001). On multivariate analysis nephrometry score was independently associated with a higher risk of postoperative

complications (OR 2.23, 95% CI 1.05-2.11, p = 0.008).

Conclusions: In a multi-institutional cohort of patients undergoing laparoscopic cryoablation, the R.E.N.A.L. nephrometry score is independently associated with the occurrence of complications. Therefore, nephrometry can be used to successfully stratify patients in terms of anticipated risk of complications which, in turn, may help with surgical decision making.”
“Injuries in the mammalian central nervous system induce a variety of factors which promote or inhibit neuronal axon regeneration/sprouting. However, selleck the inhibitory activities are much stronger, and indeed are the major obstacle to functional recovery. Chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans (CSPGs) are produced by activated glial cells, and are among the strongest inhibitors. Here, we investigated the role of the growth factor midkine (MK), which binds to CSPGs, in neuronal injury. MK expression was induced by spinal cord injury, and was mainly produced by activated astrocytes. A prolonged culture of neurons also produced MK. MK not only enhanced neurite outgrowth on the substratum coated with poly-L-lysine, but also overcame the neurite growth inhibition by the CSPG substratum. Moreover, we found that MK activated neither astrocytes nor

microglia as evaluated by morphological buy MK-0518 changes and cell proliferation or nitric oxide production. These properties would be advantageous for the treatment of neuronal injuries in vivo. Therefore, we next explored the therapeutic effect of MK in a rat spinal cord injury

model. MK or vehicle was administered intrathecally for 2 weeks using an osmotic pump after spinal cord contusion injury. Rats treated AG-014699 in vitro with MK showed significantly better functional recovery after 5 weeks. These results suggest that MK may offer a potent alternative for the treatment of neuronal injuries without activating glial cells. (c) 2013 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.”
“Proteins targeted to the mitochondrial matrix are translocated through the outer and the inner mitochondrial membranes by two protein complexes, the translocase of the outer membrane (TOM) and one of the translocases of the inner membrane (TIM23). The protein Tim23, the core component of TIM23, consists of an N-terminal, soluble domain in the intermembrane space (IMS) and a C-terminal domain that forms the import pore across the inner membrane. Before translocation proceeds, precursor proteins are recognized by the N-terminal domain of Tim23, Tim23N (residues 1-96). By using NMR spectroscopy, we show that Tim23N is a monomeric protein belonging to the family of intrinsically disordered proteins. Titrations of Tim23N with two presequences revealed a distinct binding region of Tim23N formed by residues 71-84.