Rosiglitazone, a Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor-γ Agonist, Prevents Microparticle-Induced Vascular Hyporeactivity through the Regulation of Proinflammatory Proteins

Microparticles are plasma membrane vesicles with procoagulant and proinflammatory properties. We recently demonstrated that microparticles induce vascular hyporeactivity and evoke up-regulation of proinflammatory protein expression. This study dissected the effect of either in vitro treatment or short-term oral administration of the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPARγ) agonist, rosiglitazone, on microparticle-induced vascular hyporeactivity of mouse vessels. Microparticles were produced from T cells by actinomycin D treatment. The effects of rosiglitazone on mouse aortic rings incubated with microparticles were investigated. Aortae treated in vitro with rosiglitazone or aortae taken from mice treated by oral administration of the same agonist completely prevented microparticle-induced vascular hyporeactivity in response to U46619 [9,11-dideoxy-11α, 9α-epoxymethanoprostaglandin F2α). These effects of rosiglitazone occurred independently of the presence of endothelium without modifications in blood parameters. The mechanisms involved abrogation of nitric oxide (NO) and prostacyclin overproduction linked to up-regulation of inducible NO-synthase and cyclooxygenase 2 elicited by microparticles. In addition, rosiglitazone treatment reduced the ability of microparticles to evoke increases in interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, and nuclear factor (NF)-κB transcription, and NF-κB expression and activation. These results suggest that rosiglitazone, via PPARγ activation, counteracts vascular dysfunction associated with increased release of proinflammatory proteins elicited by microparticles. They underscore therapeutic perspective for rosiglitazone in vascular diseases involving enhanced participation of microparticles

Public engagement on global health challenges

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Experience with public engagement activities regarding the risks and benefits of science and technology (S&T) is growing, especially in the industrialized world. However, public engagement in the developing world regarding S&T risks and benefits to explore health issues has not been widely explored.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>This paper gives an overview about public engagement and related concepts, with a particular focus on challenges and benefits in the developing world. We then describe an Internet-based platform, which seeks to both inform and engage youth and the broader public on global water issues and their health impacts. Finally, we outline a possible course for future action to scale up this and similar online public engagement platforms.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>The benefits of public engagement include creating an informed citizenry, generating new ideas from the public, increasing the chances of research being adopted, increasing public trust, and answering ethical research questions. Public engagement also fosters global communication, enables shared experiences and methodology, standardizes strategy, and generates global viewpoints. This is especially pertinent to the developing world, as it encourages previously marginalized populations to participate on a global stage. One of the core issues at stake in public engagement is global governance of science and technology. Also, beyond benefiting society at large, public engagement in science offers benefits to the scientific enterprise itself.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Successful public engagement with developing world stakeholders will be a critical part of implementing new services and technologies. Interactive engagement platforms, such as the Internet, have the potential to unite people globally around relevant health issues.</p

Thai visitors’ expectations and experiences of explainer interaction within a science museum context

© The Author(s) 2015. In Western literature, there is evidence that museum explainers offer significant potential for enhancing visitors’ learning through influencing their knowledge, content, action, behaviour and attitudes. However, little research has focused on the role of explainers in other cultural contexts. This study explored interactions between visitors and museum explainers within the setting of Thailand. Two questionnaires were distributed to 600 visitors and 41 museum explainers. The results demonstrated both potential similarities and differences with Western contexts. Explainers appeared to prefer didactic approaches, focussing on factual knowledge rather than encouraging deep learning. Two-way communication, however, appeared to be enhanced by the use of a ‘pseudo-sibling relationship’ by explainers. Traditional Thai social reserve was reduced through such approaches, with visitors taking on active learning roles. These findings have implications for training museum explainers in non-Western cultures, as well as museum communication practice more generally