Data Set for the Reporting of Malignant Odontogenic Tumors Explanations and Recommendations of the Guidelines From the International Collaboration on Cancer Reporting

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Feature learning for information-extreme classifier

The feature learning algorithm for information-extreme classifier by clustering of Fast Retina Keypoint binary descriptor, calculated for local features, and usage of spatial pyramid kernel for increasing noise immunity and informativeness of feature representation are considered. Proposed a method of parameters optimization for feature extractor and decision rules based on multi-level coarse features coding using information criterion and population-based search algorithm

Behavioural resistance against a protozoan parasite in the monarch butterfly

Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/89483/1/j.1365-2656.2011.01901.x.pd

Citrullinated and Malondialdehyde-Acetaldehyde Modified Fibrinogen Activates Macrophages and Promotes an Aggressive Synovial Fibroblast Phenotype in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis

Objective: Post-translational protein modifications with malondialdehyde-acetaldehyde (MAA) and citrulline (CIT) are implicated in the pathogenesis of rheumatoidarthritis (RA). Although precise mechanisms have not been elucidated, macrophage-fibroblast interactions have been proposed to play a central role in the development and progression of RA. The purpose of our study was to evaluate the downstream effects of macrophage released soluble mediators, following stimulation with fibrinogen (FIB) modified antigens, on human fibroblast-like synoviocytes (HFLS). Methods: PMA-treated U-937 monocytes (Mϕ) and macrophage-differentiated peripheral blood mononuclear cells (MP) were stimulated with FIB, FIB-MAA, FIB-CIT, or FIB-MAA-CIT. HFLS-RA cells were stimulated directly with FIB antigens or with supernatants (SN) from macrophages (Mϕ-SN or MP-SN) stimulated with FIB antigens. Genes associated with an aggressive HFLS phenotype, extracellular matrix proteins, and activated signaling pathways were evaluated. Results: HFLS-RA cells treated with Mϕ-SNFIB-CIT and Mϕ-SNFIB-MAA-CIT demonstrated significant increases in mRNA expression of genes associated with an aggressive phenotype at 24-h as compared to direct stimulation with the same antigens. Similar results were obtained using MP-SN. Cellular morphology was altered and protein expression of vimentin (p\u3c0.0001 vs. Mϕ-SNFIB) and type II collagen (p\u3c0.0001) were significantly increased in HFLS-RA cells treated with any of the Mϕ-SN generated following stimulation with modified antigens. Phosphorylation of JNK, Erk1/2, and Akt were increased most substantially in HFLS-RA treated with Mϕ-SNFIB-MAA-CIT (p\u3c0.05 vs Mϕ-SNFIB). These and other data suggested the presence of PDGF-BB in Mϕ-SN. Mϕ-SNFIB-MAA-CIT contained the highest concentration of PDGF-BB (p\u3c0.0001 vs. Mϕ-SNFIB) followed by Mϕ-SNFIB-CIT then Mϕ-SNFIB-MAA. HFLS-RA cells treated with PDGF-BB showed similar cellular morphology to the Mϕ-SN generated following stimulation with modified FIB, as well as the increased expression of vimentin, type II collagen, and the phosphorylation of JNK, Erk1/2 and Akt signaling molecules. Conclusion: Together, these findings support the hypothesis that in response to MAA-modified and/or citrullinated fibrinogen,macrophages release soluble factors including PDGF-BB that induce fibroblast activation and promote an aggressive fibroblast phenotype. These cellular responses were most robust following macrophage activation with dually modified fibrinogen, compared to single modification alone, providing novel insights into the combined role of multiple post-translational protein modifications in the development of RA

The crucial role of vitamin C and its transporter (SVCT2) in bone marrow stromal cell autophagy and apoptosis

AbstractVitamin C is an antioxidant that plays a vital role in various biological processes including bone formation. Previously, we reported that vitamin C is transported into bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) through the sodium dependent Vitamin C Transporter 2 (SVCT2) and this transporter plays an important role in osteogenic differentiation. Furthermore, this transporter is regulated by oxidative stress. To date, however, the exact role of vitamin C and its transporter (SVCT2) in ROS regulated autophagy and apoptosis in BMSCs is poorly understood. In the present study, we observed that oxidative stress decreased survival of BMSCs in a dose-dependent manner and induced growth arrest in the G1 phase of the cell cycle. These effects were accompanied by the induction of autophagy, confirmed by P62 and LC3B protein level and punctate GFP-LC3B distribution. The supplementation of vitamin C significantly rescued the BMSCs from oxidative stress by regulating autophagy. Knockdown of the SVCT2 transporter in BMSCs synergistically decreased cell survival even under low oxidative stress conditions. Also, supplementing vitamin C failed to rescue cells from stress. Our results reveal that the SVCT2 transporter plays a vital role in the mechanism of BMSC survival under stress conditions. Altogether, this study has given new insight into the role of the SVCT2 transporter in oxidative stress related autophagy and apoptosis in BMSCs

Copy Number Variation of <i>CCL3-</i>like Genes Affects Rate of Progression to Simian-AIDS in Rhesus Macaques (<i>Macaca mulatta</i>)

Variation in genes underlying host immunity can lead to marked differences in susceptibility to HIV infection among humans. Despite heavy reliance on non-human primates as models for HIV/AIDS, little is known about which host factors are shared and which are unique to a given primate lineage. Here, we investigate whether copy number variation (CNV) at CCL3-like genes (CCL3L), a key genetic host factor for HIV/AIDS susceptibility and cell-mediated immune response in humans, is also a determinant of time until onset of simian-AIDS in rhesus macaques. Using a retrospective study of 57 rhesus macaques experimentally infected with SIVmac, we find that CCL3L CNV explains approximately 18% of the variance in time to simian-AIDS (pCCL3L copy number associating with more rapid disease course. We also find that CCL3L copy number varies significantly (p−6) among rhesus subpopulations, with Indian-origin macaques having, on average, half as many CCL3L gene copies as Chinese-origin macaques. Lastly, we confirm that CCL3L shows variable copy number in humans and chimpanzees and report on CCL3L CNV within and among three additional primate species. On the basis of our findings we suggest that (1) the difference in population level copy number may explain previously reported observations of longer post-infection survivorship of Chinese-origin rhesus macaques, (2) stratification by CCL3L copy number in rhesus SIV vaccine trials will increase power and reduce noise due to non-vaccine-related differences in survival, and (3) CCL3L CNV is an ancestral component of the primate immune response and, therefore, copy number variation has not been driven by HIV or SIV per se.</p

Novel Antioxidant Properties of Doxycycline

Doxycycline (DOX), a derivative of tetracycline, is a broad-spectrum antibiotic that exhibits a number of therapeutic activities in addition to its antibacterial properties. For example, DOX has been used in the management of a number of diseases characterized by chronic inflammation. One potential mechanism by which DOX inhibits the progression of these diseases is by reducing oxidative stress, thereby inhibiting subsequent lipid peroxidation and inflammatory responses. Herein, we tested the hypothesis that DOX directly scavenges reactive oxygen species (ROS) and inhibits the formation of redox-mediated malondialdehyde-acetaldehyde (MAA) protein adducts. Using a cell-free system, we demonstrated that DOX scavenged reactive oxygen species (ROS) produced during the formation of MAA-adducts and inhibits the formation of MAA-protein adducts. To determine whether DOX scavenges specific ROS, we examined the ability of DOX to directly scavenge superoxide and hydrogen peroxide. Using electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy, we found that DOX directly scavenged superoxide, but not hydrogen peroxide. Additionally, we found that DOX inhibits MAA-induced activation of Nrf2, a redox-sensitive transcription factor. Together, these findings demonstrate the under-recognized direct antioxidant property of DOX that may help to explain its therapeutic potential in the treatment of conditions characterized by chronic inflammation and increased oxidative stress

Targeting LIF-mediated paracrine interaction for pancreatic cancer therapy and monitoring.

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) has a dismal prognosis largely owing to inefficient diagnosis and tenacious drug resistance. Activation of pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs) and consequent development of dense stroma are prominent features accounting for this aggressive biology1,2. The reciprocal interplay between PSCs and pancreatic cancer cells (PCCs) not only enhances tumour progression and metastasis but also sustains their own activation, facilitating a vicious cycle to exacerbate tumorigenesis and drug resistance3-7. Furthermore, PSC activation occurs very early during PDAC tumorigenesis8-10, and activated PSCs comprise a substantial fraction of the tumour mass, providing a rich source of readily detectable factors. Therefore, we hypothesized that the communication between PSCs and PCCs could be an exploitable target to develop effective strategies for PDAC therapy and diagnosis. Here, starting with a systematic proteomic investigation of secreted disease mediators and underlying molecular mechanisms, we reveal that leukaemia inhibitory factor (LIF) is a key paracrine factor from activated PSCs acting on cancer cells. Both pharmacologic LIF blockade and genetic Lifr deletion markedly slow tumour progression and augment the efficacy of chemotherapy to prolong survival of PDAC mouse models, mainly by modulating cancer cell differentiation and epithelial-mesenchymal transition status. Moreover, in both mouse models and human PDAC, aberrant production of LIF in the pancreas is restricted to pathological conditions and correlates with PDAC pathogenesis, and changes in the levels of circulating LIF correlate well with tumour response to therapy. Collectively, these findings reveal a function of LIF in PDAC tumorigenesis, and suggest its translational potential as an attractive therapeutic target and circulating marker. Our studies underscore how a better understanding of cell-cell communication within the tumour microenvironment can suggest novel strategies for cancer therapy

Novel magnetite nanoparticles coated with waste sourced bio- based substances as sustainable and renewable adsorbing materials

This study examines the possibility of using bio-based product isolated from urban solid wastes as a material for environmental technological applications. To this end, Fe3O4 nanoparticles coated with different amounts of soluble bio-based products (SBO) were synthesized as low-cost nanoadsorbent for the removal of pollutants in wastewater. Particles of 10 nm diameter with Fe3O4 core and SBO shell were obtained. The concentration of SBO employed in the synthesis had no effect on the size and structure of the NPs, but ruled the pHPZC and aggregation of the nanoparticles in water. The cationic dye crystal violet (CV) was used as a model pollutant to test the adsorption capacity of the nanoparticles. The results indicated that both the medium pH and NP dosage were significant parameters to enhance the removal of CV. The results contribute to the studies which show how wastes can become a source of revenue through the industrial exploitation of their chemical value.Fil: Magnacca, Giuliana. Università di Torino; ItaliaFil: Allera, Alex. Università di Torino; ItaliaFil: Montoneri, Enzo. Università di Torino; ItaliaFil: Celi, Luisella. Università di Torino; ItaliaFil: Benito, Damián Ezequiel. Universidad Nacional de La Plata. Laboratorio de Investigación y Desarrollo de Métodos Analíticos; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - La Plata; ArgentinaFil: Gagliardi, Leonardo Gabriel. Universidad Nacional de La Plata. Laboratorio de Investigación y Desarrollo de Métodos Analíticos; ArgentinaFil: Martire, Daniel Osvaldo. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico la Plata. Instituto de Investigaciones Fisicoquímicas Teóricas y Aplicadas; ArgentinaFil: Gonzalez, Monica Cristina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico la Plata. Instituto de Investigaciones Fisicoquímicas Teóricas y Aplicadas; ArgentinaFil: Carlos, Luciano. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico la Plata. Instituto de Investigaciones Fisicoquímicas Teóricas y Aplicadas; Argentin

Citrullinated and malondialdehyde-acetaldehyde modified fibrinogen activates macrophages and promotes an aggressive synovial fibroblast phenotype in patients with rheumatoid arthritis

ObjectivePost-translational protein modifications with malondialdehyde-acetaldehyde (MAA) and citrulline (CIT) are implicated in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Although precise mechanisms have not been elucidated, macrophage-fibroblast interactions have been proposed to play a central role in the development and progression of RA. The purpose of our study was to evaluate the downstream effects of macrophage released soluble mediators, following stimulation with fibrinogen (FIB) modified antigens, on human fibroblast-like synoviocytes (HFLS).MethodsPMA-treated U-937 monocytes (Mϕ) and macrophage-differentiated peripheral blood mononuclear cells (MP) were stimulated with FIB, FIB-MAA, FIB-CIT, or FIB-MAA-CIT. HFLS-RA cells were stimulated directly with FIB antigens or with supernatants (SN) from macrophages (Mϕ-SN or MP-SN) stimulated with FIB antigens. Genes associated with an aggressive HFLS phenotype, extracellular matrix proteins, and activated signaling pathways were evaluated.ResultsHFLS-RA cells treated with Mϕ-SNFIB-CIT and Mϕ-SNFIB-MAA-CIT demonstrated significant increases in mRNA expression of genes associated with an aggressive phenotype at 24-h as compared to direct stimulation with the same antigens. Similar results were obtained using MP-SN. Cellular morphology was altered and protein expression of vimentin (p&lt;0.0001 vs. Mϕ-SNFIB) and type II collagen (p&lt;0.0001) were significantly increased in HFLS-RA cells treated with any of the Mϕ-SN generated following stimulation with modified antigens. Phosphorylation of JNK, Erk1/2, and Akt were increased most substantially in HFLS-RA treated with Mϕ-SNFIB-MAA-CIT (p&lt;0.05 vs Mϕ-SNFIB). These and other data suggested the presence of PDGF-BB in Mϕ-SN. Mϕ-SNFIB-MAA-CIT contained the highest concentration of PDGF-BB (p&lt;0.0001 vs. Mϕ-SNFIB) followed by Mϕ-SNFIB-CIT then Mϕ-SNFIB-MAA. HFLS-RA cells treated with PDGF-BB showed similar cellular morphology to the Mϕ-SN generated following stimulation with modified FIB, as well as the increased expression of vimentin, type II collagen, and the phosphorylation of JNK, Erk1/2 and Akt signaling molecules.ConclusionTogether, these findings support the hypothesis that in response to MAA-modified and/or citrullinated fibrinogen, macrophages release soluble factors including PDGF-BB that induce fibroblast activation and promote an aggressive fibroblast phenotype. These cellular responses were most robust following macrophage activation with dually modified fibrinogen, compared to single modification alone, providing novel insights into the combined role of multiple post-translational protein modifications in the development of RA