Publications by authors named "H M Allen"
Neuropeptide Y (NPY) is a highly conserved neuropeptide with widespread distribution in the central nervous system and diverse physiological functions. While extensively studied for its inhibitory effects on pain at the spinal cord level, its role in pain modulation within the brain remains less clear. This review aims to summarize the complex landscape of supraspinal NPY signaling in pain processing.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFInnate immune signaling is essential for clearing pathogens and damaged cells and must be tightly regulated to avoid excessive inflammation or autoimmunity. Here, we found that the alternative splicing of exons derived from transposable elements is a key mechanism controlling immune signaling in human cells. By analyzing long-read transcriptome datasets, we identified numerous transposon exonization events predicted to generate functional protein variants of immune genes, including the type I interferon receptor IFNAR2.
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- - Antagonists like Ziconotide and Gabapentin target CaV2.2 calcium channels to relieve chronic pain, but their clinical use is limited due to issues like narrow therapeutic windows and potential for misuse or side effects.
- - A new compound called C2230 has been identified as a blocker of CaV2.2 channels, showing multiple beneficial effects such as trapping the channel in an inactivated state and specifically targeting pain without affecting other ion channels or motor functions.
- - C2230 effectively reduced pain-like behaviors in various animal models and human neurons, suggesting it could be developed as a new analgesic with a unique binding mechanism that differentiates it from existing treatments.
Yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) is found in a wide range of applications, from solid-oxide fuel cells to medical devices and implants. A molecular-level understanding of the hydration of YSZ surfaces is essential for optimizing its performance and durability in these applications. Nevertheless, only a limited amount of literature is available about the surface hydration of YSZ single crystals.
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- A study was conducted to reach a consensus on interpreting skin prick tests (SPT) and dietary history related to food allergies in children under two with atopic dermatitis (AD).
- Fourteen healthcare professionals participated in a modified Delphi study, discussing symptoms related to allergies and reaching agreements on allergen categorization and dietary advice.
- The findings led to standardized recommendations for managing common food allergies like cow's milk, hen's egg, wheat, and soy, aiming to improve clinician education and decision-making.