The plasma reacted with platelet lysate in a western blot, showing reactivity with CD36. This was confirmed by probing with Mo91, a monoclonal

antibody to CD36. When the patient’s plasma was used to probe purified verotoxin-2, bands of 32 and 7.7 kDa were obtained. Similar results were obtained using Mo91. The reactions suggest structural homologies between CD36 and verotoxin. Although a direct cause-effect relationship is not yet established, the data support the concept of an immunological pathogenesis for HUS with the formation of cross-reacting antibodies.”
“Human alpha-synuclein (alpha-Syn) is instrumental in maintaining homeostasis of monoamine neurotransmitters in brain, through its trafficking, and regulation of the cell surface expression and, thereby, activity of dopamine, serotonin and norepinephrine transporters. Here we have investigated whether other members of the synuclein buy MK-8776 family of proteins, gamma-synuclein (gamma-Syn) and beta-synuclein (beta-Syn) can similarly modulate the serotonin transporter check details (SERT). In Ltk(-) cells co-transfected with SERT and gamma-Syn, gamma-Syn reduced

[(3)H]5-HT uptake, in a manner dependent on its expression levels. The decrease in SERT activity was via decreased V(max) of the transporter, without change in K., compared to cells expressing only SERT. By contrast, beta-Syn co-expression failed to alter SERT uptake activity, and neither the V(max) nor the K(m) was changed in the presence of beta-Syn. gamma-Syn Phosphatidylethanolamine N-methyltransferase modulation of SERT was only partial, with a maximal similar to 27% decrease in SERT activity seen even at high expression levels of gamma-Syn. By contrast, a-Syn attenuated SERT activity by similar to 65% at identical

expression levels as gamma-Syn. Co-immunoprecipitation studies showed the presence of heteromeric protein: protein complexes between gamma-Syn or alpha-Syn and SERT, while beta-Syn failed to physically interact with SERT. Both alpha-Syn and gamma-Syn colocalized with SERT in rat primary raphae nuclei neurons. These studies document a novel physiological role for gamma-Syn in regulating 5-HT synaptic availability and homeostasis, and may be of relevance in depression and mood disorders, where SERT function is dysregulated. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.”
“In May 2000, bacterial contamination of municipal water in Walkerton, Ontario, resulted in the worst public health disaster involving municipal water in Canadian history. At least seven people died and 2300 became ill. A public inquiry led by judge Dennis O’Connor examined the events and delineated the causes of the outbreak, including physical causes, the role of the public utilities operators, the public utilities commissioners, the Ministry of the Environment (MOE), and the provincial government.