Ramir Hollis: The Biologist
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Biological Literature Evaluations
The Morphological and Molecular Changes of Brain Cells Exposed to Direct Current Electric Field Stimulation
Simon J. Pelletier, MSc; Marie Lagacé, MSc; Isabelle St-Amour, PhD et al.
The application of low-intensity direct current electric fields has been experimentally used in the clinic to treat a number of brain disorders, predominantly using transcranial direct current stimulation approaches. However, the cellular and molecular changes induced by such treatment remain largely unknown. The experiment was conducted using various intensities of direct current electric fields (0, 25, 50, and 100V/m) in a well-controlled in vitro environment in order to investigate the responses of neurons, microglia, and astrocytes to this type of stimulation. This included morphological assessments of the cells, viability, as well as shape and fiber outgrowth relative to the orientation of the direct current electric field. In response to direct current electric field, neurons developed an elongated cell body shape with neurite outgrowth that was associated with a significant increase in growth associated protein-43. In conclusion, the cells of the central nervous system can respond to direct current electric fields and this in turn can help us to begin understand the mechanisms underlying the clinical benefits of direct current electric field.
A Review of Domestic Dogs Humanlike Behaviors
Article By Udell, M. A. ., & Wynne, C. D
The article aimed to explain the behaviors of the domesticated dog and why they are closely related to human behaviors. In addition, because humans tend to utilize dogs in important roles in our society, it is imperative that we understand dog behavior for training purposes. The history between dogs and humans helped explain the relationship and common behaviors amongst each other. In the article studies on dogs revealed that dogs understand human communication and in return replicates the social skills in order to respond to their owner. These facts are very interesting, because dogs are very intelligent and also very adaptable to their environment. Furthermore, the article makes you wonder why humans selected dogs instead of primates, in which human are closely related, to domesticate.
African Americans, Hypertension and the Renin Angiotensin System
Sandra F Williams, Susanne B Nicholas, Nosratola D Vaziri, and Keith C Norris
The article entails the rationale of RAS blockade as part of a comprehensive approach to attenuate the high rates of premature morbidity and mortality associated with hypertension among African Americans. Reason being, African Americans have exceptionally high rates of hypertension and hypertension related complications. Yet, effective treatments like the renin angiotensin system (RAS) inhibitors’ efficiency is attenuated in African Americans, due to a greater likelihood of having a low renin profile. Therefore these agents are often not recommended as initial therapy in African Americans with hypertension. However, the high prevalence of comorbid conditions, such as diabetes, cardiovascular and chronic kidney disease makes treatment with RAS inhibitors more compelling. Despite lower circulating renin levels and a less significant fall in blood pressure in response to RAS inhibitors in African Americans, numerous clinical trials support the efficacy of RAS inhibitors to improve clinical outcomes in this population, especially in those with hypertension and risk factors for cardiovascular and related diseases.
The Origin of Dogs: Running With the Wolves
Article By Morell, V
The article reiterated the fact that dogs as we know today are descendants of the grey wolf many years ago. The change from wolf to dog have no exact date but it is known to have happen 100,000 years ago. Studies were executed to determine just how closely related the wolf was to a common dog. Researchers examined mitochondrial DNA that were taken from 140 dogs and 162 wolves. The results revealed that the separation was around 135,000 years. However, some speculate this to be untrue because the dog and wolf DNA do not match sequentially, thus making researchers believe that the wolf species that dogs descended from may be extinct.
Progression and Regression in Renal Vascular and Glomerular Fibrosis
Christos Chatziantoniou, Jean-Jacques Boffa, Pierre-Louis Tharaux et. al.
This study focused on the mechanisms of the hypertension-associated fibrosis and the few recent studies that gave promising results for a therapeutic intervention. The only available treatment today against chronic renal failure is dialysis or kidney transplantation, making thus ESRD one of the most expensive diseases to treat on a per-patient basis. End-stage renal disease (ESRD) is characterized by the development of fibrotic lesions in the glomerular, interstitial and vascular compartments. Renal fibrogenesis, a common complication of diabetes and hypertension, is a complex dynamic process involving, inflammatory agents, cytokines, and enzymes participating in extracellular matrix assembly, anchoring or degradation. Â Over the last 5 years, different approaches have been tested in experimental models of nephropathy with variable degree of success. Researcher continue to develop experiments that challenge the existing epidemic that consist of Hypertension and Diabetes.