bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Effect of Whole Body X-Irradiation of Mice on Immunity to Tetanus Toxoid
Authors: Silverman Myron S. , Chin Paul H.
Published: January 2023

The immune response to subcutaneous injections of tetanus toxoid of whole body x-irradiated mice tested by challenge with 10 MLD of tetanus toxin was found to be delayed rather than inhibited.

No significant difference in the immune response was detectable in those groups of animals immunized before or after exposure to x-radiation.

The length of the delay was dependent on the dose of x-rays to which the mice were exposed. The higher the x-ray dose, the longer was the delay in the immune response.

Mice exposed to whole body x-irradiation were significantly more susceptible to tetanus toxin than non-irradiated mice.
Studies on Ragweed Pollen
Authors: Richter M. , Sehon A. H. , Rose B.
Published: January 2023

In a previous report from this laboratory (1), the fractionation of ragweed pollen by extraction with various solvents was described. The different fractions were characterized by paper electrophoresis, free electrophoresis and ultracentrifugation. The fractions which were soluble in aqueous media displayed comparable cutaneous activity when tested by scratch on allergic individuals.

Since the water soluble components of ragweed pollen (WSR) were obtained under the least harsh conditions, they were accepted as most closely resembling the natural materials present in ragweed pollen. In this study, the water soluble extract (WSR) was further fractionated by paper electrophoresis and the various fractions were characterized both as to their physicochemical and allergenic properties.

Experimental Observations. Isolation of ragweed pollen fractions. As shown in our initial report (1), WSR could be resolved into pigment, carbohydrate, peptide and protein components by electrophoresis on paper.

In the present study a variety of buffers were used in order to establish the conditions for optimal resolution of WSR.
Studies on Ragweed Pollen
Authors: Richter M. , Harter J. G. , Sehon A. H. , Rose B.
Published: January 2023

The classic cross neutralization test was shown to be inadequate for defining the number of allergens present in the different ragweed pollen fractions which had been isolated by paper electrophoresis. A new method, based on the ability of the allergen solutions to “desensitize” sites prepared with allergic serum, rather than to “neutralize” them, was introduced. The presence of at least two different allergens in the ragweed pollen fractions was demonstrated using the method described in this paper. It was also shown that sera of allergic in dividuals contained at least two reagins or two groups of reagins.
Studies on Anaphylactic Shock in the Mouse
Authors: Morgan Perry , Sherwood Noble P. , Werder Alvar A.
Published: January 2023

A water-in-oil emulsion containing bovine albumin and killed Mycobacterium butyricum was found to sensitize regularly CFW mice to severe and fatal anaphylactic reactivity. One-tenth mg of bovine albumin contained in 0.2 ml of the antigen-adjuvant mixture was found to be an effective sensitizing dose; 0.2 ml of 1% bovine albumin (2 mg) in 0.85% NaCl solution employed as the challenging dose was administered intravenously. Anaphylactic sensitivity was not demonstrable in animals challenged 1, 3, or 5 days postsensitization. Mice challenged 7 days following sensitization showed occasionally an extremely mild reaction. Challenge of mice 10, 14, 21, 28, 35, 42, 49, 56, and 84 days after sensitization with the bovine albumin-adjuvant emulsion killed 15, 16, 43, 67, 67, 90, 93, 73, and 57% respectively. The rectal temperatures of mice surviving at 30 min after challenge were found to be markedly decreased indicating, in general, the severity of shock. Sensitized mice surviving a challenge with bovine albumin were found to be refractory when rechallenged 24 hr after the first challenging dose. A report is made on the successful production of fatal anaphylaxis in CFW mice sensitized passively with homologous serum. The mouse antiserum employed in transferring passive sensitivity to mice was secured from animals sensitized with bovine albumin-adjuvant emulsion containing killed Mycobacterium butyricum. The mouse antiserum was found to contain precipitins for antigens in both bovine albumin and bovine γ-globulin.
The Antigenicity of Polyvinyl Pyrrolidone II
Authors: Maurer Paul H.
Published: January 2023

The persistence for long periods of time of the antibody level to PVP of high molecular weight (1 × 106) in the sera of some of the volunteers has been demonstrated. Attempts to produce an anamnestic type of response to PVP were not successful. A possible explanation for this behavior was presented. Inhibition studies with various monomers indicated that the antibody was formed against multiple groupings of N-vinyl pyrrolidone. Definite differences have been observed in the behavior of different antisera to PVP in the reaction with monomers and stability at 0° and 56°C. It has been confirmed that long after the disappearance of hemolytic activity nitrogenous materials are present in human sera which can still add to specific precipitates.
Studies with Measles Virus
Authors: Ruckle Gisela
Published: January 2023

Attempts were made to isolate measles virus from body fluids and post-mortem tissues from 5 individuals, where death at different stages of the disease could be ascribed to complications from infection with measles virus.

Techniques involved preparation and inoculation of body fluids and tissue extracts into pregrown cultures and in patient 25, the additional procedure of culturing the tissues.

Measles virus was isolated from tissues in patient 25, who died before onset of rash.

No virus was isolated from tissue extracts in patients 23, 24, 26, and 27, in which death occurred 3 to 7 days after the onset of rash.
Studies on the Serologic Diagnosis of Murine Typhus and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever
Authors: Hersey David F. , Colvin Mayme C. , Shepard Charles C.
Published: January 2023

A study was made of the serological diagnosis of human infections with murine typhus and RMSF by means of the CF, ESS, and Weil-Felix tests.

The differences in the titers of CF antigens as determined with sera taken early and late in the course of guinea pig infections were observed more distinctly in human infection.

The sera of 35 patients thought to have murine typhus or RMSF were studied by various tests and found positive by at least one of the procedures. All 35 were positive by the CF test using method 1 antigen in increased amounts, 31 were positive by the ESS test, 16 in the CF test with increased amounts of commercial antigen, 16 with method 1 antigen in the conventional amount (2 units), and 9 with the commercial antigen in the conventional amount. Thirteen cases were positive by the Weil-Felix test.
Phagocytosis of Influenza Virus
Authors: Hanson Robert J. , Kempf J. E. , Boand Arthur V.
Published: January 2023

Phagocytosis of PR8 influenza virus was investigated by injecting large quantities of purified virus intraperitoneally into normal and immune mice. Utilizing the fluorescent-antibody technique to demonstrate intracellular virus, the hemagglutination and infectivity measurements to demonstrate free virus, the following observations were made in normal mice: 1) The virus adsorbed onto the lymphocytes normally present in the mouse peritoneal cavity and agglutinated these cells within a few minutes. 2) Within 1 hr a leukocytic infiltration of neutrophils occurred. Free virus adsorbed onto these cells, agglutinated them in 4 hr while phagocytosis occurred after 16 hr. 3) Virus persisted in the peritoneal cavity for 28 hr.

A similar sequence of events occurred in mice with low antibody titers.

In mice with high antibody titers phagocytosis of virus could be demonstrated as early as 8 hr after virus injection, while infective virus remained for 12 hr. Leukocytes from these mice contained no infective virus 12 hr after virus injection.

The individual contribution of antibody and the leukocytes to the inactivation of the virus remains undetermined.
Human Plasmapheresis and Its Effect on Antibodies
Authors: Smolens Joseph , Stokes Joseph , Vogt Agnes B.
Published: January 2023

Results on the biweekly plasmapheresis for 1 yr on each of 23 donors have demonstrated the safety and feasibility of the method utilizing the ADL-Cohn Fractionator. Bacterial and viral antibodies have persisted at peak levels for almost 2 yr following the administration of antigen, despite the fact that the donors were not subjected to plasmapheresis the 2nd year. A rationale for antibody production by plasmapheresis is presented. Theoretic and practical considerations are discussed.
Persistence of Circulating Antibodies in Human Subjects Immunized with Dextran, Levan and Blood Group Substances
Authors: Allen Peter Z. , Kabat Elvin A.
Published: January 2023

Persistence of circulating precipitins to blood group A substance, dextran and levan, were followed in a small number of individuals over a period of years. Despite the presence of amino acids in blood group A substance, anti-A showed a persistence pattern comparable to pneumococcal anticarbohydrate, antidextran and antilevan. Three anti-A sera and 2 antidextran sera showed a decline in antibody level from ⅓ to ⅔ peak values over a period of about 3 years, with the subsequent maintenance of these levels of circulating antibody N for a period of 1 to 9 years.
Combination of Antigenic Traits of Type 1 and Type 2 Poliovirus
Authors: Sprunt Katherine , Redman Winifred M. , Alexander Hattie E.
Published: January 2023

Growth of types 1 and 2 polioviruses in a 1:1 ratio in the same monkey kidney cell culture resulted in a virus population which apparently combined some antigenic traits of both types of virus in a single infectious unit. The current work using the plaque count technique as the tool confirms our earlier report that the progeny of the experimental populations is neutralizable by either type 1 or type 2 specific antiserum. The new doubly neutralizable particles are comparatively stable on passage surviving seven serial plaque-to-plaque passages in addition to the previously reported passages at limiting dilutions. Passage characteristics and the nature of the change responsible for double neutralization are discussed briefly and are consistent with intracellular, possibly genetic, alteration.
Small Reversible Clumps of Bacteriophage and Their Anomalous Serologic Behavior
Authors: Lanni Frank
Published: January 2023

Clumping occurs over a period of several weeks when phage T5 is stored at suitable concentrations in nutrient broth at 4°C. The process requires both salt and an unidentified broth factor, which appears to be nondialyzable and heat stable. The final clumps are moderately uniform, averaging probably not more than 10 virus particles. They are stable at low temperature for many months, even after high dilution in broth. They disperse rapidly and completely in broth at 44°C and more slowly in cold low-salt medium. They do not adsorb to host cells. The constituent particles of the clumps are more sensitive than free virus particles to intense mechanical agitation. Of special interest is the hypersensitivity of clumped virus to specific antiserum. A tail-centered model of clump structure appears capable of coordinating all the available information. Clumping has been demonstrated also with several mutants of T5 and with T2, but tests of T1, T3, and T4 were negative. The significance and application of the findings are discussed. In particular, it is concluded on theoretic grounds that conformity to the percentage law of Andrewes and Elford is not a sufficient criterion for authentic virus neutralization.
Nonbreed Specificity of Tolerance to Skin Homografts in Chickens
Authors: Kulangara Abraham C. , Cannon Jack A. , Longmire William P.
Published: January 2023

Evidence is presented which indicates that some tolerance of skin homografts may be obtained in noninbred chickens by an embryonic injection of blood from a breed other than that of the skin donor.

Sixteen AW chicks given blood (0.3–0.35 ml) from AW embryos on the 14th day of incubation and grafted 2 days after hatching with skin from 2-day-old GL and BR chicks showed a better survival of grafts than untreated AW and AL chicks whose skin was exchanged at 2 days. Thirteen WL embryos injected with NH embryo blood and 15 NH embryos injected with WL embryo blood and grafted 2 days after hatching with 2-day-old BR skin showed much greater tolerance than controls (BR skin on untreated NH and WL chicks). Possible explanations for such nonbreed-specific induction of tolerance are discussed.
The Nature of Blocking Antibodies in Human Brucellosis
Authors: Zinneman H. H. , Glenchur H. , Hall W. H.
Published: January 2023

Agglutinating antibodies were found in γ-and β-globulins of the sera of patients with brucellosis. “Blocking” antibodies were found to appear later than the agglutinating antibodies. They were seen first in the γ-globulins but soon shifted to the β-globulins. They persisted after the agglutinating antibodies subsided. The “blocking” and prozone phenomena seem to be related. The prozone phenomenon does not represent the effect of antibody excess. A combination of equal volumes of “blocking” fractions resulted in a “blocking” titer corresponding approximately to the algebraic sum of the titers of the constituent fractions. Extraction with ether or incubation with Salmonella typhi failed to eliminate the “blocking” effect, but absorption with Brucella abortus did so. This suggests that the “blocking” substance in the β-globulins is a specific antibody.
The Opsonization of Bentonite Particles by γ-Globulin
Authors: Potter Elizabeth V. , Stollerman Gene H.
Published: January 2023

Direct adsorption of human γ-globulin to bentonite resulted in marked enhancement of phagocytosis of the particles by human leukocytes in vitro.

The opsonic activity of γ-globulin was affected by several factors: physical alteration due to purification procedures, heterogeneity, degree of aggregation and capacity to fix complement.

Attempts to minimize these factors did not prevent opsonization. Phagocytosis was still enhanced when the γ-globulin was separated from individual sera by electroconvection, promptly adsorbed to bentonite and suspended in the bloods of the autologous donors.
Antibody Response to Homografts
Authors: Terasaki Paul I. , McClelland John D. , Cannon Jack A. , Longmire William P.
Published: January 2023

The serum of rabbits which have been homografted with skin was shown to be toxic to the lymph node cells of the skin donor. Fresh serum was toxic, and the activity of the serum declined rapidly upon standing overnight, freezing or heating at 56°C for 30 min. The loss of activity could be restored to a large extent by addition of fresh normal rabbit serum or fresh serum from the lymphocyte donor rabbit. Guinea pig complement exerted some inherent toxicity. The possibility that the detection of such cytotoxins may suggest a re-evaluation of the cellular basis of homograft immunity is discussed.
Appearance of Persistently Cytopathic Eastern and Western Encephalitis Viruses after “Blind” Passage in Cultures of L Mouse Fibroblasts
Authors: Eiring Armand G. , Scherer William F.
Published: January 2023

Eastern and Western encephalitis viruses (EE and WE) were successfully passed serially in cultures of L mouse fibroblasts in 11 of 16 and 7 of 8 attempts, respectively. “Blind” passage of virus was often required for development of a persistently cytopathic effect since although mouse brain suspensions usually destroyed cells initially, cytonecrosis was commonly not evident during second to fourth serial passages even though mouse infectious virus was produced. Thereafter, each virus became persistently cytopathic and readily propagated through 7–20 (EE) and 7–37 (WE) serial passages. These findings emphasize the potential value of blind passage of specimens in cell cultures during attempts to isolate viruses from natural sources.

Selection of cytopathic virus from the original mouse brain suspension is considered the most probable explanation of these observations, although other possibilities are discussed. The occasional failure of EE virus to propagate and the common disappearance of cytopathic virus effect during second to fourth serial passages of either virus remain unexplained; they seemed unrelated to the serum (rabbit, human, chicken or sheep) used to maintain cells, to duration of the interval between virus inoculation and harvest, and to autointerference. The latter phenomenon did not explain adequately the absence of definitive cytonecrosis during blind passages of virus, since interference could not be regularly produced upon simultaneous inoculation of L cell cultures with infectious and heat- or ultra-violet-inactivated WE virus.
The Role of the Bursa Fabricius, Spleen and Thymus in the Control of a Plasmodium Lophurae Infection in the Chicken
Authors: Longenecker B. M. , Breitenbach R. P. , Farmer J. N.
Published: January 2023

Splenectomized chicks were severely deficient in their ability to combat an infection or reinfection with Plasmodium lophurae. Infection of splenectomized chicks usually caused death while sham-operated controls recovered. Birds splenectomized on the 5th day of an infection, when parasitemias had dropped to a low level, showed an immediate and usually fatal recrudescence. Chicks which were hormonally or surgically bursectomized on the 1st day after hatching demonstrated higher parasitemias then their sham-operated controls. However, parasitemias of birds bursectomized at 18 days of age did not differ from their control group. Thymectomy had no significant effect on the resultant parasitemias. It is thus concluded that the spleen is of primary importance in the development of immunity to this strain of Plasmodium lophurae. The bursa is of secondary importance and contributes something to the development of the immune mechanism before 18 days of age.
The Antigens of Vesicular Stomatitis Virus
Authors: Brown F. , Cartwright B.
Published: January 2023

Two small antigens have been isolated from suspensions of vesicular stomatitis virus grown in baby hamster kidney cells. The suspensions were first centrifuged at 15,000 × G for 100 min to remove the virion and other large antigens and the supernatant was then centrifuged at 80,000 × G for 180 min. This second supernatant was further fractionated by prolonged centrifugation in a sucrose density gradient and by filtration through Sephadex G-200. The antigens separated by these procedures stimulate the production of neutralizing antibodies in guinea pigs.

The approximate size of the antigens has been estimated by measuring their rates of sedimentation in sucrose gradients and observing their elution pattern in Sephadex G-200. The larger of the two antigens has an S value intermediate between those of 7S γ-globulin and bovine plasma albumin. The smaller antigen sediments more slowly than albumin. Similarly, the larger of the two antigens was eluted from Sephadex G-200 after 7S γ-globulin but before albumin and the smaller antigen was eluted after the albumin.
Immunoglobulin Production in Human Leukemia Cell Lines
Authors: Tanigaki Nobuyuki , Yagi Yasuo , Moore George E. , Pressman David
Published: January 2023

Production of immunoglobulins or immunoglobulin-like substances in cell culture lines of human leukemia and lymphoma has been demonstrated by radioiodine labeled antibody, fluorescent antibody and immunodiffusion techniques.

A direct reaction of a cell smear with radioiodine labeled antibody reagents specific for particular chains of immunoglobulin indicated that all the leukemia and lymphoma cell lines tested produce one or more classes of immunoglobulins.

Immunoglobulin-producing activity was shown to vary during culture with respect to the proportion of cells producing immunoglobulin. There is some evidence that synthesis of heavy and light chains proceeds at different rates in these cell lines.

Immunodiffusion studies of cell extracts revealed that the proteins produced by these cells were not distinguished antigenically with immunoglobulins of normal serum when tested with anti-sera specific to heavy and light chains.
Cytodynamics of the Distinctive Immune Response Produced in Regional Lymph Nodes by Salmonella Somatic Polysaccharide
Authors: Landy Maurice , Baker Phillip J.
Published: January 2023

A study was made of the immune response of the rabbit to a single local injection of Salmonella enteritidis somatic polysaccharide. The cytodynamics of the antibody-forming cells in the draining popliteal node differed markedly from those produced in the spleen when this antigen was given systemically. The effectiveness of local stimulation was almost three orders of magnitude greater than that of systemic stimulation as determined by the number of plaque-forming cells (PFC) developed per millimicrogram of antigen. Maximal numbers of PFC in the draining lymph node were evoked by 0.01 µg of antigen, while the range in which numbers of specific PFC correlated with antigen dose was 10-4 to 10-6 µg; significant numbers of specific PFC were produced by as little as 10-7 to 10-9 µg of antigen. Antigen in amounts of 5 to 0.001 µg resulted in the appearance of considerable numbers of PFC in the contralateral popliteal node and in the spleen; numbers of spleen PFC were greater than could be produced in this organ by intravenous injection of equivalent doses of antigen. In contrast, the distribution and numbers of PFC developed after immunization with sheep erythrocytes was in accord with the expected pattern: dose response data for systemic and local administration did not differ greatly and PFC were found principally in spleen or draining lymph nodes after systemic or local injection respectively.
γM and γG Antibodies in Mice: Dissociation of the Normal Immunoglobulin Sequence
Authors: Blinkoff Richard C.
Published: January 2023

Methotrexate and colchicine administered during a primary response to S. adelaide in mice both preferentially inhibit γG antibody formation. In these experiments, the γM and γG antibody responses seem to be independent of one another. The γM antibody response is not prolonged by the immediate absence of a following γG response. Also, the γG antibody response is able to recover from the effects of both drugs and reach near-normal serum titers whether or not there is a preceding γM response.

During a methotrexate inhibited response, normal levels of γM can occur in the serum at a time when no pyroninophilic blast cells or secondary nodules are evident in the spleen. The recovery of γG production is well correlated with the appearance of many hemocytoblasts in the splenic red pulp, although no secondary nodules or mature plasma cells can be found at this time.

A study has also been made of γM and γG antibody production in x-irradiated recipients after transfer of spleen cells from primed animals. When spleen cells are taken from immunized donors on day 2 or day 6 after injection of antigen, only γM antibody can be demonstrated in the recipients. Spleen cells taken on day 8 or day 10 after antigen produce mostly γG antibody in the recipients.
Suppression of the Tuberculin Reaction by High Concentrations of Tuberculin and the Relationship of This Phenomenon to the Potency Assay of Tuberculin
Authors: Baer Harold , Kolb Robert W.
Published: January 2023

The degree of reactivity of old tuberculin in sensitive guinea pigs is quantitatively and markedly reduced if a large quantity is injected simultaneously into another site. Suppression is temporary in that most animals recover normal reactivity within 2 months.
Antibody Responses of Rhesus (Macaca Mulatta) Monkeys Experimentally Infected with Coxsackieviruses of Group B and Group A, Type 9
Authors: Schmidt Nathalie J. , Dennis Juanita , Lennette Edwin H.
Published: January 2023

Heterotypic antibody responses to the echoviruses, polioviruses and reovirus type 1 were studied in rhesus monkeys which had been infected via the oral route with group B or group A, type 9 coxsackieviruses. Second or third infections with a coxsackievirus were shown to elicit heterotypic antibody responses to certain of the echoviruses but not to the polioviruses or reovirus type 1. The greatest amount of heterotypic reactivity was seen in complement fixation tests, and a number of heterotypic echovirus antibody responses were demonstrated in gel diffusion tests. Significant increases in hemagglutination-inhibiting antibody were also seen to some of the echoviruses, and in a few instances these were associated with low and transient rises in neutralizing antibody. The coxsackievirus infections produced a diversity of echovirus antibody responses, and no patterns of immunologic relationships between the various coxsackievirus and echovirus types could be established.
Antibody and Gland Studies in Cortisone and ACTH-Injected Birds
Authors: Glick Bruce
Published: January 2023

Chicks were injected intramuscularly with 2.5 or 7.5 mg cortisone acetate (CA) two times a day for the first 5 days after hatching or i.m. injected once a day for the same period with 4 or 8 USP units of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH). Body and bursa weights were significantly reduced 12 hr after the last injection of CA or ACTH. The mean weight of the spleen was significantly reduced in the CA-treated birds. The number of splenic germinal centers was reduced in the 7.5-mg CA birds. Adrenal weight and adrenal cholesterol were significantly increased and decreased, respectively, 12 hr after the last injection of ACTH. The bursa and thymus of approximately 3- and 6-week-old chicks from the CA and ACTH groups appeared, on histologic examination, to have recovered from the regressive influence of these hormones. The antibody response to BSA was significantly reduced in 4 ½ to 5-week-old birds from the 7.5 mg CA group while the mean antibody titer of the birds from the 2.5-mg CA and ACTH groups were similar to their respective controls. On the other hand, a primary injection of BSA into 8-week-old birds from the 7.5-mg CA group produced precipitin levels comparable to the antibody titer of control birds. The delay in normal antibody response of birds in the 7.5 mg CA group may, in part, be explained by an interference with normal bursa development.
Canine Immunoglobulins
Authors: Johnson John S. , Vaughan John H.
Published: January 2023

Structural and electrophoretic heterogeneity of immunoglobulins has been well documented in several species including man (1–3), guinea pig (4), horse (5, 6) and mouse (7, 8). In all these species antibodies of low molecular weight, 6.6S γG, and high molecular weight, 18S γM, have been identified. In addition, a third major class of immunoglobulin, γA, has been described in human, equine and murine sera characterized by a fast electrophoretic mobility, and a sedimentation coefficient of 6.5S to 7S with higher molecular weight polymeric forms frequently detectable. These three major classes of immunoglobulins exhibit not only differences in physicochemical properties but striking differences in biologic activity as well. Furthermore, subclasses of γG have also been described in human beings, horses, guinea pigs and mice exhibiting differences in biologic behavior. Additional immunoglobulin classes have been documented in human sera (γD) (9, 10) and equine sera (10Sγ1) (5) which as yet appear unique for these species.
Precipitation and Neutralization of Bacteriophage f2 by Rabbit Antibodies
Authors: Rowlands David T.
Published: January 2023

Summary and Conclusion

Neutralization and precipitation of bacteriophage f2 by γG-immunoglobulin, 5S pepsin fragments and Fab′ fragments were used to test the hypothesis that sterie hindrance is important in virus neutralization. There was no demonstrable difference in the capacity of intact γG-immunoglobulin and 5S pepsin fragments to precipitate bacteriophage.The zones of equivalence with γG-immunoglobulin and 5S pepsin fragments were broad. These results suggested that there was no differenee in the combining capacities of f2 for bivalent antibodies or for bivalent antibody fragments. As expected, the Fab′ fragments did not precipitate with bacteriophage f2. The antibody to antigen ratios necessary to produce neutralization of bacteriophage correspond to points on the antibody excess end of the equivalence zone of the preeipitin curve. In all eases the kinetics of neutralization were first order. The γG-immunoglobulin was most active and the Fab′ fragment was least active. The 5S pepsin fragments were intermediate in activity. However, the neutralization constants were not strictly proportional to molecular weights. This suggests that virus neutralization may not be entirely explicable on the basis of steric hindrance.
The Presence of Antibody to Chikungunya and Other Serologically Related Viruses in the Sera of Sub-Human Primate Imports to the United States
Authors: Harrison V. R. , Marshall J. D. , Guilloud N. B.
Published: January 2023

Sera from 136 sub-human primates representing six genera were tested for the presence of antibody to Chikungunya, Semliki Forest Kumba strain, Onyong-nyong strain MP 87 and Mayaro strain B viruses. Twenty-six per cent of the sera tested were positive for N antibody to one or more of these agents. The extensive serologic overlap occurring between these viruses precluded any definitive interpretation of the results as to which virus may have been the specific infecting agent. Thirteen per cent of the sera tested were positive for CF and HI antibody to CHIK virus. In every instance a positive CF and HI response was associated with the presence of N antibody. Attempts at viral isolation from those sera of recent imports showing CF and HI antibody were unsuccessful.

That extreme care should be exercised in the selection of lower primates for purposes of studying exotic viral agents is clearly indicated by the data presented. Although no viremia was found in the animals tested, adherence to a rigid program of housing and protective screening is essential if a serious transmission hazard is to be minimized, particularly in areas of high arthropod activity.
Immune Hemolysis: An Inter-Species Study
Authors: Linscott William D.
Published: January 2023

Chicken hemoglobin was found to absorb maximally at slightly different wavelengths than hemoglobins from the sheep, mouse, rat, guinea pig, human and rabbit. Peak absorption in the 414 mµ region of the spectrum was from 7.7 to 8.8 times as great as absorption in the 541 mµ region.

Antisera against sheep E were found to be uniquely low in the ratio of hemagglutinins to hemolytically active antibodies, particularly in early antisera. Guinea pig complement (C′) was approximately 25 times as active hemolytically against sheep erythrocytes (E) as rabbit C′, but only three to six times as active against E from several other species.

In a pooled guinea pig antiserum against rabbit E, nearly all the hemolytic activity was present in the “7S” antibody fraction. While agglutinating activity was present in both “7S” and “19S” fractions, the macroglobulin fraction showed very little ability to fix C′ in the presence of rabbit E.

When used with rabbit C′ many antisera showed a biphasic sensitization curve, with decreasing lysis followed by a sharp increase in lysis, as the amount of antiserum was progressively reduced. In addition, many antisera produced maximal sensitization for lysis by rabbit C′ at concentrations significantly lower than required for maximal sensitization for lysis by guinea pig C′. Both of these effects were seen with “7S” and “19S” antibody fractions as well as with whole antiserum.

Certain rabbit antisera against sheep E produced more hemolysis with rabbit C′ at 37° than at 30°C. Many such antisera and fractions which were tested showed a narrow range of concentrations within which lysis was greater at 30°, but at concentrations higher than this lysis was almost invariably greater at 37°. Other antisera produced more lysis at 30° than at 37°, at all concentrations which were tested.
BETTER OUTCOME OF HIGH-DOSE CEFTAZIDIME IN HEMATO – ONCOLOGICAL PATIENTS WITH INFECTIONS CAUSED BY EXTENSIVELY DRUG-RESISTANT PSEUDOMONAS AERUGINOSA
Authors: Zavrelova Alzbeta , Radocha Jakub , Paterova Pavla , Zak Pavel , Visek Benjamin , Sima Martin
Published: January 2023

Background: P. aeruginosa sepsis in immunocompromised patients is serious complication of cancer treatment, especially in case of XDR pathogen.

The purpose of the study is to evaluate the efficacy of high-dose ceftazidime in treatment of XDR P. aeruginosa infection and to compare it with the conventionally treated cohort in hemato-oncological patients.

Methods: We identified 27 patients with XDR P. aeruginosa infection during the 2008-2018 period, 16 patients served as a conventionally treated cohort with antipseudomonal beta-lactam antibiotic in standard dose (cohort A), and 11 patients were treated with high-dose ceftazidime (cohort B).  Most of the patients were neutropenic and under active treatment for their cancer in both cohorts.

Results: Mortality and related mortality were statistically significantly better for cohort B compared to cohort A,  it was  18.2% and 9.1% for cohort B and 68.8% and 68.8% for cohort A, respectively. More patients in cohort A needed mechanical ventilation and renal replacement therapy, 75% and 50% for cohort A and 27.3% and 9.9% for cohort B, respectively.  It corresponded well with the worst SOFA in cohort A in comparison to cohort B, 16 versus 7 respectively. Reversible neurotoxicity was seen only in two patients in cohort B.

Conclusion: Ceftazidime in high doses is a very potent ATB for the treatment of XDR P. aeruginosa infections in neutropenic cancer with acceptable toxicity.
ADVERSE PREGNANCY OUTCOMES IN SICKLE CELL TRAIT: A PROSPECTIVE COHORT STUDY EVALUATING CLINICAL AND HAEMATOLOGICAL PARAMETERS IN POSTPARTUM MOTHERS AND NEW-BORNS.
Authors: Al-Kindi R. Salam
Published: January 2023

Abstract – Sickle cell trait (SCT) is a condition caused by the inheritance of a single allele of the abnormal haemoglobin beta gene, HbS. Carriers of SCT are generally asymptomatic, and they do not manifest the haematological and clinical abnormalities of sickle cell anaemia (SCA). However, there is evidence that they display some of the symptoms in stressful situations. Pregnancy is a stressful physiological event, and it is not clear if SCT adversely affects pregnancy outcomes, particularly those from the developing countries, who regularly suffer from nutritional insufficiency.

Objective – This study aims to investigate pregnancy outcomes in Sudanese women with SCT.

Subjects and methods – Pregnant women with (HbAS, n=34) and without (HbAA, n=60) SCT were recruited during their first trimester by El Obeid Hospital, Kordofan, Western Sudan. Ethical approval from the Faculty of Medicine, University of Khartoum, and informed consent from the participants were obtained. Detailed anthropometric, haematological, clinical, obstetric and birth outcome data were documented. Blood samples were collected at enrolment and delivery.

Results – At enrolment, the first trimester, the SCT group did not manifest SCA symptoms, and there was no difference in any of the haematological parameters between the SCT and control groups. At delivery, the women with SCT compared with the control group had lower levels of haemoglobin (Hb, p=0.000), packed cell volume (PCV, p=0.000), mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH, p=0.002) and neutrophil counts (p=0.045) and higher mean corpuscular volume (MCV, p=0.000) and platelet counts (p=0.000). Similarly, at delivery, the babies of SCT women had lower birth weight (p=0.000), lower Hb (p=0.045), PCV (p=0.000), MCH (p=0.000) and higher neutrophil (p=0.004) and platelet counts (p=0.000) than the babies of the healthy control group. Additionally, there were more miscarriages, stillbirths and admissions to the Special Care Baby Unit (SCBU) in the SCT group.

Conclusions – The study revealed that SCT is associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes, including maternal and neonatal anaemia, low birth weight and increased risk of still birth, miscarriage and admission to SCBU. Therefore, pregnant women with SCT should be regarded as a high-risk group, and given pre-conceptual advice and multidisciplinary antenatal and postnatal care.
HEALTH RELATED QUALITY OF LIFE AND PSYCHOPATHOLOGICAL SYMPTOMS IN PEOPLE WITH HEMOPHILIA, BLOODBORNE CO-INFECTIONS AND COMORBIDITIES: AN ITALIAN MULTICENTER OBSERVATIONAL STUDY
Authors: Schiavoni Mario , PRUNETI CARLO , GUIDOTTI SARA , MOSCATELLO ALESSANDRA , GIORDANO FRANCESCA , COLUCCIA ANTONELLA , SANTORO RITA CARLOTTA , MANSUETO MARIA FRANCESCA , ZANON EZIO , MARINO RENATO , CANTORI ISABELLA , DE CRISTOFARO RAIMONDO
Published: January 2023

Background: The health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of people with hemophilia (PWH) is an important issue, especially considering people suffering from chronic diseases beyond hemophilia. The principal aim of this study was to investigate the presence and relevance of psychological symptoms, both internalizing and externalizing, lifestyle, and HRQoL in a group of Italian PWH with chronic bloodborne co-infections and comorbidities. Furthermore, the research describes the association between psychological aspects and the impact of disease-related characteristics (type of hemophilia, presence of co-infections, and comorbidities) on them.
Methods: Seventy patients (mean age 46.77±11.3), 64 with severe hemophilia A (Factor VIII: C < 1 IU/dL) and 6 with severe hemophilia B (Factor IX <1 IU/dL), were consecutively recruited from seven Hemophilia Centers in Italy of Italian Association of Hemophilia Centers (AICE). In order to assess psychological symptoms, HRQoL, and lifestyle, three psychological questionnaires were administered (the SCL-90-R, SF-36, and PSQ, respectively).
Results: A general decline in the quality of life and an increase in the tendency to adopt a lifestyle characterized by hyperactivity emerged. Inverse correlations were found between HRQoL and psychological distress. Although the SCL-90-R did not reveal symptoms above the clinical cut-off, co-infections significantly increased anxiety, depression, somatizations, paranoia, and social withdrawal. Lastly, HRQoL is impaired by co-infections as well as comorbidities.
Conclusion: Our preliminary results must be confirmed to deepen the findings between mental health and hemophilia.
Epidemiological surveillance of SARSCov2 in β-Thalassemia Patients in the last two years: reinfection rate, insights and future challenges
Authors: Torti Lorenza , Sorrentino Francesco , Maffei Laura , De Fabritiis Paolo , Abruzzese Elisabetta
Published: January 2023

Background: Although the association between comorbidities and the severity of COVID-19 infection has been extensively discussed, data on COVID-19 and hemoglobinopathies are still limited. SARS-Cov2 reinfections with severe acute respiratory syndrome have been described in the general population, usually with a milder outcome compared to the primary infection.
The aim of our study was to determine the rate of reinfection and clinical features in a population of β-thalassemia patients.
Results: Following the first infection, patients showed an adequate humoral immune response, however, all four patients are considered immune impaired owing to chronic transfusional support coupled with iron chelating treatment and splenectomy in three of the four.
DOWNREGULATION OF STEAROYL-COA DESATURASE 1 (SCD-1) PROMOTES RESISTANCE TO IMATINIB IN CHRONIC MYELOID LEUKEMIA
Authors: Altinok Gunes Buket , Hekmatshoar Yalda , Ozkan Tulin , Bozkurt Sureyya , Aydos O.Sena , Buyukasik Yahya , Aladag Elifcan , Sunguroglu Asuman
Published: January 2023

Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is a malignant hematopoietic stem cell disease resulting in the fusion of BCR and ABL genes and characterized by the presence of the reciprocal translocation t(9;22)(q34;q11). BCR-ABL, a product of the BCR-ABL fusion gene, is a structurally active tyrosine kinase and plays an important role in CML disease pathogenesis. Imatinib mesylate (IMA) is a strong and selective BCR-ABL tyrosine kinase inhibitor. Although IMA therapy is an effective treatment, patients may develop resistance to IMA therapy over time. This study investigated the possible genetic resistance mechanisms in patients developing resistance to IMA. We did DNA sequencing in order to detect BCR-ABL mutations, which are responsible for IMA resistance. Moreover, we analyzed the mRNA expression levels of genes responsible for apoptosis, such as BCL-2, P53, and other genes (SCD-1, PTEN). In a group of CML patients resistant to IMA, when compared with IMA-sensitive CML patients, a decrease in SCD-1 gene expression levels and an increase in BCL-2 gene expression levels was observed. In this case, the SCD-1 gene was thought to act as a tumor suppressor. The present study aimed to investigate the mechanisms involved in IMA resistance in CML patients and determine new targets that can be beneficial in choosing the effective treatment. Finally, the study suggests that the SCD-1 and BCL-2 genes may be mechanisms responsible for resistance.
Keywords  CML; Imatinib resistance; BCR-ABL mutations; SCD-1
Mucoceles of Paranasal Sinuses
Authors: Swain Santosh Kumar , Panda Swaha
Published: January 2023

Background:

Mucoceles of paranasal sinuses are benign expansile mucus-filled cystic lesions due to chronic blockage of the sinus ostia. Due to their expansile growth, may affect nearby vital structures and lead to complications and morbidity.

Objective:

This study aims to evaluate the details of the clinical profile and management of paranasal sinus mucocele.

Materials and Methods:

This is a retrospective descriptive study of 54 patients with paranasal sinuses mucoceles that were managed with surgical interventions.

Results:

The age range of the study participants was between 12 years to 54 years. The mean age of the study patients was 28.61 years. Out of 54 patients, 34 (62.96%) were males and 20 (37.03%) females with a male-to-female ratio of 1.7:1. The frontal sinus (35.18%) was the most common sinus involved with mucocele followed by frontoethmoidal sinus (24.07%), ethmoid sinus, maxillary sinus (14.81%), and sphenoid sinus (9.25%). In this study, the headache was the most common symptom.

Conclusion:

Paranasal sinus mucocele has diverse clinical presentations. Allergic rhinitis, sinusitis, and radiation to the head-and-neck region are important predisposing factors for causing paranasal sinus mucocele. Orbital symptoms are indicators for prompt surgical intervention. Endoscopic sinus surgery is an effective and safe treatment option for paranasal sinus mucocele.
Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo in Pregnancy
Authors: Swain Santosh Kumar , Vivek S. A.
Published: January 2023

Background:

Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is a common clinical condition characterized by sudden, brief paroxysmal attacks of rotation vertigo occurred by changing the head position. BPPV is the most common peripheral vestibular pathology and is found frequently in females. There are very limited data on the association between BPPV and pregnancy.

Objective:

The objective of this study was to study the BPPV during pregnancy along with details of clinical manifestations and management.

Patients and Methods:

This is a cross-sectional study where pregnant women with BPPV were enrolled. The study was conducted between April 2020 and May 2022. Detailed neurological examinations were done at the vertigo clinic.

Results:

There were seven cases of BPPV associated with pregnancy in this study. The most common symptom was rotatory vertigo. All were diagnosed with the Dix–Hallpike test. All underwent Epley maneuver and symptoms resolved. Out of seven cases, two showed low 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels.

Conclusion:

Vertigo is a morbid symptom during pregnancy that affects both pregnant women and fetal status. To improve the quality of life during gestation, clinicians should consider this BPPV as an important clinical entity in their differential diagnosis of vertigo.
The Impact of Media Supplement on the Viability, Proliferation, and Differentiation Potential of Bone Marrow-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells
Authors: Khamees Nibras Hatim
Published: January 2023

Background:

Bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (bmMSCs) are one of the most promising therapeutic methods in modern medicine. These cells are grown in tissue culture media, commonly supplemented with fetal bovine serum (FBS), but such supplement carries a number of drawbacks, such as immunological reaction and composition variation. Another supplement known as insulin-transferrin-selenium could act as serum replacement and help enhance the experimental results and therapeutic value of MSCs.

Objective:

The objective was to investigate the effect of tissue culture supplement in regard to bone marrow MSCs viability, proliferation, and differentiation potential.

Materials and Methods:

Human bmMSCs were grown in tissue culture plates at seeding density of 5 × 103 cells/cm2. The cells were divided into two groups, 10% FBS supplement or insulin-transferrin-sodium (ITS) supplement. The viability of the cells was assessed with live/dead cells kit (ethidium homodimer-1 and calcein). Cell proliferation was assessed with MTS assay, while multilineage differentiation potential was assessed with human MSC functional identification kit.

Results:

Our results showed that the viability of MSCs was comparable between FBS and ITS supplement groups at 24 h and 48 h intervals. Both groups showed similar proliferation capacity after 48 h and 72 h of incubation with no significant statistical difference. The cells from both groups were able to differentiate into osteoblasts, adipocytes, and chondrocytes.

Conclusion:

Insulin-transferrin-selenium supplement could be used as an alternative to FBS in laboratory experiments and clinical applications (such as cell therapy) to avoid the drawbacks of FBS and enhance the outcome of these applications.
Impact of Various Hematological and Biochemical Parameters in Severe and Nonsevere COVID-19 Patients
Authors: Banerjee Aurobinda , Banerjee Jayashree , Mazumdar Mohua , Phukan Jyoti Prakash
Published: January 2023

Background:

COVID-19 infection has been declared a pandemic in 2020 and since then it has been affecting the vast population of the world till today. Alteration of various hematological and biochemical parameters has been documented in various literatures.

Aim:

The aim of our study is to find out the prognostic role of hematological and biochemical parameters in severe and nonsevere COVID-19 patients.

Materials and Methods:

It was a retrospective record-based study conducted in a district-level COVID hospital of West Bengal, India. The COVID-confirmed patients admitted to the hospital during the second wave of COVID were included and data from records, including laboratory investigations were collected from the hospital registry. The severity of COVID was categorized based on the national guidelines. Independent samples t-test was applied to find out any relation of hematological and biochemical parameters abnormality in relation to disease severity. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results:

A total of 94 COVID-confirmed cases were included in our study. Males constitute the majority of cases (51 males vs. 43 females). Seventeen cases were categorized as severe COVID (18.09%), whereas others were nonsevere COVID. Among hematological parameters, total leukocyte count (TLC), neutrophil and lymphocyte percentage, and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) were significantly altered among the severe compared to the nonsevere group (P < 0.05). While C-reactive protein (CRP), D-dimer, and serum ferritin levels also showed significant alteration among severe COVID patients (P < 0.05).

Conclusion:

Our study showed that severe COVID patients were significantly associated with neutrophilia, raised NLR, CRP, D-dimer, and serum ferritin levels.