This review presents a brief account of the most significant biological effects and clinical applications of botulinum neurotoxins, in a way comprehensive even for casual readers who are not familiar with the subject. The most toxic known substances in botulinum neurotoxins are polypeptides naturally synthesized by bacteria of the genus Clostridium. These polypeptides inhibit acetylcholine rele...

During the last several years, we have witnessed “the best of times and the worst of times” in the embryonic field of gene therapy. Rapid advances in human genomic sciences, the development of novel mouse models of human diseases, and the construction and characterization of new vector systems for in vivo gene transduction have significantly expanded the potential feasibility of human gene ther...

This study investigates a crucial aspect of the reputation mechanism design in electronic markets – the ability of buyers and sellers to revoke or mutually withdraw negative feedback and ratings. Based on an analysis of recent changes in eBay’s feedback mechanism design, we find that the two-way reputation system enables certain sellers to behave opportunistically by revoking negative feedbacks...

Incretin hormones are secreted from enteronendocrine cells mainly upon nutrient absorption from the gut lumen. So far, two genuine incretin hormones are identified: glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1). Both GIP and GLP-1 enhances glucosestimulated insulin secretion from pancreatic beta-cells via increase of intracellular cyclic adenosine monoph...

For the last 20 years, knowledge of the physiological role of voltage-dependent potassium channels (Kv) in the immune system has grown exponentially. Leukocytes express a limited repertoire of Kv channels, which contribute to the membrane potential. These proteins are involved in the immune response and are therefore considered good pharmacological targets. Although there is a clear consensus a...

COVID-19, or Coronavirus Sickness 2019, is a terrible disease that has been sweeping the globe since late 2019. Since emergence of this deadly disease, activities ranging from economic, political, social, cultural and even religious have brought to halt at best disrupted. This manifests in various means thrives so much under certain atmospheric condition seasons. Fever, dry cough, exhaustion, o...

The incidence of cardiovascular disease is markedly increased in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). High serum cholesterol is widely recognised as a cardiovascular risk factor in the general population. However, in patients with ESRD high concentrations of cholesterol are associated with a better survival. This reverse epidemiology is, amongst others, caused by confounding due to mal...

Dion, Berscheid, and Walster (1972), in their seminal article, labeled the attribution of positive characteristics to attractive people the "beauty-is-good" stereotype. The stereotyping literature since then provides extensive evidence for the differential judgment and treatment of attractive versus unattractive people, but does not indicate whether it is an advantage to be attractive or a disa...