Statistical analysis shows pH and ratio of thiol to acrylates significantly affect reaction rates GANT61 (p < 0.05). The type of acrylate (PEGDA, PEGMA, or HEA) does not return as significant globally or within a pH range. Since localizing charge on a chain raises the effective pKa of nearby acids, gains in reaction rate from increasing chain functionality are shown to increase much less than would be expected from the increased concentration.”
“The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) performs multiple functions

in the cell: it is the major site of protein and lipid synthesis as well as the most important intracellular Ca2+ reservoir. Adverse conditions, Including a decrease in the ER Ca2+ level or an increase in oxidative stress, impair the formation of new proteins, resulting

in ER stress. The subsequent unfolded protein response (UPR) is a cellular attempt to lower the burden on the ER and to restore ER homeostasis by imposing a general arrest in protein synthesis, upregulating chaperone proteins and degrading misfolded proteins. This response can also lead to autophagy and, if the stress can not be alleviated, to apoptosis. The inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3) receptor (IP3R) and IP3-induced Ca2+ signaling are important players in these processes. Not only is the IP3R activity modulated in a dual way during ER stress, but also other key proteins involved in Ca2+ signaling are modulated. Changes also occur at the structural level with a strengthening of the contacts between the ER and Nutlin-3 mw the mitochondria, which are important determinants of mitochondrial

Ca2+ uptake. The resulting cytoplasmic and mitochondrial Ca2+ signals will control cellular decisions that either promote cell survival or cause their elimination via apoptosis. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: 12th European Symposium on Calcium. (C) 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.”
“Topical lithium (Li) gluconate has a beneficial effect on seborrhoeic dermatitis (SD), unlike oral lithium (Li) used in psychiatry. SD is an inflammatory dermatitis www.selleckchem.com/products/gm6001.html associated, in most of cases, with colonization by lipophilic yeasts of the genus Malassezia. However, the exact mechanism of action of Li gluconate in SD still remains unknown. The aim of our study was to investigate the effect of topical Li on cytokine secretion and innate immunity. For this purpose, we investigated first the modulatory effect of Li on two pro-inflammatory and two anti-inflammatory cytokine secretion and second, the modulatory effect of Li on Toll-like receptor (TLR) 2 and 4 expression by unstimulated and stimulated keratinocytes. Two different skin models were used: keratinocytes in monolayer and skin explants. In some of them, inflammation was induced with LPS (1 mu g/ml) or zymosan (2 mg/ml). Then the skin models were incubated with Li gluconate (Labcatal*, Montrouge, France) at three different concentrations (1.6, 3, 5 mM) determined according to viability MTT test.

Transgenic females proved to be reproductively competent as defined by fecundity, appropriate cyclic changes in vaginal cytology in intact adult females, and spontaneous LH surges as well as surges in response to steroid or mating stimuli. The expression of c-fos following such steroid treatment and mating in ovariectomized transgenics was similar to the

expression previously reported in nontransgenic mice. Likewise, the percentage of retrogradely labeled GnRH neurons was similar to that reported in nontransgenic mice. However, episodic LH secretion, an index of GnRH pulse generator activity, was dramatically compromised in ovariectomized female transgenics compared with C57BL6 controls of both sexes and castrated transgenic males. Taken together, these findings suggest that the GnRH pulse generator

is selectively impaired in ovariectomized females in which selleck GnRH neurons express GFP.”
“CD81 is a major receptor for Hepatitis C Virus (HCV). It belongs to the tetraspanin family whose members form dynamic clusters with numerous partner proteins and with one another, forming tetraspanin-enriched areas in Tariquidar mouse the plasma membrane. In our study, we combined single-molecule microscopy and biochemistry experiments to investigate the clustering and membrane behaviour of CD81 in the context of cells expressing EWI-2wint, a natural inhibitor of HCV entry. Interestingly, we found that EWI-2wint reduces the global diffusion of Selleck Dibutyryl-cAMP CD81 molecules due to a decrease of the diffusion rate of mobile CD81molecules and an increase in the proportion of confined molecules. Indeed, we demonstrated that EWI-2wint promotes CD81 clustering and confinement in CD81-enriched areas. In addition, we showed that EWI-2wint influences the colocalization of CD81 with Claudin-1 – a co-receptor required for HCV entry. Together, our results indicate that a change in membrane partitioning of CD81 occurs in the presence of EWI-2wint. This study gives new insights on the mechanism by

which HCV enters into its target cells, namely by exploiting the dynamic properties of CD81.”
“The epiphyte Pseudomonas syringae pv. syringae 22d/93 (Pss22d) produces the rare amino acid 3-methylarginine (MeArg), which is highly active against the closely related soybean pathogen Pseudomonas syringae pv. glycinea. Since these pathogens compete for the same habitat, Pss22d is a promising candidate for biocontrol of P. syringae pv. glycinea. The MeArg biosynthesis gene cluster codes for the S-adenosylmethionine (SAM)dependent methyltransferase MrsA, the putative aminotransferase MrsB, and the amino acid exporter MrsC. Transfer of the whole gene cluster into Escherichia coli resulted in heterologous production of MeArg. The methyltransferase MrsA was overexpressed in E. coli as a His-tagged protein and functionally characterized (K(m), 7 mM; k(cat), 85 min(-1)).

76-6.17). Gait variability also discriminates between different frailty status groups in particular during fast walking. S63845 clinical trial Prominent parameters related to prefrailty are reduced cadence (d = 1.43) and increased step width variability (d = 0.64), whereas frailty (vs. prefrail status) is characterized by

reduced step length during habitual walking (d = 1.32) and increased double support during fast walking (d = 0.78). Interestingly, one study suggested that dual-task walking speed can be used to predict prospective frailty development. Conclusion: Gait characteristics in people with frailty are insufficiently analyzed in the literature and represent a major area for innovation. Despite the paucity of work, current results suggest that parameters beyond speed

could be helpful in identifying different categories of frailty. Increased gait variability might reflect a multisystem selleck inhibitor reduction and may be useful in identifying frailty. In addition, a demanding task such as fast walking or adding a cognitive distractor might enhance the sensitivity and specificity of frailty risk prediction and classification, and is recommended for frailty assessment using gait analysis. Copyright (C) 2013 S. Karger AG, Basel”
“Density functional calculations are presented for various properties of the elpasolite crystals Cs2NaYX6 (X= F, Cl, Br) using the CASTEP module, either in the generalized PND-1186 mouse gradient approximation (GGA) or in the local density approximation (LDA). Specifically, the calculated properties are lattice parameter, density, band gap, elastic constants, bulk modulus, sound velocity, Debye temperature, Gruneisen constant, phonon frequencies and phonon dispersion. The variations of some of these properties with applied pressure have also been calculated. Comparison with experimental data is made where available. (C) 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.”
“Mesenchymal

hamartoma of the chest wall (MHCW) is a rare neonatal benign tumor with an estimated incidence of 1 in 3000 among primary bone tumors, and 1 in one million in the general population. Traditionally, the treatment of choice was an en bloc resection, but surgery limited to symptomatic cases, is now suggested by most authors due to the numerous cases of spontaneous regressions. We report 2 patients of symptomatic MHCW, characterized by progressive respiratory distress, who underwent surgical treatment with prompt resolution of symptoms. Surgeons and neonatologists should be aware of this rare condition and its possible fatal or nearly-fatal complications.”
“Background: The objective of this research was to examine treatment patterns and health-care costs associated with second-step pharmacotherapy in patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) who initiated monotherapy with a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) in 2010.

The results showed that the oral lethal dose, 50% (LD50) of the biomass of the multivitamin in mice was greater than 2492 mg/kg body weight (BW) and that poisoned mice recovered within 72 h. The no observed effect level (NOEL) of long-term consumption was more than 249.3 mg/kg BW for haematological Mizoribine in vitro parameters, clinical

chemistry parameters, histopathological examination of organs, food consumption, BW, ratio of organ weight to BW and other physiological parameters and conditions. Therefore, we conclude that dosages of up to 249.3 mg/kg BW/day of this multivitamin do not cause chronic toxicity in animals. Administration of this multivitamin may even improve the resistance of animals to negative environmental factors and may be safe for long-term consumption to enhance the health of individuals in accordance with the prescribed dosage (1.4 similar to 4.2 mg/kg BW/day). (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.”
“Brain injury disrupts neuronal circuits,

impacting neurological function. Selective and sensitive behavioral tests are required to explore neurological dysfunction, recovery and potential therapy. Previously we reported that the Whisker Nuisance Task (WNT), where whiskers are manually stimulated in an open field, shows sensory sensitivity in diffuse brain-injured rats. To further explore this somatosensory morbidity, we evaluated three additional whisker-dependent tasks: Gap Cross Test, a novel Angle Entrance CT99021 datasheet Task and Whisker Guided Exploration Task. Brain-injured (n = 11) and sham (n = 8) rats were tested before midline fluid check details percussion brain injury (moderate: 2.0 atm) and 1 and 4 weeks after injury. For the WNT, we confirmed that brain-injured rats develop significant sensory sensitivity to whisker stimulation over 28 days. In the Gap Cross Test, where rats cross progressively larger elevated gaps, we found that animals were inconsistent in crossable distance regardless of injury. In the Angle Entrance

Task, where rats enter 30 degrees, 40 degrees, 50 degrees or 80 degrees corners, rats performed consistently regardless of injury. In the Whisker Guided Exploration Task, where rats voluntarily explore an oval circuit, we identified significant decreases in the number of rears and reversals and changes in the predominant location (injured rats spend more time in the inside of the turn compared to the outside) after injury and increased thigmotaxis after sham and brain-injury. Both the WNT and Whisker Guided Exploration Task show injury-induced somatosensory behavioral morbidity: however, the WNT remains more sensitive in detecting brain injury, possibly due to imposed whisker stimulation that elicits agitation similar to the human condition. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.”
“Breast cancer, the most common form of cancer among women, rarely metastasizes to the paranasal sinuses and skull base.

Species-specific changes in density in response to planting diversity reinforced the value of creating heterogeneous habitat for grassland birds. Densities for all four species were substantially lower in unmanaged marginal grasslands versus conservation parcels and the community structure between the two habitats differed significantly, with generalist species (e.g., American robins, common grackles and grassland species associated with shorter, sparse

and patchy vegetation (e.g., horned lark and vesper sparrow)) largely replacing tallgrass specialists in unmanaged marginal grassland parcels. (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.”
“Objectives: The aim of the present study was to evaluate and assess the in vitro activity of eight drugs, including the new azole isavuconazole, against 81 strains representing CA3 13 species of the Fusarium fujikuroi species complex. Methods: A total of 81 Fusarium spp. isolates, within the F. fujikuroi species complex, were identified by molecular methods and tested according to CLSI M38-A2. Eight antifungal compounds, including the new azole isavuconazole, were tested. Isolates were selected to represent the widest variety

of geographical regions and to include clinical NVP-BSK805 cost as well as environmental strains. Results: Susceptibility profiles differed between and within species, with Fusarium verticillioides showing the lowest MICs and Fusarium nygamai the highest MICs. Amphotericin B was the most active drug, followed by voriconazole, posaconazole, isavuconazole and natamycin. The remaining antifungals (fluconazole, itraconazole and micafungin) showed poor activity with MIC/minimum effective concentration values of bigger than = 32, bigger than = 16 and bigger than 8 mg/L, respectively. Conclusions: Resistance patterns in the F. fujikuroi species complex are species specific and therefore identification down to species level

is important for the choice of antifungal treatment.”
“Creatine degradation to creatinine, which has no biological activity, in combinations of glycerol and pH 4.0 buffer solutions followed first-order kinetics up to a point where degradation started to level off, generally beyond the learn more first half-life. Practical data are reported for a wide range of water activity (a(w)) values (0.31-0.983) at 4 degrees C, 23 degrees C, and 35 degrees C. Creatine degradation did not exhibit a dilution effect, that is a decrease in rate about an a(w) of 0.7, as is found for both microbiological growth and chemical reactions in semisolid food matrix systems. The temperature dependence obeyed the Arrhenius relationship with an energy of activation of about 20 kcal/mol at a(w) >= 0.68 increasing to 23 kcal/mole below that a(w). In addition, a semilog plot of half-life as a function of a(w) at each temperature follows a predicted straight line.

05). 2. I-to current densities were decreased from epicardial to endocardial ventricular myocytes, which were 59.50 +/- 15.99 pA/pF, 29.15 +/- 5.53 pA/pF, and 12.29 +/- 3.62 pA/pF, respectively at + 70 mV test potential (P < 0.05). 3. APDs were gradually prolonged with the increase of DHA concentrations from 1 mu mol/L to 100 mu mol/L, however, APDs changes were not significant as DHA concentrations

were in the range of 0 mu mol/L to 1 selleck screening library mu mol/L. 4. I-to currents were gradually reduced with the increase of DHA concentrations from 1 mu mol/L to 100 mu mol/L, and its half-inhibited concentration was 5.3 mu mol/L. The results showed that there were regional differences in the distribution of action potentials and I-to in rat epicardial, mid-cardial and endocardial ventricular myocytes. APDs were prolonged and I-to current densities were gradually reduced with the increase of DHA concentrations.\n\nConclusion: The anti-arrhythmia mechanisms of DHA are complex, however, the effects of DHA on action potentials and I-to may be one of the important causes.”
“The swelling properties of polyampholytic hydrogels with different charge stoichiometric ratio were characterized by continuous monitoring changes in optical length of 60 sized hydrogels with 2 nm resolution using an interferometric readout Nirogacestat platform. The hydrogels were synthesized by copolymerizing acrylamide, crosslinker Bis and

charged monomers. Anionic-cationic polyampholyte gels consisted of different molar ratio between anionic monomer 2-acrylamido-2-methyl-1-propanesulfonic acid (AMPSA) and cationic monomer (3-acrylamidopropyl) trimethylammonium Small molecule library chloride (APTAC). The polyzwitterionic hydrogels consisted of zwitterionic monomer [2-(methacryloyloxy)ethyl] dimethyl-(3-sulfopropyl) ammonium hydroxide (SBA) with a certain molar of AMPSA or APTAC in addition to the AAM. The

observed swelling properties versus the ionic strength in the aqueous immersion solution revealed apparent anti-electrolyte signatures for both types of polyampholytic hydrogels. The swelling kinetics was not affected by charge imbalance within the polyampholyte or polyzwitterionic hydrogels. Polyampholyte hydrogels with balanced charge ratio slightly shrinked and then swelled with the increase of ionic strength, which is at variance with the anionic AMPSA offset hydrogels displaying shrinking in low ionic strength and relatively small swelling at high ionic strength. The swelling properties of imbalanced polyampholyte hydrogels were not equal to simply linear overlap of those of polyampholyte hydrogels with balanced charges, and corresponding polyelectrolyte hydrogels. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.”
“In this work, Li-modified KNN ceramic compositions ((K0.5Na0.5)(1-x)Li-x)NbO3 with x = 0.03, 0.04, 0.05, 0.06, 0.65 and 0.07 were prepared by a conventional solid-state mixed-oxide method.

It is seen to be important that amateur boxers wear protective materials as a helmet and mouth guard to minimize the risk of injury. The use of protective equipment must be encouraged for boxer’s health.”
“The management of disorders of sexual development (DSD) in humans and domestic animals has been the subject

of intense interest for decades. The association between abnormal chromosome constitutions and DSDs in domestic animals has been recorded since the beginnings of conventional cytogenetic analysis. Deviated karyotypes consisting of abnormal sex chromosome sets and/or the coexistence of cells with different FK866 mouse sex chromosome constitutions in an individual seem to be the main causes of anomalies of sex determination and sex differentiation. In recent years, a growing interest has developed around the environmental insults, such as endocrine-disrupting compounds (EDC) and heat stressors, which affect fertility, early embryonic development and, in some instances, directly the sex ratio and/or the development of 1 specific sex versus the other. A variety of chemical compounds present in the environment at low doses has been shown to have major effects on the reproductive functions in human and domestic animals following prolonged exposure. learn more In this review,

we present an overview of congenital/chromosomal factors that are responsible for the DSDs and link them and the lack of proper embryonic development to environmental factors that are becoming a major global concern. Copyright (C) 2011 S. Karger AG, Basel”
“The role of endothelial progenitor cells in vascular repair is related to their incorporation at sites of vascular lesions, differentiation into endothelial cells, and release of various angiogenic factors specifically by a subset of early outgrowth endothelial progenitor cells (EOCs). It has been shown that patients suffering from cardiovascular disease exhibit increased levels of circulating and soluble CD40 ligand (sCD40L), which may influence the function of EOCs. We have previously shown that the inflammatory receptor CD40 is expressed on EOCs and its ligation with sCD40L impairs the anti-platelet

function of EOCs. In the present study, we aimed at investigating see more the effect of sCD40L on the function of EOCs in endothelial repair. Human peripheral blood mononuclear cell-derived EOCs express CD40 and its adaptor proteins, the tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factors; TRAF1, TRAF2 and TRAF3. Stimulation of EOCs with sCD40L increased the expression of TRAF1, binding of TRAF2 to CD40 and phosphorylation of p38 mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK). In an in vitro wound healing assay, stimulation of EOCs with sCD40L increased the release of matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9) in a concentration-dependent manner and significantly enhanced the angiogenic potential of cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs).

We selected three discrete valleys in three protected areas with similar environmental features but varying wild ungulate species richness, and studied blue sheep’s diet and habitat utilization in them. Habitat variables such as slope angle, distance to cliff and elevation at blue sheep locations were recorded to determine GPCR Compound Library clinical trial the habitat width of the species. Faecal pellets were collected and microhistological faecal analysis was carried out to determine the diet width of blue sheep in the three areas with different ungulate species richness. Blue sheep’s niche width in terms of habitat and diet

was determined using the Shannon’s Index.\n\nResults\n\nThe habitat width of blue sheep had a negative relationship with the number of sympatric species. However, contrary to our expectation, there was a hump-shaped relationship between blue sheep’s diet width and the sympatric species richness, with the diet width being narrower in areas of allopatry as well as in areas with high herbivore species richness, and the greatest in areas Crenigacestat molecular weight with moderate species richness.\n\nMain conclusions\n\nWe suspect that the narrow diet width in allopatry is out of choice, whereas it is out of necessity in areas with high herbivore species richness because of resource partitioning that enables coexistence. We suggest that interactions with sympatric species lead

to niche adjustment of mountain ungulates, implying that competition may play a role in structuring Trans-Himalayan mountain ungulate assemblages. Given these results, we underscore the importance of including biotic interactions in species distribution models, which have often been neglected.”
“Genetic

variations in the DTNBP1 gene (encoding the protein dysbindin-1) have been implicated as risk factors in the pathogenesis of schizophrenia. Previous studies have indicated that dysbindin-1 functions in the regulation of synaptic activity. Recently, dysbindin-1 has also been documented to be involved in neuronal development. In this study, we identified necdin as a binding partner Bcr-Abl inhibitor of dysbindin-1 using a yeast two-hybrid screen. Dysbindin-1 recruits necdin to the cytoplasm, thereby attenuating the repressive effects of necdin on p53 transcriptional activity. Knockdown of dysbindin-1, like knockdown of p53, greatly decreases the expressions of the p53 target genes coronin 1b and rab13, which are required for neurite outgrowth. Moreover, overexpression of p53 restores the neurite outgrowth blocked by dysbindin-1 knockdown. In brains of dysbindin-1 null mice (the sandy strain), p21, Coronin 1b and Rab13 levels are reduced. Furthermore, primary cultured cortical neurons from sandy mice display neurite outgrowth defects when compared with those from wild-type mice. Thus, our data provide evidence that dysbindin-1 has an important role in neurite outgrowth through its regulation of p53′s transcriptional activity. Molecular Psychiatry (2011) 16, 1105-1116; doi:10.1038/mp.2011.

The role of Mediator in noncoding RNA production in plants is particularly intriguing given that plants have evolved from Pol II two additional polymerases, Pol IV and Pol V, to specialize in noncoding RNA production

and transcriptional gene silencing at heterochromatic loci. Here, we show that Mediator is required for microRNA (miRNA) biogenesis by recruiting Pol II to promoters of miRNA genes. We also show that several well-characterized heterochromatic loci are de-repressed in Mediator mutants and that Mediator promotes Pol II-mediated production of long GSK923295 chemical structure noncoding scaffold RNAs, which serve to recruit Pol V to these loci. This study expands the function of Mediator to include Pol II-mediated intergenic transcription and implicates a role of Mediator in genome stability. The EMBO Journal (2011) 30, 814-822. doi: 10.1038/emboj.2011.3; Published online 21 January 2011″
“This report describes the cloning, sequence and expression analysis of the glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate AG-881 nmr dehydrogenase (GAPDH) gene of Moniliophthora perniciosa, the most important pathogen of cocoa in Brazil. Southern blot analysis revealed the presence

of a single copy of the GAPDH gene in the M. perniciosa genome (MpGAPDH). The complete MpGAPDH coding sequence contained 1,461 bp with eight introns that were conserved in the GAPDH genes of other basidiomycete species. The cis-elements in the promoter region of the MpGAPDH gene were similar to those of other basidiomycetes. Likewise, the MpGAPDH gene encoded a putative 339 amino acid protein that shared significant sequence similarity with other GAPDH proteins in fungi, plants, and metazoans. Phylogenetic analyses clustered the MPGAPDH protein with other homobasidiomycete fungi of the

family Tricholomataceae. Expression analysis of the MpGAPDH gene by real-time PCR showed that this gene was more expressed (similar to 1.3X) in the saprotrophic stage of this hemibiotrophic plant pathogen than in the biotrophic stage when grown in cacao extracts.”
“Context: Predicting the final menstrual period (FMP) would help women know when their menopause transition will be completed. Additionally, biological changes, such as CX-6258 accelerated bone loss, precede the FMP by at least 1 year.\n\nObjective: Our objective was to assess whether FSH, estradiol, or urinary N-telopeptide predict where an individual is on her timeline to FMP.\n\nMethods: The sample was 554 women from the Study of Women’s Health Across the Nation. We modeled the probability of having crossed specified landmarks: 2 years before, 1 year before, and the FMP. We also modeled the probability of being in narrower intervals: 2 to 1 year before FMP, 2 years before FMP and FMP, or 1 year before FMP and FMP.

\n\nMaterial and methods: This study compared the histological effects of intratympanic dexamethasone, memantine and piracetam

on cellular apoptosis due to cisplatin ototoxicity, in 36 rats.\n\nResults: Dexamethasone and memantine had significant effects on the stria vascularis, organ of Corti and spiral ganglion (p < 0.05). Although piracetam decreased the apoptosis rate, this effect was not statistically significant (p > 0.05).\n\nConclusion: Dexamethasone and memantine were found superior to piracetam in reducing apoptosis due to cisplatin ototoxicity. Further studies of this subject are needed, incorporating electron microscopy and auditory brainstem response testing.”
“Objectives:

Alzheimer’s disease and related disorders (ADRD) pose a potential PD173074 clinical trial threat to the interpersonal and intimate relationships in couples. The objective of this study was to understand the lived experiences of individuals with a spouse suffering from ADRD and how this diagnosis affects intimacy within these marital relationships.\n\nMethod: This qualitative study used a phenomenological approach to capture the lived experiences Prexasertib nmr of caregivers of ADRD individuals. A total of 10 interviews were conducted, with six participants recruited from a neurology clinic and four participants drawn from support groups. Structured interviews with open-ended questions were conducted, with thematic units derived from the interview analysis.\n\nResults: All participants reported some strain in the ADRD relationship,

with different aspects of the disease affecting closeness and connection within the couple. The quality of the marital relationship prior to diagnosis impacted every participant in some fashion as well as having to adjust to ADRD related behaviors. Outside effects on the relationship, coping with the disease and degree of intimacy find more were additional themes reported from the interviews, with positive and negative attributes given to these themes.\n\nConclusion: Although the caregiving role can be difficult for a spouse, it does not mean that the ADRD has to always negatively impact the marital relationship. Understanding the role that intimacy can play for these couples and how it might contribute to coping strategies for couples affected by ADRD can be a powerful adjunct to other treatments available.”
“THE LANDSCAPE IN RESEARCH ETHICS has changed significantly in Latin America and the Caribbean over the past two decades. Research ethics has gone from being a largely foreign concept and unfamiliar practice to an integral and growing feature of regional health research systems. Four bioethics training programs have been funded by the Fogarty International Center (FIC) in this region in the past 12 years.