MedWorm.com provides a medical RSS filtering service. Over 6000 RSS medical sources are combined and output via different filters. This feed contains the latest items from the 'Clinical and Developmental Immunology' source. Wed, 08 Feb 2012 06:42:47 +0100 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5666467&cid=s_37735_3_f&fid=37735&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.hindawi.com%2Fjournals%2Fprt%2F2012%2F608359%2F Poorly controlled postoperative pain is a longstanding and costly problem in medicine. The purposes of this study were to characterize the acute pain trajectories over the first four postoperative days in 83 cardiac surgery patients with a mixed effects model of linear growth to determine whether statistically significant individual differences exist in these pain trajectories, and to compare the quality of measurement by trajectory with conventional pain measurement practices. The data conformed to a linear model that provided slope (rate of change) as a basis for comparing patients. Slopes varied significantly across patients, indicating that the direction and rate of change in pain during the first four days of recovery from surgery differed systematically across individuals. Of the 83 ... Clinical and Developmental Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5666467 Wed, 08 Feb 2012 11:20:54 +0100 5666467 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5666466&cid=s_37735_3_f&fid=37735&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.hindawi.com%2Fjournals%2Fnrp%2F2012%2F671974%2F In recent years, states have looked to reforms in advanced practice nursing scope of practice (SOP) barriers as a potential means to increase access to primary care while reducing costs. Currently, 16 states and the District of Columbia permit advanced practice registered nurses to practice independently of physicians, allowing them to perform functions such as diagnosing and prescribing under their own authority within the primary care setting. Given the resistance of many physician associations to these reforms, we asked whether the economic interests of primary care physicians might be affected by reforms. Using the Bureau of Labor Statistics data on earnings, we compared primary care physicians' earnings in states that have instituted SOP reforms to those that maintain these practi... Clinical and Developmental Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5666466 Wed, 08 Feb 2012 11:20:54 +0100 5666466 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5666465&cid=s_37735_3_f&fid=37735&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.hindawi.com%2Fjournals%2Fmpe%2F2012%2F856178%2F The objective consists in minimizing the operation cost over a two-day horizon with a one-hour time resolution. To solve this difficult problem, a Lagrangian Relaxation (LR) based on variable splitting is designed where the resulting dual problem is solved by a Bundle method. Given that the LR usually fails to find a feasible solution, we use an inexact Augmented Lagrangian method to improve the quality of the solution supplied by the LR. We assess our approach by using a real-life hydrothermal configuration extracted from the Brazilian power system, proving the conceptual and practical feasibility of the proposed algorithm. In summary, the main contributions of this paper are (i) a detailed and compatible modelling for this problem is presented; (ii) in order to solve efficiently the enti... Clinical and Developmental Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5666465 Wed, 08 Feb 2012 11:20:54 +0100 5666465 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5666464&cid=s_37735_3_f&fid=37735&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.hindawi.com%2Fjournals%2Fmpe%2F2012%2F127320%2F This paper examines the effects of thermocapillarity and thermal radiation on the boundary layer flow and heat transfer in a thin film on an unsteady stretching sheet with nonuniform heat source/sink. The governing partial differential equations are converted into ordinary differential equations by a similarity transformation and then are solved by using the homotopy analysis method (HAM). The effects of the radiation parameter, the thermocapillarity number, and the temperature-dependent parameter in this study are discussed and presented graphically via velocity and temperature profiles. (Source: Clinical and Developmental Immunology) Clinical and Developmental Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5666464 Wed, 08 Feb 2012 11:20:54 +0100 5666464 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5666463&cid=s_37735_3_f&fid=37735&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.hindawi.com%2Fjournals%2Fsmr%2F2012%2F258638%2F When bone is dynamically loaded it adapts its shape to better support the load. We have developed a magnetostrictive composite consisting of Terfenol-D particles encapsulated in an epoxy resin that changes length when exposed to magnetic fields. When bonded to the surface of a porcine tibia ex vitro, the composite produces surface strains greater than 900 με at a frequency of 30 Hz and magnetic field of 170 kA/m. This is more than sufficient strain magnitude and frequency to promote cortical bone growth in both rats and turkeys and to maintain cortical bone structure in humans. Key advantages of the composite over conventional electromechanical or thermomechanical actuators are its simplicity, compact size, and remote actuation. A mathematical model describ... Clinical and Developmental Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5666463 Wed, 08 Feb 2012 11:20:54 +0100 5666463 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5666462&cid=s_37735_3_f&fid=37735&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.hindawi.com%2Fjournals%2Fijae%2F2012%2F597930%2F Numerical rebuilding of two trajectory points (t=1634 s and t=1643 s) of the Fire II mission has been carried out to predict the radiative heat flux for nonequilibrium and close-to-equilibrium conditions. The simulations have been performed with eilmer3 in an uncoupled way and using a tangent slab method for the radiation transport. Different population models (QSS and Boltzmann) have been compared, and the influence of catalytic wall condition was taken into account. An analysis on the spectral range and on the spectral resolution has also been carried out. (Source: Clinical and Developmental Immunology) Clinical and Developmental Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5666462 Wed, 08 Feb 2012 11:20:54 +0100 5666462 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5666461&cid=s_37735_3_f&fid=37735&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.hindawi.com%2Fjournals%2Fpm%2F2012%2F746358%2F Conclusions. Our data indicate significant diversity in the pulmonary bacterial community of both CF and non-CF bronchiectasis patients and suggest that this community is similar in surgically resected lungs of CF and non-CF bronchiectasis patients. (Source: Clinical and Developmental Immunology) Clinical and Developmental Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5666461 Wed, 08 Feb 2012 11:20:54 +0100 5666461 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5666460&cid=s_37735_3_f&fid=37735&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.hindawi.com%2Fjournals%2Fijelc%2F2012%2F410846%2F Novel bimetallic nanoparticles have been synthesized via rapid microwave irradiation, leading to an improved sensitivity and a highly anti-interference property for amperometric biosensor in H2O2 detection. The material characterizations were performed by TEM, XRD, and EDX, which show the bimetallic formation of Pt-based catalysts and well-dispersed nanoparticles of 2–5 nm. The sensitivities for the detection of H2O2 of PtRu, PtAu, and PtIr as the biosensor working electrode catalysts are 539.01 (R2=0.99), 415.46 (R2=0.99), and 404.52 (R2=0.97) μA⋅mM−1⋅cm-2, respectively, nearly twice higher than the pure Pt catalyst (221.77 μA⋅mM−1⋅cm−2, R2=0.98), at a low applied potential ... Clinical and Developmental Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5666460 Wed, 08 Feb 2012 11:20:54 +0100 5666460 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5666459&cid=s_37735_3_f&fid=37735&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.hindawi.com%2Fjournals%2Fijpep%2F2012%2F287457%2F Leptin is a product of the obese (OB) gene secreted by adipocytes in proportion to fat mass. It decreases food intake and increases energy expenditure by affecting the balance between orexigenic and anorexigenic hypothalamic pathways. Low leptin levels are responsible for the compensatory increase in appetite and body weight and decreased energy expenditure (EE) following caloric deprivation. The anorexia-cachexia syndrome is a complication of many chronic conditions including cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, congestive heart failure, chronic kidney disease, and aging, where the decrease in body weight and food intake is not followed by a compensatory increase in appetite or decreased EE. Crosstalk between leptin and inflammatory signaling known to be activated in these condi... Clinical and Developmental Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5666459 Wed, 08 Feb 2012 11:20:54 +0100 5666459 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5666458&cid=s_37735_3_f&fid=37735&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.hindawi.com%2Fjournals%2Fjnm%2F2012%2F519458%2F We report on an aqueous synthesis of cadmium telluride (CdTe) nanocrystals by using dithiol-functionalized ionic liquids (dTFILs). The dTFILs were designed to have dithiol and vinylimidazolium functional groups and used as a ligand molecule of CdTe quantum dot (QD) to utilize the bidendate chelate interaction afforded by the dithiol groups of dTFILs. The photoluminescence quantum yield of dTFIL-capped CdTe QDs reached up to ~40%, and their luminescent property was maintained for 8 weeks, suggesting an improved stability in water phase. This approach will provide a new synthetic route to the water soluble QDs. (Source: Clinical and Developmental Immunology) Clinical and Developmental Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5666458 Wed, 08 Feb 2012 11:20:54 +0100 5666458 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5666457&cid=s_37735_3_f&fid=37735&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.hindawi.com%2Fjournals%2Fijo%2F2012%2F537949%2F This study describes novel green-emitting Tb3+-activated amorphous calcium silicate by ultraviolet excitation at 378 nm. The Tb3+-activated amorphous calcium silicate was prepared by heating a sample of Tb3+-activated calcium silicate hydrate (CSH) at 900°C for 30 minutes. The emission wavelength of the resulting phosphor was 544 nm. The optimum excitation wavelength within the range 300–400 nm was 378 nm. The Tb3+-activated amorphous calcium silicate emitted green by ultraviolet irradiation. The optimum initial Tb/Ca atomic ratio of this phosphor was about 0.5. A mechanism for the action of the phosphor is proposed, in which Tb3+ ions existing in the layer of the CSH lead to loss of water molecules and OH groups. (Source: Clinical and Developmental Immunolo... Clinical and Developmental Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5666457 Wed, 08 Feb 2012 11:20:54 +0100 5666457 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5666456&cid=s_37735_3_f&fid=37735&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.hindawi.com%2Fjournals%2Fbtri%2F2012%2F258787%2F There is increasing interest in natural food colorants like carotenoids and anthocyanins with functional properties. Red sorghum bran is known as a rich source for anthocyanins. The anthocyanin contents extracted from red sorghum bran were evaluated by biochemical analysis. Among the three solvent system used, the acidified methanol extract showed a highest anthocyanin content (4.7 mg/g of sorghum bran) followed by methanol (1.95 mg/g) and acetone (1 mg/g). Similarly, the highest total flavonoids (143 mg/g) and total phenolic contents (0.93 mg/g) were obtained in acidified methanol extracts than methanol and acetone extracts. To study the health benefits of anthocyanin from red sorghum bran, the total antioxidant activity was evaluated by biochemical and ... Clinical and Developmental Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5666456 Wed, 08 Feb 2012 11:20:54 +0100 5666456 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5666455&cid=s_37735_3_f&fid=37735&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.hindawi.com%2Fjournals%2Fbca%2F2012%2F123953%2F Titanium and its alloys are currently the mainly used materials to manufacture orthopaedic implants due to their excellent mechanical properties and corrosion resistance. Although these materials are bioinert, the improvement of biological properties (e.g., bone implant contact) can be obtained by the application of a material that mimics the bone extracellular matrix. To this aim, this work describes a new method to produce nanostructured collagen-apatite composites on titanium alloy substrate, by combining electrospinning and biomimetic mineralization. The characterization results showed that the obtained mineralized scaffolds have morphological, structural, and chemical compositional features similar to natural bone extracellular matrix. Finally, the topographic distribution of the chem... Clinical and Developmental Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5666455 Wed, 08 Feb 2012 11:20:54 +0100 5666455 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5666454&cid=s_37735_3_f&fid=37735&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.hindawi.com%2Fjournals%2Fvmi%2F2012%2F752083%2F Multipotency and self-renewal are considered as most important features of stem cells to persist throughout life in tissues. In this context, the role of HMGA proteins to influence proliferation of adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cell (ASCs) while maintaining their multipotent and self-renewal capacities has not yet been investigated. Therefore, extracellular HMGA1 and HMGA2 application alone (10–200 ng/mL) and in combination with each other (100, 200 ng/mL each) was investigated with regard to proliferative effects on canine ASCs (cASCs) after 48 hours of cultivation. Furthermore, mRNA expression of multipotency marker genes in unstimulated and HMGA2-stimulated cASCs (50, 100 ng/mL) was analyzed by RT-qPCR. HMGA1 significantly reduced cASCs proliferation in con... Clinical and Developmental Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5666454 Wed, 08 Feb 2012 11:20:54 +0100 5666454 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5666453&cid=s_37735_3_f&fid=37735&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.hindawi.com%2Fjournals%2Fecam%2F2012%2F715024%2F Previous results demonstrated that 10 Hz electroacupuncture (EA) of Anmian acupoints in rats during the dark period enhances slow wave sleep (SWS), which involves the induction of cholinergic activity in the caudal nucleus tractus solitarius (NTS) and subsequent activation of opioidergic neurons and μ-receptors. Studies have shown that different kinds of endogenous opiate peptides and receptors may mediate the consequences of EA with different frequencies. Herein, we further elucidated that high-frequency (100 Hz)-EA of Anmian enhanced SWS during the dark period but exhibited no direct effect on rapid eye movement (REM) sleep. High-frequency EA-induced SWS enhancement was dose-dependently blocked by microinjection of naloxone or κ-receptor antagonist (nor-binaltorphimine) i... Clinical and Developmental Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5666453 Wed, 08 Feb 2012 11:20:54 +0100 5666453 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5666452&cid=s_37735_3_f&fid=37735&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.hindawi.com%2Fjournals%2Fjbb%2F2012%2F343891%2F Delivering siRNA or shRNA into the developing embryos is still a main challenge to use of RNAi in mammalian systems. Here we analyze several factors influencing RNAi-mediated silencing of Sry gene, which is a tightly controlled spatiotemporal expressed gene and only shortly expressed in developing mouse embryo gonad. A Sry gene-specific shRNAs expression vector (pSilencer4.1/Sry565) was constructed. The shRNA constructs were mixed with polyethylenimines (PEIs) to form a complex and then injected into pregnant mice though tail vein. Our results showed that Sry gene was downregulated significantly in developing embryos. Further study revealed that knocking-down of Sry expression resulted in feminization of gonad development in mouse embryos and the expression level of Sox9 and Wt1 gene was a... Clinical and Developmental Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5666452 Wed, 08 Feb 2012 11:20:54 +0100 5666452 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5666451&cid=s_37735_3_f&fid=37735&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.hindawi.com%2Fjournals%2Fijmb%2F2012%2F317828%2F Controlled drug delivery technology represents one of the most rapidly advancing areas of science. They offer numerous advantages compared to conventional dosage forms including improved efficacy, reduced toxicity, improved patient compliance and convenience. Over the past several decades, many delivery tools or methods were developed such as viral vector, liposome-based delivery system, polymer-based delivery system, and intelligent delivery system. Recently, nonviral vectors, especially those based on biodegradable polymers, have been widely investigated as vectors. Unlike the other polymers tested, polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) have been intensively investigated as a family of biodegradable and biocompatible materials for in vivo applications as implantable tissue engineering material as... Clinical and Developmental Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5666451 Wed, 08 Feb 2012 11:20:54 +0100 5666451 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5666450&cid=s_37735_3_f&fid=37735&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.hindawi.com%2Fjournals%2Faa%2F2011%2F327641%2F Our groups in Brazil, France and Italy have been active, among others in the world, in performing experiments on physical-chemical effects induced by fast ions colliding with solids (frozen gases, carbonaceous and organic materials, silicates, etc.) of astrophysical interest. The used ions span a very large range of energies, from a few keV to hundreds MeV. Here we present a summary of the results obtained so far on the formation of oxidants (hydrogen peroxide and ozone) after ion irradiation of frozen water, carbon dioxide and their mixtures. Irradiation of pure water ice produces hydrogen peroxide whatever is the used ion and at different temperatures. Irradiation of carbon dioxide and water frozen mixtures result in the production of molecules among which hydrogen peroxide and ozone. Th... Clinical and Developmental Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5666450 Wed, 08 Feb 2012 11:20:54 +0100 5666450 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5666449&cid=s_37735_3_f&fid=37735&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.hindawi.com%2Fjournals%2Fijic%2F2012%2F568797%2F New Schiff base (HL) ligand is prepared via condensation of isatins and amino acids in 1:1 molar ratio. Metal complexes are prepared and characterized by elemental analysis, molar conductance, electronic, infrared, and multinuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR, 13C NMR, and 119Sn NMR). The analytical data showed that the ligand acts as bidentate toward metal ions via azomethine nitrogen and carboxylate oxygen by a stoichiometric reaction of metal : ligand (1 : 2) to from metal complexes (Pb(II)(L)2 and Bu2Sn(L)2, where L is the Schiff base ligands of histidine and methionine). The conductivity values between 15 and 25 Ω−1cm2 mol−1 in DMF imply the presence of nonelectrolyte species. On the basis of the above spectral studies, distorted... Clinical and Developmental Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5666449 Wed, 08 Feb 2012 11:20:54 +0100 5666449 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5666448&cid=s_37735_3_f&fid=37735&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.hindawi.com%2Fjournals%2Fijqsr%2F2012%2F985152%2F We propose an asymptotic nonparametric confidence interval for quantile-based process capability indices (PCIs) based on the superstructure CNp(u,v) modified from Cp(u,v) which contains the four basic PCIs, Cp, Cpk, Cpm, and Cpmk, as special cases. Since the asymptotic variance of the estimator for quantile-based PCIs involves the density function of the underlying process, the existing asymptotic results cannot be used directly to construct confidence limits for PCIs. To obtain a consistent estimator for the asymptotic variance of the estimated quantile-based PCIs, in this paper, we propose to use the kernel density estimator for the underlying process. Consequently, the confidence limits for PCIs are established based on the consistent estimates. A real-life example from manufacturing en... Clinical and Developmental Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5666448 Wed, 08 Feb 2012 11:20:54 +0100 5666448 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5666447&cid=s_37735_3_f&fid=37735&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.hindawi.com%2Fjournals%2Fjbb%2F2012%2F103702%2F In this study, a new method, MOfinder, was developed to detect overlapping modules in a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network. We demonstrate that our method is more accurate than other 5 methods. Then, we applied MOfinder to yeast and human PPI network and explored the overlapping information. Using the overlapping modules of human PPI network, we constructed the module-module communication network. Functional annotation showed that the immune-related and cancer-related proteins were always together and present in the same modules, which offer some clues for immune therapy for cancer. Our study around overlapping modules suggests a new perspective on the analysis of PPI network and improves our understanding of disease. (Source: Clinical and Developmental Immunology) Clinical and Developmental Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5666447 Wed, 08 Feb 2012 11:20:54 +0100 5666447 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5666446&cid=s_37735_3_f&fid=37735&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.hindawi.com%2Fcrim%2Fgenetics%2F2012%2F681747%2F We describe a familial pattern of gonosomal-autosomal translocation between the X and 18 chromosomes, balanced and unbalanced forms, in male and female siblings. The proposita was consulted for hypergonadotropic hypogonadism. Karyotype analysis revealed a balanced 46, X, t(X;18)(q22.3;q23) genotype. The sister of the proband presented with oligomenorrhea with irregular menses and possesses an unbalanced form of the translocation 46, X, der(X), t(X;18)(q22.3;q23). The brother of the proband was investigated and was found to possess the balanced form of the same translocation, resulting in disrupted spermatogenesis. Maternal investigation revealed the progenitor karyotype 46, X, t(X;18)(q22.3;q23). Maternal inheritance and various genomic events contributed to the resultant genotypes. Primar... Clinical and Developmental Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5666446 Wed, 08 Feb 2012 11:20:54 +0100 5666446 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5659753&cid=s_37735_3_f&fid=37023&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22288580%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Mankan AK, Kubarenko A, Hornung V Abstract OTHER THEMES PUBLISHED IN THIS IMMUNOLOGY IN THE CLINIC REVIEW SERIES Allergy, Host Responses, Cancer, Type 1 diabetes and viruses, Metabolic diseases. SUMMARY: Initiation of a successful immune response requires a working set of sensors that detect any noxious agent within the cellular microenvironment and molecular platforms that process this signal to trigger an appropriate effector response. Pattern recognition receptors can engage different signalling cascades that lead to proinflammatory gene expression. At the same time, transcription-independent events such as activation of proteases and/or phagocytosis are also initiated. The inflammasome pathway constitutes a signalling platform that leads to the activation of so-called ... Clinical and Developmental Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5659753 Sun, 05 Feb 2012 16:27:37 +0100 5659753 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5659752&cid=s_37735_3_f&fid=37023&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22288581%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Ozkurede VU, Franchi L Abstract OTHER THEMES PUBLISHED IN THIS IMMUNOLOGY IN THE CLINIC REVIEW SERIES Allergy, Host Responses, Cancer, Type 1 diabetes and viruses, Metabolic diseases. SUMMARY: Autoinflammatory syndromes are disorders characterized by the hyperactivation of the innate immune system in the absence of microbial infection or autoantibody production. Some autoinflammatory syndromes are associated with recurrent episodes of fever and systemic inflammation that are caused by dysregulated activation of inflammasomes, molecular platforms responsible for the activation of caspase-1 and the production of interleukin (IL)-1β. In this review we will discuss the role of IL-1β and the inflammasomes in host defence and how mutations of two genes, NLRP3 and PYRIN, leads ... Clinical and Developmental Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5659752 Sun, 05 Feb 2012 16:27:26 +0100 5659752 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5659751&cid=s_37735_3_f&fid=37023&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22288582%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Goldbach-Mansky R Abstract OTHER THEMES PUBLISHED IN THIS IMMUNOLOGY IN THE CLINIC REVIEW SERIES Allergy, Host Responses, Cancer, Type 1 diabetes and viruses, Metabolic diseases. SUMMARY: The disease-based discovery of the molecular basis for autoinflammatory diseases has led not only to a rapidly growing number of clinically and genetically identifiable disorders, but has unmantled key inflammatory pathways such as the potent role of the alarm cytokine interleukin (IL)-1 in human disease. Following its initial failures in the treatment of sepsis and the moderate success in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, IL-1 blocking therapies had a renaissance in the treatment of a number of autoinflammatory conditions, and IL-1 blocking therapies have been Food and Drug Administ... Clinical and Developmental Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5659751 Sun, 05 Feb 2012 16:27:15 +0100 5659751 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5659750&cid=s_37735_3_f&fid=37023&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22288583%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Miron N, Cristea V Abstract Enterocytes used to be studied particularly in terms of digestion protagonists. However, as the immune functions of the intestinal tract were better understood, it became clear that enterocytes are not mere bystanders concerning the induction of immune tolerance to dietary peptides and gut microbiota. In fact, enterocytes are involved actively in shaping the intestinal immune environment, designed for maintaining a non-belligerent state. This tolerant milieu of the gut immune system is achieved by keeping a balance between suppression and stimulation of the inflammatory responses. Our review presents the current state of knowledge concerning the relationship between enterocytes and immune cells (dendritic cells, lymphocytes), with emphasis on th... Clinical and Developmental Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5659750 Sun, 05 Feb 2012 16:27:04 +0100 5659750 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5659749&cid=s_37735_3_f&fid=37023&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22288584%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Röschmann KI, van Kuijen AM, Luiten S, Jonker MJ, Breit TM, Fokkens WJ, Petersen A, van Drunen CM Abstract By definition, allergens are proteins with the ability to elicit powerful T helper lymphocyte type 2 (Th2) responses, culminating in immunoglobulin (Ig)E antibody production. Why specific proteins cause aberrant immune responses has remained largely unanswered. Recent data suggest that there may be several molecular paths that may affect allergenicity of proteins. The focus of this study is the response of airway epithelium to a major allergen from Phleum pratense Phl p 1. Instead of focusing on a few genes and proteins that might be affected by the major allergen, our aim was to obtain a broader view on the immune stimulatory capacity of Phl p 1. We therefore perfor... Clinical and Developmental Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5659749 Sun, 05 Feb 2012 16:26:53 +0100 5659749 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5659748&cid=s_37735_3_f&fid=37023&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22288585%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Kessel A, Peri R, Perricone R, Guarino MD, Vadasz Z, Novak R, Haj T, Kivity S, Toubi E Abstract Patients with hereditary angioedema (HAE) tend to produce autoantibodies and have a propensity to develop immunoregulatory disorders. We characterize the profile of autoantibodies in a group of HAE patients and investigate their memory B cells' phenotype and activation status. We studied the activity status phenotype, Toll-like receptor (TLR)-9 expression and total phosphotyrosine in B cells isolated from HAE patients. Additionally, the following autoantibodies were assessed in the serum of 61 HAE patients: anti-nuclear, rheumatoid factor, anti-cardiolipin, anti-tissue transglutaminase, anti-endomysial, anti-Saccharomyces cerevisiae, anti-thyroid and anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic ... Clinical and Developmental Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5659748 Sun, 05 Feb 2012 16:26:42 +0100 5659748 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5659747&cid=s_37735_3_f&fid=37023&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22288586%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Conti F, Alessandri C, Sorice M, Capozzi A, Longo A, Garofalo T, Misasi R, Bompane D, Hughes GR, Khamashta MA, Valesini G Abstract In clinical practice it is possible to find patients with clinical signs suggestive of anti-phospholipid syndrome (APS) who are persistently negative for the routinely used anti-phospholipid antibodies (aPL). Therefore, the term proposed for these cases was seronegative APS (SN-APS). We investigated the clinical usefulness of thin-layer chromatography (TLC) immunostaining in detecting serum aPL in patients presenting clinical features of SN-APS. Sera from 36 patients with SN-APS, 19 patients with APS, 18 patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), 20 anti-hepatitis C virus (HCV)-positive subjects and 32 healthy controls were examined for ... Clinical and Developmental Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5659747 Sun, 05 Feb 2012 16:26:31 +0100 5659747 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5659746&cid=s_37735_3_f&fid=37023&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22288587%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Lee SM, Suk K, Lee WH Abstract The immune receptor expressed on myeloid cells 1 (IREM-1/CD300F) has been shown to inhibit various inflammatory processes in myeloid cells, such as macrophages and mast cells. IREM-1 exerts its inhibitory effect through its intracellular immunoreceptor tyrosine-based inhibition motifs (ITIMs). In order to generate immunomodulatory molecules that can regulate the inflammatory activation of macrophages, decapeptides representing each of the five ITIM-like sequences in the cytoplasmic tail of IREM-1 were synthesized in conjugation with human immunodeficiency virus-transactivator of transcription (HIV-TAT(48-57) ), which was added to promote internalization of the peptides. Interestingly, all these TAT-ITIM fusion peptides inhibited Toll-like rec... Clinical and Developmental Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5659746 Sun, 05 Feb 2012 16:26:21 +0100 5659746 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5659745&cid=s_37735_3_f&fid=37023&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22288588%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Rojas-Canales D, Krishnan R, Jessup CF, Coates PT Abstract Interferon (IFN)-γ is a cytokine with immunomodulatory properties, which has been shown previously to enhance the generation of tolerogenic dendritic cells (DC) when administered early ex vivo in 7-day monocyte-derived DC culture. To generate tolerogenic DC rapidly within 48 h, human monocytes were cultured for 24 h with interleukin (IL)-4 and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) in the presence (IFN-γ-DC) or absence of IFN-γ (500 U/ml) (UT-DC). DC were matured for 24 h with TNF-α and prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2) ). DC phenotype, signal transducer and activator of transcription-6 (STAT-6) phosphorylation and promotion of CD4(+) CD25(+) CD127(neg/low) forkhead box P3 (FoxP3)(hi) T cell... Clinical and Developmental Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5659745 Sun, 05 Feb 2012 16:26:09 +0100 5659745 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5659744&cid=s_37735_3_f&fid=37023&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22288589%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Orren A, Owen EP, Henderson HE, van der Merwe L, Leisegang F, Stassen C, Potter PC Abstract Complete complement component 6 deficiency (C6Q0) is a co-dominant genetic disease presenting as increased susceptibility to invasive Neisseria meningitidis infections. Affected individuals have two affected alleles which can be homozygous or compound heterozygous for the particular gene defects they carry. This disorder has been diagnosed relatively frequently in Western Cape South Africans. Affected patients are prescribed penicillin prophylaxis. In 2004 we commenced a clinical follow-up study of 46 patients. Of these, 43 had family age-matched C6 sufficient controls. Participants were classified as either (i) well, or (ii) having a serious illness (SI) or died (D). An SI was a lo... Clinical and Developmental Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5659744 Sun, 05 Feb 2012 16:25:58 +0100 5659744 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5659743&cid=s_37735_3_f&fid=37023&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22288590%26dopt%3DAbstract In conclusion, our results support the involvement of coagulation and fibrinolysis in the pathophysiology of HAE and show the possible application of simultaneous measurement of thrombin and plasmin generation to evaluate different clinical conditions in HAE patients. PMID: 22288590 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Clinical and Developmental Immunology) Clinical and Developmental Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5659743 Sun, 05 Feb 2012 16:25:47 +0100 5659743 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5659742&cid=s_37735_3_f&fid=37023&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22288591%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Gathmann B, Binder N, Ehl S, Kindle G, Abstract In order to build a common data pool and estimate the disease burden of primary immunodeficiencies (PID) in Europe, the European Society for Immunodeficiencies (ESID) has developed an internet-based database for clinical and research data on patients with PID. This database is a platform for epidemiological analyses as well as the development of new diagnostic and therapeutic strategies and the identification of novel disease-associated genes. Since its start in 2004, 13 708 patients from 41 countries have been documented in the ESID database. Common variable immunodeficiency (CVID) represents the most common entity with 2880 patients or 21% of all entries, followed by selective immunoglobulin A (sIgA) deficiency (1424 pat... Clinical and Developmental Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5659742 Sun, 05 Feb 2012 16:25:37 +0100 5659742 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5659741&cid=s_37735_3_f&fid=37023&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22288592%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Damås JK, Oktedalen O, Ueland T, Landrø L, Barstad J, Müller F, Frøland SS, Flo TH, Aukrust P Abstract Based on the ability to recruit lymphocytes and dendritic cells to lymphoid tissue and to promote inflammation, we hypothesized a role for dysregulated CCL19 and CCL21 levels in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patients with advanced immunodeficiency, and in particular in those with accompanying Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) infection. The hypothesis was explored by studies in HIV-infected patients with and without MAC infection, as well as in vitro, examining the ability of proteins from MAC to promote CCL19 and CCL21 responses in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) during highly active anti-retroviral therapy (HAART). Our main findings were: (i)... Clinical and Developmental Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5659741 Sun, 05 Feb 2012 16:25:26 +0100 5659741 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5659740&cid=s_37735_3_f&fid=37023&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22288593%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Michailidis C, Giannopoulos G, Vigklis V, Armenis K, Tsakris A, Gargalianos P Abstract In patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, neutrophil and monocyte functions, including phagocytosis, are impaired. The purpose of this study was to investigate changes of phagocytic function and respiratory burst occurring over the course of patients infected by the HIV-1 virus. Treatment-naive patients (group B), patients receiving highly active anti-retroviral treatment (HAART) (group C) and patients in which HAART has failed (group D) were studied and compared with healthy volunteers (group A). Phagocytosis and oxidative burst were evaluated using commercially available kits. Results clearly denote a significant decrease of the phagocytic function of both cell typ... Clinical and Developmental Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5659740 Sun, 05 Feb 2012 16:25:16 +0100 5659740 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5659739&cid=s_37735_3_f&fid=37023&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22288594%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Macedo AB, Sánchez-Arcila JC, Schubach AO, Mendonça SC, Marins-Dos-Santos A, de Fatima Madeira M, Gagini T, Pimentel MI, De Luca PM Abstract Leishmaniasis is a group of important parasitic diseases affecting millions worldwide. To understand more clearly the quality of T helper type 1 (Th1) response stimulated after Leishmania infection, we applied a multiparametric flow cytometry protocol to evaluate multifunctional T cells induced by crude antigen extracts obtained from promastigotes of Leishmania braziliensis (LbAg) and Leishmania amazonensis (LaAg) in peripheral blood mononuclear cells from healed cutaneous leishmaniasis patients. Although no significant difference was detected in the percentage of total interferon (IFN)-γ-producing CD4(+) T cells induced by both an... Clinical and Developmental Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5659739 Sun, 05 Feb 2012 16:25:05 +0100 5659739 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5659738&cid=s_37735_3_f&fid=37023&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22288595%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Hu F, Liang W, Ren Z, Wang G, Ding G Abstract Surfactant protein D (SP-D), a member of the C-type lectin (collectin) protein family, plays a critical role in innate host defence against various microbial pathogens and in the modulation of inflammatory responses in the lung. However, little is known about its expression and biological function in the kidney. In this work, we studied SP-D expression in human kidney and cultured human renal proximal tubular epithelial cells (HK-2), and examined the effect of SP-D on proinflammatory cytokine production after lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulus. We observed the expression of both SP-D mRNA and protein in human kidney and in-vitro HK-2 cells by immunohistochemistry, Western blot analysis, reverse transcription-polymerase chain rea... Clinical and Developmental Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5659738 Sun, 05 Feb 2012 16:24:54 +0100 5659738 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5659737&cid=s_37735_3_f&fid=37023&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22288596%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Heron M, Grutters JC, Ten Dam-Molenkamp KM, Hijdra D, van Heugten-Roeling A, Claessen AM, Ruven HJ, van den Bosch JM, van Velzen-Blad H Abstract Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) is widely accepted as a key diagnostic procedure in interstitial lung diseases (ILD). We performed a study to obtain reference intervals of differential cell patterns in BAL fluid with special attention to the origin of lavage fluid, e.g. bronchial/alveolar, to atopy and smoking status and to age of the healthy people. We performed bronchoalveolar lavage in 55 healthy subjects with known atopy status (age: 18-64 years, non-smokers/smokers: 34/21) and determined differential cell counts and lymphocyte subsets in BAL fluid and blood. Moreover, in a subgroup of non-smoking healthy individuals we measured ... Clinical and Developmental Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5659737 Sun, 05 Feb 2012 16:24:43 +0100 5659737 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5659736&cid=s_37735_3_f&fid=37023&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22288597%26dopt%3DAbstract This study was performed to clarify the mechanism of elastic fibre deposition in the peripheral portal tracts of IPH liver in relation to serum anti-endothelial cell antibodies (AECA). In-vitro experiments were performed using human dermal microvascular endothelial cells (HMVEC) and patients' sera. The presence of serum AECA was assayed by a cell-based enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) using HMVEC. Immunohistochemical analysis of elastin was performed using liver tissue sections of IPH patients. IPH sera contained one or more AECA that could bind to the vascular endothelial cells of the peripheral portal tracts of the liver. When the value of AECA greater than the mean ± 2 standard deviations of healthy controls was regarded as positive, the positive detection rate of either immun... Clinical and Developmental Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5659736 Sun, 05 Feb 2012 16:24:33 +0100 5659736 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5659735&cid=s_37735_3_f&fid=37023&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22288598%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Karlsson H, Erkers T, Nava S, Ruhm S, Westgren M, Ringdén O Abstract Bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (BM-MSCs) have immunosuppressive properties and have been used to treat steroid-refractory acute graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) in stem cell transplant patients. Cells with similar capacities can also be found in term placental tissue. We have isolated stromal cells from term fetal membrane (FMSCs), umbilical cords (UCSCs) and placental villi (PVSCs) as well as from bone marrow and compared their immunoregulatory capacity in allogeneic settings. We found that FMSCs and UCSCs suppressed proliferation significantly in mixed lymphocyte reactions (MLRs), whereas PVSCs showed inconsistent suppressive effects. When added to MLR cultures, FMSCs suppressed the prod... Clinical and Developmental Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5659735 Sun, 05 Feb 2012 16:24:23 +0100 5659735 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5659734&cid=s_37735_3_f&fid=37023&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22288599%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Birchall MA, Ayling SM, Harley R, Murison PJ, Burt R, Mitchard L, Jones A, Macchiarini P, Stokes CR, Bailey M Abstract Despite recent tissue-engineering advances, there is no effective way of replacing all the functions of the larynx in those requiring laryngectomy. A recent clinical transplant was a success. Using quantitative immunofluorescence targeted at immunologically relevant molecules, we have studied the early (48 h and 1 week) immunological responses within larynxes transplantated between seven pairs of National Institutes of Health (NIH) minipigs fully homozygous at the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) locus. There were only small changes in expression of some molecules (relative to interindividual variation) and these were clearest in samples from the s... Clinical and Developmental Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5659734 Sun, 05 Feb 2012 16:24:12 +0100 5659734 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5646699&cid=s_37735_3_f&fid=37735&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.hindawi.com%2Fjournals%2Fvlsi%2F2012%2F793196%2F Scatter Search is an effective and established population-based metaheuristic that has been used to solve a variety of hard optimization problems. However, the time required to find high-quality solutions can become prohibitive as problem sizes grow. In this paper, we present a hardware implementation of Scatter Search on a field-programmable gate array (FPGA). Our objective is to improve the run time of Scatter Search by exploiting the potentially massive performance benefits that are available through the native parallelism in hardware. When implementing Scatter Search we employ two different high-level languages (HLLs): Handel-C and Impulse-C. Our empirical results show that by effectively exploiting source-code optimizations, data parallelism, and pipelining, a 28x speed up over softwa... Clinical and Developmental Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5646699 Thu, 02 Feb 2012 11:21:45 +0100 5646699 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5646698&cid=s_37735_3_f&fid=37735&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.hindawi.com%2Fjournals%2Fjps%2F2012%2F138450%2F We propose a cross-validation method suitable for smoothing of kernel quantile estimators. In particular, our proposed method selects the bandwidth parameter, which is known to play a crucial role in kernel smoothing, based on unbiased estimation of a mean integrated squared error curve of which the minimising value determines an optimal bandwidth. This method is shown to lead to asymptotically optimal bandwidth choice and we also provide some general theory on the performance of optimal, data-based methods of bandwidth choice. The numerical performances of the proposed methods are compared in simulations, and the new bandwidth selection is demonstrated to work very well. (Source: Clinical and Developmental Immunology) Clinical and Developmental Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5646698 Thu, 02 Feb 2012 11:21:45 +0100 5646698 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5646697&cid=s_37735_3_f&fid=37735&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.hindawi.com%2Fjournals%2Fjbb%2F2012%2F915150%2F The authors describe the pathophysiological mechanisms leading to development of acidosis in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and its deleterious effects on outcome and mortality rate. Renal compensatory adjustments consequent to acidosis are also described in detail with emphasis on differences between acute and chronic respiratory acidosis. Mixed acid-base disturbances due to comorbidity and side effects of some drugs in these patients are also examined, and practical considerations for a correct diagnosis are provided. (Source: Clinical and Developmental Immunology) Clinical and Developmental Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5646697 Thu, 02 Feb 2012 11:21:45 +0100 5646697 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5646696&cid=s_37735_3_f&fid=37735&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.hindawi.com%2Fjournals%2Fijp%2F2012%2F637943%2F Indium sulphide has been extensively investigated as a component for different kind of photovoltaic devices (organic-inorganic hybrid devices, all inorganic, dye sensitized cells). In this paper, we have optimised the growth conditions of indium sulphide thin films by means of a low cost, versatile deposition technique, like spray pyrolysis. The quality of the deposited films has been characterised by micro-Raman, vis-UV spectroscopy, and atomic force microscopy. Substrate deposition temperature and different postdeposition annealing conditions have been investigated in order to obtain information about the quality of the obtained compound (which crystalline or amorphous phases are present) and the morphology of the deposited films. We have shown that the deposition temperature influences ... Clinical and Developmental Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5646696 Thu, 02 Feb 2012 11:21:45 +0100 5646696 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5646695&cid=s_37735_3_f&fid=37735&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.hindawi.com%2Fjournals%2Fmi%2F2012%2F732860%2F In this study, we aimed to explore the mechanism of molecular activation of RGAP in macrophages. RGAP treatment strongly induced NO production in RAW264.7 cells without altering morphological changes, although the activity was not strong compared to LPS-induced dendritic-like morphology in RAW264.7 cells. RGAP-induced NO production was accompanied with enhanced mRNA levels of iNOS and increases in nuclear transcription factors such as NF-κB, AP-1, STAT-1, ATF-2, and CREB. According to pharmacological evaluation with specific enzyme inhibitors, Western blot analysis of intracellular signaling proteins and inhibitory pattern using blocking antibodies, ERK, and JNK were found to be the most important signaling enzymes compared to LPS signaling cascade. Further, TLR2 seems to be a target... Clinical and Developmental Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5646695 Thu, 02 Feb 2012 11:21:45 +0100 5646695 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5646694&cid=s_37735_3_f&fid=37735&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.hindawi.com%2Fcrim%2Fem%2F2012%2F170956%2F We report a patient with rheumatoid arthritis whose chief complaint was dyspnea on arrival to the emergency department (ED). After further investigation, spinal cord compression caused by atlantoaxial subluxation was diagnosed. This is an uncommon but important case that ED physicians should be aware of. (Source: Clinical and Developmental Immunology) Clinical and Developmental Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5646694 Thu, 02 Feb 2012 11:21:45 +0100 5646694 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5646693&cid=s_37735_3_f&fid=37735&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.hindawi.com%2Fjournals%2Fijp%2F2012%2F291579%2F Dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) have attracted considerable attention in recent years due to the possibility of low-cost conversion of photovoltaic energy. The DSSCs-based ruthenium complexes as sensitizers show high efficiency and excellent stability, implying potential practical applications. This review focuses on recent advances in design and preparation of efficient ruthenium sensitizers and their applications in DSSCs, including thiocyanate ruthenium sensitizers and thiocyanate-free ruthenium sensitizers. (Source: Clinical and Developmental Immunology) Clinical and Developmental Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5646693 Thu, 02 Feb 2012 11:21:45 +0100 5646693 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5646692&cid=s_37735_3_f&fid=37735&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.hindawi.com%2Fjournals%2Fddns%2F2012%2F418091%2F Motivated by the importance and application of discrete dynamical systems, this paper presents a new Lyapunov characterization which is an extension of conventional Lyapunov characterization for multistable discrete-time nonlinear systems. Based on a new type stability notion of W-stability introduced by D. Efimov, the estimates of solution and the Lyapunov stability theorem and converse theorem are proposed for multi-stable discrete-time nonlinear systems. (Source: Clinical and Developmental Immunology) Clinical and Developmental Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5646692 Thu, 02 Feb 2012 11:21:45 +0100 5646692 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5646691&cid=s_37735_3_f&fid=37735&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.hindawi.com%2Fjournals%2Faot%2F2012%2F581743%2F The porous silicon (PSi) layers were formed on p-type silicon (Si) wafer. The six samples were anodised electrically with 30 mA/cm2 fixed current density for different etching times. The structural, optical, and thermal properties of porous silicon on silicon substrates were investigated by photoluminescence (PL), photoacoustic spectroscopy (PAS), and UV-Vis-NIR spectrophotometer. The thickness and porosity of the layers were measured using the gravimetric method. The band gap of the samples was measured through the photoluminescence (PL) peak and absorption spectra, then they were compared. It shows that band gap value increases by raising the porosity. Photoacoustic spectroscopy (PAS) was carried out for measuring the thermal diffusivity (TD) of the samples. (Source: Clinical and ... Clinical and Developmental Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5646691 Thu, 02 Feb 2012 11:21:45 +0100 5646691 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5646690&cid=s_37735_3_f&fid=37735&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.hindawi.com%2Fjournals%2Fmpe%2F2012%2F831956%2F We deal with finite-buffer queueing systems fed by a Markovian point process. This class includes the queues of type M/G/1/N, MX/G/1/N, PH/G/1/N, MMPP/G/1/N, MAP/G/1/N, and BMAP/G/1/N and is commonly used in the performance evaluation of network traffic buffering processes. Typically, such queueing systems are studied in the stationary regime using matrix-analytic methods connected with M/G/1-type Markov processes. Herein, another method for finding transient and stationary characteristics of these queues is presented. The approach is based on finding a closed-form formula for the Laplace transform of the time-dependent performance measure of interest. The method can be used for finding all basic characteristics like queue size distribution, workload distribution, loss ratio, time to buffe... Clinical and Developmental Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5646690 Thu, 02 Feb 2012 11:21:45 +0100 5646690 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5646689&cid=s_37735_3_f&fid=37735&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.hindawi.com%2Fjournals%2Fcrim%2F2012%2F678935%2F This is a rare case of metastatic follicular carcinoma of thyroid in a patient with no history of thyroid problem. A frontal bone mass was examined microscopically and showed the pattern of metastatic follicular carcinoma. Thyroid ultrasonography then revealed a nodule in left lobe. Total thyroidectomy was done for the patient and microscopic examination confirmed the diagnosis. (Source: Clinical and Developmental Immunology) Clinical and Developmental Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5646689 Thu, 02 Feb 2012 11:21:45 +0100 5646689 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5646688&cid=s_37735_3_f&fid=37735&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.hindawi.com%2Fjournals%2Fjtm%2F2012%2F639178%2F Chikungunya outbreaks occurred in the central province, Sri Lanka in 2006. This community-based study reports the epidemiology and the natural history of the infection from an affected village. Of the 199 families and 1001 individuals in the village, 159 (80%) and 513 (51%) were affected, respectively, comprising 237 (46%) males with peak incidence at 40–50 years. The acute illness caused polyarthritis in 233 (46%), and of them 230 (98%) progressed to chronic arthritic disability (CAD). Of the CAD patients, 102 (44%) had recovered in 141 days (range 30–210 days) from the disability state whilst 128 (56%) had persisting disability which lasted 12, 24, and 36 months in 41 (17.8%), 22 (9.5%), and 14 (6.1%) individuals, respectively. Carpal ... Clinical and Developmental Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5646688 Thu, 02 Feb 2012 11:21:45 +0100 5646688 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5646687&cid=s_37735_3_f&fid=37735&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.hindawi.com%2Fjournals%2Fpm%2F2012%2F673637%2F This study was conducted to prove a correlation between the detection of alimentary pulmonary fat phagocytosis and an increasing amount of proximal gastroesophageal reflux. It was assumed that proximal gastroesophageal reflux better correlates with aspiration than distal GER. Patients from 6 months to 16 years with unexplained recurrent wheezy bronchitis and bronchial hyperreactivity, or recurrent pneumonia with chronic cough underwent 24-hour double-channel pH monitoring and bronchoscopy with bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL). Aspiration of gastric content was determined by counting lipid laden alveolar macrophages from BAL specimens. There were no correlations between any pH-monitoring parameters and counts of lipid-laden macrophages in the whole study population, even when restricting analys... Clinical and Developmental Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5646687 Thu, 02 Feb 2012 11:21:45 +0100 5646687 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5646686&cid=s_37735_3_f&fid=37735&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.hindawi.com%2Fjournals%2Fjnm%2F2012%2F691874%2F Spherical MgO nanoparticles with a hollow inside, that is, MgO hollow nanospheres, were created in Ar/O2 plasma produced by radio frequency (RF) impulse discharge using a Mg rod electrode. The hollow nanospheres were found on the SiO2 plates placed near the powered Mg electrode. The electron refraction pattern showed that each nanosphere was made of a single crystal of MgO. Since the shape was spherical, these nanoparticles seemed to be created during the levitation in the plasma without touching any walls. The formation mechanism with a quasiliquid cooling model was also discussed. (Source: Clinical and Developmental Immunology) Clinical and Developmental Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5646686 Thu, 02 Feb 2012 11:21:45 +0100 5646686 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5646685&cid=s_37735_3_f&fid=37735&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.hindawi.com%2Fjournals%2Fecam%2F2012%2F728196%2F In conclusion, the anti-inflammatory effects of Zuonin B are attributable to the suppression of proinflammatory cytokines and mediators via blockage of NF-κB and AP-1 activation. Based on these findings, we propose that Zuonin B is potentially an effective functional chemical candidate for the prevention of inflammatory diseases. (Source: Clinical and Developmental Immunology) Clinical and Developmental Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5646685 Thu, 02 Feb 2012 11:21:45 +0100 5646685 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5646684&cid=s_37735_3_f&fid=37735&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.hindawi.com%2Fjournals%2Fddns%2F2012%2F752950%2F This paper is concerned with the stochastic finite-time stability and stochastic finite-time boundedness problems for one family of fuzzy discrete-time systems over networks with packet dropout, parametric uncertainties, and time-varying norm-bounded disturbance. Firstly, we present the dynamic model description studied, in which the discrete-time fuzzy T-S systems with packet loss can be described by one class of fuzzy Markovian jump systems. Then, the concepts of stochastic finite-time stability and stochastic finite-time boundedness and problem formulation are given. Based on Lyapunov function approach, sufficient conditions on stochastic finite-time stability and stochastic finite-time boundedness are established for the resulting closed-loop fuzzy discrete-time system with Markovian j... Clinical and Developmental Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5646684 Thu, 02 Feb 2012 11:21:45 +0100 5646684 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5646683&cid=s_37735_3_f&fid=37735&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.hindawi.com%2Fjournals%2Fmpe%2F2012%2F841092%2F The distributions of random variables are of interest in many areas of science. In this paper, the probability density function (PDF) and cumulative distribution function (CDF) of ratio of products of two random variables and random variable are derived. Random variables are described with Rayleigh, Nakagami-m, Weibull, and α-μ distributions. An application of obtained results in performance analysis of multihop wireless communication systems in different transmission environments described in detail. The proposed mathematical analysis is also complemented by various graphically presented numerical results. (Source: Clinical and Developmental Immunology) Clinical and Developmental Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5646683 Thu, 02 Feb 2012 11:21:45 +0100 5646683 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5646682&cid=s_37735_3_f&fid=37735&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.hindawi.com%2Fjournals%2Fecam%2F2012%2F607584%2F Conclusion. MH, a compound whose antidepressive effect is similar to FA and CSS, was isolated for the first time from FA via targeting its corresponding unknown chromatographic peak, and its antidepressive effect was compared with FA or CSS. These findings highlight the potential for drug R&D and pharmacological research of ∼100,000 TCMs. (Source: Clinical and Developmental Immunology) Clinical and Developmental Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5646682 Thu, 02 Feb 2012 11:21:45 +0100 5646682 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5646681&cid=s_37735_3_f&fid=37735&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.hindawi.com%2Fcrim%2Foncmed%2F2012%2F914642%2F We report the case of a large polypoidal mass per vagina occupying the whole pelvis in a young woman. Preoperative biopsy showed benign epithelial and mullerian mesenchymal components suggestive of mullerian adenofibroma. Total hysterectomy with bilateral salpingectomy was done. The diagnosis of papillary adenofibroma of cervix was made. The total surgery assured complete excision and permitted adequate sampling to exclude malignancy. (Source: Clinical and Developmental Immunology) Clinical and Developmental Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5646681 Thu, 02 Feb 2012 11:21:45 +0100 5646681 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5637839&cid=s_37735_3_f&fid=37735&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.hindawi.com%2Fjournals%2Fijct%2F2011%2F403140%2F We tackle the combinatorics of coloured hard-dimer objects. This is achieved by identifying coloured hard-dimer configurations with a certain class of rooted trees that allow for an algebraic treatment in terms of noncommutative formal power series. A representation in terms of matrices then allows to find the asymptotic behaviour of these objects. (Source: Clinical and Developmental Immunology) Clinical and Developmental Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5637839 Sun, 29 Jan 2012 11:22:18 +0100 5637839 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5637838&cid=s_37735_3_f&fid=37735&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.hindawi.com%2Fjournals%2Fijsa%2F2012%2F258415%2F We consider a one-dimensional stochastic equation dXt=b(t,Xt−)dZt+a(t,Xt)dt, t≥0, with respect to a symmetric stable process Z of index 0<α≤2. It is shown that solving this equation is equivalent to solving of a 2-dimensional stochastic equation dLt=B(Lt−)dWt with respect to the semimartingale W=(Z,t) and corresponding matrix B. In the case of 1≤α<2 we provide new sufficient conditions for the existence of solutions of both equations with measurable coefficients. The existence proofs are established using the method of Krylov's estimates for processes satisfying the 2-dimensional equation. On another hand, the Krylov's estimates are based on some analytical facts of independent interest that are also proved in the pape... Clinical and Developmental Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5637838 Sun, 29 Jan 2012 11:22:18 +0100 5637838 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5637837&cid=s_37735_3_f&fid=37735&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.hindawi.com%2Fjournals%2Firt%2F2011%2F419216%2F At the start of the 21st century, seasonal influenza virus infection is still a major public health concern across the world. The recent body of evidence confirms that trivalent inactivated influenza vaccines (TIVs) are not optimal within the population who account for approximately 90% of all influenza-related death: elderly and chronically ill individuals regardless of age. With the ever increasing aging of the world population and the recent fears of any pandemic influenza rife, great efforts and resources have been dedicated to developing more immunogenic vaccines and strategies for enhancing protection in these higher-risk groups. This paper describes the mechanisms that shape immune response at the extreme ages of life and how they have been taken into account to design more effe... Clinical and Developmental Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5637837 Sun, 29 Jan 2012 11:22:18 +0100 5637837 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5637836&cid=s_37735_3_f&fid=37735&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.hindawi.com%2Fjournals%2Fijmb%2F2012%2F156537%2F Crude oil samples with high- and low-water content from two offshore platforms (PA and PB) in Campos Basin, Brazil, were assessed for bacterial communities by 16S rRNA gene-based clone libraries. RDP Classifier was used to analyze a total of 156 clones within four libraries obtained from two platforms. The clone sequences were mainly affiliated with Gammaproteobacteria (78.2% of the total clones); however, clones associated with Betaproteobacteria (10.9%), Alphaproteobacteria (9%), and Firmicutes (1.9%) were also identified. Pseudomonadaceae was the most common family affiliated with these clone sequences. The sequences were further analyzed by MOTHUR, yielding 81 operational taxonomic units (OTUs) grouped at 97% stringency. Richness estimators also calculated by MOTHUR... Clinical and Developmental Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5637836 Sun, 29 Jan 2012 11:22:18 +0100 5637836 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5637835&cid=s_37735_3_f&fid=37735&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.hindawi.com%2Fjournals%2Fnri%2F2012%2F460825%2F Neuromyelitis optica (NMO) is a recurrent inflammatory disease that preferentially targets the optic nerves and spinal cord leading to blindness and paralysis. The hallmarks of NMO include bilateral optic neuritis and longitudinally extensive transverse myelitis. Woman and African Americans are overrepresented in the US patient population. NMO is associated with the NMO-IgG biomarker, which targets the aquaporin-4 water channel on astrocytes. The humoral pathology of NMO lesions include IgG and IgM deposits and infiltration by granulocytes suggesting that the NMO-IgG may be involved in the pathogenesis of disease. This review of the recent NMO literature covers the clinical features, epidemiology, radiology and pathology of disease and includes discussion of the important basic science res... Clinical and Developmental Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5637835 Sun, 29 Jan 2012 11:22:18 +0100 5637835 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5637834&cid=s_37735_3_f&fid=37735&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.hindawi.com%2Fjournals%2Fphys%2F2012%2F879537%2F The combined effect of a transverse magnetic field and radiative heat transfer on unsteady flow of a conducting optically thin viscoelastic fluid through a channel filled with saturated porous medium and nonuniform walls temperature has been discussed. It is assumed that the fluid has small electrical conductivity and the electromagnetic force produced is very small. Closed-form analytical solutions are constructed for the problem. The effects of the radiation and the magnetic field parameters on velocity profile and shear stress for different values of the viscoelastic parameter with the combination of the other flow parameters are illustrated graphically, and physical aspects of the problem are discussed. (Source: Clinical and Developmental Immunology) Clinical and Developmental Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5637834 Sun, 29 Jan 2012 11:22:18 +0100 5637834 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5637833&cid=s_37735_3_f&fid=37735&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.hindawi.com%2Fjournals%2Fcdi%2F2012%2F931952%2F The recent demonstration that immunotherapeutic approaches may be clinically effective for cancer patients has renewed the interest for this strategy of intervention. In particular, clinical trials using adoptive T-cell therapies disclosed encouraging results, particularly in the context of Epstein-Barr-virus- (EBV-) related tumors. Nevertheless, the rate of complete clinical responses is still limited, thus stimulating the development of more effective therapeutic protocols. Considering the relevance of innate immunity in controlling both infections and cancers, innovative immunotherapeutic approaches should take into account also this compartment to improve clinical efficacy. Evidence accumulated so far indicates that innate immunity effectors, particularly NK cells, can be exploited wit... Clinical and Developmental Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5637833 Sun, 29 Jan 2012 11:22:18 +0100 5637833 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5637832&cid=s_37735_3_f&fid=37735&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.hindawi.com%2Fjournals%2Foximed%2F2012%2F282383%2F In conclusion, TFA was the active component of Astragalus mongholicus Bunge, which benefits cardiovascular disease attributing to the potent antioxidant activity to improve the atherosclerosis profile. (Source: Clinical and Developmental Immunology) Clinical and Developmental Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5637832 Sun, 29 Jan 2012 11:22:18 +0100 5637832 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5637831&cid=s_37735_3_f&fid=37735&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.hindawi.com%2Fjournals%2Fijol%2F2012%2F373025%2F Maxillomandibular advancement (MMA) is a surgical option for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). MMA involves forward-fixing the maxilla and mandible approximately 10  mm via Le Fort I maxillary and sagittal split mandibular osteotomies. We retrospectively reviewed outcomes from 24 consecutive OSA patients who underwent MMA at our institution. MMA resulted in an 83% reduction in the group mean apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) per polysomnography an average of 6.7 months after surgery. Forty-two percent of patients achieved a post-MMA AHI of less than 5 events/hour sleep and 71% achieved an AHI less than or equal to 10 events/hour sleep. The Epworth Sleepiness Scale score decreased by an average of 5 post-surgery. No parameters predictive of cure for OSA by MMA were identified. (Source: Clinica... Clinical and Developmental Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5637831 Sun, 29 Jan 2012 11:22:18 +0100 5637831 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5637830&cid=s_37735_3_f&fid=37735&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.hindawi.com%2Fjournals%2Fjtran%2F2012%2F614781%2F New-onset diabetes after transplantation (NODAT) is common after liver transplant and associated with poorer outcomes. The aim of this study was to identify risk factors for NODAT in liver transplant recipients off corticosteroids. In 225 adult nondiabetic liver transplant recipients, the mean age was 51.7 years, the majority were men (71%), and half had HCV (49%). The mean calculated MELD score at transplantation was 18.7, and 19% underwent living-donor transplant (LDLT). One year after transplantation, 17% developed NODAT, and an additional 16% had impaired fasting glucose. The incidence of NODAT in patients with HCV was 26%. In multivariate analysis, HCV, pretransplant FPG, and LDLT were significant. Each 10 mg/dL increase in pretransplant FPG was associat... Clinical and Developmental Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5637830 Sun, 29 Jan 2012 11:22:18 +0100 5637830 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5637829&cid=s_37735_3_f&fid=37735&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.hindawi.com%2Fcrim%2Fophmed%2F2011%2F963583%2F Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) can present with extraintestinal manifestations occasionally involving the eye. Retinal vein occlusions are rarely seen and have never been reported in the pediatric population though vascular thrombosis can be associated with IBD. Here, we present a case of what we believe is the youngest reported patient with nonischemic central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO). (Source: Clinical and Developmental Immunology) Clinical and Developmental Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5637829 Sun, 29 Jan 2012 11:22:18 +0100 5637829 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5627823&cid=s_37735_3_f&fid=37735&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.hindawi.com%2Fcrim%2Furology%2F2012%2F242780%2F We report the case of a 74-year-old female patient who presented with a history of chronic renal disease and acute pyohydronephrosis. The patient underwent a nephroureterectomy which revealed keratinizing desquamative squamous metaplasia throughout the renal pelvis and upper urinary tract with abrupt termination of metaplasia at the junction of the renal pelvis and the minor calyx (pyramidal zone). Immunohistochemical evaluation documents metaplastic urothelium stained positive for CK5, before converting sharply to simple cuboidal epithelium in the minor calyx (pyramidal zones) which stained positive CK7. At the junction of the metaplastic components and low cuboidal lined minor calyceal surfaces, the underlying stroma showed loss of ureteral muscularis mucosa with transition to renal pare... Clinical and Developmental Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5627823 Thu, 26 Jan 2012 11:22:23 +0100 5627823 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5627822&cid=s_37735_3_f&fid=37735&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.hindawi.com%2Fcrim%2Fdentistry%2F2012%2F909780%2F Pyogenic granuloma is one of the inflammatory hyperplasia seen in the oral cavity. The term is a misnomer because it is not related to infection and arises in response to various stimuli such as low-grade local irritation, traumatic injury, or hormonal factors. It is most commonly seen in females in their second decade of life due to vascular effects of hormones. Although excisional surgery is the treatment of choice for it, this paper presents the safest and most minimally invasive procedure for the regression of pyogenic granuloma. (Source: Clinical and Developmental Immunology) Clinical and Developmental Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5627822 Thu, 26 Jan 2012 11:22:23 +0100 5627822 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5627821&cid=s_37735_3_f&fid=37735&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.hindawi.com%2Fcrim%2Fid%2F2012%2F508503%2F Purpura fulminans (PF) is a rare skin disorder with extensive areas of blueblack hemorrhagic necrosis. Patients manifest typical laboratory signs of disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC). Our case describes a 37-year-old previously healthy man who presented with 3 days of generalized malaise, headache, vomiting, photophobia, and an ecchymotic skin rash. Initial laboratory workup revealed DIC without obvious infectious trigger including unremarkable cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biochemical analysis. There was further progression of the skin ecchymosis and multiorgan damage consistent with PF. Final CSF cultures revealed Streptococcus pneumoniae. Despite normal initial CSF biochemical analysis, bacterial meningitis should always be considered in patients with otherwise unexplained DIC as... Clinical and Developmental Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5627821 Thu, 26 Jan 2012 11:22:23 +0100 5627821 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5627820&cid=s_37735_3_f&fid=37735&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.hindawi.com%2Fjournals%2Fmpe%2F2012%2F345461%2F In this study, the shooting optimization technique is employed to compute the numerical solutions. From the results, it is found that there is a critical self-weight of the beam for each value of a material constant n. Two possible equilibrium configurations (i.e., stable and unstable configurations) can be found when the uniform self-weight is less than its critical value. The relationship between the material constant n and the critical self-weight of the beam is also presented. (Source: Clinical and Developmental Immunology) Clinical and Developmental Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5627820 Thu, 26 Jan 2012 11:22:23 +0100 5627820 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5627819&cid=s_37735_3_f&fid=37735&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.hindawi.com%2Fjournals%2Fmpe%2F2012%2F128379%2F Operators of parking guidance and information systems (PGIS) often encounter difficulty in determining when and how to provide reliable car park availability information to drivers. Reliability has become a key factor to ensure the benefits of urban PGIS. The present paper is the first to define the guiding parking reliability of urban parking variable message signs (VMSs). By analyzing the parking choice under guiding and optional parking lots, a guiding parking reliability model was constructed. A mathematical program was formulated to determine the guiding parking reliability of VMS. The procedures were applied to a numerical example, and the factors that affect guiding reliability were analyzed. The quantitative changes of the parking berths and the display conditions of VMS were found... Clinical and Developmental Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5627819 Thu, 26 Jan 2012 11:22:23 +0100 5627819 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5627818&cid=s_37735_3_f&fid=37735&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.hindawi.com%2Fjournals%2Fijd%2F2012%2F708032%2F The aim of the present study was to compare the translucency of different shades of two highly aesthetic multilayered restorative composite resins. In total nine shades from Esthet.X and ten shades from Filtek Supreme composite resins were chosen. Discs of each shade were prepared (N=3) and light-cured. Total and diffuse transmittance values for each sample were measured. Statistical analysis showed that the opaque dentine shades of both composites were the least translucent and the enamel shades had the highest translucency. There was a significant decrease in translucency from A2 to C2 of regular body shades and also from A4 to C4 of opaque dentine shades of Esthet.X composite resin. Grey enamel shade had a significantly higher diffuse translucency compared to clear and yellow enamel sha... Clinical and Developmental Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5627818 Thu, 26 Jan 2012 11:22:23 +0100 5627818 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5627817&cid=s_37735_3_f&fid=37735&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.hindawi.com%2Fjournals%2Fijhep%2F2012%2F549241%2F The regenerative capacity of the liver is well known, and the mechanisms that regulate this process have been extensively studied using experimental model systems including surgical resection and hepatotoxin exposure. The response to primary mitogens has also been used to investigate the regulation of hepatocellular proliferation. Such analyses have identified many specific cytokines and growth factors, intracellular signaling events, and transcription factors that are regulated during and necessary for normal liver regeneration. Nevertheless, the nature and identities of the most proximal events that initiate hepatic regeneration as well as those distal signals that terminate this process remain unknown. Here, we review the data implicating acute alterations in lipid metabolism as importa... Clinical and Developmental Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5627817 Thu, 26 Jan 2012 11:22:23 +0100 5627817 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5627816&cid=s_37735_3_f&fid=37735&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.hindawi.com%2Fjournals%2Fije%2F2012%2F717185%2F It has been twenty years since the first paper reporting the association between thyroid antibodies (TAIs) and spontaneous miscarriage was published. Following this observation, several studies have clearly demonstrated an increased prevalence of TAI in patients with recurrent miscarriage (RM). However, the exact mechanism underlying this association remains a matter of debate. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the thyroid function, throughout a specific test, in patient with RM and TAI focusing on the hypothesis that TAI should be an indirect sign of a mild thyroid dysfunction. 46 patients with RM and TAI were included in the study. All patients underwent short TRH stimulation test showing an abnormal response in the vast majority of cases (65%). Normal FT4 and FT3 mean values ... Clinical and Developmental Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5627816 Thu, 26 Jan 2012 11:22:23 +0100 5627816 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5627815&cid=s_37735_3_f&fid=37735&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.hindawi.com%2Fjournals%2Fijelc%2F2012%2F194183%2F CuO nanocrystals were prepared with hydrothermal synthesis method. The morphology of the nano-CuO was characterized by scanning electron microscopy. The prepared shuttlelike CuO nanocrystals were modified to glass carbon electrode (GCE) to form nano-CuO/GCE modified electrode. The obtained modified electrode showed an excellent electrocatalytic property towards hydrogen peroxide in 0.01 M NaOH containing 0.09 M KCl electrolyte. Under the optimal experiment conditions, the electrocatalytic response current of this sensor was proportional to the H2O2 concentration in the range of 0.02 μM~250 μM with a detection limit down to 7 nM (signal/noise = 3). The sensitivity was calculated to be 227 μA/mM. The H2O2 sensor exhibited low d... Clinical and Developmental Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5627815 Thu, 26 Jan 2012 11:22:23 +0100 5627815 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5627814&cid=s_37735_3_f&fid=37735&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.hindawi.com%2Fjournals%2Fmrt%2F2011%2F765125%2F This study presents a comparative, quantitative, interview-based study of land owners and/or managers (n=262) in the Ecuadorian lowlands (presently considered malarious) (n=131) and highlands (potentially malarious in the future) (n=131). Although respondents had a strong understanding of where the disease occurs in their own country and of the basic relationship among standing water, mosquitoes, and malaria, about half of respondents in potential risk areas denied the current possibility of malaria infection on their own property. As well, about half of respondents with potential anopheline larval habitat did not report its presence, likely due to a highly specific definition of suitable mosquito habitat. Most respondents who are considered at risk of malaria currently use at least one ty... Clinical and Developmental Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5627814 Thu, 26 Jan 2012 11:22:23 +0100 5627814 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5627813&cid=s_37735_3_f&fid=37735&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.hindawi.com%2Fjournals%2Fjam%2F2012%2F794719%2F The present paper deals with a dynamic reaction model of a fishery. The dynamics of a fishery resource system in an aquatic environment consists of two zones: a free fishing zone and a reserve zone. To protect fish population from over exploitation, a control instrument tax is imposed. The existence of its steady states and their stability are studied. The optimal harvest policy is discussed next with the help of Pontryagin's maximum principle. Our theoretical results are confirmed by numerical simulation. (Source: Clinical and Developmental Immunology) Clinical and Developmental Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5627813 Thu, 26 Jan 2012 11:22:23 +0100 5627813 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5627812&cid=s_37735_3_f&fid=37735&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.hindawi.com%2Fcrim%2Fobgyn%2F2012%2F736024%2F Conclusion. Myasthenia gravis especially when associated with pregnancy is a high-risk disease. As this disease predominantly occurs in women of reproductive age, it is important to be aware of this condition in obstetrics and its interdisciplinary diagnostic and therapeutic management. (Source: Clinical and Developmental Immunology) Clinical and Developmental Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5627812 Thu, 26 Jan 2012 11:22:23 +0100 5627812 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5627811&cid=s_37735_3_f&fid=37735&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.hindawi.com%2Fcrim%2Fdm%2F2011%2F129138%2F We describe a case of cutaneous silicone granuloma in the breast exhibiting unusual growth mimicking breast cancer after a ruptured implant. (Source: Clinical and Developmental Immunology) Clinical and Developmental Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5627811 Thu, 26 Jan 2012 11:22:23 +0100 5627811 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5627810&cid=s_37735_3_f&fid=37735&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.hindawi.com%2Fjournals%2Fstni%2F2012%2F507921%2F The paper deals with the evaluation of the Fukushima-Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant (NPP) accident in Units 1 to 4: an attempt is made to discuss the scenario within a technological framework, considering precursory documented regulations and predictable system performance. An outline is given at first of the NPP layout and of the sequence of major events. Then, plausible time evolutions of relevant quantities in the different Units, is inferred based on results from the application of numerical codes. Scenarios happening in the primary circuit and containment (three Units involved) are distinguished from scenarios in spent fuel pool (four Units involved). Radiological releases to the environment and doses are approximately estimated. The event is originated by a natural catastrophe with almo... Clinical and Developmental Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5627810 Thu, 26 Jan 2012 11:22:23 +0100 5627810 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5619526&cid=s_37735_3_f&fid=37735&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.hindawi.com%2Fjournals%2Fjfsa%2F2012%2F659761%2F We state and prove a new refined Boas-type inequality in a setting with a topological space and general σ-finite and finite Borel measures. As a consequence of the result obtained, we derive a new class of Hardy- and Pólya-Knopp-type inequalities related to balls in ℝn and prove that constant factors involved in their right-hand sides are the best possible. (Source: Clinical and Developmental Immunology) Clinical and Developmental Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5619526 Mon, 23 Jan 2012 11:22:21 +0100 5619526 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5619525&cid=s_37735_3_f&fid=37735&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.hindawi.com%2Fjournals%2Famse%2F2012%2F345762%2F Glass/Mo, Mo foil, glass/Mo/In, and glass/Mo/Cu stacked layers were selenized in closed vacuum tubes by isothermal and/or two-temperature zone annealing in Se vapors. The selenization process was studied dependent on Se vapor pressure, temperature and time. Samples were selenized from 375 to 580°C for 30 and 60 minutes. The applied Se pressure was varied between 130 and 4.4⋅103 Pa. The increase of MoSe2 film thickness was found to depend on the origin of Mo. MoSe2 thickness dL on Mo-foil was much higher than on sputtered Mo layers, and it depended linearly on time and as a power function dL~PSe1/2 on Se vapor pressure. The residual oxygen content in the formed MoSe2 layers was much lower in the two-zone selenization process. If Mo was covered with Cu or In before sele... Clinical and Developmental Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5619525 Mon, 23 Jan 2012 11:22:21 +0100 5619525 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5619524&cid=s_37735_3_f&fid=37735&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.hindawi.com%2Fjournals%2Fijfr%2F2012%2F934974%2F While effects of thinning and natural disturbances on stand density play a central role for forest growth, their representation in large-scale studies is restricted by both model and data availability. Here a forest growth model was combined with a newly developed generic thinning model to estimate stand density and site productivity based on widely available inventory data (tree species, age class, volume, and increment). The combined model successfully coupled biomass, increment, and stand closure (=stand density/self-thinning limited stand density), as indicated by cross-validation against European-wide inventory data. The improvement in model performance attained by including variable stand closure among age cohorts compared to a fixed closure suggests that stand closure is an importan... Clinical and Developmental Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5619524 Mon, 23 Jan 2012 11:22:21 +0100 5619524 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5619523&cid=s_37735_3_f&fid=37735&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.hindawi.com%2Fjournals%2Fijic%2F2011%2F649183%2F Lithium-sodium cobaltite LixNayCoO2 (x≈y≈0.5) with ordered layered structure is promising thermoelectric material. Here we report the peculiarities of this phase formation and decomposition processes studied by TG/DTA, XRD, SEM, and TEM methods. Significant weight loss resulting from oxygen liberation and endothermic effect at T≈1000°C are the main features of the LixNayCoO2 formation. Decomposition of the ordered phase is accompanied by exothermic effect at ≈940°C and the weight increase. Electron microscopic study shows that the lithium-sodium cobaltite decomposes into LiCoO2 and γ-Na0.7CoO2. Lattices of the initial phase and formed ones demonstrate mutual orientation. (Source: Clinical and Deve... Clinical and Developmental Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5619523 Mon, 23 Jan 2012 11:22:21 +0100 5619523 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5619522&cid=s_37735_3_f&fid=37735&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.hindawi.com%2Fcrim%2Fophmed%2F2011%2F491894%2F Aim. To report the optical coherence tomography (OCT) findings in three members of the same family with nanophthalmos associated with elevated papillomacular retinal fold. Methods. Complete ophthalmic examination as well as ultrasonography and OCT was performed in all patients. Results. Axial lengths ranged from 16.75 mm to 17.48 mm and refractive errors ranged from +17.50 D to +20.50 D. Main fundus findings were the hyperopic crowded, cupless optic disc, and retinal fold through papillomacular region. Macular OCT scans revealed retinal fold with normal retinal pigment epithelium and choriocapillaris. Interpretation. It is presumed that the retinal folds in nanophthalmos result from a redundancy of the retinal layer caused by retarded growth of the scleral, chor... Clinical and Developmental Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5619522 Mon, 23 Jan 2012 11:22:21 +0100 5619522 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5619521&cid=s_37735_3_f&fid=37735&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.hindawi.com%2Fcrim%2Fanesthesiology%2F2011%2F430983%2F Fournier's gangrene is a rare process which affects soft tissue in the genital and perirectal area. It can also progress to all different stages of sepsis, and abdominal compartment syndrome can be one of its complications. Two patients in septic shock due to Fournier gangrene were admitted to the Intensive Care Unit of Emergency Department. In both cases, infection started from the scrotum and the necrosis quickly involved genitals, perineal, and inguinal regions. Patients were treated with surgical debridement, protective colostomy, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, and broad-spectrum antibacterial chemotherapy. Vacuum-assisted closure (VAC) therapy was applied to the wound with the aim to clean, decontaminate, and avoid abdominal compartmental syndrome development. Both patients survived and w... Clinical and Developmental Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5619521 Mon, 23 Jan 2012 11:22:21 +0100 5619521 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5619520&cid=s_37735_3_f&fid=37735&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.hindawi.com%2Fcrim%2Fophmed%2F2011%2F340859%2F Conclusions. This is the first reported case of anterior sclera staphyloma with vitreous hemorrhage successfully managed by combined surgery. (Source: Clinical and Developmental Immunology) Clinical and Developmental Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5619520 Mon, 23 Jan 2012 11:22:21 +0100 5619520 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5619519&cid=s_37735_3_f&fid=37735&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.hindawi.com%2Fcrim%2Fpediatrics%2F2012%2F384719%2F Familial chylomicronemia is a rare autosomal recessive disorder which is also called Hyperlipoproteinemia type I. Here we report two cases with this rare disorder that were admitted to our hospital in recent years. (Source: Clinical and Developmental Immunology) Clinical and Developmental Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5619519 Mon, 23 Jan 2012 11:22:21 +0100 5619519 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5619518&cid=s_37735_3_f&fid=37735&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.hindawi.com%2Fjournals%2Faess%2F2012%2F430347%2F This study demonstrates the efficiency of combining radar and optical remote sensing data with a representative soil dataset for producing digital maps of soil drainage. (Source: Clinical and Developmental Immunology) Clinical and Developmental Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5619518 Mon, 23 Jan 2012 11:22:21 +0100 5619518 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5619517&cid=s_37735_3_f&fid=37735&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.hindawi.com%2Fcrim%2Fpediatrics%2F2012%2F527989%2F We report on a case of acute muscle trauma resulting from excessive dumbbell exercise in a young adult with cystic fibrosis and describe clinical, laboratory and imaging characteristics of acute exercise-induced muscle injury. (Source: Clinical and Developmental Immunology) Clinical and Developmental Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5619517 Mon, 23 Jan 2012 11:22:21 +0100 5619517 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5619516&cid=s_37735_3_f&fid=37735&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.hindawi.com%2Fjournals%2Fecam%2F2012%2F893023%2F The aim is to explore the effect of acupuncture on Th1, Th2 cytokines in rats of implantation failure. Early pregnant rats were randomized into normal group (N), implantation failure group (M), acupuncture group (A), progestin group (H). The model was established with mifepristone. Samples of serum, endometrium were collected on Day 5, 6 and 8 of pregnancy. Compared with group M, the number of embryos was significantly higher in groups N, A and H; IL-1β, IL-2 protein in serum and endometrium were significantly lower in groups N, A and H, while IL-4, IL-10 were significantly higher in groups N, A and H; the endometrial IL-2, IL-4 mRNA were significantly lower in groups N, A and H, while IL-1β, IL-10 mRNA were significantly higher in groups N, A and H. Acupuncture could improve t... Clinical and Developmental Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5619516 Mon, 23 Jan 2012 11:22:21 +0100 5619516 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5619515&cid=s_37735_3_f&fid=37735&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.hindawi.com%2Fjournals%2Fpsyche%2F2012%2F372138%2F In order to evaluate the genetic diversity and structure of Melipona mandacaia, we analyzed 104 colonies collected in 12 localities in Bahia state, northeastern Brazil, using ISSR-PCR. A total of 109 bands were obtained with a significant polymorphism of 72.47%. Estimates of genetic diversity indicated low values of heterozygosity (He and HB values were 0.2616 and 0.2573, resp.). These reduced values have been reported in other studies in stingless bees and maybe justified by dispersion process in the origin of new nests. AMOVA revealed that the higher percentage of variation is within localities (70.39%). The ΦST and θB values were, respectively, 0.2961 and 0.3289, thereby indicating a moderate population structuring. The correlation between genetic and geographic distances (r=0... Clinical and Developmental Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5619515 Mon, 23 Jan 2012 11:22:21 +0100 5619515 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5619514&cid=s_37735_3_f&fid=37735&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.hindawi.com%2Fjournals%2Fijmms%2F2012%2F307036%2F We establish necessary and sufficient conditions for the existence of and the expressions for the general real and complex Hermitian solutions to the classical system of quaternion matrix equations A1X=C1,XB1=C2, and  A3XA3*=C3. Moreover, formulas of the maximal and minimal ranks of four real matrices X1,X2,X3, and X4 in solution X=X1+X2i+X3j+X4k to the system mentioned above are derived. As applications, we give necessary and sufficient conditions for the quaternion matrix equations A1X=C1,XB1=C2,A3XA3*=C3, and  A4XA4*=C4 to have real and complex Hermitian solutions. (Source: Clinical and Developmental Immunology) Clinical and Developmental Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5619514 Mon, 23 Jan 2012 11:22:21 +0100 5619514 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5619513&cid=s_37735_3_f&fid=37735&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.hindawi.com%2Fjournals%2Fmrt%2F2012%2F371798%2F The objective of the present study was to conduct an ethnomedicinal survey among various tribes of Bangladesh to identify the plants that they use for treatment of the disease. Surveys were conducted among seven tribes, namely, Bawm, Chak, Chakma, Garo, Marma, Murong, and Tripura, who inhabit the southeastern or northcentral forested regions of Bangladesh. Interviews conducted with the various tribal medicinal practitioners indicated that a total of eleven plants distributed into 10 families were used for treatment of malaria and accompanying symptoms like fever, anemia, ache, vomiting, and chills. Leaves constituted 35.7% of total uses followed by roots at 21.4%. Other plant parts used for treatment included barks, seeds, fruits, and flowers. A review of the published scientific l... Clinical and Developmental Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5619513 Mon, 23 Jan 2012 11:22:21 +0100 5619513 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5619512&cid=s_37735_3_f&fid=37735&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.hindawi.com%2Fjournals%2Fmrt%2F2012%2F727032%2F The aim of this study is pharmacochemistry of Iranian flora Artemisia sieberi and its antimalarial effects on Plasmodium berghei in vivo. This is the first application of A. sieberi for treatment of murine malaria. A. sieberi were collected at flowering stage from the Khorassan and Semnan provinces of Iran; the aerial parts were air-dried at room temperature and then powdered. The powder was macerated in methanol, filtered with Bokhner hopper and solvent was separated in rotary evaporator. Total herbal extract was subsequently processed for ether and chloroform extracts preparation. The toxicity of herbal extract was assessed on naive NMRI mice with high, average and low doses; then pathophysiological signs were assessed. Finally, the antimalarial efficacy was investigated on two groups of... Clinical and Developmental Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5619512 Mon, 23 Jan 2012 11:22:21 +0100 5619512 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5619511&cid=s_37735_3_f&fid=37735&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.hindawi.com%2Fjournals%2Fcfg%2F2012%2F368938%2F Cell adhesion is of utmost importance in normal development and cellular functions. ICAM-5 (intercellular adhesion molecule-5, telencephalin, TLN) is a member of the ICAM family of adhesion proteins. As a novel cell adhesion molecule, ICAM-5 shares many structural similarities with the other members of IgSF, especially the ICAM subgroup; however, ICAM-5 has several unique properties compared to the other ICAMs. With its nine extracellular Ig domains, ICAM-5 is the largest member of ICAM subgroup identified so far. Therefore, it is much more complex than the other ICAMs. The expression of ICAM-5 is confined to the telencephalic neurons of the central nervous system whereas all the other ICAM members are expressed mostly by cells in the immune and blood systems. The developmental appearance ... Clinical and Developmental Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5619511 Mon, 23 Jan 2012 11:22:21 +0100 5619511 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5607720&cid=s_37735_3_f&fid=37735&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.hindawi.com%2Fjournals%2Fmpe%2F2012%2F248175%2F This paper describes the use of integer and fractional electrical elements, for modelling two electrochemical systems. A first type of system consists of botanical elements and a second type is implemented by electrolyte processes with fractal electrodes. Experimental results are analyzed in the frequency domain, and the pros and cons of adopting fractional-order electrical components for modelling these systems are compared. (Source: Clinical and Developmental Immunology) Clinical and Developmental Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5607720 Fri, 20 Jan 2012 11:23:44 +0100 5607720 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5607719&cid=s_37735_3_f&fid=37735&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.hindawi.com%2Fjournals%2Fvlsi%2F2012%2F745861%2F As design trends move toward nanometer technology, new problems due to noise effects lead to a decrease in reliability and performance of VLSI circuits. Crosstalk is one such noise effect which affects the timing behaviour of circuits. In this paper, an efficient Automatic Test Pattern Generation (ATPG) method based on a modified Fanout Oriented (FAN) to detect crosstalk-induced delay faults in VLSI circuits is presented. Tests are generated for ISCAS_85 and enhanced scan version of ISCAS_89 benchmark circuits. Experimental results demonstrate that the test program gives better fault coverage, less number of backtracks, and hence reduced test generation time for most of the benchmark circuits when compared to modified Path-Oriented Decision Making (PODEM) based ATPG. The number of transiti... Clinical and Developmental Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5607719 Fri, 20 Jan 2012 11:23:44 +0100 5607719 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5607718&cid=s_37735_3_f&fid=37735&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.hindawi.com%2Fjournals%2Fcfg%2F2012%2F851379%2F Approximately 2.4 kbp of mitochondrial DNA was sequenced from 9 individuals of Uromastyx ornata philbyi originating from Taif, Namas, Al-Baha, and Jazan in southwestern Saudi Arabia. The sequenced regions cover eight tRNA genes (tRNAGln, tRNAIle, tRNAMet, tRNATrp, tRNAAla, tRNAAsn, tRNACys, and tRNATyr) and two protein-coding genes (NADH dehydrogenase subunit 2 and cytochrome b). U. ornata philbyi had an insertion of 170 bp length between tRNAGln and tRNAIle genes. The first 128 bp of this insertion was similar to the one identified earlier in U. ornata ornata and can be folded into a stem-and-loop structure, which was less stable in U. ornata philbyi than in U. ornata ornata, or the second tRNAGln gene. The next 42 bp of the insertion was unique in U. ornata ph... Clinical and Developmental Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5607718 Fri, 20 Jan 2012 11:23:44 +0100 5607718 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5607717&cid=s_37735_3_f&fid=37735&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.hindawi.com%2Fjournals%2Fjam%2F2012%2F671548%2F We consider the one-dimensional steady fin problem with the Dirichlet boundary condition at one end and the Neumann boundary condition at the other. Both the thermal conductivity and the heat transfer coefficient are given as arbitrary functions of temperature. We perform preliminary group classification to determine forms of the arbitrary functions appearing in the considered equation for which the principal Lie algebra is extended. Some invariant solutions are constructed. The effects of thermogeometric fin parameter and the exponent on temperature are studied. Also, the fin efficiency is analyzed. (Source: Clinical and Developmental Immunology) Clinical and Developmental Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5607717 Fri, 20 Jan 2012 11:23:44 +0100 5607717 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5607716&cid=s_37735_3_f&fid=37735&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.hindawi.com%2Fjournals%2Fad%2F2012%2F734069%2F (Source: Clinical and Developmental Immunology) Clinical and Developmental Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5607716 Fri, 20 Jan 2012 11:23:44 +0100 5607716 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5607715&cid=s_37735_3_f&fid=37735&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.hindawi.com%2Fjournals%2Fijap%2F2012%2F735080%2F As part of the typical usage mode, interaction between a handheld receiver antenna and the operator's RF absorbing body and nearby objects is known to generate variability in antenna radiation characteristics through blocking and pattern changes. It is counterintuitive that random variations in blocking can result in diversity gain of practical applicability. This diversity gain is quantified from a theoretical and experimental perspective. Measurements carried out at 1947.5 MHz verify the theoretical predictions, and a diversity gain of 3.1 dB was measured through antenna blocking and based on the utilized measurement setup. The diversity gain can be exploited to enhance signal detectability of handheld receivers based on a single antenna in indoor multipath environments... Clinical and Developmental Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5607715 Fri, 20 Jan 2012 11:23:44 +0100 5607715 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5603947&cid=s_37735_3_f&fid=37023&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22235993%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Fagone P, Mangano K, Coco M, Perciavalle V, Garotta G, Romao CC, Nicoletti F Abstract Carbon monoxide (CO) is produced during the catabolism of free haem, catalyzed by haem oxygenase (HO) enzymes, and its physiological roles include vasodilation, neurotransmission, inhibition of platelet aggregation and anti-proliferative effects on smooth muscle. In vivo preclinical studies have shown that exogenously administered quantities of CO may represent an effective treatment for conditions characterized by a dysregulated immune response. The carbon monoxide-releasing molecules (CORMs) represent a group of compounds capable of carrying and liberating controlled quantities of CO in the cellular systems. This review covers the physiological and anti-inflammatory properties of the HO... Clinical and Developmental Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5603947 Wed, 18 Jan 2012 21:39:34 +0100 5603947 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5603946&cid=s_37735_3_f&fid=37023&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22235994%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Bachireddy P, Rakhra K, Felsher DW Abstract OTHER THEMES PUBLISHED IN THIS IMMUNOLOGY IN THE CLINIC REVIEW SERIES Metabolic Diseases, Host Responses, Allergies, Autoinflammatory Diseases, Type 1 diabetes and viruses. SUMMARY: Despite complex genomic and epigenetic abnormalities, many cancers are irrevocably dependent on an initiating oncogenic lesion whose restoration to a normal physiological activation can elicit a dramatic and sudden reversal of their neoplastic properties. This phenomenon of the reversal of tumorigenesis has been described as oncogene addiction. Oncogene addiction had been thought to occur largely through tumour cell-autonomous mechanisms such as proliferative arrest, apoptosis, differentiation and cellular senescence. However, the immune system plays ... Clinical and Developmental Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5603946 Wed, 18 Jan 2012 21:39:25 +0100 5603946 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5603945&cid=s_37735_3_f&fid=37023&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22235995%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Allavena P, Mantovani A Abstract OTHER THEMES PUBLISHED IN THIS IMMUNOLOGY IN THE CLINIC REVIEW SERIES Metabolic Diseases, Host Responses, Allergies, Autoinflammatory Diseases, Type 1 diabetes and viruses. Mononuclear phagocytes are cells of the innate immunity that defend the host against harmful pathogens and heal tissues after injury. Contrary to expectations, in malignancies, tumour-associated macrophages (TAM) promote disease progression by supporting cancer cell survival, proliferation and invasion. TAM and related myeloid cells [Tie2(+) monocytes and myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC)] also promote tumour angiogenesis and suppress adaptive immune responses. These divergent biological activities are mediated by macrophages/myeloid cells with distinct functional ... Clinical and Developmental Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5603945 Wed, 18 Jan 2012 21:39:16 +0100 5603945 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5603944&cid=s_37735_3_f&fid=37023&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22235996%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Durrant LG, Noble P, Spendlove I Abstract OTHER THEMES PUBLISHED IN THIS IMMUNOLOGY IN THE CLINIC REVIEW SERIES Metabolic Diseases, Host Responses, Allergies, Autoinflammatory Diseases, Type 1 diabetes and viruses. Research into aberrant glycosylation and over-expression of glycolipids on the surface of the majority of cancers, coupled with a knowledge of glycolipids as functional molecules involved in a number of cellular physiological pathways, has provided a novel area of targets for cancer immunotherapy. This has resulted in the development of a number of vaccines and monoclonal antibodies that are showing promising results in recent clinical trials. PMID: 22235996 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Clinical and Developmental Immunology) Clinical and Developmental Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5603944 Wed, 18 Jan 2012 21:39:06 +0100 5603944 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5603943&cid=s_37735_3_f&fid=37023&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22235997%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Marr LA, Gilham DE, Campbell JD, Fraser AR Abstract OTHER THEMES PUBLISHED IN THIS IMMUNOLOGY IN THE CLINIC REVIEW SERIES Metabolic Diseases, Host Responses, Allergies, Autoinflammatory Diseases, Type 1 diabetes and viruses. Cancer is one of the most important pathological conditions facing mankind in the 21st century, and is likely to become the most important cause of death as improvements continue in health, diet and life expectancy. The immune response is responsible for controlling nascent cancer through immunosurveillance. If tumours escape this control, they can develop into clinical cancer. Although surgery and chemo- or radiotherapy have improved survival rates significantly, there is a drive to reharness immune responses to treat disease. As T cells are one of th... Clinical and Developmental Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5603943 Wed, 18 Jan 2012 21:38:57 +0100 5603943 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5603942&cid=s_37735_3_f&fid=37023&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22235998%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Lahdenperä AI, Hölttä V, Ruohtula T, Salo HM, Orivuori L, Westerholm-Ormio M, Savilahti E, Fälth-Magnusson K, Högberg L, Ludvigsson J, Vaarala O Abstract Up-regulation of interleukin (IL)-17 in small intestinal mucosa has been reported in coeliac disease (CD) and in peripheral blood in type 1 diabetes (T1D). We explored mucosal IL-17 immunity in different stages of CD, including transglutaminase antibody (TGA)-positive children with potential CD, children with untreated and gluten-free diet-treated CD and in children with T1D. Immunohistochemistry was used for identification of IL-17 and forkhead box protein 3 (FoxP3)-positive cells and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) for IL-17, FoxP3, retinoic acid-related orphan receptor (ROR)c and interferon (IFN)-γ ... Clinical and Developmental Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5603942 Wed, 18 Jan 2012 21:38:48 +0100 5603942 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5603941&cid=s_37735_3_f&fid=37023&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22235999%26dopt%3DAbstract Immune complexes and late complement proteins trigger activation of Syk tyrosine kinase in human CD4(+) T cells. Clin Exp Immunol. 2012 Feb;167(2):235-45 Authors: Chauhan AK, Moore TL Abstract In systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), the autoantibodies that form immune complexes (ICs) trigger activation of the complement system. This results in the formation of membrane attack complex (MAC) on cell membrane and the soluble terminal complement complex (TCC). Hyperactive T cell responses are hallmark of SLE pathogenesis. How complement activation influences the T cell responses in SLE is not fully understood. We observed that aggregated human γ-globulin (AHG) bound to a subset of CD4(+) T cells in peripheral blood mononuclear cells and this population increased in the SLE pati... Clinical and Developmental Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5603941 Wed, 18 Jan 2012 21:38:38 +0100 5603941 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5603940&cid=s_37735_3_f&fid=37023&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22236000%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Demmert M, Faust K, Bohlmann MK, Tröger B, Göpel W, Herting E, Härtel C Abstract In recent years galectin-3 has gained attention as a signalling molecule, mainly in inflammatory diseases. Data on galectin-3 expression in neonates, however, are limited, and expression of this lectin in cord blood has not yet been reported. The aim of this study was to determine galectin-3 levels in cord blood of term and preterm neonates as well as galectin-3 levels in cord blood of term neonates after stimulation with the prevalent pathogen Streptococcus agalactiae. Cord blood samples were incubated for 24 h and galectin-3 levels were assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. There is a positive correlation between gestational age and galectin-3 levels in cord blood. Expression... Clinical and Developmental Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5603940 Wed, 18 Jan 2012 21:38:28 +0100 5603940 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5603939&cid=s_37735_3_f&fid=37023&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22236001%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Adar T, Ben Ya'acov A, Lalazar G, Lichtenstein Y, Nahman D, Mizrahi M, Wong V, Muller B, Rawlin G, Ilan Y Abstract Insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome are chronic inflammatory conditions that lead to hepatic injury and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Bovine colostrum has therapeutic effects in a variety of chronic infections. However its effectiveness in NASH was never studied. Natural killer T (NKT) cells have been shown to be associated with some of the pathological and metabolic abnormalities accompanying NASH in leptin-deficient (ob/ob) mice. In the present study, we used hyperimmune bovine colostrum to treat hepatic injury and insulin resistance and we also assessed the effects on NKT cells. We used ob/ob mice that were fed for 6 weeks with either 0·1 m... Clinical and Developmental Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5603939 Wed, 18 Jan 2012 21:38:18 +0100 5603939 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5603938&cid=s_37735_3_f&fid=37023&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22236002%26dopt%3DAbstract This study aimed to characterize the role of ROIs in the process of NET release and to identify the dominant ROI trigger. We employed various enzymes, inhibitors and ROIs to record their effect fluorometrically on in vitro NET release by human peripheral blood neutrophils. Treatment with exogenous superoxide dismutase (SOD) supported the established link between hydrogen peroxide and NET production. However, treatment with myeloperoxidase inhibitors and direct addition of hypochlorous acid (HOCl; generated in situ from sodium hypochlorite) established that HOCl was a necessary and sufficient ROI for NET release. This was confirmed by the ability of HOCl to stimulate NET release in chronic granulomatous disease (CGD) patient neutrophils which, due to the lack of a functional NADPH oxidase, ... Clinical and Developmental Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5603938 Wed, 18 Jan 2012 21:38:07 +0100 5603938 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5603937&cid=s_37735_3_f&fid=37023&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22236003%26dopt%3DAbstract We examined the inhibitory effects of the amino acids cysteine, histidine and glycine on the induction of NF-κB activation, expression of CD62E (E-selectin) and the production of interleukin (IL)-6 in HCAECs stimulated with tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α. Cysteine, histidine and glycine significantly reduced NF-κB activation and inhibitor κBα (IκBα) degradation in HCAECs stimulated with TNF-α. Additionally, all the amino acids inhibited the expression of E-selectin and the production of IL-6 in HCAECs, and the effects of cysteine were the most significant. Our results show that glycine, histidine and cysteine can inhibit NF-κB activation, IκBα degradation, CD62E expression and IL-6 production in HCAECs, suggesting that these amino acids may exhibit anti-inflammatory effects duri... Clinical and Developmental Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5603937 Wed, 18 Jan 2012 21:37:57 +0100 5603937 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5603936&cid=s_37735_3_f&fid=37023&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22236004%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Al Kindi M, Mundy J, Sullivan T, Smith W, Kette F, Smith A, Heddle R, Hissaria P Abstract Abnormalities in peripheral blood B cell subsets have been identified in common variable immunodeficiency (CVID) patients and classification systems based upon their numbers have been proposed to predict the clinical features. We analysed B lymphocyte subsets by multi-colour flow cytometry (MFC) in a cohort of well-characterized CVID patients to look at their clinical relevance and validate the published association of different classification criteria (Freiburg, Paris and Euroclass) with clinical manifestations. CVID patients had a reduced proportion of total and switched memory B cells (MBC, swMBC) compared to normal controls (P < 0·0006). Patients classified in Freiburg Ia ... Clinical and Developmental Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5603936 Wed, 18 Jan 2012 21:37:47 +0100 5603936 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5603935&cid=s_37735_3_f&fid=37023&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22236005%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Donkor ON, Ravikumar M, Proudfoot O, Day SL, Apostolopoulos V, Paukovics G, Vasiljevic T, Nutt SL, Gill H Abstract The immunomodulatory effects of probiotics were assessed following exposure of normal peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC), cord blood cells and the spleen-derived monocyte/macrophage cell line CRL-9850 to Lactobacillus acidophilus LAVRI-A1, Lb. rhamnosus GG, exopolysaccharides (EPS)-producing Streptococcus thermophilus St1275, Bifidobacteriun longum BL536, B. lactis B94 and Escherichia coli TG1 strains. The production of a panel of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines by PBMC following bacterial stimulation was measured, using live, heat-killed or mock gastrointestinal tract (GIT)-exposed bacteria, and results show that (i) all bacterial strains investig... Clinical and Developmental Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5603935 Wed, 18 Jan 2012 21:37:37 +0100 5603935 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5603934&cid=s_37735_3_f&fid=37023&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22236006%26dopt%3DAbstract In conclusion, the EGF rs4444903 A > G polymorphism appears to be associated with an unfavourable disease course of chronic HBV infection and cirrhosis development. This effect might be modulated, at least in part, by the gender of the patient. PMID: 22236006 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Clinical and Developmental Immunology) Clinical and Developmental Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5603934 Wed, 18 Jan 2012 21:37:27 +0100 5603934 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5603933&cid=s_37735_3_f&fid=37023&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22236007%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Ameye L, Paesmans M, Thiel S, Jensenius JC, Aoun M Abstract The pattern recognition molecules H-ficolin, L-ficolin and M-ficolin bind to micro-organisms. They activate the lectin pathway of complement through mannan-binding lectin (MBL)-associated serine proteases (MASPs). Association between low MBL levels and infections in patients undergoing chemotherapy for haematological diseases has been observed previously. We now examine for MASP-2, MASP-3 and ficolin levels. We assessed the concentration of lectin pathway molecules as risk factors for infection in patients with haematological malignancy undergoing chemotherapy. Samples taken before the initiation of chemotherapy covering 117 chemotherapy cycles in 105 patients were available. MASPs and ficolins were measured by ti... Clinical and Developmental Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5603933 Wed, 18 Jan 2012 21:37:16 +0100 5603933 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5603932&cid=s_37735_3_f&fid=37023&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22236008%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Haarala A, Kähönen M, Lehtimäki T, Aittoniemi J, Jylhävä J, Hutri-Kähönen N, Taittonen L, Laitinen T, Juonala M, Viikari J, Raitakari OT, Hurme M Abstract Human cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection is associated with a higher risk of cardiovascular disease in immunocompromised organ transplant patients. It has been linked with the pathogenesis of elevated arterial blood pressure. However, controversy exists as to whether CMV infection is associated with endothelial function, and little is known about its role as a potential risk factor for early atherosclerosis development at a young age. We aimed to discover if CMV antibody titres are associated with early vascular changes (carotid intima-media thickness, carotid artery distensibility and brachial artery flow-mediated d... Clinical and Developmental Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5603932 Wed, 18 Jan 2012 21:37:06 +0100 5603932 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5603931&cid=s_37735_3_f&fid=37023&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22236009%26dopt%3DAbstract In this study, we investigated the role and expression of T helper type 17 (Th17) cells and Th17 cytokines in human tuberculosis. We show that the basal proportion of interferon (IFN)-γ-, interleukin (IL)-17- and IL-22-expressing CD4(+) T cells and IL-22-expressing granulocytes in peripheral blood were significantly lower in latently infected healthy individuals and active tuberculosis patients compared to healthy controls. In contrast, CD4(+) T cells expressing IL-17, IL-22 and IFN-γ were increased significantly following mycobacterial antigens stimulation in both latent and actively infected patients. Interestingly, proinflammatory IFN-γ and tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α were increased following antigen stimulation in latent infection. Similarly, IL-1β, IL-4, IL-8, IL-22 and TNF-α... Clinical and Developmental Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5603931 Wed, 18 Jan 2012 21:36:57 +0100 5603931 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5603930&cid=s_37735_3_f&fid=37023&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22236010%26dopt%3DAbstract This study was conducted to document the proportion of CD4(+) /interleukin (IL)-17A(+) -, CD16(+) /indoleamine 2, 3-dioxygenase (IDO(+) )-, forkhead box protein P3 (FoxP3(+) )-expressing cells, senescent cells (p16(INK) (4α) ) and the percentage of interstitial fibrosis (IF) in graft biopsies of kidney transplant recipients participating in the BENEFIT (Bristol-Myers Squibb IM103008) study. CD4(+) /IL-17A(+) , CD16(+) /IDO(+) , FoxP3(+) and p16(INK) (4α+) cells were evaluated by immunohistochemistry, and the percentage of IF by morphometry on graft biopsies obtained at time 0 (pre-implantation) and at 12 months post-transplant. Senescent cells and CD4(+) /IL-17A(+) cells were increased among graft biopsies in subjects receiving cyclosporin A (CsA) compared to those under bela... Clinical and Developmental Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5603930 Wed, 18 Jan 2012 21:36:48 +0100 5603930 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5603929&cid=s_37735_3_f&fid=37023&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22236011%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Lev A, Simon AJ, Amariglio N, Rechavi G, Somech R Abstract The immunological hallmark of Omenn syndrome (OS) is the expansion and activation of an oligoclonal population of autoreactive T cells. These cells should be controlled rapidly by immunosuppressive agents, such as cyclosporin A (CsA), to avoid tissue infiltration and to improve the general outcome of the patients. Here we studied the clinical and the immune response to CsA in two Omenn patients and also examined the gene expression profile associated with good clinical response to such therapy. T cell receptor diversity was studied in cells obtained from OS patients during CsA therapy. Characterization of gene expression in these cells was carried out by using the TaqMan low-density array. One patient showed comple... Clinical and Developmental Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5603929 Wed, 18 Jan 2012 21:36:39 +0100 5603929 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5603928&cid=s_37735_3_f&fid=37023&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22236012%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Olasz K, Boldizsar F, Kis-Toth K, Tarjanyi O, Hegyi A, van Eden W, Rauch TA, Mikecz K, Glant TT Abstract T cell receptor transgenic (TCR-Tg) mice specific for the arthritogenic 5/4E8 epitope in the G1 domain of cartilage proteoglycan were generated and back-crossed into arthritis-prone BALB/c background. Although more than 90% of CD4(+) T cells of all TCR-Tg lines were 5/4E8-specific, one (TCR-TgA) was highly sensitive to G1-induced or spontaneous arthritis, while another (TCR-TgB) was less susceptible. Here we studied whether fine differences in TCR signalling controlled the onset and severity of arthritis. Mice from the two TCR-Tg lines were immunized side by side with purified recombinant human G1 (rhG1) domain for G1 domain of cartilage proteoglycan (PG)-induced arthri... Clinical and Developmental Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5603928 Wed, 18 Jan 2012 21:36:30 +0100 5603928 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5603927&cid=s_37735_3_f&fid=37023&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22236013%26dopt%3DAbstract This study investigates the effect of butyrate producing bacterium Clostridium tyrobutyricum on dextran sodium sulphate (DSS)-induced colitis in mice. Immunocompetent BALB/c and immunodeficient severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) mice reared in specific-pathogen-free (SPF) conditions were treated intrarectally with C. tyrobutyricum 1 week prior to the induction of DSS colitis and during oral DSS treatment. Administration of DSS without C. tyrobutyricum treatment led to an appearance of clinical symptoms - bleeding, rectal prolapses and colitis-induced increase in the antigen CD11b, a marker of infiltrating inflammatory cells in the lamina propria. The severity of colitis was similar in BALB/c and SCID mice as judged by the histological damage score and colon shortening after 7 days... Clinical and Developmental Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5603927 Wed, 18 Jan 2012 21:36:20 +0100 5603927 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5603926&cid=s_37735_3_f&fid=37023&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22236014%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: PMID: 22236014 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Clinical and Developmental Immunology) Clinical and Developmental Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5603926 Wed, 18 Jan 2012 21:36:11 +0100 5603926 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5596697&cid=s_37735_3_f&fid=37735&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.hindawi.com%2Fjournals%2Faaa%2F2012%2F582854%2F Let F be a family of meromorphic functions defined in D, let ψ(≢0), a0,a1,...,ak-1 be holomorphic functions in D, and let k be a positive integer. Suppose that, for every function f∈F, f≠0, P(f)=f(k)+ak-1f(k-1)+⋯+a1f'+a0f≠0 and, for every pair functions (f,g)∈F, P(f), P(g) share ψ, then F is normal in D. (Source: Clinical and Developmental Immunology) Clinical and Developmental Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5596697 Tue, 17 Jan 2012 11:21:46 +0100 5596697 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5596696&cid=s_37735_3_f&fid=37735&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.hindawi.com%2Fjournals%2Fjnume%2F2012%2F932653%2F Conclusion. Results point to how the food store environment may modify the success of an intervention on diet change among low-income women. (Source: Clinical and Developmental Immunology) Clinical and Developmental Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5596696 Tue, 17 Jan 2012 11:21:46 +0100 5596696 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5580583&cid=s_37735_3_f&fid=37735&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.hindawi.com%2Fjournals%2Face%2F2012%2F391214%2F Knowledge of the tensile Young's modulus of concrete at early ages is important for estimating the risk of cracking due to restrained shrinkage and thermal contraction. However, most often, the tensile modulus is considered equal to the compressive modulus and is estimated empirically based on the measurements of compressive strength. To evaluate the validity of this approach, the tensile Young's moduli of 6 concrete and mortar mixtures are measured using a direct tension test. The results show that the tensile moduli are approximately 1.0–1.3-times larger than the compressive moduli within the material's first week of age. To enable a direct estimation of the tensile modulus of concrete, a simple three-phase composite model is developed based on random distributions of coarse aggreg... Clinical and Developmental Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5580583 Fri, 13 Jan 2012 11:20:46 +0100 5580583 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5580582&cid=s_37735_3_f&fid=37735&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.hindawi.com%2Fjournals%2Fjfsa%2F2012%2F361807%2F We will prove the duality and reflexivity of variable exponent Triebel-Lizorkin and Besov spaces. It was shown by many authors that variable exponent Triebel-Lizorkin spaces coincide with variable exponent Bessel potential spaces, Sobolev spaces, and Lebesgue spaces when appropriate indices are chosen. In consequence of the results, these variable exponent function spaces are shown to be reflexive. (Source: Clinical and Developmental Immunology) Clinical and Developmental Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5580582 Fri, 13 Jan 2012 11:20:46 +0100 5580582 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5580581&cid=s_37735_3_f&fid=37735&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.hindawi.com%2Fjournals%2Fijd%2F2012%2F310702%2F Conclusion. IDS using the dentin bonding agents tested does not statistically (P>0.05) affect the shear bond strength of etched pressed ceramic luted to dentin with RXU when compared to the control. (Source: Clinical and Developmental Immunology) Clinical and Developmental Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5580581 Fri, 13 Jan 2012 11:20:46 +0100 5580581 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5580580&cid=s_37735_3_f&fid=37735&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.hindawi.com%2Fjournals%2Fjfsa%2F2012%2F174856%2F We estimate the measure of nonconvex total boundedness in terms of simpler quantitative characteristics in the space of measurable functions  L0. A Fréchet-Smulian type compactness criterion for convexly totally bounded subsets of L0 is established. (Source: Clinical and Developmental Immunology) Clinical and Developmental Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5580580 Fri, 13 Jan 2012 11:20:46 +0100 5580580 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5580579&cid=s_37735_3_f&fid=37735&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.hindawi.com%2Fjournals%2Fijp%2F2012%2F281068%2F Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a chemotherapeutic approach that utilizes a bifunctional reagent, a photosensitizer (PS) that localizes to the target tissue relative to the surrounding tissue and is toxic when exposed to laser light. PDT rapidly induces cell death, inflammatory and immune reactions, and damage of the microvasculature. DNA damage results from a variety of factors including UV-light, X-rays, ionizing radiation, toxins, chemicals, or reactive oxygen species. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of PDT as well as the influence of presensitization leading to the adaptive response (AR) on the integrity of DNA. Lung (A549), breast (MCF-7), and esophageal (SNO) cancer cells and Zn sulfophthalocyanine as PS with irradiation conditions of 10 J/cm2 at 636 nm ... Clinical and Developmental Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5580579 Fri, 13 Jan 2012 11:20:46 +0100 5580579 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5580578&cid=s_37735_3_f&fid=37735&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.hindawi.com%2Fjournals%2Fmpe%2F2012%2F670723%2F Permeability is a key parameter associated with the characterization of any hydrocarbon reservoir. In fact, it is not possible to have accurate solutions to many petroleum engineering problems without having accurate permeability value. The conventional methods for permeability determination are core analysis and well test techniques. These methods are very expensive and time consuming. Therefore, attempts have usually been carried out to use artificial neural network for identification of the relationship between the well log data and core permeability. In this way, recent works on artificial intelligence techniques have led to introduce a robust machine learning methodology called support vector machine. This paper aims to utilize the SVM for predicting the permeability of three gas well... Clinical and Developmental Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5580578 Fri, 13 Jan 2012 11:20:46 +0100 5580578 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5580577&cid=s_37735_3_f&fid=37735&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.hindawi.com%2Fjournals%2Fase%2F2011%2F579292%2F This paper presents an economics-based approach for studying the problem of resource allocation among software development phases. Our approach is structured along two parallel axes: theoretical and empirical. We developed a general economic model for analyzing the allocation problem as a constrained profit maximization problem. The model, based on a novel concept of software production function, considers the effects of different allocations of development resources on output measures of the resulting software product. An empirical environment for evaluating and refining the model is presented, and a first exploratory study for characterizing the model's components and developers' resource allocation decisions is described. The findings illustrate how the model can be applied and validate... Clinical and Developmental Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5580577 Fri, 13 Jan 2012 11:20:46 +0100 5580577 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5580576&cid=s_37735_3_f&fid=37735&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.hindawi.com%2Fjournals%2Fjfsa%2F2012%2F328908%2F We present characterizations of the Besov-type spaces Bp,qs,τ and the Triebel-Lizorkin-type spaces Fp,qs,τ by differences. All these results generalize the existing classical results on Besov and Triebel-Lizorkin spaces by taking τ=0. (Source: Clinical and Developmental Immunology) Clinical and Developmental Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5580576 Fri, 13 Jan 2012 11:20:46 +0100 5580576 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5580575&cid=s_37735_3_f&fid=37735&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.hindawi.com%2Fjournals%2Fijp%2F2012%2F671326%2F Polypyrrole films were coated on conductive glass by electrochemical deposition (alternative current or direct current process). They were then used as the dye-sensitized solar cell counter electrodes. Scanning electron microscopy revealed that polypyrrole forms a nanoparticle-like structure on the conductive glass. The amount of deposited polypyrrole (or film thickness) increased with the deposition duration, and the performance of polypyrrole based-dye-sensitized solar cells is dependant upon polymer thickness. The highest efficiency of alternative current and direct current polypyrrole based-dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) is 4.72% and 4.02%, respectively. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy suggests that the superior performance of alternative current polypyrrole solar ce... Clinical and Developmental Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5580575 Fri, 13 Jan 2012 11:20:46 +0100 5580575 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5580574&cid=s_37735_3_f&fid=37735&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.hindawi.com%2Fjournals%2Fijp%2F2012%2F192380%2F The kinetics of photosensitizer 2-devinyl-2-(1-methoxylethyl) chlorin f (CPD4) uptake in MCF-7 human breast cancer cells is described by a diffusion kinetics model and experimentally investigated using laser scanning confocal microscopy (LSCM). CPD4 permeated into MCF-7 cells with increasing incubation time, which was followed by its binding to cell organelles. Subcellular distribution study revealed that CPD4 was primarily localized on the mitochondria and membranes, supporting that the mode of transmembrane transport was diffusion. A kinetics model describing CPD4 passing through the plasma membrane of MCF-7 cells was proposed based on Fick's first law of diffusion. The kinetics of cellular uptake of CPD4 was studied by three-dimensional LSCM. By fitting the experimental data using t... Clinical and Developmental Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5580574 Fri, 13 Jan 2012 11:20:46 +0100 5580574 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5580573&cid=s_37735_3_f&fid=37735&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.hindawi.com%2Fjournals%2Fcrim%2F2012%2F535321%2F Generalized aggressive periodontitis results in rapid destruction of the periodontium and can lead to early tooth loss in the affected individuals if not diagnosed early and treated appropriately. The diagnostic features of the disease are characteristic, but the clinical presentation and patterns of destructions may vary between patients. Successful management of the disease is challenging especially if diagnosed at advanced stages of the disease, but not impossible with the current therapeutic choices for the disease. A vast array of treatment modalities is available which can be employed in the treatment of generalized aggressive periodontitis with varying success rates, but a definite guideline for the management is yet to be formulated. However, with the exponential rate of developmen... Clinical and Developmental Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5580573 Fri, 13 Jan 2012 11:20:46 +0100 5580573 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5580572&cid=s_37735_3_f&fid=37735&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.hindawi.com%2Fjournals%2Fjobes%2F2012%2F713426%2F Obesity and its relation to quality of life are multifaceted. The purpose of this paper was to contribute evidence to support a framework for understanding the impact of obesity on quality of life in 42 morbidly obese subjects considering a wide number of potential determinants. A model of weight-related quality of life (WRQL) was developed based on the Wilson-Cleary model, considering subjects' weight characteristics, arterial oxygen pressure (PaO2), walking capacity (6-minute walk test, 6MWT), health-related quality of life (HRQL; Physical and Mental Component Summaries of the SF-36 PCS/MCS), and WRQL. The model of WRQL was tested with linear regressions and a path analysis, which showed that as PaO2 at rest increased 6MWT increased. 6MWT was positively associated with the PCS, which... Clinical and Developmental Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5580572 Fri, 13 Jan 2012 11:20:46 +0100 5580572 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5580571&cid=s_37735_3_f&fid=37735&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.hindawi.com%2Fjournals%2Fjnm%2F2012%2F283230%2F The absorption spectra for a gold nanocube and for a gold nanobar are calculated by using the Discrete Dipole Approximation (DDA). The results show the excitation of a single albeit broad surface plasmon (SP) band of the gold nanocube. The extinction cross section of the gold nanocube is dominated by the absorption cross section that gains importance as the width increases. Further increasing the nanocube size beyond 80 nm will result in an optical response mainly characterized by scattering properties. The absorption spectrum of the nanobar shows the excitation of both the longitudinal mode (LM) and the transverse mode (TM). The nanobar is also compared to a cylinder, a spherically capped cylinder, and a spheroid of the same aspect ratio. The band position of the TM of the nanobar ... Clinical and Developmental Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5580571 Fri, 13 Jan 2012 11:20:46 +0100 5580571 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5580570&cid=s_37735_3_f&fid=37735&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.hindawi.com%2Fjournals%2Famse%2F2012%2F293485%2F Ethanol conversion to C3+ olefins, especially propylene, using Zr-modified H-ZSM-5 catalysts was investigated. Zr-modification to H-ZSM-5 zeolite could improve the initial yield of C3+ olefins and propylene and could reduce the initial yield of ethylene. In general, catalysts exhibiting the higher initial yield of propylene showed the steeper decrease in propylene yield as the reaction proceeded. However, Zr-modification to H-ZSM-5 could depress the decrease in propylene yield for aqueous ethanol. As cause of catalytic deactivation, carbon deposition on catalyst and framework collapse of zeolite support can be considered. The addition of water to Zr-modified H-ZSM-5 catalyst could depress carbon deposition in some degree, and, as a result, the decrease in propylene yield could be depressed... Clinical and Developmental Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5580570 Fri, 13 Jan 2012 11:20:46 +0100 5580570 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5580569&cid=s_37735_3_f&fid=37735&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.hindawi.com%2Fjournals%2Fijap%2F2012%2F319037%2F An orthogonal genetic algorithm (OGA) is applied to optimize the planar thinned array with a minimum peak sidelobe level. The method is a genetic algorithm based on orthogonal design. A crossover operator formed by the orthogonal array and the factor analysis is employed to enhance the genetic algorithm for optimization. In order to evaluate the performance of the OGA, 20×10-element planar thinned arrays have been designed to minimize peak sidelobe level. The optimization results by the OGA are better than the previously published results. (Source: Clinical and Developmental Immunology) Clinical and Developmental Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5580569 Fri, 13 Jan 2012 11:20:46 +0100 5580569 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5580568&cid=s_37735_3_f&fid=37735&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.hindawi.com%2Fjournals%2Fjt%2F2012%2F356126%2F This study indicated that polymorphisms of GSTP1 combined with GSTT1 and/or GSTM1 deletion are likely to influence on individual susceptibility to cadmium toxicity. (Source: Clinical and Developmental Immunology) Clinical and Developmental Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5580568 Fri, 13 Jan 2012 11:20:46 +0100 5580568 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5580567&cid=s_37735_3_f&fid=37735&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.hindawi.com%2Fjournals%2Fjb%2F2012%2F789879%2F Numerous studies have described the negative effects of the commonly used deicer, NaCl, on plants; this has led to research on less toxic alternatives, for example, calcium magnesium acetate (CMA). The present research investigated the native ground cover species, Arctostaphylos uva-ursi (kinnikinnick), as a possible candidate for landscaping in high salt conditions. The effect of NaCl and CMA on the growth, morphology, and survival of A. uva-ursi plants was examined to explore the use of CMA as a potential environmentally friendly alternative deicing agent to that of NaCl. The influence of these deicing agents on selected soil properties was also investigated. It was found that this ground cover species was able to tolerate moderate-to-high levels of NaCl and even greater concentrations o... Clinical and Developmental Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5580567 Fri, 13 Jan 2012 11:20:46 +0100 5580567 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5580566&cid=s_37735_3_f&fid=37735&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.hindawi.com%2Fjournals%2Fjeph%2F2012%2F849305%2F Conclusion. Those findings suggest that the health benefit of fish consumption can be maximized by the careful selection of fish species consumed. (Source: Clinical and Developmental Immunology) Clinical and Developmental Immunology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5580566 Fri, 13 Jan 2012 11:20:46 +0100 5580566