Activated AMPK boosts the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling axis--A role for the unfolded protein response.

In light of the emerging interplay between redox and metabolic signaling pathways we investigated the potential cross talk between nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and AMP-activated kinase (AMPK), central regulators of the cellular redox and energy balance, respectively. Making use of xanthohumol (XN) as an activator of both the AMPK and the Nrf2 signaling pathway we show that AMPK exerts a positive influence on Nrf2/heme oxygenase (HO)-1 signaling in mouse embryonic fibroblasts. Genetic ablation and pharmacological inhibition of AMPK blunts Nrf2-dependent HO-1 expression by XN already at the mRNA level.

Multimodal localization in the context of a medical telemonitoring system.

This paper addresses a localization system which is based on a combination of information from two modalities: a Smart Home Person Tracking (SHPT) composed of infrared sensors and an Audio Person Tracking (APT) which uses microphones able to estimate azimuth of acoustic sources. This combination improves precision of localization compared to a standalone or separated module. The localization software facilitates the integration of both SHPT and APT systems, to display the position in real time, to record data and detect some distress situations (some kind of fall).

Rapamycin promotes arterial thrombosis in vivo: implications for everolimus and zotarolimus eluting stents.

Aims: Drug-eluting stents (DES) may be associated with an increased risk for stent thrombosis when compared with bare-metal stents. In endothelial cells, rapamycin induces tissue factor (TF) by inhibiting the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR). However, the effect of mTOR inhibition on TF activity and thrombus formation in vivo has not yet been studied.

Dimethyl sulfoxide inhibits tissue factor expression, thrombus formation, and vascular smooth muscle cell activation: a potential treatment strategy for drug-eluting stents.

Background: Subacute stent thrombosis is a major clinical concern, and the search for new molecules to cover stents remains important. Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) is used for preservation of hematopoietic progenitor cells and is infused into patients undergoing bone marrow transplantation. Despite its intravenous application, the impact of DMSO on vascular cells has not been assessed.

Comparison of microbial composition in the subgingival plaque of adult crowded versus non-crowded dental regions.

It has been reported in the literature that certain species of bacteria (periodontopathogens) present in the subgingival plaque are associated with destructive periodontal disease. The purpose of this study was to investigate and compare the presence and proportional distribution of periodontopathogens in the subgingival plaque of adult crowded versus non-crowded dental regions. Thirty adult patients with anterior dental crowding were selected from the Orthodontic Clinic of the University of Pennsylvania.