Modulation of the expression of connexins 37, 40, and 43 in endothelial cells in a culture.

Connexin (Cx) 37, 40, and 43 are implicated in vascular function, specifically in the electrical coupling of endothelial cells and vascular smooth-muscle cells. In the present study, we investigated whether factors implicated in vascular dysfunction can modulate the gene expression of Cx37, Cx40, and Cx43 and whether this is associated with changes in endothelial layer barrier function in human microvascular endothelial cells (HMEC-1). First, HMEC-1 were subjected to stimuli for 4 and 8 h.

Toy Age-Labeling: An Overview for Pediatricians of How Toys Receive Their Age Safety and Developmental Designations.

Injuries related to toys continue to cause significant childhood morbidity and mortality, despite considerable government regulation of the toy industry. Recent controversy related to toys that contain strong magnets demonstrate the dangers they pose to children. The pediatric community is often unaware of how toys receive their developmental and safety labeling and the degree to which age-labeling on toys can be discretionary.

Yield of diagnostic tests in obese children with an elevated alanine aminotransferase.

Aim: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is associated with obesity and affects roughly 10% of children. However, NAFLD is often diagnosed by exclusion - that is, obese children with an elevated alanine aminotransferase (ALT) are screened for other liver diseases in the absence of a biopsy. This testing is nonstandardized, and professional society recommendations differ.

Plakoglobin interacts with the transcription factor p53 and regulates the expression of 14-3-3σ.

Plakoglobin (γ-catenin), a constituent of the adherens junction and desmosomes, has signaling capabilities typically associated with tumor/metastasis suppression through mechanisms that remain undefined. To determine the role of plakoglobin during tumorigenesis and metastasis, we expressed plakoglobin in human tongue squamous cell carcinoma (SCC9) cells and compared the mRNA profiles of parental SCC9 cells and their plakoglobin-expressing transfectants (SCC9-PG). We detected several p53-target genes whose levels were altered upon plakoglobin expression.

Hypoxia results in upregulation and de novo activation of von Willebrand factor expression in lung endothelial cells.

Objective: Increased von Willebrand factor (VWF) levels in lungs are associated with diseases such as pulmonary hypertension. The objective of our study was to determine the mechanism of increased VWF levels in conditions, such as hypoxia, which contribute to pulmonary hypertension.

Approach And Results: We have previously reported generation of transgenic mice that express LacZ transgene under the regulation of lung- and brain-specific transcriptional regulatory elements of the VWF gene.