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'Necessity is the mother of invention,' as the saying goes, and in this case, it surely was. A telecommuting faculty for a Midwest public university wanted to see a graduate student's presentation as a guest speaker in an instructional technology course on campus. However, this faculty lives in another state, so that was impossible. As a daily user and enthusiast of Skype, she thought of using it to 'attend' this presentation. Skype is a software-based Internet telephone and videophone service for making free, computerto-computer voice calls over the Internet Pcmag.com Encyclopedia (n.d.). to anyone else who is also using Skype. This article details the logistics involved in setting up and using Skype, with the assistance of an on-site faculty member, for attending a presentation in real-time at a distance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acanthamoeba, human pathogens and natural hosts of pathogenic bacteria, may be accurately detected and quantified by real-time PCR if Acanthamoeba DNA are properly extracted and PCR inhibitors are effectively eliminated. However, the optimization of DNA extraction methods has not been reported for Acanthamoeba. This study compared the effectiveness of two DNA extraction/purification methods (FastDNA® Spin Kit for soil and Wizard® SV genomic DNA Purification System) by using trophozoites and cysts of Acanthamoeba castellanii and water and biofilm samples of cooling towers. DNA of A. castellanii extracted with the FastDNA® Kit and quantified by TaqMan PCR resulted in a lower variation (CV of Ct < 3%), greater linearity (R2 = 0.99), and higher slopes (1.177-1.187 log fg DNA/log cell number) as compared to that by the Wizard® Kit. For field testing, the number of Acanthamoeba-positive samples and the Acanthamoeba DNA quantity were both greater with the FastDNA® Kit than with the Wizard® Kit (P = 0.016 and <0.0001, respectively). Beneficial effects with dilutions of extracted DNA were also revealed with the FastDNA® Kit (P = 0.0003). In conclusion, DNA extraction by the FastDNA® Kit coupled with dilution of extracted DNA and PCR analysis are recommended for detecting and quantifying environmental Acanthamoeba. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of peer evaluation in a performance-based, Web-enhanced undergraduate instructional technology course. The results of a survey administered at the end of three semesters indicated that learners believe the peer evaluation process helped them improve the quality of their own work, both as a result of being a peer evaluator themselves and from the quality of the feedback received from their classmate-evaluators. Higher quality final projects with fewer mistakes corroborated the students' assessment. These findings provide valuable information for instructors who are currently utilizing or considering the implementation of a peer evaluation process as a part of their instructional strategy. The results of this study indicate that including peer evaluation in the final project enhanced student performance. Significant technology integration was used to facilitate the projects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Safrole, a component of Piper betle inflorescence, inhibits bactericidal activity and the release of superoxide anion (O2-) by polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs). This in vitro study further investigated the effects of safrole on phagocytic activity, the intracellular production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and the activity of the lysosomal enzyme myeloperoxidase (MPO), which is released by human PMNs. Methods: The possible effects of safrole on the phagocytic activity of PMNs against Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans (previously Actinobaeillus actinomycetemcomitans) were determined using flow cytometry. PMNs were treated with various concentrations of safrole, which was followed by treatment with Hanks balanced salt solution with or without cytochalasin B and fMet-Leu-Phe (CB/fMLP). lntracellular ROS was determined using 2′,7′-dichlorofluorescein diacetate and a fluorometer, whereas MPO activity was determined using a substrate assay. Results: Safrole significantly inhibited the phagocytic activity of PMNs in a dose-dependent manner. Approximately 50% of the phagocytic activity of PMNs was affected when 10 mM safrole was used. Exposure of the PMNs to safrole (up to 5 mM) did not directly affect the intracellular levels of ROS and the extracellular activity of MPO. However, the ability of CB/fMLP to trigger production of intracellular ROS and the activity of MPO released by human PMNs was significantly suppressed by safrole. Conclusions: Safrole reduced the uptake of A. actinomycetemcomitans by human PMNs. Safrole also impaired the normal activation activity of PMNs. Alterations in the defensive properties of PMNs by safrole might promote bacterial colonization, and this could result in periodontal infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Human GCMa is a zinc-containing transcription factor primarily expressed in placenta. GCMa regulates expression of syncytin gene, which encodes for a placenta-specific membrane protein that mediates trophoblastic fusion and the formation of syncytiotrophoblast layer required for efficient fetal-maternal exchange of nutrients and oxygen. The adenylate cyclase activator, forskolin, stimulates syncytin gene expression and cell fusion in cultured placental cells. Here we present evidence that cyclic AMP (cAMP) signaling pathway activates the syncytin gene expression by regulating GCMa activity. We found that forskolin and protein kinase A (PKA) enhances GCMa-mediated transcriptional activation. Furthermore, PKA treatment stimulates the association of GCMa with CBP and increases GCMa acetylation. CBP primarily acetylates GCMa at lysine367, lysine406, and lysine409 in the transactivation domain (TAD). We found that acetylation of these residues is required to protect GCMa from ubiquitination and increases the TAD stability with a concomitant increase in transcriptional activity, supporting the importance of acetylation in PKA-dependent GCMa activation. Our results reveal a novel regulation of GCMa activity by cAMP-dependent protein acetylation and provide a molecular mechanism by which cAMP signaling regulates trophoblastic fusion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Hatching is an important process for early embryo development, differentiation and implantation. However, little is known about its regulatory mechanisms. By integrating the technologies of RNA amplification and cDNA microarrays, it has become possible to study the gene expression profile at this critical stage. METHODS: Pre-hatched and hatched ICR mouse embryos (25 blastocysts in each group were used in the triplicate experiments) were collected for RNA extraction, amplification, and microarray analysis (the mouse cDNA microarray, 6144 genes, including expressed sequence tags). RESULTS: According to cDNA microarray data, we have identified 85 genes that were expressed at a higher level in hatched blastocyst than in pre-hatched blastocysts. In this study, 47 hatching-related candidate genes were verified via re-sequencing. Some of these genes have been selected and confirmed by real-time quantitative RT–PCR. These hatching-specific genes were also expressed at a lower level in the delayed growth embryos (morula or blastocyst without hatching at day 6 post hCG). These genes included: cell adhesion and migration molecules [E-cadherin, neuronal cell adhesion molecule (NCAM), lectin, galactose binding, soluble 7 (Lgals7), vanin 3 and biglycan], epigenetic regulators (Dnmt1, and SIN3 yeast homolog A), stress response regulators (heme oxygenase 1) and immunoresponse regulators [interleukin (IL)-2-inducible T-cell kinase, IL-4R, interferon-γ receptor 2, and neurotrophin]. The immunostaining of E-cadherin and NCAM showed strong and specific localization in hatched blastocyst. CONCLUSIONS: This work provides important information for studying the mechanisms of blastocyst hatching and implantation. These hatching-specific genes may have potential as new drug targets for controlling fertility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The physiological changes in endometriosis involving multiple steps of matrix remodeling include abnormal tissue growth, invasion, and adhesion formation. Endometriosis-associated abnormal matrix remodeling is affected by several molecular factors including proteolytic enzymes and their inhibitors, which mediate tissue turnover throughout the reproductive tract to maintain the integrity of the endometrium, and ovarian steroids, which normally regulate reconstruction and breakdown of endometrium in the menstrual cycle. In addition, various growth factors, such as platelet-derived growth factor, transform growth factorβ, and epidermal growth factor, direct modulation of growth, activation, and chemotaxis which may facilitate endometrial cell adhesion onto the peritoneal mesothelium during the development of endometriosis. Furthermore, cell adhesion molecules are believed to be critically involved in most cellular-level processes including cellular differentiation, motility, and attachment with the extracellular matrix. The present review focuses on the abnormal matrix remodeling process and its possible regulatory mechanism in association with endometriosis development. As a greater understanding of the cause of endometriosis is achieved, better treatment of the disease and its prevention become possible. (Reprod Med Biol 2005;4: 93–99) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Elastic fibers are mostly used in elastic textiles. In this study, we develop a novel and original method to make highly elastic complex yarns using a self-designed, multi-section drawing frame and rotor twister. We examine the mechanical properties of these elastic complex yarns. Their maximum breaking tenacity is high When the speed of the rotor is 4000 rpm and the wrapping count of the textured nylon filaments is either 2.5 or 3.0 turns/cm. These data are useful for the textile industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Legionella pneumophila , a causative agent of Legionnaires disease and Pontiac fever, is an important microbe to be addressed. Total recovery rates of Legionella pneumophila were evaluated in a chamber by three sampling methods: AGI-30 impinger, impactor, and nuclepore filtration and elution. Our results demonstrated that impingers are likely to perform better than impaction and filtration methods. These might be related to the stronger sampling stress from impaction and dehydration stress from filtration. With regard to control techniques, ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (UVGI) and titanium dioxide photocatalyst (PCO) were considered to be promising to inactivate Legionella pneumophila . In this investigation, the influences of UV dosage and relative humidity on UVGI effectiveness and relative humidity and face velocity on germicidal effectiveness of titanium dioxide (TiO 2 ) coating filters were evaluated in a laboratory test chamber. It was indicated that a very low UVGI dosage of 289 to 860 μW sec/cm 2 was required to produce a 5 log decrease in concentration of Legionella pneumophila . Our results demonstrated that penetrations of Legionella pneumophila were in the range of 0.04-0.27 for the TiO 2 -coating filter with UV light. It was recommended that UVGI and the TiO 2 catalyst filter do provide a good germicidal capacity for Legionella pneumophila . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reports on a study of fungi concentration and genera from onion fields located in monsoon and nonmonsoon areas of Taiwan. Use of a county housing location to as a comparison site; Investigation of the relationship among onion harvesting, monsoon characteristics, airborne fungal levels, and mycotic eye infection; Highest levels of airborne fungal levels in the onion field in the nonmonsoon area; Suggestion that invasion of dangerous fungal pathogens following eye trauma by airborne sharp exotics dispersed in high wind may account for the increase in corneal ulcer cases that occur in the monsoon area.

Cyclic AMP (cAMP) signaling and the placental transcription factor glial cell missing 1 (GCM1) regulate expression of syncytin-1 and -2 fusogenic proteins, which are critical for syncytiotrophoblast formation by trophoblast fusion. We recently revealed a cAMP/protein kinase A (PKA)/CBP signaling pathway that activates GCM1 by coordinating GCM1 phosphorylation and acetylation. In contrast, GCM1 activity is downregulated by sumoylation of Lys156. How GCM1 sumoylation is regulated was unknown. Here, sumoylation. We show that Epac1 and Rap1, in response to cAMP, activate CaMKI to phosphorylate Ser47 in GCM1. This phosphorylation facilitates the interaction between GCM1 and the desumoylating enzyme SENP1 and thereby leads to GCM1 desumoylation and activation. Using RNA interference (RNAi), we further demonstrate that 8-(4-chlorophenylthio)-2'-O-Me-cAMP-AM (8-CPT-AM), an Epac activator, stimulates syncytin-1 and -2 gene expression and cell fusion of placental BeWo cells in a GCM1-dependent manner. Importantly, the cell fusion defect in GCM1-knockdown BeWo cells can be reversed and enhanced by the RNAi-resistant phosphomimetic GCM1(S47D) mutant. Our study has identified a novel cAMP/Epac1/CaMKI/GCM1 signaling cascade that stimulates trophoblast fusion through promoting GCM1 phosphorylation and desumoylation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Invadolysin is a metalloprotease conserved in many different organisms, previously shown to be essential in Drosophila with roles in cell division and cell migration. The gene seems to be ubiquitously expressed and four distinct splice variants have been identified in human cells but not in most other species examined. Immunofluorescent detection of human invadolysin in cultured cells reveals the protein to be associated with the surface of lipid droplets. By means of subcellular fractionation, we have independently confirmed the association of invadolysin with lipid droplets. We thus identify invadolysin as the first metalloprotease located on these dynamic organelles. In addition, analysis of larval fat-body morphological appearance and triglyceride levels in the Drosophila invadolysin mutant suggests that invadolysin plays a role in lipid storage or metabolism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intratumoral CD8+ T cells commonly display a dysfunctional state, however it remains unclear whether tumor cell metabolism actively promotes T-cell exhaustion. Here, the authors show that the tumor methionine recycling pathway has a central role in promoting T-cell dysfunction in hepatocellular carcinoma, contributing to tumor immune evasion.

Purpose To explore the wider determinant factor of citizens’ spirituality, health engagement, health belief model, and attitudes towards vaccines toward acceptance and willingness to pay for a Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination. Methods A community-based cross-sectional online investigation with convenience sampling was utilized to recruit 1423 citizens from 18 districts across Indonesia between December 14, 2020 and January 17, 2021. Descriptive statistics, One-way analysis of variance, Pearson correlation, Independent t-tests, and multiple linear regression were examined. Results Spirituality, health engagement and attitude toward vaccines, as well as health beliefs constructs (all scores of perceived benefits and barriers) were significant key factors of acceptance of vaccines. Interestingly, the spirituality, attitude toward vaccine, and health beliefs constructs including perceived susceptibility, and benefits indicated a significantly higher willingness. Conclusions Results demonstrated the utility of spirituality, health engagement, health belief model, and attitudes towards vaccines in understanding acceptance and willingness to pay for a vaccine. Specifically, a key obstacle to the acceptance of and willingness to pay COVID-19 vaccination included a high score of the perceived barrier construct. Moreover, the acceptance of and willingness to pay could be impaired by worries about the side-effects of a COVID-19 vaccination.

Nematode-trapping fungi (NTF) are a group of specialized microbial predators that consume nematodes when food sources are limited. Predation is initiated when conserved nematode ascaroside pheromones are sensed, followed by the development of complex trapping devices. To gain insights into the coevolution of this interkingdom predator-prey relationship, we investigated natural populations of nematodes and NTF that we found to be ubiquitous in soils. Arthrobotrys species were sympatric with various nematode species and behaved as generalist predators. The ability to sense prey among wild isolates of Arthrobotrys oligospora varied greatly, as determined by the number of traps after exposure to Caenorhabditis elegans. While some strains were highly sensitive to C. elegans and the nematode pheromone ascarosides, others responded only weakly. Furthermore, strains that were highly sensitive to the nematode prey also developed traps faster. The polymorphic nature of trap formation correlated with competency in prey killing, as well as with the phylogeny of A. oligospora natural strains, calculated after assembly and annotation of the genomes of 20 isolates. A chromosome-level genome assembly and annotation were established for one of the most sensitive wild isolates, and deletion of the only G-protein ß-subunit- encoding gene of A. oligospora nearly abolished trap formation. In summary, our study establishes a highly responsive A. oligospora wild isolate as a model strain for the study of fungus-nematode interactions and demonstrates that trap formation is a fitness character in generalist predators of the nematode-trapping fungus family. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alkaline electrolyzed water (AEW) and walking are strongly recommended for ameliorating oxidative stress and inflammation. Nevertheless, there is a lack of information on the combination of both on alleviating inflammation, oxidative stress, and improving the quality of life (QoL). We investigated the synergistic effects of drinking AEW and walking on advanced glycation end products (AGEs), advanced oxidation protein products (AOPPs), malondialdehyde (MDA), white blood cells (WBCs), neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and QoL. In total, 81 eligible patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) were randomly allocated via single blind to four groups: consumed 2 L/day of AEW (n = 20), instructed to walk for 150 min/week (n = 20), received a combination of AEW and walking (n = 20), and continue their habitual diet and activity (n = 21). Data were collected and analyzed before and after 8 weeks of intervention. Our results showed a significant interaction between the group and time, with both AEW and walking independently and synergistically ameliorating AGEs, AOPPs, MDA, NLR and WBCs levels. Moreover, the AEW group had a higher physical and total QoL score. The walking group and the combined group had higher scores in physical, mental and total QoL compared to the control group. The synergistic effect of AEW and regular walking are an advisable treatment for patients with T2DM.

Cervical cancer is one of the most prevalent malignant neoplasms worldwide. We investigated whether leisure-time physical activity is sufficient to decrease the cervical neoplasia risk and provide suggested guidance of metabolic equivalents of task–hours per week (MET-h/week) spent on leisure-time physical activity to prevent cervical neoplasia. Ultimately, 433 participants, including 126 participants with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia I or higher disease (≥CIN 1) and 307 healthy controls, were recruited. All participants completed a standardized questionnaire about leisure-time physical activity engagement (MET-h/week) and a general health questionnaire and had cervical specimens taken to detect human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. CIN 1 staging was identified from the specimens. Participants with physical activity of ≥3.75 MET-h/week had a significantly lower CIN risk compared to those with physical activity of p = 0.01). However, among participants with HPV infection or smokers, the minimal requirement of leisure-time physical actively to lessen the CIN risk was ≥7.5 MET-h/week. Lifetime leisure-time physical activity of ≥0.12 MET-h/week–year also significantly decreased the CIN risk, but women with HPV infection needed ≥13.2 MET-h/week–year to protect them from a CIN risk. We concluded that regular leisure-time physical activity of ≥7.5 MET-h/week and sustained lifetime leisure-time physical activity ≥13.2 MET-h/week–year are vital factors for protecting women against cervical neoplasia risk.

BACKGROUND: Currently, benefits of robotic surgery in patients with benign gynecological conditions remain unclear. In this study, we compared the surgical outcome of robotic and laparoscopic total hysterectomies and evaluated the feasibility of robotic surgery in cases with pelvic adhesions or large uterus. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 216 patients receiving total hysterectomy via robotic or laparoscopic approach were included in this study. Of all 216 patients, 88 underwent robotic total hysterectomy and 128 underwent laparoscopic total hysterectomy. All cases were grouped by surgical type, adhesion score, and uterine weight to evaluate the interaction or individual effect to the surgical outcomes. The perioperative parameters, including operation time, blood loss, postoperative pain score, time to full diet resumption, length of hospital stay, conversion rate, and surgeryrelated complications were compared between the groups. RESULTS: Operation time and blood loss were affected by both surgical type and adhesion score. For cases with severe adhesions (adhesion score greater than 4), robotic surgery was associated with a shortened operation time (113.9 ± 38.4 min versus 164.3 ± 81.4 min, P = 0.007) and reduced blood loss (187.5 ± 148.7 mL versus 385.7 ± 482.6, P=0.044) compared with laparoscopy. Moreover, robotic group showed a lower postoperative pain score than laparoscopic group, as the effect was found to be independent of adhesion score or uterine weight. The grade-II complication rate was also found to be lower in the robotic group. CONCLUSIONS: Comparing to laparoscopic approach, robotic surgery is a feasible and potential alternative for performing total hysterectomy with severe adhesions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Centriole duplication begins with the formation of a single procentriole next to a preexisting centriole. CPAP (centrosomal protein 4.1-associated protein) was previously reported to participate in centriole elongation. Here, we show that CEP120 is a cell cycle-regulated protein that directly interacts with CPAP and is required for centriole duplication. CEP120 levels increased gradually from early S to G2/M and decreased significantly after mitosis. Forced overexpression of either CEP120 or CPAP not only induced the assembly of overly long centrioles but also produced atypical supernumerary centrioles that grew from these long centrioles. Depletion of CEP120 inhibited CPAP-induced centriole elongation and vice versa, implying that these proteins work together to regulate centriole elongation. Furthermore, CEP120 was found to contain an N-terminal microtubule-binding domain, a C-terminal dimerization domain, and a centriolar localization domain. Overexpression of a microtubule binding-defective CEP120-K76A mutant significantly suppressed the formation of elongated centrioles. Together, our results indicate that CEP120 is a CPAP-interacting protein that positively regulates centriole elongation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Preeclampsia is a major pregnancy-specific disorder affecting 5-7% of pregnancies worldwide. Although hypoxia caused by incomplete trophoblast invasion and impaired spiral arterial remodeling is thought to be a major cause of preeclampsia, how hypoxia affects placental development remains uncertain. GCM1 (glial cells missing homolog 1) is a transcription factor critical for placental development. In preeclampsia, GCM1 and its target genes syncytin 1 and placental growth factor, important for syncytiotrophoblast formation and placental vasculogenesis, are all decreased. Here we present evidence that GCM1 is a major target of hypoxia associated with preeclampsia. We show that hypoxia triggers GCM1 degradation by suppressing the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase-Akt signaling pathway, leading to GSK-3β activation. Activated GSK-3β phosphorylates GCM1 on Ser[sup322], which in turn recruits the F-box protein FBW2, leading to GCM1 ubiquitination and degradation. Importantly, the GSK-3β inhibitor LiC1 prevented hypoxia-induced GCM1 degradation. Our study identifies a molecular basis for the disrupted GCM1 transcription network in preeclampsia and provides a potential avenue for therapeutic intervention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

p-Hydroxyacetophenone (HAP) is a crucial chemical compound present in plants of the genus Artemisia, which are used in traditional therapies for treating jaundice, hepatitis, and inflammatory diseases. Nevertheless, the bioactivity of HAP remains to be identified in order to prove its importance in the plants of genus Artemisia. This study investigated the antioxidative, antinociceptive, and anti-inflammatory effects of HAP, and probed its possible molecular mechanisms. Our results revealed that HAP (80 mg/kg, intraperitoneally) in vivo reduced the acetic acid-induced writhing response and formalin-induced licking time. Moreover, in the λ-carrageenan-induced acute-inflammatory paw edema model in mice, HAP significantly improved hind paw swelling and neutrophil infiltration. In a homogenized paw tissue examination, HAP attenuated pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-1β, and interleukin-6. Simultaneously, HAP also inhibited the production of nuclear factor kappa B, cyclooxygenase-2, and nitric oxide (NO). Another examination revealed that HAP exerted anti-inflammatory activity by decreasing malondialdehyde levels in the edematous paw through increasing the activities of superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and glutathione reductase in the liver. These findings may be beneficial in understanding the therapeutic effects of some plants of the genus Artemisia in the pretreatment of inflammation-associated diseases.