REVISITING THE FOSSIL GROUP CANDIDATES UGC 842 AND NGC 6034

We present a new insight on NGC 6034 and UGC 842, two groups of galaxies previously reported in the literature as being fossil groups. The study is based on optical photometry and spectroscopy obtained with the CTIO Blanco telescope and Sloan Digital Sky Survey archival data. We find that NGC 6034 is embedded in a large structure, dominated by three rich clusters and other small groups. Its first and next four ranked galaxies have magnitude differences in the r band and projected distances which violate the optical criteria to classify it as a fossil group. We confirm that the UGC 842 group is a fossil group, but with about half the velocity dispersion that is reported in previous works. The velocity distribution of its galaxies reveals the existence of two structures in its line of sight, one with sigma(nu) similar to 223 km s(-1) and another with sigma(nu) similar to 235 km s(-1), with a difference in velocity of similar to 820 km s(-1). The main structure is dominated by passive galaxies, while these represent similar to 60% of the second structure. The X-ray temperature for the intragroup medium of a group with such a velocity dispersion is expected to be kT similar to 0.5-1 keV, against the observed value of kT similar to 1.9 keV reported in the literature. This result makes UGC 842 a special case among fossil groups because (1) it represents more likely the interaction between two small groups, which warms the intragroup medium and/or (2) it could constitute evidence that member galaxies lost energy in the process of spiraling toward the group center, and decreased the velocity dispersion of the system. As far as we know, UGC 842 is the first low-mass fossil group studied in detail.

ANALYSIS OF THE PICO DOS DIAS SURVEY HERBIG Ae/Be CANDIDATES

A large sample of Herbig Ae/Be (HAeBe) candidates, distributed in different Galactic regions south to declination +30 degrees, were identified by the Pico dos Dias Survey (a search for young stellar objects based on IRAS colors). Most of the candidates are nearby or associated with star-forming clouds, but several others are considered isolated objects. Aiming to verify the young nature of 93 HAeBe candidates, we searched for additional information that could be useful to confirm if they are pre-main-sequence (PMS) stars or evolved objects, which coincidentally show similar IRAS colors. By adopting a spectral index that is related to the amount of infrared excess and the shape of the spectral energy distribution, we have classified the sample according to three groups, which are analyzed on the basis of (1) circumstellar luminosity; (2) spatial distribution; (3) optical polarization; (4) near-infrared colors; (5) stellar parameters (mass, age, effective temperature); and (5) intensity of emission lines. Our analysis indicates that only 76% of the studied sample, mainly the group with intermediate to low levels of circumstellar emission, can be more confidently considered PMS stars. The nature of the remaining stars, which are in the other group that contains the highest levels of infrared excess, remains to be confirmed. They share the same characteristics of evolved objects, requiring complementary studies in order to correctly classify them. At least seven objects show characteristics typical of post-asymptotic giant branch or proto-planetary nebulae.

Planetary transit candidates in Corot-IRa01 field

Context. CoRoT is a pioneering space mission devoted to the analysis of stellar variability and the photometric detection of extrasolar planets. Aims. We present the list of planetary transit candidates detected in the first field observed by CoRoT, IRa01, the initial run toward the Galactic anticenter, which lasted for 60 days. Methods. We analysed 3898 sources in the coloured bands and 5974 in the monochromatic band. Instrumental noise and stellar variability were taken into account using detrending tools before applying various transit search algorithms. Results. Fifty sources were classified as planetary transit candidates and the most reliable 40 detections were declared targets for follow-up ground-based observations. Two of these targets have so far been confirmed as planets, CoRoT-1b and CoRoT-4b, for which a complete characterization and specific studies were performed.

Direct effect of Plasmodium vivax recombinant vaccine candidates AMA-1 and MSP-1(19) on the innate immune response

The recombinant apical membrane antigen 1 (AMA-1) and 19-kDa fragment of merozoite surface protein (MSP-1(19)) are the lead candidates for inclusion in a vaccine against blood stages of malaria due to encouraging protective studies in humans and animals. Despite the importance of an efficacious malaria vaccine, vaccine-related research has focused on identifying antigens that result in protective immunity rather than determining the nature of anti-malarial immune effector mechanisms. Moreover, emphasis has been placed on adaptive rather than innate immune responses. In this study, we investigated the effect of Plasmodium vivax vaccine candidates Pv-AMA-1 and Pv-MSP-1(19) on the immune response of malaria-naive donors. Maturation of dendritic cells is altered by Pv-AMA-1 but not Pv-MSP-1(19), as observed by differential expression of cell surface markers. In addition, Pv-AMA-1 induced an increased production of MIP-1 alpha/CCL3 and decreased production of TARC/CCL17 levels in both dendritic cells (DCs) and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). Finally, a significant pro-inflammatory response was elicited by Pv-AMA-1-stimulated PBMCs. These results suggest that the recombinant vaccine candidate Pv-AMA-1 may play a direct role on innate immune response and might be involved in parasite destruction. (C) 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Computer-aided Drug Design of Novel PLA(2) Inhibitor Candidates for Treatment of Snakebite

Phospholipases A(2) (PLA(2)) are enzymes commonly found in snake venoms from Viperidae and Elaphidae families, which are major components thereof. Many plants are used in traditional medicine its active agents against various effects induced by snakebite. This article presents the PLA(2) BthTX-I structure prediction based on homology modeling. In addition, we have performed virtual screening in a large database yielding a set of potential bioactive inhibitors. A flexible docking program was used to investigate the interactions between the receptor and the new ligands. We have performed molecular interaction fields (MIFs) calculations with the phospholipase model. Results confirm the important role of Lys49 for binding ligands and suggest three additional residues as well. We have proposed a theoretically nontoxic, drug-like, and potential novel BthTX-I inhibitor. These calculations have been used to guide the design of novel phospholipase inhibitors as potential lead compounds that may be optimized for future treatment of snakebite victims as well as other human diseases in which PLA(2) enzymes are involved.

Myocardial scintigraphy and clinical stratification as predictors of events in renal transplant candidates

Background: We tested the hypothesis that the universal application of myocardial scanning with single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) would result in better risk stratification in renal transplant candidates (RTC) compared with SPECT being restricted to patients who, in addition to renal disease, had other clinical risk factors. Methods: RTCs (n=363) underwent SPECT and clinical risk stratification according to the American Society of Transplantation (AST) algorithm and were followed up until a major adverse cardiovascular event (MACE) or death. Results: Of the 363 patients, 79 patients (22%) had an abnormal SPECT scan and 270 (74%) were classified as high risk. Both methods correctly identified patients with increased probability of MACE. However, clinical stratification performed better (sensitivity and negative predictive value 99% and 99% vs. 25% and 87%, respectively). High-risk patients with an abnormal SPECT scan had a modest increased risk of events (log-rank = 0.03; hazard ratio [HR] = 1.37; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 1.02-1.82). Eighty-six patients underwent coronary angiography, and coronary artery disease (CAD) was found in 60%. High-risk patients with CAD had an increased incidence of events (log-rank = 0.008; HR=3.85; 95% CI, 1.46-13.22), but in those with an abnormal SPECT scan, the incidence of events was not influenced by CAD (log-rank = 0.23). Forty-six patients died. Clinical stratification, but not SPECT, correlated with the probability of death (log-rank = 0.02; HR=3.25; 95% CI, 1.31-10.82). Conclusion: SPECT should be restricted to high-risk patients. Moreover, in contrast to SPECT, the AST algorithm was also useful for predicting death by any cause in RTCs and for selecting patients for invasive coronary testing.

Arteriovenous fistula for chronic hemodialysis in pediatric candidates for renal transplantation: Technical details and refinements

AVFs may be considered the best type of venous access for chronic hemodialysis in pediatric patients with more than 20 kg who are not likely to receive a kidney transplant or be transitioned to peritoneal dialysis within one yr. The aim of the study was to report the experience in the creation of AVFs in pediatric candidates for renal transplantation using microsurgical vascular techniques, with emphasis on the details of the surgical technique. Forty children underwent 50 fistula creations - 31 radial-cephalic, 11 brachial-cephalic, five brachial-basilic and three saphenous-femoral. The vein was anastomosed to the artery in an end-to-lateral fashion by using two separate 8/0 prolene running sutures. The overall patency rate was 76.0%:22 (70.9%) of the radial-cephalic fistulas, nine (81.8%) of the brachial-cephalic, five (100.0%) of the brachial-basilic and two (66.6%) of the saphenous-femoral. There was no significant difference in patency rates between the brachial-cephalic, brachial-basilic and radial-cephalic fistulas. The incidences of fistula patency were not different for patients weighing < 20 kg compared with patients weighing > 20 kg. AVF remains as a satisfactory method for providing hemodialysis in children. The utilization of microsurgical techniques with some technical refinements described herein permits the achievement of high fistula patency rates.

Validation of a strategy to diagnose coronary artery disease and predict cardiac events in high-risk renal transplant candidates

Background We validated a strategy for diagnosis of coronary artery disease ( CAD) and prediction of cardiac events in high-risk renal transplant candidates ( at least one of the following: age >= 50 years, diabetes, cardiovascular disease). Methods A diagnosis and risk assessment strategy was used in 228 renal transplant candidates to validate an algorithm. Patients underwent dipyridamole myocardial stress testing and coronary angiography and were followed up until death, renal transplantation, or cardiac events. Results The prevalence of CAD was 47%. Stress testing did not detect significant CAD in 1/3 of patients. The sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of the stress test for detecting CAD were 70, 74, 69, and 71%, respectively. CAD, defined by angiography, was associated with increased probability of cardiac events [log-rank: 0.001; hazard ratio: 1.90, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.29-2.92]. Diabetes (P=0.03; hazard ratio: 1.58, 95% CI: 1.06-2.45) and angiographically defined CAD (P=0.03; hazard ratio: 1.69, 95% CI: 1.08-2.78) were the independent predictors of events. Conclusion The results validate our observations in a smaller number of high-risk transplant candidates and indicate that stress testing is not appropriate for the diagnosis of CAD or prediction of cardiac events in this group of patients. Coronary angiography was correlated with events but, because less than 50% of patients had significant disease, it seems premature to recommend the test to all high-risk renal transplant candidates. The results suggest that angiography is necessary in many high-risk renal transplant candidates and that better noninvasive methods are still lacking to identify with precision patients who will benefit from invasive procedures. Coron Artery Dis 21: 164-167 (C) 2010 Wolters Kluwer Health vertical bar Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.

Inflammation and Biochemical Features of Bariatric Candidates: Does Gender Matter?

Background Accumulated fat is an accepted trigger of inflammation and metabolic syndrome but specific biochemical associations in males and females are still debated. In a prospective study, multiple variables were analyzed to search for gender-related correlations. Methods Bariatric candidates (n=94) were consecutively investigated. Age was 34.9 +/- 10.4 years (68.1% females) and body mass index (BMI) was 40.8 +/- 4.6 kg/m(2). Methods included anthropometrics, inflammatory indices (C-reactive protein (CRP), white blood cell count (WBC), ferritin) and general biochemical profile. Results Ferritin, but not CRP or WBC, was substantially more elevated in males. Serum albumin, uric acid, creatinine, and liver enzymes AST and ALT were also higher in men. Even after BMI was adjusted, all differences remained significant, and several, notably ferritin, withstood waist circumference control. Ferritin and CRP correlated with anthropometrics, glucose-related measurements, and liver enzymes, whereas WBC was only associated with triglycerides in females. Conclusions (1) Males displayed more severe inflammation according to ferritin profile, and also more signs of liver derangement; (2) all differences continued after BMI discrepancies were adjusted for, and ferritin was significant also after control of waist girth; (3) in both genders inflammatory markers often correlated with different anthropometrics, liver enzymes, and markers of glucose homeostasis; and (4) inflammatory and biochemical gender-related dissimilarities might have prognostic implications for cardiovascular risk and other comorbidities, and deserve additional studies.

Validation of a Cutoff Value on Echo Doppler Analysis to Replace Right Heart Catheterization During Pulmonary Hypertension Evaluation in Heart Transplant Candidates

Background. Heart transplantation (OHT) has traditionally been contraindicated in the presence of severe pulmonary hypertension (PH), as detected by right heart catheterization. Noninvasive methods are still not reliably accurate to make this evaluation. Objectives. Determine the efficacy of echo Doppler analysis for the diagnosis of severe PH. Methods. One hundred thirty patients (mean age = 42 +/- 15 years, 82 men) showed severe left ventricular dysfunction (mean ejection fraction = 29 +/- 12%; functional class III-IV). We excluded patients with atrial fibrillation, heart failure secondary to congenital disease, and valvulopathy. The pulmonary parameters defined as severe PH were: systolic pulmonary artery pressure (sPAP) >= 60 mm Hg; a mean transpulmonary gradient >= 15; or pulmonary vascular resistance >= 5 Wood units. Patients underwent a right heart catheterization using a Swan-Ganz catheter to measure hemodynamic parameters and to noninvasively estimate right-sided pressures from spectral Doppler recordings of tricuspid regurgitation velocity (right ventricular systolic pressure [RVsP]). A Pearson correlation of sPAP was obtained with RVsP by; the sensitivity of RVsP for the diagnosis of PH was determined by a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. Results. A good correlation between sPAP and RVsP was obtained by Pearson correlation analysis (r = 0.64; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.50-0.75; P < .001). The ROC curve analysis showed a sensitivity of 100%, a specificity of 37.2%, (95% CI 0.69-0.83, P < .0001) of a RVsP < 45 mm Hg (cutoff) on the exclusion of severe PH. Conclusions. The cutoff of RVsP < 45 mm Hg, on noninvasive echo Doppler evaluation of PH is an efficient method to replace invasive heart catheterization in OHT candidates.

Perceived Self-Efficacy Among Liver Transplant Candidates and Recipients

Self-efficacy is defined as one`s belief that one can perform the necessary behaviors to achieve one`s goals. This belief is one of the most powerful motivational predictors of how well a person will perform at almost any endeavor. Limited information is available, however, about self-efficacy in the organ transplantation population. This study aimed to identify the self-efficacy belief among liver transplant candidates and recipients and compare these results with demographic characteristics. The authors analyzed 100 patients who were candidates and recipients for liver transplantation in a Brazilian center. The average self-efficacy score for the candidates was significantly lower than for the recipients. Future investigation is necessary to explore possible interventions to be taken before and after liver transplantation that could influence self-efficacy of the organ transplantation patients.

New malaria vaccine candidates based on the Plasmodium vivax Merozoite Surface Protein-1 and the TLR-5 agonist Salmonella Typhimurium FliC flagellin

The present study evaluated the immunogenicity of new malaria vaccine formulations based on the 19 kDa C-terminal fragment of Plasmodium vivax Merozoite Surface Protein-1 (MSP1(19)) and the Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium flagellin (FIiC), a Toll-like receptor 5 (TLR5) agonist. FHC was used as an adjuvant either admixed or genetically linked to the P. vivax MSP1(19) and administered to C57BL/6 mice via parenteral (s.c.) or mucosal (i.n.) routes. The recombinant fusion protein preserved MSP1(19) epitopes recognized by Sera collected from P. vivax infected humans and TLR5 agonist activity. Mice parenterally immunized with recombinant P vivax MSPI 19 in the presence of FliC, either admixed or genetically linked, elicited strong and long-lasting MSP1 (19)-specific systemic antibody responses with a prevailing IgG1 subclass response. Incorporation of another TLR agonist, CpG ODN 1826, resulted in a more balanced response, as evaluated by the IgG1/IgG2c ratio, and higher cell-mediated immune response measured by interferon-gamma secretion. Finally, we show that MSPI 19-specific antibodies recognized the native protein expressed on the surface of P. vivax parasites harvested from infected humans. The present report proposes a new class of malaria vaccine formulation based on the use of malaria antigens and the innate immunity agonist FliC. it contains intrinsic adjuvant properties and enhanced ability to induce specific humoral and cellular immune responses when administered alone or in combination with other adjuvants. (C) 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Novel 6-methanesulfonamide-3,4-methylenedioxyphenyl-N-acylhydrazones: Orally effective anti-inflammatory drug candidates

We described herein the molecular design of novel in vivo anti-inflammatory 6-methanesulfonamide-3,4-methylenedioxyphenyl-N-acylhydrazone derivatives (1) planned by applying the molecular hybridization approach. This work also points out to the discovery of LASSBio-930 (1c) as a novel anti-inflammatory and anti-hyperalgesic prototype, which was able to reduce carrageenan-induced rat paw edema with an ED(50) of 97.8 mu mol/kg, acting mainly as a non-selective COX inhibitor. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Molecular characterization of Arabidopsis thaliana PUF proteins - binding specificity and target candidates

PUF proteins regulate both stability and translation through sequence-specific binding to the 3` UTR of target mRNA transcripts. Binding is mediated by a conserved PUF domain, which contains eight repeats of approximately 36 amino acids each. Found in all eukaryotes, they have been related to several developmental processes. Analysis of the 25 Arabidopsis Pumilio (APUM) proteins presenting PUF repeats reveals that 12 (APUM-1 to APUM-12) have a PUF domain with 50-75% similarity to the Drosophila PUF domain. Through three-hybrid assays, we show that APUM-1 to APUM-6 can bind specifically to the Nanos response element sequence recognized by Drosophila Pumilio. Using an Arabidopsis RNA library in a three-hybrid screening, we were able to identify an APUM-binding consensus sequence. Computational analysis allowed us to identify the APUM-binding element within the 3` UTR in many Arabidopsis transcripts, even in important mRNAs related to shoot stem cell maintenance. We demonstrate that APUM-1 to APUM-6 are able to bind specifically to APUM-binding elements in the 3` UTR of WUSCHEL, CLAVATA-1, PINHEAD/ZWILLE and FASCIATA-2 transcripts. The results obtained in the present study indicate that the APUM proteins may act as regulators in Arabidopsis through an evolutionarily conserved mechanism, which may open up a new approach for investigating mRNA regulation in plants.

Gene expression profiling reveals molecular marker candidates of laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma

Laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma is very common in head and neck cancer, with high mortality rates and poor prognosis. In this study, we compared expression profiles of clinical samples from 13 larynx tumors and 10 non-neoplastic larynx tissues using a custom-built cDNA microarray containing 331 probes for 284 genes previously identified by informatics analysis of EST databases as markers of head and neck tumors. Thirty-five genes showed statistically significant differences (SNR >= 11.01, p <= 0.001) in the expression between tumor and non-tumor larynx tissue samples. Functional annotation indicated that these genes are involved in cellular processes relevant to the cancer phenotype, such as apoptosis, cell cycle, DNA repair, proteolysis, protease inhibition, signal transduction and transcriptional regulation. Six of the identified transcripts map to intronic regions of protein-coding genes and may comprise non-annotated exons or as yet uncharacterized long ncRNAs with a regulatory role in the gene expression program of larynx tissue. The differential expression of 10 of these genes (ADCY6, AES, AL2SCR3, CRR9, CSTB, DUSP1, MAP3K5, PLAT, UBL1 and ZNF706) was independently confirmed by quantitative real-time RT-PCR. Among these, the CSTB gene product has cysteine protease inhibitor activity that has been associated with an antimetastatic function. Interestingly, CSTB showed a low expression in the tumor samples analyzed (p<0.0001). The set of genes identified here contribute to a better understanding of the molecular basis of larynx cancer, and provide candidate markers for improving diagnosis, prognosis and treatment of this carcinoma.