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Generation Of A Severe Memory-Deficit Mutant Mouse By Exclusively Eliminating The Kinase Activity Of CaMKIIalpha
Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II alpha (CaMKII alpha) is an enzyme that adds phosphates to a variety of protein substrates to modify their functions. CaMKII alpha is enriched in the hippocampus, the memory center of the brain, and is believed to be an essential mediator of activity-dependent synaptic plasticity and memory functions. However, the causative role of the enzymatic activity of CaMKII alpha in such processes has not been demonstrated yet, because this enzyme has multiple protein functions other than the kinase activity. A Japanese research group, led by Dr Yoko Yamagata of the National Institute for Physiological Sciences, Japan, has successfully generated a novel kinase-dead mutant mouse of the CaMKII alpha gene that completely and exclusively lacks its kinase activity. They examined hippocampal synaptic plasticity and behavioral learning of the mouse, and found a severe deficit in both processes. They reported their findings in the Journal of Neuroscience, published on June 10, 2009.
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Maryland Reports First H1N1 Flu-Related Death, USA
An elderly Baltimore metro area resident with serious underlying medical conditions and a novel H1N1 influenza virus infection has died, according to the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DHMH). Among other complications, H1N1 flu was a contributing factor, making this Maryland"s first death confirmed to be associated with the novel flu strain. Personal details about the case, including specific underlying health conditions, will not be released to protect the privacy of the resident and the resident"s family.
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What Is The Relationship Between Hepatocellular Carcinoma And Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus?
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the fifth most common malignancy worldwide and the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths. Type 2 diabetes mellitus has been associated with HCC. However, the relationship between type 2 diabetes mellitus and the underlying liver cirrhosis, and the effects of antidiabetic therapy on HCC risk have not yet been fully evaluated.
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What Is Pulmonary Embolism? What Causes Pulmonary Embolism?

An embolism - from the Greek çİmbolos meaning "stopper" or "plug" - is the term that describes a condition where an object called an embolus is created in one part of the body, circulates throughout the body, and then blocks blood flowing through a vessel in another part of the body. Emboli (plural of embolus) are not to be confused with thrombi (plural of thrombus), which are clots that are formed and remain in one area of the body without being carried throughout the bloodstream. What is a pulmonary embolism? A pulmonary embolism (pulmonary meaning "of the lungs" from the Latin pulmċnärius) occurs when an embolus blocks blood flowing through an artery that feeds the lungs. Typically, a blood clot first forms in an arm or leg (deep venous thrombosis or DVT) and then eventually manages to break free. The embolus can travel throughout the circulatory system towards the lungs, but eventually it is too large to pass through the small vessels of the lungs and forms a blockage. This prohibits blood from flowing into an area of the lung, and the part of the lung dies because it does not receive oxygen. It is also possible, though much more rare, for a pulmonary embolism to result from an embolus that is formed from fat droplets, amniotic fluid, or some other particle that enters the bloodstream. Related article What Is Embolism? What Are The Different Types Of Embolism? Who is at risk of developing a pulmonary embolism? The risk of developing a pulmonary embolism increases with age. People who have or had conditions or diseases that increase the risk of blood clotting are also more likely to develop pulmonary embolisms. In general, risk of pulmonary embolism is high for individuals who have or have had a blood clot in the leg or arm (deep venous thrombosis or DVT) and for those who have had a pulmonary embolism previously. Long periods of bed rest or inactivity (such as a long airplane flight or car ride) substantially increase the risk of DVT and therefore increase the risk of pulmonary embolism. Other factors that put people at risk include certain cancers, surgeries, inflammatory bowel disease, obesity, pacemakers, catheters in the veins, pregnancy, estrogen supplements, a family history of blood clots, and smoking. What are the symptoms of embolism? Symptoms of pulmonary embolism include: *Chest pain *Increased or irregular heart beat *Dizziness *Difficulty catching breath *Rapid breathing *Cough or coughing up blood Sometimes, more visible symptoms appear in the affected extremity of the deep vein thrombosis, such as: *Swelling *Pain or tenderness *Increased warmth *Red, blue, or discolored skin More severe pulmonary embolism cases may result in shock, passing out, cardiac arrest, and death. How are pulmonary embolisms diagnosed? Diagnosis of embolisms depends on patient history, physical examinations, and a suspicion that a person"s symptoms are due to an embolism. Tests that are frequently employed in order to diagnose pulmonary embolism include: *Pulmonary angiogram - visualizes blood clots in the lungs *Electrocardiogram (EKG) - records the electrical activity of the heart *Arterial blood gas study - measures oxygen, carbon dioxide, and other gases in the blood *Chest x-rays - generates a picture of the heart, lungs, and other internal organs *Pulmonary V/Q scan - two tests that analyze ventilation and structural properties of the lungs *Computerized tomography (CT) scan (with and without contrast) - visualizes abnormalities in the chest, brain, etc. *Ultrasound - high frequency sound waves that measure blood flow velocity and changes in blood flow *d-Dimer test - blood test that can diagnose thrombosis *Electroencephalogram (EEG) - records electrical activity in the brain *Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) - uses magnetic waves to develop detailed pictures of the brain and other organs How are pulmonary embolisms treated? Treatments for embolism are designed to destroy the embolus or clot, stop the clot from getting bigger, and prevent new clots from forming. A first step in treating most embolisms is to treat shock and provide oxygen therapy. Anticoagulant medications such as heparin, enoxaparin, or warfarin are usually administered in order to thin the blood and prevent further clotting. Clot-busting drugs called thrombolytics may also be administered, but they carry a high risk of excessive bleeding and are generally only used in the critically ill. In addition, very ill people with low blood pressure may receive medication such as dopamine to increase pressure. How can pulmonary embolisms be prevented? High risk patients may try various embolism prevention methods, such as taking the drugs heparin or warfarin (anti-coagulants), wearing anti-embolism compression stockings, and using intermittent pneumatic compression of the legs. Compression methods prevent blood clots by forcing blood into deep veins and reducing the amount of pooled blood. Additional ways to decrease risk of pulmonary embolism include physical activity, regular exercise, and avoiding the aforementioned risk factors. Written by Peter Crosta M.A. Copyright: Medical News Today Not to be reproduced without permission of Medical News Today


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