Results from this study support previous observations OICR-9429 that peptide insertions in the HI loop of the fiber knob domain are generally ineffective when used in combination with HSG detargeting mutations. The evidence also suggests that this strategy can attenuate other fiber knob interactions, such as CAR-mediated binding, and reduce overall viral infectivity. The insertion of peptides into fiber proved more effective for targeting tumor cell

types expressing low levels of CAR receptor, as this strategy can partially compensate for the very low infectivity of wild-type adenovirus in those cells. Nevertheless, the incorporation of relatively low affinity peptide ligands into the fiber knob, while effective in vitro, has only minimal targeting efficacy in vivo and highlights the importance of high affinity ligand:receptor interactions to achieve tumor targeting.”
“Glucosinolates (GLs) present in root, seed, and leaf extracts of Pentadiplandra

brazzeana Baillon were characterized and quantified according to the ISO 9167-1 method based on the HPLC analysis of https://www.selleckchem.com/products/sbi-0206965.html desulfo-GLs. The analyses were complemented by GC-MS analyses of the isothiocyanates (ITCs) generated from GL degradation by myrosinase. Glucotropaeolin (1a), glucolimnanthin (2a), and glucoaubrietin (3a) were shown to be present in the root extract, whereas the seed mainly contained 3a. 3,4-Dimethoxybenzyl GL (4a), glucobrassicin (5a) and traces of 1a were detected in the leaf extract. The products were fully characterized as their desulfo-counterparts by spectroscopic www.selleckchem.com/products/VX-770.html techniques. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.”
“Eduard Strasburger was one of the most prominent biologists contributing to the development of the Cell Theory during the nineteenth century. His major contribution

related to the characterization of mitosis and cytokinesis and especially to the discovery of the discrete stages of mitosis, which he termed prophase, metaphase and anaphase. Besides his observations on uninucleate plant and animal cells, he also investigated division processes in multinucleate cells. Here, he emphasised the independent nature of mitosis and cytokinesis. We discuss these issues from the perspective of new discoveries in the field of cell division and conclude that Strasburger’s legacy will in the future lead to a reformulation of the Cell Theory and that this will accommodate the independent and primary nature of the nucleus, together with its complement of perinuclear microtubules, for the organisation of the eukaryotic cell.”
“Precise radio tracking of the spacecraft Cassini has provided a determination of Titan’s mass and gravity harmonics to degree 3. The quadrupole field is consistent with a hydrostatically relaxed body shaped by tidal and rotational effects. The inferred moment of inertia factor is about 0.

Subjective ratings of depression, confusion, and side effects were obtained weekly.\n\nResults: The two groups were similar in age, gender and admission Global Assessment Functioning (GAF) scores. There were no significant between group differences found with regards to mean seizure duration, energy administered to induce seizures, blood pressure, or heart rate during and post-ECT treatment. None of the patients discontinued galantamine due to side effects and there were no severe adverse drug reactions. Patients receiving galantamine performed significantly better on delayed memory and abstract reasoning following ECT. The galantamine group showed a greater but non-significant

mood improvement (repeated measure ANOVA).\n\nConclusions: Our data support the hypothesis that galantamine Selleckchem Dihydrotestosterone may reduce cognitive impairment during

ECT, especially with regards to new learning. In addition, galantamine may also enhance the antidepressant action of ECT. Galantamine was both safe and well tolerated during ECT. (C) 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.”
“The molecular mechanisms used by regulatory T cells (Treg) to inhibit the effector phase of adaptive immune responses are still elusive. In the present work, we investigated the possibility that Treg may interfere with a basic biological function of T helper cells (T-H): polarization of secretory machinery for dedicated help delivery. To address this question, we visualized by confocal microscopy different parameters of activation Selleck 4EGI-1 in T-H and Treg cells interacting simultaneously with individual antigen-presenting cells (APC). Our results show that,

although productive TCR engagement in T-H/APC conjugates was unaffected by the presence of adjacent Treg, the reorientation of T-H secretory machinery toward APC was strongly inhibited. Blocking TGF-beta completely reverted Treg induced inhibition of T-H polarization. Our results identify a previously undescribed mechanism by which Treg inhibit effector T cells. TGF-beta produced by adjacent Treg interferes with polarization of T-H secretory machinery toward APC, thus affecting a crucial step of T-H-mediated amplification of the immune response.”
“BackgroundHigh-dose chemotherapy supported by autologous stem cell transplantation JAK inhibitor is an effective treatment for patients with relapsed or refractory non-Hodgkin’s lymphomas (NHLs) and fit patients with multiple myeloma (MM). However, failure rates of hematopoietic stem cell mobilization are estimated to be between 5 and 30%, respectively. Thus, we investigated the efficacy of the combination chemotherapy of high-dose methotrexate (MTX) and cytarabine with granulocyte-colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) as a remobilization method in those who failed a prior mobilization and collection with chemotherapy and G-CSF.\n\nStudy Design and MethodsMobilization failure was defined as a collection of fewer than 5×10(6) CD34+ cells after three to five apheresis procedures.

Totally 20 healthy volunteers (10 men and 10 women) participated in the study. An isotonic saline injection into the contralateral TA muscle served as a control condition for the NGF injection. Pressure pain thresholds (PPT) were used to test for muscle hyperalgesia along the TA (seven sites) muscle at the extensor digitorum longus and at the web between 1st and 2nd metatarsal (central involvement). One day after the NGF/control injections, hypertonic saline (0.5 ml, 5.8%) was injected into the left and right TA to study the pain response to chemical stimulation of the hyperalgesic muscle tissue. Scores on a modified Likert scale were used

to assess soreness during muscle PD173074 function. An area of hyperalgesia was observed locally at the injected site 3 h after injection of NGF, which expanded both proximally and distally Kinase Inhibitor Library clinical trial on day 1; this effect subsided on day 4. Decreased PPT was also found between 1st and 2nd metatarsal on day 1. Hypertonic saline evoked more pain in men when injected in the NGF treated TA compared to the control leg. Injection of NGF increased muscle soreness during muscle activity for 7 days. In this material there was no gender effect of NGF-induced muscle hyperalgesia. The expansion of muscle hyperalgesia to distant areas indicates that central mechanisms are involved.”
“Molecular

determinants of ion channel tetramerization are well characterized, but those involved in heteromeric channel assembly are less clearly understood. The heteromeric composition of native channels is often precisely controlled. Cyclic nucleotide-gated (CNG) channels from rod photoreceptors exhibit a 3: 1 stoichiometry LGX818 research buy of CNGA1 and CNGB1 subunits that tunes the channels for their specialized role

in phototransduction. Here we show, using electrophysiology, fluorescence, biochemistry, and X-ray crystallography, that the mechanism for this controlled assembly is the formation of a parallel 3-helix coiled-coil domain of the carboxy-terminal leucine zipper region of CNGA1 subunits, constraining the channel to contain three CNGA1 subunits, followed by preferential incorporation of a single CNGB1 subunit. Deletion of the carboxy-terminal leucine zipper domain relaxed the constraint and permitted multiple CNGB1 subunits in the channel. The X-ray crystal structures of the parallel 3-helix coiled-coil domains of CNGA1 and CNGA3 subunits were similar, suggesting that a similar mechanism controls the stoichiometry of cone CNG channels.”
“Context: The compound 4,7-dimethoxy-5-(2-propen-1-yl)-1,3-benzodioxole (apiole) has been isolated from several different plant species, including Petroselinum sativum.

“
“OBJECTIVE. High resolution CT (HRCT) is diagnostic of usual interstitial pneumonia (UIP) if honeycombing is present. However, biopsy-proven UIP also occurs in patients without honeycombing. Identification of specific HRCT patterns may enable specific diagnosis and allow more patients to enter clinical trials. Pattern may also predict prognosis. We sought to identify specific

HRCT patterns in patients with biopsy-proven UIP (2000-2009) and to assess outcomes and serial change in pattern.\n\nMATERIALS AND METHODS. We reviewed the HRCT findings in 44 patients with biopsy-proven UIP Combretastatin A4 supplier and identified four distinct patterns: classic UIP (cUIP) with honeycombing, fibrosis without honeycombing (FnoH), minimal fibrosis (Fmin), and ground-glass present (GGOp). We reviewed electronic medical records for outcome information and serial HRCT examinations when available.\n\nRESULTS. The extent of fibrosis varied between patterns; findings were

always heterogeneous in the cUIP and FnoH patterns. Some Fmin patients had a more homogeneous appearance. The lower lobes were predominantly affected, but upper lobe GPCR Compound Library chemical structure abnormalities were always present. Mortality from respiratory failure and acute exacerbations occurred regardless of pattern. Serial progression from Fmin to FnoH to cUIP occurred, although in a variable manner. Some individuals had an acute illness (GGOp) as the initial manifestation of UIP.\n\nCONCLUSION. The FnoH pattern may be diagnostic of UIP in the proper clinical setting; heterogeneity of HRCT appearance is critical and has not been previously emphasized. Grouping of patients on the basis of pattern may allow more accurate assessment learn more of treatment effects. Further validation and study of these HRCT patterns is warranted. Histologic UIP predicts clinical course.”
“We analyzed the postal surveys conducted by Japanese Cancer Association (JCA) in 2004 and 2006. This survey aimed to assess JCA members’ behavior and their attitudes toward patients who

are smokers, smoking cessation, and their responsibilities. In the 2006 version, questions were added about hope for various approaches related to smoking and health and the attitudes as medical experts when treating patients. JCA members’ smoking rate was 5.9% in 2004 and 9.0% in 2006. Current smokers were significantly more likely than never or former smokers to disagree or have no opinion with most activities about smoking control such as ‘raising the price of tobacco’ and ‘labeling health warnings describing the harmful effects of tobacco in large letters with clarity for easier reading’, while most members including smokers agree to ban smoking while walking, to educate general people about tobacco and health, to provide an environment where children cannot get tobacco and the information about tobacco and health.

“
“Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for severe aplastic anemia from an alternative donor is associated with higher risks of graft rejection and severe graft-versus-host disease. We developed a conditioning regimen consisting of rabbit anti-thymocyte globulin, fludarabine, cyclophosphamide, and low-dose total body Irradiation.

Two adult female patients with transfusion-dependent very severe aplastic anemia underwent 1-locus mismatched transplantation using this regimen. Both patients achieved stable engraftment and the clinical course thereafter was uneventful with persistently normal ovarian function. This novel conditioning regimen may be suitable for alternative donor transplantation for severe aplastic anemia, especially In young female patients. Am. J. Hematol. 84:167-169, 2009. (C) 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc.”
“We have investigated phenol replacements LB-100 Others inhibitor in a series of diaryl amino piperidine delta opioid agonists. From this study we have demonstrated that the hydroxy functional group can be replaced with a primary amide group, giving PARP inhibitor enhanced activity at the delta receptor, increased selectivity versus mu and kappa as well as improved in vitro metabolic

stability. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.”
“Background: The essential metals, chromium (Cr), magnesium (Mg), manganese (Mn) and zinc (Zn), are necessary for many metabolic processes and their homeostasis is crucial for life. The toxic metals, cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb), have no beneficial role in human metabolism. The aim of this study was to investigate the levels of Cd, Cr, Mg, Mn, Pb, and Zn in scalp hair samples of type 2 diabetes mellitus patients of

both genders, ages ranging from 30 to 50 y, and belong to urban areas of Ireland and Pakistan. For comparison purposes, age matched non-diabetic subjects of both countries were selected as referents.\n\nMethods: The concentrations of metals in scalp hair samples were measured by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrophotometer and atomic absorption spectrophotometer after microwave-assisted acid digestion. The validity and accuracy of the methodology were checked by conventional wet-acid-digestion method and using certified selleck inhibitor reference materials.\n\nResults: The mean values of Cd and Pb were significantly higher in scalp hair samples of both Pakistani and Irish diabetic patients as compared to referents of both countries (P < 0.001). In contrast, lower Cr, Mg, Mn, and Zn (P < 0.01) concentrations were detected in scalp hair derived from patients with type 2 diabetes versus healthy subjects of both countries.\n\nConclusion: This study showed that, increased toxic elements and decreased essential elements are associated with diabetes mellitus. Therefore, these elements may play a role in the development and pathogenesis of diabetes mellitus. (c) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.”
“The Wenquan molybdenum deposit is associated with a Triassic granite in this area.

Meta-analysis of the ATP2B1 gene polymorphisms associated with hypertension confirmed that ATP2B1 is significantly associated with hypertension in East Asians. Moreover, vascular smooth muscle cell ATP2B1 knockout mice exhibited high blood pressure in radio telemetry-based experiments.\n\nSummary\n\nThe ATP2B1 gene has been demonstrated to have a strong influence on blood pressure. Detailed analysis of tissue-specific knockout mice is expected to further confirm the role of ATP2B1 in the near future.”
“Bovine herpesvirus type 4 (BoHV-4), like other herpesviruses,

induces a series of alterations in the host cell that modify the intracellular environment in favor of viral replication, survival and spread. This research examined the impact of BoHV-4 infection on autophagy AC220 solubility dmso in BoHV-4 infected Madin Darby bovine kidney (MDBK) cells. Protein extracts of BoHV-4 infected and control MDBK cells were subjected to Western blot. The concentrations of the autophagy and apoptosis-related proteins Beclin 1, p21, PI3 kinase, Akt1/2,

mTOR, phospho mTOR, p62 and the light chain three (LC3) were normalized to the actin level and expressed as the densitometric ratio. Western blot analysis of virus-infected cells revealed that autophagic degradation pathway was induced in the late phase of BoHV-4 infection. After 48h post-infection the protein LC3II, which is essential for autophagy was found to be markedly increased, while infection of MDBK NSC 649890 HCl cells with BoHV-4 resulted in a depletion of p62 levels. Becline 1, PI3 kinase, Akt1/2 and p21 expression increased between 24 and 48h post-infection. Surprisingly, mTOR and its phosphorylated form, which are negative regulators of autophagy, also increased after 24h post-infection. In conclusion, our findings suggest that BoHV-4 has developed mechanisms for modulation of autophagy that are probably part of a strategy designed to enhance viral AZD1208 datasheet replication and to evade the immune system. Additional studies on the relationship between autophagy and BoHV-4 replication and survival, in both lytic and latent replication phases, are needed to understand

the role of autophagy in BoHV-4 pathogenesis. J. Cell. Biochem. 114: 15291535, 2013. (c) 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.”
“Studies of puberty have focused primarily on changes in hormones and on observable physical bodily characteristics. Little is known, however, about the nature of the relation between pubertal status and brain physiology. This is particularly important given findings that have linked the onset of puberty with both changes in cognitive functioning and increases in the incidence of depression and anxiety. The present study examined relations between pubertal stage, as assessed by Tanner staging, and brain anatomy in a sample of 54 girls aged 9-15 years. Brain morphometric analysis was conducted using high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

\n\nMethods: Protein expression was analyzed by immunochemistry on 102 cervical paraffin-embedded biopsies: 20 without Squamous Intraepithelial Lesions (SIL), AZD7762 51 Low-grade SIL, and 31 High-grade SIL; and in cervical cancer cell lines C33A and SiHa, and non-tumorigenic HaCat cells. Nuclear localization

of Rac1 in HaCat, C33A and SiHa cells was assessed by cellular fractionation and Western blotting, in the presence or not of a chemical Rac1 inhibitor (NSC23766).\n\nResults: Immunoreacivity for Rac1, RhoA, Tiam1 and beta-Pix was stronger in L-SIL and H-SIL, compared to samples without SIL, and it was significantly associated with the histological diagnosis. Nuclear expression of Rac1 was observed in 52.9% L-SIL and 48.4% H-SIL, but not in samples without SIL. Rac1 was found in the nucleus of C33A and SiHa cells but not in HaCat cells. Chemical inhibition of Rac1 resulted in reduced cell proliferation in HaCat, C33A and SiHa cells.\n\nConclusion: Rac1 is expressed in the nucleus of epithelial cells in SILs and cervical cancer cell lines, and chemical inhibition of Rac1 reduces

cellular proliferation. Further studies check details are needed to better understand the role of Rho-GTPases in cervical cancer progression.”
“HIV transmission may be prevented by effectively suppressing viral replication with antiretroviral therapy (ART). However, adherence is essential click here to the success of ART, including for reducing HIV transmission risk behaviors. This study examined the association of nonadherence versus adherence with HIV transmission risks. Men (n = 226) living with HIV/AIDS and receiving ART completed confidential computerized interviews and telephone-based unannounced pill counts for ART adherence monitoring. Data were collected between

January 2008 and June 2009. Results showed that nonadherence to ART was associated with greater number of sex partners and engaging in unprotected and protected anal intercourse. These associations were not moderated by substance use. The belief that having an undetectable viral load leads to lower infectiousness was associated with greater number of partners, including nonpositive partners, and less condom use. Men who had an undetectable viral load and believed that having an undetectable viral load reduces their infectiousness, were significantly more likely to have contracted a recent STI. Programs aimed at testing and treating people living with HIV/AIDS for prevention require attention to adherence and sexual behaviors.”
“A retrospective analysis of 35 skull base patients with no history of eustachian tube dysfunction who had magnetic resonance imaging at our institution between 2006 and 2007 was conducted. The fat pad of Ostmann surface area, the eustachian tube medial cartilage, and the tensor veli palatini muscle surface area were measured in all scans.

8 +/- 1.9 year period. A sample of induced sputum for cells and mediators was obtained in 69 subjects at baseline (Vb) and in 36 both at Vb and at follow-up (Vf).\n\nResults:\n\nSixty-four workers (89%) experienced at least one accidental inhalation of chlorine in the interval. The mean decrease in FEV1 was 30 ml/year and thus was within

normal limits. Among the analysed remodelling markers, the level of the MMP-9-TIMP-1 complex, but not of free MMP-9 and TIMP-1, significantly diminished from Vb to Vf. We found significant correlations between neutrophils, IL-8, MMP-9 and MMP9-TIMP-1 complex at Vb and Vf. While levels of total glutathione, IL-8, MMP9, TIMP-1 and MMP9-TIMP-1 complex were LDN-193189 highly correlated with each other at Vb, this was inconstant at Vf. Levels of MMP9-TIMP1 complex and of TIMP1 at Vf were significantly lower in workers reporting chlorine puffs with mild acute respiratory symptoms between visits compared to those who had no, or asymptomatic

inhalations (P = 0.03 and 0.02, respectively). The fall in FEV1 from Vb to Vf was significantly correlated SN-38 clinical trial with levels of glutathione at Vb. Cough between visits was associated with a decrease in FEV1 (P = 0.06).\n\nConclusion:\n\nAlthough no accelerated loss in FEV1 was documented in these workers exposed to chlorine, subjects with a greater fall in FEV1 were more likely to report cough and have higher levels of total glutathione at Vb.”
“The present study investigates see more the effect of aspartate and glutamate on mitochondrial function during myocardial infarction (MI) in wistar rats. Male albino wistar rats were pretreated with aspartate [ 100 mg(kg body weight)(-1) day(-1)] or glutamate (100 mg(kg body weight)(-1) day(-1)] intraperitoneally for a period of 7 days. Following amino

acid treatment, MI was induced in rats by subcutaneous injection of isoproterenol 1200 mg(kg body weight)(-1) day(-1)] for 2 days at an interval of 24 h. Isoproterenof (ISO) induction resulting in significant (P < 0.05) increase in the levels of cardiac mitochondrial lipid peroxidation with a decrease in reduced glutathione level. The activities of glutathione peroxidase and glutathione reductase were significantly (P<0.05) decreased by ISO. ISO-induction also caused significant (P<0.05) decrease in the activities of mitochondrial tricarboxylic acid cycle enzymes (malate dehydrogenase, isocitrate dehydrogenase,succinate dehydrogenase, alpha-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase) and respiratory chain enzymes (NADH dehydrogenase and cytochrome-c-oxidase). ISO significantly (P<0.05) reduced the cytochrome contents, ATP production, ADP/O ratio and oxidation of succinate in state 3/state 4 whereas significantly (P < 0.05) increased NADH oxidation. Pretreatment with aspartate or glutamate significantly (P<0.05) reduced the alterations induced by ISO and maintained normal mitochondrial function.

(C) 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.”
“The paper describes the preparation and evaluation

of doxorubicin loaded semi-interpenetrating polymeric hydrogel network of polyacrylic acid (PAc) and gelatin (G). Post surgical antitumor efficacy and biodistribution of doxorubicin from the implanted degradable hydrogels was investigated on Ehrlich’s ascites tumor model using albino mice. Polycaprolactone diacrylate (PCL-DAr) was employed as a crosslinking agent for PAc chains whereas G was kept free. The effect of crosslinking concentration on various physico-chemical ASP2215 properties such as thermal behavior, swelling, degradation behavior, drug release and polymer-polymer interactions was investigated by various physico-chemical tools. Semi-interpenetrating polymeric networks (IPNs) with 0.2 mol% crosslinking concentration showed degradation within

20 days in phosphate buffer (pH 6.5). To determine the in vivo anticancer efficacy, placebo and drug laden cylindrical implants MAPK inhibitor (65 +/- 5 mu g/implant of 10 mg) were implanted in tumor cavity post tumor excision. After predetermined time intervals (day 7, 11, 14, 20 and 25), drug biodistribution was assessed in tumor, tumor periphery, residual hydrogel and all vital organs i.e. liver, spleen, kidney, heart, lung and blood (spectrofluorimetrically). The drug distribution study showed the concentration of drug in the tumor, tumor periphery and residual hydrogel decreased with increasing time; on the 7th day, drug concentration was highest while, on the 25th day, it was negligible; however, insignificant quantities of the drug was found in vital organs. Histological examination revealed no sign of tumor recurrence until the 25th day with 100% necrosis and slight inflammation in treated the group. In vivo results established that these biodegradable implants can be utilized as post surgical therapy for solid tumors.”
“Racial and ethnic disparities in cancer care are major public health concerns and their identification is necessary to develop interventions to eliminate these disparities. We and others have previously observed marked disparities

in gastric cancer outcomes between Eastern and Western patients. SIS3 order These disparities have long been attributed to surgical technique and extent of lymphadenectomy. However, more recent evidence suggests that other factors such as tumor biology, environmental factors such as Helicobacter pylori infection and stage migration may also significantly contribute to these observed disparities. We review the literature surrounding disparities in gastric cancer and provide data pertaining to potential contributing factors. (C) 2014 Baishideng Publishing Group Inc. All rights reserved.”
“Alzheimer’s disease (AD) causes progressive, age-dependent cortical and hippocampal dysfunction leading to abnormal intellectual capacity and memory.

There was a high level of concordance in administration of heparin during surgery and in thromboprophylaxis post-operatively, with 97% giving some form of thromboprophylaxis. However there was a variation in the dose and timing, if administered, of chemical and mechanical prophylaxis.\n\nConclusion: The survey revealed diversity in perioperative

thromboprophylaxis strategies among vascular surgeons. This suggests that standardisation of pre-operative and postoperative mechanical ZD1839 in vitro and chemical thromboprophylaxis may be required which could potentially improve the outcomes in elective management of AAA in the UK. (C) 2011 European Society for Vascular Surgery. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.”
“Aim:\n\nTo determine parents’ attitudes and awareness of food marketing to children.\n\nMethod:\n\nComputer-assisted telephone interviews of a random sample of 400 parents of children aged 5-17

years and who were the main grocery buyers for that household, living in NSW, Australia. The main outcome measures included parental awareness and attitudes relating to food marketing to children, check details the perceived role of government versus industry in food marketing regulation and children’s food purchasing requests as a result of exposure to food marketing.\n\nResults:\n\nThe majority of parents were concerned about food marketing to children, with the highest level of concern registered for the positioning of food at supermarket checkouts (83% of parents concerned). Parental awareness

of certain non-broadcast media food marketing (e.g. print, radio and premium offers) to children was low. The majority of parents (91%) did not trust the industry to protect children from food marketing. Most parents (81%) believed that the government should restrict the use of non-broadcast 3-MA price media marketing of unhealthy food to children. Parents of younger children were more likely to report that their child asked for advertised food products, compared with parents of adolescents (65% and 48% respectively, P < 0.0001).\n\nConclusions:\n\nReductions in point of sale food promotions would be welcomed by parents. Raising community awareness of the non-broadcast media channels used to market food to children is important as part of building family and policy efforts to limit exposure to this otherwise relatively unregulated media environment.”
“A detailed historical survey was made to assess the impact of humans on fir-beech forests in the northern Carpathians. Research findings are compared with results from repeated tree layer measurements in eight of the most well-preserved reserves of fir-beech stands in the region. Documentary evidence is provided showing that the historical and contemporary spontaneous development of fir-beech stands throughout the northern Carpathians is identical.