A less known feature of tau is its existence as a non-microtubule associated protein. Here we review the interactions of tau with other proteins, some of which interact with the microtubule binding repeat region of tau. The tau interactions with Fyn and with Pin1 have attracted the most attention and both interactions have been thought to have a role in Alzheimer’s disease. The fact A-1331852 order that tau has unknown cellular functions is further evidenced by its involvement in cell cycle activated neurodegeneration. One possible route for additional investigations stems from the presence of tau in non-neuronal cells where its characteristics have been largely unknown, although there has
been a correlation between tau levels and the response of some cancer cells to microtubule-targeting chemotherapy drugs. Our studies of prostate cancer cells indicate see more that these cells can provide a system with phosphorylated adult tau for functional studies. In fact, structural similarities exist between Alzheimer’s disease tau and prostate cancer cell tau, raising the possibility that new tau functions uncovered in prostate cancer cells will have relevance to Alzheimer’s disease.”
“Background: Soft tissue infections are common among injection drug users (IDUs), but information on correlates and treatment in this highly marginalized population is lacking.
Methods:
Six hundred twenty-three community-recruited IDUs in Tijuana, Mexico, completed a detailed interview
on abscess history and treatment. Univariate and multiple logistic regressions were used to identify factors independently associated with having an abscess in the prior 6 months.
Results: Overall, 46% had ever had an abscess and 20% had had an abscess in the past 6 months. Only 12% had sought medical care for their most recent abscess; selleck chemical 60% treated the abscess themselves. The most common self-treatment method was to apply heated (24%) or unheated (23%) Aloe vera leaf. Other methods included draining the wound with a syringe (19%) or knife (11%). Factors independently associated with recent abscess were having income from sex work (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 4.56, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.08-10.00), smoking methamphetamine (aOR 1.65, 95% CI 1.05-2.62), seeking someone to help with injection (aOR 2.06, 95% CI 1.18-3.61), and reporting that police affected where they used drugs (aOR 2.14, 95% CI 1.15-3.96).
Conclusions: Abscesses are common among IDUs in this setting, but appropriate treatment is rare. Interventions to reduce barriers to medical care in this population are needed. Research on the effectiveness of Aloe vera application in this setting is also needed, as are interventions to provide IDU sex workers, methamphetamine smokers, and those who assist with injection with the information and equipment necessary to reduce abscess risk. (C) 2010 International Society for Infectious Diseases.