1 +/- 0 9 mm Mean volume of resected orbital fat was 4 4 +/- 1 2

1 +/- 0.9 mm. Mean volume of resected orbital fat was 4.4 +/- 1.2 mL. Mean retrobulbar volume change in computed tomographic imaging was 3.2 +/- 1.0 cm(3). The change in retrobulbar volume was correlated strongly with proptosis reduction and volume of resected orbital

Crenolanib inhibitor fat. Linear regression revealed the following equation for Retrobulbar volume change: 0.546 x Hertel change + 0.945 or 0.293 x Volume of resected orbital fat + 1.917.\n\nCONCLUSIONS: Fatty decompression can reduce proptosis for patients with disfiguring Graves ophthalmopathy. Because of the close correlation of retrobulbar volume change with volume of resected orbital fat and proptosis reduction, we propose that orbital fat removal may be accompanied by decreased retrobulbar volume after fatty decompression. Evidence of decreased

retrobulbar volume may result in effective proptosis reduction. (Am J Ophthalmol 2011;151:465-469. (C) 2011 by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)”
“Background. There are few data on outcomes after surgical treatment for recurrent thymic tumors. The aim of this study is to analyze and compare long-term outcomes of treatments for recurrent thymic tumors.\n\nMethods. Between January 1956 and December 2009, 344 thymic tumors were surgically resected selleck inhibitor (309 thymomas, 22 thymic carcinomas, 12 thymic carcinoids, and 1 thymolipoma). There were 48 recurrences (13.9%): 30 thymomas, 9 thymic carcinomas, and 9 thymic carcinoids. There were 27 men and 21 women with a median age of 51 years (range, 27 to 83). Retrospective chart review was performed. Relevant factors for recurrence as well as survival and progression-free interval were analyzed.\n\nResults. The median follow-up interval from the initial operation was 83 months (range, 9 to 515). Recurrence adversely affected overall survival in surgically resected thymic

tumors (p = 0.0014). In multivariate analysis, the initial Masaoka stage, incomplete resection, and World Health Organization histology were significant risk factors for recurrence. In multivariate analysis, only surgical management was associated with prolonged survival 3-deazaneplanocin A price p = 0.0038) and improved progression-free interval (p = 0.0378) in recurrent thymoma. Five-year survival after recurrent thymoma was 54%. For recurrent thymic carcinoma, surgery did not improve survival. For these patients, chemotherapy was associated with improved progression-free interval after recurrence (p = 0.0295). There were no 5-year survivors of recurrent thymic carcinoma.\n\nConclusions. Our data suggest that surgical management is associated with better outcome and is the treatment of choice for recurrent thymoma. For recurrent thymic carcinoma, surgical management has a very limited role, and chemotherapy appears to be a more effective treatment modality.”
“In multi-player games n individuals interact in any one encounter and derive a payoff from that interaction.

PCR assay was used for detecting mecA gene in MRSA isolates The

PCR assay was used for detecting mecA gene in MRSA isolates. The susceptibility of MRSA isolates to amikacin, clindamycin, gentamicin, ciprofloxacin, SXT, erythromycin, tetracycline were determined by using disk diffusion method according to recommendation of CLSI. Biofilm formation ability of MRSA isolates were examined by crystal violet microtitre plate assay and Congo red agar (CRA).\n\nResults: GSK690693 cost Two hundred and ninety six (36.5%) out of 810

isolates were S. aureus. Twenty six (8.8%) of all S. aureus isolates were recognized as MRSA. All the MRSA isolates have the ability of biofilm formation which 15.4%, 19.2% and 65.4% of them were strong, medium and weak biofilm producer respectively. The resistance rate of strong biofilm producer were; erythromycin (100%), clindamycin (75%), ciprofloxacin (75%), Etomoxir purchase SXT (75%), gentamycin (50%), tetracycline (0%), amikacin (0%).\n\nConclusions: High rate of MRSA nasal carrier and having the ability of biofilm formation which decrease

their susceptibility to antibiotics, is an alarming for public health. Statistically significant correlation between susceptibility to tetracycline and MRSA carrier was observed.”
“Background: The isolated limb infusion (ILI) technique is a simpler and less invasive alternative to isolated limb perfusion, which allows regional administration of high-dose chemotherapy to patients with advanced melanoma and other malignancies restricted to a limb. Methods: Patients from two institutions, treated by ILI between 1998 and 2009 for extensive disease restricted to a limb, were included. The cohort included 31 patients with melanoma who presented with in-transit metastases or an extensive primary lesion, one patient with squamous cell carcinoma and another with epithelioid sarcoma not suitable

for local surgical treatment. Results: A complete response was achieved in 26.3% of patients and a partial response in 52.6%. Toxicity was assessed according to the Wieberdink limb toxicity scale. Grade II toxicity was noted in 39.5% of patients, grade III in 50% and grade IV in 10.5%. Toxicity was correlated with the results of a number of clinical and laboratory tests. The toxicity of melphalan and actinomycin D was Selleckchem GSK923295 dose-dependent. For melphalan, the relationship between toxicity and mean dose was as follows: grade II – 34.7 mg; grades III and IV – 47.5 mg (P = 0.012). The relationship between toxicity and maximum serum creatine phosphokinase (CPK) was as follows: grade II – 431.5 U/L; grades III and IV – 3228 U/L (P = 0.010). Conclusion: Toxicity after ILI is dose-dependent and serum CPK correlates with toxicity.”
“Despite the increase in understanding of RNA chaperone activity of zinc finger-containing glycine-rich RNA-binding proteins (RZs) during the cold adaptation process, the structural features relevant to the RNA chaperone activity of RZs still largely remain to be established.


“In sexually reproducing organisms, primordial germ cells


“In sexually reproducing organisms, primordial germ cells (PGCs) give rise to the cells of the germ line, the gametes. In many

animals, PGCs are set apart from somatic cells early during embryogenesis. This study explores the origin of primordial germ cells (PGCs) of the zebra fish and examines their morphology during early development (1st day-15th day). PGCs were selectively stained by the alkaline phosphatase histochemical reaction and viewed by light and electron microscopy from the time they are first detectable in the yolk sac endoderm. PGCs occurred in the subendodermal space on the syncytial periblast; differing from the surrounding endodermal cells. Later the PGCs moved to between the blastoderm and yolk sac and transferred to the dorsal mesentery where they formed gonadal anlage with mesoderm cells. PGCs were easily buy Quizartinib distinguished from somatic cells Selleckchem OICR-9429 by their morphology and low electron density of their nuclei. Under light microscopy, PCGs were rounded with a distinct cytoplasmic membrane.”
“Background:

Osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) can progress to loose body formation, resulting in a grade IV defect. The decision to fix versus excise the loose body is controversial. Published operative fixation outcomes are small case series with short follow-up.\n\nHypothesis: Operative fixation (ORIF) of the loose body into the grade IV defect will heal and approximate “normal” knee function at long-term follow-up.\n\nStudy Design: Case series; Level of

evidence, 4.\n\nMethods: Twelve patients were identified who underwent ORIF of a knee OCD loose body into the grade IV osteochondral defects ranging in size from 2.0 to 8.0 cm(2) (mean, 3.5 Fosbretabulin cm(2)). After 12 weeks, hardware was removed, and healing was assessed. long-term outcomes were assessed with a Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) and a Marx activity score.\n\nResults: Arthroscopy for screw removal revealed stable healing in 92% (11 of 12) of patients. No patients required subsequent surgery for a loose body. At an average of 9.2 years’ follow-up (range, 3.8-15.8 years), 83% (10 of 12) of patients completed the KOOS. The KOOS subscale scores for pain (mean, 87.8; range, 67-100), other symptoms (mean, 81.8; range, 61-96), function in activities of daily living (mean, 93.1; range, 72-100), and sports and recreation function (mean, 74.0; range, 40-100) were not significantly lower than those of published age-matched controls. However the KOOS subscale score for knee-related quality of life (mean, 61.9; range, 31-88) was significantly lower (P = .003).\n\nConclusion: Operative fixation of grade IV OCD loose bodies results in stable fixation. At an average 9 years after surgery, patients did not have symptoms of osteoarthritis pain and had normal function in activities of daily life. However, patients reported significantly lower knee-related quality of life.

It is assumed that the same model is applicable both in vivo and

It is assumed that the same model is applicable both in vivo and in vitro. Materials and methods: In the present study, we compared proliferating marrow cells freshly isolated from healthy individuals with proliferating

lymphocytes in cultures. Results: We demonstrate that during progression of freshly collected human bone marrow cells through G(1), S and G(2)/M, only Cdk1 combined with cyclins A and B(1) was distinctly present and active, and its activity gradually increased. In contrast, in vitro growing mitogen-stimulated lymphocytes had perfectly scheduled sequential expression of all four cyclins and Cdk1 and Cdk2 activities. Conclusion: Our findings demonstrate that the pattern of cyclin expression

and Cdk activity in bone marrow in vivo is distinctly different from the one observed for normal cells in vitro. Because proliferating bone marrow cells Selisistat are predominantly expanding populations of committed progenitors, it is likely that during the expansion phase their cell-cycle progression is pre-programmed, being driven solely by Cdk1 combined either with cyclin A or with cyclin B(1). Expansion of progenitor cells thus may not require MEK inhibitor the early steps of cell-cycle regulation, associated with triggering progression by availability of growth factors and mitogens.”
“Development of technology to deliver foreign gene(s) to a specific organ/tissue is one of the major challenges in gene therapy. Here, we show liver- and lobe-specific gene transfer following the continuous microinstillation of plasmid DNA (pDNA)

onto the liver surface in mice. Naked pDNA was continuously instilled onto the right medial liver lobe using syringe pump in male ddY mice. Our previous studies showed liver- 20s Proteasome activity and lobe-selective gene expression after instillation of 30 mu l of pDNA solution onto the liver surface, but gene expression was also found in the other liver lobe, kidney and spleen. To improve target site selectivity of gene expression, the instillation volume was decreased; however, non-specific gene expression in the other liver lobe and diaphragm was still detected. To prevent immediate diffusion of the pDNA solution, we performed continuous microinstillation of pDNA using a syringe pump; as a result, target site selectivity was greatly improved. As for instillation speed, 5 min infusion was enough to prevent diffusion of pDNA solution. Furthermore, transfection efficiency in the target site was maintained when instillation speed was slowed. Wiping off residual pDNA solution from the applied liver lobe resulted in a further improvement in selectivity, suggesting not only immediate diffusion, but also gradual diffusion, are important factors for successful target site-specific gene transfer.

This model supports the hypothesis that initial docking of the co

This model supports the hypothesis that initial docking of the correct alpha and beta repeats from among many very similar repeats in both subunits is driven primarily by Etomoxir chemical structure long range electrostatic interactions.”
“Docetaxel has been used as one of the

first-line chemotherapies in solid tumors including advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, limited responses to chemotherapy are observed in clinic and the molecular mechanisms have not been fully understood. Emerging evidence suggests that epithelialmesenchymal transition (EMT) plays an important role in the processes of tumor metastasis as well as resistance towards anticancer agents. In this study, it was observed that docetaxel-resistant human GSK923295 in vivo lung adenocarcinoma cell line (SPC-A1/DTX) was typical of mesenchymal phenotype. SPC-A1/DTX

cell line has increased migratory and invasive capacity both in vitro and in vivo. Among the master EMT-inducing transcriptional factors, ZEB1 was found to be significantly increased in SPC-A1/DTX cell line. ZEB1 knockdown with RNA interference could reverse the EMT phenotype and inhibit the migratory ability of SPC-A1/DTX cells. Furthermore, inhibition of ZEB1 significantly enhanced the chemosensitivity of SPC-A1/DTX cells to docetaxel in vitro and in vivo and ectopic expression of ZEB1 increased the chemoresistance of SPC-A1 cells to docetaxel. All these results provide experimental evidence that ZEB1 might be an attractive target for the treatment of human NSCLC.

J. Cell. Biochem. 114: 13951403, 2013. (c) 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.”
“Objective To evaluate the prenatal characteristics and postnatal outcome of cardiac tumors diagnosed at two prenatal Polish cardiology centers.\n\nMethods Descriptive analysis of 23 fetuses with cardiac tumors (12 multiple and 11 single) diagnosed over 16 years (from 1993 to 2009). Congestive heart failure was diagnosed when the cardiovascular profile score was seven or less.\n\nResults Associated structural DMXAA order congenital heart defects were present in three fetuses, extracardiac anomalies in three, and chromosomal anomalies in two. Congestive heart failure developed in five cases. Perinatal survival was not different between cases with and without cardiac failure (2/5 vs 12/18, p = 0.28). The main ultrasonographic signs observed prenatally in association with cardiac tumors were cardiomegaly, left ventricular outflow tract obstruction, pericardial effusion, and hypokinesis. A diagnosis of tuberous sclerosis was eventually made in all 12 fetuses with multiple tumors. Perinatal death occurred in 4/11 cases with single tumors and in 5/12 with multiple tumors (p = 0.57). Surgical resection of the tumor was performed in 3/11 neonates with single tumors (histopathologically: rhabdomyoma, teratoma, and fibroma) and in 2/12 with multiple tumors (both rhabdomyomas).

Conclusions:

A significant proportion of military personn

Conclusions:

A significant proportion of military personnel who experienced mental health problems in a combat zone had preexisting psychiatric conditions. Because more than half of predeployment diagnoses were received in the nine months before the in-theater mental health encounter, further study Vorinostat Epigenetics inhibitor may be advisable to determine whether a time-based algorithm for deployability is needed, particularly for PTSD, for which a high rate of repeat diagnosis in theater was found. (Psychiatric Services 62: 15-21, 2011)”
“We use an advanced fluorescence method of Nonlinear Laser Fluorimetry in combination with Fluorescence Induction and Relaxation technique to study the influence of excess-light conditions on the physiological state of the green alga Chlorella pyrenoidosa. We demonstrate that zeaxanthin-dependent non-photochemical quenching leads to a significant increase in the rate constant of singlet-singlet annihilation of chlorophyll a excited state, which suggests profound

conformational changes in the light-harvesting complexes of photosystem II. ((c) 2012 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)”
“AIM The aim of this study was to determine the effects of early childhood stunting (height for age 2SD or more below reference values) and interventions on fine motor abilities at 11 to 12 years, and the relationship between fine motor abilities and school achievement and intelligence.\n\nMETHOD A cohort of stunted children who had participated in a randomized LY2606368 order trial of psychosocial stimulation and/or

nutritional buy GW4869 supplementation in early childhood was compared with a group of non-stunted children. Fine motor abilities were assessed in 116 stunted (67 males, 49 females) and 80 non-stunted children (43 males, 37 females) at a mean age of 11 years 8 months (SD 4.3mo) and 11 years 9 months (SD 3.8mo) respectively. Testers were blind to the children’s group assignment.\n\nRESULTS Two fine motor factors were derived: rapid sequential continuous movements (RSCM) and dexterity. No effect of the early intervention was found. RSCM scores were lower in the stunted group than in the non-stunted group (p=0.01), but differences in dexterity were not significant (p=0.18) after adjusting for social background. Among stunted children, the RSCM score was significantly associated with IQ (p=0.04) and school achievement (all p<0.05).\n\nINTERPRETATION Stunting in early childhood is associated with poor scores on tests of rapid sequential continuous hand movements in later childhood. Children with poorer scores are at greater risk for low IQs and low levels of school achievement.”
“Purpose: To assess the clinical and functional outcome of labral repair in patients aged older than 50 years.

Interestingly, Ran is involved in the process of pVHL nuclear-cyt

Interestingly, Ran is involved in the process of pVHL nuclear-cytoplasmic trafficking following microtubule network alteration in hypoxic CMs.”
“Prior studies have underlined the need for increased screening and awareness of chronic hepatitis B (CHB), especially

in certain high-risk populations. However, few studies have examined the patterns of evaluation and management of CHB between primary care physicians (PCP) and specialists according to commonly-used professional guidelines. Our goal was to examine whether necessary laboratory parameters used to determine disease status and eligibility for antiviral therapy find more were performed by PCPs and specialists.\n\nWe conducted a retrospective study of 253 selleck inhibitor treatment-na < ve CHB patients who were evaluated by PCP only (n = 63) or by specialists (n = 190) for CHB at a community multispecialty medical center between March 2007

and June 2009. Criteria for CHB management and treatment eligibility were based on the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases 2007 guideline and the US Panel 2006 algorithm. Required parameters for optimal evaluation for CHB included hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg), HBV DNA, and alanine aminotransferase (ALT). Preferred antiviral agents for CHB included pegylated interferon, adefovir, and entecavir.\n\nThe majority of patients were Asians (90 %) and male (54 %) with a mean age of 43 +/- A 11.6 years. Compared to PCPs, specialists were more likely to order laboratory testing for ALT (94 vs. 86 %, P = 0.05), HBeAg (67

vs. 41 %, P < 0.0001) and HBV DNA (83 vs. 52 %, P < 0.0001). The proportion of patients having all three laboratory parameters was significantly higher among those evaluated by specialists compared to PCP (62 vs. 33 %, P < 0.0001). A total of 55 patients were initiated on antiviral treatment (n = 47 by specialists and n = 6 by PCPs). Lamivudine was prescribed more often by PCPs than specialists (33 vs. 2 %, P = 0.05). Preferred agents were used 96 % of the time by specialists compared to 67 % of those treated by PCPs (P = 0.05).\n\nPatients evaluated by specialists for CHB are more likely to undergo more complete laboratory evaluation and, if eligible, are also more likely to be GSK1120212 order treated with preferred longer-term agents for CHB compared to those evaluated by PCPs only. A collaborative model of care involving both PCP and specialists may further optimize management of patients with CHB.”
“Background The relationship between the anatomical location of right ventricular pacing site and paced QRS duration is unclear. In this study, we aimed to investigate the relationship between right ventricular pacing site and paced QRS duration using cardiac angiography. Methods Fifty patients were implanted with pacemakers.


“Background: The 200 kDa merozoite surface protein 1 (MSP-


“Background: The 200 kDa merozoite surface protein 1 (MSP-1) of malaria parasites, a strong vaccine candidate, plays a key role during erythrocyte invasion and is a target of host protective immune response. Plasmodium vivax, the most widespread human malaria parasite, is closely related to parasites that infect Asian Old World monkeys, and has been considered to have become a parasite of man by host switch from a macaque malaria parasite. Several Asian monkey parasites have a range of natural hosts. The same parasite species shows different disease manifestations among Staurosporine order host species. This suggests that host immune responses to P. vivax-related malaria parasites greatly differ among host species

(albeit other factors). It is thus tempting to invoke that a major immune target parasite protein such as MSP-1 underwent unique evolution, depending on parasite species that exhibit difference in host range and host specificity.\n\nResults: We performed comparative phylogenetic and population genetic analyses of the gene encoding MSP-1 (msp1) from P. vivax and nine P. vivax-related simian malaria parasites. The inferred phylogenetic tree of msp1 significantly differed from that of the mitochondrial genome, with a striking displacement of P. vivax from a position close Temsirolimus concentration to P. cynomolgi in the mitochondrial genome tree to an outlier of Asian monkey parasites. Importantly, positive selection was inferred for two ancestral branches,

one leading to P. inui and P. hylobati and the other leading to P. vivax, P. fieldi and P. cynomolgi. This ancestral positive selection was estimated to have occurred three to six million years ago, coinciding with the period of radiation of Asian macaques. Comparisons of msp1 polymorphisms between P. vivax, P. inui and P. cynomolgi revealed

that while some positively selected amino acid P5091 sites or regions are shared by these parasites, amino acid changes greatly differ, suggesting that diversifying selection is acting species-specifically on msp1.\n\nConclusions: The present results indicate that the msp1 locus of P. vivax and related parasite species has lineage-specific unique evolutionary history with positive selection. P. vivax and related simian malaria parasites offer an interesting system toward understanding host species-dependent adaptive evolution of immune-target surface antigen genes such as msp1.”
“AimPost-partum hemorrhage (PPH) is the leading cause of maternal mortality. Identification of the precise bleeding site is generally important to control hemorrhage, but such an approach has not been fully established in the context of PPH. We postulated that visualization of bleeding sites could aid treatment decisions in the management of PPH.\n\nMethodsWe conducted a prospective review of 26 patients who underwent dynamic computed tomography (CT) for PPH.\n\nResultsA total of 17 cases presented with uterine bleeding, eight with vaginal hematomas, and one with hemoperitoneum.

Results: The four leading symptoms were fatigue (96%), fever

\n\nResults: The four leading symptoms were fatigue (96%), fever (86%), cough (81%), and dyspnea (79%). No significant differences in symptom prevalence were found between different sexes, ages, performance statuses, ward locations, or PCI-32765 Angiogenesis inhibitor underlying diseases, except for fewer episodes of

dizziness, more frequent episodes of cough in patients older than 80 years, and more episodes of jaundice in ward service subjects. Only the presence of abdominal distension differed significantly between surviving and deceased patients (22.9% vs. 40.3%; p = 0.004). After the start of palliative care, patients’ DNR consent increased (105/115 before, 114/115 after). Patients’ recognition of the diagnosis and prognosis increased from 13 to 64, respectively, with a simultaneous increase in family members’ recognition (66 before, 114 after).\n\nConclusion: Hospice care with good symptom control is warranted for patients

with late-stage nonmalignant disease who need appropriate end-of-life care. Medical personnel need education in the importance of palliative care and the identification of patients who could S63845 mouse benefit from it. In addition, patients should be informed of its availability. Copyright (C) 2012, Elsevier Taiwan LLC & Formosan Medical Association. All rights reserved.”
“Approximately 20-30% of patients with gastro-oesophageal reflux symptoms report inadequate symptom relief while on PPI therapy Persisting acid or non-acid reflux can be demonstrated in 40-50% of them suggesting that there is room for anti-reflux therapy in these patients New anti-reflux compounds

aim at decreasing the occurrence of transient lower oesophageal sphincter relaxations (TLOSRs) which represent the main mechanism of all types of reflux The most promising classes of compounds are GABA(B) agonists and mGluR5 antagonists which have been shown to reduce both reflux episodes and symptoms and are currently under evaluation in phase II and III clinical trials Compounds that target TLOSR activity represent a promising new therapeutic option for patients who suffer from GORD symptoms These drugs will probably be developed as add-on therapy in combination with PPIs provided the tolerability and safety issues are resolved (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd All rights reserved”
“In case of Zenker’s diverticulum, treatment is indicated as soon Cyclopamine research buy as the diagnosis is established. Therapy should aim at the elimination of dysphagia and the symptoms of food retention and should reliably prevent recurrence. Currently, three different therapeutic approaches are applied: the classical option is open transcervical myotomy and diverticulectomy/diverticulopexy and alternatively stapled diverticulostomy with a linear stapler or flexible endoscopic diverticulostomy is propagated. As compared to the surgical (open) approach, rigid or flexible endotherapy is less invasive. However, endotherapy is not always feasible for all types of Zenker’s diverticulum and the recurrence rate is high.

The usage of heavy oil and possibly new technologies in marine en

The usage of heavy oil and possibly new technologies in marine engines, which emit more enriched N-15 in

comparison to older engines, caused the spatial isotopic differences. (C) 2015 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.”
“A best evidence topic was written according to a structured protocol. The question addressed was whether on-pump beating heart coronary artery bypass (BH-ONCAB) surgery has a different outcome profile in comparison to off-pump coronary artery bypass (OPCAB). A total of 205 papers were found by systematic search of which 7 provided the largest and most recent outcome analysis comparing BH-ONCAB with OPCAB, and represented the best evidence to answer the clinical question. The authors, date, journal, study type, population, main outcome measures and results were tabulated. Reported outcome measures included mortality, stroke, AZD6738 ic50 myocardial infarction, renal failure, myocardial damage, change in ejection fraction, number of bypass grafts and completeness of revascularization. HDAC inhibitor With the exception of one study that favoured the off-pump technique, our review did not demonstrate a statistically significant difference in terms of mortality between the groups. We did not identify a statistically significant

difference in any reported morbidity outcomes. However, there was a trend towards better outcomes for the on-pump beating heart technique, despite AZD1152 in vitro a higher risk profile in terms of age, ejection fraction and burden of coronary disease in this group. Consistent statistically significant differences between the groups were the mean number of grafts performed and the completeness of revascularization, both of which were higher with the on-pump beating heart technique. Limitations to the current evidence include the finding that most of the current data arise from specialist off-pump surgeons or centres that would usually only carry out BH-ONCAB in the higher risk patients where the added safety of cardiopulmonary bypass is desired.”
“Matrix stiffness (resistance to deformation), one of the many mechanical forces acting on cells, is increasingly appreciated as an important mediator of cell

behavior. It regulates cell signaling broadly, with effects on growth, survival, and motility. Although the stiffness optima for different kinds of adherent cells vary widely, it is generally true that cell proliferation and differentiation increase with the stiffness of the matrix. This review summarizes recent data exploring the nature of matrix stiffness, mechanotransducers, and the many effects of changes in stiffness on cell function. Particular mention is made of data suggesting that cells of the liver are mechanosensitive, highlighting the potential importance of these findings in understanding the biology of normal and diseased liver.”
“Application of transformation and other biotechnological tools in avocado (Persea americana Mill.