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Change of actin filament organization at the early stage of cell differentiation directs cell fate commitment of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). Thymosin beta-4 (T[beta]4), a major G-actin sequestering peptide, is known to regulate the cytoskeleton. The study investigated the ways in which T[beta]4 regulates cell fate determination in MSCs upon differentiation induction. It was found that T[beta]4 decreased F-actin formation, reduced the F-actin/G-actin ratio, and inhibited osteogenic differentiation; such actin reorganization was not associated with the change of Runt-related transcription factor 2 gene expression during early osteogenic induction. Besides, T[beta]4 reciprocally facilitated adipogenic differentiation. T[beta]4 treatment was found to up-regulate gene as well as promote surf...

Declining bumblebee populations are at greater risk of inbreeding, which can trigger a downward spiral of further decline. Researchers have provided the first proof that inbreeding reduces colony fitness under natural conditions by increasing the production of reproductively inefficient 'diploid' males.

Background: A nation-wide surveillance study was conducted in Greece in order to provide a representative depiction of pneumococcal carriage in the pre-vaccination era and to evaluate potential risk factors for carriage of resistant strains in healthy preschool children attending daycare centers. Methods: A study group was organized with the responsibility to collect nasopharyngeal samples from children. Questionnaires provided demographic data, data on antibiotic consumption, family and household data, and medical history data. Pneumococcal isolates were tested for their susceptibility to various antimicrobial agents and resistant strains were serotyped. Results: Between February and May 2004, from a total population of 2536 healthy children, a yield of 746 pneumococci was isolated (carriage rate 29.41%). Resistance rates differed among geographic regions. Recent antibiotic use in the last month was strongly associated with the isolation of resistant pneumococci to a single or multipl

The human papillomavirus (HPV) is a strong risk factor for cervical cancer. Check out what HPV is, how you get it, and how HPV is treated.

The studies contradict conventional wisdom about the health of young pitchers. But experts say overuse also has to be factored in.