ear, the organ of vertebrates dedicated to the perception of sound and balance, perceives these stimuli with the ...

Social animals live in complex physical and social environments requiring them to attend and rapidly respond to social and environmental information by changing their behavior. A key social influence is rank or status, a ubiquitous element in animal societies. Rank typically regulates access to reproduction and other resources, among other ...

A simple, convenient and efficient metal-free catalyzed oxidative trimeric reaction of indoles toward a variety of 2-(1H-indol-3-yl)-2,3'-biindolin-3-one derivatives in moderate to excellent yields has been developed. This transformation proceeds via a tandem oxidative homocoupling reaction by using TEMPO in air as an environmentally benign oxidant. This methodology provides an alternative ...

Optically active spirocyclohexaneoxindole motifs are very important building blocks for preparations of biologically active complexes, natural products, and pharmaceutical compounds. Herein, we report the syntheses of enantiopure spirocyclohexaneoxindoles through domino Michael-Aldol reactions between isatin derived alkenes and pentane-1,5-dial in the presence of diphenylprolinol silyl ether as an aminocatalyst. As a ...

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Recreational users report that mephedrone has similar psychoactive effects to 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA). MDMA induces well characterised changes in body temperature due to complex monoaminergic effects on central thermoregulation, peripheral blood flow and thermogenesis, but there is little preclinical data on the acute effects of mephedrone or other ...

An uptake study was carried out to assess the potential human exposure to perfluorinated alkyl acids (PFAAs) through the ingestion of vegetables. Lettuce (Lactuca sativa) was grown in PFAA-spiked nutrient solutions at four different concentrations, ranging from 10 ng/l to 10 µg/l. Eleven perfluorinated carboxylic acids (PFCAs) and three perfluorinated ...

Down syndrome (DS) is recognized by characteristic facial features, intellectual disability, and an increased risk for cardiac malformations and duodenal atresia. Recently, Hirschsprung disease (HSCR), or congenital aganglionic megacolon, has been seen more often among patients with DS. Given the systemic nature of DS-related features, it is natural to attribute ...

ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND: STAT1 is an essential transcription factor for interferon-gamma-mediated gene responses. A distinct sumoylation consensus site (psiKxE) 702IKTE705 is localized in the C-terminal region of STAT1, where Lys703 is a target for PIAS-induced SUMO modification. Several studies indicate that sumoylation has an inhibitory role on STAT1-mediated gene expression but ...

Phosphatidylethanolamine is proposed to regulate mitochondrial fusion, but its mechanism of action is unknown. Decreasing phosphatidylethanolamine reduces the rate of lipid mixing and the biogenesis of Mgm1, a mitochondrial fusion protein. Psd1 regulates the lipid and protein machineries of mitochondrial fusion. Understanding how lipid metabolism regulates mitochondrial dynamics will reveal ...