Molecular Characterization of the Ro/SS-A Autoantigens

AbstractMolecular techniques have recently revealed that there are several immunologically distinct Ro/SS-A antigens. Three genes encoding putative Ro/SS-A protein antigens with calculated masses of 46, 52, and 60 kD have been isolated. The encoded amino acid sequence of each is quite dissimilar. The 46-kD antigen is calreticulin (CR), a highly conserved calcium-binding protein that resides predominately in the endoplasmic reticulum where it may be involved in protein assembly. Although CR has recently been confirmed to be a new human rheumatic disease-associated autoantigen, its relationship to the other components of the Ro/SS-A ribonucleoprotein has become somewhat controversial owing predominately to the fact that recombinant forms of calreticulin have not displayed the same pattern of autoantibody reactivity possesse by the native form of this protein.The 52-kD antigen most likely resides in the nucleus and may be involved in the regulation of gene expression. The cellular location and function of the 60-kD antigen is uncertain but studies indicate that it is a RNA-binding protein.The 46- and 60-kD antigens share homology with foreign polypeptides, suggesting that an immune response initially directed against a foreign protein may give rise to the autoimmune response directed at cross-reacting self proteins

Interactive Explanations: The Functional Role of Gestural and Bodily Action for Explaining and Learning Scientific Concepts in Face-to-Face Arrangements

Thesis (Ph.D.)--University of Washington, 2013As human beings, we live in, live with, and live through our bodies. And because of this it is no wonder that our hands and bodies are in motion as we interact with others in our world. Hands and body move as we give directions to another, anticipate which way to turn the screwdriver, and direct our friend to come sit next to us. Gestures, indeed, fill our everyday lives. The purpose of this study is to investigate the functional role of the body in the parts of our lives where we teach and learn with another. This project is an investigation into, what I call, "interactive explanations". I explore how the hands and body work toward the joint achievement of explanation and learning in face-to-face arrangements. The study aims to uncover how the body participates in teaching and learning in and across events as it slides between the multiple, interdependent roles of (1) a communicative entity, (2) a tool for thinking, and (3) a resource to shape interaction. Understanding gestures functional roles as flexible and diverse better explains how the body participates in teaching and learning interactions. The study further aims to show that these roles and functions are dynamic and changeable based on the interests, goals and contingencies of participants' changing roles and aims in interactions, and within and across events. I employed the methodology of comparative microanalysis of pairs of videotaped conversations in which, first, experts in STEM fields (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) explained concepts to non-experts, and second, these non-experts re-explained the concept to other non-experts. The principle finding is that people strategically, creatively and collaboratively employ the hands and body as vital and flexible resources for the joint achievement of explanation and understanding. Findings further show that gestures used to explain complex STEM concepts travel across time with the non-expert into re-explanations of the concept. My analysis demonstrates that gestures and the body are complex, multi-functional resources that work toward cognitive, communicative, and interactional achievement and, as such, are viable resources for teaching and learning in face-to-face interaction

Parcours de soins des patients présentant un signe évocateur d'infection sexuellement transmissible (étude des déterminants à partir d'une enquête menée dans l'Hérault)

Depuis plusieurs années, les infections sexuellement transmissibles (IST) sont partout en recrudescence.En France, les médecins généralistes (MG), pourtant médecins de premier recours, ne semblent pas constater cette progression.L'objectif du travail est de déterminer le parcours de soins des patients porteurs de signes d'IST et d'en identifier les déterminants.Pendant l'été 2010, une enquête a été menée auprès de patients consultant pour suspicion d'IST dans l'Hérault.Un autoquestionnaire anonyme a été proposé par des MG volontaires, des spécialistes ciblés et des centres de dépistage.Le parcours de soins de ces patients n'étant pas connu à ce jour, la sélection des médecins participant à l'étude a été réalisée grâce aux données déclarées à l'In VS.73 questionnaires ont été collectés (13 lors de consultations chez le MG habituel, et 60 ailleurs).Pour un signe d'IST, les patients consulteraient en priorité et en majorité autant les MG que les spécialistes et une minorité se rendrait au CDAG.Les patients ne consultant pas leur MG recherchent surtout une compétence particulière, méconnaissant celle de leur MG.Ils expriment une volonté de discrétion et une gêne face à leur MG (suivi prolongé, médecin de famille,...).La gratuité des consultations en CDAG et la facilité d'accès à une stucture sont également prises en compte.De nombreux patients se fient aux conseils de leurs proches, mais un seul a fait son choix grâce aux connaissances acquises au cours de sa scolarité.L'information sur le rôle et les compétences du MG devrait donc être mieux diffusée auprès du public, les actions de prévention dans les établissements scolaires devraient être intensifiéesMONTPELLIER-BU Médecine UPM (341722108) / SudocMONTPELLIER-BU Médecine (341722104) / SudocSudocFranceF