Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAF), a major component of the tumor microenvironment, play an important role in interacting with neoplastic cells to promote ovarian cancer progression. Exosomes are nano-sized vesicles that mediate the cross-talk between different cell types. An increasing number of studies have focused on the fact that tumor cell-derived exosomes influence stromal cells. Howeve...

OBJECTIVES This study examined the effect of physiologic pacing on the development of chronic atrial fibrillation (CAF) in the Canadian Trial Of Physiologic Pacing (CTOPP). BACKGROUND The role of physiologic pacing to prevent CAF remains unclear. Small randomized studies have suggested a benefit for patients with sick sinus syndrome. No data from a large randomized trial are available. METH...

The use of artificial sweeteners (ASWs) has increased and become more widespread, and consequently ASWs have appeared in aquatic environments around the world. However, their safety to the health of humans and wildlife remains inconclusive. In this study, using medaka embryos (Oryzias latipes), we investigated developmental toxicity of aspartame (ASP) and saccharin (SAC). Since ASWs are often c...

Caffeine (CAF) levels in instant regular coffees, instant decaffeinated coffees, and instant teas are determined and compared using spectrophotometric and gas chromatographic methods of determination. Modification of a previously reported spectrophotometric assay for CAF in biological fluids is necessary to reduce interference from theophylline (THP) and theobromine (THB). Readjustment of the b...

Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAF) play a crucial role in regulating cancer progression, yet the molecular determinant that governs the tumor regulatory role of CAF remains unknown. Using a mouse melanoma model in which exogenous melanoma cells were grafted on the skin of two lines of mice where the genetic activation or inactivation of Notch1 signaling specifically occurs in natural host stro...

Sarcopenia is a recently defined medical condition described as age-associated loss of skeletal muscle mass and function. Recently, a transgenic mouse model was described linking dispersal of the neuromuscular junction caused by elevated agrin degradation to the rapid onset of sarcopenia. These mice show a significant elevation of serum levels of a C-terminal agrin fragment (CAF) compared to wi...

Purpose: Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAF) actively participate in reciprocal communication with tumor cells and with other cell types in the microenvironment, contributing to a tumor-permissive neighborhood and promoting tumor progression. The aim of this study is the characterization of how CAFs from primary human colon tumors promote migration of colon cancer cells. Experimental design: Pr...

OBJECTIVES The aim of the study was to analyze the electrophysiologic characteristics of paroxysmal (PAF) and chronic (CAF) atrial fibrillation (AF) in the human right atrium (RA). BACKGROUND Differences that exist between PAF and CAF and the mechanisms of self-sustenance of these arrhythmias are incompletely understood. METHODS A total of 53 patients with PAF (25 patients, mean age 59 +/- ...

UNLABELLED Tumor cells lacking the functional p53 suppressor gene may arrest at the G2 phase of the cell cycle after exposure to ionizing radiation, resulting in increased radioresistance. Methylxanthines (MTXs), such as pentoxifylline (PTX) or caffeine (CAF), can inhibit the G2-phase checkpoint arrest of damaged cells and thus radiosensitize them. However, the effect of MTX in cells irradiated...

OBJECTIVES The purpose of this study was to compare the voltage-dependent K(+) currents of human cells of the right and left atria and determine whether electrical remodeling produced by chronic atrial fibrillation (CAF) is chamber-specific. BACKGROUND Several data point to the existence of interatrial differences in the repolarizing currents. Therefore, it could be possible that CAF-induced ...