bit

Delaware Division of the Arts Announces Award Winners Group Exhibit to Open July 13

The Delaware Division of the Arts is thrilled to announce the highly anticipated exhibition, Award Winners XXIII, showcasing the exceptional talents of 17 artists who have been named the 2023 Individual Artist Fellows. This extraordinary exhibition is curated and hosted by the Biggs Museum of American Art in Dover, Delaware.



  • Delaware Division of the Arts
  • Department of State
  • Kent County
  • New Castle County
  • News
  • Office of the Governor
  • Sussex County
  • "Delaware Division of the Arts"
  • Award Winners XXIII
  • Biggs Museum of American Art
  • Cab Calloway School of the Arts
  • CAMP Rehoboth
  • Group Art Exhibit
  • Individual Artist Fellowships

bit

Exhibit at the Delaware Public Archives: Celebrating Emily Bissell, “The Christmas Seal Story”

This holiday season the Delaware Public Archives will present an exhibit “Celebrating Emily Bissell: The Christmas Seal Story.” The exhibit chronicles the beginning of Christmas Seals, and presents historic Christmas Seals, scrap books, photographs and documents related to Ms. Bissell’s efforts to foster public interest and gain support to raise funds to battle tuberculosis.



  • Delaware Public Archives

bit

The Mezzanine Gallery to Exhibit “Unspoken Trajectories” by Aaron Keith Hoffer

Wilmington, Del. (February 26, 2024) – The Delaware Division of the Arts’ Mezzanine Gallery presents Aaron Keith Hoffer’s exhibition, “Unspoken Trajectories,” on view from March 1-28, 2024. Guests are invited to attend a Meet-the-Artist Reception on Friday, March 1 from 5:00-7:00 p.m. Hoffer’s show will include dozens of abstract paintings ranging in size from large […]




bit

The Mezzanine Gallery to exhibit “Within the Intimate Realm” by E. Schwinn

  Wilmington, Del. (April 1, 2024) – The Delaware Division of the Arts’ Mezzanine Gallery presents E. Schwinn’s exhibition, “Within the Intimate Realm,” on view from April 5-26, 2024. Guests are invited to attend a Meet-the-Artist Reception on Friday, April 5 from 5:00-7:00 p.m. Schwinn creates patterned collages that incorporate found images, saved fragments, half-finished […]




bit

Delaware Division of the Arts Announces 13th Annual State Employee Art Exhibition Winners

Unique program highlights creativity of Delaware state employees   Dover, Del. (April 15, 2024) – The Delaware Division of the Arts held the 13th Annual Delaware State Employee Art Exhibition from February 27 to March 22, 2024 at the Art Center/Gallery at Delaware State University, Dover. This year, 180 State of Delaware employees and their […]



  • Delaware Division of the Arts
  • Department of Human Resources
  • Department of State
  • News
  • "Delaware Division of the Arts"
  • delaware state employee art exhibition

bit

Delaware Division of the Arts and The Biggs Museum of American Art Open Award Winners XXIV Exhibition

Twenty Delaware artists receive significant award from the Delaware Division of the Arts   Dover, Del. (April 22, 2024) – The Biggs Museum of American Art has opened the exhibition, Award Winners XXIV, marking the 24th consecutive year of hosting this exhibition in partnership with the Delaware Division of the Arts. Showcasing the exceptional work […]




bit

The Mezzanine Gallery to exhibit “15,000 Dowels” by Gregg Silvis

  Wilmington, Del. (May 3, 2024) – The Delaware Division of the Arts’ Mezzanine Gallery presents Gregg Silvis’ exhibition, “15,000 Dowels,” on view from May 3-31, 2024. Guests are invited to attend a Meet-the-Artist Reception on Friday, May 3 from 5:00-7:00 p.m. The title of the exhibition comes from the essential material in this body […]



  • Delaware Division of the Arts
  • Department of State
  • New Castle County
  • News
  • "Delaware Division of the Arts"
  • Gregg Silvis
  • The Mezzanine Gallery

bit

DOJ secures over seven life sentences, habitual offender status for Keith Gibson after violent killing spree

Attorney General Kathy Jennings announced Wednesday that 41-year-old Keith Gibson was declared a Habitual Offender and sentenced in New Castle County Superior Court to seven life terms, plus 296 years in prison for 22 convictions, including four counts of murder, relating to a brutal crime spree in the summer of 2021 that claimed the lives […]



  • Department of Justice Press Releases

bit

Asking Prisoner To Wait For 1.5 Years For Successive Parole In Case Of Emergency Is Arbitrary

It is definitely in the fitness of things that while striking the right chord, the Bombay High Court while batting most zealously for protecting the legal rights of the prisoners in a most learned, laudable, landmark, logical and latest judgment titled Balaji Puyad vs State of Maharashtra in Crimina




bit

DHSS to Partner with Habitat for Humanity on Pilot Program for Minor Home Repairs for Older Delawareans

At the announcement Thursday morning at Rose Hill Community Center near New Castle (from left): Habitat for Humanity of New Castle County CEO Kevin L. Lewis, Division of Services for Aging and Adults with Physical Disabilities (DSAAPD) Chief Administrator Cynthia Mercer, DSAAPD Director Melissa Smith, state Representative Franklin Cooke, state Senator Darius Brown, DSAAPD Deputy […]



  • Delaware Health and Social Services
  • Division of Services for Aging and Adults with Physical Disabilities
  • New Castle County
  • News
  • 60 and older
  • aging in place
  • eligible seniors
  • Habitat for Humanity
  • minor home repairs
  • Route 9 Corridor

bit

The Mezzanine Gallery to Exhibit “Making the Invisible, Visible” by Maia Palmer

The Delaware Division of the Arts’ Mezzanine Gallery presents 2022 DDOA Individual Artist Fellow Maia Palmer’s exhibition, "Making the Invisible, Visible", running November 4-25, 2022.




bit

Gov. Carney, DSHA and Habitat for Humanity of New Castle County Join Forces to Promote Homeownership Month

Wilmington, DE, May 31, 2024 – Habitat for Humanity of New Castle County (HFHNCC) and Delaware State Housing Authority (DSHA), in partnership with Governor John Carney’s office, are proud to announce a press conference to highlight their efforts in supporting homeownership and community development across Wilmington and the entire state of Delaware. The press conference, […]



  • Delaware State Housing Authority

bit

The Mezzanine Gallery to exhibit Don James’ “Beyond the Facade: Architectural Portraits”

Wilmington, Del.  – The Delaware Division of the Arts’ Mezzanine Gallery presents Don James’ exhibition, “Beyond the Facade: Architectural Portraits,” on view from June 7-28, 2024. Guests are invited to attend a Meet-the-Artist Reception on Friday, June 7 from 5:00-7:00 p.m. Don James, from Milton, Delaware, is a photographer who finds inspiration in natural, industrial, […]




bit

DOJ secures significant prison time for habitual shoplifter turned robber

The Delaware Department of Justice has secured five years in prison followed by probation for a Wilmington woman who stole thousands of dollars worth of goods from Delaware retail chains between 2023 and 2024.      On July 10, Jasmine Williams, 36, was sentenced to five years of Level V prison followed by one year of […]



  • Department of Justice Press Releases

bit

The Mezzanine Gallery to Exhibit Julieta Zavala’s “Mercado Kitsch México”

“Mercado Kitsch México” presents a vibrant and eclectic exhibition inspired by the rich visual and cultural heritage of kitsch art in Mexico City. Zavala celebrates the creativity and artistic expression of the working class, who, with ingenuity and passion, combine textures, colors, and shapes to reflect their unique essence. Her Mexican heritage “has been and will continue to be my strongest inspiration. Everything about our art, culture, and traditions inspires me.”




bit

The Mezzanine Gallery to Exhibit Brandan Henry’s “Ebon Solus”

The Delaware Division of the Arts’ Mezzanine Gallery presents 2024 Emerging Artist Fellow Brandan Henry’s exhibition, “Ebon Solus” on view from October 4-25, 2024. Guests are invited to attend a Meet-the-Artist Reception on Friday, October 4 from 5:00-7:00 p.m.



  • Delaware Division of the Arts
  • News
  • "Delaware Division of the Arts"
  • Brandan Henry
  • The Mezzanine Gallery

bit

Here’s how you can activate your SBI debit card online: A step-by-step guide

Any State Bank of India account holder in order to activate their ATM card or a debit card can go to the online portal of SBI and do so by clicking on the e-services tab.




bit

Unable to open 64bit version of simvison

I am not able to open 64bit version of simvision using the following :

simvision -64 -wav "path to wav"

This throws the error "  /lib64/libc.so.6: version `GLIBC_2.14' not found"

I am only able to open it without the -64 option.

As a result I am not able to use the source browser feature since the simulation was run in 64 bit mode.

Need suggestion on how to resolve this. Thanks.




bit

Gothenburg takes proactive stance as global headwinds bite

Despite its thriving automotive sector, Gothenburg is vulnerable to global economic pressures. However, local authorities are confident that their strategies will see the city ride out the uncertainties related to Brexit and the US-China trade wars.




bit

Mobility expertise boosts Braunschweig's ambitions

Despite nurturing its R&D capacity, the city of Braunschweig lags its German peers in attracting FDI. Now it hopes a focus on the mobility sector will mean its technical skills are matched with investment.




bit

Kazakhstan looks to neighbours to realise agribusiness ambitions

The development of its agribusiness sector is one of Kazakhstan’s key priorities, and a first wave of foreign investors from Europe and Asia is looking at the country as a base to supply major markets in the regions. 




bit

Quit the habit for good — start 2025 smoke-free with the Kwit app

Make this year’s resolution stick with Kwit’s lifetime subscription plan, packed with tools and support to help you quit smoking for good.




bit

Asia Clean Energy Summit 2023 Conference and Exhibition

Themed “Clean Energy for a Clean World”, ACES 2023 will take place from 24-26 October in Singapore. The event supports the region’s net zero ambitions and the need to accelerate just clean energy transition with appropriate technologies, policies and financing. Gain access to insightful sessions, networking with industry leaders, and exploring the latest advancements in clean energy.




bit

Adler Museum of Medicine opens exhibition in honour of Chinese medical pioneer, Dr Yan Fuqing




bit

Bitter ex-wife, who kept father away from child by falsely accusing him of rape, ordered to pay R665,000 in damages




bit

Gqeberha law firm accountant with ‘gambling habit’ jailed for stealing R18 million from client accounts




bit

Digital pickpockets target Bitcoin virtual currency




bit

British writer Samantha Harvey's space-station novel 'Orbital' wins Booker Prize for fiction

LONDON — British writer Samantha Harvey won the Booker Prize for fiction on Tuesday with "Orbital," a short, wonder-filled novel set aboard the International Space Station that ponders the beauty and fragility of the Earth. Harvey was awarded the 50,000-pound ($64,000) prize for what she has called a "space pastoral" about six orbiting astronauts, which she began writing during COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns. The confined characters loop through 16 sunrises and 16 sunsets over the course of a day, trapped in one another's company and transfixed by the globe's ever-changing vistas. "To look at the Earth from space is like a child looking into a mirror and realizing for the first time that the person in the mirror is herself," said Harvey, who researched her novel by reading books by astronauts and watching the space station's live camera. "What we do to the Earth we do to ourselves." She said the novel "is not exactly about climate change, but implied in the view of the Earth is the fact of human-made climate change." She dedicated the prize to everyone who speaks "for and not against the Earth, for and not against the dignity of other humans, other life." "All the people who speak for and call for and work for peace — this is for you," she said. Writer and artist Edmund de Waal, who chaired the five-member judging panel, called "Orbital" a "miraculous novel" that "makes our world strange and new for us." Gaby Wood, chief executive of the Booker Prize Foundation, noted that "in a year of geopolitical crisis, likely to be the warmest year in recorded history," the winning book was "hopeful, timely and timeless." Harvey, who has written four previous novels and a memoir about insomnia, is the first British writer since 2020 to win the Booker. The prize is open to English-language writers of any nationality and has a reputation for transforming writers' careers. Previous winners include Ian McEwan, Margaret Atwood, Salman Rushdie and Hilary Mantel. De Waal praised the "crystalline" writing and "capaciousness" of Harvey's succinct novel — at 136 pages in its U.K. paperback edition, one of the shortest-ever Booker winners. "This is a book that repays slow reading," he said. He said the judges spent a full day picking their winner and came to a unanimous conclusion. Harvey beat five other finalists from Canada, the United States, Australia and the Netherlands, chosen from among 156 novels submitted by publishers. American writer Percival Everett had been the bookies' favorite to win with "James," which reimagines Mark Twain's "Huckleberry Finn" from the point of view of its main Black character, the enslaved man Jim. The other finalists were American writer Rachel Kushner's spy story "Creation Lake"; Canadian Anne Michaels' poetic novel "Held"; Charlotte Wood's Australian saga "Stone Yard Devotional"; and "The Safekeep" by Yael van der Wouden, the first Dutch author to be shortlisted for the Booker. Harvey is the first female Booker winner since 2019, though one of five women on this year's shortlist, the largest number in the prize's 55-year history. De Waal said issues such as the gender or nationality of the authors were "background noise" that did not influence the judges. "There was absolutely no question of box ticking or of agendas or of anything else. It was simply about the novel," he said before the awards ceremony at Old Billingsgate, a grand former Victorian fish market in central London. Founded in 1969, the Booker Prize is open to novels originally written in English published in the U.K. or Ireland. Last year's winner was Irish writer Paul Lynch for post-democratic dystopia "Prophet Song." Lynch handed Harvey her Booker trophy at the ceremony, warning her that her life was about to change dramatically because of the Booker publicity boost. Harvey said she was "overwhelmed" but remained down-to-earth about spending her prize money. She said she'd disburse "some of it on tax. I want to buy a new bike. And then the rest — I want to go to Japan."




bit

FAA prohibits US airlines from flying to Haiti; UN suspends flights

PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti — The Federal Aviation Administration announced Tuesday that it will prohibit U.S. airlines from flying to Haiti for 30 days after gangs shot a Spirit Airlines flight. The United Nations also said it will suspend flights, "obviously limiting the flow of humanitarian aid and humanitarian personnel into the country."  The bullets hit the plane when it was about to land Monday in the country's capital, Port-au-Prince, injuring a flight attendant. It was part of a wave of violence that erupted in Haiti as the country swore in its new prime minister after a politically tumultuous process.  Life in much of Haiti's capital was frozen after the wave of violence, which came to a head when gangs shot the Spirit Airlines airplane Monday, forcing the airport to shut down. Photos and videos obtained by The Associated Press show bullet holes dotting the interior of a plane. A number of airlines suspended flights to Haiti through Thursday, but it was unclear how long closures could drag on.  Neither the former interim prime minister, Garry Conille, nor the newly inaugurated Alix Didier Fils-Aime commented on the violence.  But Luis Abinader, who as president of the neighboring Dominican Republic has cracked down on Haitian migration, called firing on the airplane terrorism.  "This was a terrorist act; the countries that are following and helping Haiti should declare these armed gangs as terrorist groups," Abinader said in a news conference.  On Tuesday, heavily armed police in armored cars outside the airport checked trucks used for public transportation passing by.  Schools were closed, as were banks and government offices. The streets, where just a day before gangs and police were locked in a fierce firefight, were eerily empty.  The sound of heavy gunfire was heard in the streets in the afternoon — a reminder that despite political maneuvering by Haiti's elites and a strong push by the international community to restore peace, the country's toxic slate of gangs kept its firm hold on much of the Caribbean nation.  The United Nations estimates that gangs control 85% of the capital. A U.N.-backed mission led by Kenyan police to quell gang violence struggles with a lack of funding and personnel, prompting calls for a U.N. peacekeeping mission.




bit

Africa: World's Longest Arbitrarily Detained Journalist Receives The Edelstam Prize

[The Edelstam Foundation] The Edelstam Prize 2024 is awarded to Mr. Dawit Isaak for his outstanding contributions and exceptional courage in standing up for freedom of expression, one's beliefs, and in the defence of Human Rights. The prize will be awarded during a ceremony at the House of Nobility in Stockholm, Sweden, on 19th November 2024. As Dawit Isaak is a prisoner of conscience and the longest-held detained journalist in the world, he cannot be present. His daughter, Betlehem Isaak, will receive the prize on his behalf.




bit

Stuffed rabbit with herbed rice and honey glaze

This exquisite stuffed rabbit recipe from Ta' Marija restaurant, renowned for traditional Maltese cuisine, brings a flavourful twist to a classic dish. Infused with aromatic herbs, honey, and spices, it’s a deliciously unique way to enjoy rabbit




bit

Bitcoin rally cools after over 30% jump

DELHI — A surge in Bitcoin has paused as traders assess the remaining market impact of United States President-elect Donald Trump's rhetorical support for crypto.




bit

Inside NASA’s ambitious plan to bring the ISS crashing back to Earth

The International Space Station will burn up and splash down into the Pacific sometime around 2030. What could possibly go wrong? And will we ever see anything like the ISS again?




bit

Bits of an ancient planet called Theia may be buried in Earth’s mantle

Two strange, high-density blobs buried more than a kilometre underground may have come from the ancient world Theia, which is thought to have slammed into Earth to create the moon




bit

Ambitious story of how life shapes Earth ends superb trilogy

The dynamics of how plants and animals change Earth is central to this last book in a trilogy by Other Minds author and "scuba-diving philosopher" Peter Godfrey-Smith




bit

Orbital wins the Booker prize: “I see it as a kind of space pastoral"

Samantha Harvey has won the UK's top fiction prize for a novel that takes place over 24 hours on the International Space Station




bit

Hobbit hominins from Indonesia may have had even smaller ancestors

An arm bone from an ancient human that lived 700,000 years ago on the island of Flores is the smallest ever found from an adult hominin, adding a new piece to the puzzle of Homo floresiensis




bit

bitolterol mesylate

Title: bitolterol mesylate
Category: Medications
Created: 12/31/1997 12:00:00 AM
Last Editorial Review: 5/20/2022 12:00:00 AM




bit

4 Eating Habits May Help Older Women Maintain Weight Loss

Title: 4 Eating Habits May Help Older Women Maintain Weight Loss
Category: Health News
Created: 8/28/2012 2:05:00 PM
Last Editorial Review: 8/29/2012 12:00:00 AM




bit

More Baby Boomers Opting to Cohabit, Not Marry

Title: More Baby Boomers Opting to Cohabit, Not Marry
Category: Health News
Created: 8/31/2012 10:05:00 AM
Last Editorial Review: 8/31/2012 12:00:00 AM




bit

Summer Bug Bite? Expert Gives Answers on Care

Title: Summer Bug Bite? Expert Gives Answers on Care
Category: Health News
Created: 7/30/2022 12:00:00 AM
Last Editorial Review: 8/1/2022 12:00:00 AM




bit

ACE Inhibitors

Title: ACE Inhibitors
Category: Medications
Created: 4/19/2001 12:00:00 AM
Last Editorial Review: 7/22/2022 12:00:00 AM




bit

The Simultaneous Inhibition of Solute Carrier Family 6 Member 19 and Breast Cancer Resistance Protein Transporters Leads to an Increase of Indoxyl Sulfate (a Uremic Toxin) in Plasma and Kidney [Articles]

Solute carrier family 6 member 19 (SLC6A19) inhibitors are being studied as therapeutic agents for phenylketonuria. In this work, a potent SLC6A19 inhibitor (RA836) elevated rat kidney uremic toxin indoxyl sulfate (IDS) levels by intensity (arbitrary unit) of 13.7 ± 7.7 compared with vehicle 0.3 ± 0.1 (P = 0.01) as determined by tissue mass spectrometry imaging analysis. We hypothesized that increased plasma and kidney levels of IDS could be caused by the simultaneous inhibition of both Slc6a19 and a kidney IDS transporter responsible for excretion of IDS into urine. To test this, we first confirmed the formation of IDS through tryptophan metabolism by feeding rats a Trp-free diet. Inhibiting Slc6a19 with RA836 led to increased IDS in these rats. Next, RA836 and its key metabolites were evaluated in vitro for inhibiting kidney transporters such as organic anion transporter (OAT)1, OAT3, and breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP). RA836 inhibits BCRP with an IC50 of 0.045 μM but shows no significant inhibition of OAT1 or OAT3. Finally, RA836 analogs with either potent or no inhibition of SLC6A19 and/or BCRP were synthesized and administered to rats fed a normal diet. Plasma and kidney samples were collected to quantify IDS using liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry. Neither a SLC6A19 inactive but potent BCRP inhibitor nor a SLC6A19 active but weak BCRP inhibitor raised IDS levels, whereas compounds inhibiting both transporters caused IDS accumulation in rat plasma and kidney, supporting the hypothesis that rat Bcrp contributes to the excretion of IDS. In summary, we identified that inhibiting Slc6a19 increases IDS formation, while simultaneously inhibiting Bcrp results in IDS accumulation in the kidney and plasma.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT

This is the first publication to decipher the mechanism for accumulation of indoxyl sulfate (IDS) (a uremic toxin) in rats via inhibition of both Slc6a19 and Bcrp. Specifically, inhibition of Slc6a19 in the gastrointestinal track increases IDS formation, and inhibition of Bcrp in the kidney blocks IDS excretion. Therefore, we should avoid inhibiting both solute carrier family 6 member 19 and breast cancer resistance protein simultaneously in humans to prevent accumulation of IDS, a known risk factor for cardiovascular disease, psychic anxiety, and mortality in chronic kidney disease patients.




bit

Comparison of the CYP3A Selective Inhibitors CYP3cide, Clobetasol, and Azamulin for Their Potential to Distinguish CYP3A7 Activity in the Presence of CYP3A4/5 [Articles]

The CYP3A7 enzyme accounts for ~50% of the total cytochrome P450 (P450) content in fetal and neonatal livers and is the predominant P450 involved in neonatal xenobiotic metabolism. Additionally, it is a key player in healthy birth outcomes through the oxidation of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and DHEA-sulfate. The amount of the other hepatic CYP3A isoforms, CYP3A4 and CYP3A5, expressed in neonates is low but highly variable, and therefore the activity of individual CYP3A isoforms is difficult to differentiate due to their functional similarities. Consequently, a better understanding of the contribution of CYP3A7 to drug metabolism is essential to identify the risk that drugs may pose to neonates and developing infants. To distinguish CYP3A7 activity from CYP3A4/5, we sought to further characterize the selectivity of the specific CYP3A inhibitors CYP3cide, clobetasol, and azamulin. We used three substrate probes, dibenzylfluorescein, luciferin-PPXE, and midazolam, to determine the IC50 and metabolism-dependent inhibition (MDI) properties of the CYP3A inhibitors. Probe selection had a significant effect on the IC50 values and P450 inactivation across all inhibitory compounds and enzymes. CYP3cide and azamulin were both identified as MDIs and were most specific for CYP3A4. Contrary to previous reports, we found that clobetasol propionate (CP) was not an MDI of CYP3A5 but was more selective for CYP3A5 over CYP3A4/7. We further investigated CYP3cide and CP’s ability to differentiate CYP3A7 activity in an equal mixture of recombinant CYP3A4, CYP3A5, and CYP3A7, and our results provide confidence of CYP3cide’s and CP’s ability to distinguish CYP3A7 activity in the presence of the other CYP3A isoforms.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT

These findings provide valuable insight regarding in vitro testing conditions to investigate the metabolism of new drug candidates and help determine drug safety in neonates. The results presented here also clearly demonstrate the effect that probe selection may have on CYP3A cytochrome P450 inhibition studies.




bit

Inhibitory Actions of Potentiating Neuroactive Steroids in the Human {alpha}1{beta}3{gamma}2L {gamma}-Aminobutyric Acid Type A Receptor [Article]

The -aminobutyric acid type A (GABAA) receptor is modulated by a number of neuroactive steroids. Sulfated steroids and 3β-hydroxy steroids inhibit, while 3α-hydroxy steroids typically potentiate the receptor. Here, we have investigated inhibition of the α1β32L GABAA receptor by the endogenous neurosteroid 3α-hydroxy-5β-pregnan-20-one (3α5βP) and the synthetic neuroactive steroid 3α-hydroxy-5α-androstane-17β-carbonitrile (ACN). The receptors were expressed in Xenopus oocytes. All experiments were done using two-electrode voltage-clamp electrophysiology. In the presence of low concentrations of GABA, 3α5βP and ACN potentiate the GABAA receptor. To reveal inhibition, we conducted the experiments on receptors activated by the combination of a saturating concentration of GABA and propofol to fully activate the receptors and mask potentiation, or on mutant receptors in which potentiation is ablated. Under these conditions, both steroids inhibited the receptor with IC50s of ~13 μM and maximal inhibitory effects of 70–90%. Receptor inhibition by 3α5βP was sensitive to substitution of the α1 transmembrane domain (TM) 2-2' residue, previously shown to ablate inhibition by pregnenolone sulfate. However, results of coapplication studies and the apparent lack of state dependence suggest that pregnenolone sulfate and 3α5βP inhibit the GABAA receptor independently and through distinct mechanisms. Mutations to the neurosteroid binding sites in the α1 and β3 subunits statistically significantly, albeit weakly and incompletely, reduced inhibition by 3α5βP and ACN.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT

The heteromeric GABAA receptor is inhibited by sulfated steroids and 3β-hydroxy steroids, while 3α-hydroxy steroids are considered to potentiate the receptor. We show here that 3α-hydroxy steroids have inhibitory effects on the α1β32L receptor, which are observed in specific experimental settings and are expected to manifest under different physiological conditions.




bit

Factors Influencing the Central Nervous System (CNS) Distribution of the Ataxia Telangiectasia Mutated and Rad3-Related Inhibitor Elimusertib (BAY1895344): Implications for the Treatment of CNS Tumors [Metabolism, Transport, and Pharmacogenetics]

Glioblastoma (GBM) is a disease of the whole brain, with infiltrative tumor cells protected by an intact blood-brain barrier (BBB). GBM has a poor prognosis despite aggressive treatment, in part due to the lack of adequate drug permeability at the BBB. Standard of care GBM therapies include radiation and cytotoxic chemotherapy that lead to DNA damage. Subsequent activation of DNA damage response (DDR) pathways can induce resistance. Various DDR inhibitors, targeting the key regulators of these pathways such as ataxia telangiectasia mutated and Rad3-related (ATR), are being explored as radio- and chemosensitizers. Elimusertib, a novel ATR kinase inhibitor, can prevent repair of damaged DNA, increasing efficacy of DNA-damaging cytotoxic therapies. Robust synergy was observed in vitro when elimusertib was combined with the DNA-damaging agent temozolomide; however, we did not observe improvement with this combination in in vivo efficacy studies in GBM orthotopic tumor-bearing mice. This in vitro–in vivo disconnect was explored to understand factors influencing central nervous system (CNS) distribution of elimusertib and reasons for lack of efficacy. We observed that elimusertib is rapidly cleared from systemic circulation in mice and would not maintain adequate exposure in the CNS for efficacious combination therapy with temozolomide. CNS distribution of elimusertib is partially limited by P-glycoprotein efflux at the BBB, and high binding to CNS tissues leads to low levels of pharmacologically active (unbound) drug in the brain. Acknowledging the potential for interspecies differences in pharmacokinetics, these data suggest that clinical translation of elimusertib in combination with temozolomide for treatment of GBM may be limited.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT

This study examined the disconnect between the in vitro synergy and in vivo efficacy of elimusertib/temozolomide combination therapy by exploring systemic and central nervous system (CNS) distributional pharmacokinetics. Results indicate that the lack of improvement in in vivo efficacy in glioblastoma (GBM) patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models could be attributed to inadequate exposure of pharmacologically active drug concentrations in the CNS. These observations can guide further exploration of elimusertib for the treatment of GBM or other CNS tumors.




bit

Nonclinical Profile of PF-06952229 (MDV6058), a Novel TGF{beta}RI/Activin Like Kinase 5 Inhibitor Supports Clinical Evaluation in Cancer [Drug Discovery and Translational Medicine]

The development of transforming growth factor βreceptor inhibitors (TGFβRi) as new medicines has been affected by cardiac valvulopathy and arteriopathy toxicity findings in nonclinical toxicology studies. PF-06952229 (MDV6058) selected using rational drug design is a potent and selective TGFβRI inhibitor with a relatively clean off-target selectivity profile and good pharmacokinetic properties across species. PF-06952229 inhibited clinically translatable phospho-SMAD2 biomarker (≥60%) in human and cynomolgus monkey peripheral blood mononuclear cells, as well as in mouse and rat splenocytes. Using an optimized, intermittent dosing schedule (7-day on/7-day off/cycle; 5 cycles), PF-06952229 demonstrated efficacy in a 63-day syngeneic MC38 colon carcinoma mouse model. In the pivotal repeat-dose toxicity studies (rat and cynomolgus monkey), PF-06952229 on an intermittent dosing schedule (5-day on/5-day off cycle; 5 cycles, 28 doses) showed no cardiac-related adverse findings. However, new toxicity findings related to PF-06952229 included reversible hepatocellular (hepatocyte necrosis with corresponding clinically monitorable transaminase increases) and lung (hemorrhage with mixed cell inflammation) findings at ≥ targeted projected clinical efficacious exposures. Furthermore, partially reversible cartilage hypertrophy (trachea and femur in rat; femur in monkey) and partially to fully reversible, clinically monitorable decreases in serum phosphorus and urinary phosphate at ≥ projected clinically efficacious exposures were observed. Given the integral role of TGFβ in endochondral bone formation, cartilage findings in toxicity studies have been observed with other TGFβRi classes of compounds. The favorable cumulative profile of PF-06952229 in biochemical, pharmacodynamic, pharmacokinetic, and nonclinical studies allowed for its evaluation in cancer patients using the intermittent dosing schedule (7-day on/7-day off) and careful protocol-defined monitoring.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT

Only a few TGFβRi have progressed for clinical evaluation due to adverse cardiac findings in pivotal nonclinical toxicity studies. The potential translations of such findings in patients are of major concern. Using a carefully optimized intermittent dosing schedule, PF-06952229 has demonstrated impressive pharmacological efficacy in the syngeneic MC38 colon carcinoma mouse model. Additionally, a nonclinical toxicology package without cardiovascular liabilities and generally monitorable toxicity profile has been completed. The compound presents an acceptable International Conference on Harmonization of Technical Requirements for Registration of Pharmaceuticals for Human Use S9-compliant profile for the intended-to-treat cancer patients.




bit

Effects of Dual Inhibition at Dopamine Transporter and {sigma} Receptors in the Discriminative-Stimulus Effects of Cocaine in Male Rats [Behavioral Pharmacology]

Previous studies demonstrated that sigma receptor (R) antagonists alone fail to alter cocaine self-administration despite blocking various other effects of cocaine. However, R antagonists when combined with dopamine transporter (DAT) inhibitors substantially decrease cocaine self-administration. To better understand the effects of this combination, the present study examined the effects of R antagonist and DAT inhibitor combinations in male rats discriminating cocaine (10 mg/kg, i.p.) from saline injections. The DAT inhibitors alone [(–)-2-β-carbomethoxy-3-β-(4-fluorophenyl)tropane 1,5-naphthalenedisulfonate monohydrate (WIN 35,428) and methylphenidate] at low (0.1-mg/kg) doses that were minimally active failed to shift the dose-effect function for discriminative-stimulus effects of cocaine to the left more than 2-fold. At 0.32 mg/kg the DAT inhibitors alone shifted the cocaine dose-effect function leftward 24- or 6.6-fold, respectively. The R antagonists (BD1008, BD1047, and BD1063) failed to fully substitute for cocaine, although BD1008 and BD1047 substituted partially. At 10 mg/kg, BD1008, BD1047, or BD1063 alone shifted the cocaine dose-effect function leftward less than 6.0-fold. In combination with 0.1 mg/kg WIN 35,428, the 10 mg/kg doses of R antagonists shifted the cocaine dose-effect function from 12.3- to 36.7-fold leftward, and with 0.32 mg/kg WIN 35,428 from 14.3- to 440-fold leftward. In combination with 0.1 mg/kg methylphenidate, those R antagonist doses shifted the cocaine dose-effect function from 5.5- to 55.0-fold leftward, and with 0.32 mg/kg methylphenidate from 10.5- to 48.1-fold leftward. The present results suggest that dual DAT/R inhibition produces agonist-like subjective effects that may promote decreases in self-administration obtained in previous studies.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT

There is currently no approved medication for treating stimulant abuse, although dopamine uptake inhibitors in combination with sigma receptor (R) antagonists decrease cocaine self-administration in laboratory animals. The present study assessed how this combination alters the discriminative-stimulus effects of cocaine in male rats. Results suggest that concurrent dopamine uptake inhibition and R antagonism together may promote decreases in self-administration, possibly by mimicking the subjective effects extant when subjects cease continued cocaine self-administration.




bit

Cannabinoid 2 Receptor Activation Protects against Diabetic Cardiomyopathy through Inhibition of AGE/RAGE-Induced Oxidative Stress, Fibrosis, and Inflammasome Activation [Special Section: Cannabinoid Signaling in Human Health and Disease]

Oxidative stress, fibrosis, and inflammasome activation from advanced glycation end product (AGE)–receptor of advanced glycation end product (RAGE) interaction contribute to diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM) formation and progression. Our study revealed the impact of β-caryophyllene (BCP) on activating cannabinoid type 2 receptors (CB2Rs) against diabetic complication, mainly cardiomyopathy and investigated the underlying cell signaling pathways in mice. The murine model of DCM was developed by feeding a high-fat diet with streptozotocin injections. After the development of diabetes, the animals received a 12-week oral BCP treatment at a dose of 50 mg/kg/body weight. BCP treatment showed significant improvement in glucose tolerance and insulin resistance and enhanced serum insulin levels in diabetic animals. BCP treatment effectively reversed the heart remodeling and restored the phosphorylated troponin I and sarcoplasmic/endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ ATPase 2a expression. Ultrastructural examination showed reduced myocardial cell injury in DCM mice treated with BCP. The preserved myocytes were found to be associated with reduced expression of AGE/RAGE in DCM mice hearts. BCP treatment mitigated oxidative stress by inhibiting expression of NADPH oxidase 4 and activating phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (AKT)/nuclear factor erythroid 2–related factor 2 (Nrf2) signaling. Also, BCP suppressed cardiac fibrosis and endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition in DCM mice by inhibiting transforming growth factor β (TGF-β)/suppressor of mothers against decapentaplegic (Smad) signaling. Further, BCP treatment suppressed nucleotide-binding domain, leucine-rich–containing family, pyrin domain–containing-3 (NLRP3) inflammasome activation in DCM mice and alleviated cellular injury to the pancreatic tissues evidenced by significant elevation of the number of insulin-positive cells. To demonstrate a CB2R-dependent mechanism of BCP, another group of DCM mice were pretreated with AM630, a CB2R antagonist. AM630 was observed to abrogate the beneficial effects of BCP in DCM mice. Taken together, BCP demonstrated the potential to protect the myocardium and pancreas of DCM mice mediating CB2R-dependent mechanisms.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT

BCP, a CB2R agonist, shows protection against DCM. BCP attenuates oxidative stress, inflammation, and fibrosis in DCM via activating CB2Rs. BCP mediating CB2R activation favorably modulates AGE/RAGE, PI3K/AKT/Nrf2β and TGF-β/Smad and (NLRP3) inflammasome in diabetic cardiomyopathy.




bit

RPG Cast – Episode 664: “We Need to Talk About Gambit”

Chris gets trolled by the bear cave. Jason sets optics to stun. Josh is hiding in a rest stop bathroom. Kelley stretches harder than she did for The Witch and the Hundred Knight. Also, find out how to increase your poop by 10 and express your opinions about Dragon Quest Soundtracks.

The post RPG Cast – Episode 664: “We Need to Talk About Gambit” appeared first on RPGamer.