The Rab11-family interacting proteins reveal selective interaction of mammalian recycling endosomes with the parasitophorous vacuole in a Rab11- and Arf6-dependent manner.

After mammalian cell invasion, the parasite multiplies in a self-made membrane-bound compartment, the parasitophorous vacuole (PV). We previously showed that interacts with many host cell organelles, especially from recycling pathways, and sequestrates Rab11A and Rab11B vesicles into the PV. Here, we examine the specificity of host Rab11 vesicle interaction with the PV by focusing on the recruitment of subpopulations of Rab11 vesicles characterized by different effectors, for example, Rab11-family interacting roteins (FIPs) or Arf6.

Quantitative Fluorescence Microscopy for Detecting Mammalian Rab Vesicles within the Parasitophorous Vacuole of the Human Pathogen Toxoplasma gondii.

Fluorescence microscopy and image analysis are powerful techniques to examine the distribution and interactions of different cellular compartments, including mammalian organelles with intravacuolar pathogens. Toxoplasma gondii is an obligate intracellular protozoan parasite that forms a membrane-bound compartment, the parasitophorous vacuole (PV), upon invasion of mammalian cells. From within the PV, the parasite interacts with many host organelles (without fusion), redirects host vesicles decorated with Rab GTPases to the PV, and internalizes many of these nutrient-filled Rab vesicles into the PV.

Protein Stabilization and Delivery: A Case Study of Invasion Plasmid Antigen D Adsorbed on Porous Silica.

Approximately half of all vaccines produced annually are wasted because effectivity is dependent on protein structure and heat exposure disrupts the intermolecular interactions needed to maintain the structure. Thus, most vaccines require a temperature-controlled supply chain to minimize waste. A more sustainable technology was developed via the adsorption of invasion plasmid antigen D (IpaD) onto mesoporous silica, improving the thermal stability of this protein-based therapeutic.

Development of Silica-Immobilized Vaccines for Improving Thermo-Tolerance and Shelf-Life.

Introduction: It is estimated that 50% of vaccines produced annually are wasted because effectivity is dependent on protein structure and heat exposure disrupts the intermolecular interactions that maintain this structure. Since 90% of vaccines require a temperature-controlled supply chain, it is necessary to create a cold chain system to minimize vaccine waste. We have developed a more sustainable technology via the adsorption of Invasion Plasmid Antigen D (IpaD) onto mesoporous silica gels, improving the thermal stability of protein-based therapeutics.

The parasite sequesters diverse Rab host vesicles within an intravacuolar network.

Many intracellular pathogens subvert host membrane trafficking pathways to promote their replication. multiplies in a membrane-bound parasitophorous vacuole (PV) that interacts with mammalian host organelles and intercepts Golgi Rab vesicles to acquire sphingolipids. The mechanisms of host vesicle internalization and processing within the PV remain undefined.

Decentering Self in Leadership: Putting Community at the Center in Leadership Studies.

Although students' personal passions typically determine the issue addressed by service-learning leadership initiatives, this chapter advocates for a community-centered alternative. This in-depth exploration of a leadership development course series models a community-need driven project and explores the benefits for both community and student learning.

MUC1* ligand, NM23-H1, is a novel growth factor that maintains human stem cells in a more naïve state.

We report that a single growth factor, NM23-H1, enables serial passaging of both human ES and iPS cells in the absence of feeder cells, their conditioned media or bFGF in a fully defined xeno-free media on a novel defined, xeno-free surface. Stem cells cultured in this system show a gene expression pattern indicative of a more "naïve" state than stem cells grown in bFGF-based media. NM23-H1 and MUC1* growth factor receptor cooperate to control stem cell self-replication.

Liver regeneration is impaired in lipodystrophic fatty liver dystrophy mice.

Unlabelled: We previously reported that mice subjected to partial hepatectomy exhibit rapid development of hypoglycemia followed by transient accumulation of fat in the early regenerating liver. We also showed that disrupting these metabolic alterations results in impaired liver regeneration. The studies reported here were undertaken to further characterize and investigate the functional importance of changes in systemic adipose metabolism during normal liver regeneration.

p21 is required for dextrose-mediated inhibition of mouse liver regeneration.

Unlabelled: The inhibitory effect of dextrose supplementation on liver regeneration was first described more than 4 decades ago. Nevertheless, the molecular mechanisms responsible for this observation have not been elucidated. We investigated these mechanisms using the partial hepatectomy model in mice given standard or 10% dextrose (D10)-supplemented drinking water.

Resistance-based, reciprocal upper and lower limb locomotor training in chronic stroke: a randomized, controlled crossover study.

Objective: To determine efficacy of a bilateral reciprocal training regimen on affected leg impairment and dynamic balance.

Design: Randomized, controlled, single-blinded crossover study.

Setting: Outpatient rehabilitation hospital.

Evidence for non-traditional activation of complement factor C3 during murine liver regeneration.

Unlabelled: Complement signaling has been implicated as important for normal hepatic regeneration. However, the specific mechanism by which complement is activated during liver regeneration remains undefined. To address this question, we investigated the hepatic regenerative response to partial hepatectomy in wildtype mice, C3-, C4-, and factor B-null mice, and C4-null mice treated with a factor B neutralizing antibody (mAb 1379).

Platelet dysfunction and a high bone mass phenotype in a murine model of platelet-type von Willebrand disease.

The platelet glycoprotein Ib-IX receptor binds surface-bound von Willebrand factor and supports platelet adhesion to damaged vascular surfaces. A limited number of mutations within the glycoprotein Ib-IX complex have been described that permit a structurally altered receptor to interact with soluble von Willebrand factor, and this is the molecular basis of platelet-type von Willebrand disease. We have developed and characterized a mouse model of platelet-type von Willebrand disease (G233V) and have confirmed a platelet phenotype mimicking the human disorder.

Clinical caveats on medical assessment and treatment of pain after TBI.

The diagnosis and management of pain in the patient with traumatic brain injury (TBI) can be difficult in light of the limitations imposed by the cognitive, language, and behavioral deficits. With patients in the acute rehabilitation setting, one must be vigilant for the often subtle signs and symptoms of pain. Causes more commonly seen in the population with TBI as a consequence of the injury itself include dysautonomia, neuropathic pain, spasticity, and heterotopic ossification.

Simulation of functional neuromuscular stimulation assisted sit-to-stand movements.

Functional neuromuscular stimulation (FNS) has the potential to enhance the capability for individuals with a spinal cord injury (SCI) to perform activities of daily living. Individuals with SCI have successfully used FNS to stand, but the transition from sitting to standing is often awkward and may require excessive amounts of arm support. The long-term goal of this research project is to provide stimulation patterns that reduce the demands on an FNS user's arms and provide a smooth, stable sit-to-stand transition.

Predicting the Future: Advantages of Semilocal Units.

In investigating gaussian radial basis function (RBF) networks for their ability to model nonlinear time series, we have found that while RBF networks are much faster than standard sigmoid unit backpropagation for low-dimensional problems, their advantages diminish in high-dimensional input spaces. This is particularly troublesome if the input space contains irrelevant variables. We suggest that this limitation is due to the localized nature of RBFs.