Objective-Inflammatory cells play an important role in atherogenesis. However, more information is needed about their gene expression profiles in human lesions. Methods and Results-We used laser microdissection (LMD) to isolate macrophage-rich shoulder areas from human lesions. Gene expression profiles in isolated cells were analyzed by cDNA array and compared with expression patterns in normal intima and THP-1 macrophages. Upregulation of 72 genes was detected with LMD and included 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase, interferon regulatory factor-5 (IRF-5), colony stimulating factor (CSF) receptors, CD11a/CD18 integrins, interleukin receptors, CD43, calmodulin, nitric oxide synthase (NOS), and extracellular superoxide dismutase (SOD). Several of these changes were also present in PMA-stimulated THP-1 macrophages in vitro. On the other hand, expression of several genes, such as VEGF, tissue factor pathway inhibitor 2, and apolipoproteins C-I and C-II, decreased. Conclusions-Overexpression of HMG-CoA reductase in macrophage-rich lesion areas may explain some beneficial effects of statins, which can also modulate increased expression of CD11a/CD18 and CD43 found in microdissected cells. We also found increased expression of CSF receptors, IRF-5, and interleukin receptors, which could become useful therapeutic targets for the treatment of atherosclerotic diseases.

As an adjunctive imaging modality IVUS is likely to improve stent-graft placement in aortic type B dissection, especially in patients with abdominal extension.

The present study attempts to identify factors that influence the readiness of Hungarian agricultural producers’ to effectively and efficiently cooperate with each other. Analyses based on the binomial logistic regression method have revealed a clear correlation between activities conducive to cooperation, the demographics of producers, farming conditions and the level of trust. Findings highlight that producers who live in smaller rural settlements as well as those who are younger and have a higher level of educational attainment show a higher level of activity associated with cooperation that can be statistically justified whereas farms managed by women are less inclined to cooperate. Calculations indicate that as the size of holdings increases, their readiness for cooperation increases too, while in terms of the type of farming, crop farmers are more open to cooperate effectively than livestock farmers. Finally, this model has revealed a significant positive correlation between producers’ readiness to cooperate and their level of trust.

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