bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Requirements for Surface Expression and Function of Adhesin P1 from
Streptococcus mutans
Authors: Crowley Paula J. , Seifert Trevor B. , Isoda Ryutaro , van Tilburg Marloes , Oli Monika W. , Robinette Rebekah A. , McArthur William P. , Bleiweis Arnold S. , Brady L. Jeannine
Published: March 2008

In this report, we define requirements for the successful translocation and functional maturation of the adhesin P1 of
Streptococcus mutans
. Conformational epitopes recognized by anti-P1 monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) were further characterized, thus facilitating the use of particular MAbs as tools to monitor the locations of various forms of the protein. We show that correct localization of P1 is dependent on structural features of the molecule itself, including a requisite A region-P region intramolecular interaction that occurs within the cell prior to secretion. P1 also was shown to be affected by several members of the protein-folding-secretion-turnover apparatus. It does not achieve a fully functional form in the absence of the trigger factor PPIase homolog RopA, and its translocation is delayed when DnaK levels are limited. In addition,
dnaK
message levels are differentially altered in the presence of P1 lacking the alanine-rich compared to the proline-rich repeat domains. Lastly, nonsecreted P1 lacking the P region accumulates within the cell in the absence of
htrA
, implying an intracellular HtrA protease function in the degradation and turnover of this particular internal-deletion polypeptide. However, the opposite effect is seen for full-length P1, suggesting a sensing mechanism and substrate-dependent alteration in HtrA's function and effect that is consistent with its known ability to switch between chaperone and protease, depending on environmental perturbations.
Characterization of Murine Dendritic Cell Line JAWS II and Primary Bone Marrow-Derived Dendritic Cells inChlamydia muridarumAntigen Presentation and Induction of Protective Immunity
Authors: Jiang Xiaozhou , Shen Caixia , Rey-Ladino Jose , Yu Hong , Brunham Robert C.
Published: March 2008

Dendritic cells (DCs) appear to orchestrate much of the immunobiology ofChlamydiainfection, but most studies ofChlamydia-DC interaction have been limited by the availability and heterogeneity of primary bone marrow-derived DCs (BMDCs). We therefore evaluated the immunobiology ofChlamydia muridaruminfection in an immortal DC line termed JAWS II derived from BMDCs of a C57BL/6 p53-knockout mouse. JAWS II cells were permissive to the developmental cycle ofChlamydia. Infection-induced cell death was 50 to 80% less in JAWS II cells than in BMDCs.Chlamydiainfected JAWS II cells and yielded infectious progeny 10-fold greater than that with primary BMDCs. JAWS II cells showed an expression pattern of cell activation markers and cytokine secretion followingChlamydiainfection similar to that of primary BMDCs by up-regulating the expression of CD86, CD40, and major histocompatibility complex class II and secreting significant amounts of interleukin-12 (IL-12) but not IL-10. JAWS II cells pulsed withChlamydiastimulated immune CD4+T cells to secrete gamma interferon. Adoptive transfer of ex vivoChlamydia-pulsed JAWS II cells conferred levels of immunity on C57BL/6 mice similar to those conferred by primary BMDCs. Taken together, the data show that JAWS II cells exhibit immunobiological characteristics and functions similar to those of primary BMDCs in terms ofChlamydiaantigen presentation in vitro and antigen delivery in vivo. We conclude that the JAWS II cell line can substitute for primary BMDCs inChlamydiaimmunobiological studies.
SKELETAL PARALLEL PROGRAMMING WITH OCAMLP3L 2.0
Authors: DI COSMO ROBERTO , LI ZHENG , PELAGATTI SUSANNA , WEIS PIERRE
Published: March 2008

Parallel programming has proved to be an effective technique to increase the performance of computationally intensive applications. However, writing parallel programs is not easy, and activities such as debugging are usually hard and time consuming. To cope with these difficulties, skeletal parallel programming has been widely explored in recent years with very promising results. However, prototypal skeletal systems developed so far tend to be rather inflexible and difficult to adapt to many practical parallelization scenarios. For instance, many systems restrict all the substructures of an application being encapsulated together in term of possibly nested skeletons, which may be cumbersome when parallelizing some large and complex applications. Moreover, it is usually difficult to share resources among different skeleton instances and to reuse the same instance of a skeleton in different parts of the code. This paper reports on the current status of the OcamIP3I (2.0) system, which sensibly changes the skeletal model of the previous versions, making it more usable and flexible. In particular, we describe the new skeletons, the new skeletal execution model as well as related issues on design and implementation.
SELF-STABILIZING GRAPH PROTOCOLS
Authors: GODDARD WAYNE , HEDETNIEMI STEPHEN T. , JACOBS DAVID P. , SRIMANI PRADIP K. , XU ZHENYU
Published: March 2008

We provide self-stabilizing algorithms to obtain and maintain a maximal matching, maximal independent set or minimal dominating set in a given system graph. They converge in linear rounds under a distributed or synchronous daemon. They can be implemented in an ad hoc network by piggy-backing on the beacon messages that nodes already use.
QUANTUM LOGIC CIRCUIT DESIGN OF MANY-VALUED GALOIS REVERSIBLE EXPANSIONS AND FAST TRANSFORMS
Authors: AL-RABADI ANAS N.
Published: March 2008

Many-valued quantum circuit synthesis of many-valued reversible expansions and fast transforms is introduced in this paper. Since the reduction of power consumption is a major requirement for the circuit design in future technologies, such as in quantum computing, the main features of several future technologies will include reversibility. Consequently, the new quantum circuits can play an important task in the design of future circuits that consume minimal power. In addition, the new quantum circuit methodology is general and can be used to realize any multiple-valued function in the quantum space. It is also shown that the structural generality advantage that results from the new design methodology is opposed with the increased quantum structural complexity disadvantage which may be considered in any further cost-benefit design analysis.
A Cross-Country Assessment of Bank Risk-Shifting Behavior
Authors: Barth James R. , Bertus Mark , Hai Jiang , Phumiwasana Triphon
Published: March 2008

Banks are important for mobilizing savings and then channeling those funds to productive investment projects. While providing these and other services that contribute to economic growth and development, banks take on various types of risks with the expectation that the return they receive will compensate for the risks. This paper presents a simple model and tests the extent to which information asymmetry between bank owners and depositors induces risk-shifting behavior that allows for higher bank net interest margins. The empirical results support the hypothesis that the greater the degree of information asymmetry the higher net interest margins base upon a sample of 3,115 banks in 98 countries.
The Timescale Effects of Corporate Governance Measure on Predicting Financial Distress
Authors: Chen Hsin-Hung
Published: March 2008

This study aims to investigate the timescale effects of the corporate governance measure on predicting financial distress of corporations. A new corporate governance measure is adopted in the logistic regression model. Historical data of the companies listed on the Taiwan Stock Exchange Corporation (TSEC) were used in the empirical analysis. The analysis was based on three different prediction horizons comprising one-, two- and three-year horizons. The results confirmed that the accuracy of the logistic regression model for predicting corporate financial distress can be improved by incorporating the corporate governance measure. Moreover, the improvements of the correct rate for classification by incorporating the corporate governance measure increased as the prediction horizon was raised. The improvements of the correct rate for classification by incorporating the corporate governance measure are 2.9%, 4.4% and 5.8% for "Year 1", "Year 2" and "Year 3" models respectively.
China-Concept Factor and Stock Returns in Taiwan
Authors: Yang Chau-Chen , Lee Cheng-Few , Chen Yi-Jung , Hu Ling
Published: March 2008

This study investigates whether there is a "China-concept factor", a common variation of stock returns, for firms that are listed in Taiwan stock markets and have real investments in China. We employ a methodology similar to that used by Lamont et al. (2001) in examining whether there is a financial-constraints factor. Listed firms in Taiwan stock markets for the period 1990–2004 are used to form portfolios of firms based on observable characteristics related to their real investments in China. We find that firms investing heavily in China have stock returns moving together over time, which suggests that firms investing in China are subject to common shocks. Firms investing heavily in China are found to exhibit higher average stock returns. There exists a China-concept factor for firms listed in Taiwan stock market and have real investments in China.
THE CONTINUOUS WAVELET TRANSFORM ON CONIC SECTIONS
Authors: ANTOINE JEAN-PIERRE , BOGDANOVA I. , VANDERGHEYNST P.
Published: March 2008

We review the coherent state (or group-theoretical) construction of the continuous wavelet transform (CWT) on the two-sphere. Next, we describe the construction of a CWT on the upper sheet of a two-sheeted hyperboloid, emphasizing the similarities between the two cases. Finally, we give some indications on the CWT on a paraboloid and we introduce a unified approach to the CWT on conic sections.
PIECEWISE CONSTANT WAVELETS ON TRIANGULATIONS OBTAINED BY 1-3 SPLITTING
Authors: ROŞCA DANIELA
Published: March 2008

We construct piecewise constant wavelets on a bounded planar triangulation, the refinement process consisting of dividing each triangle into three triangles having the same area. Thus, the wavelets depend on two parameters linked by a certain relation. We perform a compression and try to compare different norms of the compression error, when one wavelet coefficient is canceled. Finally, we show how this construction can be moved on to the two-dimensional sphere and sphere-like surfaces, avoiding the distortions around the poles, which occur in other approaches. As numerical example, we perform a compression of some spherical data and calculate some norms of the compression error for different compression rates. The main advantage is the orthogonality and sparsity of the decomposition and reconstruction matrices.
Redoubtable Sensor Networks
Authors: Di Pietro Roberto , Mancini Luigi V. , Mei Alessandro , Panconesi Alessandro , Radhakrishnan Jaikumar
Published: March 2008

We give, for the first time, a precise mathematical analysis of the connectivity and security properties of sensor networks that make use of the random predistribution of keys. We also show how to set the parameters---pool and key ring size---in such a way that the network is not only connected with high probability via secure links but also provably resilient, in the following sense: We formally show that any adversary that captures sensors at random with the aim of compromising a constant fraction of the secure links must capture at least a constant fraction of the nodes of the network. In the context of wireless sensor networks where random predistribution of keys is employed, we are the first to provide a mathematically precise proof, with a clear indication of parameter choice, that two crucial properties---connectivity via secure links and resilience against malicious attacks---can be obtained simultaneously. We also show in a mathematically rigorous way that the network enjoys another strong security property. The adversary cannot partition the network into two linear size components, compromising all the links between them, unless it captures linearly many nodes. This implies that the network is also fault tolerant with respect to node failures. Our theoretical results are complemented by extensive simulations that reinforce our main conclusions.
Simple Stratification of Survival Using Bone Scan and Serum C-Reactive Protein in Prostate Cancer Patients with Metastases
Authors: Nakashima Jun , Kikuchi Eiji , Miyajima Akira , Nakagawa Ken , Oya Mototsugu , Ohigashi Takashi , Murai Masaru
Published: March 2008

Background: IL-6 has been reported to be a significant prognostic factor for prostate cancer and induces synthesis of C-reactive protein (CRP) by hepatocytes. The present study was undertaken to evaluate the clinical value of serum CRP in prostate cancer patients with metastases. Methods: The prognostic significance of serum CRP as well as tumor histology, extent of disease (EOD) on bone scan, serum levels of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and hemoglobin was assessed using Cox’s proportional hazards model analyses in 126 prostate cancer patients with metastases treated with endocrine therapy. Results: Serum levels of CRP, PSA and ALP significantly increased and hemoglobin significantly decreased with advancing EOD grade. Univariate analysis demonstrated that EOD, CRP, PSA, ALP, hemoglobin and tumor histology are significantly associated with disease-specific survival. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that serum CRP and EOD were significant prognostic factors. The 5-year survival rates in low-risk patients (CRP ≤0.15 mg/dl and EOD ≤1) and high-risk patients (CRP >0.15 mg/dl and EOD ≧2) were 74 and 24%, respectively. Conclusion: These results indicate that a combination of serum CRP and EOD can identify patients with a poor prognosis who may be candidates for innovative treatments among prostate cancer patients with metastases.
Extravesical Seromuscular Ureteroneocystostomy: An Effective and Simple Operation for Treatment of Vesicoureteral Reflux
Authors: Salehipour Mehdi , Jalaeian Hamed , Shirazi Mehdi , Rajabi Mohamad Javad
Published: March 2008

Purpose: To evaluate the success rate of extravesical seromuscular ureteroneocystostomy in the treatment of children with vesicoureteral reflux (VUR). Patients and Methods: In a prospective study from August 2005 to January of 2006, 15 patients (11 girls, 4 boys), median age of 9.5 years (range: 1–24 years), with high-grade VUR underwent operation. Urinary tract ultrasonography and voiding cystoureterography (VCUG) were the main diagnostic tools to detect VUR before the operation and at 3 months after the operation. Results: No VUR was detected at evaluation of 3-month postoperative VCUGs (14 cases, 93%). However, one child (7%) still had persistent VUR. This patient underwent reoperation and the length of the seromuscular tunnel was increased more with a favorable result. The overall success rate of this technique was about 93%. Conclusion: Extravesical seromuscular ureteroneocystostomy is simple and effective method for the treatment of VUR in children.
Is Antidepressant Treatment Associated with Reduced Cognitive Decline in Alzheimer’s Disease?
Authors: Mossello Enrico , Boncinelli Marta , Caleri Veronica , Cavallini Maria Chiara , Palermo Eliana , Di Bari Mauro , Tilli Sabrina , Sarcone Eva , Simoni David , Biagini Carlo Adriano , Masotti Giulio , Marchionni Niccolò
Published: March 2008

Background: Although antidepressant drugs (ATD) are frequently prescribed to patients with Alzheimer’s disease (AD), their effect on cognitive status has been only rarely assessed. Methods: The impact of depressive symptoms and ATD on cognitive status was retrospectively assessed in 72 older AD outpatients with mild-to-moderate cognitive impairment, treated with cholinesterase inhibitors, over a 9-month follow-up. Results: Compared to subjects without baseline depressive symptoms, those with symptoms who were continuously treated with ATD had less cognitive decline; those never treated, or not continuously treated despite baseline symptoms, had an intermediate trend. Such a protective action of ATD was, at least in part, independent of their action on depressive symptoms. Conclusion: These observations suggest that ATD may reduce cognitive decline in depressed older AD patients.
Distractor Breakage in Cranial Distraction Osteogenesis for Children with Craniosynostosis
Authors: Lee Jung Ah , Park Dong Ha , Yoon Soo Han , Chung Jaiho
Published: March 2008

Cranial distraction osteogenesis has been applied as a mode of therapy to patients with various types of craniosynostosis. Several minor complications during distraction have been reported in the previous literature, including infection, device exposure, and dislocation and distortion of the device. To our knowledge, this is the first report of 2 cases of spontaneous device breakage during cranial distraction osteogenesis. Two infant patients were diagnosed with shunt-induced microcephalies. The ages of the 2 patients were 8 and 12 months. Their head circumferences were 3 percentiles below that of normal children of the same age. Distraction osteogenesis advancement to the frontal skull and the orbital bar was performed with two distractors. We distracted a total of 7.0 and 14.4 mm at a rate of 0.6–1.5 mm per day before device breakage occurred 7 and 25 days after the distraction activation, respectively. Both patients underwent reoperation to exchange the broken device for further distraction. To prevent further device breakage, we suggest increasing the rate of distraction, placing stronger or more devices, or relieving the scalp retraction pressure probably by extensive dissection of the subcutaneous layers or multiple incisions into the galeal layers.
Acquired Chiari I Malformation and Syringomyelia after Valveless Lumboperitoneal Shunt in Infancy
Authors: Riffaud Laurent , Moughty Carolina , Henaux Pierre-Louis , Haegelen Claire , Morandi Xavier
Published: March 2008

The authors present the case of a 13-year-old boy who experienced frequent disabling episodes of typical postural induced headaches, which revealed a Chiari I malformation, syringomyelia and cervical spinal cord edema. This boy had received a valveless lumboperitoneal (LP) shunt at the age of 18 months for macrocephaly. At this time, cranial CT scan showed moderate enlargement of the subarachnoid spaces without hydrocephalus or tonsillar herniation. The LP shunt was clamped but the patient experienced signs of brain stem dysfunction and increased intracranial pressure. Finally, an adjustable valve (110 mm Hg) was inserted and all the symptoms resolved. Although some authors consider LP shunt as a safe and effective procedure even in the pediatric population, our case reminds us that these shunts, especially when valveless, may expose the patient to the risk of symptomatic acquired Chiari I malformation and syringomyelia consecutive to a chronic spinal CSF leakage.
Insights into the Role of Bone Marrow-Derived Stem Cells in Renal Repair
Authors: Huls Miriam , Russel Frans G.M. , Masereeuw Rosalinde
Published: March 2008

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a frequent clinical problem with a high mortality rate, generally caused by ischemic insults. Nevertheless, the kidney has a remarkably high capacity to regenerate after ischemic injury. Tubular cells can restore renal function by proliferation and dedifferentiation into a mesenchymal cell type, but also stem cells residing in bone marrow may contribute. We compiled a protocol from several published methods to study the contribution of bone marrow-derived cells to renal regeneration. Bone marrow was isolated from donor FVB mice and labeled with enhanced green fluorescent protein (eGFP) through adenovirus transduction. After cell sorting, eGFP-labeled cells were transplanted in sublethally irradiated recipient FVB mice. Four weeks after transplantation, we provoked AKI in mice by inducing unilateral ischemic-reperfusion injury for 30 min. Seven days after the injury, eGFP-positive bone marrow-derived cells were clearly detectable in ischemic kidney tissue, and they contribute to the regeneration of approximately 10% of proximal tubular mass. In this review the advantages and shortcomings of our procedure are critically discussed and compared with other methods described.
Association of Inflammatory Cytokine Gene Polymorphisms with Platelet Recovery in Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura Patients after the Eradication of Helicobacter pylori
Authors: Suzuki Takayoshi , Matsushima Masashi , Shirakura Katsuya , Koike Jun , Masui Aya , Takagi Atsushi , Shirasugi Yukari , Ogawa Yoshiaki , Shirai Takayuki , Mine Tetsuya
Published: March 2008

Background: Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) is associated with the cytokine response and dysregulation of the cytokine network. Gene polymorphisms of proinflammatory cytokines are associated with several diseases including ITP. Recently, the successful eradication of Helicobacter pylori has been reported to improve the platelet counts in some patients with ITP. The aim of this study was to elucidate the relationship between cytokine gene polymorphisms and platelet recovery in ITP patients after the eradication of H. pylori. Materials and Methods: Gastric H. pylori infection was confirmed using a culture method or specific IgG antibodies against H. pylori in the serum. Thirty-six adult H. pylori-positive ITP patients received antibiotic therapy for H. pylori. The response to treatment was defined as complete response (CR) if the platelet count was above 150 × 103/µl and partial response (PR) if the platelet count increased by more than 50 × 103/µl above the pretreatment count. Genomic DNA was extracted from peripheral blood and polymorphisms in IL-1B (–31, –511), IL-1RN (long or short), TNFA (–308) and TNFB (+252) were analyzed using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). Results: Of the 36 ITP patients, twenty patients (responders) exhibited a platelet response after successful H. pylori eradication therapy, but the other patients (nonresponders) did not. There were no statistical differences in the frequencies of polymorphisms in IL-1B, IL-1RN and TNFA genes between responders and nonresponders. In contrast, the frequency of responders in ITP patients with the TNFB G/G or G/A genotype was significantly higher (69.6%) than that with the TNFB A/A genotype (30.8%). Conclusion: The TNFB (+252) G/G or G/A genotype may therefore be a good predictor of platelet recovery in ITP patients after the eradication of H. pylori.
Antisense to Transforming Growth Factor-β1 Facilitates the Apoptosis of Macrophages in Rat Vein Grafts
Authors: Heaton Nicholas S. , Wolff Randal A. , Malinowski Rita L. , Hullett Debra A. , Hoch John R.
Published: March 2008

Background: The success of peripheral vein grafts is limited by intimal hyperplasia. Transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 has effects on cell proliferation, apoptosis and extracellular matrix synthesis. We have previously observed positive changes in vessel healing with antisense to TGF-β1. Methods: Adenovirus was used to transduce rat femoral artery vein grafts with antisense to TGF-β1 (Ad-AST) or the sequence encoding the bioactive form of TGF-β1 (Ad-BAT). Grafts were harvested at 1, 2, 4 and 12 weeks and formalin fixed for immunohistochemical studies of the cell markers proliferating cellular nuclear antigen (proliferation) and active caspase 3 (apoptosis). In situ DNA fragmentation assays were also performed to confirm active caspase 3 results. Results: Ad-AST treatment significantly (p = 0.05) increased apoptosis of macrophages inside the internal elastic lamina. In addition, Ad-AST treatment significantly increased the cellularity of the graft at early time points and reduced it at later time points (p = 0.01). Conclusion: The low levels of TGF-β1 in Ad-AST treatment promote apoptosis of macrophages and provide an environment that is more conducive to the proliferation or infiltration of cells that contribute to healthy vessels.
Selective Arterial Dilatation by Glyceryl Trinitrate Is Not Associated with Nitric Oxide Formation in vitro
Authors: Miller Mark R. , Grant Stuart , Wadsworth Roger M.
Published: March 2008

Aims: Glyceryl trinitrate (GTN) is the most commonly used anti-anginal agent, yet its mechanism of action has still to be fully established. Release of nitric oxide (NO) and the selectivity of GTN in the venous system are believed to be crucial to this drug’s anti-anginal action. Methods: Rat superior mesenteric arteries and renal veins were mounted in a wire myograph with an intraluminal NO microsensor. Results: In the superior mesenteric arteries, GTN (1 nM to 10 µM) produced a dose-dependent vasodilatation without NO release, except at concentrations supramaximal for relaxation. GTN was found to be markedly less potent in a wide range of veins tested, and lowering the oxygen concentrations in the myograph to that of the venous system did not improve the venodilator activity of GTN. Conclusion: This is the first time that NO release from GTN has been monitored electrochemically in real time, simultaneously with vasodilatation. Unlike the endothelium-dependent vasodilator carbachol, NO could only be measured at concentrations of GTN that are supramaximal for relaxation. GTN was found to be arterioselective in vitro, even when oxygen levels were lowered to mimic those of the venous system in vivo.
Angiotensin II Induces the Vascular Expression of VEGF and MMP-2 in vivo: Preventive Effect of Red Wine Polyphenols
Authors: Walter Allison , Etienne-Selloum Nelly , Sarr Mamadou , Kane Modou Oumy , Beretz Alain , Schini-Kerth Valérie B.
Published: March 2008

Objective: Previous investigations have indicated that angiotensin II (Ang II)-induced hypertension and endothelial dysfunction are prevented by intake of red wine polyphenols (RWPs). Ang II has also been shown to increase the expression of VEGF and MMP-2, two major pro-inflammatory factors, in vascular diseases. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to determine whether intake of RWPs is able to prevent these effects in rats and, if so, to characterize the underlying mechanism. Methods: VEGF and endothelial NO synthase (eNOS) expression was assessed by immunofluorescence and Western blotting, MMP-2 activity by zymography, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation by dihydroethidine. Results: Ang II increased VEGF expression and MMP-2 activity in the aortic wall. Ang II-induced MMP-2 activation is inhibited by NG-nitro-L-arginine and MnTMPyP. Ang II increased the expression of eNOS, the formation of ROS and the nitration of proteins. The stimulatory effects of Ang II on these factors are prevented by RWPs intake. Conclusions: Infusion of Ang II induced vascular expression of VEGF and peroxynitrite-dependent activation of MMP-2, with both effects being prevented by RWPs intake. Thus, prevention of VEGF and MMP-2 expression might be involved in the protective effect of red wine on coronary heart diseases.
Factors Associated with Survival after Surgical Resection in Chinese Patients with Ductal Adenocarcinoma of the Pancreatic Head
Authors: Li Qiang , Gao Chuntao , Li Huikai , Juzi Jonathan T. , Chen Hua , Hao Xishan
Published: March 2008

Objectives: The aim of this cohort study was to investigate clinical outcome and prognostic factors after resection for ductal adenocarcinoma of the pancreatic head. Methods: 134 patients with pancreatic cancer undergoing curative resection (R0) between 1997 and 2002 were included in this study. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to examine factors affecting clinical outcome and recurrence. Results: Surgical procedures consisted of 58 (43.3%) extended pancreaticoduodenectomies, 47 (35.1%) pancreaticoduodenectomies and 29 (21.6%) pylorus-preserving pancreaticoduodenectomies. Results showed that 81.3% patients had a recurrence during the study period, mainly retroperitoneal recurrence in combination with distant metastasis (53.7%). The median survival time was 24.67 months. The 1-, 3- and 5-year overall disease-free survival rates for the study population were 52, 23 and 19%, respectively. Conclusions: The results from proportional hazard analysis suggest that preoperative abdominal and/or back pain, tumor size >2 cm, lymph node involvement and vascular invasion were significant predictors for poor survival.
Vacuolar Serine Protease Is a Major Allergen of Cladosporium cladosporioides
Authors: Chou Hong , Tam Ming F. , Lee Lin-Hau , Chiang Chi-Huei , Tai Hsiao-Yun , Panzani Raphael C. , Shen Horng-Der
Published: March 2008

Background:Cladosporium is an important allergenic fungus worldwide. We report here a major allergen of C. cladosporioides.Methods: Major C. cladosporioides allergens were characterized by immunoblotting, N-terminal amino acid sequencing, protein purification and cDNA cloning. Results: Seventy-four sera (38%) from 197 bronchial asthmatic patients demonstrated IgE binding against C. cladosporioides extracts. Among these 74 sera, 41 (55%) and 38 (51%) showed IgE binding against a 36- and a 20-kDa protein of C. cladosporioides, respectively. Both IgE-reacting components reacted with FUM20, a monoclonal antibody against fungal serine proteases. N-terminal amino acid sequencing results suggest that they are vacuolar serine proteases, and the 20-kDa component is possibly a degraded product of the 36-kDa allergen. A corresponding 5′-truncated 1,425-bp cDNA fragment was isolated. The mature protein after N-terminal processing starts with an N-terminal serine that is the ninth residue encoded by the 5′-truncated cDNA. The protein sequence deduced shares 69–72% sequence identity with Penicillium vacuolar serine proteases and was designated as Cla c 9. The purified 36-kDa Cla c 9 allergen showed proteolytic activity with peptide Z-Ala-Ala-Leu-pNA as substrate. IgE cross-reactivity was detected between the purified Cla c 9 and serine protease allergens from Aspergillusfumigatus and Penicillium chrysogenum.Conclusion: We identified a vacuolar serine protease as a major allergen of C. cladosporioides (Cla c 9) and a major pan-allergen of prevalent airborne fungi. IgE cross-reactivity among these highly conserved serine protease pan-fungal allergens was also detectable.
Granule Formation in NGF-Cultured Mast Cells Is Associated with Expressions of Pyruvate Kinase Type M2 and Annexin I Proteins
Authors: Kim Ji Young , Kim Dae Yong , Ro Jai Youl
Published: March 2008

Background: Nerve growth factor (NGF) is a potent mediator, which regulates characteristics of mast cells, but its biological function is not well characterized. This study aimed to screen proteins associated with the maturation of human mast cells-1 (HMC-1) or mouse bone marrow-derived mast cells (BMMCs) cultured with NGF, and to examine the functions of proteins involved. Methods: NGF (10 ng/ml) was added to cell culture medium every other day for 10 days for HMC-1 or twice a week for 5 weeks for BMMCs. Granule formation was determined by electron microscopy or May-Grünwald-Giemsa staining, TNF-α by ELISA, expressions of various proteins by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2-DE), siRNA transfection by Lipofectamine 2000, and the expressions of pyruvate kinase and annexin I by immunoblotting. Results: After NGF treatment, granule formation and total amounts of granular mediator, TNF-α increased in both mast cells. This TNF-α was released by calcium ionophore or by antigen/antibody reaction. Expressions of pyruvate kinase and annexin I obtained by 2-DE were confirmed by immunoblotting and siRNA-transfected HMC-1 cells. Expressions of proteins, granule formation and TNF-α content were blocked by both the TrkA inhibitor, K252a, and the ERK inhibitor, PD98059, but not by the PI3 kinase inhibitors, LY294002 and wortmannin. Conclusion: These data suggest that pyruvate kinase and annexin I expressed by NGF contribute to granule formation containing TNF-α as well as other mediators in mast cells, which play a major role in allergic diseases via a TrkA/ERK pathway.
Evaluation of an in vitro Mast Cell Degranulation Test in the Context of Food Allergy to Wheat
Authors: Bodinier M. , Brossard C. , Triballeau S. , Morisset M. , Guérin-Marchand C. , Pineau F. , de Coppet P. , Moneret-Vautrin D.A. , Blank U. , Denery-Papini S.
Published: March 2008

Background: Antigenic profiles obtained by ELISA with IgE from patients with wheat food allergy (WFA) established that major allergens are albumins/globulins (AG) for children suffering from atopic eczema/dermatitis syndrome (AEDS), ω5-gliadins for adults suffering from wheat-dependent exercise-induced anaphylaxis (WDEIA), anaphylaxis or urticaria and low-molecular-weight (LMW) glutenin subunits for patients with anaphylaxis. We aimed to characterize a new mast cell transfectant for its ability to degranulate with wheat proteins and patient sera and compare these results to those obtained by ELISA. Methods: Thirty sera from patients with WFA were tested: 14 with AEDS (group 1) and 16 with WDEIA, anaphylaxis or urticaria (group 2). An IgE Fc receptor (FcΕRI) humanized rat RBL-2H3 line was established by transfection with cDNAs encoding α-, β- and γ-subunits for the human IgE receptor. Results: A humanized RBL clone was selected for its capacity to express mRNA α-, β- and γ-subunits of FcΕRI, to bind allergen-specific human IgE and to degranulate. In group 1, sera induced enhanced degranulation with AG extract, but rarely reacted with gliadins and glutenins. In group 2, half of the sera showed degranulation with LMW glutenins whereas the AG fraction and lipid transfer proteins were rarely positive. ω5-Gliadins did not appear as a major allergen in degranulation assays, although functional allergen-specific IgE was measurable in appreciable amounts. Conclusion: Our data demonstrate that in wheat food allergen evaluation, correlation exists between mast cell degranulation and IgE measurements, depending on the type of allergen. Therefore, the biological activity of some allergen types may also be affected by other parameters.
Specific Immunotherapy for Common Grass Pollen Allergies: Pertinence of a Five Grass Pollen Vaccine
Authors: Moingeon Philippe , Hrabina Maud , Bergmann Karl-Christian , Jaeger Siegfried , Frati Franco , Bordas Véronique , Peltre Gabriel
Published: March 2008

Patients throughout Europe are concomitantly exposed to multiple pollens from distinct Pooideae species. Given the overlap in pollination calendars and similar grain morphology, it is not possible to identify which grass species are present in the environment from pollen counts. Furthermore, neither serum IgE reactivity nor skin prick testing allow the identification of which grass species are involved in patient sensitisation. Due to their high level of amino acid sequence homology (e.g., >90% for group 1, 55–80% for group 5), significant cross-immunogenicity is observed between allergens from Pooideae pollens. Nevertheless, pollen allergens also contain species-specific T or B cell epitopes, and substantial quantitative differences exist in allergen (e.g., groups 1 and 5) composition between pollens from distinct grass species. In this context, a mixture of pollens from common and well-characterised Pooideae such as Anthoxanthum odoratum, Dactylis glomerata, Lolium perenne, Phleum pratense and Poa pratensis is suitable for immunotherapy purposes because (1) it has been validated, both in terms of safety and efficacy, by established clinical practice; (2) it reflects natural exposure and sensitisation conditions; (3) it ensures a consistent and well-balanced composition of critical allergens, thus extending the repertoire of T and B cell epitopes present in the vaccine.
Age-Dependent Associations Between Chronic Periodontitis/Edentulism and Risk of Coronary Heart Disease
Authors: Dietrich Thomas , Jimenez Monik , Krall Kaye Elizabeth A. , Vokonas Pantel S. , Garcia Raul I.
Published: March 2008

Background—

Several epidemiological studies have suggested periodontitis as a risk factor for coronary heart disease (CHD), but results have been inconsistent.

Methods and Results—

We evaluated the association between clinical and radiographic measures of periodontitis, edentulism, and incident CHD (angina, myocardial infarction, or fatal CHD) among 1203 men in the VA Normative Aging and Dental Longitudinal Studies who were followed up with triennial comprehensive medical and dental examinations up to 35 years (median 24 years). Cox proportional hazards models with time-varying effects of exposure and potential confounders were fit. We found a significant dose-dependent association between periodontitis and CHD incidence among men <60 years of age (hazard ratio 2.12, 95% confidence interval 1.26 to 3.60 comparing highest versus lowest category of radiographic bone loss,
P
for trend=0.02), independent of age, body mass index, smoking, alcohol intake, diabetes mellitus, fasting glucose, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides, hypertension, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, education, marital status, income, and occupation. No association was found among men >60 years of age. Similar results were found when the sum of probing pocket depths was used as a measure of periodontitis. Among men ≥60 years of age, edentulous men tended to have a higher risk of CHD than dentate men in the lowest bone loss (hazard ratio 1.61, 95% confidence interval 0.95 to 2.73) and lowest pocket depth (hazard ratio 1.72, 95% confidence interval 1.03 to 2.85) categories, independent of confounders.

Conclusions—

Chronic periodontitis is associated with incidence of CHD among younger men, independent of established cardiovascular risk factors.
Matrix-Array 3-Dimensional Echocardiographic Assessment of Volumes, Mass, and Ejection Fraction in Young Pediatric Patients With a Functional Single Ventricle
Authors: Soriano Brian D. , Hoch Martin , Ithuralde Alejandro , Geva Tal , Powell Andrew J. , Kussman Barry D. , Graham Dionne A. , Tworetzky Wayne , Marx Gerald R.
Published: March 2008

Background—

Quantitative assessment of ventricular volumes and mass in pediatric patients with single-ventricle physiology would aid clinical management, but it is difficult to obtain with 2-dimensional echocardiography. The purpose of the present study was to compare matrix-array 3-dimensional echocardiography (3DE) measurements of single-ventricle volumes, mass, and ejection fraction with those measured by cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) in young patients.

Methods and Results—

Twenty-nine patients (median age, 7 months) with a functional single ventricle undergoing CMR under general anesthesia were prospectively enrolled. The 3DE images were acquired at the conclusion of the CMR. Twenty-seven of 29 3DE data sets (93%) were optimal for 3DE assessment. Two blinded and independent observers performed 3DE measurements of volume, mass, and ejection fraction. The 3DE end-diastolic volume correlated well (
r
=0.96) but was smaller than CMR by 9% (
P
<0.01), and 3DE ejection fraction was smaller than CMR by 11% (
P
<0.01). There was no significant difference in measurements of end-systolic volume and mass. The 3DE interobserver differences for mass and volumes were not significant except for ejection fraction (8% difference;
P
<0.05). Intraobserver differences were not significant.

Conclusions—

In young pediatric patients with a functional single ventricle, matrix-array 3DE measurements of mass and volumes compare well with those obtained by CMR. 3DE will provide an important modality for the serial analysis of ventricular size and performance in young patients with functional single ventricles.
Interrelation of Coronary Calcification, Myocardial Ischemia, and Outcomes in Patients With Intermediate Likelihood of Coronary Artery Disease
Authors: Schenker Matthew P. , Dorbala Sharmila , Hong Eric Cho Tek , Rybicki Frank J. , Hachamovitch Rory , Kwong Raymond Y. , Di Carli Marcelo F.
Published: March 2008

Background—

Although the value of coronary artery calcium (CAC) for atherosclerosis screening is gaining acceptance, its efficacy in predicting flow-limiting coronary artery disease remains controversial, and its incremental prognostic value over myocardial perfusion is not well established.

Methods and Results—

We evaluated 695 consecutive intermediate-risk patients undergoing combined rest-stress rubidium 82 positron emission tomography (PET) perfusion imaging and CAC scoring on a hybrid PET-computed tomography (CT) scanner. The frequency of abnormal scans among patients with a CAC score ≥400 was higher than that in patients with a CAC score of 1 to 399 (48.5% versus 21.7%,
P
<0.001). Multivariate logistic regression supported the concept of a threshold CAC score ≥400 governing this relationship (odds ratio 2.91,
P
<0.001); however, the frequency of ischemia among patients with no CAC was 16.0%, and its absence only afforded a negative predictive value of 84.0%. Risk-adjusted survival analysis demonstrated a stepwise increase in event rates (death and myocardial infarction) with increasing CAC scores in patients with and without ischemia on PET myocardial perfusion imaging. Among patients with normal PET myocardial perfusion imaging, the annualized event rate in patients with no CAC was lower than in those with a CAC score ≥1000 (2.6% versus 12.3%, respectively). Likewise, in patients with ischemia on PET myocardial perfusion imaging, the annualized event rate in those with no CAC was lower than among patients with a CAC score ≥1000 (8.2% versus 22.1%).

Conclusions—

Although increasing CAC content is generally predictive of a higher likelihood of ischemia, its absence does not completely eliminate the possibility of flow-limiting coronary artery disease. Importantly, a stepwise increase occurs in the risk of adverse events with increasing CAC scores in patients with and without ischemia on PET myocardial perfusion imaging.
Repeated Replication and a Prospective Meta-Analysis of the Association Between Chromosome 9p21.3 and Coronary Artery Disease
Authors: Schunkert Heribert , Götz Anika , Braund Peter , McGinnis Ralph , Tregouet David-Alexandre , Mangino Massimo , Linsel-Nitschke Patrick , Cambien Francois , Hengstenberg Christian , Stark Klaus , Blankenberg Stefan , Tiret Laurence , Ducimetiere Pierre , Keniry Andrew , Ghori Mohammed J.R. , Schreiber Stefan , El Mokhtari Nour Eddine , Hall Alistair S. , Dixon Richard J. , Goodall Alison H. , Liptau Henrike , Pollard Helen , Schwarz Daniel F. , Hothorn Ludwig A. , Wichmann H. -Erich , König Inke R. , Fischer Marcus , Meisinger Christa , Ouwehand Willem , Deloukas Panos , Thompson John R. , Erdmann Jeanette , Ziegler Andreas , Samani Nilesh J.
Published: March 2008

Background—

Recently, genome-wide association studies identified variants on chromosome 9p21.3 as affecting the risk of coronary artery disease (CAD). We investigated the association of this locus with CAD in 7 case-control studies and undertook a meta-analysis.

Methods and Results—

A single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP), rs1333049, representing the 9p21.3 locus, was genotyped in 7 case-control studies involving a total of 4645 patients with myocardial infarction or CAD and 5177 controls. The mode of inheritance was determined. In addition, in 5 of the 7 studies, we genotyped 3 additional SNPs to assess a risk-associated haplotype (ACAC). Finally, a meta-analysis of the present data and previously published samples was conducted. A limited fine mapping of the locus was performed. The risk allele (C) of the lead SNP, rs1333049, was uniformly associated with CAD in each study (
P
<0.05). In a pooled analysis, the odds ratio per copy of the risk allele was 1.29 (95% confidence interval, 1.22 to 1.37;
P
=0.0001). Haplotype analysis further suggested that this effect was not homogeneous across the haplotypic background (test for interaction,
P
=0.0079). An autosomal-additive mode of inheritance best explained the underlying association. The meta-analysis of the rs1333049 SNP in 12 004 cases and 28 949 controls increased the overall level of evidence for association with CAD to
P
=6.04×10
−10
(odds ratio, 1.24; 95% confidence interval, 1.20 to 1.29). Genotyping of 31 additional SNPs in the region identified several with a highly significant association with CAD, but none had predictive information beyond that of the rs1333049 SNP.

Conclusion—

This broad replication provides unprecedented evidence for association between genetic variants at chromosome 9p21.3 and risk of CAD.
L'apport européen au service social du Tiers-Monde
Authors: Iliovici Jean
Published: March 2008

L'Europe a exercé une large influence sur l'organisation et les méthodes des services sociaux dans les pays en développement. Aujourd'hui, par un choc en retour, ces pays s'interrogent sur l'efficacité de ces methodes appliquées a leur cas et remettent ainsi en cause les " idées recuesy " en proposant des formules nouvelles, valables tant pour eux-mêmes que pour les pays économiquement plus avancés.
Begging in Cali: Image, Reality and Policy
Authors: Bromley Ray
Published: March 2008

The beggar-donor relationship raises a wide range of social and moral issues, and the study of begging can provide an interesting perspective on social structure and the impact of social welfare policies. This article discusses these issues by analyzing the practice of begging in the city of Cali, Colombia, by reviewing the portrayals of begging in the local press, by presenting six case studies of individual beggars, and by discussing the roles and functioning of the various social welfare institutions which receive beggars. The numerical significance and level of organization of begging are usually exaggerated in the local press and other communications media, and the sensationalized popular image of begging is used to justify repressive policies towards beggars. Contrary to such images, begging is shown to be relatively small-scale and atomistic, and beggars are generally severely disadvantaged and usually have very low incomes. The institutional res ponse to beggars' problems is very inadequate, with a strong concentration on simply 'storing' people to keep them off the streets, rather than on any effective preventative or rehabilitative measures. The idea, prevalent among Cali's elites, that 'begging is a serious problem' is criticized. The problem is not begging, but rather the poverty, extreme inequality and inadequate social provision of which begging is merely one of many superficial manifestations.
Model for Analysis of Program Curricula in Social Work Education
Authors: Guzzetta Charles
Published: March 2008

[A persistent problem in collaboration among programs of social work education around the world has been the absence of a basis for comparisons of curricula. Excellent progress is being made on models for total program comparison, but less attention has been given to component parts of programs. This paper presents a model for analysis and comparison of curricula.

Problems of apparent similarities are discussed. Curriculum is described and defined as a set of neutral indicators and as a social, political and cultural statement. The gotential difficulties inherent in this formulation are noted.

The following analytic model is presented based on six indicators :

1. Attitude (relation to time) a. prospective b. retrospective

2. Mode (nature of action) a. dynamic b. static

3. Scope (units of attention) a. particular b. comprehensive

4. Penetration (depth of study) a. survey b. profound c. exemplar

5. Construction a. linear b. holistic c. thematic

6. Culture a. exotic b. indigenous

Finally, selected applications are proposed.]

C. J. Guzzetta Professor Hunter College New York, New York, USA