Biochemical characterization of Sƒ9 Sp-family-like protein factors reveals interesting features

We earlier documented the involvement of novel Sp-family-like protein factors in transcription from the Autographa californica nucleopolyhedrovirus (AcNPV) polyhedrin (polh) gene promoter [Ramachandran et al. (2001) J. Biol. Chem. 276: 23440-23449]. These zinc-dependent Sp-like factors bind to two putative Sp-factor-binding motifs, present within the AcSp sequence upstream of the polh promoter, with very high affinity (Kd = 2.1 × 10-12M). Like other polh-promoter-associated host transcription factors, these Sp-like factors display tolerance to high ion concentrations up to even 3M NaCl. An electrophoretic mobility shift assay demonstrated a probable cross-talk between the Spodoptera frugiperda (Sƒ9) Sp-family-like proteins and the TFIID complex. In complementary experiments, specific replacements of the Sp-factor-binding motifs with TATA-like elements resulted in expression of a luciferase reporter gene to almost the same level as that obtained with a wild-type native construct. Our results point to the possibility of the involvement of TFIID and Sƒ9 Sp protein interaction in transcription from the baculovirus polyhedrin promoter

Active faulting, earthquakes, and restraining bend development near Kerman city in southeastern Iran

We provide descriptions of strike-slip and reverse faulting, active within the late Quaternary, in the vicinity of Kerman city in southeastern Iran. The faults accommodate north-south, right-lateral, shear between central Iran and the Dasht-e-Lut depression. The regions that we describe have been subject to numerous earthquakes in the historical and instrumental periods, and many of the faults that are documented in this paper constitute hazards for local populations, including the city of Kerman itself (population ~200,000). Faults to the north and east of Kerman are associated with the transfer of slip from the Gowk to the Kuh Banan right-lateral faults across a 40 km-wide restraining bend. Faults south and west of the city are associated with oblique slip on the Mahan and Jorjafk systems. The patterns of faulting observed along the Mahan-Jorjafk system, the Gowk-Kuh Banan system, and also the Rafsanjan-Rayen system further to the south, appear to preserve different stages in the development of these oblique-slip fault systems. We suggest that the faulting evolves through time. Topography is initially generated on oblique slip faults (as is seen on the Jorjafk fault). The shortening component then migrates to reverse faults situated away from the high topography whereas strike-slip continues to be accommodated in the high, mountainous, regions (as is seen, for example, on the Rafsanjan fault). The reverse faults may then link together and eventually evolve into new, through-going, strike-slip faults in a process that appears to be occurring, at present, in the bend between the Gowk and Kuh Banan faults. © 2010 Elsevier Ltd

Diagnostic impact of intracranial vessel wall MRI in 205 patients with ischemic stroke or TIA

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Secondary prevention of ischemic stroke depends on determining the cause of the initial ischemic event, but standard investigations often fail to identify a cause or identify multiple potential causes. The purpose of this study was to characterize the impact of intracranial vessel wall MR imaging on the etiologic classification of ischemic stroke. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a single-center, retrospective study of 205 consecutive patients who were referred for vessel wall MR imaging to clarify the etiology of an ischemic stroke or TIA. An expert panel classified stroke etiology before and after incorporating vessel wall MR imaging results using a modified Trial of Org 10172 in Acute Stroke Treatment system. We measured the proportion of patients with an altered etiologic classification after vessel wall MR imaging. RESULTS: The median age was 56 years (interquartile range = 44–67 years), and 51% (106/205) of patients were men. Vessel wall MR imaging altered the etiologic classification in 55% (112/205) of patients. The proportion of patients classified as having intracranial arteriopathy not otherwise specified decreased from 31% to 4% (64/205 versus 9/205; P < .001) and the proportion classified as having intracranial atherosclerotic disease increased from 23% to 57% (48/205 versus 116/205; P < .001). Conventional work-up classification as intracranial arteriopathy not otherwise specified was an independent predictor of vessel wall MR imaging impact (OR = 8.9; 95% CI, 3.0–27.2). The time between symptom onset and vessel wall MR imaging was not a predictor of impact. CONCLUSIONS: When vessel wall MR imaging is performed to clarify the etiology of a stroke or TIA, it frequently alters the etiologic classification. This is important because the etiologic classification is the basis for therapeutic decision-making

Endovascular suction thrombectomy for severe cerebral venous sinus thrombosis: A report of two cases

Cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST) is a severe clinical condition that manifests with diverse symptoms that can be mild, taking the form of a headache, or can be life-threatening, with raised intracranial pressure and herniation. Despite systemic anticoagulation treatment, CVST still carries a mortality risk of approximately 10% because of the failure of venous recanalization by anticoagulants alone. This paper describes two cases with extensive CVST who presented with progressive neurological deterioration despite adequate systemic anticoagulation treatment. Both patients were successfully treated with endovascular clot removal using suction thrombectomy techniques with immediate recanalization of the sinuses and rapid radiographic improvement. The described therapy appears effective and safe; however, further studies are needed to validate the effectiveness of this treatment