Expression of human leucocyte antigen-G primarily targets affected skin of patients with psoriasis

P>Background The nonclassical human leucocyte antigen (HLA)-G molecule has been well recognized as a tolerogenic molecule and few studies have evaluated the role of the molecule in inflammatory cutaneous autoimmune diseases. Objectives To evaluate the expression of HLA-G in skin specimens of patients with psoriasis and to analyse its correlation with epidemiological and clinical variables. Methods Thirty untreated patients with psoriasis and 32 healthy individuals were enrolled. Immunohistochemistry was applied to identify HLA-G expression in formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded cutaneous skin biopsies. Results Soluble and membrane-bound HLA-G expression was detected in 30 (90%) of the skin specimens from patients presenting clinical and histopathological features of psoriasis. Although infiltrating lymphomononuclear cells of the dermis exhibited HLA-G expression, the epidermis was primarily targeted. HLA-G expression was also observed in 27% (three of 11) of the specimens that exhibited no clinical and histopathological features of psoriasis (nonaffected areas). In contrast, skin specimens obtained from healthy individuals exhibited no HLA-G expression (P < 0 center dot 0001). The intensity of HLA-G expression was not associated with type I/II psoriasis, Psoriasis Area and Severity Index score or clinical forms. Conclusions As the HLA-G molecule was consistently expressed in affected and, to a lesser extent, in nonaffected areas of untreated patients with psoriasis, irrespective of the severity of the clinical variants, one may hypothesize that the presence of HLA-G may be responsible, at least in part, for the regulation of autoimmune effector cells.

Frequency of insertion/deletion polymorphism in exon 8 of HLA-G and kidney allograft outcome

Human leukocyte antigen-G (HLA-G) is a non-classical major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class Ib molecule predominantly expressed in cytotrophoblasts, where it acts as a specific immunosuppressor. Literature data have shown that grafts in some settings, such as cardiac and liver/kidney-associated transplantations, express HLA-G and this expression is associated with less severe rejection and also reduces the incidence of rejection. Fourteen-base pair deletion/insertion polymorphism has been reported in exon 8 of the 3`-untranslated region of HLA-G. This polymorphism within exon 8 of the HLA-G gene might influence transcription activity, which in turn may influence the stability of HLA-G transcripts. This influences the stability of the HLA-G protein and therefore is of potential functional relevance. In order to determine a possible correlation between the 14-bp insertion/deletion polymorphism and kidney allograft outcome, we isolated genomic DNA from 83 patients who had received isolated kidney allografts, and we classified the 83 specimens into two groups, grafts presenting Banff features of rejection group and a non-rejection group, and compared them with a control group of 97 healthy subjects. The 14-bp polymorphism at exon 8 was genotyped in all groups. There was no significant difference in allelic frequencies of 14-bp insertion/deletion polymorphism between normal controls and kidney transplant patients. In the RG, the homozygous genotype +14/+14 bp (P = 0.0238) was significantly increased in the group with acute rejection compared with the healthy control group. Analysis of other HLA-G polymorphisms and functional studies on immune regulation are essential to elucidate the role of HLA-G in kidney allografts.

The 434(G > C) polymorphism in the eosinophil cationic protein gene and its association with tissue eosinophilia in oral squamous cell carcinomas

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of the Eosinophil cationic protein (ECP)-gene polymorphism 434(G > C) in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) patients and its association with tumor-associated tissue eosinophilia (TATE), demographic, clinical, and microscopic variables. Methods: The ECP genotypes of 165 healthy individuals and 157 OSCC patients were detected by PCR-RFLP analysis after cleavage of the amplified DNA sequence with enzyme PstI. TATE was obtained by morphometric analysis. Chi-square test or Fisher`s exact test was used to analyze the association of ECP-gene polymorphism 434(G > C) with TATE, demographic, clinical, and microscopic variables in OSCC patients. Disease-free survival and overall survival were calculated by the Kaplan-Meier product-limit actuarial method and the comparison of the survival curves were performed using log rank test. Results: Most of healthy individuals (53.33%) and OSCC patients (57.97%) were heterozygous for the ECP 434(G > C) polymorphism. Based on numerical differences, our results showed that OSCC patients with intense TATE and at least one C allele had a higher frequency of bilateral neck dissection, local recurrence, vascular embolization, involved resection margins, and postoperative radiotherapy. No statistically significant differences on survival rates were found in OSCC patients presenting different ECP 434(G > C) genotypes. Conclusions: These results suggest a tendency towards a poor clinical outcome in OSCC patients with intense TATE and 434GC/CC genotypes, probably due to an ECP genetic variant with altered cytotoxic activity.

Tooth abnormalities and soft tissue alterations in patients with G/BBB syndrome

OBJECTIVE: The G/BBB syndrome is an X-linked recessive disorder characterized by eye anomalies, laryngotracheoesophageal cleft, congenital heart disease, genitourinary anomalies and gastrointestinal disorders. Patients may also present cleft lip and palate, high-arched palate and thin upper lip. This study aimed to investigate the occurrence of tooth abnormalities and soft tissue changes in patients with G/BBB syndrome. DESIGN: Cross-sectional. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Twenty-one patients with G/BBB syndrome were analyzed as to the presence of tooth abnormalities and soft tissue alterations. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The prevalence of tooth agenesis and supernumerary teeth was compared to patients without morphofunctional alterations, matched for gender and age. RESULTS: All patients had complete cleft lip and palate; 95.23% of patients presented tooth abnormalities, mainly hypoplastic alterations, with predominance of alterations of number, followed by alterations of structure, shape and position. The frequency of tooth agenesis and supernumerary teeth was significantly higher compared with the control group; 11 patients presented incisiform supernumerary teeth in the mandibular anterior region. Ankyloglossia was observed in 11 of 21 patients. CONCLUSION: The presence of mandibular anterior supernumerary teeth and ankyloglossia should be investigated in the clinical evaluation of patients with suspected diagnosis of the G/BBB syndrome. Oral Diseases (2008) 14, 747-753

Are the magnetic fields of millisecond pulsars similar to 10(8) G?

It is generally assumed that the magnetic fields of millisecond pulsars (MSPs) are similar to 10(8) G. We argue that this may not be true and the fields may be appreciably greater. We present six evidences for this: (1) The similar to 10(8)G field estimate is based on magnetic dipole emission losses which is shown to be questionable; (2) The MSPs in low mass X-ray binaries (LMXBs) are claimed to have < 10(11) G on the basis of a Rayleygh-Taylor instability accretion argument. We show that the accretion argument is questionable and the upper limit 10(11) G may be much higher; (3) Low magnetic field neutron stars have difficulty being produced in LMXBs; (4) MSPs may still be accreting indicating a much higher magnetic field; (5) The data that predict similar to 10(8) G for MSPs also predict ages on the order of, and greater than, ten billion years, which is much greater than normal pulsars. If the predicted ages are wrong, most likely the predicted similar to 10(8) G fields of MSPs are wrong; (6) When magnetic fields are measured directly with cyclotron lines in X-ray binaries, fields a parts per thousand << 10(8) G are indicated. Other scenarios should be investigated. One such scenario is the following. Over 85% of MSPs are confirmed members of a binary. It is possible that all MSPs are in large separation binaries having magnetic fields > 10(8) G with their magnetic dipole emission being balanced by low level accretion from their companions.

Genotoxic effects of X-rays on keratinized mucosa cells during panoramic dental radiography

Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the genotoxic effects of X-rays on epithelial gingival cells during panoramic dental radiography using a differentiated protocol for the micronucleus test. Methods: 40 healthy individuals who underwent this procedure for diagnostic purposes on request from their dentists agreed to participate in this study. All of them answered a questionnaire before the examination. Epithelial gingival cells were obtained from the keratinized mucosa of the upper dental arcade by gentle scraping with a cervical brush immediately before exposure and 10 days later. Cytological preparations were stained according to the Feulgen-Rossenbeck reaction, counterstained with fast green 1% for 1 min and analysed under a light microscope. Micronuclei, nuclear projections (broken eggs) and degenerative nuclear alterations (pyknosis, karyolysis, karyorrhexis and condensed chromatin) were scored. Results: The frequency of micronuclei was significantly higher after exposure (P < 0.05), as were frequencies of nuclear alterations indicate of apoptosis (P < 0.001). Conclusions: These results indicate that X-ray radiation emitted during panoramic dental radiography induces a genotoxic effect on epithelial gingival cells that increases the frequency of chromosomal damage and nuclear alterations indicative of apoptosis.

ON NONSYMMETRIC THEOREMS FOR (H, G)-COINCIDENCES

Let X be a compact Hausdorff space, phi: X -> S(n) a continuous map into the n-sphere S(n) that induces a nonzero homomorphism phi*: H(n)(S(n); Z(p)) -> H(n)(X; Z(p)), Y a k-dimensional CW-complex and f: X -> a continuous map. Let G a finite group which acts freely on S`. Suppose that H subset of G is a normal cyclic subgroup of a prime order. In this paper, we define and we estimate the cohomological dimension of the set A(phi)(f, H, G) of (H, G)-coincidence points of f relative to phi.

Synchrotron X-ray imaging via ultra-small-angle scattering: principles of quantitative analysis and application in studying bone integration to synthetic grafting materials

Optimized experimental conditions for extracting accurate information at subpixel length scales from analyzer-based X-ray imaging were obtained and applied to investigate bone regeneration by means of synthetic beta-TCP grafting materials in a rat calvaria model. The results showed a 30% growth in the particulate size due to bone ongrowth/ingrowth within the critical size defect over a 1-month healing period.

Crystal growth and magnetic properties of tin selenide-doped europium Sn(1-x)Eu(x)Se

The growth and magnetic properties of Tin Selenide (SnSe) doped with Eu(2+) Sn(1-x)Eu(x)Se (x=2.5%) were investigated. Q-band (34 GHz) electron paramagnetic resonance measurements show that the site symmetry of Eu(2+) at 4.2 K is orthorhombic and the Lande factor was determined to be g=1.99 +/- 0.01. The exchange coupling between nearest-neighbor (NN) Eu(2+) ions was estimated from magnetization and magnetic-susceptibility measurements using a model that takes into account the magnetic contributions of single ions, pairs and triplets. The exchange interaction between Eu(2+) nearest neighbors was found to be antiferromagnetic with an estimated average value of J(p)/k(B) =-0.18 +/- 0.03 K. (C) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

QUANTUM HALL FERROMAGNET IN A DOUBLE WELL WITH VANISHING g-FACTOR.

We have studied the quantum Hall effect in Al(x)Ga(1-x)As-double well structure with vanishing g-factor. We determined the density-magnetic field n(s) - B diagrams for the longitudinal resistance R(xx). In spite of the fact that the n(s) - B diagram for conventional GaAs double wells shows a striking similarity with the theory, we observed the strong difference between these diagrams for double wells with vanishing g-factor. We argue that the electron-electron interaction is responsible for unusual behavior of the Landau levels in such a system.

Root uptake and reduction of hexavalent chromium by aquatic macrophytes as assessed by high-resolution X-ray emission

Aquatic macrophytes Salvinia auriculata, Pistia stratiotes and Eichhornia crassipes were chosen to investigate the Cr(VI) reduced by root-based biosorption in a chromium uptake experiment, using a high-resolution XRF technique. These plants were grown in hydroponics medium supplied with non-toxic Cr concentrations during a 27-day metal uptake experiment. The high-resolution Cr-K beta fluorescence spectra for dried root tissues and Cr reference material (100% Cr, Cr(2)O(3), and CrO(3)) were measured using an XRF spectrometer. For all species of aquatic plant treated with Cr(VI), the energy of the Cr-K beta(2,5) line was shifted around 8 eV below the same spectral line identified for the Cr(VI) reference, but it was also near to the line identified for the Cr(III) reference. Moreover, there was a lack of the strong Cr-K beta"" line assigned to the Cr(VI) reference material within the Cr(VI)-treated plant spectra, suggesting the reduction of Cr(VI) for other less toxic oxidation states of Cr. As all Cr-K beta spectra of root tissue species were compared, the peak energies and lineshape patterns of the Cr-K beta(2,5) line are coincident for the same aquatic plant species, when they were treated with Cr(III) and Cr(VI). Based on the experimental evidence, the Cr(VI) reduction process has happened during metal biosorption by these plants. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

X-ray spectrometry: a powerful tool for the measurement of complete fusion of weakly bound nuclei

We describe how the method of detection of delayed K x-rays produced by the electron capture decay of the residual nuclei can be a powerful tool in the investigation of the effect of the breakup process on the complete fusion (CF) cross-section of weakly bound nuclei at energies close to the Coulomb barrier. This is presently one of the most interesting subjects under investigation in the field of low-energy nuclear reactions, and the difficult experimental task of separating CF from the incomplete fusion (ICF) of one of the breakup fragments can be achieved by the x-ray spectrometry method. We present results for the fusion of the (9)Be + (144)Sm system. Copyright (c) 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Heterobimetallic compounds [Ru(eta(5)-Cp)(dppf)X] (X = Cl, Br, I and N(3)): synthesis, electrochemical analysis, and the crystal structure of [Ru(eta(5)-Cp)(dppf)I] [dppf=1,1`-bis(diphenylphosphino)ferrocene]

A series of new ruthenium-iron based derivatives [Ru(eta(5)-Cp)(dppf)Cl] (1), [Ru(eta(5)-Cp)(dppf)Br] (2), [Ru(eta(5)-Cp)(dppf)I] (3) and [Ru(eta(5)-Cp)(dppf)N(3)] (4) were obtained by reactions of [Ru(eta(5)-Cp)(PPh(3))(2)Cl] with 1,1`-bis(diphenylphosphino) ferrocene (dppf) and characterized by IR, NMR ((1)H, (13)C and (31)P), (57)Fe Mossbauer spectroscopy and cyclic voltammetry. Additionally, the compound (3) was structurally characterized by X-ray crystallography, and the results were as follows: orthorhombic, Pbca, a = 18.2458(10), b = 20.9192(11), c = 34.4138(19) a""<<, alpha = beta = gamma = 90A degrees, V = 13135.3(12) a""<<(3) and Z = 16.

Temperature dependence of molecular dynamics and supramolecular aggregation in MEH-PPV films: A solid-state NMR, X-ray and fluorescence spectroscopy study

This article presents an investigation of the temperature induced modification in the microstructure and dynamics of poly[2-methoxy-5-(2`-ethylhexyloxy)-1,4-phenylenevinylene] (MEH-PPV) cast films using Wide-Angle X-ray Scattering (WAXS), solid-state Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR), and Fluorescence Spectroscopy (PL). MEH-PPV chain motions were characterized as a function of temperature by NMR. The results indicated that the solvent used to cast the films influences the activation energy of the side-chain motions. This was concluded from the comparison of the activation energy of the toluene cast film, E(a) = (54 +/- 8) kJ/mol, and chloroform cast film, E(a) = (69 +/- 5) kJ/mol, and could be attributed to the higher side-chain packing provided by chloroform, that preferentially solvates the side chain in contrast to toluene that solvates mainly the backbone. Concerning the backbone mobility, it was observed that the torsional motions in the MEH-PPV have average amplitude of similar to 10 degrees at 300 K, which was found to be independent of the solvent used to cast the films. In order to correlate the molecular dynamics processes with the changes in the microstructure of the polymer, in situ WAXS experiments as a function of temperature were performed and revealed that the interchain spacing in the MEH-PPV molecular aggregates increases as a function of temperature, particularly at temperatures where molecular relaxations occur. It was also observed that the WAXS peak associated with the bilayer spacing becomes narrower and its intensity increases whereas the peak associated with the inter-backbone planes reduces its intensity for higher temperatures. This last result Could be interpreted as a decrease in the number of aggregates and the reduction of the interchain species during the MEH-PPV relaxation processes. These WAXS results were correlated with PL spectra modifications observed upon temperature treatments. (C) 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Synthesis, characterization, X-ray structure and in vitro anti mycobacterial and antitumoral activities of Ru(II) phosphine/diimine complexes containing the ""SpymMe(2)"" ligand, SpymMe(2)=4,6-dimethyl-2-mercaptopyrimidine

The reaction of cis-[RuCl2(dppb)(N-N)], dppb = 1,4-bis(diphenylphosphino)butane, complexes with the ligand HSpymMe(2), 4,6-dimethyl-2-mercaptopyrimidine, yielded the cationic complexes [Ru(SpymMe(2))(dppb)(N-N)]PF6, N-N = bipy (1) and Me-bipy (2), bipy = 2,2`-bipyridine and Me-bipy = 4,4`dimethyl-2,2`-bipyridine, which were characterized by spectroscopic and electrochemical techniques and X-ray crystallography and elemental analysis. Additionally, preliminary in vitro tests for antimycobacterial activity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Rv ATCC 27264 and antitumor activity against the MDA-MB-231 human breast tumor cell line were carried out on the new complexes and also on the precursors cis-[RuCl2(dppb)(N-N)], N-N = bipy (3) and Me-bipy (4) and the free ligands dppb, bipy, Me-bipy and SpymMe(2). The minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) of compounds needed to kill 90% of mycobacterial cells and the IC50 values for the antitumor activity were determined. Compounds 1-4 exhibited good in vitro activity against M. tuberculosis, with MIC values ranging between 0.78 and 6.25 mu g/mL, compared to the free ligands (MIC of 25 to >50 mu g/mL) and the drugs used to treat tuberculosis. Complexes I and 2 also showed promising antitumor activity, with IC50 values of 0.46 +/- 0.02 and 0.43 +/- 0.08 mu M, respectively, against MDA-MB-231 breast tumor cells. (C) 2008 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.