Role of mannose-binding lectin in the innate defense against Candida albicans: Enhancement of complement activation, but lack of opsonic function, in phagocytosis by human dendritic cells

Mannose-binding lectin (MBL) is a serum collectin believed to be of importance in innate immunity. We have investigated the role of MBL in the first-line defense against Candida albicans, an opportunistic fungal pathogen. MBL bound C. albicans via its lectin domain, resulting in agglutination of the organisms upon their outgrowth of hyphae. In a human in vitro MBL system, deposition of C4 fragments on C. albicans was increased when exogenous MBL was added to serum samples from MBL-deficient individuals. Similar enhancement of deposition of iC3b also was observed. MBL and enhanced opsonic C3 fragments mediated by MBL did not facilitate opsonophagocytosis of the organisms by monocyte-derived dendritic cells (DCs). However, MBL was found to inhibit the growth of C. albicans independently of complement activation, although, with complement activation, further inhibition was observed. We concluded that MBL plays an important role in the first-line defense against C. albicans without the need for opsonophagocytosis by DCs, in which a direct interaction of MBL with C. albicans results in agglutination and accelerated complement activation via the lectin pathway, leading to inhibition of growth.published_or_final_versio

Time Varying Spatio-temporal Covariance Models

In this paper, we introduce valid parametric covariance models for univariate and multivariate spatio-temporal random fields. In contrast to the traditional models, we allow the model parameters to vary over time. Since variables in applications usually exhibit seasonality or changes in dependency structures, the allowance of varying parameters would be beneficial in terms of improving model flexibility. Conditions in constructing valid covariance models and discussions on practical implementation will be provided. As an application, a set of air pollution data observed from a monitoring network will be modeled. It is found that the time varying model performs better in prediction compared with the traditional models. © 2015 Elsevier Ltd.postprin

Chemotherapy for advanced non-small-cell lung cancer: Role of paclitaxel and gemcitabine

Objective. To review the role of chemotherapy in advanced non-small-cell lung cancer, focusing on cisplatin-based regimens and two new drugs: paclitaxel and gemcitabine. Data sources. Medline search of the relevant English literature. Study selection. Open and randomised comparative (phases II and III) studies, and meta-analyses of cytotoxic drugs/regimens used to treat advanced non-small-cell lung cancer. Data extraction. The following factors were studied and compared: symptomatic response rates; tumour response rates; median survival time and 1-year survival rates; and side effects of cisplatin-, paclitaxel-, and gemcitabine-based regimens. Data synthesis. Using cisplatin-based chemotherapy achieves significant relief of disease-related symptoms of advanced non-small-cell lung cancer and a slight improvement in the median survival time (by approximately 1.5 months). New cytotoxic drugs that are effective and have good safety profiles include paclitaxel and gemcitabine. When used as single agents, these two drugs give response rates of approximately 25%. When used with cisplatin/carboplatin, response rates increase to 45% to 62% and 1-year survival rates increase to 40% to 60%. Conclusion. Paclitaxel, gemcitabine, and other drugs such as decetaxel and vinorelbine are promising new chemotherapeutic agents in the treatment of advanced non-small-cell lung cancer. These drugs can palliate disease symptoms and improve the median survival time. The optimal dose and treatment schedules, however, are yet to be defined.published_or_final_versio

Lymphangioleimyomatosis: the Hong Kong experience

published_or_final_versio

Multicentre phase II trial of taxotere and cisplatin in advanced non-small cell lung cancer

Session - Respiratory & Critical Care Medicine: no. G-RC-10published_or_final_versio

Gastro-oesophageal reflux in bronchiectasis

published_or_final_versio

Paclitaxel and carboplatin in advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), Hong Kong Experience

published_or_final_versio

Paclitaxel and carboplatin in advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), Hong Kong Experience

published_or_final_versio