Size effect on deformation of duralumin micropillars - A dislocation dynamics study

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Predicting protein-ligand binding site using support vector machine with protein properties

Identification of protein-ligand binding site is an important task in structure-based drug design and docking algorithms. In the past two decades, different approaches have been developed to predict the binding site, such as the geometric, energetic, and sequence-based methods. When scores are calculated from these methods, the algorithm for doing classification becomes very important and can affect the prediction results greatly. In this paper, the support vector machine (SVM) is used to cluster the pockets that are most likely to bind ligands with the attributes of geometric characteristics, interaction potential, offset from protein, conservation score, and properties surrounding the pockets. Our approach is compared to LIGSITE, LIGSITEcsc, SURFNET, Fpocket, PocketFinder, Q-SiteFinder, ConCavity, and MetaPocket on the data set LigASite and 198 drug-target protein complexes. The results show that our approach improves the success rate from 60 to 80 percent at AUC measure and from 61 to 66 percent at top 1 prediction. Our method also provides more comprehensive results than the others

Short- and medium-term outcomes of accelerated infant growth in a Hong Kong Chinese birth cohort.

1. In a large, population representative,Chinese birth cohort, higher birth weight and rapid growth, particularly at 0-3 months, were associated with higher body mass index (BMI) at 7 years. 2. Boys born heavy who had grown fast had the highest BMI, but rapid growth had the largest impact in lighter-born boys. 3. Rapid growth at 0-3 months or 3-12 months was not associated with a compensatory lower risk of serious infectious morbidity. 4. The ability to grow fast may be an embodiment of good health status, rather than fast growth being causally protective.published_or_final_versio

Antiretroviral treatment can affect the release of NO and EDCF, but EDH in rat arteries

This journal suppl. entitled: EDHF 2012 - 10th Anniversary MeetingDespite improving clinical outcomes, highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) is an independent potential risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. Currently the recommended HAART regimen commonly comprises a protease inhibitor (PI) with ritonavir (RTV)-boosting or a nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI), and two nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors. The present study examined whether or not boosted lopin...postprin

Host genetic factors as determinants of immunologic and adverse responses on influenza vaccination in humans

Poster Session: VaccinesBackground: Seasonal influenza epidemics cause a great burden of illnesses, hospitalizations, and deaths worldwide. Although influenza vaccination has generally been regarded as safe and effective in preventing influenza infection, some people do develop poor immune responses or occasional serious adverse events on receiving the vaccination. Little is known about how host genetic determinants are affecting responses to influenza vaccination in humans. Materials and Methods: We used a genetic association study with a candidate gene approach based on a randomized placebocontrolled trial on influenza vaccination to examine the role of host genetic variation on immune years were randomized to receive either an inactivated trivalent seasonal influenza vaccine (TIV) (Vaxigrip, Sanofi Pasteur) or placebo in phases from 2009 to 2010. Vaccine response was defined by a post-vaccination antibody titer of 1:40 or ≥ 4-fold rise in all TIV components. An adverse vaccine responder was defined by an aggregated symptom score ≥ 2 on day 1 post-vaccination, based on 10 symptoms each on a scale of 0 (absent), 1 (mild), 2 (moderate, or 3 (severe), thus having at least 2 mild or 1 moderate symptoms. All participants kept a daily symptom dairy. Whole blood samples from 535 participants receiving TIV were collected for genetic analysis in this study. DNA was extracted and genotyped for single nucleotide polymorphisms for IL-1B-511G>A (rs16944), IL-6-5843A/G (rs1818879), IL-8-251T/A (rs4073), IL-10-082A/G (rs1800896), -819T/C (rs1800871), -592A/C (rs1800872), MBL-2-5232G>A (rs1800451), 221C/G (rs7096206), -34C>T (rs5030737), -550G>C (rs11003125), MxA-88G/T (rs2071430), OSA1-347A/G (rs2660), RIG1 G/C (rs9695310), TLR3- 1377T/G (rs3755290), -7G/T (rs3775296), TLR4 G/A (rs5030718), Asp299Gly (rs4986790), TLR7 Gln11Leu (rs179008), 1817G/T (rs5741880), TLR8-129G/C (rs3764879), Met1Val (rs3764880), and (rs11003131)G/T. Logistic regression models were used to evaluate the relationship of polymorphisms with various outcomes and to compute the ORs and 95% confidence interval (CIs) in relation to vaccination response and adverse vaccination reaction. The heterozygous and homozygous variant genotypes were analyzed both as a nominal and an ordinal variable as consisting, respectively, of one and two variant alleles and compared with the wild-type homozygous genotype. The heterozygous genotype was also grouped with either of the two homozygous genotypes to analyze in a dominant or recessive model. Two-sided P values are reported and P ≤ .05 was considered to indicate statistical significance. Results: Among 535 subjects receiving TIV, 295 were classified as vaccine responders. Polymorphisms IL-6 rs1818879 G mutation in an ordinal model (OR = 1.56, CI = 1.054-2.31), AG (OR = 1.667, CI = 1.109-2.504), and combined AG/GG (OR = 1.637, CI = 1.093-2.454) in a dominant model were associated with increased odds of response. TLR7 rs5741880 GT (OR = 0.161, CI = 0.046-0.566), combined GT/TT (OR = 0.371, CI = 0.159- 0.866) in a dominant model, and TLR3 rs3755290 GG (OR = 0.572, CI = 0.335-0.976) in a recessive model compared with GT/TT were associated with lower odds of response. No serious vaccine response, including anaphylaxis or shock, was reported by any recipient. With a symptom score ≥ 2, 26.1% were classified as adverse responders for TIV. IL-6 rs1818879 AG (OR = 1.833, CI = 1.14- 2.945) and combined AG/GG (OR = 1.778, CI = 1.108-2.854) were associated with a higher risk, while CCL1 rs2282691 AT (OR = 0.578, CI = 0.347-0.963) was associated with a lower risk of adverse response. All these effects of polymorphisms in relation to vaccination response are compatible with the current understanding regarding the role played by those genes in either the pathogenesis or immunological response to influenza infection. Conclusions: Our findings suggest the potential role of host genetic variation and identified genetic determinants that affect the immunological and adverse responses to seasonal influenza vaccination in humans. These findings may help to explain the great variability in protection achieved by influenza vaccination.published_or_final_versio

Endoscopic submucosal dissection vs laparoscopic colorectal resection for early colorectal epithelial neoplasia

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Health literacy issues in the care of Chinese American immigrants with diabetes: a qualitative study

Objectives. To investigate why first-generation Chinese immigrants with diabetes have difficulty obtaining, processing and understanding diabetes related information despite the existence of translated materials and translators. Design This qualitative study employed purposive sampling. Six focus groups and two individual interviews were conducted. Each group discussion lasted approximately 90 min and was guided by semistructured and open-ended questions. Setting. Data were collected in two community health centres and one elderly retirement village in Los Angeles, California. Participants 29 Chinese immigrants aged ≥45 years and diagnosed with type 2 diabetes for at least 1 year. Results. Eight key themes were found to potentially affect Chinese immigrants' capacity to obtain, communicate, process and understand diabetes related health information and consequently alter their decision making in self-care. Among the themes, three major categories emerged: cultural factors, structural barriers, and personal barriers. Conclusions. Findings highlight the importance of cultural sensitivity when working with first-generation Chinese immigrants with diabetes. Implications for health professionals, local community centres and other potential service providers are discussed.published_or_final_versio

Plasma adrenomedullin levels in chronic airflow obstruction in man

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Plasma adenomedullin levels in chronic airflow obstruction in man

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Relationship of genetic variants in gene encoding adrenomedullin with hypertension and dysglycaemia in Hong Kong Chinese

published_or_final_versionThe 15th Annual Research Conference of the Department of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, 16 January 2010. In Hong Kong Medical Journal, 2010, v. 16, suppl. 1, p. 50, abstract no. 8