Long-term soil datasets are vital to identify changes in DOC rele

Long-term soil datasets are vital to identify changes in DOC release at source and soil C depletion. Here we show, that moorland soil solution DOC concentrations at three key UK Environmental Change Network sites increased between 1993-2007 in both surface-and sub-soil of a freely-draining Podzol (48% and 215% increases in O and Bs horizons, respectively), declined in a gleyed Podzol and showed no change in a Peat. Our principal findings were that: (1) considerable heterogeneity in DOC response appears to exist between NCT-501 datasheet different

soils that is not apparent from the more consistent observed trends for streamwaters, and (2) freely-draining organo-mineral Podzol showed increasing DOC concentrations, countering the current scientific focus on soil C destabilization in peats. We discuss how the key solubility controls on DOC associated with coupled physico-chemical factors of ionic strength, acid deposition recovery, soil hydrology and temperature cannot readily be separated. Yet, despite evidence that all sites are recovering from acidification the soil-specific responses to environmental change have caused divergence in soil DOC concentration trends. The study shows that the properties of soils govern their specific response to an approximately common set of broad environmental selleck inhibitor drivers. Key soil properties are indicated to be drainage,

sulphate and DOC sorption capacity. Soil properties need representation in process-models to understand and

predict the role of soils in catchment to global C budgets. Catchment hydrological (i.e. transport) controls may, at present, be governing the more ubiquitous rises in river DOC concentration trends, but soil (i.e. source) controls provide the key to prediction of future C loss to waters and the atmosphere.”
“This paper will discuss the transition from multidisciplinary to interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary team approaches to pain management at New York University Langone Medical Center – Rusk Institute of Rehabilitation Medicine. A transdisciplinary team approach to pain management emphasizes mutual learning, training, and education, and the flexible exchange of discipline-specific roles. Clinicians are enabled to implement a unified, holistic, and integrated treatment plan with all members of AG-881 manufacturer the team responsible for the same patient-centered goals. The model promotes and empowers patient and family/support system goals within a cultural context. Topics of exploration include the descriptions of three team approaches to patient care, including their practical, philosophical, and historical basis, strengths and challenges, research support, and cultural diversity. Case vignettes will highlight the strengths and limitations of the transdisciplinary team approach to pain management throughout a broad and diverse continuum of care, including acute medical, palliative, and perioperative care and acute inpatient rehabilitation services.

2 vs 7 7%, 28 6 vs 87 0% and 60 0 vs 22 3%, respectively Differe

2 vs 7.7%, 28.6 vs 87.0% and 60.0 vs 22.3%, respectively. Different spatial patterns of disease could be identified likely representing the intrinsic differences in parasite biology and interplay with human behaviour(s) across this local landscape providing a better insight into reasons for disease micro-patterning. Crown Copyright (C) 2011 Published by Elsevier Ltd on behalf of Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene. All rights reserved.”
“Periodontal disease is an inflammatory process affecting

supporting tissues surrounding the teeth. The anaerobic Gram-negative bacterium Porphyromonas gingivalis is implicated in the disease. This organism requires the uptake of porphyrins most apparently as haem 1 from local haemorrhage and it has a HA2 receptor on the outer membrane for this website this purpose that provides the opportunity to achieve Crenigacestat inhibitor selective anti-microbial activity. Uniquely, this receptor is based on recognition

of porphyrin macrocycle and on a propionic acid side-chain rather than recognition of the coordinated metal ion through chelation, a process used by other organisms with the HasA porphyrin receptor. Porphyrin-antibiotic conjugates 11, 12, 13a and 13b were designed as potential highly selective P. gingivalis inhibitors, a key point being that they are based on the use of free-base porphyrins to render them unpalatable to other organisms. These compounds were synthesised from metronidazole 4 and deuteroporphyrin IX 3. Conjugates 11, 12, 13a and 13b are all recognised by the HA2 receptor of P. gingivalis, bind as strongly as haem 1 to HA2 and are highly effective. For

example, the amide-linked mono-metronidazole mono-acid adducts 11 and 12 have the same growth inhibitory activity towards P. gingivalis and both are two-fold more active than metronidazole 4 and ten-to twenty-fold more effective than the metronidazole derivative, amine 5. The methyl esters 9 and 10, in contrast, are not recognised by HA2 and are ineffective in inhibiting P. gingivalis, leading to the conclusion that capture find more by HA2 may be necessary for activity of the adducts. Preliminary growth inhibition assays involving a range of bacteria have demonstrated the high selectivity of conjugates 13a and 13b towards P. gingivalis.”
“Background: Giant cell tumor of the sacrum, especially involving the sacroiliac joint, is rare, but is particularly challenging to treat. The long term outcome of a patient was studied with giant cell tumor involving the sacroiliac joint treated with selective arterial embolization and curretage.\n\nMethod: One patient with giant cell tumor involving the sacroiliac joint was treated with selective arterial embolization and curettage in our hospital in October 2002. The curettage and bone grafting was done after two times of selective arterial embolization; 1600 ml of blood were transfused and no complications developed during the operation.


“It has been proposed that continuously generated hydrogen


“It has been proposed that continuously generated hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2)) inhibits typical apoptosis and instead initiates an alternate, apoptosis-inducing factor (AIF)-dependent process. Aside from the role of AIF, however, the detailed morphological characterization of H(2)O(2)-induced cell death is not complete. This study examined the cellular mechanism(s) by which the continuous presence of H(2)O(2) induces

cell death. We also further analyzed the precise role of AIF ALK signaling pathway by inhibiting its expression with siRNA. Exposure of cells to H(2)O(2) generated by glucose oxidase caused mitochondrion-mediated, caspase-independent cell death. In addition, H(2)O(2) exposure resulted in cell shrinkage and chromatin condensation without nuclear fragmentation, indicating that H(2)O(2) stimulates a pyknotic cell death. Further analysis of AIF-transfected cells clearly demonstrated that nuclear translocation of AIF is the most important event required for nuclear condensation, phosphatidyl serine

translocation, and ultimately cell death in H(2)O(2)-exposed cells. Furthermore, ATP was rapidly and severely depleted in cells exposed to H(2)O(2) generated by glucose oxidase but not by H(2)O(2) added as a bolus. Suppression of the H(2)O(2)-mediated ATP depletion by 3-aminobenzamide led to a significant increase of nuclear fragmentation in glucose oxidase-exposed Cilengitide order cells. Collectively, these findings suggest check details that an acute energy reduction by H(2)O(2) causes caspase-independent and AIF-dependent cell death.”
“We and others have previously reported that granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) prevents left ventricular remodeling and dysfunction after myocardial infarction in animal models and human. We have also reported that G-CSF inhibits the progression of atherosclerosis in animal models, but its precise mechanism is still

elusive. So, we examined the effects of G-CSF on atherosclerosis in apolipoprotein E-deficient (ApoE(-/-)) mice. Twelve-week-old male ApoE(-/-) mice were subcutaneously administrated with 200 mu g/kg of G-CSF or saline once a day for 5 consecutive days per a week for 4 weeks. Atherosclerotic lesion of aortic sinus was significantly reduced in the G-CSF-treated mice compared with the saline-treated mice (35% reduction, P<0.05). G-CSF significantly reduced the expression level of interferon-gamma by 31% and increased the expression level of interleukin-10 by 20% in atherosclerotic lesions of aortic sinus. G-CSF increased the number of CD4(+)CD25(+) regulatory T cells in lymph nodes and spleen, and enhanced the suppressive function of regulatory T cells in vitro. G-CSF markedly increased the number of Foxp3-positive regulatory T cells in atherosclerotic lesions of aortic sinus. Administration of anti-CD25 antibody (PC61) that depletes regulatory T cells abrogated these ather-oprotective effects of G-CSF.

63 versus 0 45 on 04 scale) and

downregulation of nephrin

63 versus 0.45 on 04 scale) and

downregulation of nephrin (median 6.90 versus 7.02 on 08 scale). In contrast to the observed lack of effect of podocyte-specific AT1KO, systemic AT1 inhibition with AT1 blocker (ARB) significantly attenuated proteinuria and glomerulosclerosis in HIV-1 mice.\n\nThese results indicate that the protective effect of ARB is mediated through its receptors on cells other than podocytes, such as efferent arteriolar smooth muscle cells.”
“Objective: Thymosin beta 4 (T beta 4) is a peptide with 43 amino acids that is critical for repair and remodeling tissues EGFR assay on the skin, eye, heart, and neural system following injury. To fully realize its utility as a treatment for disease caused by injury, the authors constructed a cost-effective novel T beta 4 dimer and demonstrated that it was better able to accelerate tissue repair than native T beta 4.\n\nMethods: A prokaryotic vector harboring two complete T beta 4 genes with a short linker was constructed and expressed in Escherichia coli. A pilot-scale fermentation (10 L) was performed to produce engineered bacteria and the T beta 4 dimer BIX 01294 ic50 was purified by one-step hydrophobic interaction chromatography. The activities of the T beta 4 dimer to promote endothelial cell proliferation, migration, and sprouting were assessed by tetramethylbenzidine (methylthiazol tetrazolium), trans-well, scratch, and tube formation assays.

The ability to accelerate dermal healing was assessed on rats.\n\nResults: After fermentation, the T beta 4 dimer

accounted for about 30% of all the bacteria proteins. The purity of the T beta 4 dimer reached 98% after hydrophobic interaction chromatography purification. An average of 562.4 mg/L T beta 4 dimer was acquired using a 10 L fermenter. In each assay, the dimeric T beta 4 exhibited enhanced activities compared with native T beta 4. Notably, the ability of the dimeric T beta 4 to promote cell migration was almost two times higher than that of T beta 4. The rate of dermal healing in the dimeric T beta 4-treated rats was approximately 1 day faster than with native T Belinostat in vitro beta 4-treated rats.\n\nConclusion: The dimeric T beta 4 exhibited enhanced activity on wound healing than native T beta 4, and the purification process was simple and cost-effective. This data could be of significant benefit for the high pain and morbidity associated with chronic wounds disease. A better strategy to develop T beta 4 as a treatment for other diseases caused by injuries such as heart attack, neurotrophic keratitis, and multiple sclerosis was also described.”
“Objectives: To find out the immunohistochemical assessment of p63 expression in odontogenic cysts based on the differences among their clinical behaviors.\n\nMethods: This study was carried out on 34 archival paraffin-embedded specimens of odontogenic cysts.

(Am J Pathol 2011, 178:2665-2681; DOI: 10 1016/j ajpath 2011 02 0

(Am J Pathol 2011, 178:2665-2681; DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2011.02.006)”
“The objective of the study was to evaluate the accuracy of established prediction equations that calculate resting energy expenditure (REE) in obese women. This was a cross-sectional study. In 273 mildly to severely obese women (age, 41.7 +/- 13.2 years; body mass index, 42.8 +/- 7.0 kg/m(2)), REE was measured by indirect calorimetry (mREE), along with PCI-34051 mouse fat mass (FM) and fat-free mass (FFM) by bioelectrical impedance analysis. Eleven established equations were

used to predict REE (pREE), with 9 equations basing on the anthropometric parameters body weight and height and 2 equations including body composition parameters (FM, FFM). All equations provided pREE values that significantly correlated with mREE (r > 0.66, P < .001), although 8 equations systematically underestimated mREE (P

< .05). Of note, even the best equation was not able to accurately predict mREE with a deviation of less than +/- 10% in more than 70% of the tested women. Furthermore, equations using body composition data were not superior in predicting REE as compared with equations exclusively including anthropometric variables. Multiple linear regression analyses revealed 2 new equations-one including body weight and age and another including FM, FFM, and age-that explained 56.9% and 57.2%, respectively, of variance in mREE. However, when these 2 new equations were applied to an independent sample of 33 obese women, they also provided an accurate prediction ( 10%) of mREE in only 56.7% and 60.6%, respectively, of the women. Data show that an accurate prediction of REE is not feasible selleck products using established equations in obese

women. Equations that include body composition parameters as assessed by bioelectrical impedance analysis do not increase the accuracy of prediction. Based on our results, we conclude SB273005 purchase that calculating REE by standard prediction equations does not represent a reliable alternative to indirect calorimetry for the assessment of REE in obese women. (C) 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.”
“A 72-year-old man developed a generalized erythematous pustular eruption 11 weeks after commencing terbinafine. Clinically and histologically, the appearance was that of acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP), and the disease was managed with topical preparations. Initial improvement was marred by relapse of acute pustulosis, now more in keeping with terbinafine-induced pustular psoriasis (PP), which was successfully treated with acitretin. This case highlights the difficulty of differentiating between AGEP and PP.”
“Aim: Oxidative stress is stated to be an important mechanism of cold immobilization stress leading to tissue injury. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of exogenous leptin administration on plasma and hepatic tissue lipid peroxidation and antioxidant status in cold-restraint stress.

VIM gene promoter methylation was higher in HCC cfDNA than in cfD

VIM gene promoter methylation was higher in HCC cfDNA than in cfDNA of controls or white blood cell DNA. Conclusion: Semiconductor sequencing is a suitable method for analyzing methylation profiles in cfDNA. Furthermore, differences in cfDNA methylation can be detected between controls and hepatocellular carcinoma cases, even though due to the small sample set these results need further validation.”
“Background information Recently, it became apparent that microRNAs (miRNAs) can regulate gene expression post-transcriptionally. Despite the advances in identifying the testis-expressed miRNAs and their role in spermatogenesis,

only few data are available showing the spatiotemporal expression of miRNAs during this process. Results To understand how different miRNAs can regulate germ SBE-β-CD ic50 cells selleck differentiation, we generated a transgenic mouse model and purified pure populations of premeiotic (PrM) cells and primary spermatocytes (meiotic cells). We also established spermatogonial stem cell (SSC) culture using relatively simple and robust culture conditions. Comparison of global miRNA expression in these germ cell populations revealed 17 SSC-, 11 PrM- and 13 meiotic-specific miRNAs. We identified

nine miRNAs as specific for both SSC and PrM cells and another nine miRNAs as specific for PrM and meiotic cells. Additionally, 45 miRNAs were identified as commonly expressed in all three cell types. Several of PrM- and meiotic-specific miRNAs were identified as exclusively/preferentially expressed in testis. We were able to identify the relevant target genes for many of these miRNAs. The luciferase reporter assays with SSC (miR-221)-, PrM (miR-203)- and meiotic (miR-34b-5p)-specific miRNAs and 3′-untranslated region constructs of their targets, c-Kit, Rbm44 and Cdk6, respectively, showed an approximately 30%40% decrease in reporter activity. Moreover, we observed a reduced expression of endogenous proteins, c-Kit and Cdk6, when the testis-derived cell lines, GC-1 and GC-4, were

transfected with miRNA mimics for miR-221 and miR-34b-5p, respectively. Conclusions Taken together, we established the miRNA signature of SSC, PrM and meiotic cells and show evidence for their functional relevance during the process of spermatogenesis Go 6983 order by target prediction and validation. Through our observations, we propose a working model in which the stage-specific miRNAs such as miR-221, -203 and -34b-5p coordinate the regulation of spermatogenesis.”
“The regenerative process of the pancreas is of interest because the main pathogenesis of diabetes mellitus is an inadequate number of insulin-producing beta-cells. The functional mass of beta-cells is decreased in type 1 diabetes, so replacing missing beta-cells or triggering their regeneration may allow for improved type 1 diabetes treatment.

This down-regulation of miR-199a-5p resulted from the up-regulati

This down-regulation of miR-199a-5p resulted from the up-regulation of PU.1 that was demonstrated to regulate transcription of the miR-199a-2 gene negatively. Overexpression of miR-199a-5p by miR-199a-5p mimic transfection or lentivirus-mediated gene transfer significantly inhibited monocyte/macrophage differentiation of the cell lines or HSPCs. The mRNA encoding an ACVR1B was identified as a direct target of miR-199a-5p. Gradually SBI-0206965 supplier increased ACVR1B expression level was detected during monocyte/macrophage differentiation of the leukemic cell lines and HSPCs, and knockdown of ACVR1B resulted in inhibition of monocyte/macrophage

differentiation of HL-60 and THP-1 cells, which suggested that ACVR1B functions as a positive regulator of monocyte/macrophage differentiation. We demonstrated that miR-199a-5p beta-catenin phosphorylation overexpression or ACVR1B knockdown promoted proliferation of THP-1 cells through increasing phosphorylation of Rb. We also demonstrated that the down-regulation of ACVR1B reduced p-Smad2/3, which resulted in decreased expression of C/EBP, a key regulator of monocyte/macrophage differentiation, and finally, inhibited monocyte/macrophage differentiation.”
“Balasubramaniyan N, Ananthanarayanan M, Suchy FJ. Direct methylation of FXR by Set7/9, a lysine methyltransferase, regulates

the expression of FXR target genes. Am J Physiol Gastrointest Liver Physiol 302: G937-G947, 2012. First published February 16, 2012; doi:10.1152/ajpgi.00441.2011.-The farnesoid X receptor (FXR) is a ligand (bile acid)-dependent nuclear receptor that regulates target genes involved in every aspect of bile acid homeostasis. Upon binding of ligand, FXR recruits an array of coactivators and associated proteins, some of which have intrinsic enzymatic activity that modify histones or even components of the transcriptional complex. In this study, we show chromatin occupancy by the Set7/9 methyltransferase

at the FXR response element (FXRE) and direct methylation of FXR in vivo and in vitro at lysine 206. siRNA depletion of Set7/9 in the Huh-7 liver cell line decreased endogenous mRNAs of the Citarinostat inhibitor FXR target genes, the short heterodimer partner (SHP) and bile salt export pump (BSEP). Mutation of the methylation site at K206 of FXR to an arginine prevented methylation by Set7/9. A pan-methyllysine antibody recognized the wild-type FXR but not the K206R mutant form. An electromobility shift assay showed that methylation by Set7/9 enhanced binding of FXR/retinoic X receptor-alpha to the FXRE. Interaction between hinge domain of FXR (containing K206) and Set7/9 was confirmed by coimmunoprecipitation, GST pull down, and mammalian two-hybrid experiments. Set7/9 overexpression in Huh-7 cells significantly enhanced transactivation of the SHP and BSEP promoters in a ligand-dependent fashion by wild-type FXR but not the K206R mutant FXR. A Set7/9 mutant deficient in methyltransferase activity was also not effective in increasing transactivation of the BSEP promoter.

Results: A total of 76 PEs and 33 PDs were observed The most com

Results: A total of 76 PEs and 33 PDs were observed. The most common PEs were those addressing psychological needs for comfort and occupation. However residents’ well-being increased most often after PEs that addressed residents’ need for identity,

attachment and inclusion. The most common PDs were those which undermined the need for comfort, inclusion and occupation. Residents’ well-being decreased most often after PDs that undermined the need for comfort. Conclusion: Increasing interactions which address residents’ need for attachment, identity and inclusion and eliminating interactions which undermine residents’ need for comfort may be particularly important in achieving residents’ well-being. In the long run, residents’ well-being could be achieved by staff availing of the opportunities to empower and facilitate residents, thus meeting their needs for occupation. These findings provide directions for training in person-centred care.”
“microRNAs Selleckchem SCH727965 (miRNAs) are small, stable RNA molecules that post-transcriptionally regulate gene expression in plants and animals by base pairing to partially Gamma-secretase inhibitor complementary sequences on target mRNAs to inhibit protein synthesis. More than 250 miRNAs are reportedly expressed in the retina, and miRNA gene regulation has been shown to affect retinal development, function, and disease. Here we highlight recent advances in understanding the functional roles of vertebrate retinal

miRNAs. Details are emerging about the physiological impact of specific miRNAs in the developing and mature retina, and we discuss a group of emerging technologies for studying

miRNAs, which can be employed to yield a deeper understanding of retinal miRNA gene regulation.”
“PDZK1 is a simple adaptor protein with four protein interaction PDZ domains, but without any other known functional domains. Here, we used yeast two-hybrid screening of a random peptide library and high-throughput validation screening of a specialized PDZ ligand candidate library to systematically and selleck compound comprehensively identify PDZK1 ligands. The potential functional associations of the ligands were predicted by functional annotations from a MILANO literature search and subcellular localizations. The ligands were considered more likely to be functionally associated if they had similar patterns of functions or closely related functions. For some functionally associated ligand pairs, interaction with one ligand was found to be influenced by another ligand in a yeast three-hybrid system. Many G-protein signaling pathway-related proteins were found to interact with PDZK1, and they were likely to be functionally associated with transporters based on their closely related functions. This strategy can be extended to the study of other adaptor proteins that contain peptide-binding domains. Copyright (C) 2009 S. Karger AG, Basel”
“Glutamate-induced excitotoxicity is involved in many neurological diseases.

V All rights reserved “
“The majority of insulin-like growt

V. All rights reserved.”
“The majority of insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-I and IGF-II circulate in the serum as a complex with the insulin-like growth factor binding protein (IGFBP)-3 or IGFBP-5, and an acid-labile subunit (ALS). The function of ALS is to prolong the half-life of the IGF-I-IGFBP-3/IGFBP-5 binary complexes. Fourteen different mutations of the human IGFALS gene have been identified in 17 patients, suggesting that ALS deficiency may be prevalent in a subset of patients with extraordinarily low serum levels of IGF-I and IGFBP-3 that remain abnormally low upon growth hormone stimulation. Postnatal growth was clearly affected. Commonly, the height standard deviation

score before puberty was between -2 and -3, and approximately 1.4 SD shorter than the midparental height SDS. Pubertal delay was

Selleckchem Pinometostat found in 50% of the patients. Circulating IGF-II, IGFBP-1, -2 and -3 levels were reduced, with the greatest reduction observed for IGFBP-3. Insulin insensitivity was a common finding, and some patients presented low bone mineral density. Human ALS deficiency represents a unique condition in which the lack of ALS proteins results in the disruption of the entire IGF circulating system. Despite a profound circulating IGF-I deficiency, there is only a mild impact on postnatal growth. The preserved expression of locally produced IGF-I might be responsible for the preservation of linear growth near normal limits. Copyright (C) 2009 S. Karger AG, Basel”
“Pain of lumbosacral segment of the vertebral column and the pelvis concerns about 45% of all pregnant women. The change of the body posture during pregnancy is the result of gravity centre PP2 manufacturer relocation,

which affects the musculosceletal system. Development of the joint, ligament and myofascial dysfunctions, as well as the pain in the lumbosacral segment and the pelvis, are the most common reasons of spine pain.\n\nThe aim of this review is to present the current state of knowledge about lumbar spine pain in pregnant women with special focus on the pain connected with muscular joint and ligament disorders.\n\nPregnancy is a serious burden for the female osteo-skeletal system. Duvelisib ic50 Lumbar pain with different location and intensification is the negative consequence of the position changes during pregnancy Pharmacotherapy could be useful only in cases of intensive low back pain, with possible application of small spectrum of drugs that are safe during pregnancy Physical therapy including manual therapy exercises, massage and techniques of local anesthesia are alternative methods in case of low back pain in pregnant women.”
“BACKGROUND: Blood, urine, and cerebrospinal fluid cultures and admission for antibiotics are considered standard management of febrile neonates (0-28 days). We examined variation in adherence to these recommendations across US pediatric emergency departments (PEDs) and incidence of serious infections (SIs) in febrile neonates.

Patients and methods: Between January 1998 and March 2004, 28

\n\nPatients and methods: Between January 1998 and March 2004, 289 patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma were treated with definitive CRT at the National Cancer Center Hospital East, Japan. Of these 289 patients, 21 patients

with local failure without lymph-node or distant metastases were treated with salvage EMR. The technique of salvage EMR involved a strip biopsy method. We retrospectively analyzed the long-term survival data for the patients who underwent salvage EMR.\n\nResults: At a median follow-up period of 54 months (range, 16 – 108 months), eight of 21 patients (38%) were alive with no recurrence and two patients had died from another disease but with no recurrence of esophageal cancer. Local recurrence after EMR was detected in four Selleck CHIR-99021 patients, with local and lymph-node recurrence in two patients, and lymph-node and/or distant metastases in five patients. The 5-year survival rate from the initiation of salvage EMR was 49.1%. There were no severe complications associated with EMR.\n\nConclusion: BTSA1 price EMR is one of the curative salvage treatment options for local failure

after definitive CRT, if the failure lesion is superficial and there are no lymph-node or distant metastases.”
“Langerhans cells (LC) are the dendritic APC population of the epidermis, where they reside for long periods and are self-replicating. The molecular signals underlying these characteristics are unknown. The TNF superfamily member receptor activator of NF-kappa B ligand (RANKL, TNFSF11) has been shown to sustain viability of blood dendritic cells in addition to its role in promoting proliferation and differentiation of several cell types, notably osteoclasts. In

this study, we have studied expression of the RANKL system in skin and have defined a key role for this molecule in LC homeostasis. In vitro and in vivo, human KC expressed RANKL and epidermal Apoptosis Compound Library cell line LC expressed cell surface RANK. In vitro, RANKL sustained CD34(+) progenitor-derived LC viability following 72-h cultures in cytokine-free medium (79.5 +/- 1 % vs 55.2 +/- 5.7 % live cells, respectively; n = 4; p < 0.05). In vivo, RANKL-deficient mice displayed a marked reduction in epidermal LC density (507.1 +/- 77.2 vs 873.6 +/- 41.6 LC per mm(2); n = 9; p < 0.05) and their proliferation was impaired without a detectable effect on apoptosis. These data indicate a key role for the RANKL system in the regulation of LC survival within the skin and suggest a regulatory role for KC in the maintenance of epidermal LC homeostasis.”
“Urticarial vasculitis is a relatively rare diagnosis in a patient presenting with urticaria. The process is classically described as a generalized eruption, painful more so than pruritic, lasting longer than 24 hours.