Physiology Or Medicine Research Articles

Kurt Huldschinsky: A pioneer in the struggle against rickets

Kurt Huldschinsky (1883-1940) was a German pediatrician who was one of the international leaders in the field of rickets research between the two world wars. After his medical studies, he served at the Kaiserin-Auguste-Victoria-Haus in Berlin and at the University Children's Hospital in Vienna, among other places. After World War I, he worked with the famous orthopedist Konrad Biesalski at the Oskar-Helene-Heim for the healing and education of frail children in Berlin. Here he was the first to prove that exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from mercury vapor lamps ("artificial sunlight") could cure rickets in young children, which is mostly caused by vitamin D deficiency. He published his discovery in this journal - the Deutsche Medizinische Wochenschrift [German Medical Weekly] - in 1919. For this groundbreaking scientific achievement and his further research into the prevention and treatment of rickets, Huldschinsky was awarded the Otto Heubner Prize of the German Association of Pediatrics in 1926. He was even nominated for the Nobel Prize in Medicine. As a Jew, however, he had to flee Germany from the National Socialists in 1933/34. Together with his wife and daughter, he emigrated to Egypt, where he died in Alexandria on October 31, 1940. As Huldschinsky was for many decades almost forgotten, this article recalls the life and work of a meritorious physician and scientist.

Sensational channels

This year's Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine was awarded to David Julius and Ardem Patapoutian for "explaining the molecular basis for sensing heat, cold and mechanical force." Their findings capped off a scientific quest to identify the mechanisms within the somatosensory system mediating the detection of internal and external environments.

The science of “smell” and the noble for “hugs:” making “sense?”

David Julius and Ardem Patapoutian were jointly awarded the 2021 Nobel Prize in Physiology and Medicine for their discoveries of receptors for temperature and touch. It was a phenomenal moment for the scientific community, more for the discovery that forms the basic fabric of our everyday life—ever imagined how life would have been without feeling the aroma around? Or even the dangers of accidentally touching a heated object. Dr Julius and Dr Patapoutian, independently discovered key mechanisms of how living organisms sense heat, cold, and touch. The journey started when Dr Julius, at the University of California, San Francisco, used a key ingredient in hot chili peppers to identify a protein in nerve cells that respond to these stimuli. Using capsaicin, the pungent component of chili peppers, he provided fundamental insights into mechanisms of pain. Then using a meticulous cDNA library-based functional screening from sensory neurons to search for the gene(s) that could confer capsaicin sensitivity, Dr Julius identified for the first time a novel ion channel (now called transient receptor potential [TRP] vanilloid 1) belonging to the family of TRP ion channels associated with the pain sensitivity. A painful exercise indeed! While Prof Julius was exploring the oceans and skies to hunt for sensory pain pathways, quite independently, Dr Patapoutian of Scripps Research Institute La Jolla, California, was searching for a similar thing that seemed to bother him equally. How do we sense touches? After all, there are so many emotions packaged in this small five-letter word, touch. The mother’s touch is the first sensation that every single of us always cherishes. Dr Patapoutian research is centered around finding candidate genes in a mechanosensitive cell line that could respond to mechanical stimuli. After a thorough search, the team identified two mechanically-activated ion channels, PIEZO1 and PIEZO2, representing an entirely novel class of mechanical sensors-based ion channels. What is fascinating is the idea that discovery of the smell and touch receptor stretches far beyond just touch and temperature sensations only. Mutations in other TRP channels are involved in neurodegenerative disorders and skeletal dysplasia, while mutations in PIEZO channels help control critical functions such as respiration and blood pressure regulation. So now, the mysterious world surrounding us looks more transparent and clearer. The molecular landscape is defined with precision. We now have a chemical entity behind all these emotions and intuition. The warm hug that makes our day is now millions of ions crisscrossing the ion channels. There is a different side to this too. How will the world look if everything is defined as a chemical entity? Won’t we lose the charm? After all, so much within the subtleness remains charmful when wrapped within the veil of ignorance. Knowing too much about something steals the show.

The Rise of Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell Approach to Hair Restoration.

The advent of pluripotent stem cells following the discovery of Shinya Yamanaka (2012 Nobel prize in Medicine) brought about a regenerative medicine approach to virtually every human condition including hair loss. It is now possible to reprogram somatic cells (eg, blood or skin cells) from a person experiencing hair loss to generate autologous induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), which could be amplified and cryopreserved. Subsequently, these iPSCs could be differentiated into various cell types such as dermal papilla cells, epithelial cells, melanocytes, and other cell types constituting functional hair follicle. Transplantation of human iPSC-derived folliculogenic cells into the nude mice has successfully generated xenografts with hair outgrowth. Because iPSCs provide a virtually unlimited source of folliculogenic cells for de novo formation of hair follicles, this approach has major advantages over current surgical hair restoration procedures, which merely redistribute existing hair follicles from one part of the sculp to another. Combined with robotics and automation of the transplantation process, this novel regenerative medicine approach is well poised to make hair restoration a routine procedure affordable for everybody who can benefit from it.

The History and Challenges of Women in Genetics: A Focus on Non-Western Women.

“Women in much of the world lack support for fundamental functions of a human life.” This truthful portrait was pointed out by Martha Nussbaum in her book “Introduction: Feminism & International Development.” Throughout history, gender inequality has been persistent in many aspects of life, including health and empowerment. Unfortunately, this inequality has not been excluded from the field of science. Perpetual assumption that women’s absence or restriction to secondary roles in various disciplines is an acceptable law of nature misrepresents women’s contribution to science and maintains hurdles for participation in the future. According to a recent UNESCO’s report, women make up only 30% of researchers worldwide. But despite all the obstacles, women made major contributions with discoveries that shaped the progress in many scientific fields. In the field of genetics, Rosalind Franklin is an example of unwittingly compromised women’s scientific achievements. Franklin was an expert in X-ray crystallography; her data, especially the “photo 51,” was critical to James Watson and Francis Crick along with their own data to publish the discovery of the double helix DNA structure in 1953. Her contribution was acknowledged posthumously in Watson’s memoir in 1968. Barbara McClintock was a 20th century American cytogeneticist who remains up to date the only woman receiving an unshared Nobel prize in Physiology or Medicine. McClintock dedicated her work to cytogenetics and discovered the phenomenon of mobile genes. Her research was initially subjected to skepticism in the 1950s. It was not until the late 1960s that the community realized the significance of McClintock’s discovery. The history of science is occupied with a myriad of similar tales of such inspiring women that, after tremendous struggles, thrived and achieved breakthroughs in their respective fields. It is prominent our limited knowledge of women’s experience and struggle in science in non-western world. Addressing the stories of this outstanding minority is critical to expand the understanding of the gender disparity factors embedded in diverse cultures. In this article, we attempt to put the spotlight on some fascinating non-western women and their significant contributions to the field of genetics.

Rhinology in review: from COVID-19 to biologicals

We look back at the end of what soon will be seen as an historic year, from COVID-19 to real-world introduction of biologicals influencing the life of our patients. This review describes the important findings in Rhinology over the past year. A large body of evidence now demonstrates loss of sense of smell to be one of the most common symptoms of COVID-19 infection; a meta-analysis of 3563 patients found the mean prevalence of self-reported loss to be 47%. A number of studies have now shown long-term reduced loss of smell and parosmia. Given the high numbers of people affected by COVID-19, even with the best reported recovery rates, a significant number worldwide will be left with severe olfactory dysfunction. The most prevalent causes for olfactory dysfunction, besides COVID-19 and upper respiratory tract infections in general, are trauma and CRSwNP. For these CRSwNP patients a bright future seems to be starting with the development of treatment with biologics. This year the Nobel prize in Medicine 2021 was awarded jointly to David Julius and Ardem Patapoutian for their discoveries of receptors for temperature and touch which has greatly enhanced our understanding of nasal hyperreactivity and understanding of intranasal trigeminal function. Finally, a new definition of chronic rhinitis has been proposed in the last year and we have seen many papers emphasizing the importance of endotyping patients in chronic rhinitis and rhinosinusitis in order to optimise treatment effect.

Nobel prize in physiology or medicine 2021, receptors for temperature and touch: Implications for hematology.

Nobel prize in physiology or medicine 2021, receptors for temperature and touch: Implications for hematology.

The Australasian Cell Death Society (ACDS): celebrating 50 years of Australasian cell death research

The Australasian Cell Death Society (ACDS): celebrating 50 years of Australasian cell death research

DOPAMINE, AND ITS EFFECT ON THE HUMAN BRAIN

In this article, we look at how dopamine acts on our body, and what positive and negative can be seen behind dopamine. Of course, such an important hormone deserves much more careful consideration. Dopamine is responsible for motivation in our body. But do not think that "this is why I am so lazy - dopamine is not enough," no you are lazy simply, because lazy or there is no need to strain. Dopamine is produced behind the "motivation," and not in front of it. Because there is no desire - then there is no dopamine. There is a desire - here is dopamine to help, just act. Yes, people are different, someone can naturally have an overpriced background of dopamine, impulsive people who 5 minutes ago decided to buy a mobile phone and are already calling the store, even if they do not need it. But the vast majority live stably and smoothly and strain, there is no need to try. The association of a lack of dopamine with Parkinson's disease was established by Gornikevich using a fairly simple color reaction. However, the role of dopamine as a neurotransmitter was revealed by another scientist - Arvid Karlsson (Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for 2000). Before him, dopamine was considered only a precursor to noradrenaline, and not a signalling substance. It was in Karlsson's experiments with reserpine that a direct connection was established between the level of dopamine and motor functions. With the development of biochemistry and molecular biology, it became possible to study in more detail the functions of this neurotransmitter. From his role in coordinating movements to explaining the actions of some antipsychotics and psychostimulants. Also, many researchers consider metabolic disorders of this neurotransmitter as one of the causes of schizophrenia, i.e., there is a "dopamine theory of schizophrenia."

The Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine 2021 was Awarded Jointly to Researchers—A ‘touchy’ story.....

The Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine 2021 was Awarded Jointly to Researchers—A ‘touchy’ story.....

Joseph Murray: Pioneering Plastic Surgeon and Father of the First Organ Transplant.

Dr. Joseph Murray was a plastic surgeon who is best known for performing the first successful human organ transplant. After graduating from Harvard Medical School and completing a surgical internship at Peter Bent Brigham Hospital, Murray enlisted in the US Army Medical Corp and spent 5years at Valley Forge General Hospital treating World War II soldiers injured in combat. He treated hundreds of burn victims with skin grafts and took an interest in the variable process of graft rejection based on both the patient's relation to the graft donor and the patient's level of immunocompetency. His work at Valley Forge set the stage for his research investigating the feasibility of kidney transplantation and immunosuppression. He went on to perform the first successful kidney transplant between identical twins in 1954, between fraternal twins in 1959, and between an unrelated donor and recipient in 1962. For his efforts, he was awarded the 1990 Nobel Prize in Medicine.

2021 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine awarded for discovery of receptors for temperature and touch

2021 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine awarded for discovery of receptors for temperature and touch

X Meeting of The Latin American Society of Tuberculosis and other Mycobacteriosis (SLAM-TB)

On behalf of the Mexican Society of Immunology (SMI), and the Latin-American Society of Tuberculosis and other Mycobacteriosis (SLAM-TB), it is a pleasure to invite and welcome you to the XXIV Congress of SMI and X Meeting of the SLAM-TB, which in this occasion and for the first time both Conferences will be virtual events. Monterrey city in the Northeast of Mexico was the original place where both Conferences should be held the last year, but due to the COVID-19 pandemic it was not possible and now both Congresses will be virtual meetings. Both Scientific Program Committees have organized an outstanding schedule of lectures and symposia that will provide you with the fundamental knowledge and the most recent advances in mycobacteriology and immunity in health and disease. Due to the solidarity and enthusiasm of our invited speakers, the new program is quite similar to the original one and in the case of the Mexican Congress of Immunology it was substantially improved by the participation of Dr. Buchner and Dr. Doherty, both Medicine Nobel Prize awarded scientists. Besides the integration of new symposiums of high relevance topics organized by colleagues with high academic profile and prestige.SLAMTB congregate a wide group of Latin-American microbiologists, molecular biologists, epidemiologists, immunologists and other researchers interested in the study of Mycobacterium tuberculosis and other related pathogens. SLAM-TB was founded in 2006 in Pucón Chile and its most important academical activity is this Meeting, in which numerous and active researchers in this field from diverse countries present and discuss their recent results, also well-known excellent researchers dictate conferences on the most relevant topics about tuberculosis.

The 2020 Nobel Prize for Medicine or Physiology for the Discovery of Hepatitis C Virus: A Triumph of Curiosity and Persistence.

The 2020 Nobel Prize in Medicine or Physiology was awarded to Drs. Harvey Alter, Michael Houghton, and Charles Rice for their contributions to the discovery and characterization of the hepatitis C virus (HCV). Their achievements represent a remarkable triumph of biomedical science which allowed the development of curative therapy for HCV, that will save countless lives. This tribute provides a historical perspective of the laureates' seminal work leading to the discovery of the HCV and a synopsis of a forum hosted by the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases to honor the laureates in which they offered their perspectives, advice for young investigators and what's left to accomplish in the field. Finally, others in the research community who have worked closely with one or more of the laureates, share some of their personal reflections and anecdotes.

One Hundred Years of Insulin

Abstract The 1923 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine was awarded jointly to Canadian physician Frederick Grant Banting (1891-1941) and Scottish biochemist and physiologist John James Macleod (1876-1935) “for the discovery of insulin”. It was a remarkable finding since diabetes mellitus was an untreatable and often lethal disease until then. Much has been written about Banting and Macleod’s breakthrough research conducted at the University of Toronto starting in November 1920, including the key roles played by their trustworthy assistants, medical student Charles Best and biochemist James Collip. On the other hand, much less has been written about the pioneering research of Romanian physiologist Nicolae Paulescu (1869-1931), whose work on the metabolic effects of canine pancreatic extracts predates that of Banting and Macleod but was interrupted by World War I. Should Best, Collip, or Paulescu have also shared the Nobel Prize?

A Radiologist, World-Class Scientist, and a Life Well Lived: Salvador Luria

Even an especially forward-facing field such as radiology, locus of some of the most significant innovations in medicine over the past century, needs to pause from time to time to reflect on its past. A key opportunity for such reflection is provided by the stories of the remarkable men and women who have trained in the field and made major contributions to science. One such individual, largely unknown to radiologists today, is Salvador Luria, whose discoveries in bacterial and viral genetics garnered him the 1969 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine.

Model organism databases are in jeopardy.

Model organism databases are in jeopardy.

Enhancing immunotherapy in cancer by targeting emerging immunomodulatory pathways.

The discovery and clinical implementation of immune-checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) targeting CTLA4, PD-1 and PD-L1 has revolutionized the treatment of cancer, as recognized by the 2018 Nobel Prize for Medicine and Physiology. This groundbreaking new approach has improved the outcomes of patients with various forms of advanced-stage cancer; however, the majority of patients receiving these therapies, even in combination, do not derive clinical benefit. Further development of agents targeting additional immune checkpoints, co-stimulatory receptors and/or co-inhibitory receptors that control T cell function is therefore critical. In this Review, we discuss the translational potential and clinical development of agents targeting both co-stimulatory and co-inhibitory T cell receptors. Specifically, we describe their mechanisms of action, and provide an overview of ongoing clinical trials involving novel ICIs including those targeting LAG3, TIM3, TIGIT and BTLA as well as agonists of the co-stimulatory receptors GITR, OX40, 41BB and ICOS. We also discuss several additional approaches, such as harnessing T cell metabolism, in particular via adenosine signalling, inhibition of IDO1, and targeting changes in glucose and fatty acid metabolism. We conclude that further efforts are needed to optimize the timing of combination ICI approaches and, most importantly, to individualize immunotherapy based on both patient-specific and tumour-specific characteristics.

Immunoregulation by Artemisinin and Its Derivatives: A New Role for Old Antimalarial Drugs.

Artemisinin and its derivatives (ARTs) are known as conventional antimalarial drugs with clinical safety and efficacy. Youyou Tu was awarded a Nobel Prize in Physiology and Medicine due to her discovery of artemisinin and its therapeutic effects on malaria. Apart from antimalarial effects, mounting evidence has demonstrated that ARTs exert therapeutic effects on inflammation and autoimmune disorders because of their anti-inflammatory and immunoregulatory properties. In this aspect, tremendous progress has been made during the past five to seven years. Therefore, the present review summarizes recent studies that have explored the anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects of ARTs on autoimmune diseases and transplant rejection. In this review, we also discuss the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying the immunomodulatory effects of ARTs. Recent preclinical studies will help lay the groundwork for clinical trials using ARTs to treat various immune-based disorders, especially autoimmune diseases.

Lessons in Greatness: Radiologic Scientist Hermann Muller

The career and life of Hermann Muller (1890-1967) merit the attention of contemporary radiology educators and learners for many reasons. First and foremost, Muller ranks as one of the foremost geneticists of the 20th century, receiving the 1946 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for his groundbreaking discoveries on the role of x-rays in causing genetic mutations (1). But there is more to Muller than bench science. He also served as one of his era's foremost advocates for radiation safety, and his profound ethical and political convictions more than once landed him in hot water (2).