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Dendritic cells are potential targets in allergy therapy as they, under the influence of their microenvironment, regulate T-cell responses. Histamine has been shown to promote Th2 polarization by dendritic cells. However, neither the mechanism nor the functionality of the different histamine receptors in this process has been fully elucidated. The aim of the present study was to identify factors i
In Huntington's disease (HD), cognitive symptoms and cellular dysfunction precede the onset of classical motor symptoms and neuronal death in the striatum and cortex by almost a decade. This suggests that the early cognitive deficits may be due to a cellular dysfunction rather than being a consequence of neuronal loss. Abnormalities in dendritic spines are described in HD patients and in HD animal
We studied prospectively the change over ten years in mortality, walking ability and place of residence after a hip fracture in 753 patients in Japan. We compared the deaths observed in these patients with those expected in the general population, matched for age, gender and calender year at the time of fracture. The survival rate decreased dramatically for two years after the event and the mortal
The effects of confining a polyelectrolyte solution containing a polyion and its counterions in spherical cavities of different sizes have been investigated by Monte Carlo simulations using a simple model system. Polyions of three different linear charge densities and counterions of three different valences have been examined. Structure, energy, and free energy properties of all systems have been
BACKGROUND: Induced hypothermia may be used to reduce metabolism in acute respiratory failure. Hypothermia is accompanied by an increase in pulmonary vascular resistance, as also seen in the early period after lung transplantation. It was our concern that the combination of the two would lead to an increased workload on the right ventricle. METHODS: To test this hypothesis we induced hypothermia t
The mutational mechanism underlying the striking diversity in MHC (major histocompatibility complex) genes in vertebrates is still controversial. In order to evaluate the role of inter- and intragenic recombination in MHC gene diversification, we examined patterns of nucleotide polymorphism across an exon/intron boundary in a sample of 31 MHC class IIB sequences of three-spined stickleback (Gaster
The aim of the study was to quantify the workload on the upper extremity for fundamental work tasks during machine milking. Eleven milkers working in a loose-housing system with a milking parlour participated in the study. Muscle activity for the biceps and the forearm flexors, as well as positions and movements of the wrists were simultaneously measured by electromyography and electrogoniometry w
OBJECTIVES: This study clarified the exposure-response relationships for the organic acid anhydrides (OAA) hexahydrophthalic (HHPA) and methylhexahydrophthalic (MHHPA) anhydrides and the development of specific immunoglobulin (IG) E and G antibodies and work-related symptoms. METHODS: In an epoxy resin-using factory, air levels of OAA were determined by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Occupa
The distribution, production, and decay of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) were studied in 10 boreal lakes of differing physical-chemical characteristics. Diurnal and vertical fluctuations in H2O2 concentration were followed in the lakes by sampling at six depths three times per day. In addition, incubations of water filtered through 0.2-mu mesh were made under artificial irradiation to study the abiotic
Geographical information systems (GIS) aim to help decision-makers to relate different types of data in a spatial context and to reach conclusions about these relationships. This research examines the potential areas that a GIS could be applied within multinational finance corporations. The results highlight the importance of combining the financial aspects of the multinational with its operationa
The induction of apoptosis in neutrophils is an essential event in the resolution of an inflammatory process. We found recently that the reduction of the activity of the neutrophil survival factor p38 MAPK and dephosphorylation and thus activation of caspases must occur to initiate such cell death in these leukocytes. Here, we report a previously undetected early and transient activation of protei
Down syndrome is a leading genetic cause of mental retardation. Here, we show high fractal dimensions and Lempel-Ziv complexity and lower minimum path fractal dimension (P <= .0006) for the oral vascular networks of patients (n = 14) and their unaffected parents. This newly recognized sign may provide a useful phenotypical marker for identifying couples potentially at risk for offspring with Down
Nitrous oxide and isoflurane have different effects on absolute cerebral blood flow (CBF) and regional distribution of CBF in humans. In this study we examined the effects of isoflurane in combination with nitrous oxide on CBF. We studied 10 patients (two groups of five patients, ASA I) anaesthetized with 50% nitrous oxide and either 0.5 or 1.0 MAC of isoflurane during normocapnia (PaCO2 5.7 kPa)
