PARIS — French Resistance member Cecile Rol-Tanguy, who risked her life during World War II by working to liberate Paris from Nazi occupation, has died. She was 101. Rol-Tanguy died on Friday at her home in Monteaux, in central France, as Europe commemorated the 75th anniversary of the...

A young boy chooses a nurse as the superhero he wants to play with over Batman and Spiderman in a new artwork by Banksy that encapsulates the gratitude Britons have felt toward the country's National...

Reuters blogger Felix Salmon takes to kids’ toys to explain one of the most vexing problems facing Washington: the fiscal cliff. (December 12, 2012)

A young boy chooses a nurse as the superhero he wants to play with over Batman and Spiderman in a new artwork by Banksy that encapsulates the gratitude Britons have felt toward the country's National Health Service during the coronavirus crisis.

A young boy chooses a nurse as the superhero he wants to play with over Batman and Spiderman in a new artwork by Banksy that encapsulates the gratitude Britons have felt toward the country's National Health Service during the coronavirus crisis.

Title: Health Tip: Help Prevent Atherosclerosis
Category: Health News
Created: 4/23/2010 10:10:00 AM
Last Editorial Review: 4/26/2010 12:00:00 AM

Title: Heroin Use Surges Among Whites Who Abuse Prescription Painkillers
Category: Health News
Created: 4/30/2015 12:00:00 AM
Last Editorial Review: 5/1/2015 12:00:00 AM

The pregnane X receptor (PXR) is a nuclear receptor that can be activated by numerous drugs and xenobiotic chemicals. PXR thereby functions as a xenobiotic sensor to coordinately regulate host responses to xenobiotics by transcriptionally regulating many genes involved in xenobiotic metabolism. We have previously reported that PXR has pro-atherogenic effects in animal models, but how PXR contributes to atherosclerosis development in different tissues or cell types remains elusive. In this study, we generated an LDL receptor-deficient mouse model with myeloid-specific PXR deficiency (PXR^MyeLDLR^–/–) to elucidate the role of macrophage PXR signaling in atherogenesis. The myeloid PXR deficiency did not affect metabolic phenotypes and plasma lipid profiles, but PXR^MyeLDLR^–/– mice had significantly decreased atherosclerosis at both aortic root and brachiocephalic arteries compared with control littermates. Interestingly, the PXR deletion did not affect macrophage adhesion and migration properties, but reduced lipid accumulation and foam cell formation in the macrophages. PXR deficiency also led to decreased expression of the scavenger receptor CD36 and impaired lipid uptake in macrophages of the PXR^MyeLDLR^–/– mice. Further, RNA-Seq analysis indicated that treatment with a prototypical PXR ligand affects the expression of many atherosclerosis-related genes in macrophages in vitro. These findings reveal a pivotal role of myeloid PXR signaling in atherosclerosis development and suggest that PXR may be a potential therapeutic target in atherosclerosis management.

C-X-C motif chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4) is expressed on the surface of various cell types involved in atherosclerosis, with a particularly rich receptor expression on macrophages and T cells. First pilot studies with ⁶⁸Ga-pentixafor, a novel CXCR4-directed PET tracer, have shown promise to noninvasively image inflammation within atherosclerotic plaques. The aim of this retrospective study was to investigate the performance of ⁶⁸Ga-pentixafor PET/CT for imaging atherosclerosis in comparison to ¹⁸F-FDG PET/CT. Methods: Ninety-two patients (37 women and 55 men; mean age, 62 ± 10 y) underwent ⁶⁸Ga-pentixafor and ¹⁸F-FDG PET/CT for staging of oncologic diseases. In these subjects, lesions in the walls of large arteries were identified using morphologic and PET criteria for atherosclerosis (n = 652). Tracer uptake was measured and adjusted for vascular lumen (background) signal by calculation of target-to-background ratios (TBRs) by 2 investigators masked to the other PET scan. On a lesion-to-lesion and patient basis, the TBRs of both PET tracers were compared and additionally correlated to the degree of arterial calcification as quantified in CT. Results: On a lesion-to-lesion basis, ⁶⁸Ga-pentixafor and ¹⁸F-FDG uptake showed a weak correlation (r = 0.28; P < 0.01). ⁶⁸Ga-pentixafor PET identified more lesions (n = 290; TBR ≥ 1.6, P < 0.01) and demonstrated higher uptake than ¹⁸F-FDG PET (1.8 ± 0.5 vs. 1.4 ± 0.4; P < 0.01). The degree of plaque calcification correlated negatively with both ⁶⁸Ga-pentixafor and ¹⁸F-FDG uptake (r = –0.38 vs. –0.31, both P < 0.00001). Conclusion: CXCR4-directed imaging of the arterial wall with ⁶⁸Ga-pentixafor PET/CT identified more lesions than ¹⁸F-FDG PET/CT, with only a weak correlation between tracers. Further studies to elucidate the underlying biologic mechanisms and sources of CXCR4 positivity, and to investigate the clinical utility of chemokine receptor–directed imaging of atherosclerosis, are highly warranted.

The aim of this study was to assess the association of high-sensitivity cardiac troponin (hs-cTnT) and other cardiac, kidney, hyperglycemia, and inflammatory biomarkers with peripheral neuropathy (PN) in a community-based population.We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of 3056 black and white participants in the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) study who underwent standardized monofilament PN testing and had measures of cardiac function (hs-cTnT, N-terminal pro–B-type natriuretic peptide [NT-proBNP], and growth differentiation factor 15 [GDF15]), kidney function (serum creatinine, cystatin C, β-2 microglobulin, urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio), hyperglycemia (fasting glucose, hemoglobin A_1c [Hb A_1c], fructosamine, glycated albumin, 1,5-anhydroglucitol), and inflammation (C-reactive protein) assessed at visit 6 (2016–2017; age 71–94 years). We used logistic regression to assess the associations of these biomarkers (modeled in diabetes-specific tertiles) with PN in older adults with and without diabetes after adjusting for traditional risk factors.In total, 33.5% of participants had PN (37.3% with diabetes and 31.9% without diabetes). There was an independent association of hs-cTnT with PN regardless of diabetes status (diabetes T3 vs. T1: odds ratio [OR], 2.15 [95% CI, 1.44–3.22]; no diabetes: OR, 2.31 [95%CI, 1.76–3.03]; P = 0.72 for interaction). Among participants without diabetes, there were also significant associations of NT-proBNP (OR, 1.40 [95% CI, 1.08–1.81]) and urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio (OR, 1.55 [95% CI, 1.22–1.97]) with PN. Associations of hyperglycemia biomarkers including Hb A_1c (OR, 1.76 [95% CI, 1.22–2.54]), fructosamine (OR, 1.71 [95% CI, 1.19–2.46]), and glycated albumin (OR, 1.45 [95% CI, 1.03–2.03]) with PN were significant only among participants with diabetes.Overall, hs-cTnT appears to be a global marker of end organ damage, including PN. Laboratory biomarkers may be able to help us identify those individuals with PN.

This study showed that treatment with a therapeutic monoclonal immunoglobulin-G1 antibody against phosphorylcholine on oxidized phospholipids preserves coronary flow reserve and attenuates atherosclerotic inflammation as determined by the uptake of ¹⁸F-fluorodeoxyglucose in atherosclerotic mice. The noninvasive imaging techniques represent translational tools to assess the efficacy of phosphorylcholine-targeted therapy on coronary artery function and atherosclerosis in clinical studies.

You may have noticed, as a mere citizen of this country, there are many things you are not supposed to know. You are not mature enough or intelligent enough to handle certain information. You are in, in effect, a child in a supposedly democratic republic.

French Resistance member Cecile Rol-Tanguy, who risked her life during World War II by working to liberate Paris from Nazi occupation, has died. Rol-Tanguy died on Friday at her home in Monteaux, in central France, as Europe commemorated the 75th anniversary of the surrender of Nazi Germany to Allied forces. The cause of her death was not disclosed by French officials.

A princess seeking revenge after her royal privileges are revoked? A drifter trying to get away from her awful father? Or maybe a guardian of Captain Britain?

Now that Meghan Markle has had her royal purse strings cut, the time has come for her to prove that she is capable of making a living on her own merits. And, ever the everywoman, it has been reported that Markle’s first step is exactly the same one that we’d all make upon finding ourselves suddenly short of money – she has instructed her agent to find her a role in a superhero film.

At this point it’s best to assume that she’s looking for something more substantial than her pre-royal movie career offered; she won’t want a made-for-TV superhero movie, or to appear in a single scene of a larger film as a nameless woman whose only purpose in the universe is to give the middle-aged leading man something to absent-mindedly flirt at. So, who should she play? Luckily, as crowded as the superhero genre currently is, there is still plenty of untapped potential for her. Here are my suggestions.

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AI algorithms for deep-reinforcement learning have demonstrated the ability to learn at very high levels in constrained domains.

Parasites are a huge global treat to human life, but some of them could actually help us treat disease. Parasitologist Charlotte Evans explores the secret lives of these frightening organisms.

HARRY KANE is now the clear favourite to win the World Cup Golden Boot after his hat-trick against Panama..

The PM was moved out of intensive care on Thursday evening

Follow our live coronavirus updates here Coronavirus: the symptoms

Follow our live Covid-19 updates HERE Coronavirus: The symptoms

You can donate at virginmoneygiving.com/fund/FoodforLondonNOW

You can donate at virginmoneygiving.com/fund/FoodforLondonNOW

Follow our live coronavirus updates HERE Coronavirus: the symptoms

Read our live updates on coronavirus HERE Coronavirus: The symptoms

Follow our live coronavirus updates HERE Coronavirus: The symptoms

The Duke of Cambridge and his stepmother the Duchess of Cornwall have both written to Captain Tom Moore, 99, to congratulate him on smashing his NHS fundraising target.

Follow our live coronavirus updates HERE Coronavirus: The symptoms

Stars including Beyonce, Paul McCartney, The Rolling Stones and Elton John took part in the concert

He has raised more than £25 million

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With one in four UK workers already on or facing furlough during the coronavirus pandemic, some food lovers are cooking up a storm for the NHS

Captain Tom Moore and Michael Ball are on course to score a number one single for their cover of You'll Never Walk Alone.

New field hospital in Harrogate to provide 500 extra beds for Covid-19 patients

Award-winning film-maker Gurinder Chadha has hailed the "NHS heroes" who stayed at her aunt's bedside as she lost the fight with coronavirus complications in hospital.

War veteran Captain Tom Moore, who has raised £28 million for the NHS by walking lengths of his garden, has been sent tens of thousands of cards ahead of his 100th birthday.

A consultant who died after contracting Covid-19 has been described as a "very special human being" and "a real NHS hero".

A D-Day veteran, a paramedic who worked pitchside at Crystal Palace and a media executive have been named among the latest Londoners to die with suspected Covid-19.

An NHS doctor who died after contracting coronavirus had reportedly pleaded with his hospital to provide protective equipment (PPE) in the days before he caught the disease.

Retailer also doubles staff discounts and commits to guaranteeing time off for employees over Christmas period

Millions of Britons fell silent at 11am today in memory of the healthcare heroes and key workers who have died fighting coronavirus.

Boris Johnson has hailed Captain Tom Moore a "point of light" in the lives of the nation as he led tributes to the war veteran on his 100th birthday.

A new artwork by Banksy has been painted onto the wall of an NHS hospital corridor to pay tribute to healthcare heroes battling coronavirus.

Brits across the country have erupted in applause in tribute to healthcare workers during the seventh week of the Clap for our Carers initiative.

This year is the 75th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day, which marked the end of the Second World War on the continent.

Boris Johnson has said the Government will proceed with "maximum caution" when it comes to easing the coronavirus lockdown, with his spokesman adding that any changes next week will be "very limited".

Londoners who lived through World War II have hailed the "heroes" behind the emergency food operation helping people in the capital get through the current crisis.

Dave Zirin

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