bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identification of functional domains in TdIF1 and its inhibitory mechanism for TdT activity
Authors: Kubota Takashi , Maezawa So , Koiwai Kotaro , Hayano Takahide , Koiwai Osamu
Published: July 2007

TdT interacting factor 1 (TdIF1) was identified as a protein that binds to terminal deoxynucleotidyltransferase (TdT) to negatively regulate TdT activity. TdT is a template‐independent DNA polymerase that catalyzes the incorporation of deoxynucleotides to the 3′‐hydroxyl end of DNA templates to increase the junctional diversity of immunoglobulin or T‐cell receptor (TcR) genes. Here, using bioinformatics analysis, we identified the TdT binding, DNA binding and dimerization regions, and nuclear localization signal (NLS) in TdIF1. TdIF1 bound to double‐stranded DNA (dsDNA) through three DNA binding regions: residues 1–75, the AT‐hook‐like motif (ALM) and the predicted helix‐turn‐helix (HTH) motif. ALM in TdIF1 preferentially bound to AT‐rich DNA regions. NLS was of the bipartite type and overlapped ALM. TdIF1 bound to the Pol β‐like region in TdT and blocked TdT access to DNA ends. In the presence of dsDNA, however, TdIF1 bound to dsDNA to release TdT from the TdIF1/TdT complex and to exhibit TdT activity, implying that active TdT released microenvironmentally concentrates around AT‐rich DNA to synthesize DNA.
Wnt11 stimulation induces polarized accumulation of Dishevelled at apical adherens junctions through Frizzled7
Authors: Yamanaka Hiroaki , Nishida Eisuke
Published: July 2007

Dishevelled, an essential mediator of Wnt signaling, is shown to regulate vertebrate gastrulation movements by controlling cell polarity, but how cell polarization is regulated during gastrulation has remained unclear. Here, we show that Dishevelled accumulates in the apical region at cell–cell contacts in involuting mesodermal cells, and that Wnt11 stimulation induces the accumulation of Dishevelled at apical adherens junctions in Xenopus ectodermal explants. We also show that the accumulation of Dishevelled is suppressed by the depletion of the Wnt receptor Frizzeld7 with a morpholino antisense oligonucleotide, and Frizzled7 itself also accumulates at apical adherens junctions in response to Wnt11. These results indicate that Wnt11 stimulation induces the accumulation of Dishevelled via the accumulation of Frizzled7. Our subsequent analysis shows that the DIX domain of Dishevelled is necessary for its translocation and accumulation in response to Wnt11. Our results suggest that Wnt11‐induced polarized accumulation of Frizzled7 and Dishevelled at adherens junctions underlies the formation and maintenance of apicobasal cell polarity.
Inhibitor development and successful immune tolerance in an HIV‐infected patient with haemophilia A and after immune reconstitution with HAART
Authors: KRUSE‐JARRES R. , HADI C. M. , LEISSINGER C. A.
Published: July 2007

Summary.  This is the case of a 28‐year‐old man with severe congenital haemophilia A, who had a relatively mild bleeding course during early childhood, with limited factor VIII (FVIII) exposure. He was infected with HIV before the age of 7 years, and demonstrated profound immunodeficiency from childhood, with very low CD4+ cell counts for more than a decade. Following initiation of highly active anti‐retroviral therapy (HAART) and gradually increasing CD4+ cells, he presented for the first time with a high‐titre inhibitor at age 26, despite over 1000 previous FVIII exposures. Subsequently, his inhibitor was successfully eradicated with a standard immune tolerance protocol. It is likely that the effects of chronic HIV infection on T‐lymphocyte pathways, and the partial immune reconstitution resulting from HAART, led to this patient’s unusual inhibitor course. Such a case serves to augment knowledge gained in animal studies about the immunobiology of FVIII inhibitors.
Aspects on pathophysiological mechanisms in COPD
Authors: Larsson Kjell
Published: July 2007

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a condition which is characterized by irreversible airway obstruction due to narrowing of small airways, bronchiolitis, and destruction of the lung parenchyma, emphysema. It is the fourth most common cause of mortality in the world and is expected to be the third most common cause of death by 2020. The main cause of COPD is smoking but other exposures may be of importance. Exposure leads to airway inflammation in which a variety of cells are involved. Besides neutrophil granulocytes, macrophages and lymphocytes, airway epithelial cells are also of particular importance in the inflammatory process and in the development of emphysema. Cell trafficking orchestrated by chemokines and other chamoattractants, the proteinase–antiproteinase system, oxidative stress and airway remodelling are central processes associated with the development of COPD. Recently systemic effects of COPD have attracted attention and the importance of systemic inflammation has been recognized. This seems to have direct therapeutic implications as treatment with inhaled glucocorticosteroids has been shown to influence mortality. The increasing body of knowledge regarding the inflammatory mechanism in COPD will most likely have implications for future therapy and new drugs, specifically aimed at interaction with the inflammatory processes, are currently being developed.
A period study and light-curve synthesis for the Algol-type semidetached binary XX Cephei
Authors: Lee Jae Woo , Kim Chun-Hwey , Koch Robert H.
Published: July 2007

We obtained CCD photometric observations of the Algol-type semidetached binary XX Cephei (XX Cep) during 15 nights from 2002 September 17 to 2003 February 2, and also on 2005 January 21. Except for those data taken on the last night of the concentrated observing season, the 3881 measurements were obtained over an interval of only 106 nights. From these data, four new times of minimum light were calculated. The (O− C) diagram formed from all available timings, and thus the orbital period of the system, can be partly represented as a beat effect between two cyclical variations with different periods ( yr,  yr) and amplitudes (K1=0.015 d, K2=0.103 d), respectively. Both physical and non-physical interpretations of these cycles were investigated. The long-term sinusoidal variation is too long for magnetic cycling in solar-type single and close binary stars. In addition, we have studied the effect of a possible secular period variation. By analysing the residuals from our Wilson–Devinney (WD) binary model, we found small light variations with a period of 5.99 d with amplitudes growing toward longer wavelengths. We think that these oscillations may be produced by instabilities at the systemic L1 point (also occupied by the point of the cool star) and that these instabilities are, in turn, caused by non-uniform and sporadic convection. There is also a short-period oscillation of about 45 min in the WD light residuals that is attributed to accretion on to the mass-gaining primary component from a feeble gas stream originating on the cool donor star.
Photosynthetic recovery following desiccation of desert green algae (Chlorophyta) and their aquatic relatives
Authors: GRAY DENNIS W. , LEWIS LOUISE A. , CARDON ZOE G.
Published: July 2007

Recent molecular data suggest that desert green algae have evolved from freshwater ancestors at least 14 times in three major classes (Chlorophyceae, Trebouxiophyceae and Charophyceae), offering a unique opportunity to study the adaptation of photosynthetic organisms to life on land in a comparative phylogenetic framework. We examined the photorecovery of phylogenetically matched desert and aquatic algae after desiccation in darkness and under illumination. Desert algae survived desiccation for at least 4 weeks when dried in darkness, and recovered high levels of photosynthetic quantum yield within 1 h of rehydration in darkness. However, when 4 weeks of desiccation was accompanied by illumination, three of six desert taxa lost their ability to recover quantum yield during rehydration in the dark. Aquatic algae, in contrast, recovered very little during dark rehydration following even just 24 h of desiccation. Re‐illuminating rehydrated algae produced a nearly complete recovery of quantum yield in all desert and two of five aquatic taxa. These contrasts provide physiological evidence that desert green algae possess mechanisms for photosynthetic recovery after desiccation distinct from those in aquatic relatives, corroborating molecular evidence that they are not happenstance, short‐term visitors from aquatic environments. Photosensitivity during desiccation among desert algae further suggests that they may reside in protected microsites within crusts, and species specificity of photosensitivity suggests that disturbances physically disrupting crusts could lead to shifts or losses of taxonomic diversity within these habitats.
Transcriptional regulation of anthocyanin biosynthesis in ripening fruits of grapevine under seasonal water deficit
Authors: CASTELLARIN SIMONE D. , PFEIFFER ANTONELLA , SIVILOTTI PAOLO , DEGAN MIRKO , PETERLUNGER ENRICO , DI GASPERO GABRIELE
Published: July 2007

Anthocyanin biosynthesis is strongly up‐regulated in ripening fruit of grapevines (Vitis vinifera L.) grown under drought conditions. We investigated the effects of long‐term water deficit on the expression of genes coding for flavonoid and anthocyanin biosynthetic enzymes and related transcription factors, genes sensitive to endogenous [sugars, abscisic acid (ABA)] and environmental (light) stimuli connected to drought stress, and genes developmentally regulated in ripening berries. Total anthocyanin content has increased at harvest in water‐stressed (WS) fruits by 37–57% in two consecutive years. At least 84% of the total variation in anthocyanin content was explained by the linear relationship between the integral of mRNA accumulation of the specific anthocyanin biosynthetic gene UDP‐glucose : flavonoid 3‐O‐glucosyltransferase (UFGT) and metabolite content during time series from véraison through ripening. Chalcone synthase (CHS2, CHS3) and flavanone 3‐hydroxylase (F3H) genes of the flavonoid pathway showed high correlation as well. Genes coding for flavonoid 3′,5′‐hydroxylase (F3′5′H) and O‐methyltransferase (OMT) were also up‐regulated in berries from dehydrated plants in which anthocyanin composition enriched in more hydroxylated and more methoxylated derivatives such as malvidin and peonidin, the grape anthocyanins to which human gastric bilitranslocase displays the highest affinity. The induction in WS plants of structural and regulatory genes of the flavonoid pathway and of genes that trigger brassinosteroid hormonal onset of maturation suggested that the interrelationships between developmental and environmental signalling pathways were magnified by water deficit which actively promoted fruit maturation and, in this context, anthocyanin biosynthesis.
Functional analyses of thePhyscomitrella patensphytochromes in regulating chloroplast avoidance movement
Authors: Uenaka Hidetoshi , Kadota Akeo
Published: July 2007

Red light‐induced chloroplast movement inPhyscomitrella patens(Pp) is mediated by dichroic phytochrome in the cytoplasm. To analyze the molecular function of the photoreceptor in the cytoplasm, we developed a protoplast system in which chloroplast photomovement was exclusively dependent on the expression of phytochrome cDNA constructs introduced by polyethylene glycol (PEG) transformation.YFPwas fused to the phytochrome constructs and their expression was detected by fluorescence. The chloroplast avoidance response was induced in the protoplasts expressing aYFPfusion ofPHY1–PHY3,but not ofPHY4orYFPalone. Phy::yfp fluorescence was detected in the cytoplasm. No change in the location of phy1::yfp or phy2::yfp was revealed before and after photomovement. When phy1::yfp and phy2::yfp were targeted to the nucleus by fusing a nuclear localization signal to the constructs, red light avoidance was not induced. To determine the domains ofPHY2essential for avoidance response, various partially‐deletedPHY2::YFPconstructs were tested. The N‐terminal extension domain (NTE) was found to be necessary but the C‐terminal histidine kinase‐related domain (HKRD) was dispensable. An avoidance response was not induced under expression of phytochrome N‐terminal half domain [deleting both the PAS (Per, Arnt, Sim)‐related domain (PRD) and HKRD]. GUS fusion of this N‐terminal half domain, reported to be fully functional in Arabidopsis for several phyA‐ and phyB‐regulated responses was not effective in chloroplast avoidance movement. Domain requirement and GUS fusion effect were also confirmed inPHY1. These results indicate thatPpphy1–Ppphy3 in the cytoplasm mediate chloroplast avoidance movement, and that NTE and PRD, but not HKRD, are required for their function.
Selective targeting of plasma membrane and tonoplast traffic by inhibitory (dominant‐negative) SNARE fragments
Authors: Tyrrell Matthew , Campanoni Prisca , Sutter Jens‐Uwe , Pratelli Réjane , Paneque Manuel , Sokolovski Sergei , Blatt Michael R.
Published: July 2007

Vesicle traffic underpins cell homeostasis, growth and development in plants, and is facilitated by a superfamily of proteins known as SNAREs [soluble NSF (N‐ethylmaleimide‐sensitive factor) attachment protein receptors] that interact to draw vesicle and target membrane surfaces together for fusion. Structural homologies, biochemical and genetic analyses have yielded information about the localization and possible roles of these proteins. However, remarkably little evidence is yet available that speaks directly to the functional specificities of these proteins in selected trafficking pathways in vivo. Previously, we found that expressing a cytosolic (so‐called Sp2) fragment of one plasma membrane SNARE from tobacco and Arabidopsis had severe effects on growth, tissue development and secretory traffic to the plasma membrane. We have explored this dominant‐negative approach further to examine the specificity and overlaps in Sp2 activity by generating a toolbox of truncated SNARE constructs and antibodies for transient expression and analysis. Using a quantitative ratiometric approach with secreted green fluorescent protein (secGFP), we report here that traffic to the plasma membrane is suppressed selectively by Sp2 fragments of plasma membrane SNAREs AtSYP121 and AtSYP122, but not of the closely related SNARE AtSYP111 nor of the SNARE AtSYP21 that resides at the pre‐vacuolar compartment (PVC). By contrast, traffic of the YFP‐tagged aquaporin fusion protein TIP1;1–YFP to the tonoplast was blocked (leading to its accumulation in the PVC) when co‐expressed with the Sp2 fragment of AtSYP21, but not when co‐expressed with that of AtSYP121. Export of secGFP was also sensitive to the Sp2 fragment of the novel, plant‐specific SNARE AtSYP71 that was recently found to be present in detergent‐resistant, plasma membrane fractions. Co‐incubation analyses of the plasma membrane SNAREs with the regulatory subdomain included within the Sp2 fragments showed activity in destabilizing protein complexes, but only with the complementary SNAREs. We conclude that the Sp2 fragment action accurately reflects the known specificity and targeting of these SNAREs, implies functional overlaps that are of potential physiological interest, and underscores the use of a dominant‐negative strategy in functional studies of a major subfamily of SNAREs in plants.
Audioprofiling identifies TECTA and GJB2‐related deafness segregating in a single extended pedigree
Authors: Meyer NC , Nishimura CJ , McMordie S , Smith RJH
Published: July 2007

An audioprofile displays phenotypic data from several audiograms on a single graph that share a common genotype. In this report, we describe the application of audioprofiling to a large family in which a genome‐wide screen failed to identify a deafness locus. Analysis of audiograms by audioprofiling suggested that two persons with hearing impairment had a different deafness genotype. On this basis, we reassigned affectation status and identified a p.Cys1837Arg autosomal dominant mutation in α‐tectorin segregating in all family members except two persons, who segregated autosomal recessive deafness caused by p.Val37Ile and p.Leu90Pro mutations in Connexin 26. One nuclear family in the extended pedigree segregates both dominant and recessive non‐syndromic hearing loss.
Cystic fibrosis in a southern Brazilian population: characteristics of 90% of the alleles
Authors: Faucz FR , Gimenez J , Ramos MD , Pereira‐Ferrari L , Estivill X , Raskin S , Casals T , Culpi L
Published: July 2007

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a genetic disease that frequently leads to death in infancy among Europeans and their descendants. The goals of the present study were to analyze the molecular aspects of CFTR gene characterizing mutations, their frequencies, and the haplotypes formed by four CFTR gene intragenic markers, IVS8‐6(T)n, IVS8CA, IVS17bTA and IVS17bCA, in a southern Brazilian population of Caucasian origin. DNA samples from 56 non‐related CF patients were analyzed using scanning techniques (single strand conformation polymorphism and denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis), restriction fragment length polymorphism and direct DNA sequencing to identify the mutations. Our results revealed a total of 25 different CF mutations representing nearly 90% of CF alleles, two being novel mutations. Microsatellite haplotypes were defined for CF and normal alleles. The mutational spectrum and the associated haplotypes described for the first time in this study should prove relevant for genetic counselling and CF population screening in Brazil. Moreover, our results suggest the presence of a major Mediterranean component in the contemporary Brazilian CF patient pool.
CYR61 polymorphisms are associated with plasma HDL‐cholesterol levels in obese individuals
Authors: Bouchard L , Tchernof A , Deshaies Y , Lebel S , Hould F‐S , Marceau P , Vohl M‐C
Published: July 2007

We have recently characterized the transcriptome of the omental adipose tissue of non‐diabetic, obese men with and without the metabolic syndrome (MS). The cysteine‐rich protein 61 (CYR61) is one of the most differentially expressed genes between the groups and has been selected for a detailed molecular investigation. Direct sequencing of complete CYR61 gene revealed five polymorphisms with minor allele frequency >5% in the promoter region (rs3753794, rs3753793 and rs2297140), intron 1 (rs2297141) and intron 2 (IVS2+50). Chi‐square test and logistic regression were applied to test for association between CYR61 polymorphisms and the individual MS components in a cohort of 697 obese individuals. In men and women, rs3753794 and rs3753793 (r2 = 0.77) were associated plasma HDL‐cholesterol levels (p = 0.016 and p = 0.008). Carriers of the A allele for rs3753794 were more likely to have high plasma HDL‐cholesterol levels (1.50‐fold; p = 0.016), as compared with G/G homozygotes and the A/A homozygotes for rs3753793 were more likely to exhibit low plasma HDL‐cholesterol levels (1.56‐fold; p = 0.008), as compared with C/C homozygotes. Furthermore, an association between IVS2+50 polymorphism and HDL‐cholesterol was found in women and in men analyzed separately (p = 0.002 and p = 0.038, respectively). These results suggest that CYR61 is a promising candidate gene for lipoprotein/lipid perturbations.
Infectious complications associated with the use of rituximab for ABO‐incompatible and positive cross‐match renal transplant recipients
Authors: Grim Shellee A , Pham Thuy , Thielke James , Sankary Howard , Oberholzer Jose , Benedetti Enrico , Clark Nina M
Published: July 2007

Abstract:  Immunosuppressive protocols for ABO‐incompatible (ABOI) and positive cross‐match (PCM) solid organ transplant (SOT) recipients have included the use of rituximab (RTX). Infectious complications (IC) have been reported after the use of RTX for other indications, but have not been well studied in the SOT population. We performed a retrospective review of IC occurring within six months of ABOI and PCM renal transplantation (RT) in recipients receiving RTX. Medical records were reviewed for bloodstream, lung, gastrointestinal tract, allograft, or soft tissue infection. Between July 2001 and December 2004, 34 ABOI or PCM RT were performed at University of Illinois at Chicago, 25 of which received RTX with plasmapheresis and antithymocyte globulin (ATG) (eight ABOI and 17 PCM). Among the RTX recipients, the rate of IC was 48% compared with 11% among historical controls who did not receive RTX (p = 0.107). There were 21 episodes of IC in 13 patients including skin and soft tissue infection (8), bloodstream infection (5), esophagitis (3), peritonitis (3), pneumonia (1), and colitis (1). There was no difference in the rate of rejection, graft survival or patient survival between the two groups. These data suggest that there is a trend toward an increased rate of IC with RTX therapy in ABOI and PCM RT recipients.
Gallstone formation after pancreas and/or kidney transplantation: an analysis of risk factors
Authors: Petersen Andre S. van , Pijl Hans W. van der , Ringers Jan , Lemkes Herman H. , Fijter Hans W. de , Masclee Ad A.M.
Published: July 2007

Abstract:  Pancreas and kidney transplantation (SPK) is the treatment of choice for patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus and end‐stage renal failure. Gallstones are common after SPK transplantation but little is known about the true incidence and etiology of gallstones in this group. We therefore evaluated the incidence of gallstones and the presence of transplant‐related risk factors in patients after SPK and kidney transplantation alone (KTA). Data were evaluated of 56 consecutive patients who underwent SPK transplantation and compared the results with those of 91 consecutive nondiabetic patients who underwent KTA transplantation at the Leiden University Medical Center between 1987 and 1994. Of the 58 evaluable KTA patients, 20.7% developed gallstones during 7.7 yr of follow‐up and in the SPK group 43.9% of the 41 evaluable patients developed gallstones during 7.1 yr of follow‐up. Postoperative weight loss and cyclosporin A‐related hepatotoxicity correlated with gallstone formation both in SPK and KTA patients. In addition, the duration of postoperative fasting and autonomic neuropathy correlated with gallstones in SPK patients. It is concluded that both in patients after SPK transplantation and in patients after KTA transplantation, the risk to develop gallstones is significantly increased. Physicians should be aware of the high incidence of gallstones in SPK recipients.
Predisposition to HPV16/18‐related cervical cancer because of proline homozygosity at codon 72 of p53 among Indian women is influenced by HLA‐B*07 and homozygosity of HLA‐DQB1*03
Authors: Bhattacharya P. , Sengupta S.
Published: July 2007

This study was undertaken to examine whether predisposition to human papillomavirus (HPV)16/18‐related cervical cancer (CaCx) because of p53 proline homozygosity (Pro72Pro) among Indian women was mediated singly or jointly with immunogenetic risk factors such as HLA‐B*07 or homozygosity of HLA‐DQB1*03. Molecular detection of all three genetic factors was performed by polymerase chain reaction–restriction fragment length polymorphism using DNA from (i) 114 CaCx samples (78 HPV16/18 positive) and (ii) 195 cytogically normal cervical scrapes (116 HPV‐negative and 79 HPV16/18‐positive samples). Multiple logistic regression analyses were performed to examine independent effects of the three factors and to determine age‐adjusted odds ratio (OR) [95% confidence interval (CI)] and P‐values. HLA‐B*07 was observed to be significantly associated with HPV16/18 infection in asymptomatic controls (ORage‐adjusted = 4.73; 95% CI: 1.55–14.45; P = 0.006) and CaCx (ORage‐adjusted = 6.14; 95% CI: 2.15–17.53; P < 0.001) in this enhanced sample set of CaCx cases. There was a lack of association between HLA‐B*07 and HLA‐DQB1*03 in our study samples. The association of p53Pro72Pro with CaCx was non‐significant in the absence of HLA‐B*07 in HPV16/18‐positive women. In this group, prevalence of p53Pro72Pro and HLA‐B*07 together was significantly higher (7.0%) among CaCx cases (ORage‐adjusted = 14.05; 95% CI: 1.11–177.30; P = 0.04), compared with controls (1.3%) lacking both factors. HLA‐DQB1*03 homozygosity (ORage‐adjusted = 4.75; 95% CI: 1.17–19.30; P = 0.03) or p53Pro72Pro (ORage‐adjusted = 5.84; 95% CI: 1.18–28.99; P = 0.03) was found to be significantly associated with CaCx, each in the absence of the other in this group but not when present jointly in contrast to those lacking both factors (P = 0.214). Thus, modulation of p53Pro72Pro‐mediated susceptibility to CaCx by immunogenetic factors could possibly be mediated through cross talk between HPV16/18‐induced immune evasion and cell transformation.
Interleukin‐18 promoter polymorphism in patients with atopic asthma
Authors: Pawlik A. , Kaminski M. , Kuśnierczyk P. , Kurzawski M. , Dziedziejko V. , Adamska M. , Safranow K. , Gawronska‐Szklarz B.
Published: July 2007

Allergic asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease in which interleukin‐18 (IL‐18) plays an important role. However, there are controversial reports on IL‐18 promoter polymorphism as an independent marker of asthma susceptibility. The aim of the present study was to examine the IL‐18 promoter polymorphism in patients with allergic asthma. Two hundred and thirty‐one patients with allergic asthma from a Polish population diagnosed according to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI)/WHO guidelines were examined. An allele‐specific polymerase chain reaction was used to analyse polymorphisms at positions −137 and −607 in the promoter region of the IL‐18 gene. Neither in the −607 C>A nor in the −137 G>C promoter polymorphism were there any differences observed between the total group of asthmatic patients and the controls in the frequencies of genotypes, alleles, diplotypes or haplotypes. In patients with severe asthma, the −607 CC and −137 GG genotypes were observed significantly more frequently (P = 0.03 for both), whereas in patients with mild and moderate asthma, the −137 CC genotype was more prevalent than in the former group. The strongest difference between mild to moderate and severe asthma was observed in −137 allele frequencies (P = 0.006). The results of the present study suggest that the −137 G allele and the C‐G/C‐G diplotype seem to be involved in the pathogenesis of the severe form of asthma.
Absence of the HLA‐G*0105N allele in Amerindian populations from the Brazilian Amazon Region: a possible role of natural selection
Authors: Mendes‐Junior C. T. , Castelli E. C. , Simões A. L. , Donadi E. A.
Published: July 2007

The human leukocyte antigen G (HLA‐G) null allele (G*0105N) is defined by a ΔC deletion at exon 3. Its high frequency in populations from areas with high pathogen loads and the putative role of HLA‐G in placental development suggest that the reduced G1 expression in G*0105N heterozygous placentas may improve the intrauterine defense against infections. The G*0105N allele frequencies were evaluated in 143 Amerindians from six isolated tribes that inhabit the Central Amazon to determine the existence of genotype frequencies that suggest balancing selection in favor of G*0105N heterozygotes. No copy of the null allele was found by exon 3 sequencing. Although this finding may be because of demographic or other selective factors, it also suggests no evidence of G*0105N heterozygous advantage.
Double‐blind, placebo‐controlled Alternaria alternata immunotherapy: in vivo and in vitro parameters
Authors: Lizaso María Teresa , Tabar Ana Isabel , García Blanca Esther , Gómez Belen , Algorta Jaime , Asturias Juan A. , Martínez Alberto
Published: July 2007

Few studies have been published on the efficacy and safety of immunotherapy with fungal extracts, possibly because of difficulties arising from antigenic variability among different strains of fungus. The aim of the study was to analyze changes in the in vivo and in vitro parameters in response to immunotherapy with an Alternaria alternata extract. We studied 28 patients with rhinitis, bronchial asthma, or both caused by Alternaria. The patients were randomized to the active immunotherapy or placebo group, and a conventional schedule of immunotherapy was used. We recorded changes for a year in skin reactivity (skin prick test), conjunctival reactivity (conjunctival provocation test), and in vitro parameters (serum‐specific IgE, IgG, IgG1 and IgG4 for A. alternata complete extract and for natural and recombinant Alt a 1). Twenty‐three patients completed the study and all attained the maintenance dose. There were no changes in skin reactivity in the active treatment group, and reactivity increased at the end of the study period in the placebo group. Conjunctival sensitivity decreased only in the active treatment group when the maintenance dose was reached. Allergen‐specific IgE decreased, and IgG, IgG1 and IgG4 increased in all periods of study in the active treatment group, with no changes in the placebo group. Allergen‐specific immunotherapy with the A. alternata extract tested here led to a decrease in conjunctival reactivity and induced a significant immunologic response.
Invasive Pasteurella multocida sinusitis in a renal transplant patient
Authors: Schmulewitz L. , Chandesris M.O. , Mainardi J.L. , Poirée S. , Viard J.P. , Lecuit M. , Mamzer‐Bruneel M.F. , Lortholary O.
Published: July 2007

Abstract: Pasteurella are commensal gram‐negative bacteria isolated from the oral cavity of many domesticated animals. Most human infections occur post animal bite or scratch injury resulting in local cutaneous infection; however, case reports suggest that transmission may occur via animal secretions. Pasteurella species can be associated with serious systemic infections particularly in those with underlying disease and in the immunocompromised. We present a case of invasive Pasteurella multocida sinusitis in an immunocompromised renal transplant patient most likely acquired from a pet dog through direct mucosal inoculation via licking.
The risk factors and laboratory diagnostics for post renal transplant tuberculosis: a case‐control, country‐wide study on definitive cases
Authors: Basiri A. , Hosseini‐Moghaddam S.M. , Simforoosh N. , Einollahi B. , Hosseini M. , Foirouzan A. , Pourrezagholi F. , Nafar M. , Zargar M.A. , Pourmand G. , Tara A. , Mombeni H. , Moradi M.R. , Afshar A.Taghizadeh , Gholamrezaee H.R. , Bohlouli A. , Nezhadgashti H. , Akbarzadehpasha A. , Ahmad E. , Salehipour M. , Yazdani M. , Nasrollahi A. , Oghbaee N. , Azad R. Esmaeeli , Mohammadi Z. , Razzaghi Z.
Published: July 2007

Background. Tuberculosis (TB) is an important cause of morbidity and mortality in renal transplant recipients and, because of its infrequency and the lack of medical awareness, it is usually misdiagnosed. This study was carried out to determine frequency and weight of multiple risk factors for post kidney transplantation TB.

Methods. A total of 44 cases (0.3%), out of 12,820 patients from 12 major kidney transplantation centers in Iran from 1984 to 2003, were compared with 184 healthy transplant subjects who were transplanted by the same surgical team.

Results. The mean age of cases and controls was 37.7 (13–63) and 35.6 (8–67) years (P=0.3), respectively. The mean duration of pre‐transplantation hemodialysis was 30.3 (3–168) months in cases and 18.2 (1–180) months in controls (P=0.03). A positive past history of TB was detected in 2 cases and 1 control (P=0.3). The mean doses of initial and maintenance immunosuppressive drugs in cases and controls were not significantly different. A total of 25 cases (56.8%) and 60 controls (32.6%) had rejection before diagnosis of TB (P=0.004; OR=2.7, CI95%: 1.3–5.6).

Conclusions. To our knowledge, this is the first study that demonstrated an increase in the risk of post‐transplant TB by increasing the duration of pre‐transplant hemodialysis and the number of post‐transplant rejection episodes as 2 immunocompromised states. Further study is needed to clarify our new findings, specifically in relation to different immunosuppressive regimens.
Political Psychology as Applied Psychology: An Introduction
Authors: Boehnke Klaus , Bar‐Tal Daniel
Published: July 2007

On souligne, dans I'introduction du numéro spécial d'Applied Psychology: An International Review sur la Psychologie Politique, qu'il existe deux courants parmi les contributions au champ de la psychologie politique. L'un traite des implications politiques en jeu quand la politique est utilisée pour illustrer des problématiques psychologiques. L'autre est une « Psychologie Politique politique » où les orientations des Sciences Politiques définissent les problématiques. La seconde partie de l'introduction montre que cette discipline emprunte largement à trois grandes théories de la psychologie (la théorie cognitive, la théorie de I'apprentissage et la psychanalyse) et que la plupart des publications abordent des thèmes en rapport avec les psychologies sociale, clinique, de la personnalité et du développement. Enfin, les sept contributions émanant d'auteurs de quatre continents sont brièvement introduites.

The introduction to Applied Psychology: An International Review's special issue on Political Psychology argues that there are two streams of contributions to the field of political psychology. One is work with political implications where politics are used to illustrate psychological research questions. The other is a “political Political Psychology” where the agenda of political science defines the research questions. A second part of the introduction shows that the discipline draws most heavily on three grand theories of psychology, namely cognitive theory, psychoanalysis, and learning theory with most publications working on questions related to social psychology, personality, clinical, and developmental psychology. Finally the seven contributions by authors from four continents are briefly introduced.
Belief Systems and Collective Action: Changes in Poland from the Psychological Perspective
Authors: Reykowski Janusz
Published: July 2007

Ce texte tente d‘évoquer les aspects psychologiques du changement social en Pologne durant les transformations opérées depuis le “real socialism”: il suggère que les croyances normatives des groupes sociétaux entrent comme facteurs décisifs dans l'explication des processus de transformation. L'article rapporte des résultants d’études représentatives de populations d'adultes conduites durant la fin des années 80, avant le tournant vers la démocratie libérale. Trois types de croyances normatives (à orientation démocratique individualiste, à orientation collectiviste authoritaire et à orientation réceptive) sont montrés comme avoir eu un impact important sur les attitudes politiques de l‘epoque. Fondé sur cette indication, un modèle est proposé pour expliquer dans quelles circonstances une constellation donnée de croyances normatives et d'attitudes politiques peuvent créer une action politique collective comme celle qui prit place en Pologne dans les années 1980. L'existence de sentiments d'insatisfaction largement répandus, et un concept collectif de changement, et un sentiment d'efficacité collective sont décrits comme contribuant principalement au succès d'une action collective politique en Pologne.

The text ventures into psychological aspects of social change in Poland during the transformation from “real socialism”. It proposes that normative beliefs of societal groups are a decisive factor in explaining the transformation process. The paper reiterates data from representative studies of adult samples conducted during the late 1980s before the turn to liberal democracy. Three types of normative beliefs (an Individualist Democratic Orientation, a Collectivist Authoritarian Orientation, and a Receptive Orientation) are shown to have had substantial impact on political attitudes of the time. Based on this finding a model is proposed under which circumstances a given constellation of normative beliefs and political attitudes can result in collective political action as took place in Poland throughout the 1980s. The existence of widespread feelings of dissatisfaction, and a collective concept of change, and a feeling of collective efficacy are emphasised as central to the success of collective political action in Poland.
Right‐wing Extremism Among German Adolescents: Risk Factors and Protective Factors
Authors: Boehnke Klaus , Hagan John , Merkens Hans
Published: July 2007

L'étude met en cause I'évidence empirique concernant les risques pour et les facteurs de protection contre la délinquance juvénile et l'extrémisme de droite parmi la jeunesse de Berlin‐Est et Ouest. S'appuyant sur la théorie du capital social (Coleman) et la relation personne/environnement dans l'approche de la socialisation (Elder), un modéle est dessiné qui voit dans les activités de loisirs pro‐délinquants le premier risque majeur de délinquance et d'extrémisme de droite. L'anomie, durant les crises sociétales, est perçue comme le second risque majeur. Les succès à l'école et le tutorat parental apparaissent comme des facteurs protecteurs contre la delinquance et l'extrémisme de droite parce qu'ils réduisent la participation des adolescents dans les activités semblables aux pro‐délinquantes. Le modèle est testé dans un panel socialement hétérogène d'élèves de la septième à la dixième des deux parties de Berlin (N = 590) interrogés en 1992 et 1993. Les résultats, en général, soulignent les effets attendus, l'anomie cependant, ayant aussi une influence grandissante sur l'extrémisme de droite. Contrairement à nos assertions, le tutorat parental n'émerge pas comme un facteur protecteur.

The study provides empirical evidence on risks for and protective factors against juvenile delinquency and right‐wing extremism among German youth from East and West Berlin. Drawing on social capital theory (Coleman) and the person‐by‐context approach to socialisation (Elder) a model is forwarded that sees pro‐delinquent leisure activities as the primary risk factor for delinquency and right‐wing extremism. Anomie during societal crises is seen as secondary risk factor. School success and parental monitoring are conceptualised as protective factors against delinquency and right‐wing extremism in that they reduce adolescent participation in pro‐delinquent peer activities. The model is tested in a socially heterogeneous panel of seventh to tenth graders from both parts of Berlin (N = 590) surveyed in 1992 and 1993. Results, in general, show the postulated effects. Anomie, however, also has a directly increasing influence on right‐wing extremism. Contrary to our assumptions, parental monitoring did not emerge as a protective factor.
Applied Experimental Psychology
Authors: Nickerson Raymond S.
Published: July 2007

La psychologie expérimentale appliquée est une expérimentation psychologique explicitement orientée vers des préeoccupations pratiques. Ces recherches suscitent actuellement un grand intérêt. On recense dans cet article les domaines qui ont été abordés récemment par les recherches expérimentales appliquées: certains d'entre eux sont explorés depuis longtemps. Quelques observations sont faites à propos des impulsions technologiques et démographiques en faveur des travaux d'application.

Applied experimental psychology is defined as psychological experimentation explicitly addressed to practical concerns. Interest in such research appears to be high at present. Problem areas that have been addressed recently by applied experimental research, some of which have been areas of interest for a long time, are noted. Some observations are made regarding technological and demographic stimuli for applied work.
Applied Gerontology
Authors: Sterns Harvey L. , Camp Cameron J.
Published: July 2007

On présente un panorama des recherches en gérontologie appliquée avec une approche critique des modèles et des principaux concepts qui structurent la recherche dans ce domaine. La gérontologie appliquée est soumise à quatre grandes sources d'influence: le Vieillissement Cognitif, la Gérontopsychologie clinique, les Facteurs Humains, le Vieillissement et le Travail. On donne des exemples représentatifs de programmes de recherche développés dans chacun de ces secteurs. II faut souligner la nécessité de former des spécialistes en gérontologie appliquée pour répondre aux besoins croissants d'une société vieillissante.

Les interventions en vieillissement cognitif qui proposent des adaptations ou des compensations au déclin des aptitudes jouent un rôle important dans la capacité des personnes âgées à préserver leur autonomie. Deux axes de recherche sont décrits: la dépendance médicamenteuse et les interventions sur la mémoire de déments non hospitalisés. La gérontopsychologie clinique et la gérontologie appliquée répondent à des préoccupations pratiques. Des exemples d'interventions dans le cadre d'aménagements pour les personnes âgées sont présentés. Les thérapies du comportement sont mentionnées brièvement.

Pour ce qui est de l'âge et des facteurs humains, on aborde les domaines suivants: le consommateur et le marche du 3°âge, le vieillissement et la conduite automobile, les autres moyens de transport. Les publications importantes sur l'âge et le travail traitent de la conception de l'environnement du poste de travail, de l'apprentissage et du réapprentissage des travailleurs adultes et âgés.

A general overview of research in applied gerontology is presented, along with a discussion of models and central concepts that inform and guide research in this area. Four central influences on applied gerontology are discussed: Cognitive Ageing, Clinical Geropsychology, Human Factors, and Ageing and Work. Representative examples of evolving research programmes in each of these areas are presented. The need to train professionals in applied gerontology to meet the growing needs of an ageing society is addressed.

Cognitive ageing interventions that accommodate or compensate for losses in abilities have a substantial impact on the ability of older adults to maintain their independence. Two lines of research are presented: (1) medication adherence and (2) memory interventions of persons with dementia in the community. Clinical geropsychology and applied gerontology are driven by practice concerns. Intervention examples within facilities for older adults are presented. Behaviour therapy approaches are briefly addressed.

In reviewing human factors and ageing, areas considered include: consumer behaviour and the mature market, ageing and driving, and alternative transportation. Ageing and work issues of major importance include design of the workplace environment, and training and retraining of adult and older adult workers.
The Millennium for Personality Psychology: New Horizons or Good Old Daze
Authors: Hough Leaetta M.
Published: July 2007

On passe en revue les recherches qui s'attaquent à trois questions importantes pour la psychologie appliquée: les taxinomies, la distorsion intentionnelle et la mesure. Les recherches centrées sur les concepts ont débouché sur des progrès significatifs dans ce domaine. Le modèle en cinq facteurs est néanmoins critiqué parce qu'il confond les concepts, est dépendant d'une méthode et incomplet. La comparaison de méta‐analyses généralisant la validité de concepts de personnalité tirés de différents modèles taxinomiques montre que le Big Five masque des relations prédicteur‐critère importantes. L'accomplissement, par exemple, un concept confondu avec d'autres dans le modèle en cinq facteurs, présente, avec les critères, un ensemble de relations hétérogènes avec l'Extraversion et le Sens des Responsabilités, les deux concepts du modèle en cinq facteurs avec lesquels il est souvent confondu. Bref, les résultats d'une recherche dépendent de la structure de la taxinomie utilisée. On s'intéresse aussi aux travaux sur la distorsion intentionnelle (biais volontaire aux inventaires d'auto‐évaluation). Les candidats à un poste ne distordent pas leurs réponses autant que dans les travaux de falsification systématique, et la validité prédicteur‐critère des autodescriptions modérément biaisées est à peu près la même que celle des réponses de bonne foi. Les procédures de mesure qui ne reposent pas sur l'auto‐évaluation sont présentées comme étant des solutions de rechange.

Research on three issues important to psychologists in applied settings is reviewed: taxonomies, intentional distortion, and measurement mode. Construct‐oriented research has enabled the field to make significant advances. Nonetheless, the five‐factor model is criticised because it confounds constructs, is method‐bound, and is not comprehensive. A comparison of meta‐analytic research summarising the criterion‐related validity of personality constructs of different taxonomic models reveals that the Five Factor Model obscures important predictor‐criterion relationships. Achievement, for example, a construct that is confounded with other constructs in the Five Factor Model, shows a pattern of relationships with criteria that differs from Extroversion or Conscientiousness–the two constructs in the Five Factor Model with which Achievement is often confounded. In short, taxonomic structure affects research conclusions. The research on intentional distortion is also reviewed. People can distort their responses to self‐report inventories; job applicants do not distort their responses as much as people in direct faking studies, and criterion‐related validity of moderately distorted self‐descriptions appears about the same as for honest self‐descriptions. Measurement strategies that do not rely on self‐report are discussed as alternative measurement strategies.