The Ku-binding motif is a conserved module for recruitment and stimulation of non-homologous end-joining proteins

The Ku-binding motif (KBM) is a short peptide module first identified in APLF that we now show is also present in Werner syndrome protein (WRN) and in Modulator of retrovirus infection homologue (MRI). We also identify a related but functionally distinct motif in XLF, WRN, MRI and PAXX, which we denote the XLF-like motif. We show that WRN possesses two KBMs; one at the N terminus next to the exonuclease domain and one at the C terminus next to an XLF-like motif. We reveal that the WRN C-terminal KBM and XLF-like motif function cooperatively to bind Ku complexes and that the N-terminal KBM mediates Ku-dependent stimulation of WRN exonuclease activity. We also show that WRN accelerates DSB repair by a mechanism requiring both KBMs, demonstrating the importance of WRN interaction with Ku. These data define a conserved family of KBMs that function as molecular tethers to recruit and/or stimulate enzymes during NHEJ

T2-weighted cardiovascular magnetic resonance in acute cardiac disease

Cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) using T2-weighted sequences can visualize myocardial edema. When compared to previous protocols, newer pulse sequences with substantially improved image quality have increased its clinical utility. The assessment of myocardial edema provides useful incremental diagnostic and prognostic information in a variety of clinical settings associated with acute myocardial injury. In patients with acute chest pain, T2-weighted CMR is able to identify acute or recent myocardial ischemic injury and has been employed to distinguish acute coronary syndrome (ACS) from non-ACS as well as acute from chronic myocardial infarction

Cardiomiopatia hipertrófica, atividade física e morte súbita Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, physical activity, and sudden death

A morte súbita em atletas é um evento dramático e tem sido demonstrado que, na maioria das vezes, se deve a doenças cardiovasculares congênitas ou adquiridas. O objetivo deste artigo é abordar alguns aspectos da cardiomiopatia hipertrófica, que é a principal causa de morte súbita em atletas jovens, e sugerir medidas para prevenir essa condição.<br>Sudden death of athletes is a dramatic event. Studies have shown that, in most cases, it is due to congenital or acquired cardiovascular diseases. The aim of this article is to approach some topics on hypertrophic cardiomyopathy - which is the main cause of sudden death in young athletes - and to suggest some means of prevention of this condition