Objective: The human host defense peptide LL-37 both shows antimicrobial effects and modulates host cell properties. Here, we assess the effects of synthesized LL-37 on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammation in human periodontal ligament (PDL) cells and investigates underlying mechanisms. Background: LL-37 has been detected in the periodontal tissues, but its functional importance for PDL c

Androgen ablating drugs increase life expectancy in men with metastatic prostate cancer, but resistance inevitably develops. In a majority of these recurrent tumors, the androgen axis is reactivated in the form of increased androgen receptor (AR) expression. Targeting proteins that are expressed as a down-stream effect of AR activity is a promising rationale for management of this disease. The hum

Community currencies have emerged as a tool for building more inclusive local economic development and governance. Grassroots organisations in Nairobi and Mombasa (Kenya) have been experimenting with this form of local monies. Communities in informal settlements in Kisumu have shown interest in introducing their own community currency. Challenges remain concerning the best diffusion strategy of su

There are several different approaches used to treat prostate cancer, depending on age and general health conditions of the patient but also how severe the cancer is. To determine the latter, Gleason grading is used. The grade is determined by a pathologist, based on structures in histology samples from prostate biopsies. To determine the diagnosis, both the most common Gleason grade but also the

The orbit and physical parameters of the previously unsolved double-lined eclipsing binary Tyc 5227-1023-1, discovered during the search for RR Lyr variable candidate members of the Aquarius stream, are derived using high-resolution chelle spectroscopy and V, i' photometry. A synthetic spectral analysis of both components has been performed, yielding metallicity [M/H] =-0.63± 0.11 for both stars a

Accurate and precise radius estimates of transiting exoplanets are critical for understanding their compositions and formation mechanisms. To know the planet, we must know the host star in as much detail as possible. We present first results from the K2-HERMES project, which uses the HERMES multi-object spectrograph on the Anglo-Australian Telescope to obtain R ∼ 28000 spectra of up to 360 stars i

Lymphocytes are the key cells of the adaptive immune system that provide antigen-specific responses tailored to the context of antigen exposure. Through cytokine release and antibody production, lymphocytes orchestrate and amplify the recruitment and function of other immune cells and contribute to host defense against invading pathogens and the pathogenesis of many inflammatory diseases. Lymphocy

Localized at the border between the external environment and the internal tissue, epithelial cells are exposed to stimulants from two directions. Microorganisms in the lumen can activate the transcription of cytokine mRNA and cytokine secretion, and cytokines in the mucosal environment can modify endogenous and microbially induced epithelial cytokine responses. Epithelial cells thus actively parti

Previous studies have documented structural and functional changes induced by ethanol-erythrocyte membrane interaction. In order to perform an in vitro study on the effect of different ethanol concentrations on erythrocyte hemorheologic properties, blood samples were collected from 21 male donors at the Hospital of Santa Maria. Whole blood aliquots were incubated with ethanol solutions of rising c

PURPOSE: Survival rates after childhood cancer have increased from 20% to 80% since the 1970s. The increased number of survivors emphasizes the importance of late effects and their monitoring. Late effects may have a strong impact on quality of life in survivors. The purpose of this study was to make key data in a quality registry available for direct clinical use, enabling health care professiona

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the experiences of a digital management programme for hip and knee osteoarthritis (OA), including education and exercises as well as an option to chat with an assigned physical therapist for feedback, questions and support.SETTING: This study was conducted at a regional hospital in the southern part of Sweden.METHODS: Nineteen patients (10 women), median age of 66 (q1-q3

MRI-based biophysical models are typically validated by comparison to ex-vivo histology of fixed tissue. The fixation process itself and the accompanied autolysis processes strongly modify tissue composition, and lead to MR signal changes, making the validation of biophysical models for in vivo MRI particularly challenging. To better understand the temporal evolution of the fixation process within

The mucosal lymphocyte integrin α(E)(CD103)β7 is thought to be important for intraepithelial lymphocyte (IEL) localization or function. We cloned the murine integrin gene encoding α(E), localized it to chromosome 11, and generated integrin α(E)-deficient mice. In α(E)(-/-) mice, intestinal and vaginal IEL numbers were reduced, consistent with the known binding of α(E)β7, to E-cadherin expressed on

This study compared the cytokine production of uroepithelial cell lines in response to gram-negative bacteria and inflammatory cytokines. Human kidney (A498) and bladder (J82) epithelial cell lines were stimulated with either Escherichia coli Hu734, interleukin 1α (IL-1α), or tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α). Supernatant samples were removed, and the RNA was extracted from cells at 0, 2, 6, and