Porcine circovirus type 2 ORF4 protein binds heavy chain ferritin.

Porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) is the primary infectious agent of PCV-associated disease (PCVAD) in swine. ORF4 protein is a newly identified viral protein of PCV2 and is involved in virus-induced apoptosis. However, the molecular mechanisms of ORF4 protein regulation of apoptosis remain unclear, especially given there is no information regarding any cellular partners of the ORF4 protein. Here, we have utilized the yeast two-hybrid assay and identified four host proteins (FHC, SNRPN, COX8A and Lamin C) interacting with the ORF4 protein. Specially, FHC was chosen for further characterization due to its important role in apoptosis. GST pull-down, subcellular co-location and co-immunoprecipitation assays confirmed that the PCV2 ORF4 protein indeed interacted with the heavy-chain ferritin, which is an interesting clue that will allow us to determine the role of the ORF4 protein in apoptosis.

The Brazilian pension reforms under the neoliberal pressure / As reformas previdenciárias brasileiras sob a pressão neoliberal

Este artigo trata das reformas previdenciárias realizadas pelos governos FHC e Lula, com destaque para os argumentos utilizados, as mudanças efetivadas e para alguns dos resultados imediatos de sua implantação. Apesar dos ataques a direitos, as reformas não contemplaram o interesse maior das propostas neoliberais no campo previdenciário, isto é, a criação de um espaço para o desenvolvimento maciço do regime de capitalização. Contudo, do ponto de vista do conceito de Seguridade Social, as reformas praticamente esvaziaram seu conteúdo, o que constitui um grande retrocesso.

This article deals with the pension reforms done by FHC and Lula, highlighting the arguments used, the changes taken and some of the immediate results after implementation. Despite the attacks on rights, the reforms did not cover the largest interest of neoliberal pension reform, that is, creating a space for massive development of capitalization regime. However, under the concept of Social Security, the reforms virtually emptied its contents, which constitute a serious setback.

Chlamydia trachomatis Antibody in Fitz-Hugh-Curtis Syndrome / 대한진단검사의학회지

BACKGROUND: Fitz-Hugh-Curtis (FHC) syndrome is inflammation of the liver capsule associated with pelvic inflammatory disease. We measured Chlamydia trachomatis antibodies in 30 female patients with acute abdominal pain for diagnosis of FHC-syndrome, and the results were compared with other tests. METHODS: A dual-polymerase chain reaction was used for the detection of C. trachomatis in the cervix, and a micro-immunofluorescence test was performed to measure the antibody to C. trachomatis in serum. Cervical specimens were stained with Gram stain and cultured on chocolate agar for detection of Neisseria gonorrhoeae, and abdominal computed tomography (CT) and pelvic examinations were performed. RESULTS: Of the 30 patients examined, 19 were diagnosed as having FHC-syndromes and 11 abdominal pains without FHC-syndrome. C. trachomatis was detected from one of the five patients studied, and no N. gonorrhoeae was isolated from the patients with FHC-syndrome. High titers of IgG antibody (1:512-1:1,024) to C. trachomatis were demonstrated in all patients with FHC-syndrome. The CT scan revealed perihepatitis in 14 patients with FHC-syndrome. CONCLUSIONS: All patients with FHC-syndrome are associated with C. trachomatis infections, and a high titer of C. trachomatis antibody (IgG) is a very useful marker for FHC-syndrome.

A economia política da reforma macroeconômica no Brasil, 1995-2002 / The economic policy of macroeconomic reform in Brazil, 1995-2002

This article examines the successes and limits of the macroeconomic and fiscal reforms under the Fernando Henrique Cardoso Administration in Brazil. The author begins by studying factors that contributed to macroeconomic difficulties prior to 1995, then proceeds to examine how the Real Plan enabled the Cardoso Administration to control interference by State Governors in the national economy. The article then describes how former President Cardoso's policies generated the current ''fiscal straitjacket'' in Brazil, and concludes by discussing how the Cardoso government's legacy may continue to constrain action by future Brazilian Administrations.

Dans cet article, on examine les succès et les limites des réformes macroéconomiques et fiscales du gouvernement sous la présidence de Fernando Henrique Cardoso. On analyse d'abord les facteurs responsables des difficultés macroéconomiques avant 1995, ainsi que la façon dont le Plan Real a permis au gouvernement FHC de contrôler l'ingérence des exécutifs régionaux dans l'économie nationale. Ensuite on voit comment les politiques de président ont créé le ''carcan fiscal'' où se trouve actuellement le Brésil et montre que la gestion écoulée pourra restreindre l'action des gouvernements brésiliens à venir.