bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clustering and dynamics of cytochrome bd‐I complexes in the Escherichia coli plasma membrane in vivo
Authors: Lenn Tchern , Leake Mark C. , Mullineaux Conrad W.
Published: October 2008

The cytochrome bd‐I complex of Escherichia coli is a respiratory terminal oxidase and an integral component of the cytoplasmic membrane. As with other respiratory components, the organization and dynamics of this complex in living membranes is unknown. We set out to visualize the distribution and dynamics of this complex in vivo. By exchanging cydB for cydB–gfpgcn4 on the E. coli chromosome, we produced a strain (YTL01) that expresses functional GFP‐tagged cytochrome bd‐I terminal oxidase complexes under wild‐type genetic control. We imaged live YTL01 cells using video‐rate epifluorescence and total internal reflection fluorescence (TIRF) microscopy in combination with fluorescence recovery after photobleaching (FRAP) and saw mobile spots of GFP fluorescence in plasma membranes. Numbers of GFP molecules per spot were quantified by step‐wise photobleaching giving a broad distribution with a mean of ∼76, indicating that cytochrome bd‐I is concentrated in mobile patches in the E. coli plasma membrane. We hypothesize that respiration occurs in mobile membrane patches which we call ‘respirazones’.
Non‐communicable diseases in low‐ and middle‐income countries: context, determinants and health policy
Authors: Miranda J. J. , Kinra S. , Casas J. P. , Davey Smith G. , Ebrahim S.
Published: October 2008

The rise of non‐communicable diseases and their impact in low‐ and middle‐income countries has gained increased attention in recent years. However, the explanation for this rise is mostly an extrapolation from the history of high‐income countries whose experience differed from the development processes affecting today’s low‐ and middle‐income countries. This review appraises these differences in context to gain a better understanding of the epidemic of non‐communicable diseases in low‐ and middle‐income countries. Theories of developmental and degenerative determinants of non‐communicable diseases are discussed to provide strong evidence for a causally informed approach to prevention. Health policies for non‐communicable diseases are considered in terms of interventions to reduce population risk and individual susceptibility and the research needs for low‐ and middle‐income countries are discussed. Finally, the need for health system reform to strengthen primary care is highlighted as a major policy to reduce the toll of this rising epidemic.
Effectiveness of an alcohol‐based hand hygiene programme in reducing nosocomial infections in the Urology Ward of Binh Dan Hospital, Vietnam
Authors: Nguyen Kim V. , Nguyen Phuong Tran My , Jones Stephanie L.
Published: October 2008

Objectives  To determine the effectiveness of hand hygiene in a developing healthcare setting in reducing nosocomial infections (NIs).

Method  Prospective study measuring NI rates in a urology ward in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, before and after implementation of a hand hygiene programme with an alcohol‐based decontaminant, and compliance rates of medical staff and carers with hand hygiene using standardised observation sheets.

Results  Incidence of NIs fell by 84%, from 13.1% to 2.1%, after implementation of the hand hygiene programme. Extended‐spectrum beta‐lactamase production was detected in 38.2%–50% of Enterobacteriaceae isolated from clinical samples. Length of patient stay and cost to the patient for antibiotics were reduced after implementation of the hand hygiene programme.

Conclusion  The hand hygiene programme was effective in reducing incidence of NIs, leading to shorter inpatient stays and reduced treatment costs. Such programmes with measurable outcomes can be implemented at minimal cost in developing health contexts and should be promoted in all healthcare settings.
Use of insecticide treated nets by pregnant women and associated factors in a pre‐dominantly rural population in northern Ethiopia
Authors: Belay Mebrahtom , Deressa Wakgari
Published: October 2008

Objective  To describe the use of insecticide treated nets (ITNs) among pregnant women and examine factors associated with its access and use.

Methods  Community‐based cross‐sectional study of 815 pregnant women in eight malarious kebeles in northern Ethiopia based on two‐stage cluster design from May to June 2006. Knowledge on malaria, its cause and preventive measures; treatment seeking behaviour; possession and use of ITNs by pregnant women and under‐five children were ascertained through interview and observation. Logistic regression was used to determine factors associated with ITNs use.

Results  Knowledge about the cause, transmission and preventive measures of malaria was relatively good; 90.2% of women associated malaria with mosquito bites and 94.2% with living near water ponds. Ten per cent reported malaria illness within the 14 days before the survey, and sought treatment mainly from public health facilities (56.5%) and community health workers (37.6%). Of 815 households surveyed, 59% owned at least one non‐long lasting or long‐lasting ITN (59.5% rural vs. 54.5% urban; P = 0.401). Lack of access to ITNs (68.3%) and the perception that nets could not prevent malaria (27%) were the main reasons for non‐ownership of nets. A total of 58.4% of 481 pregnant women from households owning at least one ITN had slept under it during the previous night. Fewer rural (56.7%) than urban women (76.2%) used ITNs (P = 0.001). In 57.6% of households with at least one ITN, under‐five children had used it the night before. Higher educational attainment was an important predictor of ITNs use (OR = 3.1, 95% CI = 2.1, 4.6).

Conclusions  Household ownership of ITNs and their use by pregnant women is promising with the current efforts to scale‐up ITNs implementation, but the gap between ownership and use remains high. Consistent and proper use of nets by pregnant women should be ensured through information campaigns. Rapid expansion of access to long lasting ITNs requires that government and NGOs supply them in adequate numbers.
HLA A, B, C and DR association with insulin‐dependent diabetes in Martinique
Authors: Valette I. , Monplaisir N. , Sorel G. , Ribal C. , Duon V. , Raffoux C.
Published: October 2008

HLA‐A,B,C, and DR frequencies have been determined in 34 Coloured Martinican IDDM patients to establish the HLA and IDDM associations. HLA A3, B15, B18, Cw3 and DR4 antigens associations with IDDM are confirmed by this study. We found an increase of B21 similar to that found in Asiatic Indians. As in some African Black populations and in Cape coloured people, A1, B8, and DR3 are not increased in our population. We should point out that our patients’ages of onset were low, and that some studies have found DR4 association in young patients and DR3 in older ones. The protective role of DR2 is confirmed here. B35 and Cw4 negative associations have been found. We have observed that the antigens associated with IDDM are decreased in our control population, except DR4, and that the negative associated DR2 and Cw4 antigens are increased compared to the Continental French population. This corresponds with the low IDDM incidence in Blacks and Coloured people.
Characterization of a new murine monoclonal antibody against human DP antigens
Authors: Hořwší V. , Chorváth B. , Poláková K. , Duraj J. , Sedlák J. , Karpatová M.
Published: October 2008

Murine hybridoma cell line BraFB6 was prepared producing monoclonal antibody reactive with an antigen identified as DP. This identification is based on the results of immunoprecipitation from radiolabeled cell lysates, competitive binding‐inhibition assay with a reference anti‐DP antibody B7/21, sequential immunoprecipitation and specific binding to the purified DP glycoprotein. In addition to this anti‐DP monoclonal antibody, two anti‐DR and two anti‐DR+DP monoclonals were obtained.
HLA‐A,B,C and DR antigens, GLO I and Bf marker profiles in 75 Cape Coloured patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)
Authors: Klemp P. , Du Tom E. D. , Isaacs S. , Mody G. M. , Oudshoorn M.
Published: October 2008

HLA‐A,B,C and DR antigens were tested in 75 Cape Coloured systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients, and the GLO I and Bf markers in 51. The patients with HLA‐DR2 had a relative risk significantly greater than one (p = 0.0005). Twenty‐two (29%) patients had only one detectable DR antigen. Of these, 11 (50%) were found to have DR2 only. The HLA‐DR7 antigen was associated with severe disease (p<0.02). Bf and GLO I markers were not associated with SLE.
Italian extended HLA haplotypes in Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia
Authors: Abbal M. , Belvedere M. Cuccia , Livieri C. , Paoli F. De , Martin M. , Severi F. , Cambon‐Thomsen A.
Published: October 2008

In order to complete the data on human 21‐Hydroxylase deficiency, we present a study on HLA markers in 35 Italian families (14 from Northern, eight from Central and 13 from Southern Italy) with one affected child. Three children from the issue of first cousin mamages were homozygous for the whole HLA haplotype. Extended haplotypes shared by unrelated patients were not found, and a total absence of the HLA Bw47 allele among the haplotypes carrying the disease as well as normal haplotypes was observed. The absence of A1 Cw7 B8 BfS C4AQO C4BI DR3 extended haplotype was instead confirmed. Allele frequencies in the different clinical forms were analyzed: BfSO7 allele frequency was significantly increased on haplotypes of the salt‐wasting form (p<0.01). We noticed two duplications (C4B 1–2) of C4B genes, on haplotypes involved in the disease. Allele distribution in the regions studied showed that Bw22 (w59 Cw3 and DR2 were characteristic of Northern patients, while B15 was found in patients from Central Italy.
DQ Wa gives rise to a DQβ restriction fragment pattern indistinguishable from that of the DQw3.2 sub‐type Of DQw3
Authors: Bushell A. , Wood K. J. , Morris P. J.
Published: October 2008

DQβ restriction fragment patterns have been obtained from five DRw8 cell lines hornozygous for the null DQ allele, DQWa. The enzymes Bg1 II, Barn HI and Pvu II generate DOβ patterns which are indistinguishable from those obtained from cell lines homozygous for DQw3.2.
Cellular localization of blood group antigens (including HLA markers) in human bladder urothelium
Authors: Gane P. , Ruttyn Y. , Rouger Ph. , Vallancien G. , Salmon C.
Published: October 2008

Expression of A, B, H, Lewis, I, i, HLA class I and class II antigens was studied on 81 urinary bladder samples. Striking variation in the expression of HLA class II and to a lesser extent of HLA class I determinants was observed. Expression of at least five distinct A (or B) determinants, the synthesis of which is controlled by H, A, B, secretor and Lewis genes, was demonstrated by using a panel of reagents directed against different A, B and H epitopes. These results suggest that evaluation of blood group changes during tumoral processes requires the precise determination of the specificity of reagents used and the knowledge of ABO, Lewis and secretor phenotypes for each patient. ABH and related antigens should now be regarded as tissue antigens with a complex genetic regulation and expression.
Different linkage disequilibria of HLA‐B27 subtypes and HLA‐C locus alleles
Authors: Breur‐Vriesendorp B. S. , De Waal L. P. , Ivanyi P.
Published: October 2008

Subtypes of HLA‐B27 have been identified by cellular, serological and biochemical techniques. Comparison of the various B27 subtype designations showed the existence of seven B27 subtypes. The new WHO nomenclature (1987) of the 827 subtypes is included. We further report on different linkage disequilibria (Id) of the B27 subtypes. In Caucasoids, the prevalent subtype B27.5 is in Ld with Cwl and Cw2, whereas B27.2 is linked only with Cw2. In Orientals, the most frequent subtypes B27.4 and B27.6 usually occur with Cw3 or Cw blank; B27.5 mostly occurs with Cw2, and B27.2 is almost absent.
Immune response to H‐2 class I antigens on platelets. II. Specific decrease of H‐2 class I‐specific antibody response induced by treatment with allogeneic platelets
Authors: Frangoulis B. , Chopin M. , Besluau D. , Degos L. , Pla M.
Published: October 2008

Mice pretreated with injections of allogeneic platelets were found to mount a decreased antibody response upon challenge by lymphocytes of the same donor strain. This decrease was mediated by platelets themselves, and not by leucocytes and red cells contaminating the platelet suspension. It affected specifically antibodies reactive with H‐2 class I antigens present on donor platelets. This phenomenon may be related to the lack of class II or some non‐H‐2 antigens on platelets, and/or to properties of their class I antigens (soluble molecules adsorbed from the plasma). These Findings emphasize the potential usefulness of purified platelet transfusions preceding organ transplantation in man.
HLA and hydatidiform mole. I. HLA and ABO antigen frequencies in couples with androgenetic and diandric conceptuses
Authors: Hansen H.E. , Vejerslev L. O. , Larsen S. Olesen , Gürtler H.
Published: October 2008

HLA and ABO antigen frequencies and mating rates were studied in couples with hydatidiform mole with known genomic origin. HLA‐A,B antigen frequencies among 60 patients and 59 spouses were not different from those found in the background population, neither in the subgroups regarded alone nor in the entire series. Although not significant, an excess of HLA‐DRw6 found in patients with androgenetic conceptions may be related to the anucleate ovi observed with androgenesis. The distribution of ABO blood groups was in accordance with that observed in the background population; however, an overall excess of AO matings was found.
A new specificity, SH7 (Bw75)*, defined by antisera produced by planned immunization
Authors: Zhao T. M. , Lee T. D. , Davey R. J. , Simonis T. , Lee G. , Miller W. V.
Published: October 2008

SH7 specificity was defined by a group of antisera developed in Shanghai, China by planned immunization. SH7 antibody is cross‐reactive with B5 and B15, as demonstrated by the serological reaction patterns obtained during planned immunization. Using 9th and 10th International Histocompatibility Workshop sera, we were able to confirm SH7, TS‐1 and BISKemp as identical specificities. They are equivalent to BW62S and B15Short‐Thai. In view of the cross‐reaction patterns obtained during planned immunization, SH7 appears to belong to the B5, B15, B35 and Bw70 cross‐reactive groups.
9a: risk factor in bone marrow transplantation?
Authors: Jager M. J. , Claas F. H. J. , Gratama J. W. , Lange P. de , Zwaan F. E. , Van Rood J. J.
Published: October 2008

Graft‐venus‐host disease is a severe complication which may occur even after bone marrow transplantation between HLA identical siblings. Minor transplantation antigens have been implicated as a causal factor. Therefore the influence of the monocytdgranulocyte antigen 9a on GvHD was studied. No influence on GvHD was observed, but absence of the 9a antigen in the donor was associated with an early death of the recipient.
Segregation of HLA‐DR, ‐DQ and ‐DP phenotypes and restriction fragment length polymorphic fragments in two recombinant families
Authors: Petersen C. Munck , Søsrensen I. Juncker , Hyldig‐Nielsen J. J. , Lamm L. U.
Published: October 2008

Members of two families were typed for HLA‐DR, ‐DQ and ‐DP specificities by means of sera and local PLT bulk reagents. One B:C and one DR:DP cross‐over were identified in both families. The restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) was analyzed by southern blotting and the use of DRβ, DRα, DQβ, DQα, DPβ and DPα probes. Previous observations concerning typical RFLP patterns for serological DR/DQ— and cellular DP‐specificities were confirmed. With respect to recombinant haplotypes, RFLP was informative in both families. All polymorphic fragments ‐ (DRB, DQA and B as well as DPA and B) ‐ segregated together in the HLA‐B:DR cross‐overs. In the DR:DP recombinant children, the DR and DQ fragments were separated from DP fragments, demonstrating that DP‐types as defined by PLT and RFLP map close together. No cross‐hybridization between the segregating fragments was detected with the various probes.
Definition of DRw10 specificity by restriction fragment length polymorphism
Authors: Semana G. , Bignon J. D. , Quillivic F. , Cheneau M. L. , Herniou E. , Muller J. Y. , Genetet B. , Fauchet R.
Published: October 2008

The purpose of this study was the RFLP characterization of the DRw10 specificity. Twenty‐two DRw10 cells were tested: the DNAs were digested by seven restriction enzymes and hybridized with DRβ, DQβ and DUα probes. Hybridizaton with DRβ revealed a pattern particular to the DRw10 specificity. with a specific Taql 12.5Kb fragment. Hybridization with both DQ‐specific probes showed that DRw10 is always associated with a special DOw1 subtype: DQw5. Furthermore. at DR and DQ levels, the 22 DRw10 cells behaved homogeneously.
Matchability in kidney transplantation
Authors: Gilks W. R. , Gore S. M. , Bradley B. A.
Published: October 2008

The matchablity of a patient awaiting kidney transplantation is his propensity for being ‘well‐matched’. We present two methods for estimating matchability. It is commonly supposed that phenotype frequency is a good predictor of matchability. We show a correlation of only 0.3 between matchability and phenotype frequency using the definition of ‘well‐matched’ used by the UK Transplant Service. We also show that ABO type and HLA homozygocity can affect matchability.
HLA and red blood group antigens in pregnancy disorders
Authors: Gerenčer M. , Singer Z. , Pfeifer S. , Tomaškovi M. , Humar I. , Mezuli V. , Kuvači I. , ŽEpi L. , Kaštelan A.
Published: October 2008

Total of 356 women with various types of pregnancy disorders as well as their husbands were classified in four groups regarding the type of the disorder as follows: 1. Recurrent spontaneous abortions (RSA) of unknown etiology (N = 105) and RSA ‐ primary aborters only (N = 84); 2. Blighted ovum (N = 80); 3. Rh immunization in pregnancy (N = 90); 4. ABO immunization in pregnancy (N = 47). Two groups of couples were used as controls: 1. Couples randomly taken from forensic medicine cases of paternity evaluation (N = 104); 2. Couples having two or more children with HLA immunization in pregnancy (N = 78). The couples from all groups were typed for red blood group antigens of ABO, Rhesus, MNSs, Kell, Duffy, Lewis, Kidd and P systems and also for HLA antigens. Significantly higher frequency of antigen HLA‐A9 was found in women with RSA (corr. p = 0.0003) and in women with pregnancy disorders caused by Rh immunization (corr. p = 0.0136). In couples with RSA the degree of HLA compatibility was significant (p = 0.0048) and the reactivity of spouses in MLR was significantly decreased (p = 0.0001). Significantly, more low responders in MLR were also found among the women with RSA as compared to the controls (p = 0.0217). Two possible pathologic mechanisms may explain the association between HLA antigens and RSA: 1. immunological defects which are linked to HLA‐D/DR region causing malfunction of immunosuppressive mechanisms during pregnancy; 2. endocrinological defect which is linked to HLA region as 21‐OH hydroxylase deficiency gene.
Extended HLA haplotypes in families with insulin‐dependent diabetes mellitus in Northern Finland
Authors: Ilonen J. , Surcel H.‐M. , Partanen J. , Koskimies S. , Knip M. , Käär M.‐L.
Published: October 2008

Haplotypes including HLA, Bf and C4 loci were analyzed in a material comprising 55 families with diabetic children. One hundred and ten haplotypes found in IDDM patients were compared with 101 haplotypes present only in healthy family members. Two complotypes, BfSC4A3B3 and SC4A0B1. were significantly more common (P <0.05) in the diabetic haplotypes, and these were in most cases found in haplotypic combinations with HLA‐B15,Dw4,DR4 and HLA‐B8.Dw3,DR3 genes, respectively. The B8/DR3 haplotype was better conserved, as 72% included the BfSC4A0B1 complotype as compared with only 35% of the B15/DR4 haplotypes with “high risk”C4A3B3 complement alleles (p <0.05). DR3 was found in 26% of the diabetic haplotypes and DR4 in 43%. DR4 associated with the Dw4 in 69% of cases and with Dw14 in 26% of the diabetic haplotypes. Our results confirm that the two phenotypes found earlier to be associated with IDDM in Northern Finland, e.g. “B15, BfS, C4A3B3, Dw4, DR4” and “B8, BfS, C4A0B1, Dw3, DR3” are inherited as haplotypes.
HLA‐DRβIII and HLA‐DP induce comparable proliferation in primary mixed lymphocyte culture
Authors: Schroeijrs W. E. M. , De Koster H. S. , Van Rood J. J. , Termijtelen A.
Published: October 2008

To study the stimulatory capacity of HLA‐DRβIII in the mixed lymphocyte culture (MLC) assay, an MLC matrix between 13 Dw 18 homozygous typing cells (HTCs) was analysed. Six of these HTCs were positive for the HLA‐DRβIII allele LB‐Ql as defined by T cell clones. Seven HTCs were positive for LB‐Q4. The MLC responses between Dw18 HTCs, matched for LB‐Q, were significantly lower than the responses between the mismatched combinations. Considering the fact that HLA‐DP can induce proliferation in MLC, we then analysed the DP matched and mismatched combinations separately. The influence of HLA‐DRβIII mismatches was in our experiments comparable to the influence of mismatches for HLA‐DP. Surprisingly, 15 out of 22 DRβIII and DP matched combinations still showed positive MLC reactions.
Lack of an association between carcinoma of the stomach and the major histocompatibility complex (HLA) in Cape Coloureds
Authors: Martell R. W. , Van Eeden P. J. , Madden M. V. , Du Torr E. D. , Dent D. M.
Published: October 2008

A possible genetic contribution to the high incidence of gastric carcinoma in the Cape Coloured population of the Western Cape region of South Africa was investigated. The HLA‐A, B, C, DR and DQ antigens were determined with a microcytotoxicity assay, and their frequencies compared in 124 individuals with gastric carcinoma and 4 560 controls. No significant difference was found, thus supporting the view that a genetic component has a minor, if any, role in gastric carcinogenesis.
Hydatidiform mole and HLA. II. Compatibility between patient and conceptus
Authors: Hansen H. E. , Vejerslev L. O. , Larsen S. Olesen
Published: October 2008

In 52 conceptuses with known genomic origin, the HLA types expressed on whole villi and/or stromal cell cultures were compared with the HLA types of the patients. No preference for either HLA compatibility or incompatibility was found for androgenetic and paternally derived triploid conceptuses as a whole. Heterozygous, androgenetic, conceptuses, however, showed a trend towards preferential incompatibility, which may be of importance for their apparent greater risk for tropho‐blastic tumour. HLA antibodies were found in 19.2% of the women, i.e. in the range reported for molar as well as non‐molar pregnancies. Non‐HLA antibodies reacting with lymphocytes of the spouse and/or cells from the conceptus were observed.
Nomenclature for factors of the HLA system, 1987
Authors: Albert E.
Published: October 2008

This article presents the decisions of the nomenclature committee on leukocyte antigens, which met in New York on November 21–23, 1987.
The significance of HLA studies in human‐human hybridomas
Authors: Shoenfeld Y. , Zamir R.
Published: October 2008

The technique of human‐human (H+H) hybridoma is employed to generate human monoclonal antibodies. However, in contrast to mouse hybridomas, the human counterpart is very difficult to establish. It is still unclear what the precise reasons are for the failure to establish the human‐human hybridoma technique as a routine. Analyses of HLA antigens of seven lymphocyte donors and 22 human cell lines generated by the H+H hybridoma technique have demonstrated the importance of the compatibility between human lymphocytes and the lymphoblastoid cell lines. Furthermore, there is a preferential expression of several HLA on human hybridomas (e.g. B51; B15; B18; B35). Screening several unrelated human lymphoblastoid cell lines available demonstrated preferred HLA antigens (A2, A3; A3031; B5; Bl8; B15; B4, despite the fact that these lines were derived from subjects of different ethnic origins. It seems that HLA typing of donor lymphocytes and lymphoblastoid cell lines may help to increase the yield of H+H hybridomas.
Association of HLA‐Bw61 with asthma in the Chinese
Authors: Wang W.‐X. , Yang S.‐Z. , Chui X.‐W. , Zhang H.‐L.
Published: October 2008

HLA‐A and ‐B typings were detected in 93 asthmatic and 98 normal subjects, all of them of Han nationality, in Shenyang. Antigen frequencies of HLA‐A9, A10, Bw61 and Bw62 were found to be much higher than those of normal controls, and ‐A3 much lower (p <0.05). However, after the p‐values were corrected, the significant difference was only existing in HLA‐Bw61 (pc < 0.01) with a relative risk of 6.6 (HLA frequencies were 0.2366 and 0.0408 in patient group and control, respectively). Our results indicate a sigmficant association between HLA‐Bw61 and the asthmatic patients of Han nationality in Shenyang area, North‐east China.
HLA antigens in IGA deficient paediatric patients
Authors: Klemola T. , Savilahti E. , Koskimies S. , Pelkonen P.
Published: October 2008

HLA antigens (A, B, C and DR loci) were studied in 62 IgA‐deficient (IgAd) paediatric patients: 17 with coeliac disease (CD), 13 with juvenile arthritis (JA), 27 with frequent respiratory tract infections (RTI) and five with other diseases. The frequencies of HLA antigens in IgAd patients were compared with those in healthy blood donors, and in CD and JA patients with normal serum IgA levels. The IgA deficiency in the patients showed significant associations with HLA A1, B8, B13, Cw6, DR3 and DR7 (P < 0.0005, P corr < 0.02 vs controls) and deneased frequencies of DR2 (P < 0.0005, P corr < 0.02 vs controls). The HLA associations typical of coeliac disease, increased frequencies of HLA‐B8 and DR3, were evident among the IgAd coeliacs; in contrast to the coeliacs with normal IgA levels, the IgAd coeliacs showed a significant increase of the HLA‐Cw6 allele (P < 0.0005, P corr < 0.02 vs control coeliacs). Increased frequencies of HLA‐A1, B8, B13, Cw6, DR3 and DR7 were noted in the patients with RTI, which can be explained by the frequent Occurrence of the haplotypes A1, B8, DR3 and B13, DR7, the latter haplotype often also having the Cw6 allele. Among the IgAd JA patients, the antigen frequencies were similar to those in the JA patients with normal serum immunoglobulins.
Characterization of class II alpha genes and DLA‐D region allelic associations in the dog
Authors: Sarmiento U. M. , Storb R. F.
Published: October 2008

Human major histocompatibility complex (HLA) cDNA probes were used to analyze the restriction hagment length polymorphism (RFLP) of the alpha genes of the DLA‐D region in dogs. Genomic DNA horn peripheral blood leucocytes of 23 unrelated DJA‐D homozygous dogs representing nine DLA‐D types (defined by mixed leucocyte reaction) was digested with restriction enzymes (BamHI, EcoRI, Hind III, Pvu II, Taq I, Rsa I, Msp I, Pst I and Bgl II), separated by agarose gel electrophoresis and transferred onto Biotrace membrane. The Southern blots were successively hybridized with radiolabelled HLA cDNA probes corresponding to DQ, DP, DZ and DR alpha genes. Clear evidence was obtained for the canine homologues of DO and DR alpha genes with simple bi‐ or tri‐allelic polymorphism, respectively. Evidence for a single, nonpolymorphic DP alpha gene was also obtained. However, the presence of a DZ alpha gene could not be clearly demonstrated in canine genomic DNA. This report extends our previous FWLP analysis documenting polymorphism of DLA class II beta genes in the same panel of homoygous typing cell dogs, and provides the basis for DLA‐D genotyping at a population level. This study also characterizes the RFLP‐defined preferential allelic associations across the DLA‐D region in nine different homozygous typing cell specificities.
Personal identification by HLA typing of cultured fibroblasts derived from cadaveric tissues
Authors: Ishitani A. , Iro N. , Nishi K. , Hirota T. , Tada M. , Wsayama Y. , Funatsuki Y. , And T. Inoue , Miyake T.
Published: October 2008

A method for HLA typing of cultured fibroblasts derived from abdominal skin was developed and applied for personal identification of a cadaver. Successful results were obtained using the conventional NIH HLA typing method for lymphocytes after a slight modification.
HLA antigen expression on cultured human arterial endothelial cells
Authors: Markus B. H. , Colson Y. L. , Fung J. J. , Zeevi A. , Duquesnoy R. J.
Published: October 2008

Flow cytometric analysis and cellular assays were used to determine constitutive and induced expression of class I HLA antigens and class II antigens encoded by the HLA‐DR, ‐DQ and ‐DP subregions on cultured human arterial endothelial cells (HAEC) derived from transplant donors. Class I but no or minimal quantities of class II HLA antigens were found on HAEC. Prior incubation of HAEC with γ‐IFN increased class I HLA antigen expression and induced class II HLA antigen expression on HAEC. The induced expression of HLA‐DQ was lower than that of HLA‐DR, but both were significantly reduced in comparison to the frequency of these antigens on EBV transformed lymphoblastoid cell lines derived from the same donor. In addition, supernatants from class I and class II alloreactive clones were shown to induce class II antigen expression on HAEC. By PLT analysis, it was shown that these antigens are functionally capable of generating a lymphocyte response. In this regard, HAEC have proved to be a helpful tool in designingin vitrolymphocyte‐endothelial cell studies.
HLA class II genes poIymorphism in DR4 giant cell arteritis patients
Authors: Bignon J. D. , Ferec C. , Barrier J. , Pennec Y. , Verlingue C. , Cheneau M. L. , Lucas V. , Muller J. Y. , Saleun J. P.
Published: October 2008

We have previously reported a significant increase of HLA‐DR4 antigen frequency in giant cell arteritis (GCA). This finding suggested an important role of immunogenetic factors in this syndrome. Recent data suggest that inherited susceptibility to several autoimmune diseases was associated with specific DR4 associated DQ β alleles. DNAs from 27 DR4 positive patients with GCA were digested with Taq I and Barn HI, analysed on 0.7% agarose gel and hybridized with DR β, DQ α and DQ β probes. DR β hybridization produced no variant detectable within DR4. DQ β probe confirmed two clusters among DR4 associated DQW3 alleles: DQW 3.1 (Bam HI 360 Kb) and DQw 3.2 (Taq I 1.9 Kb and Bam HI 11 Kb). Among our 27 DR4 positive patients, 34% were DQW 3.1 and 66% were DQW 3.2. These frequencies are the same as those observed in healthy controls.
A T cell clone defining a common DP/DR determinant in strong linkage disequilibrium with HLA‐A9
Authors: Magli M. C. , Abad M. J. , Balbas O. , Layrisse Z.
Published: October 2008

Clone F‐7 was generated by limiting dilution of lymphocytes stimulated by allogeneic PBL on MLC. Priming against the A23, Cw6, B45, DR7, DRw53, DQw2 haplotype was performed between two HLA haploidentical first degree relatives. The clone was tested for its ability to proliferate in response to a panel of 38 homozygous B lymphoblastoid cell lines plus three local T cell lines. It showed a pattern of reactivity corresponding to HLA‐A9 specificity (r= 1) and presented a concomitant cytotoxic activity. Phenotypically, this clone consisted entirely of CD4 cells, as determined by indirect immunofluorescence. Its reactivity was completely blocked by anti‐DR (GSP4.1, PL8, L243) and anti‐DP (B7/21, PL15) Mo‐Abs, whereas anti‐DQ (1A3, TU22) and anti‐class I (w6/32, BB7.7) Mo‐Abs and anti‐A9 antibodies did not inhibit its reactivity. These results may suggest that clone F‐7 could recognize a DP specificity sharing common determinants with DR, which occurs in linkage disequilibrium with HLA‐A9.
Identification of HLA‐DRw52 associated antigens using HLA class II allogenotyping
Authors: Savage D. A. , Bidwell J. L. , Cullen C. , Bidwell E. A. , Middleton D.
Published: October 2008

The HLA‐DR antigens DRw8, DRw11, DRw12, DRw13, DRw14 and DRw17 are strongly associated with the supertypic specificity DRw52. This association has been used to assist in assignment of serological specificity. However, difficulties in the identification of these antigens arise since they are serologically crossreactive. This report describes the application of restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) allogenotyping to assist in the positive identification of DRw8. DRw11, DRw12, DRw13, DRw14, DRw17, DRw52a and DRw52b, and in addition describes further subtypes defined by RFLP which correlate with DQ or Dw associations. We also describe a novel Tuq I/DRβ RFLP in a Caucasian family which types serologically as DRw12.
No evidence for sex ratio distortion in relation with feto‐maternal HLA‐DR compatibility
Authors: Clayton J. , Cambon‐Thomsen A. , Sevin A. , Thomsen M. , Ohayon E.
Published: October 2008

Two separate studies have shown a distortion in the sex ratio of first born children from HLA‐DR compatible parents (Ober et al. 1985, Radvany et al. 1987). Kil‐patrick (1987) was unable to confirm this distortion on an independent family data set. The question of the HLA‐DR related sex ratio distortion still remained open. In the data set, “Provinces Françaises” families from 15 French provinces and Quebec were tested for a number of genetic markers including HLA‐DR. In 1304 of these families, the HLA‐DR results and family structure information were sufficient to allow the testing of this hypothesis. There were 2265 male and 2156 female children (overall sex ratio: 1.05); 1307 males and 1237 females were HLA‐DK typed. In this group, the sex ratios are little different from those in the overall set, except for the firstborns which exhibit an apparent increase in the sex ratio. When dividing the sample between children fully HLA‐DR compatible with their mother and those incompatible (i.e. having one antigen not present in the mother), the sex ratios in the two groups are little different whatever the birth order. This analysis has failed to observe any significant distortion in the sex ratio related to feto‐maternal compatibility in agreement with the study of Kilpatrick. We conclude that, if such a distortion exists, it must be small.
HLA‐DP antigens provide the proliferative impetus for the generation of cytotoxic T lymphocytes
Authors: Buc M. , Porubsá S. , Bencova M. , Nyulassy Š. , ŠTefanovič J.
Published: October 2008

Investigating HLA‐A, ‐B, ‐C, ‐DR and ‐Dw antigens and MLR, CML, and PLT reactivity in two unrelated persons, it was found that, despite their HLA‐D/DR identity, cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) could be induced in the CML assay. The HLA‐DP antigens proved to provide the proliferative impetus for the generation of CTL.
DXα gene polymorphism in Graves’disease
Authors: Weetman A. P. , Roe C. , So A.
Published: October 2008

An HLA‐DXα gene polymorphism was analysed by Southern blotting in 49 British patients with Graves’disease and 61 control subjects. Two previously described allelic fragments of Taq I digested genomic DNA at 2.1 kb (U) and 1.9 kb (L) were found. The genotype frequencies for UU, UL and LL did not differ from the controls in Graves’disease, either for the whole groups or when subdivided into HLA‐DR3‐positive and‐negative subjects. There was a significant association of the U allele with HLA‐DR3 in both controls (P <0.05) and Graves’disease (P <0.025). The results indicate that DXα polymorphism is not primarily associated with Graves’disease. The findings differ from recent studies which showed that DXα polymorphisms may contribute to susceptibility in other DR3‐associated autoimmune diseases.
Molecular analysis of HLA‐DP specificities HLA‐DPw1, ‐DPw2 and ‐DPw4: DP beta chain heterogeneity correlates with PLT subtyping
Authors: Baas E. J. , Bontrop R. E. , Otting N. , Giphart M. J.
Published: October 2008

HLA‐DP molecules were isolated from Epstein‐Barr virus transformed B cell lines by immunoprecipitation with monoclonal antibody B7/21.2 and subsequently analysed by two‐dimensional gel electrophoresis. The results obtained demonstrate that the HLA‐DP molecules that can be isolated from cells positive for the HLA‐DP specificities HLA‐DPw1, ‐DPw2 and ‐DPw4 display DP beta chain isoelectric point differences, whereas no DP alpha chain polymorphism was observed. These results suggest that the PLT defined HLA‐DP specificities (HLA‐DPw1, ‐DPw2 and ‐DPw4) are probably DP beta chain structures.
Human MHC Class III (Bf, C2, C4) genes and GLO: their association with other HLA antigens and extended haplotypes in the Spanish population
Authors: Regueiro J. R. , Arnaiz‐Villena A.
Published: October 2008

C4 allotype frequencies and their combination with factor B and C2 alleles (complotypes) were studied in a sample of the Spanish population in relation to MHC class I, class II and GLO alleles. The shorter genetic distances found for C4 between Spaniards and North Africans and the high frequency of extended HLA haplotypes (GLO*2) HLA‐DR3 F1C30 HLA‐B18 HLA‐Cw5 (HLA‐A30) and HLA‐DR7 S1C21 HLA‐Bw50 HLA‐Cw6 are consistent with a paleo‐North African ethnic origin (about 20000 years B.C.) of a part of present Spaniards (Iberians), and with the effect of racial admixture during late Moslem invasions (from the 8th to the 15th century). The complotype null alleles C4A*QO and C4B*QO may be under natural selection pressure when found in cis position, since they are never in the same haplotype in families. The underestimation of these C4 null alleles’frequencies in unrelated individuals as compared to genotyped families is shown to be a very likely event and a serious hindrance for C4‐disease association studies. We have not found any C4 duplications in the Spanish population; this may be due to sample size limitations or to the degree of admixture of our population. Strikingly, no positive linkage disequilibrium between C4A and C4B alleles is detected in unrelated individuals nor in families, although strong associations are maintained among Bf, C2, C4, HLA‐A, HLA‐B, HLA‐C and HLA‐DR markers. Assuming that all MHC polymorphisms have reached equilibrium, several explanations are proposed, including the possibility of no, different or additional natural selection mechanisms operating on some MHC class III genes (Bf, C2, C4 alleles combinations for most appropriate C3 convertases), as compared to those affecting class I and class II gene clusters (most advantageous immune response genes sets).
The identification of allo‐and auto‐lymphocytotoxic antibodies in serum, in the presence of rabbit antithymocyte globulin
Authors: Martin S. , Brenchley P. E. , O'Donoghue D. J. , Dyer P. A. , Mallick N. P. , Johnson R. W. G.
Published: October 2008

An enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for rabbit immunoglobulin (Ig) was developed in order to investigate serum levels achieved by therapeutic doses of rabbit antithymocyte globulin (ATG) and their relationship to in vitro serum lymphocytotoxic activity. Twenty renal allograft recipients treated for acute steroid resistant rejection with ATG were studied, where possible, before, during and following their treatment with ATG. During therapy, peak serum levels of rabbit Ig were in the range 20–101μg/ml with one exception of 404μg/ml. After treatment, levels gradually declined to zero within 12 weeks. AH sera with lymphocytotoxic activity were absorbed with platelets and treated with dithiothreitol so that reactivity due to anti‐HLA antibodies and autoantibodies produced by the patient could be differentiated from each other and from serum ATG. Nine patients had detectable serum ATG associated with in vitro lymphocytotoxic activity. In two cases the lymphocytotoxicity was attributed solely to ATG; two had only anti‐HLA antibodies; in one patient the lymphocytotoxicity was due to a combination of ATG and anti‐HLA antibodies; two had autoantibodies; and for two, cytotoxicity was initially due to ATG and subsequently to the development of autoantibodies. The serum levels of ATG achieved during treatment could thus be quantified, and the important distinction between anti‐HLA antibodies, autoantibodies and ATG clearly made.
Association between HLA antigens and periodontal disease
Authors: Amer A. , Singh G. , Drke C. , Dolby A. E.
Published: October 2008

HLA‐A, B and DR antigen frequencies were determined in three groups of periodontally diagnosed subjects: 49 patients with rapidly progressive periodontitis, 40 elderly subjects with minimal disease (considered as a resistant group) and 30 young subjects with minimal disease. The relative risk for HLA‐A9 (previously reported to be associated with periodontal disease) was 15.5. HLA‐A9 was present in 36.7% of the patients and 2.5% of the resistant group. HLA‐A10 showed a significantly increased incidence in the resistant group (30.0%) compared to a non‐periodontally diagnosed control population (9.0%), and was absent from the patient group. These findings provide additional evidence for the involvement of HLA‐A9 in susceptibility to periodontitis, and suggest that A10 may play a role in resistance to the disease.
Absence of HLA linkage in a family with osteitis deformans (Paget's disease of bone)
Authors: Moore S. Breanndan , Hoffman D. L.
Published: October 2008

HLA genotyping was carried out on a two‐generation family with familial osteitis deformans. No evidence of major histocompatibility linkage of the disease could be demonstrated.
Association of HLA‐DRBr with HLA‐DQw3
Authors: Middleton D. , Savage D. A. , Bidwell J. L. , Cullen C. , Martin J.
Published: October 2008

The antigen HLA‐DRBr, previously associated with HLA‐DQw1, has been found by RFLP to be associated with HLA‐DQw3.
HLA‐DP in rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Pawelec G. , Reekers P. , Brackertz D. , Sansom D. , Schneider E. M. , Blaurock M. , Müller C. , Rehbein A. , Balko I. , Wernet P.
Published: October 2008

Frequencies of HLA‐DR, Dw and DPw specificities were compared between rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients, Felly's syndrome (FS) patients and normal controls. It was confirmed that the frequency of DR4 was increased in RA patients (54% (n = 111) vs 23% (n = 272), relative risk (RR) = 3.98, P <0.001). Cellular typing showed a highly significant increase in HLA‐Dw14 in the entire RA population (17% (n = 32) vs 2% (n = 242), RR = 11.90, P <0.001), and a tendency towards an increase of HLA‐Dw14 in DR4+ RA patients compared to DR4+ controls (28% (n = 32) vs 11% (n = 47), RR = 3.29, P <0.05). Regarding DPw specificities, the only significance was for a negative association with DPw3 (13% vs 22% (n = 254), RR = 0.51, P <0.05), with an additional tendential decrease of DPw1 (11% vs 19%, RR = 0.53, not significant (NS)). The decrease of DPw3 was more marked in DR4‐ RA patients (RR = 0.33, P <0.05) than in DR4+ RA patients (RR = 0.69, NS). In FS patients, 96% of whom were DR4+, decreased DPw1 was very marked, whereas the frequency of DPw3 was unaltered compared to DR4+ normals. These alterations in frequencies were not caused by linkage disequilibria between HLA‐DR and ‐DP alleles. Thus, taken together, these data suggest that, in the presence of the major DR4‐associated “susceptibility” gene(s) for RA, DPw1 may have “protective” effects, whereas in the absence of DR4, the presence of DPw3 has significant “protective” activity.
A cytotoxic human‐human hybridoma antibody (TrH6) specific for HLA‐DRw52
Authors: Kolstad A. , Hansen T. , Hannestad K.
Published: October 2008

TrH6 is a new human‐human hybridoma antibody (Ab) of IgM, lambda isotype. At concentrations of 17–5000 ng IgM/ml, TrHó killed twelve out of fourteen lymphoblastoid cell lines that expressed DRw52, but none of the nine DRw53 homozygous lines. Both DRw52+ cells (LUY, TAB) not killed by TrH6 were DR8+, suggesting that these lines express a structural variant of DRw52 linked to DR8. The murine cytotoxic DRw52‐specific mAb 7.3.19.1 (Koning et al. 1984) exhibited the same pattern of reactivity with DRw52+ cells as TrH6. However, unlike TrH6, 7.3.19.1 cross‐reacted weakly with two DR7+DRw53+ homozygous cell lines, suggesting that the TrH6 epitope has a more limited distribution. The reactions with a panel of cells with known deletions in the HLA‐region supported the conclusion that TrH6 is specific for DRw52. Further evidence was obtained in a competition RIA, where the murine mAbs L243 (anti‐DR monomorphic) and 7.3.19.1 (anti‐DRw52) inhibited binding of radiolabeled TrH6 to DRw52 homozygous cells. TrH6‐coated magnetic beads provided a simple rosette‐assay for typing of “buffy‐coat” leukocytes for the TrH6 epitope.
Study of HLA antigens in a population of Mali (West Africa)
Authors: Kalidi I. , Fofana Y. , Rahly A. A. , Bochu V. , Dehay C. , Gony J. , Hors J.
Published: October 2008

Eighty‐two healthy individuals have been typed for HLA‐A, B, C, antigens, and 49 of them also for HLA DR alleles. They were a sample representative of 11 of the 14 Malian ethnic groups living in the area of Bamako (Mali). Phenotypic frequencies have been compared to those of other Negroid and Caucasoid reference populations. As expected, in Negroids the increased frequency of HLA A23, A28, A30, and ATh was confirmed in the present series. Additionally, a significantly increased frequency of HLA B5 (B51 and Bw52) was noted ‐ already observed in some but not all Negroid populations. Conversely, a decreased frequency — compared with that usually found in Negroid population — was observed for the alleles Bw42, Bw58, Cw6, and DRw6. Our results underline the originality of the Malian population among Western Africans.
Distribution of HLA antigens in the native South Indian Tamil Hindus
Authors: Selvakumar A. , Damodaran C. , Sekharan P. Chandra
Published: October 2008

Blood samples from 240 unrelated healthy Tamil‐speaking South Indian Hindus residing in Madras (capital city of Tamil Nadu, India) were screened for HLA‐A and ‐B antigen profiles. Antigen, gene and haplotype frequencies were calculated and compared with the literature. Tamil Hindus lack A31, A32, Aw33, B16, B21 and Bw41. However, except for minor differences (low occurrence of Awl9 antigen), the South Indians show similarity to North Indian and other Indian groups. The data confirm once more that the haplotype A1‐B17 is characteristic of Indians.
HLA‐DR typing using restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) with one enzyme and two probes
Authors: Riisom K. , Sosrensen I. J. , Mosller B. , Kruse T. A. , Graugaard B. , Lamm L. U.
Published: October 2008

A panel of 43 homozygous and 36 heterozygous highly selected cells, representing the most common DR‐specificities, were investigated with the DNA hybridization technique. By using a single restriction enzyme, TaqI, and two probes, DRβ and DQα, it was possible to construct assignment criteria giving a reasonable definition of DR1, 3, 4, 5, 7 + w9, w8, w10 and w11. The criteria sometimes require that certain bands must not be present. Therefore, in certain genotypic combinations, the presence or absence of the particular specificity on one haplotype cannot be decided. This is a problem only for DR2 and DRw6, which for this reason cannot be assigned in about 1/3 to 1/4 of the cases. The association between RFLP assignment and serological assignment is not absolute, the correlation coefficients ranking from 0.62 to 1.0. In the case of false negative RFLP assignment, this may be due to genetic heterogeneity, as in the case of a DR2 individual who proved to be Dw12 and not Dw2 associated. It is often stated that interpretation of the RFLP pattern is particularly difficult in random or heterozygous individuals compared to proven homozygotes. This is not the case in the present study, where in fact correlation coefficients between RFLP and serologically determined DR specificities were higher in the heterozygotes (range 0.79–1.00).