“
“Aim: To describe

a subset of patients with recurrent retinal detachments caused by anterior intraretinal and subretinal proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR), which required greater than 180 degrees retinotomy and silicone oil tamponade.\n\nMethods: Interventional case series. BAY 73-4506 Forty-one patients underwent > 180 degrees retinotomy, anterior retinectomy, removal of subretinal membranes, laser to the retinotomy edge and silicone oil tamponade. Risk factors for detachment, prior surgical history and PVR location were examined. Main outcomes included change in visual acuity, recurrent detachment and postoperative complications.\n\nResults: Cataract extraction (49%), high myopia (29%) and lattice degeneration (27%) were preoperative risk factors. The average number of prior procedures for retinal attachment was 2.3 (SD 0.9). The majority of detachments AG-120 were inferior and related to anterior

intraretinal and subretinal PVR. Twenty-four patients (59%) saw 20/200 or better. Eleven patients (27%) had poor vision (<20/400) at the end of follow-up. Thirty-seven retinas (90%) remained attached. Increased rates of postoperative corneal decompensation (p<0.0001) and silicone oil in the anterior chamber (p<0.0001) were statistically significant markers of poor visual outcome.\n\nConclusions: Patients with complex PVR requiring a large retinotomy often had similar presurgical conditions. A large inferior retinotomy effectively addressed proliferations where they most frequently occur, and silicone oil was beneficial.”
“The aim

of the present study was to explore the effect this website of the Naja nigricollis phospholipase A(2) CMS-9 on adaphostin-induced death of human leukaemia U937 cells.\n\nLeukaemia U937 cells (Bcr/Abl-negative cells) were treated with adaphostin (0-10 mu mol/L) and CMS-9 (0-1 mu mol/L). The effects of CMS-9, adaphostin and their combination on cell viability, the generation reactive oxygen species (ROS), [Ca(2+)](i), p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) activation, Akt and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) inactivation, mitochondrial membrane potential (Delta Psi(m)) and Bcl-2 family proteins were analysed.\n\nBoth adaphostin and CMS-9 induced U937 cell apoptosis, characterized by dissipation of Delta Psi(m) and ROS generation. Combined treatment further increased Delta Psi(m) loss and reduced the viability of adaphostin-treated cells. Unlike in CMS-9-treated cells, in adaphostin-treated cells ROS-induced increases in [Ca(2+)](i) were observed. CMS-9-induced ROS generation resulted in p38 MAPK activation, whereas adaphostin treatment elicited ROS/Ca(2+)-mediated inactivation of Akt and ERK. Moreover, Akt was found to be involved in ERK phosphorylation.

Of note, MR revealed restricted diffusion within the mass. The presumptive diagnosis of dermoid tumor was made and the patient was scheduled for surgical resection. On operative exploration, a 1 cm thrombosed

aneurysm was revealed. Thrombosed aneurysms must be considered in the differential diagnosis for midline cerebral masses with negative angiogram and restricted diffusion. This distinction has implications for the clinical management of the patient.”
“Magnetic resonance image (MRI) systems with a much higher magnetic flux density were developed and applied for potential use in medical diagnostic. Recently,much attention has been paid to the biological effects of static, strong magnetic fields (SMF). With the 13 T SMF facility in the Institute of Plasma Physics, Chinese Academy of YH25448 in vivo Sciences, the present study focused on the cellular effects learn more of the SMF with 13 T on the cell viability and the cell cycle distribution in immortalized hamster cells, such as human-hamster hybrid (A(L)) cells, Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells,

DNA double-strand break repair deficient mutant (XRS-5) cells, and human primary skin fibroblasts (AG1522) cells. It was found that the exposure of 13 T SMF had less effect on the colony formation in either nonsynchronized or synchronized A(L) cells. Moreover, as compared to non-exposed groups, the re were slight differences selleck chemicals in the cell cycle distribution no matter in either synchronized or nonsynchronized immortalized hamster cells after exposure to 13 T SMF. However,it should be noted that the percentage of exposed AG1522 cells at G0/G1 phase was decreased by 10% as compared to the controls. Our data indicated that although

13 T SMF had minimal effects in immortalized hamster cells, the cell cycle distribution was slightly modified by SMF in human primary fibroblasts.”
“Obesity and adiponectin depletion have been associated with the occurrence of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The goal of this study was to identify the relationship between weight gain, adiponectin signaling, and development of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) in an obese, diabetic mouse model. Leptin-receptor deficient (Lepr(db/db)) and C57BL/6 mice were administered a diet high in unsaturated fat (HF) (61%) or normal chow for 5 or 10 weeks. Liver histology was evaluated using steatosis, inflammation, and ballooning scores. Serum, adipose tissue, and liver were analyzed for changes in metabolic parameters, messenger RNA (mRNA), and protein levels. Lepr(db/db) HF mice developed marked obesity, hepatic steatosis, and more than 50% progressed to NASH at each timepoint. Serum adiponectin level demonstrated a strong inverse relationship with body mass (r = -20.82; P smaller than 0.0001) and adiponectin level was an independent predictor of NASH (13.6 mu g/mL; P smaller than 0.

The three cell lines were treated with bufalin, the proliferation was detected by WST-1 assay and cell cycle was detected by flow cytometry analysis. The results showed that bufalin inhibited the proliferation of hepatoma cells and regulated the hepatoma cell death program in a dose- and time-dependent manner without typical features of apoptosis. RT-PCR arrays were used to investigate

the autophagy transcriptional GM6001 nmr response triggered by bufalin and 13 genes were altered and further confirmed by real-time PCR. The translation levels of selected genes were examined by western blot analysis to reveal the bufalin-induced autophagy cascade. Bufalin synergized with the JNK pathway to induce autophagy of hepatoma cells and is closely associated with LEE011 nmr the upregulation of TNF, BECN-1, MAPK and ATG8, together with the downregulation of Bcl-2 and Bid. Our study provided a multi-angle evaluation system for anti-hepatoma pharmacology for pre-clinical drug investigation. In this case, bufalin was capable of inducing hepatoma cell autophagy, suggesting a potential

regimen for single or combined chemotherapy to overcome hepatoma in clinical practice.”
“Background: Adherence to antiretroviral therapy is critical to successful treatment of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Few interventions have been demonstrated to improve both adherence and virologic outcomes. We sought to determine whether an intervention derived from problem solving Cilengitide Cytoskeletal Signaling inhibitor theory, Managed Problem Solving (MAPS), would improve antiretroviral outcomes.\n\nMethods: We conducted a randomized investigator blind trial of MAPS compared with usual care in HIV-1 infected individuals at 3 HIV clinics in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Eligible patients had plasma HIV-1 viral loads greater than 1000 copies/mL and were initiating or changing therapy. Managed Problem Solving consists of 4 in-person and 12 telephone-based meetings with a trained interventionist, then monthly follow-up calls for a year. Primary outcome was medication adherence measured using electronic monitors, summarized as fraction

of doses taken quarterly over 1 year. Secondary outcome was undetectable HIV viral load over 1 year. We assessed 218 for eligibility, with 190 eligible and 180 enrolled, 91 randomized to MAPS and 89 to usual care. Fifty-six participants were lost to follow-up: 33 in the MAPS group and 23 in usual care group.\n\nResults: In primary intention-to-treat analyses, the odds of being in a higher adherence category was 1.78 (95% CI, 1.07-2.96) times greater for MAPS than usual care. In secondary analyses, the odds of an undetectable viral load was 1.48 (95% CI, 0.94-2.31) times greater for MAPS than usual care. In as-treated analyses, the effect of MAPS was stronger for both outcomes. There was neither a difference by prior treatment status nor change in effect over time.

The level of cofilin phosphorylation was increased significantly following stimulation of insulin for 24 h, indicating the activation of LIMK1. MG63 cell proliferation was also significantly inhibited by 1,25-dihydroxy vitamin D3 (1,25(OH)(2)D-3) in a time-dependent manner. Furthermore, 1,25(OH)(2)D-3 negated the inhibitory effect of LIMK1 shRNA, indicating that LIMK1 is important in the inhibitory pathway of 1,25(OH)(2)D-3. The present study confirms that LIMK1 is important in regulating osteosarcoma cell proliferation via the insulin/PI3K/LIMK1 signaling pathway, thus the development of gene therapy EPZ-6438 for osteosarcoma targeting LIMK1 is warranted.”
“Background: In premature

ovarian failure (POF), cessation of menstruation occurs before the expected age of menopause. Approximately 1% of women are affected. FMR1 premutation was reported to be responsible for up to 3.3%-6.7% of sporadic POF and 13% of familial cases in Caucasians, while the data was absent in Chinese population. Therefore, the impact of FMR1 CGG repeat on ovarian reserve is needed to be investigated in large Chinese cohort. Methods: The number of FMR1 CGG repeat was determined in 379 Han Chinese women with well-defined 46, XX non-syndromic sporadic POF and 402 controls. The age of menopause onset in respect to CGG repeats was further analyzed. Results: The

frequency of FMR1 premutation in Han Chinese POF was only 0.5% (2/379), although it was higher than that in matched controls (0%, 0/402), it was much lower than that reported in Caucasian with POF (3.3%-6.7%). Selleckchem EVP4593 The prevalence of intermediate FMR1 (41-54) was not increased significantly in sporadic POF than that in controls (2.9% vs. 1.7%, P = 0.343). However, POF patients

more often carried a single additional CGG repeat in a single allele than did fertile women (allele-1: 29.7 vs. 28.8, P smaller than 0.001; allele-2: 32.6 vs. 31.5, P smaller PR-171 solubility dmso than 0.001). POF patients with both alleles of CGG repeats outside (below or above) the normal range (26-34) showed an earlier age of cessation of menses than those with two alleles within normal range (hom-high/high vs. norm: 20.4 +/- 4.8 vs. 24.7 +/- 6.4, P smaller than 0.01; hom-low/high vs. norm: 18.7 +/- 1.7 vs. 24.7 +/- 6.4, P smaller than 0.01). Conclusions: FMR1 premutation seems to be an uncommon explanation for POF in Han Chinese. However, having both alleles with CGG repeats outside the normal range might still adversely affect ovarian aging.”
“In this study, we report the protective effects of IAA on diethylnitrosamine (DEN)-induced hepatocarcinogenesis. BALB/c mice received daily IAA at 50 (T(50)), 250 (T(250)), and 500 (T(500)) mg K(-1) per body mass by gavage for 15 days. At day 15, animals were administered DEN and sacrificed 4 h later. Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) were analyzed in sera.

TIM-1, a member of the T cell immunoglobulin and mucin (TIM) domain family, is involved in T-cell differentiation and has been implicated in allergic diseases. An association between TIM-1 and allergic rhinitis,

however, has not been established.\n\nObjective. To investigate selleckchem whether TIM-1 gene polymorphisms were associated with allergic rhinitis in a Han Chinese population.\n\nMethods: Two TIM-1 promoter single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), -416G>C and -1454G>A, were examined in 185 allergic rhinitis patients of Han Chinese ethnicity using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and restriction fragment length polymorphism. Additionally, exon 4 insertion/deletion polymorphisms in the TIM-1 gene were analyzed by PCR, polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, and silver staining. The relationship Belnacasan cell line between gene polymorphisms and serum specific IgE levels in this Han Chinese population was also evaluated.\n\nResults: We found that the -416G>C and -1454G>A SNPs were associated with allergic rhinitis susceptibility in this Han Chinese population. No statistically significant differences in the distribution of genotype or allele frequencies

of 5383_5397ins/del and 5509_5511delCAA in exon 4 were observed. The -416G>C and -1454G>A SNPs were associated with the level of serum IgE specific to house dust mites in patients with allergic rhinitis.\n\nConclusions: These results suggest that TIM-1 gene polymorphisms (-416G>C and -1454G>A) are associated with allergic rhinitis susceptibility in a Han Chinese population.”
“Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are a family of zinc-dependent endopeptidases that primarily degrade components of the extracellular matrix (ECM). Remodeling of the ECM by MMPs is important in both physiological and pathological processes, including organ generation/regeneration, angiogenesis, wound healing, buy BI-D1870 inflammation and tumor growth.

In the vasculature, MMPs play a role in beneficial processes such as angiogenesis, collateral artery formation and thrombus resolution. However, MMP expression is also implicated in the pathogenesis of vascular diseases such as atherosclerosis, aortic aneurysms, plaque rupture and neointimal hyperplasia after balloon angioplasty. Here, we review the structure, functions and roles of MMPs in both neovascularization and vascular pathology and discuss the potential of, and challenges that face, adapting MMPs as therapeutic targets in vascular disease.”
“The emergency department is a decisive part of the emergency treatment sequence which has to operate even under extraordinary circumstances. With the experiences of the Love Parade 2010 the planning and reaction to a mass casualty incident are described and discussed.\n\nTo estimate the burden on the emergency departments the patient ICD data of the four hospitals with the highest workload were used to assign priorities to the patients by the Manchester triage system and to determine the necessity of emergency room treatment.

The association of several risk factors (such as advanced maternal

age, pre-existing chronic hypertension, pre-existing nephropathy, obesity, suboptimal glycaemic control) increases the risk of preeclampsia. In that case, the classic follow-up (blood pressure measurement, proteinuria) should see more be more frequent than monthly (professional consensus). The risk of Caesarean section is increased by macrosomia, whether suspected prenatally or not, but this increased risk remains whatever the birth weight (EL3). Diagnosis and treatment of GDM do not reduce the risk of severe perineal lesions, operative vaginal delivery and postpartum haemorrhage (EL2). Some psychological symptoms, such as anxiety and alteration of self-perception, can

occur upon diagnosis of GDM (EL3). The treatment of GDM appears to reduce the risk of postpartum depression symptoms (EL2).\n\nConclusion: Most of the information published on GDM covers the risks of preeclampsia and Caesarean section; intensive care of GDM reduces these risks. Pregnancy care should be adjusted to the risk factors. (C) 2010 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.”
“The cyclic (c) AMP responsive element binding protein (CREB) plays a key role in many cellular processes, including differentiation, proliferation, and signal transduction. Furthermore, CREB overexpression was found in tumors of distinct origin and evidence suggests an association with tumorigenicity. To establish a mechanistic https://www.selleckchem.com/products/ca3.html link between HER-2/neu-mediated transformation and CREB protein expression and function, in vitro models of HER-2/neu-overexpressing and HER-2/neu-negative/silenced GSK690693 manufacturer counterparts as well as human mammary carcinoma lesions with defined HER-2/neu status were used. HER-2/neu overexpression resulted in the induction and activation of CREB protein in vitro and in vivo, whereas short hairpin RNA (shRNA)-mediated inhibition of HER-2/neu correlated with downregulated CREB activity. CREB activation in HER-2/neu-transformed cells enhanced

distinct signal transduction pathways, whereas their inhibition negatively interfered with CREB expression and/or activation. CREB downregulation in HER-2/neu-transformed cells by shRNA and by the inhibitors KG-501 and lapatinib caused morphologic changes, reduced cell proliferation with G(0)-G(1) cell-cycle arrest, which was rescued by CREB expression. This was accompanied by reduced cell migration, wound healing, an increased fibronectin adherence, invasion, and matrixmetallo proteinase expression. In vivo shCREB-HER-2/neu(+) cells, but not control cells, exerted a significantly decreased tumorgenicity that was associated with decreased proliferative capacity, enhanced apoptosis, and increased frequency of Tlymphocytes in peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Thus, CREB plays an important role in the HER-2/neu-mediated transformation by altering in vitro and in vivo growth characteristics.”
“Background.

3. A field survey was conducted in two natural populations

of A. halleri. In the first population, a species of white butterfly was the dominant herbivore, and hairy plants incurred less leaf damage than glabrous plants across 2years. By contrast, in the other population, where flea beetles were dominant, there were no consistent differences in leaf ASP2215 cell line damage between the two types of plants. In neither of the two populations was any evidence found of associational effects. 4. This study did not provide any conclusive evidence of associational effects of anti-herbivore resistance, but it was discovered that trichomes can confer resistance to certain herbivores. Given the results of previous work by the authors on associational effects against a flightless leaf beetle, such associational effects of the trichome dimorphism of A. halleri were herbivore-specific.”
“Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide; approximately 85% of these cancers are non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Patients with NSCLC frequently have tumors harboring somatic mutations in the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) gene that cause constitutive receptor activation. These patients have the best clinical response to EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs). Herein, we show that fibroblast growth factor-inducible 14 (Fn14; TNFRSF12A) is frequently overexpressed Selleckchem GANT61 in NSCLC

tumors, and Fn14 levels correlate with p-EGFR expression. We also report that NSCLC cell lines that contain EGFR-activating mutations show high levels of Fn14 protein expression. EGFR TKI treatment of

EGFR-mutant HCC827 cells decreased Fn14 protein levels, whereas EGF stimulation of EGFR wild-type A549 Natural Product Library cells transiently increased Fn14 expression. Furthermore, Fn14 is highly expressed in EGFR-mutant H1975 cells that also contain an EGFR TKI-resistance mutation, and high TKI doses are necessary to reduce Fn14 levels. Constructs encoding EGFRs with activating mutations induced Fn14 expression when expressed in rat lung epithelial cells. We also report that short hairpin RNA-mediated Fn14 knockdown reduced NSCLC cell migration and invasion in vitro. Finally, Fn14 overexpression enhanced NSCLC cell migration and invasion in vitro and increased experimental lung metastases in vivo. Thus, Fn14 may be a novel therapeutic target for patients with NSCLC, in particular for those with EGFR-driven tumors who have either primary or acquired resistance to EGFR TKIs. (Am J Pathol 2012, 181:111-120; http://proxy.ashland.edu:2100/10.1016/j.ajpath.2012.03.026)”
“Background aims. We carried out a retrospective analysis of viability by diagnosis and dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) concentration in patients who had undergone autologous transplants using hematopoietic progenitor cells (HPC) after long-term storage (up to 17.8 years). Methods.

05) and significant increase for FFM (P<0.05) in the PLRT and GIRT groups after the 10 week period, while it remained unchanged

in PL and GI groups. Furthermore, Mean BMI, HDL, LDL and triglyceride remained unchanged in all groups (p>0.05). For the base of these results suggested resistance training has been an effective therapeutic devise to favourable changes in lipid profiles and body composition in obese individual. Moreover, ginger consumption in 1 gr/day dose did not cause any significant effects.”
“Background-The incidence and impact of clinical stroke and silent radiographic cerebral Dorsomorphin ic50 infarction complicating open surgical aortic valve replacement (AVR) are poorly characterized. Methods and Results-We performed a prospective cohort study of subjects bigger than = 65 years of age who were undergoing AVR for calcific aortic stenosis. Subjects were evaluated by neurologists preoperatively and postoperatively and underwent postoperative magnetic resonance imaging. Over a 4-year period,

196 subjects were enrolled at 2 sites (mean age, 75.8 +/- 6.2 years; 36% women; 6% nonwhite). Clinical strokes were detected in 17%, transient buy Bioactive Compound Library ischemic attack in 2%, and in-hospital mortality was 5%. The frequency of stroke in the Society for Thoracic Surgery database in this cohort was 7%. Most strokes were mild; the median National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale was 3 (interquartile range, 1-9). Clinical stroke was associated with increased length of stay (median, 12 versus 10 days; P=0.02). Moderate or severe stroke (National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale bigger than = 10) occurred in 8 (4%) and was strongly associated with in-hospital mortality (38% versus 4%; P=0.005). Of the 109 stroke-free subjects with postoperative magnetic resonance imaging, silent infarct was identified in 59 (54%). Silent infarct was not associated with in-hospital mortality or increased length of stay. Conclusions-Clinical

stroke after AVR was more common than reported previously, more than double for this same cohort in the Society GSK1120212 for Thoracic Surgery database, and silent cerebral infarctions were detected in more than half of the patients undergoing AVR. Clinical stroke complicating AVR is associated with increased length of stay and mortality.”
“A series of highly luminescent oxadiazole-based stilbene molecules (OXD4, OXD8, OXD10, and OXD12) exhibiting interesting enantiotropic liquid crystalline and gelation properties have been synthesized and characterized. The molecules possessing longer alkyl substituents, OXD10 and OXD12, possess a pseudodisc shape and are capable of behaving as supergelators in nonpolar solvents, forming self-standing gels with very high thermal and mechanical stability.

One prototype, equipped with an energy buffer, was run in darkness LEE011 molecular weight for several weeks to simulate a worst-case scenario. RESULTS Ex vivo, median output power of the solar module was 1963 pW/cre (interquartile range [IQR] 1940-2107 pW/cm2) under direct sunlight exposure outdoors, 206 mu W/cm(2) (IQR 194-233 mu W/cm(2)) in shade outdoors, and 4 pW/cm2 (IQR 3.6-4.3 pW/cm2) indoors (current PMs use approximately 10-20 mu W). Median skin flap thickness was 4.8 mm. In vivo, prolonged SOO pacing was performed even with short irradiation periods. Our PM was able to pace continuously at a rate of 125 mu m (3.7 V at 0.6 s) for 11/2 months in darkness. CONCLUSION

Tomorrow’s PMs might be batteryless and powered by sunlight. Because of the good skin penetrance of infrared light, a significant

JNK-IN-8 concentration amount of energy can be harvested by a subcutaneous solar module even indoors. The use of an energy buffer allows periods of darkness to be overcome.”
“In two experiments using the action-sentence-compatibility paradigm we investigated the simulation processes that readers undertake when processing state descriptions with adjectives (e.g., Die Schublade ist offen/zu. [The drawer is open/shut]) or adjectival passives (e.g., Die Schublade ist geoffnet/geschlossen. [The drawer is opened/closed]). In Experiment 1 we did not find evidence for action simulation, not even in sentences with adjectival passives. The results were different in Experiment 2, where the temporal particle noch (still, yet) was inserted into the sentences (e.g., The drawer is still closed). Under these circumstances readers

mentally simulated the action that brought about the current state for sentences with adjectival passives, KU-57788 solubility dmso but the action that would change the current state for sentences with adjectives. Thus, comprehenders are in principle sensitive to the subtle differences between adjectives and adjectival passives but highlighting the temporal dimension of the described states of affairs seems a necessary precondition for obtaining evidence for action simulation with sentences that describe a state. We discuss implications for future studies employing neuro-psychological methods. (C) 2009 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.”
“Neurotoxins synthesized by Clostridium botulinum bacteria (BoNT), the etiological agent of human botulism, are extremely toxic proteins making them high-risk agents for bioterrorism. Small molecule inhibitor development has been focused on the light chain zinc-dependent metalloprotease domain of the neurotoxin, an effort that has been hampered by its relatively flexible active site. Developed in concert with structure activity relationship studies, the X-ray crystal structures of the complex of BoNT serotype A light chain (BoNT/ALC) with three different micromolar-potency hydroxamate-based inhibitors are reported here. Comparison with an unliganded BoNT/ALC structure reveals significant changes in the active site as a result of binding by the unique inhibitor scaffolds.

RESULTS We identified two principal components of teaching effectiveness: charisma and intellect. There was no association between rating of intellect and TER. Rating of charisma and the display of an attractive photograph were both positively associated with TER and a significant interaction between these two variables was apparent (p smaller than 0.001). The regression coefficient for the association between charisma and TER was 0.26 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.10-0.41) when an attractive picture was displayed

and 0.83 (95% CI 0.66-1.00) when an unattractive picture was displayed (p smaller than Fedratinib concentration 0.001). CONCLUSIONS When medical students rate classroom teachers, they consider the degree to which the teacher is charismatic, although the relationship between this attribute and TER appears to be modified by the perceived physical attractiveness of the teacher. Further studies are needed to identify other variables that may influence subjective ratings of teaching effectiveness and to

evaluate alternative strategies for rating teaching effectiveness.”
“The concern regarding the ecotoxicological effects of nanomaterials in the terrestrial environment FK228 is increasing. Against this background, several studies have investigated the effects of different nanomaterials on various earthworm species. Since the earthworm is a representative

invertebrate present in soil and occupies an important trophic level, many studies have Baf-A1 datasheet focused on earthworms. Understanding how and why nanoparticles are toxic to organisms is important to nanotoxicologists and ecotoxicologists. We have collated information from studies on the toxicity of metal- and carbon-based nanomaterials to earthworms in the soil matrix, and trends in the adverse effects of nanomaterials on earthworms were analyzed. Most studies showed that the survival and growth of adult earthworms are negligibly affected by nanomaterials in the soil. However, many studies reported that nanomaterials may result in a reduction in the reproductive activity. This study presents an intensive overall view of the ecotoxicological impact of nanomaterials on earthworms at the organism, cellular, and molecular levels.”
“Increased amyloidogenic processing of the amyloid-beta protein precursor (A beta PP) is a characteristic of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). We previously observed that the prolyl isomerase Pin1, which is down-regulated in AD, regulates A beta PP conformation accelerating cis/trans isomerization of the phospho-Thr668-Pro669 peptide bond, and that Pin1 knockout in mice increases the amyloidogenic processing of A beta PP, although the underlying mechanism is still unknown.