Streptococcus pyogenes AP1, a strain of the highly virulent M1 serotype, uses exclusively protein H to bind the complement inhibitor C4b-binding protein (C4BP). We found a strong correlation between the ability of AP1 and its isogenic mutants lacking protein H to inhibit opsonisation with complement C3b and binding of C4BP. C4BP bound to immobilized protein H or AP1 bacteria retained its cofactor

Abstract Azoospermia is observed in 10-15% of infertile men and 60% of these cases are classified as having non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA). NOA results from testicular failure, and one of the causes of this is the presence of varicocele. Varicocele is found in 5-10% of men with NOA and its repair is associated with the appearance of spermatozoa in the ejaculate in 21-55% of cases. This review d

Pseudomyogenic haemangioendothelioma (PHE) is an intermediate malignant vascular soft tissue tumour primarily affecting children and young adults. The molecular basis of this neoplasm is unknown. We here used chromosome banding analysis, fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), mRNA sequencing, RT-PCR and quantitative real-time PCR on a series of morphologically well-characterized PHEs to show t

In birds, fatty acids (FA) have three main functions; they are structural components of cell membranes, metabolic fuel, and inflammatory molecules. Environmental factors, such as diet and ambient temperature, affect FA composition, thereby function and ultimately fitness. Thus, variation in FA compositions can be the underlying mechanism for varying performance of birds in different habitats. Here

To compare repair of acute lacerations of mixed sensory-motor nerves in humans using a collagen tube versus conventional repair.

For highly oriented fibrillar molecules, three-dimensional structures can often be determined from X-ray fiber diffraction data. However, because of limited information content, structure determination and validation can be challenging. We demonstrate that automated structure determination of protein fibers can be achieved by guiding the building of macromolecular models with fiber diffraction dat

PURPOSEThe aim of the International Myeloma Working Group was to develop practice recommendations for the management of multiple myeloma (MM) -related bone disease.MethodologyAn interdisciplinary panel of clinical experts on MM and myeloma bone disease developed recommendations based on published data through August 2012. Expert consensus was used to propose additional recommendations in situation

Primary objective: The present study was undertaken to evaluate whether enoant, which is rich in polyphenols, has any effect on electroencephalogram (EEG), oxidative stress and inflammation in ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury. Methods: Ischemia was induced by 2-hour occlusion of bilateral common carotid artery. Animals orally received enoant. Group 1 was the ischemic control group. Group 2 was tr

The results of a search for direct pair production of heavy top-quark partners in 4.7 fb(-1) of integrated luminosity from p p collisions at root s = 7 TeV collected by the ATLAS detector at the LHC are reported. Heavy top-quark partners decaying into a top quark and a neutral non-interacting particle are searched for in events with two leptons in the final state. No excess above the Standard Mode

OBJECTIVES:: To compare the plasma volume (PV) expanding effect of a fast infusion rate with that of a slow infusion rate of a fixed volume of 5% albumin, of the synthetic colloids, 6% hydroxyethyl starch 130/0.4 and 4% gelatin, and of 0.9% NaCl in a rat sepsis model and to compare the plasma-expanding effect among these fluids. DESIGN:: Prospective, randomized animal study. SETTING:: University h

Coordination of fetal maturation with birth timing is essential for mammalian reproduction. In humans, preterm birth is a disorder of profound global health significance. The signals initiating parturition in humans have remained elusive, due to divergence in physiological mechanisms between humans and model organisms typically studied. Because of relatively large human head size and narrow birth

Soluble urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (suPAR) in plasma is a novel inflammatory marker thought to be released from the cell surface of neutrophils, T cells, and macrophages. Other inflammatory markers, mainly acute phase proteins produced in the liver, have been associated with the incidence of heart failure (HF) and atrial fibrillation (AF). We investigated the association between suPA

Introduction. Nonpharmacologic interventions are themselves complex and are often combined with drugs and other interventions in the treatment of rheumatic diseases. Therefore, overall strategies for treatment are complex interventions. These should be evaluated regarding their processes and outcomes. Methods. The CARE network, an international organization of health professionals (physicians and

Diagnosis of acute mesenteric ischaemia in the early stages is now possible with modern computed tomography (CT), using intravenous contrast enhancement and imaging in the arterial and/or portal venous phase. The availability of CT around the clock means that more patients with acute mesenteric ischaemia may be treated with urgent intestinal revascularization.

Stability of Wardrop equilibria is analyzed for dynamical transportation networks in which the drivers' route choices are influenced by information at multiple temporal and spatial scales. The considered model involves a continuum of nonatomic indistinguishable drivers commuting between a common origin-destination pair in an acyclic transportation network. The drivers' route choices are affected b

Compatible solutes are small, soluble organic compounds that have the ability to stabilise proteins against various stress conditions. In this study, the protective effect of ectoines against pH stress is examined using a recombinant xylanase from Bacillus halodurans as a model. Ectoines improved the enzyme stability at low (4.5 and 5.0) and high pH (11 and 12); stabilisation effect of hydroxyecto