Youth, Religion and Democracy After the Arab Uprisings: Evidence from the Arab Barometer

Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/136005/1/muwo12180.pd

Pharmacologic inhibition of RGD-binding integrins ameliorates fibrosis and improves function following kidney injury

Fibrosis is a final common pathway for many causes of progressive chronic kidney disease (CKD). Arginine-glycine-aspartic acid (RGD)-binding integrins are important mediators of the pro-fibrotic response by activating latent TGF-β at sites of injury and by providing myofibroblasts information about the composition and stiffness of the extracellular matrix. Therefore, blockade of RGD-binding integrins may have therapeutic potential for CKD. To test this idea, we used small-molecule peptidomimetics that potently inhibit a subset of RGD-binding integrins in a murine model of kidney fibrosis. Acute kidney injury leading to fibrosis was induced by administration of aristolochic acid. Continuous subcutaneous administration of CWHM-12, an RGD integrin antagonist, for 28 days improved kidney function as measured by serum creatinine. CWHM-12 significantly reduced Collagen 1 (Col1a1) mRNA expression and scar collagen deposition in the kidney. Protein and gene expression markers of activated myofibroblasts, a major source of extracellular matrix deposition in kidney fibrosis, were diminished by treatment. RNA sequencing revealed that inhibition of RGD integrins influenced multiple pathways that determine the outcome of the response to injury and of repair processes. A second RGD integrin antagonist, CWHM-680, administered once daily by oral gavage was also effective in ameliorating fibrosis. We conclude that targeting RGD integrins with such small-molecule antagonists is a promising therapeutic approach in fibrotic kidney disease

Traumatic Spondylopelvic Dissociation: A Report of Two Cases of Spondylolisthesis at L5-S1 and Review of Literature.

Study Design Retrospective chart review and review of literature. Objective Few case reports of traumatic L5-S1 displacement have been presented in the literature. Here we present two cases of traumatic spondylolisthesis showing both anterior and posterior displacement, the treatment algorithm, and a review of the literature. Methods The authors conducted a retrospective review of representative patients and a literature review of traumatic spondylolisthesis at the L5-S1 junction. Two representative patients were identified with traumatic spondylolisthesis: one with an anterior dissociation, and the other with a posterior dissociation. Results Radiographic, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging illustrated the bony and soft tissue injury found in each patient, as well as the final stabilization and outcomes. Operative stabilization was necessary, and both patients were treated with open reduction internal fixation. The patient with posterior dissociation had complete recovery without neurologic sequelae. The patient with anterior dissociation had persistent bilateral L5-S1 radiculopathy with intact rectal tone, due to neurologic compression. Conclusions Few cases of traumatic spondylopelvic dissociation that are isolated to the L5-S1 disk space are described in the literature. We examined both an anterior and a posterior dissociation and treated both with L5-S1 posterior spinal fusion. The patient with anterior dissociation had persistent L5-S1 root injury; however, the patient with posterior dissociation had no neurologic deficits. This is the opposite of what is expected based on anatomy. These cases offer insight into the management of anterior and posterior L5-S1 spondylopelvic dissociation

THE EFFECTS OF FIRM EXIT IN A RETAIL GROCERY MARKET

Agribusiness,