Macrophage migration inhibitory factor enhances influenza-associated mortality in mice.

Influenza-associated mortality continues to occur annually despite available antiviral therapies. New therapies that improve host immunity could reduce influenza virus disease burden. Targeting macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) has improved the outcomes of certain inflammatory diseases, but its role in influenza viral infection is unclear.

Double-outlet right ventricle in a 10-month-old Friesian filly.

A 10-month-old Friesian filly had a presentation that was consistent with chronic left- and right-sided congestive heart failure. Clinical pathology findings included abnormal haematological and biochemical variables, abnormal blood gas values and increased serum concentration of cardiac troponin I. Echocardiography revealed cardiac chamber dilation and dextropositioning of the aorta.

Half-Fourier acquisition single-shot turbo spin echo imaging in the diagnosis of Morgagni hernia.

Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging with multi-planar, gated Half-Fourier Acquisition Single-Shot Turbo Spin-Echo (HASTE) imaging was performed to evaluate a woman with dysrhythmia. MR examination for right ventricular dysplasia revealed a Morgagni hernia. The HASTE images depicted well the diaphragmatic defect and the organs involved, yielding valuable diagnostic and pre-operative information.

Domains of differential cell proliferation suggest hinged folding in avian gut endoderm.

A profile of proliferative growth assessed with tritium autoradiograms from White Leghorn embryo stages Hamburger-Hamilton 6-21 labeled in ovo presents evidence of hinged folding driven by localized differential cell proliferation in endoderm. There is a significant, bilateral pattern, and differences are most pronounced in axial levels that are folding and rotating. Highest proliferation is in cells producing folds; lowest proliferation is in median cells.

Therapeutic uses of heparin beyond its traditional role as an anticoagulant.

A number of physiological effects have been ascribed to heparin since its discovery almost 80 years ago, many of which are independent from its first-described and best- characterized activity as an anticoagulant. Heparin and heparan sulphate are believed to possess many biological activities that include the ability to modulate embryonic development, neurite outgrowth, tissue homeostasis, wound healing, metastasis, cell differentation, cell proliferation and inflammation. In this review, David Tyrell, Stephen Kilfeather and Clive Page examine some of the activities of heparin (and heparin derivatives) beyond its effects as an anticoagulant, and discuss the therapeutic potential of this old, but certainly not antiquated, drug.