The mechanism of as-prepared Ag nanowires is provided and discussed. Moreover, as-prepared Ag nanowires are used as a Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering (SERS) substrate to detect thiram pesticide. The results show that this substrate based on Ag nanowires exhibits high sensitivity and reproducibility for the thiram detection. (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.”
“Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is an immune-mediated disorder that affects the liver parenchyma. Diagnosis usually occurs at the later stages of the disease, complicating efforts towards understanding

the causes of disease development. While animal models are useful for studying the etiology of autoimmune disorders, most of the existing animal models of AIH do not recapitulate the chronic course of the human condition. In addition, approaches to mimic AIH-associated liver inflammation have instead led to liver tolerance, consistent with Cediranib mw the high tolerogenic capacity of the liver.

Recently, we described a new mouse model that exhibited spontaneous and chronic liver inflammation that recapitulated the known histopathological and immunological parameters of AIH. The approach involved liver-extrinsic genetic engineering that interfered with the induction of T-cell tolerance in the thymus, the very process thought to inhibit AIH induction by liver-specific expression of exogenous antigens. The mutation led to depletion of specialized thymic epithelial cells that present self-antigens

SC79 and eliminate autoreactive T-cells before they see more exit the thymus. Based on our findings, which are summarized below, we believe that this mouse model represents a relevant experimental tool towards elucidating the cellular and molecular aspects of AIH development and developing novel therapeutic strategies for treating this disease.”
“Increased expression of endothelin (ET) peptide and its receptors following ischemic stroke is found to regulate many critical aspects of stroke pathophysiology. Many attempts have been made to target ET receptors in various animal models of stroke, but it is very difficult to draw a definite line of conclusion, because these studies differ in many aspects, such as animal model, treatment schedule, parameters and techniques used for assessing these parameters. A meta-analysis of all studies showed a significant reduction in the lesion volume and improvement in functional outcome in focal cerebral ischemia. ETA receptor antagonists appear to offer an essential advantage of multiple neuroprotective mechanisms, including prevention of blood-brain barrier disruption and leukocyte infiltration.”
“Currently, there is a need of new anti-influenza agents that target influenza virus proteins other than ion channel M2 and neuraminidase.