OBJECTIVE Many studies have assessed the association between ocular pseudoexfoliation syndrome (PEX) and vascular disease and produced controversial results. We performed a meta-analysis of epidemiologic studies to evaluate this relationship. METHODS Eligible studies that reported the incidence of vascular disease among PEX and control groups were identified via computer searches and reviewin...

Purpose Alternative mRNA splicing coupled to nonsense-mediated decay (NMD) is a common mRNA surveillance pathway also known to dynamically modulate gene expression in response to cellular stress. Here, we investigated the involvement of this pathway in the regulation of lysyl oxidase-like 1 (LOXL1) expression in response to pseudoexfoliation (PEX)-associated pathophysiologic factors. Methods ...

Objective: To describe the treatment of polymyositis (PM) and dermatomyositis (DM) with prednisone (PRED) and cyclosporin A (CSA) alone or associated with intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) and plasmapheresis (PEX). Methods: Between 1992 and 1999 CSA and PRED were used to treat 20 patients with idiopathic myositis (12 with DM, eight with PM), diagnosed according to the Bohan and Peter criteria. ...

Lack of target specificity by existing matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) inhibitors has hindered antimetastatic cancer drug discovery. Inhibitors that bind to noncatalytic sites of MMPs and disrupt protease signaling function have the potential to be more specific and selective. In this work, compounds that target the hemopexin (PEX) domain of MMP-9 were identified using an in silico docking appro...

BACKGROUND AND AIMS Cystic Fibrosis (CF) lung disease is characterized by progressively declining lung function and represents a major factor contributing to the high morbidity and mortality associated with CF. However, apart from spirometry, respiratory disease surrogate markers reliably indicating CF lung disease and the occurrence of pulmonary exacerbations (PEx) are still lacking. Within th...

Neisseria gonorrhoeae is an obligate human pathogen that causes gonorrhea. We have shown previously that complement receptor 3 and Akt kinase play important roles in mediating cervical infection. At present, there are limited data to indicate how hormonally induced changes to the mucosal epithelia of the female genital tract mediate the course of gonococcal disease. Hence, I have expanded upon ...

The objectives of this study were to investigate migration of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from cross-linked polyethylene (PEX) pipes used for drinking water produced by different production methods, and to evaluate their potential risk for human health and/or influence on aesthetic drinking water quality. The migration tests were carried out in accordance with EN-1420-1, and VOCs were ana...

The experiment was conducted in three model drinking water distribution systems (DWDSs) made of unplasticized polyvinyl chloride (PVC), silane cross-linked polyethylene (PEX) and high density polyethylene (HDPE) pipes to which tap water was introduced. After 2 years of system operation, microbial communities in the DWDSs were characterized with scanning electron microscopy, heterotrophic plate ...

BACKGROUND Serum levels of hepcidin-25, a peptide hormone that reduces blood iron content, are elevated when patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) develop pulmonary exacerbation (PEx). Because hepcidin-25 is unavailable as a clinical laboratory test, we questioned whether a one-time serum iron level was associated with the subsequent number of days until PEx, as defined by the need to receive syst...

The aim of the study was the assessment of the von Willebrand antigen (vWF Ag), E-selectin, and P-selectin concentration in blood plasma of patients with pseudoexfoliation syndrome (PEX). The group studied comprised 30 patients with PEX, aged from 50 to 86 years (mean 73, SD ± 8 years). Patients with cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, diabetes mellitus, infectious disease, cancer, ren...