Furthermore, social isolation and repeated methamphetamine administration caused significant learning and mnemonic dysfunctions. Treatment with clozapine improved learning and mnemonic ability in

all of the tasks. Pyrilamine treatment ameliorated performance in all the tests examined except for the passive avoidance test. Thioperamide, however, did not change the learning and mnemonic ability. Donepezil, an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor, reversed the learning and mnemonic dysfunction in all four tasks. The present study has shown that blockade of histamine H-1 receptor improved the learning and mnemonic ability in mice, raising the possibility that treatment with clozapine or pyrilamine may improve learning and mnemonic performance in certain patients with psychiatric diseases such as schizophrenic patients with cognitive dysfunction.”
“Translocator protein GDC-0994 mouse (TSPO) present in the outer mitochondrial membrane has been suggested to be critical for cholesterol import, a rate-limiting step for steroid hormone biosynthesis. Despite the importance of steroidogenesis in regulating reproductive functions, the developmental profile of TSPO expression in the gonads and accessory sex organs has not been completely characterized. As a first step towards understanding the function of TSPO, we studied its expression in male and female murine reproductive organs.

We examined testes and ovaries at embryonic days 14.5 and 18.5, and postnatal days 0, 7, CP690550 14, 21 and 56 of development. In the adult testis, TSPO was expressed in both Leydig

cells and Sertoli cells. In the developing testes TSPO expression was seen in immature Sertoli cells, fetal Leydig cells and gonocytes. In the ovary, TSPO was expressed in the ovarian surface epithelium, interstitial cells granulosa cells and luteal cells. Corpora lutea of ovaries from pregnant mice showed strong expression of TSPO. In the developing ovary, TSPO expression was seen in the squamous pregranulosa cells associated with germ line cysts, together with progressively increasing expression in interstitial cells and the ovarian surface epithelium. In adult mice, the epithelia of other reproductive tissues like the epididymis, prostate, seminal vesicle, oviduct and uterus also showed distinct patterns of TSPO expression. In summary, TSPO expression in Sapitinib both male and female reproductive tissues was not only restricted to steroidogenic cells. Expression in Sertoli cells, ovarian surface epithelium, efferent ductal epithelium, prostatic epithelium, seminal vesiclular epithelium, uterine epithelium and oviductal epithelium suggest either previously unknown sites for de novo steroidogenesis or functions for TSPO distinct from its well-studied role in steroid hormone production.”
“ObjectivesTo examine physician engagement in practice-based learning using a self-evaluation module to assess and improve their care of individuals with or at risk of osteoporosis.\n\nDesignRetrospective cohort study.

It is shown that both the R-site ionic disorder and inhomogeneity can drive the reorientation of the plane in which cycloidal spin order takes place and actually lead to the flop of the spins from the ab-plane to the bc-plane. The simulated results can be understood as the consequence of the competition Selleck GSK2245840 between exchange interactions and spin-orbit coupling. (C) 2012 American Institute of Physics. [http://0-dx.doi.org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.1063/1.3689162]“
“The

ethnomedicinal uses of Musanga cecropioides R. Apud Tedlie (Cecropiaceae) as a hypotensive agent have been scientifically investigated and reported. This work examines its effect on various models of diarrhea based on the ethnomedicinal use of the plant for this indication. The stem bark of the plant, used locally by soaking in gin (alcoholic), was treated with absolute ethanol and the extract screened for antidiarrheal activity using the castor oil-induced KPT-8602 cell line diarrhea and small intestinal motility models in

mice. Its effects on the isolated rat ileum were also investigated. In the castor oil-induced diarrhea, the extract at 700, 200, and 400 mg/kg significantly (P < 0.05 at all doses) showed dose-related antidiarrheal effects as indicated by reduction in the number and weight of fecal material produced. The extract at all doses used also significantly (P < 0.05, P < 0.0001 and P < 0.0001 at 700, 200, and 400 mg/kg doses, respectively) decreased the intestinal motility of the treated mice as compared to controls and inhibited acetylcholine-induced contractions (P < 0.0001). FK228 purchase In the isolated rat ileum the extract at 5 and 10 mg/mL, remarkably inhibited acetylcholine induced contractions, indicating a probable antimuscarinic effect of the extract. The results obtained confirmed that the stem bark of M cecropioides has antidiarrheal activity as used in folkloric medicine.”
“Objective: To compare the clinical efficacy of acupressure

with treatment induced by ondansetron and metoclopramide on reduction of the severity of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) after strabismus surgery.\n\nMethods: There were 200 patients with ASA classes I-II, ages 10 to 60 years old, who underwent strabismus surgery that were included in this randomized, prospective, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Group I was the control, group II received metoclopramide 0.2 mg/kg, and group III received ondansetron 0.15 mg/kg intravenously immediately prior to anesthesia induction. In Group IV, acupressure wristbands were applied at the P6 points. Acupressure wrist bands were not placed appropriately for subjects of groups I-III. The acupressure wrist bands were applied 30 minutes before anesthesia induction and removed six hours after surgery completion. Anesthesia was standardized. PONV was evaluated within 0 – 2 hours and 2 – 24 hours after surgery by a blinded observer.

Moreover, uncoupling caused by exogenously applied AA can be rescued by BSA, which binds AA and other polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), but not by BSA modified with 1,2-cyclohexanedione, which does not bind AA and other PUFAs. We propose that under control conditions, Cx36 GJ channels in HeLa transfectants and -cells are inhibited by endogenous AA, which stabilizes a closed conformational state of the channel that leads to extremely low fraction of functional channels. In addition, SCCAs increase gj by interfering with endogenous AA-dependent inhibition, increasing CYT387 chemical structure open probability and the fraction of functional channels.”
“An efficient protocol for C-H arylation of 1-benzyl-5-phenyl-1H- tetrazole

has been developed which involves an extremely small amount of commercially available

[RuCl2(p-cymene)](2) (Ru: 0.63 mol%) and a specific amount of triphenylphosphine ( ratio Ph3P/Ru2:1). The obtained biphenyl derivative was readily elaborated to give candesartan cilexetil, a potent angiotensin II receptor blocker by means of an efficient removal of the benzyl protecting group by palladium BAY 57-1293 ic50 on carbon catalyzed transfer hydrogenation in the final step.”
“Activity-dependent synaptic plasticity occurs in several parts of the basal ganglia. Increasing evidence supports the hypothesis that activity-dependent plasticity underlies the acquisition, maintenance, and extinction of certain types of learning in the basal ganglia. This review focuses on synaptic plasticity in the corticostriatal IPI-549 solubility dmso pathway. As in other systems, both long-term potentiation and long-term depression have been described, and intracellular calcium signalling plays an important role in the induction of plasticity. However, intracellular calcium levels do not appear to be the dominating control factor. Dopamine, via intracellular signalling cascades, also plays a crucial role in determining the magnitude and direction of plasticity, and in modulating the requirements for induction. Endocannabinoids

also play an important role in mediating presynaptic expression of synaptic depression. Recent studies have highlighted spike-timing dependent plasticity phenomena, which also involve dopamine and endocannabinoid signalling. Despite significant progress in recent years, many important questions remain unanswered, especially in relation to long-term potentiation. Of particular interest is the question of how to link the molecular and cellular mechanisms of synaptic plasticity to learning operations at the systems level, which are expressed behaviourally as reinforcement-related learning. (C) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.”
“Aims:\n\nThis study tests the hypothesis that histopathological fingerprinting of galectins, which are emerging multifunctional effectors in cell sociology, could refine the differential diagnosis of salivary tumours.

The biotransformation study of polymethoxyflavones, particularly nobiletin has emerged along with the significant findings of nobiletin bioactivity. Major nobiletin metabolites from rodent biofluids have been successfully characterized, isolated or synthesized for the evaluation of their biological activities and subsequently revealed that nobiletin metabolites demonstrate similar efficacies or more potent anti-oxidant activity and scavenging property against free radicals and in the inhibition of inflammation and cancer growth, and the prevention of metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular diseases. This review starts www.selleckchem.com/products/AZD6244.html with basic chemistry

of nobiletin and other polymethoxyflavones, highlights their biological properties and recent findings and summarizes nobiletin’s biotransformation and biological activities of the main nobiletin metabolites. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.”
“Our objective was to study the clinical characteristics and natural history of monomelic amyotrophy (MMA). We used a retrospective study of 279 patients diagnosed to have either upper (Hirayama disease) or lower limb

MMA. Results showed that brachial MMA (BMMA) occurred in 224 patients (male: female, 9: 1). Mean age of onset was 19.5 +/- 4.18 years. Progression occurred over less than five years in the majority (95.9%) of patients. Duration at the last follow-up was: up to five years in 61.4%, 5-10 in 21.3%, 10-15 in 7.2%, bigger than 15 years in 10.1%. MRI showed asymmetrical lower cervical cord atrophy in 44.6% of patients. Crural MMA (CMMA) occurred in 55 patients (male: RepSox learn more female, 13: 1). Mean age of onset was 21.38

+/- 5.3 years. Similar to BMMA, most cases (65.5%) had onset between 15 and 25 years of age. Total duration of illness at the last follow-up was up to five years in 52.7%, 10 and beyond in 47.3%. In conclusion, a large cohort of patients with monomelic amyotrophy seen over 35 years (1976-2010) is described. Study data support the clinical findings and its natural history with long term follow-up, and the findings emphasize that monomelic amyotrophy is a ‘benign’ condition with a self-limiting course.”
“A series of novel dispiropyrrolidines have been synthesized through 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition of an azomethine ylide generated from sarcosine and isatin with the dipolarophile 3-benzylidene-1-methylpyrrolidine-2,5-dione. Their antibacterial activity was evaluated against Bacillus subtilis NCIM 2718, Staphylococcus aureus NCIM5021, Salmonella typhi NCIM2501, Pseudomonas aeruginosa NCIM 5029 and Proteus vulgaris NCIM2813 by two fold dilution method. Compound 6e exhibits reasonably good activity and compound 6c exhibits poor activity against all the organisms. The QSAR’s were developed for all antibacterial activities. The models had either one or two descriptors (r(2) = 0.81-0.97, r(2)adj = 0.75-0.96, q(2) = 0.57-0.92, F-ratio = 12.73-162.76).

After administration of the contrast medium, the mass was prominently enhanced. It extended upward through the left inguinal ring into the left lower abdomen.\n\nPreoperative diagnosis of continuous-type SGF by contrast-enhanced spiral CT is possible depending on the basis of its characteristic CT features.”
“Protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B) is a prototype non receptor cytoplasmic PTPase enzyme that has been implicated

in regulation of insulin and leptin signaling pathways. Studies on PTP1B knockout mice and PTP1B antisense treated mice suggested that inhibition of PTP1B would be an effective strategy for the treatment of type II diabetes and obesity. Here we report the X-ray structure of PTP1B in complex with compound IN1834-146C (PDB ID 4I8N). The crystals belong to P3(1)21 space Pitavastatin datasheet group with cell dimensions (a = b = 87.89 angstrom, c = 103.68 angstrom)

diffracted to 2.5 angstrom. The crystal structure contained one molecule of protein in the asymmetric unit and was solved by molecular replacement see more method. The compound engages both catalytic site and allosteric sites of PTP1B protein. We described the molecular interaction of the compound with the active site residues of PTP1B in this crystal structure report.”
“Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae (Xoo) is the casual agent of bacterial blight, which is one of the most serious diseases of rice. The antibiotic phenazine-1-carboxylic acid (PCA), which is primarily produced by Pseudomonas spp., was found and previously reported very effective against Xoo. However, the biological effects of PCA NVP-LDE225 on Xoo remain

unclear. In this study, we found that PCA increased the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reduced the activities of catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) in Xoo. Xoo was more sensitive to H2O2 than Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzicola (Xoc), and had a much lower expression of CAT genes. In addition, proteomic analysis indicated that PCA inhibited carbohydrate metabolism and nutrient uptake in Xoo, and analysis of carbon source utilization further confirmed that carbohydrate metabolism in Xoo was repressed by PCA. In conclusion, PCA acted as a redox-cycling agent that disturbed the redox balance in Xoo and reduced CAT and SOD activities, resulting in higher accumulation of ROS, altered carbohydrate metabolism, and lower energy production and nutrient uptake. Moreover, a deficient antioxidant system in Xoo made it very sensitive to PCA. (C) 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.”
“The physical factors of cell-culture environment have received little attention despite their anticipated significant role in human embryonic stem cell (hESC) culture optimization. Here we show that hESC culture conditions can be optimized by utilizing polyethylene terephthalate (PET) membranes whose defined pore densities (PDs) determine membrane surface hardness. The PET membranes with 1-4 x 10(6) pores/cm(2) (0.291-0.

440, total cholesterol-p=0.621,low density lipoproteins-p=0.598) in both patient sub-groups.

The disease-medicine-lifestyle-BMI interplay could be causing the observed increased genetic damage, which along with dyslipidemia, raises the risk for various cardiovascular diseases and malignancy in the studied patient group.”
“Variants in the head and tail domains of the MYO7A gene, encoding myosin VIIA, cause Usher syndrome type 1B (USH1B) and nonsyndromic deafness (DFNB2, DFNA11). In order to identify the genetic defect(s) underling profound deafness in two consanguineous Arab families living in UAE, we have sequenced a panel of 19 genes involved in Usher syndrome and nonsyndromic deafness in the index cases of the two AZD6244 families. This analysis revealed a novel homozygous insertion of AG (c.1952_1953insAG/p.C652fsX11) in exon 17 of the MYO7A gene in an Eltanexor order Iraqi family, and a homozygous point mutation (c.5660C bigger than T/p.P1887L) in exon 41 affecting the same gene in a large Palestinian family. Moreover, some individuals from the Palestinian family also harbored a novel heterozygous truncating variant (c.1267C

bigger than T/p.R423X) in the DFNB31 gene, which is involved in autosomal recessive nonsyndromic deafness type DFNB31 and Usher syndrome type II. Assuming an autosomal recessive mode of inheritance in the two inbred families, we conclude that the homozygous variants in the MYO7A gene are the disease-causing mutations in these families. Furthermore, given the absence of retinal disease in all affected patients examined, particularly a 28 year old patient, suggests that at least one family may segregate Selleckchem CCI-779 a DFNB2 presentation rather than USH1B. This finding further supports the premise that the MYO7A gene is responsible for two distinct diseases and gives evidence that the p.P1887L mutation in a homozygous state may be responsible for nonsyndromic hearing loss.”
“Clinacanthus nutans Lindau leaves (CN) have been used in traditional medicine but the therapeutic potential has not

been explored for cancer prevention and treatment. Current study aimed to evaluate the antioxidant and antiproliferative effects of CN, extracted in chloroform, methanol, and water, on cancer cell lines. Antioxidant properties of CN were evaluated using DPPH, galvinoxyl, nitric oxide, and hydrogen peroxide based radical scavenging assays, whereas the tumoricidal effect was tested on HepG2, IMR32, NCL-H23, SNU-1, Hela, LS-174T, K562, Raji, and IMR32 cancer cells using MTT assay. Our data showed that CN in chloroform extract was a good antioxidant against DPPH and galvinoxyl radicals, but less effective in negating nitric oxide and hydrogen peroxide radicals. Chloroform extract exerted the highest antiproliferative effect on K-562 (91.28 +/- 0.03%) and Raji cell lines (88.97 +/- 1.07%) at 100 mu g/ml and the other five cancer cell lines in a concentration-dependent manner, but not on IMR-32 cells.

The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of some of these factors on the global assessment of acne severity. Involvement of the trunk,

prior systemic treatment and a positive family history of acne increased the severity score. Inclusion of these factors could help to compose more homogeneous groups ABT737 for clinical trials.”
“ROS (reactive oxygen species) generated by NADPH oxidases play an important role in cellular signal transduction regulating cell proliferation, survival and differentiation. Nox4 (NADPH oxidase 4) induces cellular senescence in human endothelial cells; however, intracellular targets for Nox4 remained elusive. In the present study, we show that Nox4 induces mitochondria’ dysfunction in human endothelial cells. Nox4 depletion induced alterations in mitochondria’ morphology, Selleckchem BIBF-1120 stabilized mitochondrial membrane potential and decreased production of H2O2 in mitochondria. High-resolution respirometry in permeabilized cells combined with native PAGE demonstrated that Nox4 specifically inhibits the activity of mitochondria’ electron transport chain complex I, and this was associated with a decreased concentration of complex I subunits. These

data suggest a new pathway by which sustained Nox4 activity decreases mitochondria’ function.”
“Two experiments were carried out to investigate whether attention is biased toward the right hand of right handers during bimanual coordination (Peters 1981). A novel discontinuous double-step reaching task was developed, where right-handed participants

executed a bimanual reach followed by a left selleck compound or right hand unimanual reach. Asymmetries in the downtime between the bimanual and unimanual reach portions (the refractory period) were used to infer the direction of attention. A shorter right hand refractory period was found in the first experiment, indicating a rightward bias in attention. In a second experiment, shifting the focus of attention during the bimanual portion of the reach altered the direction and magnitude of the asymmetry in a way consistent with the attentional bias hypothesis. The role of attention during bimanual reaching, and a further programme of experimental work aimed at clarifying the nature of these rightward biases during discrete bimanual coordination is discussed.”
“Background\n\nOne of the most important adverse effects of anthracyclines is cardiotoxicity. A well-informed decision on the use of anthracyclines in the treatment of different types of childhood cancer should be based on the available evidence on both antitumour efficacy and cardiotoxicity.\n\nObjectives\n\nTo compare antitumour efficacy of treatment including or not including anthracyclines in children with childhood cancer.

Ultimately, six patients continued to use their original access, and two required placement of interval central venous catheters for hemodialysis. Conclusions: In patients who have exhausted all endovascular options, axillary-to-femoral vein bypass may represent a safe and efficacious approach to alleviate extremity swelling while simultaneously

salvaging a functional dialysis access.”
“Regions of the brain with high energy requirements are especially AZD8055 purchase sensitive to perturbations in mitochondrial function. Hence, neurotoxicant exposures that target mitochondria in regions of high energy demand have the potential to accelerate mitochondrial damage inherently occurring during the aging process. 1,3-Dinitrobenzene (DNB) is a model neurotoxicant that selectively targets mitochondria in brainstem nuclei innervated by the eighth cranial nerve. This study investigates the role of age in the regional susceptibility of brain mitochondria-related proteins (MRPs) to oxidation following exposure to DNB. Male F344 rats (1 month old Apoptosis Compound Library solubility dmso [young], 3 months old [adult], 18 months old [aged]) were exposed to 10 mg/kg DNB prior to mitochondrial isolation and histopathology experiments. Using a high-throughput proteomic approach, 3 important region- and age-related increases in DNB-induced MRP oxidation were determined: (1)

brainstem mitochondria are x3 more sensitive to DNB-induced oxidation than cortical mitochondria; (2) oxidation of brainstem MRPs is significantly higher Entinostat manufacturer than in cortical counterparts; and (3) MRPs from the brainstems of older rats are significantly more oxidized than those from young or adult rats. Furthermore, lower levels of DNB cause signs of intoxication (ataxia, chromodacryorrhea) and vacuolation of the susceptible neuropil in aged animals, while neither is observed in DNB-exposed young rats. Additionally, methemoglobin levels increase significantly in DNB-exposed adult and aged animals, but not young DNB-exposed animals. This suggests

that oxidation of key MRPs observed in brainstem of aged animals is necessary for DNB-induced signs of intoxication and lesion formation. These results provide compelling evidence that environmental chemicals such as DNB may aid in the acceleration of injury to specific brain regions by inducing oxidation of sensitive mitochondrial proteins.”
“The neuropeptide galanin has been shown to alter the rewarding properties of morphine. To identify potential cellular mechanisms that might be involved in the ability of galanin to modulate opiate reward, we measured excitatory postsynaptic potentials (EPSPs), using both field and whole-cell recordings from striatal brain slices extracted from wild-type mice and mice lacking specific galanin receptor (GalR) subtypes. We found that galanin decreased the amplitude of EPSPs in both the dorsal striatum and nucleus accumbens.

“
“The potential this website risks of deep hypothermic circulatory arrest in aortic

arch surgery have been well documented. Antegrade cerebral perfusion may ameliorate brain injury but still involves variable periods of cerebral and visceral ischaemia. We describe a novel “branch-first continuous perfusion” technique which avoids both deep hypothermia and circulatory arrest. This brings us closer to the goal of arch surgery without cerebral or visceral ischaemia and the morbidity of deep hypothermia. (Heart, Lung and Circulation 2011;20:163-169) Crown Copyright (C) 2010 Published by Elsevier Inc. on behalf of Australasian Society of Cardiac and Thoracic Surgeons and the Cardiac Society of Australia and New Zealand. All rights reserved.”
“ObjectiveThis study aims to estimate the incidence of adverse events (AEs) and avoidable AE in four hospital services before and after applying strategies for patient safety.\n\nDesignRetrospective study of two cohorts (2006 and 2009).\n\nSettingGeneral Surgery, Internal Medicine, Intensive Care Unit and Oncology services.\n\nParticipantsA sample of 365 patients (2006) and 232 in 2009 randomly selected from the services previously cited.\n\nInterventionsStrategies to improve patient safety (e.g. hand-hygiene

campaign).\n\nMain VX-770 cost outcome measuresAnalyses were made of the change in the incidence and type of AE and avoidable AE, number of procedures and additional days of hospital stay, and the concordance between two recording systems.\n\nResultsThe incidence of JNK inhibitor patients with AE was 20.8% in 2006 compared with 28.9% in 2009 (P<0.05). Oncology had twofold more AE than did General Surgery [odds ratio (OR)=2.07, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.12-3.86] for the same length of stay

and number of extrinsic risk factors. In 2006, 84.6% were considered avoidable, compared with 57.1% of 2009 (P<0.001). There was no difference in the average length of additional stay. In 2006, there were more additional procedures compared to 2009 (OR=2.75, 95% CI: 1.28-6.06). A concordance of 61% was found for the detection of AE with the two recording systems.\n\nConclusionsAn increased incidence in AEs was found after the strategies, while avoidable AE decreased, as did additional treatments and procedures. The measures implemented constitute a further step in reducing avoidance and a greater awareness of recording AEs in the discharge report.”
“Objectives: In this literature review, we concentrate on epidemiology and therapy of osseous echinococcosis, with an emphasis on the recurrence risk. Methods: Literature review 1930-2012. Results: We retrieved 200 publications based upon single case reports or case series, mostly from resource-poor settings. Among the 721 rural patients (22% females; median age 37 years), 60% of all reported cases were from the Mediterranean region and almost all patients were immune competent. Echinococcus granulosus was identified as the most frequent species.

For the nerve-cut group, the facial nerve was cut and a 5-mm part was removed (10 rats). 10 rats with intact facial nerve served as control. CMAP (compound muscle action potantial) recordings were obtained at each time interval. Measurements were compared with Variance-analysis.\n\nResults: In the nerve-crush group, recovery of the latency from 1st week to 1st month (0.029, p <= 0.05) and excitability thresholds in 1st week was statistically significant (p <= 0.05) as compared to the control. Recovery of the reduced amplitude at consecutive intervals was not statistically significant. In the nerve-cut

group, no electrical response was obtained throughout the follow-up.\n\nConclusion: In the follow-up of electrophysiological changes of traumatic injury of the facial nerve in rats, the results appear to indicate that parameters “latency and threshold” may reflect the different find more aspect of injured nerve condition from the parameter “amplitude”. Amplitude comparison alone could bring some problems in the clinical setting. These findings suggest complete measurement of all parameters to outline the prognosis of traumatic LY2606368 facial paralysis.”
“The presence of foreign bodies inserted into the rectum is not an uncommon situation. Precise guidelines for the management and extraction

of these foreign bodies are not frequently described in the literature.\n\nAnal access, whether endoscopic or surgical, varies depending on the type of foreign

https://www.selleckchem.com/products/gw4869.html bodies, their size and morphology, and their location in the lower digestive tract.\n\nIn this report, we describe a case of three rectal foreign bodies that necessitated a mixed endoscopic and surgical approach, and provide a review of the literature. (Acta gastroenterol belg., 2010, 73, 274-277).”
“Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are a novel type of RNA that, unlike linear RNAs, form a covalently closed continuous loop and are highly represented in the eukaryotic transcriptome. Recent studies have discovered thousands of endogenous circRNAs in mammalian cells. CircRNAs are largely generated from exonic or intronic sequences, and reverse complementary sequences or RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) are necessary for circRNA biogenesis. The majority of circRNAs are conserved across species, are stable and resistant to RNase R, and often exhibit tissue/developmental-stage-specific expression. Recent research has revealed that circRNAs can function as microRNA (miRNA) sponges, regulators of splicing and transcription, and modifiers of parental gene expression. Emerging evidence indicates that circRNAs might play important roles in atherosclerotic vascular disease risk, neurological disorders, prion diseases and cancer; exhibit aberrant expression in colorectal cancer (CRC) and pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC); and serve as diagnostic or predictive biomarkers of some diseases.