A Pilot Study Evaluating the Feasibility and Efficacy of an In-Home Resonance-Based Electromagnetic Field Protection Device on Improving Markers of Health and Cognitive Function Among a Sample of Healthy Adults.

Background: The dramatic increase in exposure to non-native sources of electromagnetic fields (EMF) in recent years has given rise to numerous human health concerns. The near pervasive exposure to radiofrequency (RF) emanating from wireless technologies inside the home (e.g.

Altered Plasma Mitochondrial Metabolites in Persistently Symptomatic Individuals after a GBCA-Assisted MRI.

Despite the impressive safety of gadolinium (Gd)-based contrast agents (GBCAs), a small number of patients report the onset of new, severe, ongoing symptoms after even a single exposure-a syndrome termed Gadolinium Deposition Disease (GDD). Mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress have been repeatedly implicated by animal and in vitro studies as mechanisms of Gd/GBCA-related toxicity, and as pathogenic in other diseases with similarities in presentation. Here, we aimed to molecularly characterize and explore potential metabolic associations with GDD symptoms.

Distinct Roles for Two Chromosome 1 Loci in Ethanol Withdrawal, Consumption, and Conditioned Place Preference.

We previously identified a region on chromosome 1 that harbor quantitative trait loci (QTLs) with large effects on alcohol withdrawal risk using both chronic and acute models in mice. Here, using newly created and existing QTL interval-specific congenic (ISC) models, we report the first evidence that this region harbors two distinct alcohol withdrawal QTLs (and ), which underlie 13% and 3-6%, respectively, of the genetic variance in alcohol withdrawal severity measured using the handling-induced convulsion. Our results also precisely localize and to discreet chromosome regions (syntenic with human 1q23.

Photopolymerization-based synthesis of iron oxide nanoparticle embedded PNIPAM nanogels for biomedical applications.

Conventional therapeutic techniques treat patients by delivering biotherapeutics to the entire body. With targeted delivery, biotherapeutics are transported to the afflicted tissue reducing exposure to healthy tissue. Targeted delivery devices are minimally composed of a stimuli responsive polymer allowing triggered release and magnetic nanoparticles enabling targeting as well as alternating magnetic field (AMF) heating.

A Systems Approach Implicates a Brain Mitochondrial Oxidative Homeostasis Co-expression Network in Genetic Vulnerability to Alcohol Withdrawal.

Genetic factors significantly affect vulnerability to alcohol dependence (alcoholism). We previously identified quantitative trait loci on distal mouse chromosome 1 with large effects on predisposition to alcohol physiological dependence and associated withdrawal following both chronic and acute alcohol exposure in mice (, respectively). We fine-mapped these loci to a 1.

Genetic variability of respiratory complex abundance, organization and activity in mouse brain.

Mitochondrial dysfunction is implicated in the etiology and pathogenesis of numerous human disorders involving tissues with high energy demand. Murine models are widely used to elucidate genetic determinants of phenotypes relevant to human disease, with recent studies of C57BL/6J (B6), DBA/2J (D2) and B6xD2 populations implicating naturally occurring genetic variation in mitochondrial function/dysfunction. Using blue native polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, immunoblots and in-gel activity analyses of complexes I, II, III, IV and V, our studies are the first to assess abundance, organization and catalytic activity of mitochondrial respiratory complexes and supercomplexes in mouse brain.

Discovering genes involved in alcohol dependence and other alcohol responses: role of animal models.

The genetic determinants of alcoholism still are largely unknown, hindering effective treatment and prevention. Systematic approaches to gene discovery are critical if novel genes and mechanisms involved in alcohol dependence are to be identified. Although no animal model can duplicate all aspects of alcoholism in humans, robust animal models for specific alcohol-related traits, including physiological alcohol dependence and associated withdrawal, have been invaluable resources.

Molecular analyses and identification of promising candidate genes for loci on mouse chromosome 1 affecting alcohol physical dependence and associated withdrawal.

We recently mapped quantitative trait loci (QTLs) with large effects on predisposition to physical dependence and associated withdrawal severity following chronic and acute alcohol exposure (Alcdp1/Alcw1) to a 1.1-Mb interval of mouse chromosome 1 syntenic with human chromosome 1q23.2-23.

Interval-specific congenic animals for high-resolution quantitative trait loci mapping.

Behavioral phenotypes (e.g., drug responses and withdrawal) are typically quantitative traits-characteristics that differ along a spectrum in the extent to which an individual possesses that characteristic.

Valve replacement surgery in end-stage renal failure: mechanical prostheses versus bioprostheses.

Background: The 1998 American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Guidelines recommend mechanical prostheses for valve replacement in patients with end-stage renal disease requiring dialysis. The aim of the study is to evaluate the combined experience at two academic centers.

Methods: Sixty-nine valve replacements (aortic 40; mitral 22; multiple 7; 47 bioprostheses, 22 mechanical prostheses) were performed.

Construction of a maxillary orthopedic prosthesis for simultaneous maxillary expansion and obturation.

An effective means of obtaining maxillary expansion and obturation was presented. By use of split palatal orthopedic prosthesis incorporating a posterior fanscrew with an obturator, two patients showed improved speech, cosmetic appearance, and oral physiology while gaining the desired alignment of the maxillary segments before further surgery.