University of California, San Francisco

About: University of California, San Francisco is a education organization based out in San Francisco, California, United States. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Health care. The organization has 83381 authors who have published 186236 publications receiving 12068420 citations. The organization is also known as: UCSF & UC San Francisco.

Irradiation induces neural precursor-cell dysfunction

Abstract: In both pediatric and adult patients, cranial radiation therapy causes a debilitating cognitive decline that is poorly understood and currently untreatable. This decline is characterized by hippocampal dysfunction, and seems to involve a radiation-induced decrease in postnatal hippocampal neurogenesis. Here we show that the deficit in neurogenesis reflects alterations in the microenvironment that regulates progenitor-cell fate, as well as a defect in the proliferative capacity of the neural progenitor-cell population. Not only is hippocampal neurogenesis ablated, but the remaining neural precursors adopt glial fates and transplants of non-irradiated neural precursor cells fail to differentiate into neurons in the irradiated hippocampus. The inhibition of neurogenesis is accompanied by marked alterations in the neurogenic microenvironment, including disruption of the microvascular angiogenesis associated with adult neurogenesis and a marked increase in the number and activation status of microglia within the neurogenic zone. These findings provide clear targets for future therapeutic interventions.

Astrocyte glutamate transport: Review of properties, regulation, and physiological functions †

Abstract: Rapid removal of glutamate from the extracellular space is required for the survival and normal function of neurons. Although glutamate transporters are expressed by all CNS cell types, astrocytes are the cell type primarily responsible for glutamate uptake. Astrocyte glutamate uptake also plays a role in regulating the activity of glutamatergic synapses. Lastly, release of glutamate from astrocytes, via transporter reversal and other routes, can contribute to glutamate receptor activation. This review examines the mechanisms of astrocyte glutamate uptake and release, with particular focus on high-affinity Na+-dependent transporters. Transporter regulation, energetics, and physiological roles are discussed. GLIA 32:1–14, 2000. Published 2000 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Closing the gap: increases in life expectancy among treated HIV-positive individuals in the United States and Canada.

Abstract: Background: Combination antiretroviral therapy (ART) has significantly increased survival among HIV-positive adults in the United States (U.S.) and Canada, but gains in life expectancy for this region have not been well characterized. We aim to estimate temporal changes in life expectancy among HIV-positive adults on ART from 2000–2007 in the U.S. and Canada.

Airway mucus function and dysfunction.

Abstract: Pulmonary defense against environmental injury depends on airway mucus, which traps inhaled toxins that are then cleared from the lungs by ciliary beating and cough. This review examines the normal and abnormal formation and clearance of mucus, as well as the therapy of mucus dysfunction.