(C) 2008 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.”
“Genome structural variation (SV) is a major source of genetic diversity in mammals and a hallmark of cancer. Although SV is typically defined by its canonical forms (duplication, deletion, insertion, inversion and translocation),

recent breakpoint mapping studies have revealed a surprising number of ‘complex’ variants that evade simple classification. Complex SVs are defined by clustered breakpoints that arose through a single mutation but cannot be explained by one simple end-joining or recombination event. Some complex variants exhibit profoundly complicated rearrangements between distinct loci from multiple chromosomes, whereas others involve more subtle Y27632 alterations at a single locus. These diverse and unpredictable features present a challenge for SV mapping experiments. Here, we review current knowledge of selleck kinase inhibitor complex SV in mammals, and outline techniques for identifying and characterizing complex variants using next-generation DNA sequencing.”
“Prior evidence shows that acupuncture improves symptoms in both

Parkinson’s disease (PD) patients and animal models. We examined the effects of high-frequency (100 Hz) electroacupuncture (EA) on behavior in a rat PD model induced by medial forebrain bundle (MFB) transection. Neurotransmitters levels in the striatum were measured using in vivo microdialysis and high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). High-frequency EA stimulation at Dazhui (GV14) and Baihui

(GV20) acupoints decreased rotational behavior induced by apomorphine (APO) and improved motor coordination, protected axotomized dopaminergic neurons from degeneration in the substantia nigra (SN), it did not increase striatal dopamine (DA) levels. However, EA stimulation at acupoints significantly decreased the abnormally elevated glutamate (Glu) and acetylcholine (ACh) levels in the lesioned side of striatum. Moreover, the Glu levels correlated significantly with survival ratios of dopaminergic neurons in the SNc and rotational bahavior. These data suggested that behavioral alleviation with PIK3C2G EA stimulation may be associated with modulation of neurotransmitters release, such as Glu and ACh in the striatum, rather than with DA restoration. (c) 2012 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.”
“A novel H1N1 influenza virus emerged in 2009 (pH1N1) to become the first influenza pandemic of the 21st century. This virus is now cocirculating with highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza viruses in many parts of the world, raising concerns that a reassortment event may lead to highly pathogenic influenza strains with the capacity to infect humans more readily and cause severe disease.