Artemether and aspterric acid induce pancreatic alpha cells to transdifferentiate into beta cells in zebrafish.

Background And Purpose: Recently, the antimalarial drug, artemether and the neurotransmitter GABA were identified to convert alpha cells into beta-like cells in vivo. However, some of these observations were challenged by other studies. To help address the controversy, we took advantage of zebrafish as a model to perform this study.

Crosstalk between circadian rhythms and the microbiota.

Circadian rhythms influence daily molecular oscillations in gene/protein expression and aspects of biology and physiology, including behaviour, body temperature and sleep-wake cycles. These circadian rhythms have been associated with a number of metabolic, immune and microbial changes that correlate with health and susceptibility to disease, including infection. While light is the main inducer of circadian rhythms, other factors, including the microbiota, can have important effects on peripheral rhythms.

Regulation of contact sensitivity in non-obese diabetic (NOD) mice by innate immunity.

Background: Genetic background influences allergic immune responses to environmental stimuli. Non-obese diabetic (NOD) mice are highly susceptible to environmental stimuli. Little is known about the interaction of autoimmune genetic factors with innate immunity in allergies, especially skin hypersensitivity.

The Negative Prognostic Impact of a First Ever Episode of Spontaneous Bacterial Peritonitis in Cirrhosis and Ascites.

Background: The prognostic impact of the first ever episode of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) on patient outcomes is not well described. Our aim was to compare the clinical outcomes of cirrhotic patients with ascites, and with or without a first episode of SBP.

Methods: Consecutive patients with cirrhosis and ascites were prospectively enrolled.

Hepatitis B virus genotypes, precore and core promoter variants among predominantly Asian patients with chronic HBV infection in a Canadian center.

Background And Aims: The epidemiology of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection in North America may be changing as a result of immigration from endemic countries. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of HBV genotypes, precore (PC) and core promoter (CP) variants, and the proportion of patients meeting treatment criteria for HBV.

Methods: A cross-sectional study of consecutive HBV patients attending a Canadian tertiary liver center was conducted.

Ramipril-associated hepatotoxicity.

Context: Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors are prescribed for many cardiovascular and renal diseases. Adverse hepatic events, especially cholestasis, have rarely been reported with captopril, enalapril, lisinopril, and fosinopril. To date, hepatic injury associated with ramipril has not been reported.