We investigated whether IFN-alpha/beta, IFN-gamma, or human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) induce neopterin production by human astroglioma cells. IFN-alpha/beta and IFN-gamma, but not HIV, induced neopterin. Interestingly, IFN-gamma, but not IFN-alpha/beta, increased expression and activity of the tryptophan-catabolizing enzyme Bromosporine mw indoleamine (2,3)-dioxygenase. In contrast, IFN-alpha/beta, but not IFN-gamma, reduced the uptake of three aromatic amino acids in U87MG and U138 astroglioma cells. Thus type I and type II IFN stimulate astrocyte-derived cells

to produce neopterin and exert differential effects on amino acid metabolism. (C) 2008 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.”
“Background Schools in many countries undertake programmes for smoking prevention, but systematic reviews have shown mixed evidence of their effectiveness. Most peer-led approaches have been classroom-based, and rigorous assessments are scarce. We assessed the effectiveness of a peer-led intervention that aimed to prevent smoking uptake in secondary schools.

Methods We undertook a cluster randomised controlled

trial of 10730 students aged 12-13 years in 59 schools in England and Wales. 29 schools (5372 students) were randomly assigned by stratified block randomisation to the control group to continue their usual smoking Alvespimycin education and 30 (5358 students) to the intervention group. The intervention (ASSIST [A Stop Smoking In Schools Trial] programme) consisted of training

influential students to act as peer supporters during informal interactions outside the classroom to encourage their peers not to smoke. Follow-up was immediately after the intervention and at 1 and 2 years. Primary outcomes were smoking in the past week in both the school year group and in a group at high risk of regular smoking uptake, which was identified at baseline as occasional, experimental, or ex-smokers. Analysis was by intention to treat. This study is registered, number ISRCTN55572965.

Findings The odds ratio of being a smoker in intervention compared with control schools was 0 . 75 (95% Cl 0 . 55-1.01) immediately after the intervention (n=9349 students), 0.77 (0.59-0.99) at 1-year follow-up (n=9147), and 0 . 85 (0.72-1. 01) at 2-year follow-up (n=8756). The PF-6463922 datasheet corresponding odds ratios for the high-risk group were 0 . 79 (0 . 55-1 . 13 [n=3561]), 0.75 (0.56-0.99 [n=3483]), and 0 . 85 (0.70-1.02 [n=3294]), respectively. In a three-tier multilevel model with data from all three follow-ups, the odds of being a smoker in intervention compared with control schools was 0 . 78 (0.64-0.96).

Interpretation The results suggest that, if implemented on a population basis, the ASSIST intervention could lead to a reduction in adolescent smoking prevalence of public-health importance.”
“Membrane microdomains (MDs), or lipid rafts, are recently identified dynamic membrane domains on which various signal-transductions are performed.