Using NMR spectroscopy to investigate the role played by copper in prion diseases.

Prion diseases are a group of rare neurodegenerative disorders that develop as a result of the conformational conversion of normal prion protein (PrP) to the disease-associated isoform (PrP). The mechanism that actually causes disease remains unclear. However, the mechanism underlying the conformational transformation of prion protein is partially understood-in particular, there is strong evidence that copper ions play a significant functional role in prion proteins and in their conformational conversion.

Customized double-shell immobilization device combined with VMAT radiation treatment of basosquamous cell carcinoma of the scalp.

Malignancies with a superficial involvement of the scalp/skull present technical challenges for radiation-treatment-planning, such as achieving skin coverage with the prescribed dose and with the desirable conformity, homogeneity, and lower brain dose. We report a radiotherapy treatment technique for a patient diagnosed with diffuse basosquamous cell carcinoma of the scalp and adjacent skull-bone. This study presents the plan's quality parameters, patient's dosimetry, and patient's outcome.

S100A8 and S100A9 proteins form part of a paracrine feedback loop between pancreatic cancer cells and monocytes.

Background: The secretion of soluble factors enables communication between tumour cells and the surrounding microenvironment and plays an important role in oncogenesis. Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is characterised by a highly reactive microenvironment, harbouring a variety of cell types, including S100A8/S100A9-expressing monocytes. S100A8/S100A9 proteins regulate the behaviour of cancer cells by inducing pre-metastatic cascades associated with cancer spread.

An assessment of the level of concern among hospital-based health-care workers regarding MERS outbreaks in Saudi Arabia.

Background: Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) is caused by MERS coronavirus (MERS-CoV). More than 80% of reported cases have occurred in Saudi Arabia, with a mortality exceeding 50%. Health-care workers (HCWs) are at risk of acquiring and transmitting this virus, so the concerns of HCWs in Saudi Arabia regarding MERS were evaluated.

Utilizing NMR and EPR spectroscopy to probe the role of copper in prion diseases.

Copper is an essential nutrient for the normal development of the brain and nervous system, although the hallmark of several neurological diseases is a change in copper concentrations in the brain and central nervous system. Prion protein (PrP) is a copper-binding, cell-surface glycoprotein that exists in two alternatively folded conformations: a normal isoform (PrP(C)) and a disease-associated isoform (PrP(Sc)). Prion diseases are a group of lethal neurodegenerative disorders that develop as a result of conformational conversion of PrP(C) into PrP(Sc).