Porphyromonas gingivalis is a peptide-fermenting asaccharolytic periodontal pathogen. Its genome contains several genes encoding cysteine peptidases other than gingipains. One of these genes (PG1055) encodes a protein called Tpr (thiol protease), which has sequence similarity to cysteine peptidases of the papain and calpain families. In this study, we biochemically characterize Tpr. We found that

Cyclometallation of 2-(1-naphthyl)-pyridine is described. While cyclopalladation results in a five-membered metallacycle, cycloauration displays a completely orthogonal regioselectivity, resulting in the six-membered ring analogue. Bromination of the gold metallacycle results in the new C-H functionalisation product 2-(8-bromonaphth-1-yl)pyridine.

This paper presents an educational game in mathematics based on an apprenticeship model using a teachable agent, as well as an evaluative study of how the game affects (1) conceptual understanding and (2) attitudes towards mathematics. In addition, we discuss how collaborative and competitive affordances of the game may affect understanding and motivation. 19 students played the game in pairs once

The mechanisms by which melanin-based colour polymorphism can evolve and be maintained in wild populations are poorly known. Theory predicts that colour morphs have differential sensitivity to environmental conditions. Recently it has been proposed that colour polymorphism covaries genetically with intrinsic and behavioural properties. Plumage moult is a costly and crucial somatic maintenance func

HIV-1 is divided into different subtypes and circulating recombinant forms (CRFs) but the impact of HIV-1 subtype/CRF on disease progression is not fully understood. We determined the HIV-1 subtype/CRF of 152 seroincident individuals from Guinea-Bissau, based on the C2-V3 region of env. Rate of disease progression was measured as time from estimated seroconversion to AIDS and AIDS-related death. H

Autopsy rates have fallen from over 50% to less than 10% in recent decades. The drastic decline creates uncertainty regarding causes of death and has negative effects for research, training, and patient safety, despite advances in imaging and laboratory testing. Rheumatology is as much at a loss as other specialties. Examples are given of important missed diagnoses revealed only at autopsy.

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS: Protein kinase C (PKC) regulates exocytosis in various secretory cells. Here we studied intracellular translocation of the PKC isoenzymes PKCalpha and PKCdelta, and investigated how activation of PKC influences glucagon secretion in mouse and human pancreatic alpha cells. METHODS: Glucagon release from intact islets was measured in static incubations, and the amounts released were

Diets high in protein have shown positive effects on short-term weight reduction and glycaemic control. However, the understanding of how dietary macronutrient composition relates to long-term risk of type 2 diabetes is limited. The aim of the present study was to examine intakes of macronutrients, fibre and protein sources in relation to incident type 2 diabetes. In total, 27 140 individuals, age

Understanding receptor activation is important for disease intervention. Activation of the receptor tyrosine kinase c-KIT is involved in numerous diseases including melanoma, mastocytosis, multiple myeloma and gastrointestinal stromal tumors. To better understand the regulation of activation, we studied the two c-KIT isoforms, c-KIT(-) and c-KIT(+) which differ by a tetrapeptide insert GNNK, locat

BACKGROUND: We previously reported that a single prostate-specific antigen (PSA) measured at ages 44-50 was highly predictive of subsequent prostate cancer diagnosis in an unscreened population. Here we report an additional 7 years of follow-up. This provides replication using an independent data set and allows estimates of the association between early PSA and subsequent advanced cancer (clinical

We present comprehensive results on continuous atmospheric cluster and particle measurements in the size range similar to 1-42 nm within the European Integrated project on Aerosol Cloud Climate and Air Quality interactions (EUCAARI) project. We focused on characterizing the spatial and temporal variation of new particle formation events and relevant particle formation parameters across Europe. Dif

Lessons from the occupational arena demonstrate the potential of industrial chemicals to damage human testicular function. An important but still unresolved question is whether low-level xenobiotic exposure of the general population poses a hazard. In this volume of the Asian Journal of Andrology, this issue is addressed by a series of reviews on xenobiotic exposure profiles, possible biological m

BACKGROUND: Tamoxifen has been associated with an increased risk of stroke. There is, however, little information on the effect in the post-treatment period. Using data from the Swedish Breast Cancer Group adjuvant trial of 5 vs 2 years of tamoxifen treatment, we now report both short-term and long-term effects on morbidity as well as mortality because of cerebrovascular disease. METHODS: Data fro

P>Carbon of terrestrial origin often makes up a significant share of consumer biomass in unproductive lake ecosystems. However, the mechanisms for terrestrial support of lake secondary production are largely unclear. By using a modelling approach, we show that terrestrial export of dissolved labile low molecular weight carbon (LMWC) compounds supported 80% (34-95%), 54% (19-90%) and 23% (7-45%) of

This paper represents the opinion of a group of researchers and clinicians with an established interest in poststroke care and is based on the recognised need for long-term care following stroke, especially in view of the global increase of disability due to stroke. Among the more frequent long-term complications following stroke are spasticity-related disabilities. Although spasticity alone occur

Abstract Objective. The reference standard for lymph-node staging in prostate cancer is currently an extended pelvic lymph-node dissection (ePLND), which detects most, but not all, regional lymph-node metastases. As an alternative to ePLND, sentinel-node dissection with preoperative isotope injection and imaging has been reported. The objective was to determine whether intraoperative sentinel-node

Aim This study investigates inter-annual variability in burnt area in southern Africa and the extent to which climate is responsible for this variation. We compare data from long-term field sites across the region with remotely sensed burnt area data to test whether it is possible to develop a general model. Location Africa south of the equator. Methods Linear mixed effects models were used to det

This paper analyses the potential, barriers and limitations for regional innovation policy to facilitate industrial renewal in old industrial regions. It draws on a case analysis of the policy programme ‘Biorefinery of the Future’ geared to promote renewal of the forest industry in Northern Sweden. It is shown that infusion of radical emergent technology is necessary for new regional path developm