Title: Better Diabetes Blood Sugar Management Leads to Fewer Eye Surgeries
Category: Health News
Created: 4/29/2015 12:00:00 AM
Last Editorial Review: 4/30/2015 12:00:00 AM

Title: Measles Case Leads to Quarantine of Cruise Ship in St. Lucia
Category: Health News
Created: 5/2/2019 12:00:00 AM
Last Editorial Review: 5/2/2019 12:00:00 AM

Title: COVID-19 Pandemic May Lead to 75,000 'Deaths of Despair'
Category: Health News
Created: 5/8/2020 12:00:00 AM
Last Editorial Review: 5/8/2020 12:00:00 AM

Dental students’ ability to critique team performance in dental school team clinics is a key component of dental education. The aim of this study was to determine if students’ perceptions of their team leaders’ openness of communication, cooperative decision making, and well-defined goals were positively related to the students’ improvement-oriented voice behavior and willingness to raise concerns in the clinical environment. This study used a voluntary 12-question survey, distributed via email to all 311 students at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas School of Dental Medicine after completion of the spring 2017 semester. Eighty-seven students responded, for a response rate of 28%. Responses were stratified by team, class year, and gender, and the quantitative distribution of answers to each question was correlated with each other. Team leader collaborative qualities, which included openness for communication, cooperative decision making, and well-defined goals, were found to have a significant positive relationship with students’ willingness to both raise concerns and make suggestions. Additionally, when measured by class year and gender, team differences in voice behavior assessment by students across the teams were found to be independent of class year, and no significant differences were found by gender. These results suggested that, to maintain high levels of communication, proper reporting of concerns, and a high standard of care, dental schools should encourage team leaders to enhance their capacity to present active collaborative behaviors in the school’s clinic. The study also highlighted potential opportunities for further study of faculty traits and development in the dental school team model.

The nuclear factor kappa B (NF-B) is a potent transcription factor, activation of which typically results in robust proinflammatory signaling and triggering of fast negative feedback modulators to avoid excessive inflammatory responses. Here, we report that infection of epithelial cells, including primary porcine respiratory epithelial cells, with the porcine alphaherpesvirus pseudorabies virus (PRV) results in the gradual and persistent activation of NF-B, illustrated by proteasome-dependent degradation of the inhibitory NF-B regulator IB and nuclear translocation and phosphorylation of the NF-B subunit p65. PRV-induced persistent activation of NF-B does not result in expression of negative feedback loop genes, like the gene for IBα or A20, and does not trigger expression of prototypical proinflammatory genes, like the gene for tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) or interleukin-6 (IL-6). In addition, PRV infection inhibits TNF-α-induced canonical NF-B activation. Hence, PRV infection triggers persistent NF-B activation in an unorthodox way and dramatically modulates the NF-B signaling axis, preventing typical proinflammatory gene expression and the responsiveness of cells to canonical NF-B signaling, which may aid the virus in modulating early proinflammatory responses in the infected host.

IMPORTANCE The NF-B transcription factor is activated via different key inflammatory pathways and typically results in the fast expression of several proinflammatory genes as well as negative feedback loop genes to prevent excessive inflammation. In the current report, we describe that infection of cells with the porcine alphaherpesvirus pseudorabies virus (PRV) triggers a gradual and persistent aberrant activation of NF-B, which does not result in expression of hallmark proinflammatory or negative feedback loop genes. In addition, although PRV-induced NF-B activation shares some mechanistic features with canonical NF-B activation, it also shows remarkable differences; e.g., it is largely independent of the canonical IB kinase (IKK) and even renders infected cells resistant to canonical NF-B activation by the inflammatory cytokine TNF-α. Aberrant PRV-induced NF-B activation may therefore paradoxically serve as a viral immune evasion strategy and may represent an important tool to unravel currently unknown mechanisms and consequences of NF-B activation.

A ubiquitous structural feature in biological systems is texture in extracellular matrix that gains functions when hardened, for example, cell walls, insect scales, and diatom tests. Here, we develop patterned liquid crystal elastomer (LCE) particles by recapitulating the biophysical patterning mechanism that forms pollen grain surfaces. In pollen grains, a...

Microtubule-associated serine/threonine kinase like (MASTL), also known as Greatwall (Gwl) kinase, has an important role in the regulation of mitosis. By inhibiting protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A), it plays a crucial role in activating one of the most important mitotic kinases, known as cyclin-dependent kinase 1 (CDK1). MASTL has been seen to be upregulated in various types of cancers and is also involved in tumor recurrence. It is activated by CDK1 through phosphorylations in the activation/T-loop, but the complete mechanism of its activation is still unclear. Here, we report that AKT phosphorylates MASTL at residue T299, which plays a critical role in its activation. Our results suggest that AKT increases CDK1-mediated phosphorylation and hence the activity of MASTL, which, in turn, promotes mitotic progression through PP2A inhibition. We also show that the oncogenic potential of AKT is augmented by MASTL activation, since AKT-mediated proliferation in colorectal cell lines can be attenuated by inhibiting and/or silencing MASTL. In brief, we report that AKT plays an important role in the progression of mitosis in mammalian cells and that it does so through the phosphorylation and activation of MASTL.

Transcription of a chromatin template involves the concerted interaction of many different proteins and protein complexes. Analyses of specific factors showed that these interactions change during stress and upon developmental switches. However, how the binding of multiple factors at any given locus is coordinated has been technically challenging to investigate. Here we used Epi-Decoder in yeast to systematically decode, at one transcribed locus, the chromatin binding changes of hundreds of proteins in parallel upon perturbation of transcription. By taking advantage of improved Epi-Decoder libraries, we observed broad rewiring of local chromatin proteomes following chemical inhibition of RNA polymerase. Rapid reduction of RNA polymerase II binding was accompanied by reduced binding of many other core transcription proteins and gain of chromatin remodelers. In quiescent cells, where strong transcriptional repression is induced by physiological signals, eviction of the core transcriptional machinery was accompanied by the appearance of quiescent cell–specific repressors and rewiring of the interactions of protein-folding factors and metabolic enzymes. These results show that Epi-Decoder provides a powerful strategy for capturing the temporal binding dynamics of multiple chromatin proteins under varying conditions and cell states. The systematic and comprehensive delineation of dynamic local chromatin proteomes will greatly aid in uncovering protein–protein relationships and protein functions at the chromatin template.

The microtubule-binding taxanes, docetaxel and cabazitaxel, are administered intravenously for the treatment of castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) as the oral administration of these drugs is largely hampered by their low and highly variable bioavailabilities. Using a simple, rapid, and environmentally friendly microwave-assisted protocol, we have synthesized a number of 3,5-bis(styryl)pyrazoles 2a-l, thus allowing for their screening for antiproliferative activity in the androgen-independent PC3 prostate cancer cell line. Surprisingly, two of these structurally simple 3,5-bis(styryl)pyrazoles (2a and 2l) had concentrations which gave 50% of the maximal inhibition of cell proliferation (GI₅₀) in the low micromolar range in the PC3 cell line and were thus selected for extensive further biologic evaluation (apoptosis and cell cycle analysis, and effects on tubulin and microtubules). Our findings from these studies show that 3,5-bis[(1E)-2(2,6-dichlorophenyl)ethenyl]-1H-pyrazole 2l 1) caused significant effects on the cell cycle in PC3 cells, with the vast majority of treated cells in the G₂/M phase (89%); 2) induces cell death in PC3 cells even after the removal of the compound; 3) binds to tubulin [dissociation constant (K_d) 0.4 ± 0.1 μM] and inhibits tubulin polymerization in vitro; 4) had no effect upon the polymerization of the bacterial cell division protein FtsZ (a homolog of tubulin); 5) is competitive with paclitaxel for binding to tubulin but not with vinblastine, crocin, or colchicine; and 6) leads to microtubule depolymerization in PC3 cells. Taken together, these results suggest that 3,5-bis(styryl)pyrazoles warrant further investigation as lead compounds for the treatment of CRPC.

Urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio (ACR) is a marker of diabetic nephropathy and microvascular damage. Metabolic-related traits are observationally associated with ACR, but their causal role is uncertain. Here, we confirmed ACR as a marker of microvascular damage and tested whether metabolic-related traits have causal relationships with ACR. The association between ACR and microvascular function (responses to acetylcholine [ACH] and sodium nitroprusside) was tested in the SUMMIT study. Two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) was used to infer the causal effects of 11 metabolic risk factors, including glycemic, lipid, and adiposity traits, on ACR. MR was performed in up to 440,000 UK Biobank and 54,451 CKDGen participants. ACR was robustly associated with microvascular function measures in SUMMIT. Using MR, we inferred that higher triglyceride (TG) and LDL cholesterol (LDL-C) levels caused elevated ACR. A 1 SD higher TG and LDL-C level caused a 0.062 (95% CI 0.040, 0.083) and a 0.026 (95% CI 0.008, 0.044) SD higher ACR, respectively. There was evidence that higher body fat and visceral body fat distribution caused elevated ACR, while a metabolically "favorable adiposity" phenotype lowered ACR. ACR is a valid marker for microvascular function. MR suggested that seven traits have causal effects on ACR, highlighting the role of adiposity-related traits in causing lower microvascular function.

Approximately 40% of patients with diabetic macular edema (DME) are resistant to anti–vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) therapy (rDME). Here, we demonstrate that significant correlations between inflammatory cytokines and VEGF, as observed in naive DME, are lost in patients with rDME. VEGF overexpression in the mouse retina caused delayed inflammatory cytokine upregulation, monocyte/macrophage infiltration (CD11b⁺ Ly6C⁺ CCR2⁺ cells), macrophage/microglia activation (CD11b⁺ CD80⁺ cells), and blood-retinal barrier disruption due to claudin-5 redistribution, which did not recover with VEGF blockade alone. Phosphorylated protein analysis of VEGF-overexpressed retinas revealed rho-associated coiled-coil–containing protein kinase (ROCK) activation. Administration of ripasudil, a selective ROCK inhibitor, attenuated retinal inflammation and claudin-5 redistribution. Ripasudil also contributed to the stability of claudin-5 expression by both transcriptional enhancement and degradation suppression in inflammatory cytokine–stimulated endothelium. Notably, the anti-VEGF agent and the ROCK inhibitor were synergic in suppressing cytokine upregulation, monocyte/macrophage infiltration, macrophage/microglia activation, and claudin-5 redistribution. Furthermore, in vitro analysis confirmed that claudin-5 redistribution depends on ROCK2 but not on ROCK1. This synergistic effect was also confirmed in human rDME cases. Our results suggest that ROCK-mediated claudin-5 redistribution by inflammation is a key mechanism in the anti-VEGF resistance of DME.

The coordinated electrical activity of β-cells within the pancreatic islet drives oscillatory insulin secretion. A recent hypothesis postulates that specially equipped "hub" or "leader" cells within the β-cell network drive islet oscillations and that electrically silencing or optically ablating these cells suppresses coordinated electrical activity (and thus insulin secretion) in the rest of the islet. In this Perspective, we discuss this hypothesis in relation to established principles of electrophysiological theory. We conclude that whereas electrical coupling between β-cells is sufficient for the propagation of excitation across the islet, there is no obvious electrophysiological mechanism that explains how hyperpolarizing a hub cell results in widespread inhibition of islet electrical activity and disruption of their coordination. Thus, intraislet diffusible factors should perhaps be considered as an alternate mechanism.

A fosfomycin-resistant and carbapenemase (OXA-48)-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae isolate was recovered, and whole-genome sequencing revealed ISEcp1-bla_CTX-M-14b tandemly inserted upstream of the chromosomally encoded lysR-fosA locus. Quantitative evaluation of the expression of lysR and fosA genes showed that this insertion brought a strong hybrid promoter leading to overexpression of the fosA gene, resulting in fosfomycin resistance. This work showed the concomitant acquisition of resistance to broad-spectrum cephalosporins and fosfomycin due to a single genetic event.

According to Batdongsan.com.vn’s real estate market Q3-2019, Ho Chi Minh City’s District 1 saw the highest housing listing prices in the third quarter due to limited supply.

Two Windsor men face multiple drug, property and weapon charges after police pulled over a vehicle for a traffic violation Thursday night. At around 8 p.m., officers from the Windsor police property crimes unit in the area of Tecumseh Road East and Mercer Road saw a black Chrysler 300 commit a traffic violation, police said […]

Windsor’s tech community came together Friday to share all the ways they are making the most of the COVID-19 pandemic. During an online event, leaders of seven local tech companies explained how they are dealing with, and capitalizing on the current pandemic. From the ability to scan facial temperatures, checking your blood for COVID-19 immunity, […]

The hacker in question hasn't even graduated high school yet.

Consultancy firm Certified Artificial, which is offering to certify AI companies, has demonstrated its prowess by rating the expertise of Elon Musk and Henry Kissinger

Jodian Self is hanging out with some of the biggest names in pro sports these days — all from the comfort of her south Winnipeg home. The 52-year-old former physical education ...

Rahul Gandhi seems to have descended into a spiral of far Left, subversive standpoint since Narendra Modi swept to power at the Centre and the Congress started losing state after state.

AAP national executive member & spokesperson, Preeti Sharma Menon, filed a complaint with Mumbai and Kolkata police

Amid the global coronavirus outbreak, a second epidemic of preliminary, unverified and misinterpreted research has broken out. Can it be fixed?

The Rossoneri icon has sought to talk up the importance of defenders in any ambitious side, with those at Anfield having found one of real “quality”

Robert De Niro, Joaquin Phoenix, Juliette Binoche, and Cate Blanchett have signed an op-ed in French newspaper Le Monde.

Trump has long railed against the Postal Service, saying the agency has been swindled by e-commerce giants like Amazon.

Hackers linked to Iran have targeted staff at U.S. drugmaker Gilead Sciences Inc in recent weeks, according to publicly-available web archives reviewed by Reuters and three cybersecurity researchers, as the company races to deploy a treatment for the COVID-19 virus.

Lorry driver Maurice Robinson has admitted the manslaughter of 39 people who were found dead in a refrigerated trailer in Essex.

Read our live coronavirus updates HERE Coronavirus: The symptoms

Follow our live coronavirus updates HERE Coronavirus: The symptoms

Coronavirus: the symptoms Read our LIVE updates on the coronavirus here

Coronavirus: the symptoms Read our LIVE updates on the coronavirus here

Coronavirus: the symptoms

Britain will face "further waves" of Covid-19 and could reach 40,000 deaths in this first wave alone, a leading physician has warned.

A team of scientists are due to start clinical trials towards the end of next week

Hospital leaders have criticised the Government after a shipment which contained vital equipment for NHS staff was delayed.

The number of deaths from coronavirus in England and Wales reached the peak almost two weeks ago, leading scientists have said.

Teams at Imperial and Oxford appeal to Londoners to join Covid-19 fight

The Bishop of London tells April Roach there has never been a greater need for people to come together to help feed hungry Londoners You can donate here virginmoneygiving.com/fund/FoodforLondonNOW

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.

If the pandemic lasts another three months, news brands could suffer a £50 million loss

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer has called for a coronavirus lockdown "exit strategy" with the Government facing increasing pressure to reveal its next steps.

Kim Jong-un may simply be shielding himself from coronavirus, US and South Korean sources have said, amid ongoing speculation as to the North Korean leader's health.

The Queen will lead Britain in marking the 75th anniversary of VE Day with a televised address to the nation.

Labour leader Keir Starmer and Health Secretary Matt Hancock have led the messages of congratulations to Boris Johnson and Carrie Symond's for the birth of their first child.

Boris Johnson will today lead the daily Covid-19 briefing for the first time since his return to work following his battle with the virus.

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.