INTRODUCTION Horizontal gene transfer (HGT) is an important driver for resistance- and virulence factor accumulation in pathogenic bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus. METHODS Here, we have investigated the downstream region of the bacterial chromosomal attachment site (attB) for the staphylococcal cassette chromosome mec (SCCmec) element of a commensal mecC-positive Staphylococcus ...

Meningiomas represent the most common primary tumors of the central nervous system, but few microRNA (miRNA) profiling studies have been reported so far. Deep sequencing of small RNA libraries generated from two human meningioma biopsies WHO grades I (benign) and II (atypical) were compared to excess dura controls. Nineteen differentially expressed miRNAs were validated by RT-qPCR using tumor RNA ...

MMP-9 consists of N-terminal signal peptide, a pro-domain, catalytic domain, a long flexible hinge region and C- terminal hemopexin domain. In the present study a truncated version of proMMP-9 which lacking hinge region and C-terminal hemopexin domain was produced. To do so Sf9 insect cells and the BaculoDirect Baculovirus expression system were used. Using site directed mutagenesis, single mutation ...

Intercellular Adhesion Molecule-1 (ICAM-1, CD54), a cell surface glycoprotein that functions as an integrin, has a well-established role in leukocyte migration during inflammation. Recent studies have indicated a role for this protein in cancer development. In this study three breast cancer cell lines were stimulated with a variety of cytokines. The breast cancer cell lines (MCF7, SK-BR-3 and ...

The synthesis, cytotoxicity, inhibition of tubulin polymerization and anti-angiogenic effects of 10 analogs of 2-methoxyestradiol are reported. These efforts revealed that the analog with a 4-pyridine ring in the 17-position, in combination with 2-ethyl- and 3-sulfamate substituents on the steroid A-ring, is the most interesting anti-cancer agent. This compound showed potent inhibitory effects against ...

This is the first study to determine the density of questing Ixodes ricinus in northern Norway. It was performed at two sites in Brønnøy, which has been known for its tick permissive habitats for decades and is one of the northernmost habitats with an abundant I. ricinus population in the world. From April to November 2011, all stages of host-seeking I. ricinus were collected from the two sites. ...

Significance: Over-nutrition and sedentary lifestyle has led to a worldwide increase in obesity, insulin resistance, and type 2 diabetes (T2D) associated with an increased risk of development of cardiovascular disorders. Diabetic cardiomyopathy, independent of hypertension or coronary disease, is induced by a range of systemic changes and may through multiple processes result in functional and ...

Fetal/neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia (FNAIT) is a relatively rare condition (1/1000–1/2000) that was granted orphan status by the European Medicines Agency in 2011. Clinical consequences of FNAIT, however, may be severe. A thrombocytopenic fetus or new-born is at risk of intracranial hemorrhage that may result in lifelong disability or death. Preventing such bleeding is thus vital and requires ...

Background: The human polyomavirus BK expresses a 66 amino-acid peptide referred to as agnoprotein. Though mutants lacking agnoprotein are severely reduced in producing infectious virions, the exact function of this peptide remains incompletely understood. To elucidate the function of agnoprotein, we searched for novel cellular interaction partners. <p>Methods: Yeast-two hybrid assay was performed ...

Background: Tertiary lymphoid structures (TLS) are highly organized immune cell aggregates that develop at sites of inflammation or infection in non-lymphoid organs. Despite the described role of inflammation in tumor progression, it is still unclear whether the process of lymphoid neogenesis and biological function of ectopic lymphoid tissue in tumors are beneficial or detrimental to tumor growth. ...