University of Geneva

About: University of Geneva is a education organization based out in Geneva, Switzerland. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Galaxy. The organization has 26887 authors who have published 65265 publications receiving 2931373 citations. The organization is also known as: Geneva University & Universite de Geneve.

NOX enzymes in the central nervous system: from signaling to disease

Abstract: Oxidative stress has been implicated in the pathogenesis of neurologic and psychiatric diseases. The brain is particularly vulnerable to oxidative damage due to high oxygen consumption, low antioxidant defense, and an abundance of oxidation-sensitive lipids. Production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) by mitochondria is generally thought to be the main cause of oxidative stress. However, a role for ROS-generating NADPH oxidase NOX enzymes has recently emerged. Activation of the phagocyte NADPH oxidase NOX2 has been studied mainly in microglia, where it plays a role in inflammation, but may also contribute to neuronal death in pathologic conditions. However, NOX-dependent ROS production can be due to the expression of other NOX isoforms, which are detected not only in microglia, but also in astrocytes and neurons. The physiologic and pathophysiologic roles of such NOX enzymes are only partially understood. In this review, we summarize the present knowledge about NOX enzymes in the central nervous system and their involvement in neurologic and psychiatric diseases.

Managing COVID-19 in Low- and Middle-Income Countries

Abstract: The public health response to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in China has illustrated that it is possible to contain COVID-19 if governments focus on tried and tested public health outbreak responses.1,2 Isolation, quarantine, social distancing, and community containment measures were rapidly implemented. In China, patients with COVID-19 were immediately isolated in designated existing hospitals, and new hospitals were rapidly built to manage the increasing numbers of cases in the most affected areas. Home quarantine for contacts was initiated and large gatherings were canceled. Additionally, community containment for approximately 40 million to 60 million residents was instituted. A significant positive association between the incidence of COVID-19 cases and mortality was apparent in the Chinese response.3 That is, the rapid escalation in the number of infections in China had resulted in insufficient health care resources, followed by an increase in mortality. The association of mortality with health care resources should provide guidance for resource-limited regions on how and when to prepare for possible local outbreaks.3 In addition, lessons learned from the 2003 severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARSCoV) outbreak geared toward strengthening of public health systems will be helpful.

Cocaine triggered AMPA receptor redistribution is reversed in vivo by mGluR-dependent long-term depression.

Abstract: Drugs of abuse induce long-lasting changes in neural circuits that may underlie core components of addiction. Here we focus on glutamatergic synapses onto dopamine (DA) neurons of the ventral tegmental area (VTA). Using an 'ex vivo' approach in mice, we show that a single injection of cocaine caused strong rectification and conferred sensitivity to the polyamine Joro spider toxin (JST) of AMPAR-mediated excitatory postsynaptic currents (AMPAR EPSCs), indicating the recruitment of receptors that lack GluR2. This qualitative change in transmission was paralleled by an increase in the AMPAR:NMDAR ratio and was prevented by interfering with the protein interacting with C kinase-1 (PICK1) in vivo. Activation of metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluR1s) by intraperitoneal injection of a positive modulator depotentiated synapses and abolished rectification in slices of cocaine-treated mice, revealing a mechanism to reverse cocaine-induced synaptic plasticity in vivo.

Physics potential and experimental challenges of the LHC luminosity upgrade

Abstract: We discuss the physics potential and the experimental challenges of an upgraded LHC running at an instantaneous luminosity of 1035 cm-2s-1. The detector R&D needed to operate ATLAS and CMS in a very high radiation environment and the expected detector performance are discussed. A few examples of the increased physics potential are given, ranging from precise measurements within the Standard Model (in particular in the Higgs sector) to the discovery reach for several New Physics processes.