Transporter inhibition study highlighted that GLUT9 strongly and MRP4 intermediately contribute to the sinusoidal efflux of UA with minor contribution of NPT1/4. Modeling analysis developed in the present study should be useful for quantitative prediction of uric acid disposition in liver.Oxidative stress is associated with the progression of the neurodegenerative diseases Parkinson’s disease (PD) and cerebral ischemia. Recently, 5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA), an intermediate in the porphyrin synthesis pathway, was reported to exert antioxidative effects on macrophages and cardiomyocytes. Here, we demonstrated the neuroprotective effects of 5-ALA using rat models of PD and ischemia as well as in vitro in SH-SY5Y cells. 5-ALA partially prevented neurodegeneration in each condition. These results suggest that 5-ALA has a potential for promising therapeutic agent to protect against neurodegeneration exacerbated by oxidative stress.Glutamate is the major excitatory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system. Glutamate transmission efficiency depends on the correct functionality and expression of a plethora of receptors and transporters, located both on neurons and glial cells. Of note, glutamate reuptake by dedicated transporters prevents its accumulation at the synapse as well as non-physiological spillover. Indeed, extracellular glutamate increase causes aberrant synaptic signaling leading to neuronal excitotoxicity and death. Moreover, extrasynaptic glutamate diffusion is strongly associated with glia reaction and neuroinflammation. Glutamate-induced excitotoxicity is mainly linked to an impaired ability of glial cells to reuptake and respond to glutamate, then this is considered a common hallmark in many neurodegenerative diseases, including Parkinson’s disease (PD). In this review, we discuss the function of astrocytes and microglia in glutamate homeostasis, focusing on how glial dysfunction causes glutamate-induced excitotoxicity leading to neurodegeneration in PD.

The shift in the national focus and allocation of resources to the management of COVID19 has led to significant changes to surgical practice including the delay of elective surgery. The aim of this study was to explore the implications of such changes on surgeons.

Using a qualitative study design, semi-structured interviews were conducted with general surgery consultants and non-consultant hospital doctors from a major tertiary hospital in the Dublin region between March-May 2020. Data collection proceeded iteratively using a thematic analysis approach with quality controls such as memoing and collaborative analysis.

Fourteen surgeons (8 male, 6 female) were interviewed. The majority (n=11, 78.6%) were NCHDs. Significant themes determined included ‘impacts’ on a variety of constructs such as performance, self-reported fatigue and wellbeing. Training themes elucidated included the effects of the cancellation of elective admissions on reduced operative exposure for trainees. Senior surgical staff were particularly focused on increased complexity in patient management. New policy requirements such as personal protective equipment use and novel rotas have had implications for aspects of work engagement. The pandemic and subsequent national restrictions imposed has afforded opportunities for improved well-being but also resulted in greater solitude in surgeons.

Rhetoric surrounding fatigue management and virus control dominates the conversation on the relationship between COVID-19 and surgery. Tipping the balance back to parity of fatigue management with service delivery in surgery will be key for sustainability of the surgical workforce.

Rhetoric surrounding fatigue management and virus control dominates the conversation on the relationship between COVID-19 and surgery. Tipping the balance back to parity of fatigue management with service delivery in surgery will be key for sustainability of the surgical workforce.

Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (AIS) is a common form of scoliosis, causing rotational deformity of the torso in a teenage population. In AIS this happens at a time of particular psychological development and vulnerability and a link between AIS and mental health problems has been observed.

Over a 6 month period, all patients with AIS aged 10-18 referred to a single spinal deformity centre in the UK were screened for symptoms suggestive of a potential diagnosis of depression and social anxiety.

Of the 33 patients surveyed, 6 (18%) had scores worthy of further assessment for a potential diagnosis of depression and 19 (59%) worthy of further assessment for a potential diagnosis of social anxiety.

This small study supports the notion that there is an association between AIS and mental health issues. These initial findings support the practice of routine mental health screening in AIS.

This small study supports the notion that there is an association between AIS and mental health issues. this website These initial findings support the practice of routine mental health screening in AIS.

This study examined the rate and level of microbial contamination of silver and non-silver (control) barrel contact lens storage cases in vivo.

A prospective, single-centre, randomized, double blinded, crossover study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of silver and control barrel cases used with an Oxipol™-based disinfecting solution over a two-month period. Lens cases were collected, and the frequency, type and level of microbial contamination evaluated using viable culture and standard identification methods. Questionnaires were used to assess the contact lens-related hygiene compliance of the participants.

Forty eight daily contact lens wearers completed the study. Overall, 27 % of silver and 35 % control lens cases (P > 0.05) were contaminated, predominantly with Gram-positive bacteria. Only, 12 % of participants had good compliance, with 46 % having average compliance and 43 % poor compliance. Compliance score was not associated with level of microbial contamination. However, the use of hydrogel lenses in combination with silver cases compared to non-silver barrel cases resulted significantly greater numbers of bacteria colonising cases.

The present investigation demonstrated that the use of silver barrel cases does not reduce the overall rate and level of bacterial contamination, but that using hydrogel lenses in combination with silver cases resulted in higher numbers of bacteria isolated from cases.

The present investigation demonstrated that the use of silver barrel cases does not reduce the overall rate and level of bacterial contamination, but that using hydrogel lenses in combination with silver cases resulted in higher numbers of bacteria isolated from cases.