Inhibition of smooth muscle cell death by Angiotensin 1-7 protects against abdominal aortic aneurysm.

Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) represents a debilitating vascular disease characterized by aortic dilatation and wall rupture if it remains untreated. We aimed to determine the effects of Ang 1-7 in a murine model of AAA and to investigate the molecular mechanisms involved. Eight- to 10-week-old apolipoprotein E-deficient mice (ApoEKO) were infused with Ang II (1.

Attenuation of Smooth Muscle Cell Phenotypic Switching by Angiotensin 1-7 Protects against Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm.

Thoracic aortic aneurysm (TAA) involves extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling of the aortic wall, leading to reduced biomechanical support with risk of aortic dissection and rupture. Activation of the renin-angiotensin system, and resultant angiotensin (Ang) II synthesis, is critically involved in the onset and progression of TAA. The current study investigated the effects of angiotensin (Ang) 1-7 on a murine model of TAA.

The Prader-Willi syndrome proteins MAGEL2 and necdin regulate leptin receptor cell surface abundance through ubiquitination pathways.

In Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS), obesity is caused by the disruption of appetite-controlling pathways in the brain. Two PWS candidate genes encode MAGEL2 and necdin, related melanoma antigen proteins that assemble into ubiquitination complexes. Mice lacking Magel2 are obese and lack leptin sensitivity in hypothalamic pro-opiomelanocortin neurons, suggesting dysregulation of leptin receptor (LepR) activity.

Aspergillus species: An emerging pathogen in onychomycosis among diabetics.

Introduction: Approximately, 33% patients with diabetes are afflicted with onychomycosis. In the past, nondermatophyte molds have been regarded as opportunistic pathogens; recently, Aspergillus species are considered as emerging pathogens of toenail infections. In Sri Lanka, the prevalence of Aspergillus species in onychomycosis among diabetics is not well documented.

Low vancomycin MICs and fecal densities reduce the sensitivity of screening methods for vancomycin resistance in Enterococci.

Active surveillance is part of a multifaceted approach used to prevent the spread of vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE). The impact of fecal density, the vancomycin MIC of the isolate, and the vancomycin concentration in liquid medium on test performance are uncertain. Using fecal specimens spiked with a collection of 18 VRE (predominantly vanB) with a wide vancomycin MIC range, we compared the performances of commercial chromogenic agars (CHROMagar VRE, chromID VRE, Brilliance VRE, and VRE Select) and 1 liquid medium (Enterococcosel enrichment broth) for VRE detection.