bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Human β‐defensin‐3 structure motifs that are important in CXCR4 antagonism
Authors: Feng Zhimin , Dubyak George R. , Jia Xun , Lubkowski Jacek T. , Weinberg Aaron
Published: May 2013

Previously, we reported that human β‐defensin (hBD)‐3 can both antagonize CXCR4 function on T cells and promote receptor internalization in the absence of activation. In the present study, we explored the important structural elements of hBD‐3 that are involved in blocking CXCR4 activation by its natural ligand, stromal‐derived factor 1α (SDF‐1α; CXCL12). Results from site‐directed mutagenesis studies suggest that the ability of hBD‐3 to inhibit SDF‐1α–CXCR4 interaction, as assayed either by blocking SDF‐1 binding to CXCR4 or antagonizing SDF‐1‐induced Ca2+ mobilization, is correlated with the presence of hBD‐3 cysteine residues, specific surface‐distributed cationic residues, and the electrostatic properties and availability of both hBD‐3 termini. Specifically, hBD‐3 activity against CXCR4 is reduced by: (a) replacing all six cysteines; (b) replacing the cationic residues with acidic ones in the N‐terminus and C‐ terminus; (c) removal of the first 10 N‐terminal residues; and (d) replacing the surface‐exposed basic residues Lys8, Lys32 and Arg36 with neutral ones. The hBD‐3–CXCR4 interaction has potentially wide‐ranging implications for HIV‐related biology, as well as for a host of CXCR4‐dependent activities, including hematopoiesis, neurogenesis, angiogenesis, carcinogenesis, and immune cell trafficking. CXCR4 is highly expressed on T cells, monocytes, and epithelial cells. Therefore, understanding the structure–function relationship between hBD‐3 and CXCR4 that accounts for the antagonistic interaction between the two molecules may provide new insights into HIV/highly active antiretroviral therapy‐related pathology, as well as novel insights into the interaction between innate and adaptive immunity at mucosal sites.
Post‐release monitoring of site and group fidelity in acoustically tagged stocked fish
Authors: Pursche A. R. , Suthers I. M. , Taylor M. D.
Published: May 2013

Understanding post‐release dynamics of stocked fish is essential to successful stock enhancement. This study aimed to match existing life history knowledge to optimise productivity of releases of mulloway, Argyrosomus japonicus (Temminck & Schlegel) into an urban estuary. Passive acoustic telemetry was used to monitor the movement of juvenile mulloway in the Georges River, New South Wales, Australia, and assess the effect of release site and abiotic factors on broad‐scale movements of individuals for 26 weeks. This study found that release site primarily determines the location within the estuary where individuals reside. Water temperature, atmospheric pressure and rainfall did not correlate with fish distribution, although a flood drove fish stocked from upper and mid‐river sites down the estuary in February 2008. Fish gradually returned to these sites over the following 9 weeks. Emigration rates showed an initial downstream migration and an overall egression of ~50% of fish from the release site over 26 weeks. Fish released in this study showed a degree of site‐ and group‐fidelity, with fish distributing according to release site. It is recommended that future releases of mulloway are undertaken directly into nursery habitat in upper estuarine regions to minimise emigration and maximise efficiency of stocking programmes.
THE EVOLUTION AND DEVELOPMENT OF CULTURE
Authors: Laor Yuval , Jablonka Eva
Published: May 2013

In his thought‐provoking book, Alex Mesoudi argues for an evolutionary, unifying framework for the social sciences, which is based on the principles of Darwinian theory. Mesoudi maintains that cultural change can be illuminated by using the genotype‐phenotype distinction, and that it is sufficiently similar to biological change to warrant a theory of culture‐change based on evolutionary models. He describes examples of cultural microevolution, within‐population changes, and the biologically inspired population genetics models used to study them. He also shows that some aspects of large‐scale (macro‐evolutionary) cultural transformation can be studied by using ecological models and phylogenetic comparative techniques. We argue that although Mesoudi's evolution‐based perspective offers many useful insights, his ambition—the unification of the social sciences within a Darwinian framework through the use of the methods and models he describes—suffers from a major theoretical limitation. His reductive approach leads to overlooking culture as a system with emergent processes and features. Mesoudi therefore does not engage with any of the central past and present theories in sociology and anthropology for which the systems view of culture is central, and he does not analyze the emergent, high‐level properties of human cultural‐social systems. We suggest that a systems perspective, using some analogies and metaphors from developmental biology, can complement the evolutionary approach and is more in tune with a systems view of society. Such an approach, which stresses feedback and self‐sustaining interactions within social networks, and engages with the insights of sociological and anthropological theories, can contribute to the understanding of cultural systems by highlighting the evolution of processes of social cohesion, and by making use of the mathematical approaches of complexity theory.
The citizenship promise (un)fulfilled: The right to housing in informal settings
Authors: Davy Benjamin , Pellissery Sony
Published: May 2013

Informal settlements (often called ‘slums’) seem to defy the realisation of social rights. TheUN SpecialRapporteurs, in their reports, present informal dwellers mostly as the victims of human rights violations. Informal dwellers are not merely victims, however; they also produce non‐state welfare through economic and social practices on the margins. Considering the human right to housing (as promise of social citizenship) and informal settlements, we discuss the ‘everyday social contract of informality’ that frames the production of non‐state welfare in densely populated urban areas in the global South. Planning theorists, by introducing ‘insurgent citizenship’, examine the potential of bottom‐up initiatives that claim the ‘right to the city’. Insurgent citizenship focuses on the enjoyment dimension of human rights. In this vein, we suggest that human rights cannot be implemented in informal settings without full consideration to the spatiality and sociality of non‐state welfare.
Early prosthetic hip joint infection treated with debridement, prosthesis retention and biofilm‐active antibiotics: functional outcomes, quality of life and complications
Authors: Aboltins C. , Dowsey M. M. , Peel T. , Lim W. K. , Parikh S. , Stanley P. , Choong P. F.
Published: May 2013

Background

Patients treated for early prosthetic joint infection (PJI) with surgical debridement, prosthesis retention and biofilm‐active antibiotics, such as rifampicin or fluoroquinolones have a rate of successful infection eradication that is similar to patients treated with the traditional approach of prosthesis exchange. It is therefore important to consider other outcomes after PJI treatment that may influence management decisions, such as function, quality of life (QOL) and treatment‐associated complications.

Aims: 

To describe rates of successful treatment for patients with PJI undergoing surgical debridement, prosthesis retention and biofilm‐active antibiotics and compare their functional outcomes, QOL and complication rates to patients without PJI.

Methods: 

Nineteen patients treated for PJI after hip arthroplasty with debridement, prosthesis retention and biofilm‐active antibiotics were matched to 76 controls who underwent hip arthroplasty with no infection.

Results: 

Cumulative survival free from treatment failure at 2 years was 88% (95% confidence interval, 59–97%). PJI cases had significant improvement from pre‐arthroplasty to 12‐months post‐arthroplasty in function according to Harris Hip Score and QOL according to the 12‐item Short Form Health Survey Physical Component Summary. There was no significant difference in the improvement between controls and cases. PJI was not a risk factor for poor function or QOL. Medical complications occurred more frequently in cases (6/19 (32%)) than controls (9/76 (12%); P = 0.04), with this difference being accounted for by drug reactions. Surgical complications were the same in the two groups.

Conclusions

Treatment of PJI with debridement, prosthesis retention and biofilm‐active antibiotics is successful, well tolerated and results in significant improvements in function and QOL, which are similar to patients without PJI.
Analysis of the latest Austroads guidelines for fitness to drive as promulgated in March 2012
Authors: Beran R. G.
Published: May 2013

After 9 years, Austroads has published new guidelines for fitness to drive. The guidelines have a preamble, which includes a legal disclaimer denying any culpability for those who designed the guidelines. They also warn of the legal responsibility for health professionals to satisfy their obligations, the need to be current with both relevant medical and legal expectations and if in doubt to seek guidance from Medical Defence Organisations. The guidelines are divided into Parts A and B, with A providing broad overview and background information while B deals with specific entities, such as blackouts, epilepsy or sleep disorders. This paper examines the guidelines and offers an appraisal of their content, their relevance to health practitioners and an assessment of their role in assisting to improve road safety.
Association of doxycycline use with the development of gastroenteritis, irritable bowel syndrome and inflammatory bowel disease in Australians deployed abroad
Authors: Lee T. W. , Russell L. , Deng M. , Gibson P. R.
Published: May 2013

Background

The risks are unknown for developing chronic gastrointestinal illness when personnel are relocated short term to other countries and when taking antibiotic prophylaxis in areas where malaria is endemic.

Aim

To examine the associations of deployment to developed or developing countries and exposure to doxycycline with the new onset of acute gastroenteritis, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

Methods

A cross‐sectional web‐based survey of all current and past members of the Australian Federal Police Association was undertaken. Independent predictors of gastrointestinal illness were examined by logistic regression analysis relative to those not deployed without exposure to doxycycline.

Results

Of 1300 respondents (response rate 34%), 133 were excluded due to pre‐existing chronic gastrointestinal illness. Five hundred and ninety had episodes of overseas deployment for a median duration of 6.5 (range 0.1–149) months. Eighteen (3%) of those not deployed took doxycycline compared with 171 (30%) of those deployed. The risk of acute gastroenteritis was associated with deployment itself without clear association with doxycycline. Doxycycline exposure was associated with increased onset of IBS in those deployed to developing (odds ratio [OR], 6.99; 95% confidence interval [CI], 3.19–15.31) and developed country (OR, 6.93; 95% CI, 1.40–34.39). New onset of IBD (1.5%) was associated with deployment to developed countries and with doxycycline exposure (OR, 8.75; 95% CI, 1.67–45.86)).

Conclusions

The use of doxycycline is a risk factor for developing IBS and possibly IBD when deployed to developing and developed countries respectively. Doxycycline as a risk factor for chronic gastrointestinal illness warrants a prospective large‐scale study.
Association between deliberate self‐harm‐related Internet searches and the mental states and lifetime suicidal behaviors of Japanese young adults
Authors: Sueki Hajime
Published: May 2013

This study aimed to clarify the association between the experience of searching for deliberate self‐harm (DSH)‐related Internet content and the mental states and lifetime suicidal behaviors of Japanese young adults (n = 1000) using an online questionnaire. The results were assessed using χ2 and t‐tests, which revealed that the experience of DSH‐related Internet searches may be significantly associated with lifetime suicidal behaviors (including DSH), suicidal ideation, and tendencies towards depression/anxiety. We discussed the possibility of using search engines to increase the motivation of Japanese young adults who deliberately harmed themselves with regard to seeking help.
Early psychological distress among sufferers after the 2011 Northern Nagano Prefecture Earthquake
Authors: Shindo Masanobu , Kitamura Hideaki , Tachibana Akira , Honma Hiroko , Someya Toshiyuki
Published: May 2013

We surveyed 3078 sufferers in Tsunan (Niigata), an intermediate and mountainous area of Japan, after the 2011 Northern Nagano Prefecture Earthquake. More subjects reported fear of the earthquake or related anxiety symptoms and insomnia in Tsunan than in the control group. Female sex and older age were found to be risk factors for poor psychological outcome. Those with risk factors should be carefully followed up.
Clinical evaluation of percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy tube feeding in Japanese patients with dementia
Authors: Kumagai Ryo , Kubokura Masakazu , Sano Akari , Shinomiya Mari , Ohta Shujiro , Ishibiki Yoshiro , Narumi Kenji , Aiba Miyoji , Ichimiya Yosuke
Published: May 2013

Aim:  The aim of this study was to clinically evaluate percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) tube feeding of elderly Japanese patients with dementia.

Method:  The records of the 155 patients with dementia who underwent PEG in Juntendo Tokyo Koto Geriatric Medical Center were reviewed for pertinent clinical data, including diagnosis of dementia, place of stay before and after hospitalization, as well as survival rate, albumin levels, and incidence of aspiration pneumonia (AP) before and 6 months after PEG feeding. The latter three data of these patients were compared with those of 106 patients with dementia fed through a nasogastric (NG) tube.

Results:  Alzheimer's disease and vascular dementia were predominant. Fifty‐three percent of the patients were admitted from their home; the number of discharges to homes decreased to 21.2%. The mean (SD) of the albumin levels was 2.9 (0.4) g/dl before feeding and 2.9 (0.6) g/dl after 6 months. Among the patients with AP before PEG tube feeding, 51.6% had an AP recurrence. Conversely, AP occurred in 9.4% of the patients without AP before feeding. The patient survival rate was higher by 27 months when using PEG tube than when using an NG tube.

Conclusion:  PEG tube feeding in patients with dementia leads to preservation of status for a few years. Compared with NG tube feeding, PEG tube feeding did not induce AP due to impairment of intact swallowing function, and was associated with higher survival rate of approximately 2 years. However, PEG tube feeding does not seem to promote home medical care.
The Interfering Effect of Human IgG Antisperm Antibodies on Human Sperm Penetration of Zona‐Free Hamster Eggs*
Authors: HAAS GILBERT G. , SOKOLOSKI JOSEPH E. , WOLF DON P.
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACT: A liquid‐phase radioimmunoassay was used to quantitate sperm‐associated IgG in a population of patients with unexplained infertility. Plasma IgG antisperm antibody activity was identified in a subpopulation of these patients. Using the human sperm/hamster egg assay, a unique functional test of human sperm penetrating capacity, we identified a subset of these positive patients whose plasma significantly and reproducibly inhibited penetration. This study implies that antigen‐antibody reactions may prevent sperm responses that are critical to sperm‐egg fusion.
Studies on Local Immunity to Sperm—Dissolving of Cervical Mucus by Use of Bromelin With Retention of Antibody Activity*
Authors: SHULMAN SIDNEY , GRAY BEATRICE ANNE , STEVENS LORRAINE
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACT: The complete dissolving of human cervical mucus was achieved with bromelin. The adequacy and the mildness of this procedure were studied by making both solutions and simple extracts of a number of mucus samples. Both types of preparation were tested for sperm antibody by our methods of agglutination and immobilization. The comparisons showed a high degree of concurrence between these two types, with the bromelin solutions showing positive results more often than the extracts. Other control tests showed that addition of bromelin did not perturb the antibody testing of positive and negative sera. We concluded that addition of bromelin, in a 1/3 volume, gives a quick, thorough, and undamaged solution of cervical mucus, on which sperm antibody tests can be done with ease and reliability.
Antigens of the Human Syncytiotrophoblast Microvillus Plasma Membrane*
Authors: JOHNSON PETER M. , OGBIMI ANTHONY O. , BROWN PETER J. , SHAH LAXMI C. P.
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACT: Further data are presented on the isolation and biochemical analysis of syncytiotrophoblast microvillus plasma membrane preparations from normal full‐term human placentas. No evidence has been obtained that IgG associated with these membranes is maternal antibody to trophoblast antigen. An oncotrophoblast plasma membrane antigen was previously identified by immunofluorescence, and an indirect radioisotopic antibody assay has now been used to confirm the detection of a cell surface antigen common to breast carcinoma cells and normal trophoblast. The relation of trophoblast plasma membrane antigens to possible maternal immunization in pregnancy is discussed.
Genetic Regulation of Antibody Response to Sheep Red Blood Cells: Isoelectric Focusing Analysis of Sera of Well Responding Strain A/J and Poorly Responding Strain B10 Mice
Authors: ŘÍHOVÁ B. , ŘÍHA I.
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACT: Isoelectric focusing (IEF) on a thin layer of polyacrylamide gel revealed that strain A/J produces antibodies with pI values distributed over the whole assayed pH range (pH 5.05–7.75), while strain B10 produces antibodies of a limited heterogeneity with pI values distributed between pH 6.3 and 7.5. The analysis of sera of congenic resistant (CR) and recombinant strains showed that haplotype H‐2a is associated with wide‐heterogeneity antibodies, while the presence of haplotype H‐2b is associated with the occurrence of limited‐heterogeneity antibodies. Thus a gene located within the I region of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) may affect the degree of heterogeneity of the anti‐sheep red blood cell (SRBC) response. The gene is transmitted to the F1 generation as a dominant trait.

After administration of endotoxin (LPS LT2, 10 μg/mouse) to the B10 mice, antibodies with pI values below pH 6.3 and above 7.5 appear in the serum; the heterogeneity of these antibodies resembles that of the A/J strain spectrotype.
Important Role of the Carrier in the Induction of Antibody Response Without Freund's Complete Adjuvant Against a “Self” Peptide Luteinizing Hormone‐Releasing Hormone (LHRH)*
Authors: SHASTRI N. , MANHAR S. K. , TALWAR G. P.
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACT: Antibody response to the decapeptide luteinizing hormone‐releasing hormone (LHRH) was induced in mice without use of Freund's complete adjuvant. The conventionally employed conjugates of LHRH with bovine serum albumin were poor immunogens and required potent adjuvants. In contrast, LHRH linked covalently to tetanus toxoid or keyhole limpet hemocyanin‐generated antibodies with alum as adjuvant. Methods are described for preparation of LHRH conjugates with these carrier proteins with defined molar composition.
Cervicitis and Infertility
Authors: KOSKIMIES A.I. , PAAVONEN J. , MEYER B. , KAJANOJA P.
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACT: The cervical factor was evaluated in 52 infertile women with clinical signs of cervicitis. An abnormal postcoital test (PCT) was observed in 62% of the patients. Bacterial cultures from the cervix in these patients did not reveal any abnormal flora that could be held responsible for the abnormal PCT. The occurrence of Chlamydia trachomatis in four patients was comparable with the isolation rate in a general gynecologic out‐patient clientele. Increased levels of antichlamydial antibodies did not correlate with the result of PCT.

On the other hand, 81% of the patients had colposcopically observed abnormalities, including an atypical transformation zone in 21%. Colposcopically directed biopsy specimens revealed severe inflammatory changes in 89% of the patients. Cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) grade 1 (mild dysplasia) was diagnosed in 11 (21%) patients. Treatment with cryocautery and tetracycline resulted in significant improvement in the result of PCT in 38% of the patients. The results indicate that cervical inflammatory disease in women with unexplained infertility must be carefully and extensively evaluated and treated, which often results in better outcome of the PCT.
The Effect of Gonadectomy on the Sex‐Related Expression of Autoimmune Thyroiditis in Thymectomized and Irradiated Rats
Authors: PENHALE W.J. , AHMED S. ANSAR
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACT: Female rats of the PVG/c strain were found to be approximately four times more susceptible than males to the induction of autoimmune thyroiditis by thymectomy and irradiation (Tx‐X) (female vs male incidence, 60%:14%). Similarly, the severity of the lesion was generally greater in females than males. Female Tx‐X rats also had a significantly higher incidence of antibodies to thyro‐globulin than males (incidence, 67%:24%, respectively) and developed higher titers.

Prepubertal orchiectomy had a profound influence on both the severity and incidence of thyroiditis. Orchiectomized Tx‐X males were found to have changes approximating those of Tx‐X females (72%:60%, respectively). A corresponding influence was also noted on the incidence and titer of antibodies to thyroglobulin (incidence, 78%:67%, respectively). Postpubertal orchiectomy similarly intensified the incidence and severity of the disease.

Ovariectomy also caused a slight but significant increase in autoimmune thyroiditis as compared to entire Tx‐X females (78%:60%, respectively).

Sham‐gonadectomized control rats did not differ in overall susceptibility from entire Tx‐X rats.

These observations indicate that the incidence and extent of autoimmunity induced in this particular model are modulated by sex steroid hormone production rather than by sex‐linked gene(s) directly determining susceptibility. It is also apparent that this influence is not exerted through the thymus gland.
Placental Alkaline Phosphatase Is a Major Specificity in Antisera Raised to Human Trophoblast Membranes*
Authors: KANTOR RAPHE R.S. , GALBRAITH ROBERT M. , EMERSON DAVID L. , GALBRAITH GILLIAN M.P.
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACT: The antigens recognized by heteroantisera raised to human trophoblast membrane were studied on a variety of normal tissues and certain neoplastic cell lines, both by immunohistological and immunoprecipitation techniques. Native antisera reacted with all tissues examined, but after absorption with normal human serum and lyophilized normal liver, reactivity with normal tissues was restricted to the trophoblast membrane, endocervix, and mitogen‐ and antigen‐stimulated lymphocytes. Several membrane components were precipitated from trophoblast and activated lymphocytes by native antisera, whereas after absorption a single radioactive peak of MW 62,000 was obtained. HeLa, Chang, AV3, and HEp‐2 cell lines were also positive by immunofluorescence with the absorbed antisera, and a single molecular species was again precipitated. Additional enzymatic studies both of immunoprecipitated material and of the tissue of origin provided evidence that this species was the placental isoenzyme of alkaline phosphatase. These results indicate that the major specificity in absorbed trophoblast antisera is the heat‐stable placental isoenzyme of alkaline phosphatase. Furthermore, since similar material appears to be present on other normal and transformed tissues, this isoenzyme may not therefore, despite previous claims, be truly trophoblast‐specific.
Cross‐Reactivity of Sperm and T Lymphocyte Antigens*
Authors: MATHUR SUBBI , GOUST JEAN‐MICHEL , WILLIAMSON H. OLIVER , FUDENBERG H. HUGH
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACT: Evidence is presented for cross‐reactivity between antigens on human sperm and T lymphocytes. In 25 infertile couples in which both the males and females had significant antisperm immunity, antibody (Ab) titers to thymocytes (mean ± S.E.M. 159 ±4 and 72 ± 14, respectively, in males and females), T cell lines CCRF‐CEM (69±5 and 48±8) and HSB‐2 (56±15) and 41±8), suppressorenriched (TG) cells (26±6 and 66±28) and helper‐enriched (Tg—) cells (26±4 and 46±14) were significantly elevated, as compared wth Ab titers in 45 normal males and 45 normal females without antisperm immunity. Antibody titers to adult B cells, B cell line RAJI, and granulocytes were similar in the two groups. Antisperm Ab titers in sera, sperm extracts, and seminal plasma of the infertile subjects were significantly reduced after absorption with sperm, thymocytes, or T cell line CCRF‐CEM but not with the B cell line RAJI. Antithymocyte Ab titers in the sera were significantly reduced (p < 0.001) after absorption with thymocytes, CCRF‐CEM, or sperm, but not RAJI. Lymphocytes from the infertile patients, when stimulated with pokeweed mitogen in vitro, produced antisperm and anti‐T‐lymphocyte antibodies at significantly higher titers than normal controls.
Studies on the In Vitro Culture of Murine Fetal Thymus: Effect of Factors Promoting Epithelial Growth*
Authors: GARLAND J. M. , DEXTER T. M.
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACT: Fourteen‐day fetal thymus was grown in organ culture under conditions reportedly optimizing epidermal/epithelial cell growth. While the fibroblastoid component is stimulated by epidermal growth factor and fibroblastoid growth factor, embryonic thymic epithelial cells do not grow significantly under any conditions, although they persist in organ explants. The major cell types cultured are fibroblastoid and macrophage. In organ explant cultures, epithelial cells appear to be oriented by the presence of a cell coat demonstrated by electron microscopy. This coat is absent from certain ciliated cells consistently found in deeper regions of the explant. Using amniotic fluid as a growth factor, almost pure cultures of thymic macrophages can be obtained.
Cell‐Mediated Immune Response of the Mammary Gland in Guinea Pigs. I. Effect of Antigen Injection Into the Vaccinated and Unvaccinated Glands*
Authors: TARGOWSKI STANISLAW P. , NONNECKE BRIAN J.
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACT: The leukocytic response of the mammary gland in the locally vaccinated guinea pigs to challenge with specific antigen during lactation was investigated. The response was measured by enumerating cells in milk collected at various times prior to and following antigenic challenge. A significant leukocytosis was observed in milk from vaccinated animals. The maximum cellular response by vaccinated animals was observed at 16 h to 30 h after challenge. The majority of leukocytes collected at that time did not form EA rosettes. Differential cell counts showed that the polymorphonuclear leukocytes were the major cell type until 30 h postchallenge while the mononuclear leukocytes predominated later. The delayed cellular response to challenge and the predominancy of leukocyte type at various times after challenge are discussed. It is proposed that the leukocyte response of the mammary glands in vaccinated animals was a cell‐mediated immune reaction.
Effect of Plasma Exchange and Immunosuppression on Rh0(D), Viral, and Bacterial Antibody Titers in Rhlmmunized Women*
Authors: SCOTT JAMES R. , ANSTALL HAROLD B. , ROTE NEAL S. , KOCHENOUR NEIL K. , BEESON JAMES H.
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACT: Pharmacologic immunosuppression and plasmapheresis have both been advocated as adjunctive methods of treatment for Rh immunization, but a combined regimen of the two has not been attempted. We treated four nonpregnant, severely Rh‐sensitized female volunteers with intensive plasma exchange and either promethazine 150 mg or prednisone 60 mg per day in an attempt to remove circulating anti‐Rho(D) and prevent further synthesis of the antibody. Each patient received three or four exchanges. The Rho(D) antibody titer decreased by at least one dilution immediately following 11 of 14 plasma exchanges and was ultimately lowered at least two dilutions in all patients. In one case the titer was reduced from 1:512 to 1:16, and a low titer was maintained for the duration of treatment. However, this regimen could increase the risk of infection for a mother and/or infant, as evidenced by the concomitant lowering of viral and bacterial antibody titers in these women.
Ovum Factor: A First Signal of Pregnancy?
Authors: CAVANAGH ALICE C. , MORTON HALLE , ROLFE BARBARA E. , GIDLEY‐BAIRD A. ANGUS
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACT: Previous studies have shown that, in the mouse, a factor is produced by the fertilized ovum within 24 h of mating. It cooperates with prolactin to stimulate ovarian production of component B of early pregnancy factor (EPF). This paper presents an initial characterization of the substance, termed ovum facor (OF).

An indirect assay based on the rosette inhibition test for EPF has shown that OF is first released upon penetration of the ovum by the fertilizing spermatozoon. OF continues to be produced at least until blastulation. Processes which parthenogenetically activate the ovum are also capable of stimulating OF release from unfertilized ova. Gel filtration studies reveal that OF exists in multiple MW forms of approximately 160,000; 2,800; and 1,500.

A substance with these characteristics has not been described previously; it may represent the first embryonic signal to the mother.
Lymphocyte Cytotoxicity Assay for Predicting Preterm Delivery of Small for Date Babies
Authors: SZEKERES‐BARTHO JULIA , CSERNUS V. , HADNAGY J. , PACSA A.S.
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACT: Cytotoxic activity of lymphocytes, obtained from 84 pregnant women was tested, using human embryonic fibroblast cells as target cells. Lymphocytes of 8 women who delivered small for date babies before term and those of 3 women who had spontaneous abortions were significantly more cytotoxic (p < 0.001) than lymphocytes of women who delivered small for date babies at term, appropriately grown babies before term, or appropriately grown babies at term.

Data suggest that a higher level of in vitro lymphocyte cytotoxic activity of pregnant women forecasts either the preterm delivery of small for date babies or the occurrence of spontaneous abortions.
Lymphocyte Cyclic AMP Levels Antepartum and Postpartum as an Indirect Assessment of the Immune System During Pregnancy
Authors: GUSDON JOHN P. , BIDDULPH DAVID M. , HERBST GLENN A. , MATTHEWS LINDA , QUINN KATHY
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACT: The literature dealing with the immunological state of the pregnant woman has been conflicting. The concentrations and activity of a number of hormones and proteins which modify lymphocytic activity have been measured both in vivo and in vitro during pregnancy. Most of the differences between reported studies can be reconciled to technical or experimental variations. In some instances, the purported suppressive effects of embryonic proteins such as HCG have actually been caused by the impurity of the preparation studied. We have attempted to approach the question of whether or not the pregnant woman is immunosuppressed by studying a regulatory material in the lymphocytes. It is known that cAMP is a mirror of lymphocytic activity and that low levels of cAMP may indicate a high degree of reactivity, while high levels are present when lymphocyte reactivity is low. In an initial study, ten women volunteered to have blood drawn in the last trimester and two months postpartum. Cyclic AMP was extracted from lymphocyte‐enriched leukocytes and stored until all samples were available from all patients so that the analysis could be made simultaneously. Five samples were obtained from healthy nonpregnant women in the same age range. Postpartum and nonpregnant women were found to have significantly elevated levels of cAMP as compared to the lymphocytes obtained in the third trimester of pregnancy. The experiments were then repeated using seven more patients. The same significant increase in postpartum lymphocyte cAMP concentrations were found. The precise reason(s) for this is not known, but may be due to increased suppressor cell activity.
Depressed Mononuclear Cell Function in Advanced Neoplastic Disease
Authors: STRATTON JOAN A. , DISAIA PHILIP J.
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACT: The ascites fluids from 9 patients with invasive gynecologic neoplasms were examined to determine the immunocompetence of the mononuclear ascites cells and the immunoregulatory properties of the cell‐free ascitic fluid. Blood mononuclear cells (from 5 patients) were also tested. The mononuclear cells from the cancer patients responded poorly to stimulation with polyclonal mitogens; only the blood mononuclear cell response to pokeweed mitogen was not significantly less than that of normal subjects. The addition of autologous serum or cell‐free ascitic fluid to the cell cultures enhanced the response of the cells to phytohemagglutinin and pokeweed mitogen, had little effect on the response to concanavalin‐A, and greatly depressed the response to succinyl‐concanavalin‐A. We found no evidence for the presence of suppressor cells in the ascites cell populations. The data are consistent with the thesis that the depressed immune responses are the result of malnutrition associated with advanced malignant disease.
Correlation Between Regional Specificity of Antisperm Antibodies to the Spermatozoan Surface and Complement‐Mediated Sperm Immobilization
Authors: BRONSON R.A. , COOPER G.W. , ROSENFELD D.L.
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACT: Sera from men at risk for immunity to spermatozoa were screened for antisperm antibodies by immunobead binding following passive antibody transfer to antibody‐free sperm of fertile donors. The percent motile sperm after incubation in diluted antibody positive serum in the presence of complement was compared with the regional distribution of immunoglobulins bound to the sperm surface. The extent of complement‐mediated sperm immobilization varied with immunoglobulin class and with the location of antibody bound to the sperm surface. Tests utilizing complement‐mediated immobilization of sperm are insensitive to the presence of antibodies of IgG and IgA classes that are directed against the head, the distal one‐fifth of the sperm tail principal piece, or the tail end piece. A high degree of immobilization was found only when IgG binding occurred on the distal two‐fifths to three‐fifths of the principal piece of the tail or when IgM bound to the sperm tail end piece.
Circulating C3, C4, and C3 Split Products (C3c and C3d) During Normal Pregnancy*
Authors: TEISNER BORGE , HAU JANN , TUCKER MALCOLM , LAHOOD JAMES , GRUDZINSKAS JURGIS G.
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACT: The plasma concentrations of the complement components C3 and C4, as well as the split products C3c and C3d, were measured before, during, and after normal pregnancy. Significantly increased values were observed in the C3 and C3d levels in the second and third trimesters of pregnancy. The level of C4 was not significantly affected by pregnancy and C3c could not be detected using electroimmunoassays. These results suggest that the increased C3 split‐product levels observed reflected an increased turnover of native C3 rather than activation of the complement cascade.
An IgG‐Fc Binding Protein in Seminal Fluid*
Authors: WITKIN STEVEN S. , RICHARDS JON M. , BONGIOVANNI ANN MARIE , ZELIKOVSKY GERALD
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACT: Human seminal fluid, at low dilutions, prevented the binding of aggregated human IgG (AHG) to bull spermatozoa. Seminal fluids from vasectomized men were also inhibitory. Preincubation of the seminal fluid with the spermatozoa prior to washing and addition to AHG had no inhibitory effect, indicating that the fluid component was reacting directly with AHG. Human seminal fluid was fractionated by gel exclusion chromatography on Ultrogel AcA‐34, and AHG inhibitory activity was found in fractions corresponding to a molecular weight of 94,000. The activity in this fraction was stable to boiling for 10 min. It was sensitive to pronase but resistant to glycosidase, phospholipase C, neuraminidase, ribonuclease, and deoxyribonuclease, indicating that it was a protein. The gel filtration fraction readily bound recrystallized Fc and AHG; IgG was bound to a lesser extent, and no reactivity was observed with F(ab')2, IgA, or IgM. Thus, the seminal fluid fraction appeared to specifically react with the Fc portion of IgG. The seminal fluid Fc‐binding protein was isolated by affinity chromatography on Fc coupled to CNBr‐activated Sepharose 4B. Scatchard analysis revealed that the binding of the seminal fluid Fc‐binding protein to recrystallized Fc is reversible and had a Kd of approximately 3 × 10−6 M.
Smooth Muscle Antibodies in Complicated Early Pregnancies*
Authors: PIETARINEN ILMO , HARTIKAINEN‐SORRI ANNA‐LIISA , MÄKITALO REINO , YLÖSTALO PEKKA , KIVINEN SEPPO
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACT: The titer, immunoglobulin class, and staining pattern of smooth muscle antibodies (SMA) were assayed by indirect immunofluorescence in 15 patients with threatened abortion, 46 patients with spontaneous abortion, and 45 normal pregnant women in the first trimester to investigate possible abnormality of humoral immunity. An increased incidence of moderate and high titer SMA was found in both abnormal groups. SMA were mainly of the IgG class and gave a “vessel wall” staining pattern in immunofluorescence. This staining pattern suggests non‐actin specificity of SMA. The more precise characterization of the antigen specificity of SMA in complications during pregnancy requires further investigation.
Developmental Changes of Amniotic Fluid Alpha‐Fetoprotein Subtractions in Early Gestation
Authors: ISHIGURO TATSUYA , SAKAGUCHI HIDEO , SUGITACHI ICHIBEI
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACT: Using both concanavalin A crossed‐line affinity immunoelectrophoresis and lentil lectin crossed‐line affinity immunoelectrophoresis, developmental changes of alpha‐fetoprotein (AFP) subfractions were studied in 11 samples of human amniotic fluid obtained between 43 and 121 days of gestation. In the amniotic fluid at 43 or 48 days of gestation, only subfractions produced by the yolk sac were evident. The initial appearance of the subfractions produced by the fetal liver was first detected at 51 days of gestation. Percentages of liver‐originated subfractions rose rapidly with gestational age and reached a level of 50% at 54 days of gestation. The subfractions produced by the yolk sac disappeared from the amniotic fluid at 121 days of gestation. These findings suggest that, in early gestation, the yolk sac is mainly responsible for the fetal AFP synthesis and that initiation of AFP production by the fetal liver takes place between 48 and 51 days of gestation. In the present study, attention was also given to the origin of four subfractions separated by the lentil lectin crossed‐line affinity immunoelectrophoresis.
Life History of Decidual Cells: A Review*
Authors: KEARNS MARY , LALA PEEYUSH K.
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACT: Decidual cells are a distinctive cell population observed in the mammalian endometrium during pregnancy. Their appearance can also be induced with appropriate stimuli in the hormone‐primed pseudopregnant uterus. This review deals with their life history, including the dynamic morphological events during the process of decidualization, cytochemical markers for decidual cell reaction, the surface markers and functions of decidual cells, and, finally, the origin and fate of this cell class. The recent discovery of the bone marrow origin of decidual cell precursors adds a new dimension to decidual cell biology. Future studies of steps in the differentiation of the decidual cell lineage await the identification of unique lineage‐specific cell‐surface or cytoplasmic marker(s); a precise knowledge of decidual cell functions can only be obtained from a discriminating analysis using purified cell populations.
An Animal Model for the Study of the Function of Pregnancy‐Specific Beta1 Glycoprotein and Pregnancy Zone Protein: A Review*
Authors: HAU J. , SVENDSEN P. , CHEMNITZ J. , TEISNER B. , WESTERGAARD J.G.
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACT: Two pregnancy‐associated murine proteins, PAMP‐1 and PAMP‐2, have been found to be immunologically cross‐reacting analogues to the human proteins pregnancy zone protein (PZP) and pregnancy‐specific beta1‐glycoprotien (SP‐1), respectively. In this study, the physiochemical and biological properties of the proteins are compared and the effect on pregnancy of administration of monospecific antibodies against the proteins is reported.
Expression of Fc Gamma Binding Sites on Human Extraplacental Membranes*
Authors: WOOD GARY W. , JOHNSON BARBARA , HALSEY JOHN F. , KING CHARLES R.
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACT: Binding sites for the Fc portion of immunoglobulin G (IgG) molecules (FcγBS) were identified on amnionic epithelial cells and chorionic trophoblast cells in human extraplacental membranes using direct immunofluorescence with labeled human IgG. The binding sites are similar to FcγBS on placental trophoblast in their specificity and high degree of relative binding affinity for IgG monomers. Neither immunoglobulin A (IgA) nor IgM bound to a significant degree to the membranes. Binding was completely inhibited with unlabeled IgG but not F(ab')2 fragments of IgG. Studies on isolated amnion cells demonstrated that the binding sites are expressed on the cell membrane. At the level of sensitivity of the immunohistologic methods used, aggregated IgG or antigen‐antibody complexes failed to bind amnionic epithelial cells or chorionic trophoblasts. This is in contrast to FcγBS on macrophages which, being present in the same tissue, failed to exhibit significant binding of deaggregated IgG but bound complexes avidly.
Localization in Human Term Placental Bed and Amniochorion of Cells Bearing Trophoblast Antigens Identified by Monoclonal Antibodies*
Authors: JOHNSON P.M. , MOLLOY C.M.
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACT: The monoclonal antibodies (mAb) H315, H317, and OKT9 have been used in immunofluorescence to investigate the expression of fetal trophoblast membrane antigens by cells within human term amniochorionic membranes and the marginal area of term placental bed tissue. OKT9 reacted only with trophoblast of placental chorionic villi and did not react with any nonvillous cytotrophoblast population: this mAb is known to identify the cell surface receptor for transferrin. H315 identifies a trophoblast‐specific cell‐surface antigen and strongly stained both placental villous trophoblast and the cytotrophoblastic layer of amniochorion. This mAb also stained some extravillous cytotrophoblast in the term placental bed, notable interstitial cytotrophoblast within maternal decidua. H317, which identifies placental‐type alkaline phosphatase, gave the same distribution pattern as H315.
The Prevalence of Autoimmune Disorders Among Patients With Primary Ovarian Failure*
Authors: COULAM CAROLYN B.
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACT: Eighty‐one patients who had a diagnosis of primary ovarian failure were studied to determine its possible association with autoimmune disorders. All 81 patients displayed 46, XX chromosome complements. On ovarian biopsy, either few or no follicles were demonstrated in 79 patients, and, in two patients, primordial follicles were more abundant. The two patients with a large number of primordial follicles had normal function of other endocrine organs; however, 15 of the 79 patients demonstrating few or no ovarian follicles had associated failure of other endocrine glands, and one patient had myasthenia gravis. Thirteen of these 15 patients sought treatment because of secondary amenorrhea, the age at onset ranging from 11 to 34 years. Of the 81 patients, 11 had primary amenorrhea and 70 had secondary amenorrhea. Among the 79 patients with few or no ovarian follicles, endocrine glandular failure, in addition to ovarian failure, was found in two patients with primary amenorrhea and in 13 patients with secondary amenorrhea. The association of polyglandular failure syndrome and primary ovarian failure, along with demonstration of a lymphocytic infiltrate in ovaries and circulating antibodies in sera of women with premature ovarian failure, suggests that an autoimmune mechanism may be a cause of primary ovarian failure in some cases.
Isolation of Rat Male Accessory Glands Autoantigens by Affinity Chromatography*
Authors: PESOA SUSANA A. , PISTORESI‐PALENCIA MARIA C. , GALMARINI MIRIAN , VOTTERO‐CIMA ELSA , RIERA CLELIA M.
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACT: The autoantigens of rat male accessory glands were isolated by a short procedure which involved 1) immunization of rats with chemically modified rat male accessory glands' saline extract; 2) purification of immunoglobulin G (IgG) from the autoantisera by chromatography on DEAE‐Sephadex A‐50; 3) coupling of rat IgG anti‐rat male accessory glands with 4‐B activated Sepharose; 4) addition of rat male accessory glands' saline extract and removal of autoantigens by glycine‐HCl, pH 2.9. The purity of the eluted autoantigens was determined by polyacrylamide disc gel electrophoresis (PAGE). These components retained their immunologic activity as demonstrated by inhibition of tanned cell hemagglutination and double immunodiffusion gel precipitation.
T‐Lymphocyte Subsets During Pregnancy and the Menstrual Cycle
Authors: COULAM CAROLYN B. , SILVERFIELD JOEL C. , KAZMAR RAYMOND E. , FATHMAN C. GARRISON
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACT: Many observations suggest that cellular immunity is depressed during gestation. To define alterations in subsets of circulating lymphocytes during pregnancy, we compared the percentages of total T cells, T helper cells, and T suppressor cells in the peripheral blood of 31 pregnant women at various stages of gestation with those in that of nonpregnant controls. Control studies consisted of five women ingesting oral contraceptives and five women menstruating spontaneously. Isolated peripheral blood mononuclear cells were reacted with fluoresceinated monoclonal antibodies that were specific for Leu‐2 cells, Leu‐3 cells, and Leu‐4 cells and that were subsequently analyzed on a fluorescence‐activated cell sorter. No variation in the percentage of Leu‐2, Leu‐3, or Leu‐4 cells was observed during the menstrual cycle or oral contraceptive cycle. No differences were seen when T‐cell subsets at various stages of gestation were compared with the corresponding T‐cell subset in nonpregnant controls. The data suggest that pregnancy does not alter the percentage of T‐cell subsets in the peripheral blood.
Characterization of Porcine Zona Pellucida Antigens by Immunoaffinity Chromatography and by High‐Pressure Liquid Chromatography
Authors: DIETL JOHANNES , CZUPPON ADAM , METTLER LILO
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACT: In the present work, 500 and 50,000 porcine zonae pellucidae were solubilized using Lithium‐3,5‐diiodosalicylate. The zona antigens were purified by immunoaffinity chromatography (IAC) on immobilized antizona immunoglobulin G (IgG). The antizona‐IgG was raised by immunization of female rabbits with 500 heat‐solubilized porcine zonae. Four antigens could be detected following IAC: ZP I/1 (Mr = 42,000), ZP II/1 (Mr = 67,000), ZP II/2 (Mr = 32,000), ZP III/1 (Mr = 17,000). In a parallel experiment, 50,000 zonae were solubilized in a similar manner and the mixture was analyzed by high‐pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) using a protein column. Altogether, 9 protein peaks that contained the antigens ZP I/1, ZP II/1, ZP II/2, and ZP III/1 could be detected following HPLC. The carbohydrate composition is characteristic for O‐glycosidic‐glycoproteins. ZP II/1 and ZP II/2 are probably in close association within the zona. Based on the reaction of the antigens with antibodies induced by intact and heat‐solubilized zonae, it is postulated that only ZP I/1 and ZP II/l are expressed on the surface in intact zonae.