nov by having cirri on the 123 dorsal

nov. by having cirri on the dorsal surface of head, and a pale reticulate colour pattern on a greyish background dorsally; and Chaunax russatus sp. nov. by its very wide illicial trough that is usually as wide or wider than the diameter of the pupil, and uniformly deep red body colour with creamy white to fuzzy greyish spots PXD101 or patches on its dorsal surface. A key to species recognized from the study

area is given.”
“Proventricular dilatation disease (PDD) is a fatal infectious disease of birds that primarily affects psittacine birds. Although a causative agent has not been formally demonstrated, the leading candidate is a novel avian bornavirus (ABV) detected in post-mortem tissue samples of psittacids with PDD from the USA, Israel and, recently, Germany. Here we describe the presence of ABV in a parrot with PDD as well as in clinically normal birds exposed to birds with PDD. In two ABV-positive post-mortem cases, the tissue distribution of ABV was investigated by quantitative real-time reverse transcription-polymerase

chain reaction. Viraemia was observed in a PDD-affected bird whereas a restriction of ABV to nerve tissue was found in the non-PDD-affected bird. Healthy birds from the same aviary as the affected birds were also found to harbour the virus; 19/59 (32.2%) birds tested positive for ABV RNA in cloacal swabs, providing the first evidence of ABV in clinically healthy birds. In contrast, 39 birds from the same Selumetinib datasheet 432 geographic area, but from two different aviaries without PDD cases in recent years, had negative cloacal swabs. ABV RNA-positive, clinically healthy birds demonstrated the same serological response as the animal with confirmed PDD. These results indicate that ABV infection

may Selleck BIBF-1120 occur without clinical evidence of PDD and suggest that cloacal swabs can enable the non-invasive detection of ABV infection.”
“Introduction: Diabetes mellitus affects 25.8 million Americans and is predicted to almost double by 2050. The presence of diabetes complicates hospital courses because of the microvascular complications associated with disease progression. Patients with diabetes represent 18.3% of annual burn admissions to our unit and 27% have burns to the feet. The purpose of this project was to develop an evidence-based guideline for care of the patient with diabetes and foot burns. Methods: A multidisciplinary group was charged with developing an evidence-based guideline for the treatment of foot burns in patients with diabetes. Evidence was evaluated in the areas of diabetes, burn care, hyperbaric medicine, care of diabetic foot wounds and physical therapy. After guideline development and approval, key aspects were incorporated into order sets.

Among the 490 patients, 86 (17 6%; 86/490) were diagnosed

Among the 490 patients, 86 (17.6%; 86/490) were diagnosed EPZ5676 research buy as having H-BPPV variants

using the McClure-Pagnini test. Fifty-four patients were female, and 32 were male; they ranged in age from 18 to 92 years (mean age, 56.2 yr). Results: Among the 86 H-BPPV patients, 74.4% (64/86) were hypothesized to have canalithiasis, 20.9% (18/86) were hypothesized to have cupulolithiasis-utricle type (Cup-U), and 4.7% (4/86) were hypothesized to have the cupulolithiasis-cupula type (Cup-C). The primary treatment maneuver was the forced prolonged position (FPP). For 3 patients exhibiting refractory symptoms, we introduced the Gufoni maneuver. The total average success rate of treatment was 96%. Conclusion: We concluded that for H-BPPV patients with initial geotropic nystagmus, the FPP alone yielded an excellent treatment-control rate,

and the barbecue-rotation maneuver was unnecessary. However, observing the nystagmus transformation of apogeotropic patients was necessary before administering treatment. For cupulolithiasis patients with the apogeotropic variant who did not respond to FPP treatment alone, we determined that the Gufoni maneuver was necessary as well.”
“BACKGROUND: Persistent activation of signal transducers and activators of transcription 3 (STAT3) is commonly detected in many types of cancer, including colon cancer. To date, whether STAT3 is activated and the effects of STAT3 inhibition by a newly developed curcumin analogue, GO-Y030, in colon cancer stem cells are still unknown.\n\nMETHODS: Flow cytometry was see more used to isolate colon cancer stem cells, which are characterised by both aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH)-positive and CD133-positive subpopulations (ALDH(+)/CD133(+)). The levels of STAT3 phosphorylation

and the effects of STAT3 inhibition by a newly developed PRT062607 order curcumin analogue, GO-Y030, that targets STAT3 in colon cancer stem cells were examined.\n\nRESULTS: Our results observed that ALDH(+)/CD133(+) colon cancer cells expressed higher levels of phosphorylated STAT3 than ALDH-negative/CD133-negative colon cancer cells, suggesting that STAT3 is activated in colon cancer stem cells. GO-Y030 and curcumin inhibited STAT3 phosphorylation, cell viability, tumoursphere formation in colon cancer stem cells. GO-Y030 also reduced STAT3 downstream target gene expression and induced 4 apoptosis in colon cancer stem cells. Furthermore, GO-Y030 suppressed tumour growth of cancer stem cells from both SW480 and HCT-116 colon cancer cell lines in the mouse model.\n\nCONCLUSION: Our results indicate that STAT3 is a novel therapeutic target in colon cancer stem cells, and inhibition of activated STAT3 in cancer stem cells by GO-Y030 may offer an effective treatment for colorectal cancer. British Journal of Cancer (2011) 105, 212-220. doi: 10.1038/bjc.2011.200 www.bjcancer.

Given that non-virulent Mycobacterium smegmatis also controls act

Given that non-virulent Mycobacterium smegmatis also controls actin filament assembly to prolong its intracellular survival inside host cells, we performed a global transcriptomic analysis to assess the modulation of miRNAs upon M. smegmatis infection of the murine M phi cell line, J774A.1.

This approach identified miR-142-3p as a key candidate to be involved in the regulation of actin BTSA1 mouse dynamics required in phagocytosis. We unequivocally demonstrate that miR-142-3p targets N-Wasp, an actin-binding protein required during microbial challenge. A gain-of-function approach for miR-142-3p revealed a down-regulation of N-Wasp expression accompanied by a decrease of mycobacteria intake, while a loss-of-function approach

yielded the reciprocal increase of the phagocytosis process. Equally important, we show Mtb induces the early expression of miR-142-3p and partially down-regulates N-Wasp protein levels in both the murine J774A.1 cell line and primary human M phi s. As proof of principle, the partial siRNA-mediated knock down of N-Wasp resulted in a decrease of Mtb intake by human M phi s, reflected in lower levels of colony-forming units (CFU) counts over time. We therefore propose the modulation of miRNAs as a novel strategy in mycobacterial infection to control factors involved in actin filament assembly and other early events of phagolysosome biogenesis.”
“Purpose\n\nTo determine whether the Conrad Program, which allows states to recruit 30 foreign-trained

physicians per year to work in underserved settings, is meeting its goal of increasing MX69 datasheet the number of physicians in Washington State’s underserved areas. selleck screening library Participating physicians have completed their residency training in, and want to continue residing in, the United States.\n\nMethod\n\nThe 3 authors identified all J-1 visa waiver physicians assigned to employers in Washington between 1995 and 2003, tracked them (whenever possible) through public databases to their current locations, and surveyed them about their experiences in, and subsequent to, the program.\n\nResults\n\nThe authors tracked 141 of 155 physicians (91%). Of those 141, 77 (55%) responded to the survey. These respondents reported that they remained with their J-1 waiver employers a median of 23 (range: 0-120) months longer than their required commitment periods and that they remained in practices serving primarily underserved populations for, on average, 34 (0-120) consecutive months after fulfilling their commitments. After leaving J-1 waiver employers, 35 of 47 physicians (74%) who served in rural areas moved toward more urban areas, and 57% (80/141) still live in the state. Whereas most expressed satisfaction with the program, 29/77 (38%) felt employers should have shown them more respect.

Abberations in the Wnt

signalling pathway have been linke

Abberations in the Wnt

signalling pathway have been linked to many human cancers, including 4 breast cancer, and appear to be associated with more metastatic and aggressive types of cancer. Here, our aim was to investigate if this key pathway was involved in acquired Tamoxifen resistance, and could be targeted therapeutically.\n\nMethods: An in vitro model of acquired Tamoxifen resistance (named TamR) was generated by growing the estrogen receptor alpha (ER) positive MCF7 breast cancer cell line in increasing concentrations of Tamoxifen (up to 5 uM). Alterations in the Wnt signalling pathway and epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) SNX-5422 concentration in response to Tamoxifen and treatment with the Wnt inhibitor, IWP-2 were measured via quantitative A-1155463 RT-PCR (qPCR) and TOP/FOP Wnt reporter assays. Resistance to Tamoxifen, and effects of IWP-2 treatment were determined by MTT proliferation assays.\n\nResults: TamR cells exhibited increased Wnt signalling

as measured via the TOP/FOP Wnt luciferase reporter assays. Genes associated with both the beta-catenin dependent (AXIN2, MYC, CSNK1A1) and independent arms (ROR2, JUN), as well as general Wnt secretion (PORCN) of the Wnt signalling pathway were upregulated in the TamR cells compared to the parental MCF7 cell line. Treatment of the TamR cell line with human recombinant Wnt3a (rWnt3a) further increased the resistance of both MCF7 and TamR selleck chemicals llc cells to the anti-proliferative effects of Tamoxifen treatment. TamR cells demonstrated increased expression of EMT markers (VIM, TWIST1, SNAI2) and decreased CDH1, which may contribute to their resistance to Tamoxifen. Treatment with the Wnt inhibitor, IWP-2 inhibited cell proliferation and markers of EMT.\n\nConclusions: These data support the role of the Wnt signalling pathway in acquired resistance to Tamoxifen. Further research into the mechanism by which activated Wnt signalling

inhibits the effects of Tamoxifen should be undertaken. As a number of small molecules targeting the Wnt pathway are currently in pre-clinical development, combinatorial treatment with endocrine agents and Wnt pathway inhibitors may be a useful therapeutic option in the future for a subset of breast cancer patients.”
“Aims Central sleep apnoea (CSA) and increased serum erythropoietin (EPO) concentration have each been associated with adverse prognosis in heart failure (HF) patients. The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between nocturnal hypoxaemia due to CSA and the serum EPO concentration in patients with HF.\n\nMethods and results Heart failure subjects (n = 33) and healthy controls (n = 18) underwent polysomnography (PSG) for diagnosis of CSA and identification and quantification of hypoxaemia. Blood collection for measurement of EPO was performed immediately post-PSG. For the analysis, HF subjects were dichotomized into subgroups defined by the presence or absence of CSA and by HF severity.

Disease progression causing pericardial, pleural, and peritoneal<

Disease progression causing pericardial, pleural, and peritoneal

effusion and syncopal episodes occurred 32 months following radiation therapy, which were treated with pericardectomy and additional radiation therapy. The dog was still alive and doing well 42 months following initial radiation treatment.\n\nClinical Relevance-Conformal radiation therapy provided an additional treatment option for a nonresectable heart base chemodectoma in the dog of this report; conformal radiation therapy was reasonably tolerable and safe. (J Am Vet Med Assoc 2012;241:472-476)”
“Two cats were presented for acute onset of rapidly progressive, bilaterally symmetrical hair loss of the selleck chemicals llc ventrum and limbs. Alopecia occurred within 2 weeks after accidental skin exposure to diesel oil. The remaining hair epilated easily in affected areas. Denuded skin was strikingly dry and had adherent scale. Erythema and demarcation between affected and normal skin by a liquid-line were present in one case. Above this line, the hair could not

be removed. The head and the footpads were not involved. Systemic signs were not observed. Both cats made a complete recovery without treatment. Histological examination in one cat revealed severe orthokeratotic hyperkeratosis, mild to moderate acanthosis, follicular keratosis, a moderate dermal infiltrate of mast cells and an almost complete absence of sebaceous glands. If skin contact with diesel oil occurs in a cat, thorough washing of skin and haircoat after soaking in prue vegetable oil is recommended.”
“Patients

NVP-BSK805 molecular weight with cardiovascular disease and their partners expect health Dinaciclib molecular weight care providers to provide sexual counseling to assist them in maintaining sexual quality of life. Evidence suggests however, that there is a gap in integrating evidence into practice and that relatively few cardiac patients receive sexual counseling. This can result in negative psychological, physical, and quality of life outcomes for couples who may needlessly decide sexual activity is too risky and cease all sexual activity. Two scientific statements now exist that provide ample guidance to health care providers in discussing this important topic. Using a team approach that includes physicians, nurses, physical therapists, rehabilitation staff, and others is important to ensure that sexual counseling occurs throughout recovery. In addition, several trials using interventional approaches for sexual counseling provide insight into successful approaches for sexual counseling in practice. This article provides practical strategies and evidence-based approaches for assessment and sexual counseling for all cardiac patients and their partners, and specific counseling for those with ischemic conditions, heart failure, and implanted devices.”
“SmgGDS is a guanine nucleotide exchange factor with the unique ability to activate multiple small GTPases, implicating it in cancer development and progression.

We propose a statistic method to compare extensions of the functi

We propose a statistic method to compare extensions of the functionally important regions of apicoplast-targeted proteins. More specifically, we provide a comparison of extension lengths of orthologous apicoplast-targeted proteins in apicomplexan parasites. We focus on results obtained for the model species T. gondii, Neospora caninum, and Plasmodium falciparum. With our method, cross species comparisons demonstrate that, in average, apicoplast-targeted

U0126 research buy protein extensions in T. gondii are 1.5-fold longer than in N. caninum and 2-fold longer than in P. falciparum. Extensions in P. falciparum less than 87 residues in size are longer than the corresponding extensions in N. caninum and, reversely, are shorter if they exceed 88 residues.”
“Lactobacillus casei LC2W, a patented probiotic strain (Z. Wu, European patent EP 1642963 B1, February 2009), has been isolated from Chinese traditional dairy products and implemented in industrial production as starter culture. Here we present the complete genome sequence Sonidegib of LC2W and the identification of a gene cluster implicated in the biosynthesis of exopolysaccharides.”
“This

theoretic paper is an attempt to apply the epigenetic progenitor model of human cancer origin, proposed by Feinberg et al. (Nat Rev Genet 7:21-33, 2006), to the reported phenotype features of invasive breast cancer. The model is based on the idea that expression of estrogen receptors (ER), progesterone receptors (PgR), and HER2 molecules in breast tumors is either remnants of the tissue

stem cell from which the tumor has developed or a newly acquired tumor-associated epigenetic feature. HER2 overexpression is considered as an example of the tumor-associated epigenetic changes. The model makes a simple distinction regarding the possible types of ER and PgR expression: the “functional” steroid hormone receptors are inherited from pretumoral tissue stem cells, while the “dysfunctional” steroid hormone receptors are acquired during tumorigenesis from initially GSI-IX datasheet ER-PgR-negative cells. In the former, estrogen binding increases the PgR expression while progesterone binding decreases the expression of ER and PgR. Since the estrogen-dependent PgR expression works only in cells with functional ERs, the expected share of tumors with functional ER and PgR receptors is in the model calculated as the squared probability of expressing the PgRs. Reported data from various trials are pooled together to find out phenotype shares (ER+PgR+ makes 62.03 %, ER+PgR- 16.43 %, ER-PgR+ 3.06, and ER-PgR- 18.48 %). By applying the model on these shares, the proposed share of tumors with the functional ER+PgR+ phenotype was 38.48 %, while the share of tumors with the dysfunctional ER+PgR+ was 23.55 %. The presented model suggests that both luminal A and luminal B tumor types are heterogeneous regarding the steroid receptor expression.

We conclude that immunisation with a single inoculation of vaccin

We conclude that immunisation with a single inoculation of vaccine from the UK emergency reserve can protect cattle from clinical disease for at least 6 months post-vaccination and that a boost may be unnecessary in an outbreak situation. Some animals may become sub-clinically infected but this is likely to be dependent on the severity

of challenge. The study confirmed that a booster at 21 days post-vaccination was not necessary to maintain a cell-mediated response in cattle for 6 months. No increased benefits were recognised by increasing the antigen payload of this vaccine 5x. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.”
“Purpose: To examine the associations between intracranial artery calcifications (IACs) and coronary artery calcifications (CACs) in patients with ischemic stroke and to assess MK-0518 inhibitor the predictive value of IAC for asymptomatic

coronary artery disease (CAD).\n\nMaterials and Methods: This retrospective study, approved by an institutional review board that waived the need for informed consent, included 314 consecutive patients who had acute ischemic stroke and who underwent both brain and coronary computed tomography (CT) within 1 month of stroke. IAC was quantified semiautomatically by calculating both Agatston scores (area of calcification multiplied by a weighted value assigned to its highest Hounsfield unit) and volumes on thin-section unenhanced images and was correlated with coronary calcium scores and volumes. Quartiles were created for IAC scores and were used for logistic regression analysis. An optimal ACY-738 in vivo IAC score cutoff value was determined www.selleckchem.com/products/a-1210477.html and used to predict the presence of asymptomatic CAD. Independent factors for asymptomatic CAD were assessed by using multiple logistic regression analysis. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was performed to evaluate the added value of IAC scores for prediction of asymptomatic CAD.\n\nResults: IAC and CAC were significantly correlated for both Agatston scores and volumes (R = 0.665 and 0.663, respectively;

P < .001). A graded association was found between IAC scores and presence of asymptomatic CAD. Both IAC scores of 120.11 or greater (odds ratio [OR], 2.57; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.45, 4.55) and diabetes mellitus (OR, 4.23; 95% CI: 2.42, 7.4) were independent predictors for asymptomatic CAD. Adding the IAC score to analytic models significantly improved the ability to predict asymptomatic CAD.\n\nConclusion: The IAC scores quantified by using unenhanced CT correlate significantly with coronary calcium scores and may serve as an independent predictor of asymptomatic CAD in patients with ischemic stroke. (C) RSNA, 2013″
“Bacillus sporothermodurans produces highly resistant endospores that can survive ultra-high-temperature treatment in milk.

Life Science Journal 2011; 8(2): 491-497] (ISSN: 1097-8135) htt

Life Science Journal. 2011; 8(2): 491-497] (ISSN: 1097-8135). http://www.lifesciencesite.com.”
“Cellular motility is the basis for cancer cell invasion and metastasis. In the case of breast cancer, the most common type of cancer among women, metastasis represents the most devastating stage of the disease. The central role of cellular motility in cancer development emphasizes the Kinase Inhibitor Library research buy importance of understanding

the specific mechanisms involved in this process. In this context, tumor development and metastasis would be the consequence of a loss or defect of the mechanisms that control cytoskeletal remodeling. Profilin I belongs to a family of small actin Autophagy inhibitor mw binding proteins that are thought to assist in actin filament elongation at the leading edge of migrating cells. Traditionally, Profilin I has been considered to be an essential control element for actin polymerization and cell migration. Expression of Profilin I is down-regulated in breast and various other cancer cells. In MDA-MB-231 cells, a breast cancer cell line, further inhibition of Profilin I expression promotes hypermotility and metastatic spread, a finding that contrasts with the proposed role of Profilin

in enhancing polymerization. In this report, we have taken advantage of the fluorescence recovery after photobleaching (FRAP) of GFP-actin to quantify and compare Selleck AZD1208 actin dynamics at the leading edge level in both cancer and non-cancer cell models. Our results suggest that (i) a high level of actin dynamics (i. e., a large mobile fraction of actin filaments and a fast turnover) is a common characteristic of some cancer cells; (ii) actin polymerization shows a high degree of independence from the presence of extracellular growth factors; and (iii) our results also corroborate the role of Profilin I in regulating actin polymerization, as raising the intracellular levels of Profilin I decreased the mobile fraction ratio of actin filaments and slowed their polymerization rate; furthermore, increased Profilin

levels also led to reduced individual cell velocity and directionality.”
“Rationale: Gold miners in South Africa undergo annual radiological screening for tuberculosis in an occupational health center of a gold mining company, but the optimal screening algorithm is unclear.\n\nObjectives: To evaluate methods for active case detection of tuberculosis.\n\nMethods: A sequential sample of miners attending annual medical examination was screened for tuberculosis using a symptom questionnaire, chest radiograph, and two sputum specimens for microscopy and culture.\n\nMeasurements and Main Results: There were 1,955 miners included in this study; all were male with a median age of 41 years (range, 2061 yr).

Ecologists and managers previously drawn to models lacking densit

Ecologists and managers previously drawn to models lacking density dependence or observation error because such models accommodated unequal time intervals (for example, due to missing data) now have an alternative analysis framework incorporating density dependence, process noise, and observation error.”
“We tested the hypothesis that the decline in muscle sympathetic activity during and after 8 h of poikilocapnic hypoxia (Hx) was associated with a greater sympathetic baroreflex-mediated

responsiveness. In 10 healthy men and women (n = 2), we measured beat-to-beat blood pressure (Portapres), carotid artery distension (ultrasonography), heart period, and muscle sympathetic nerve activity (SNA; microneurography) during two baroreflex perturbations using the modified Oxford technique before, during, and after 8 h of hypoxia (84% arterial oxygen saturation). The

PD-1/PD-L1 Inhibitor 3 integrated baroreflex response [change of SNA (Delta SNA)/change of diastolic blood pressure (Delta DBP)], mechanical (Delta diastolic diameter/Delta DBP), and neural (Delta SNA/Delta diastolic diameter) components were estimated at each time point. Sympathetic baroreflex responsiveness declined throughout the hypoxic exposure and further declined upon return to normoxia [pre-Hx, -8.3 +/- 1.2; 1-h Hx, -7.2 +/- 1.0; 7-h Hx, -4.9 +/- 1.0; and post-Hx: -4.1 +/- 0.9 arbitrary integrated units (AIU) (.) min(-1) (.) mmHg(-1); P < 0.05 vs. previous time Oligomycin A order point for 1-h, 7-h, and post-Hx values]. This blunting of baroreflex-mediated efferent outflow was not due to a change in the mechanical transduction of arterial pressure into barosensory stretch. Rather, the neural component declined in a similar pattern to that of the integrated reflex response (pre-Hx, -2.70 +/- 0.53; 1-h Hx, -2.59 +/- 0.53; 7-h Hx, -1.60 +/- 0.34; and post-Hx, -1.34 +/- 0.27

AIU (.) min(-1) (.) mu m(-1); P < 0.05 vs. pre-Hx for 7-h CRID3 sodium salt and post-Hx values). Thus it does not appear as if enhanced baroreflex function is primarily responsible for the reduced muscle SNA observed during intermediate duration hypoxia. However, the central transduction of baroreceptor afferent neural activity into efferent neural activity appears to be reduced during the initial stages of peripheral chemoreceptor acclimatization.”
“Eight new spirostanol saponins (1-8) and three new furostanol saponins (9-11) were isolated from the whole plants of Agave utahensis. The structures of 1-11 were determined by analysis of extensive spectroscopic data. The saponins were evaluated for their cytotoxic activity against HL-60 human promyelocytic leukemia cells. Compound 1 showed cytotoxicity against HL-60 cells with an IC(50) value of 4.

(C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd All rights reserved”
“The paper analy

(C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved”
“The paper analyses the Causes and mechanisms of death, the possibilities of providing effective

emergency assistance, and the regulations for work safety on the basis of two lethal accidents at work in storage equipment. The death Bcl2 inhibitor mechanism, i.e. asphyxia due to respiratory tract obstruction by a loose foreign substance prevents effective emergency assistance unless aspiration has not yet occurred. The deciding factor is how soon the rescue procedure begins. The safety-at-work regulations Should emphasize the need for worker protection by the assistance of another person.”
“Standard culture of human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) requires basic Fibroblast 3-MA purchase Growth Factor (bFGF) to maintain the pluripotent state, whereas hiPSC more closely resemble epiblast stem cells than true naive state ES which requires LIF to maintain pluripotency. Here we show that chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 2 (CCL2) enhances the expression of pluripotent marker genes through the phosphorylation of the signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) protein. Moreover, comparison of transcriptomes between hiPSCs cultured with CCL2 versus with bFGF, we found that CCL2 activates hypoxia related genes, suggesting that CCL2 enhanced pluripotency by inducing a hypoxic-like response. Further,

we show that hiPSCs cultured with CCL2 can differentiate at a higher efficiency than culturing

with just bFGF and we show CCL2 can be used in feeder-free conditions in the absence of LIF. Taken together, our finding indicates the novel functions of CCL2 in enhancing its pluripotency in hiPSCs.”
“Tetrahydropapaveroline (THP), which is an endogenous neurotoxin, has been suspected to be associated with dopaminergic neurotoxicity of l-DOPA. In this study, we examined oxidative modification of neurofilament-L (NF-L) and neuronal cell death induced by THP. When disassembled NF-L was incubated with THP, protein aggregation was increased in a time-and THP dose-dependent manner. The formation of carbonyl compounds and dityrosine were observed in the THP-mediated NF-L aggregates. Radical scavengers reduced THP-mediated NF-L CYT387 modification. These results suggest that the modification of NF-L by THP may be due to oxidative damage resulting from the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). When THP exposed NF-L was subjected to amino acid analysis, glutamate, proline and lysine residues were found to be particularly sensitive. We also investigated the effects of copper ions on THP-mediated NF-L modification. At a low concentration of THP, copper ions enhanced the modification of NF-L. Treatment of C6 astrocyte cells with THP led to a concentration-dependent reduction in cell viability.