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Anti
Kinds of Anti Terms modified by Anti Selected AbstractsModulation of the angiogenic phenotype of normal and systemic sclerosis endothelial cells by gain,loss of function of pentraxin 3 and matrix metalloproteinase 12ARTHRITIS & RHEUMATISM, Issue 8 2010Francesca Margheri Objective Studies have shown that in systemic sclerosis (SSc) endothelial cells, overproduction of matrix metalloproteinase 12 (MMP-12) and pentraxin 3 (PTX3) is associated with defective angiogenesis. This study was undertaken to examine whether overexpression of the relevant molecules could inhibit angiogenesis of normal microvascular endothelial cells (MVECs), and whether silencing of these molecules in SSc MVECs could restore the lost angiogenic properties of the cells in vitro and in vivo. Methods Transient transfection of MVECs with human MMP12 and PTX3 was performed by electroporation. Silencing of MMP12 and PTX3 was obtained by treatment with small interfering RNA, and treatment effects were validated by Western blotting with specific antibodies and a fluorimetric assay. In vitro cell migration and capillary morphogenesis were studied on Matrigel substrates. In vivo angiogenesis was studied using a Matrigel sponge assay in mice. Results Transfection of MMP12 and PTX3 in normal MVECs resulted in loss of proliferation, invasion, and capillary morphogenesis in vitro, attributed to truncation of the urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor by MMP12 and to the anti,fibroblast growth factor 2/anti,vascular endothelial growth factor activity of PTX3. These effects were particularly evident in mixed populations of transfected normal MVECs (50% transfected with MMP12 and 50% with PTX3). Silencing of the same molecules in SSc MVECs increased their invasion in Matrigel. Single-gene silencing did not increase the capillary morphogenesis of SSc MVECs, whereas double-gene,silenced cells showed a burst of capillary tube formation. Culture medium of silenced SSc MVECs stimulated angiogenesis in assays of Matrigel sponge invasion in mice. Conclusion Overexpression of either MMP12 or PTX3 in normal MVECs blunts their angiogenic properties. Loss of function of MMP12 and PTX3 in SSc MVECs restores the ability of the cells to produce capillaries in vitro and induces vascularization in vivo on a Matrigel sponge. [source] (ANTI)SOCIAL CAPITAL IN THE PRODUCTION OF AN (UN)CIVIL SOCIETY IN PAKISTAN,GEOGRAPHICAL REVIEW, Issue 3 2005DAANISH MUSTAFA ABSTRACT. Pakistan is home to some of the most widely admired examples of civil-society-based service-delivery and advocacy groups. Pakistan has also spawned some much-maligned nongovernmental actors with violent agendas. This article uses the social capital / civil society conceptual lens to view the modes of (anti)social capital mobilization that contribute to the civil and uncivil spaces of Pakistani society. The case examples of Jamaat-e-Islami, an Islamic revivalist organization, and the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan are used to understand the geography of social and antisocial forces in Pakistan. It is argued that the processes that mobilize social capital-whether positive or perverse-are multiscalar and that, in the Pakistani context, no compelling cultural or religious reason exists for the ascendance of one type of social capital over the other. Positive social capital can be mobilized to contribute to a more civil social discourse in Pakistan, given the right policy choices. [source] Prevalence of Anti-cardiolipin, Anti-,2 Glycoprotein I, and Anti-prothrombin Antibodies in Young Patients with EpilepsyEPILEPSIA, Issue 1 2002R. Cimaz Summary: ,Purpose: To measure anti-cardiolipin (aCL), anti-,2 glycoprotein I (anti-,2GPI), and anti-prothrombin (aPT) antibodies in young patients with epilepsy, and to correlate their presence with demographic data, clinical diagnoses, laboratory and neuroradiologic findings, and antiepileptic drugs (AEDs). Methods: Sera from one hundred forty-two consecutive patients with epilepsy with a median age of 10 years were tested for aCL and anti-,2GPI autoantibodies by solid-phase assays. aPT antibodies also were assayed in sera from 90 patients. Positive results were confirmed after a minimum of 6 weeks. Antinuclear antibodies (ANAs) and antibodies against extractable nuclear antigens (ENAs) also were tested. Results: An overall positivity of 41 (28.8%) of 142 sera was found. Fifteen patients were positive for aCL, 25 for anti-,2GPI, and 18 for aPT antibodies. Several patients (12%) displayed more than one specificity in their serum. Only one of these patients had a concurrent positivity for ANAs and ENAs. A predominance of younger patients was found in the antibody-positive group. All types of epilepsy were represented in the positive group. No relation between antibody positivity and AEDs was found. Diffuse ischemic lesions at computed tomography (CT)/magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans were present in higher percentages in patients who were antibody positive. No positive patient had a history of previous thrombosis or other features related to systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and no patient was born of a mother with SLE. Conclusions: Our study suggests a relation between epilepsy and aPL in young patients. A pathogenetic role for these autoantibodies cannot be excluded, and their determination might prove useful even from a therapeutic point of view. [source] Calcium and polyamine regulated calcium-sensing receptors in cardiac tissuesFEBS JOURNAL, Issue 12 2003Rui Wang Activation of a calcium-sensing receptor (Ca-SR) leads to increased intracellular calcium concentration and altered cellular activities. The expression of Ca-SR has been identified in both nonexcitable and excitable cells, including neurons and smooth muscle cells. Whether Ca-SR was expressed and functioning in cardiac myocytes remained unclear. In the present study, the transcripts of Ca-SR were identified in rat heart tissues using RT-PCR that was further confirmed by sequence analysis. Ca-SR proteins were detected in rat ventricular and atrial tissues as well as in isolated cardiac myocytes. Anti-(Ca-SR) Ig did not detect any specific bands after preadsorption with standard Ca-SR antigens. An immunohistochemistry study revealed the presence of Ca-SR in rat cardiac as well as other tissues. An increase in extracellular calcium or gadolinium induced a concentration-dependent sustained increase in [Ca2+]i in isolated ventricular myocytes from adult rats. Spermine (1,10 mm) also increased [Ca2+]i. Pre-treatment of cardiac myocytes with thapsigargin or U73122 abolished the extracellular calcium, gadolinium or spermine-induced increase in [Ca2+]i. The blockade of Na+/Ca2+ exchanger or voltage-dependent calcium channels did not alter the extracellular calcium-induced increase in [Ca2+]i. Finally, extracellular calcium, gadolinium and spermine all increased intracellular inositol 1,4,5-triphosphate (IP3) levels. Our results demonstrated that Ca-SR was expressed in cardiac tissue and cardiomyocytes and its function was regulated by extracellular calcium and spermine. [source] Role of anti-,-glucan antibody in host defense against fungiFEMS IMMUNOLOGY & MEDICAL MICROBIOLOGY, Issue 1 2005Ken-ichi Ishibashi Abstract We have recently detected an anti-,-glucan antibody in normal human and normal mouse sera. The anti-,-glucan antibody showed reactivity to pathogenic fungal Aspergillus and Candida cell wall glucan. Anti-,-glucan antibody could bind whole Candida cells. It also enhanced the candidacidal activity of macrophages in vitro. The anti-,-glucan antibody titer of DBA/2 mice intravenously administered either Candida or Aspergillus solubilized cell wall ,-glucan decreased remarkably dependent on dose. Moreover, in deep mycosis patients, the anti-,-glucan antibody titer decreased, and this change correlated with clinical symptoms and other parameters such as C-reactive protein. It was suggested that the anti-,-glucan antibody formed an antigen,antibody complex and participated in the immune response as a molecule recognizing pathogenic fungi. [source] Interleukin-2 Gene Polymorphisms Associated with Increased Risk of Gastric Atrophy from Helicobacter pylori InfectionHELICOBACTER, Issue 3 2005Shozo Togawa ABSTRACT Background., Gastric atrophy induced by Helicobacter pylori is thought to predispose patients to noncardiac gastric cancer development. However, the host genetic factors that influence the progression of gastric atrophy have not been elucidated. In this study, we examined the effects of cytokine polymorphisms on H. pylori -induced gastric atrophy. Methods., Blood samples were taken from 454 Japanese subjects. The interleukin-2 (IL-2; T-330G), IL-4 (C-33T), and IL-13 (C-1111T) polymorphisms were genotyped by polymerase chain reaction with confronting two-pair primers (PCR-CTPP). Anti- H. pylori IgG antibody and pepsinogen I and II were measured to diagnose H. pylori infection and atrophic gastritis. Results., The odds ratios (ORs) for the association between IL-2 polymorphism [OR = 2.78, 95% CI (confidence interval) = 1.26,6.17 (T/T to G/G)] or IL-4 polymorphism [OR = 2.22, 95% CI = 1.01,4.89 (T/C to C/C)] were increased significantly with gastric atrophy, whereas the corresponding OR of IL-13 polymorphism was decreased with gastric atrophy [OR = 0.61, 95% CI = 0.39,0.96 (C/T and T/T to C/C)]. There were no significant H. pylori seropositivity-related differences between these polymorphisms. We examined the relationship between these polymorphisms and gastric atrophy separately in H. pylori -seropositive and -seronegative groups. In the H. pylori -seropositive group, the IL-2 T/T (OR = 2.78, 95% CI = 1.12,6.93) had a significant association with gastric atrophy. Conclusions., These results reveal that the IL-2 gene polymorphism is associated with an increased risk of gastric atrophy induced by H. pylori infection and might predispose to gastric cancer. [source] Serum Antibodies to Helicobacter pylori and its Heat-Shock Protein 60 Correlate with the Response of Gastric Mucosa-Associated Lymphoid Tissue Lymphoma to Eradication of H. pyloriHELICOBACTER, Issue 3 2004Ryuta Takenaka ABSTRACT Background and aims., Eradication of Helicobacter pylori leads to regression of mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphomas. In this study, we measured serum antibodies to H. pylori and H. pylori- recombinant heat-shock protein 60 (rHSP60) in patients with gastric MALT lymphoma to determine whether humoral immune responses to the bacterial antigens correlate with the efficacy of eradication therapy. Methods., Serum samples were obtained from 33 patients with H. pylori -positive gastric MALT lymphoma before undergoing therapy to eradicate the bacteria. Anti- H. pylori antibodies were measured in a commercial assay and in immunoassays to lysates and rHSP60 which were prepared from ATCC 43504 strain. Results.,Helicobacter pylori were eradicated in all 33 patients, and the lymphoma completely regressed histologically in 26 patients (79%). Pre-treatment titers of serum antibody to H. pylori and to rHSP60 in the patients whose tumor regressed were significantly higher than titers in patients whose tumors did not regress (p = .0011 and .035, respectively). By logistic regression analysis, age (odds ratio = 0.88, 95% confidence interval = 0.80,0.99), endoscopic appearance (0.053, 0.004,0.65), titers of anti- H. pylori antibodies (67.6, 2.5,1800), and titers of anti-rHSP60 antibody (6.4, 1.2,36) were identified as significantly associated factors with the outcome of MALT lymphoma. Conclusions., Measurement of serum antibodies to H. pylori and HSP60 might be useful for predicting the response of gastric MALT lymphoma to eradication of H. pylori. [source] Scavenger receptor class B type I is a key host factor for hepatitis C virus infection required for an entry step closely linked to CD81,HEPATOLOGY, Issue 6 2007Mirjam B. Zeisel Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a major cause of chronic hepatitis worldwide. Scavenger receptor class B type I (SR-BI) has been shown to bind HCV envelope glycoprotein E2, participate in entry of HCV pseudotype particles, and modulate HCV infection. However, the functional role of SR-BI for productive HCV infection remains unclear. In this study, we investigated the role of SR-BI as an entry factor for infection of human hepatoma cells using cell culture,derived HCV (HCVcc). Anti,SR-BI antibodies directed against epitopes of the human SR-BI extracellular loop specifically inhibited HCVcc infection in a dose-dependent manner. Down-regulation of SR-BI expression by SR-BI,specific short interfering RNAs (siRNAs) markedly reduced the susceptibility of human hepatoma cells to HCVcc infection. Kinetic studies demonstrated that SR-BI acts predominately after binding of HCV at an entry step occurring at a similar time point as CD81,HCV interaction. Although the addition of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) enhanced the efficiency of HCVcc infection, anti,SR-BI antibodies and SR-BI,specific siRNA efficiently inhibited HCV infection independent of lipoprotein. Conclusion: Our data suggest that SR-BI (i) represents a key host factor for HCV entry, (ii) is implicated in the same HCV entry pathway as CD81, and (iii) targets an entry step closely linked to HCV,CD81 interaction. (HEPATOLOGY 2007.) [source] Likelihood ratio for Crohn's disease as a function of Anti- Saccharomyces cerevisiae antibody concentrationINFLAMMATORY BOWEL DISEASES, Issue 1 2010N. Vermeulen No abstract is available for this article. [source] Anti- Saccharomyces cerevisiae antibodies in long-term consumers of anthranoid-containing laxativesINFLAMMATORY BOWEL DISEASES, Issue 1 2005E. Mainardi BScD No abstract is available for this article. [source] Anti- Saccharomyces Cerevisiae antibodies (ASCA), phenotypes of IBD, and intestinal permeability: A study in IBD familiesINFLAMMATORY BOWEL DISEASES, Issue 1 2001Severine Vermeire Abstract Background Serologic markers anti- Saccharomyces cerevisiae antibodies (ASCA) and antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies with perinuclear staining (pANCA) have been proposed to study the immunopathogenesis of IBD. Their measurement may allow better phenotyping of the disease and the detection of subclinical disease. Aims To test the hypothesis that serological markers identify an immunologic trait related to disease susceptibility. We also wanted to test the hypothesis that ASCA is a marker related to abnormal tissue permeation by common antigens. Methods We studied the prevalence of pANCA and ASCA in a large cohort of sporadic and familial inflammatory bowel diseases and their unaffected relatives and spouses. Kinetics of ASCA was studied and the relationship between ASCA and 51Cr-EDTA intestinal permeation was investigated. Results ASCA was associated with sporadic Crohn's disease (CD) (63%), with Crohn's patients belonging to pure CD families (62%) and also with their unaffected family members (21%). pANCA was associated with UC (58%). The prevalence of ASCA in CD patients belonging to mixed families was strikingly low (33%). ASCA was a stable marker throughout the disease and was not related to an increased small intestinal permeability. Conclusion ASCA is strongly associated with familial CD in Belgium, and 21% of healthy family members also display the marker. The association is much weaker in patients belonging to mixed families. ASCA is a stable marker and is not a secondary phenomenon due to increased intestinal permeability. [source] Gnathostomiasis: Import from LaosJOURNAL DER DEUTSCHEN DERMATOLOGISCHEN GESELLSCHAFT, Issue 5 2006Felix Hennies Creeping eruption; Gnathostomiasis; Wangenschwellung Summary Gnathostomiasis is a nematode infestation endemic in Southeast Asia, which can involve multiple organs including the liver, eyes, gastrointestinal tract and CNS. The most common manifestation is recurrent migratory subcutaneous swellings which can appear anywhere on the body and are accompanied by pruritus and systemic symptoms such as low-grade fever, loss of appetite and nausea. The diagnosis is based on the clinical picture, history of travel, peripheral blood eosinophilia and the determination of agent-specific antibody levels. The standard treatment is albendazole. We present a 37-year-old Laotian woman, who had lived in Germany for 17 years, but developed recurrent swelling of the cheek following a visit to Laos. Because of the typical clinical findings, the history of a visit to Laos, and the presence of specific anti- Gnathostoma antibodies on Western blot, the diagnosis of cutaneous gnathostomiasis was made. Zusammenfassung Die Gnathostomiasis ist eine hauptsächlich in Südost-Asien endemisch vorkommende Nematodenerkrankung, die zu einem Befall multipler Organe wie Leber, Auge, Gastrointestinaltrakt und zentralem Nervensystem führen kann. Am häufigsten kommt es jedoch zu rezidivierenden, wandernden, subkutanen Schwellungen, die am gesamten Körper auftreten können und häufig von Juckreiz und Allgemeinsymptomen wie leichtem Fieber, Appetitlosigkeit und Übelkeit begleitet werden. Die Diagnose wird anhand des klinischen Bildes, der Reiseanamnese, einer Bluteosinophilie sowie der Bestimmung Erreger-spezifischer Antikörper gestellt. Als medikamentöse Therapie hat sich das Anthelminthikum Albendazol bewährt. Vorgestellt wird eine 37-jährige, seit 17 Jahren in Deutschland lebende Patientin aus Laos, die seit einem Jahr nach Rückkehr von einem Besuch in ihrer alten Heimat unter rezidivierenden Wangenschwellungen litt. Anhand der typischen Klinik, der positiven Reiseanamnese sowie des Nachweises spezifischer Anti- Gnathostoma -Antikörper im Western-Blot wurde die Diagnose einer kutanen Gnathostomiasis gestellt. [source] Anti- Helicobacter pylori therapy in India: Differences in eradication efficiency associated with particular alleles of vacuolating cytotoxin (vacA) geneJOURNAL OF GASTROENTEROLOGY AND HEPATOLOGY, Issue 2 2003SUJIT CHAUDHURI Abstract Background and Aims:, The efficiency of Helicobacter pylori eradication varies geographically, as do many parameters that might affect therapeutic efficiency, including bacterial genotype. The aim of the present study was to determine the efficiency of H. pylori eradication using a 10-day proton pump inhibitor-based triple-therapy regimen (omeprazole, clarithromycin and amoxycillin) in an eastern Indian patient population, and to find out the relationship, if any, of the success or failure of the therapy to known features of bacterial genotype. Methods,Helicobacter pylori infections were analyzed in 66 duodenal ulcer patients by upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, rapid urease tests, histology and culture. The cytotoxin-associated gene (cagA) and vacuolating cytotoxin (vacA) gene status of cultured strains were studied by polymerase chain reaction. Treatment was given for 10 days and endoscopy was repeated at 4 and 12 weeks post therapy to monitor ulcer healing and H. pylori eradication. Results:, Ulcer healing was observed in 60 patients (96.77%). Helicobacter pylori was eradicated in 41 (62.12% intention to treat, 66.13% per protocol) of the 66 duodenal ulcer patients, but not in the other 25. The bacteria from 47 patients were genotyped. The only significant disease-associated difference in patterns observed was that the vacA m1 allele was represented more disproportionately among patients with eradication failures (68%) than in those with successful eradication (39%) (P < 0.05) No significant association of vacAs1 (signal sequence allele) or cag pathogenicity island status with persistence was detected. Conclusions:, This study highlights the public health need for cheaper, more cost-effective anti- H. pylori therapies for developing countries, and suggests that subtle features of bacterial genotype can influence therapeutic efficiency. The possibility that particular vacA mid region alleles affect persistence, perhaps through toxin action on particular gastric cell types, merits further study. [source] Anti-,2 -glycoprotein I antibodies recognizing platelet factor 4,heparin complex in antiphospholipid syndrome in patient substantiated with mouse ModelJOURNAL OF MOLECULAR RECOGNITION, Issue 3 2003Mustapha Bourhim Abstract The antiphospholipid syndrome is defined by the presence of antiphospholipid antibodies associated with arterial and/or venous thrombosis, and recurrent abortion accompanied often by thrombocytopenia. These antibodies are heterogeneous and react against phospholipid-binding proteins such as ,2 -glycoprotein I (,2GPI) and prothrombin. The recognition of anti-,2 -glycoprotein I (anti-,2GPI) by platelet factor 4,heparin complex (PF4,Hc) has been previously evoked and partially confirmed by the present inhibition studies. Further, the anti-,2 -glycoprotein I antibodies were purified from a patient with primary antiphospholipid syndrome using Affi-gel®-10-,2GPI immunoaffinity chromatography. The purified anti-,2GPI IgM as well as patient serum equally recognized PF4,Hc in ELISA mode. In order to substantiate this data and to better understand we studied an animal model using mouse active immunization with the purified human anti-,2GPI. The mice showed a significant decrease in their platelet count. In addition the ELISA responses of the immunized mice sera were positive against both ,2GPI and PF4,Hc, substantiating the double recognition. Despite many previous reported animal model studies, this is the first time we have shown the specific recognition of anti-,2GPI antibodies by PF4,Hc, the results in the induced mice correlating the data observed with some patients. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Signal Transduction in Alcohol-Related DiseasesALCOHOLISM, Issue 7 2005Minoti V. Apte This article summarizes the proceedings of a symposium presented at the 12th World Congress on Biomedical Alcohol Research, organized by the International Society for Biomedical Research on Alcoholism, held at the University of Heidelberg in Mannheim, Germany, in September and October 2004. The organizers and chairpersons were Manfred V. Singer and Stephen J. Pandol. The presentations were (1) Ethanol-induced acinar cell injury, by Minoti V. Apte; (2) Oxidants and antioxidants: signal transduction and alcohol, by Thomá Zima; (3) Anti,TGF-, strategies for the treatment of chronic liver disease, by Steven Dooley; (4) Immune mechanisms in alcohol-induced liver disease, by Sören V. Siegmund; and (5) Alcoholic pancreatitis: insights from animal models, by Steven J. Pandol. [source] Anti,tumour necrosis factor-, therapy increases body weight in patients with chronic plaque psoriasis: a retrospective cohort studyJOURNAL OF THE EUROPEAN ACADEMY OF DERMATOLOGY & VENEREOLOGY, Issue 3 2008P Gisondi Abstract Background, Chronic plaque psoriasis is associated with overweight or obesity. Anti,tumour necrosis factor-, (anti-TNF-,) treatments are now frequently used in psoriasis management. TNF-, is deeply involved in body weight homeostasis, which may be affected by TNF-,,targeted therapy. Objective, To investigate whether anti-TNF-, treatments is associated with changes in body weight in patients with chronic plaque psoriasis. Methods, We performed a retrospective controlled analysis comparing the variations in body weight and body mass index (BMI) in three closed cohorts of psoriatic patients during a 6-month treatment with etanercept (N = 58), infliximab (N = 40) or methotrexate (N = 43). Results, We observed a body weight increment of 1.5 ± 2.7 kg (mean ± SD; P = 0.0002) and 2.5 ± 3.3 kg (P = 0.004) in patients treated with etanercept and infliximab, respectively. In contrast, a non-significant change (0.6 ± 1.4 kg; P = 0.4) was measured in patients treated with methotrexate. The BMI increased with 0.5 ± 0.5 (P = 0.01) and 0.8 ± 1 (P = 0.003) points in patients treated with etanercept and infliximab, respectively, whereas it did not change (< 0.2 ± 0.5; P = 0.06) in patients treated with methotrexate. About one fourth of patients experienced a 4- to 10-kg weight gain. Differences in body weight variations among patients treated with anti-TNF-, therapies and methotrexate were statistically significant (P = 0.0005). We could not identify clinical parameters predicting this phenomenon. Conclusions, Patients with psoriasis treated with long-term anti-TNF-, therapies may manifest a body weight gain. This effect should be taken into account in the global approach to patients with psoriasis. [source] Anti-beta 2 glycoprotein I antibodies and the risk of myocardial infarction in young premenopausal womenJOURNAL OF THROMBOSIS AND HAEMOSTASIS, Issue 12 2007P. L. MERONI Summary Background:,Contrasting data have been reported on the association between the presence of anti-phospholipid antibodies (aPL) and arterial thrombotic events, particularly those in coronary arteries. This discrepancy is perhaps related to the confounding effect of traditional risk factors. Among them, coronary atherosclerosis appears to be the most important in studies conducted in middle-aged and elderly patients.Objective:,To minimize such confounding effects, a multicenter case,control study on the association between aPL and myocardial infarction (MI) was carried out in a rare cohort of young premenopausal women.Methods:,We evaluated 172 cases hospitalized for a first MI before the age of 45 years and 172 controls individually matched with cases for age, sex and geographical origin. Clinical and laboratory data were collected and levels of anti-cardiolipin (aCL), anti-beta2 glycoprotein I (anti-,2GPI) and anti-nuclear antibodies (ANA) were measured.Results:,A significant association between MI and IgG/IgM anti-,2GPI antibodies was observed; the results were confirmed after adjusting for smoking and hypertension (anti-,2GPI IgG OR = 2.47, 95% CI 1.81,3.38; anti-,2GPI IgM 4th quartile OR 3.68, 95% CI 1.69,8.02). The association between anti-,2GPI antibodies and MI was detected in both subgroups with and without coronary artery stenosis. Whereas the association of aCL IgG with MI was modest, ANA showed no significant association with MI. No aPL were found in unselected patients (mainly males) who recently developed acute MI.Conclusions:,Anti-,2GPI antibodies are a significant risk factor for MI in young premenopausal women independently of other risk factors, including the degree of coronary artery stenosis. [source] Anti- ,2-glycoprotein I antibody testing in the laboratory diagnosis of antiphospholipid syndromeJOURNAL OF THROMBOSIS AND HAEMOSTASIS, Issue 6 2005V. PENGO No abstract is available for this article. [source] Anti- Helicobacter pylori activity of Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus strains: preliminary reportLETTERS IN APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY, Issue 5 2009L. Boyanova Abstract Aims:, To evaluate the activities of six Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus (LB) strains against 30 Helicobacter pylori strains by agar-well diffusion method. Methods and Results:, LB cultures [4 × 108,4 × 109 CFU ml,1) either were prepared in milk at their native pH, 3·8,5·0, or were adjusted to pH 6·4,7·7. At low and neutralized pH, LB strains inhibited the growth by 40,86·7% and 16·7,66·7% of H. pylori strains, respectively. LB activity was strain-dependent. At low and neutralized pH, one and five H. pylori strains, respectively, were not inhibited by any LB strain. LB2 and LB3, taken together, were active against most metronidazole and clarithromycin resistant strains. Conclusions:, All LB strains inhibited a number of H. pylori strains, including also antibiotic resistant strains. LB activity was strain-dependent and better at low pH. At low pH values, the most active LB strains were LB1, LB2 and LB3, inhibiting 86·7% of H. pylori strains, while at neutralized pH values, the most active LB strains were LB2 and LB3, inhibiting 53·3 and 66·7% of H. pylori strains, respectively. Significance and Impact of the Study:, LB could be utilized in the treatment or prophylaxis of H. pylori infection and warrants clinical investigations. [source] Anti- Saccharomyces cerevisiae and perinuclear anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies in coeliac disease before and after gluten-free dietALIMENTARY PHARMACOLOGY & THERAPEUTICS, Issue 7 2005A. Granito Summary Background :,Anti- Saccharomyces cerevisiae and perinuclear anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic autoantibodies are markers of Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis respectively. Aim :,To determine the prevalence of anti- S. cerevisiae and perinuclear anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic autoantibodies in a large series of coeliac disease patients before and after gluten free diet, and to correlate anti- S. cerevisiae -positivity with intestinal mucosal damage. Methods :,One hundred and five consecutive coeliac disease patients and 141 controls (22 ulcerative colitis, 24 Crohn's disease, 30 primary sclerosing cholangitis, 15 postenteritis syndrome, 50 blood donors) were tested for anti- S. cerevisiae by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and for perinuclear anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic autoantibodies by indirect immunofluorescence. Results :,In coeliac disease anti- S. cerevisiae (immunoglobulin G and/or immunoglobulin A) were slightly less frequent (59%) than in Crohn's disease (75%, P = 0.16) and significantly more frequent than in ulcerative colitis (27%), primary sclerosing cholangitis (30%), postenteritis syndrome (26%) and blood donors (4%) (P = 0.009, P = 0.0002, P = 0.025, P < 0.0001). No correlation was found between anti- S. cerevisiae and degree of mucosal damage. Perinuclear anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic autoantibodies were detected only in one coeliac. After gluten free diet the disappearance of anti- S. cerevisiae -immunoglobulin A (93%) was more frequent than that of immunoglobulin G (17%, P = 0.0001); perinuclear anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic autoantibodies disappeared in the only coeliac positive at diagnosis. Conclusion :,More than half of untreated coeliacs are anti- S. cerevisiae -positive irrespective of the severity of mucosal damage. Differently from immunoglobulin A, anti- S. cerevisiae -immunoglobulin G persisted in more than 80% after gluten free diet. The high prevalence of anti- S. cerevisiae in coeliac disease suggests that they may be the effect of a non-specific immune response in course of chronic small bowel disease. [source] Anti- Helicobacter pylori activity of Chinese tea: in vitro studyALIMENTARY PHARMACOLOGY & THERAPEUTICS, Issue 5 2000Yuk-Kei Yee Background: Chinese tea has an antibacterial activity against a wide range of bacteria. However, its activity against Helicobacter pylori has not been reported. Method: In this study the anti- Helicobacter pylori effects of a Chinese tea (Lung Chen tea), and two tea catechins, epigallocatechin gallate and epicatechin and their minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) were examined. The effect of Lung Chen on metronidazole resistance was also studied using the E -test. Results: Lung Chen, epigallocatechin gallate and epicatechin all inhibited the growth of H. pylori. The MIC90 for Lung Chen was 0.25,0.5% (w/w) and that of epigallocatechin gallate and epicatechin were 50,100 and 800,1600 ,g/mL, respectively. Epigallocatechin gallate is probably the active ingredient responsible for most of the anti- H. pylori activity of Chinese tea. Lung Chen did not reverse metronidazole resistance. Conclusions: Chinese tea has anti- H. pylori activity in a daily consumed concentration, and epigallocatechin gallate is probably the active ingredient responsible for the action. [source] Divine Transcendence and Human Transformation: Gregory of Nyssa's Anti,Apollinarian ChristologyMODERN THEOLOGY, Issue 4 2002Brian E. Daley Gregory of Nyssa's treatment of the person of Christ has puzzled modern scholars, because it does not fit easily into the dogmatic categories that have been developed, in the light of the Chalcedonian definition, to distinguish orthodox from heretical or deficient Christology. This essay argues that the main focus of Gregory's Christology, even in his debate with the Apollinarian school, is not so much on the unity and distinctions to be observed in Christ's person, but on the transformation Christ has accomplished in his own humanity by irradiating it with his own divine presence, a transformation that is the "first,fruits" of a divinization which will include the whole human race. [source] The temperature response of photosynthesis in tobacco with reduced amounts of RubiscoPLANT CELL & ENVIRONMENT, Issue 4 2008DAVID S. KUBIEN ABSTRACT The reasons for the decline in net CO2 assimilation (A) above its thermal optimum are controversial. We tested the hypothesis that increasing the ratio of Rubisco activase to Rubisco catalytic site concentration would increase the activation state of Rubisco at high temperatures. We measured photosynthetic gas exchange, in vivo electron transport (J) and the activation state of Rubisco between 15 and 45 °C, at 38 and 76 Pa ambient CO2, in wild-type (WT) and anti- rbcS tobacco. The Rubisco content of the anti- rbcS lines was 30% (S7-1) or 6% (S7-2) of WT, but activase levels were the same in the three genotypes. Anti- rbcS plants had lower A than WT at all temperatures, but had a similar thermal optimum for photosynthesis as WT at both CO2 levels. In WT plants, Rubisco was fully activated at 32 °C, but the activation state declined to 64% at 42 °C. By contrast, the activation state of Rubisco was above 90% in the S7-1 line, between 15 and 42 °C. Both A and J declined about 20% from Topt to the highest measurement temperatures in WT and the S7-1 line, but this was fully reversed after a 20 min recovery at 35 °C. At 76 Pa CO2, predicted rates of RuBP regeneration-limited photosynthesis corresponded with measured A in WT tobacco at all temperatures, and in S7-1 tobacco above 40 °C. Our observations are consistent with the hypothesis that the high temperature decline in A in the WT is because of an RuBP regeneration limitation, rather than the capacity of Rubisco activase to maintain high Rubisco activation state. [source] Religion, Culture, and the Cold War: Bishop Fulton J. Sheen and America's Anti -Communist Crusade of the 1950sTHE HISTORIAN, Issue 2 2009Irvin D. S. Winsboro First page of article [source] Talking Tough, Acting Coy: What Happened to the Anti,Social Behaviour Order?THE HOWARD JOURNAL OF CRIMINAL JUSTICE, Issue 5 2002Elizabeth Burney The government blames local authorities for using anti,social behaviour orders too little. Are they really to be blamed? What are the likely reasons for the very patchy support of the ASBO? The article examines a range of explanations, including that local crime and disorder partnerships, paradoxically having been told by the government to consult and innovate, are adopting a variety of other methods for suppressing anti,social conduct. Patterns of ASBO usage are examined, revealing that it is essentially yet another tool for dealing with persistent young offenders. Legislation for extending the scope and availability of ASBOs is critically appraised. [source] ORIGINAL ARTICLE: Anti-Elastin Antibodies and Elastin Turnover in Normal Pregnancy and Recurrent Pregnancy LossAMERICAN JOURNAL OF REPRODUCTIVE IMMUNOLOGY, Issue 2 2009Emiliana Konova Problem, The aim of this study was to investigate elastin turnover and autoimmunity in patients with a history of recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) and during normal pregnancy. Method of study, Anti-,-elastin and anti-tropoelastin IgG and IgM antibodies were measured by a home-made ELISA in serum samples of 60 medically and obstetrically normal pregnant women, classified to three trimester groups, 18 female patients with RPL and 18 healthy non-pregnant women with a history of successful pregnancies. One way analyses of variance and Least Significant Difference method were used for a statistical analysis. Results, Anti-,-elastin IgG autoantibodies were significantly decreased in the third trimester pregnant women. IgM anti-,-elastin autoantibodies were significantly decreased in all pregnancy groups compared with the controls. Synthesis/degradation ratio of elastin was significantly increased in the third trimester pregnancy group, suggesting decreased elastin degradation during this period of pregnancy. Comparing the RPL patients with the healthy non-pregnant controls showed a significantly increased anti-,-elastin IgG antibody and significantly decreased synthesis/degradation ratio in the patient's group, suggesting increased elastin degradation in RPL. Conclusion, Elastin degradation is decreased during normal pregnancy. Increased anti-elastin IgG antibodies may contribute to the pathogenesis of pregnancy losses. [source] The Investigation on the Value of Repeat and Combination Test of ACA and Anti-,2 -GPI Antibody in Women with Recurrent Spontaneous AbortionAMERICAN JOURNAL OF REPRODUCTIVE IMMUNOLOGY, Issue 4 2008Shi Hua Bao Problem In order to investigate the value of anticardiolipin antibodies (ACA) and anti-,2 -GPI antibodies detection in screening autoimmune type recurrent spontaneous abortion and its clinic application in antiphospholipid syndrome diagnosis, we adopt repeat combined ACA and anti-,2 -GPI antibodies detection in this study. Method of study Sera were collected from patients and work-up was done for detection of ACA and anti-,2 -GPI antibodies by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The work-up was done for detection of antibodies once in every 6 weeks for 14 times consecutively. Results The repeated and combined detection of ACA and anti-,2 -GPI antibodies detection could raise the positivity rate up to 21.8% (P < 0.05) in comparison with positive for ACA alone (14.1%), positive for anti-,2 -GPI alone (3.1%), and concurrently positive for both ACA and anti-,2 -GPI antibodies (4.6%). In 91 confirmed positive antiphospholipid antibodies (APA) patients, with more frequent screening for ACA and anti-,2 -GPI antibodies, more patients with APA were found. The positive rate of five and more screenings was over 81.32%, which was statistically significant (P < 0.05), in comparison with that of four or less screenings (68.13%). Conclusion Our data implied that it would be appropriate to take over five or more screenings of combined ACA and anti-,2 -GPI antibodies detection in suspect patients to facilitate the positive diagnostic rate for autoimmune type RSA. [source] Anti,Heat Shock Protein 70 Antibodies in Meniere's Disease ,THE LARYNGOSCOPE, Issue 9 2000Steven D. Rauch MD Abstract Objectives To determine the prevalence of anti,heat shock protein 70 (anti-HSP70) antibodies in patients with Meniere's disease and healthy subjects and to probe the relationship between antibody status and clinical features of Meniere's disease. Study Design Prospective cohort study of consecutive consenting patients with Meniere's disease. Methods Serum samples were obtained prospectively from 134 patients with Meniere's disease and 124 blood donors. Serial samples were taken at 3-month intervals in 38 of 134 patients with Meniere's disease. Demographic data and clinical characterization of vestibular and auditory status were acquired with each sample. Serum was assayed for anti-HSP70 antibodies by Western blot using bovine renal extract, recombinant bovine HSP70, and recombinant human HSP70 antigens. Results Immunoreactivity against bovine renal extract HSP70 was found in 38% of patients with Meniere's disease, compared with 25% of blood donors (P < .04). Reactivity with recombinant antigens was not significantly different between patients with Meniere's disease and healthy control subjects. Patients with Meniere's disease who reacted with all three antigens were more likely to have simultaneously active hearing and balance symptoms (P = .03). Neither univariate nor multivariate statistical analysis established any other association between serological findings and clinical features of Meniere's disease. Tests performed on serial samples of patients with Meniere's disease also showed no association of positive or negative test results with changes in clinical course. Conclusions Because of the high prevalence of anti-HSP70 antibodies in healthy subjects and the very limited association of anti-HSP70 antibody status with clinical features or course of Meniere's disease, we conclude that, at present, the detection of anti-HSP70 antibodies by Western blotting offers little clinically useful information in Meniere's disease. [source] Dupré's Anti,Essentialist Objection to ReductionismTHE PHILOSOPHICAL QUARTERLY, Issue 211 2003D. Gene Witmer In his ,The Disorder of Things' John Dupré presents an objection to reductionism which I call the ,anti,essentialist objection': it is that reductionism requires essentialism, and essentialism is false. I unpack the objection and assess its cogency. Once the objection is clearly in view, it is likely to appeal to those who think conceptual analysis a bankrupt project. I offer on behalf of the reductionist two strategies for responding, one which seeks to rehabilitate conceptual analysis and one (more concessive) which avoids commitment to any such analysis. [source] Anti,N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) encephalitis in children and adolescents,ANNALS OF NEUROLOGY, Issue 1 2009Nicole R. Florance MD Objective To report the clinical features of anti,N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) encephalitis in patients , 18 years old. Methods Information was obtained by the authors or referring physicians. Antibodies were determined by immunocytochemistry and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) using HEK293 cells ectopically expressing NR1. Results Over an 8-month period, 81 patients (12 male) with anti-NMDAR encephalitis were identified. Thirty-two (40%) were ,18 years old (youngest 23 months, median 14 years); 6 were male. The frequency of ovarian teratomas was 56% in women >18 years old, 31% in girls ,18 years old (p = 0.05), and 9% in girls ,14 years old (p = 0.008). None of the male patients had tumors. Of 32 patients ,18 years old, 87.5% presented with behavioral or personality change, sometimes associated with seizures and frequent sleep dysfunction; 9.5% with dyskinesias or dystonia; and 3% with speech reduction. On admission, 53% had severe speech deficits. Eventually, 77% developed seizures, 84% stereotyped movements, 86% autonomic instability, and 23% hypoventilation. Responses to immunotherapy were slow and variable. Overall, 74% had full or substantial recovery after immunotherapy or tumor removal. Neurological relapses occurred in 25%. At the last follow-up, full recovery occurred more frequently in patients who had a teratoma that was removed (5/8) than in those without a teratoma (4/23; p = 0.03). Interpretation Anti-NMDAR encephalitis is increasingly recognized in children, comprising 40% of all cases. Younger patients are less likely to have tumors. Behavioral and speech problems, seizures, and abnormal movements are common early symptoms. The phenotype resembles that of the adults, although dysautonomia and hypoventilation are less frequent or severe in children. Ann Neurol 2009;66:11,18 [source] | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||