bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of an empowerment program for self‐management among rural older adults with hypertension in South Korea
Authors: Shin Dong‐Soo , Kim Chun‐Ja , Choi Yong‐jun
Published: December 2015

Objective

This study aimed to examine the effects of an empowerment program for hypertension self‐management among rural older adults in South Korea.

Design

A pretest–posttest controlled design for a 12‐month hypertension self‐management program with assessments at commencement, 6 months and 12 months.

Setting

Two subsistence farming areas.

Participants

Subsistence farmers aged 65 and over: intervention group (n = 41) and control group (n = 36).

Intervention

Twelve‐month empowerment program for hypertension self‐management.

Main outcome measures

Self‐efficacy, social support, self‐care behaviours, blood pressure control and renal function.

Results

There were significant interactions of group by time for self‐efficacy (P < 0.001) and self‐care behaviour (P = 0.019). Blood pressure control at 12 months also showed a significant improvement in the empowered group compared with the control group (82.8% versus 56.8%, P < 0.014). Other clinical outcomes, including systolic blood pressure (P = 0.006) and renal function (P < 0.001), showed significant interactions of group by time.

Conclusions

The empowerment program was effective for rural older adults with hypertension in South Korea. Further investigation of the relationships among core components of empowerment would be beneficial.
Effects of anaesthesia on proliferation, invasion and apoptosis of LoVo colon cancer cells in vitro
Authors: Xu Y. J. , Li S. Y. , Cheng Q. , Chen W. K. , Wang S. L. , Ren Y. , Miao C. H.
Published: December 2015

Tumour cell proliferation, invasion and apoptosis are crucial steps in tumour metastasis. We evaluated the effect of serum from patients undergoing colon cancer surgery receiving thoracic epidural and propofol anaesthesia on colon cancer cell biology. Patients were randomly assigned to receive propofol anaesthesia with a concomitant thoracic epidural (PEA, n = 20) or sevoflurane anaesthesia with opioid analgesia (SGA, n = 20). Venous blood was obtained before induction of anaesthesia and 24 hours postoperatively. The LoVo colon cancer cells were cultured with patient serum from both groups and the effects on proliferation, invasion and apoptosis were measured. Twenty‐four hours after surgery, the absorbance value of LoVo cells at 10% serum concentration from PEA was decreased when compared with SGA (0.302 (0.026) vs 0.391 (0.066), p = 0.005). The inhibitory rate of LoVo cells at 10% serum concentration from PEA was higher than that from SGA (p = 0.004) 24 h after surgery. The number of invasive LoVo cells at 10% serum concentration from PEA was reduced when compared with SGA (44 (4) vs 62 (4), p < 0.001). Exposure of LoVo cells to postoperative serum from patients receiving PEA led to a higher luminescence ratio (apoptosis) than those receiving SGA (0.36 (0.04) vs 0.27 (0.05), p < 0.001). Serum from patients receiving PEA for colon cancer surgery inhibited proliferation and invasion of LoVo cells and induced apoptosis in vitro more than that from patients receiving SGA. Anaesthetic technique might influence the serum milieu in a way that affects cancer cell biology and, thereby, tumour metastastasis.
Unravelling the immunological roles of dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP4) activity and/or structure homologue (DASH) proteins
Authors: Wagner L , Klemann C , Stephan M , von Hörsten S
Published: December 2015

Dipeptidyl peptidase (DPP) 4 (CD26, DPP4) is a multi-functional protein involved in T cell activation by co-stimulation via its association with adenosine deaminase (ADA), caveolin-1, CARMA-1, CD45, mannose-6-phosphate/insulin growth factor-II receptor (M6P/IGFII-R) and C-X-C motif receptor 4 (CXC-R4). The proline-specific dipeptidyl peptidase also modulates the bioactivity of several chemokines. However, a number of enzymes displaying either DPP4-like activities or representing structural homologues have been discovered in the past two decades and are referred to as DPP4 activity and/or structure homologue (DASH) proteins. Apart from DPP4, DASH proteins include fibroblast activation protein alpha (FAP), DPP8, DPP9, DPP4-like protein 1 (DPL1, DPP6, DPPX L, DPPX S), DPP4-like protein 2 (DPL2, DPP10) from the DPP4-gene family S9b and structurally unrelated enzyme DPP2, displaying DPP4-like activity. In contrast, DPP6 and DPP10 lack enzymatic DPP4-like activity. These DASH proteins play important roles in the immune system involving quiescence (DPP2), proliferation (DPP8/DPP9), antigen-presenting (DPP9), co-stimulation (DPP4), T cell activation (DPP4), signal transduction (DPP4, DPP8 and DPP9), differentiation (DPP4, DPP8) and tissue remodelling (DPP4, FAP). Thus, they are involved in many pathophysiological processes and have therefore been proposed for potential biomarkers or even drug targets in various cancers (DPP4 and FAP) and inflammatory diseases (DPP4, DPP8/DPP9). However, they also pose the challenge of drug selectivity concerning other DASH members for better efficacy and/or avoidance of unwanted side effects. Therefore, this review unravels the complex roles of DASH proteins in immunology.
The role of high-mobility group box protein 1 in collagen antibody-induced arthritis is dependent on vascular endothelial growth factor
Authors: Biscetti F , Flex A , Pecorini G , Angelini F , Arena V , Stigliano E , Gremese E , Tolusso B , Ferraccioli G
Published: December 2015

High-mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) has been implicated in angiogenesis and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The aim of this study was to define more clearly the role of HMGB1 in the synovial angiogenesis and pathogenesis of an immune model of arthritis. BALB/c mice were injected with monoclonal anti-collagen antibody cocktail followed by lipopolysaccharide to induce arthritis. HMGB1 and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) were over-expressed in the areas of the synovium where more inflammation and neoangiogenesis were present. The selective blockade of HMGB1 or VEGF resulted alternatively in a lower severity of arthritis evaluated by the arthritis index. Furthermore, exogenous HMGB1 administration caused a worsening of arthritis, associated with VEGF up-regulation and increased synovial angiogenesis. The selective inhibition of VEGF also resulted in no induction of arthritis in mice receiving exogenous HMGB1. Cytokine enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) analyses performed on peripheral blood and synovial fluid demonstrated a significant reduction of interleukin (IL)−1β, IL-6 and tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α in mice where HMGB1 and VEGF pathways were blocked. Interestingly, the selective blockade of HMGB1 and VEGF resulted in an increase of the peripheral IL-17A concentration. The development of arthritis mediated by HMGB1 and the synovial angiogenesis can be blocked by inhibiting the VEGF activity. The proinflammatory and proangiogenic cytokine IL-17A was increased when HMGB1 is inhibited, but the synovial angiogenesis was nevertheless reduced in this model of arthritis. Taken together, these findings shed new light on the role of this nuclear protein in the pathogenesis of arthritis in an RA-like model.
Refining the continuum ofCFTR‐associated disorders in the era of newborn screening
Authors: Levy H. , Nugent M. , Schneck K. , Stachiw‐Hietpas D. , Laxova A. , Lakser O. , Rock M. , Dahmer M.K. , Biller J. , Nasr S.Z. , Baker M. , McColley S.A. , Simpson P. , Farrell P.M.
Published: December 2015

Clinical heterogeneity in cystic fibrosis (CF) often causes diagnostic uncertainty in infants without symptoms and in older patients with milder phenotypes. We performed a cross‐sectional evaluation of a comprehensive set of clinical and laboratory descriptors in a physician‐defined cohort (N = 376; Children's Hospital of Wisconsin and the American Family Children's HospitalCFcenters in Milwaukee and Madison, WI, USA) to determine the robustness of categorizingCF(N = 300), cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR)‐related disorder (N = 19), andCFTR‐related (CRMS) metabolic syndrome (N = 57) according to current consensus guidelines. Outcome measures included patient demographics, clinical measures, sweat chloride levels,CFTRgenotype, age at diagnosis, airway microbiology, pancreatic function, infection, and nutritional status. TheCFcohort had a significantly higher median sweat chloride level (105 mmol/l) thanCFTR‐related disorder patients (43 mmol/l) andCFTR‐related metabolic syndrome patients (35 mmol/l; p ≤ 0.001). Patient groups significantly differed in pancreatic sufficiency, immunoreactive trypsinogen levels, sweat chloride values, genotype, and positivePseudomonas aeruginosacultures (p ≤ 0.001). An automated classification algorithm using recursive partitioning demonstrated concordance between physician diagnoses and consensus guidelines. Our analysis suggests that integrating clinical information with sweat chloride levels,CFTRgenotype, and pancreatic sufficiency provides a context for continued longitudinal monitoring of patients for personalized and effective treatment.
Relationship between insulin sensitivity and insulin secretion rate: not necessarily hyperbolic
Authors: Kim S. H. , Silvers A. , Viren J. , Reaven G. M.
Published: December 2015

Aims

There is general acceptance that the physiological relationship between insulin sensitivity and insulin secretion is hyperbolic. This conclusion has evolved from studies in which one test assessed both variables, and changes in plasma insulin concentration were used as a surrogate measure for insulin secretion rate. The aim of this study was to see if a hyperbolic relationship would also emerge when separate and direct measures were used to quantify both insulin sensitivity and insulin secretion rate.

Methods

Steady‐state plasma glucose (SSPG) was determined in 146 individuals without diabetes using the insulin suppression test, with 1/SSPG used to quantify insulin sensitivity. The graded‐glucose infusion test was used to quantify insulin secretion rate. Plasma glucose and insulin concentrations obtained during an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) were used to calculate surrogate estimates of insulin action and insulin secretion rate. A hyperbolic relationship was assumed if the β coefficient was near −1 using the following model: log (insulin secretion measure) = constant + β × log (insulin sensitivity measure).

Results

OGTT calculations of insulin sensitivity (Matsuda) and plasma insulin response [ratio of insulin/glucose area‐under‐the‐curve (AUC) or insulin total AUC] provided the expected hyperbolic relationship [β = −0.95, 95% CI (−1.09, −0.82); −1.06 (−1.14, −0.98)]. Direct measurements of insulin sensitivity and insulin secretion rate did not yield the same curvilinear relationship [β = −1.97 (−3.19, −1.36)].

Conclusions

These findings demonstrate that the physiological relationship between insulin sensitivity and insulin secretion rate is not necessarily hyperbolic, but will vary with the method(s) by which it is determined.
Echocardiographic Diagnosis of Acute Pulmonary Embolism in Patients with McConnell's Sign
Authors: Mediratta Anuj , Addetia Karima , Medvedofsky Diego , Gomberg‐Maitland Mardi , Mor‐Avi Victor , Lang Roberto M.
Published: December 2015

Background

“McConnell's sign” (McCS), described as hypo‐ or akinesis of the right ventricular (RV) free wall with preservation of the apex, is associated with acute pulmonary embolism (aPE). However, the sensitivity of McCS for the detection of aPE is limited. We sought to evaluate in patients with McCS, whether echocardiographic parameters of global and regional RV function could differentiate between patients with and without aPE.

Methods

We reviewed echocardiograms of 81 patients with McCS, who underwent CT or V/Q studies for suspected PE, and 40 normal controls (NL). Echocardiograms were analyzed to measure pulmonary artery systolic pressure (PASP), tricuspid regurgitation (TR) by vena contracta width, conventional indices of RV function, and speckle tracking–derived longitudinal free wall strain. ROC analysis was performed to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of these parameters for diagnosis of aPE.

Results

Fifty‐five of eighty‐one (68%) had PE (McCS + PE), while 26 of 81 (32%) did not (McCS − PE). Compared to NL, global and segmental RV strain were lower in patients with McCS, contrary to the notion of normal apical function. In McCS + PE, compared to McCS − PE: (1) PASP, fractional area change and TR were significantly lower; (2) strain magnitude was significantly lower globally and in basal and apical segments. Individual parameters had similar diagnostic accuracy by ROC analysis, which further improved by combining parameters. In McCS − PE, 69% of patients had pulmonary hypertension (PH).

Conclusions

McCS and aPE are not synonymous. RV free wall strain may aid in differential diagnosis of patients with McCS evaluated for aPE. Specifically, McCS should prompt an inquiry for evidence of PH, which would indicate that aPE is less likely.
Structure of the mouse Toll‐like receptor 13 ectodomain in complex with a conserved sequence from bacterial 23S ribosomal RNA
Authors: Wang Jiawei , Chai Jijie , Wang Hongwei
Published: December 2015

Toll‐like receptor 13 (TLR13) recognizes a conserved 10‐nucleotide sequence from bacterial 23S ribosomal RNA, and binding of TLR13 to the target rRNA molecule triggers immune responses. Recently, the crystal structure of the TLR13 ectodomain bound by a 13‐nucleotide single‐stranded RNA (ssRNA13) was determined by using the initial phases provided by a cryo‐electron microscopy map of TLR13 in complex with a 25‐nucleotide ssRNA (ssRNA25). This structural snapshot describes a unique method for solving the crystal structure of the TLR13–ssRNA13 complex based on medium‐resolution reconstruction of TLR13–ssRNA25 cryo‐electron microscopy images.
Altered blood flow in cerebral perforating arteries of rat models of diabetes: A synchrotron radiation microangiographic study toward clinical evaluation of white matter hyperintensities
Authors: Fukuyama Naoto , Tsukamoto Yuko , Takizawa Shunya , Ikeya Yoshimori , Fujii Toshiharu , Shinozaki Yoshiro , Takahari Yoko , Kawabe Noboru , Wakana Noriaki , Umetani Keiji , Todoroki Kikue , Fukui Sayato , Tanaka Chiharu , Tanaka Etsuro , Mori Hidezo
Published: December 2015

Aim

As altered blood flow in the cerebral perforating arteries (PA) might be related to development of cerebral white matter hyperintensities, we examined whether the hemodynamic relationship of the PA and middle cerebral artery (MCA) is altered in rat models of diabetes, compared with normal rats and a rat model of sinoatrial denervation (blood pressure fluctuation model).

Methods

We used microangiography with monochromatic synchrotron radiation to measure the diameters of the PA and MCA at 4.5 μm resolution in five groups of rats: (i) Long‐Evans Tokushima Otsuka (LETO); (ii) Otsuka Long‐Evans Tokushima Fatty (a model of type 2 diabetes with obesity); (iii) LETO with sinoaortic denervation (LETO + SAD); (iv) F344; and (v) F344 + streptozotocin (a model of type 1 diabetes).

Results

Compared with LETO, Otsuka Long‐Evans Tokushima Fatty rats showed a significant reduction in the diameter of both PA and MCA, though the PA/MCA diameter ratio was unchanged. In contrast, compared with LETO, LETO + SAD rats showed an increased MCA diameter, and the PA/MCA diameter ratio was decreased. Compared with F344 rats, the MCA diameter was increased in F344 + streptozotocin rats, and the PA/MCA diameter ratio was decreased. Scatter diagrams showed that the diameters of the PA and MCA were essentially independent of each other in the two types of diabetic models.

Conclusion

PA were consistently visualized at high resolution by means of microangiography using synchrotron radiation. The present results show that rat diabetic models exhibit changes in PA diameter and PA/MCA diameter ratio, which might be related to the development of diabetes‐associated cerebral white matter hyperintensities. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2015; 15 (Suppl. 1): 74–80.
Visit‐to‐visit blood pressure variability and dementia
Authors: Nagai Michiaki , Hoshide Satoshi , Dote Keigo , Kario Kazuomi
Published: December 2015

Visit‐to‐visit blood pressure variability has been shown to be an independent risk factor for stroke and cognitive impairment. However, the underlying mechanisms are not fully understood. Artery remodeling and silent cerebral injury are suggested to be involved in the relationship between visit‐to‐visit blood pressure variability and cognitive impairment. The present review article summarizes the recent literature on these topics. Here we review visit‐to‐visit blood pressure variability, artery remodeling, silent cerebral injury and an issue regarding the impact of these components on dementia including Alzheimer's disease. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2015; 15 (Suppl. 1): 26–33.
White matter integrity and cognitive dysfunction: Radiological and neuropsychological correlations
Authors: Tomimoto Hidekazu
Published: December 2015

Cerebral white matter (WM) is comprised of nerve fibers interconnecting neurons in the cerebral cortex or the deep structures. With advancing age, WM frequently shows hyperintense lesions in T2‐weighted or fluid‐attenuated inversion recovery images in both the periventricular and deep WM. Patients with these WM lesions might manifest a variety of symptoms, such as parkinsonism, cognitive impairment, depression and apathy, when these WM lesions become sufficiently confluent and diffuse. However, there are inconsistencies with respect to their clinical significance, because patients with extensive WM lesions might remain asymptomatic. The present review focuses on the pathological mechanism underlying why the loss of integrity of nerve fibers in the WM induces neuropsychological symptoms. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2015; 15 (Suppl. 1): 3–9.
Plasma kinetics and urinary excretion of primaquine in man.
Authors: Greaves J , Evans DA , Gilles HM , Fletcher KA , Bunnag D , Harinasuta T
Published: December 2015

1 The kinetics of primaquine have been studied in twenty volunteers after single and multiple dose regimes. 2 The kinetic parameters were similar in glucose‐6‐phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) normal Thais, G6PD deficient Thais and in Caucasians. 3 The Caucasian subjects showed about 1% of the dose was excreted in the urine. 4 The kinetic parameters obtained from multiple dose studies in Thais were very similar to those obtained from single dose studies in Thais.
Are benzodiazepines overused and abused?
Authors: Rickels K
Published: December 2015

1 Drug use has to be viewed in the context of symptoms or illnesses for which they are prescribed. It is concluded that overall psychotropic drugs are used conservatively. 2 The benzodiazepines are safe drugs and in contrast with other centrally acting agents overuse will rarely have severe consequences. 3 Abrupt discontinuation may lead to temporary withdrawal reactions in patients who have been taking benzodiazepines regularly for 4 months or longer. Such reactions may occur more frequently in patients taking high doses.
Difficulties in assessing the adverse effects of drugs.
Authors: Kramer MS
Published: December 2015

1 In recent years the phenomenon of the adverse drug reaction (ADR) has become a focus of increased attention and research, and we have become aware of the clinical complexity of the phenomenon and some of the difficulties inherent in assessing adverse effects. Evidence for such difficulties includes the discrepancies in figures for ADR incidence in epidemiological studies, the non‐specificity and suggestibility of ADR symptoms, and the substantial disagreements, even among experts, in the diagnosis of ADRs. 3 An observed clinical manifestation heavily depends on the clinical setting and on the intent of the clinician, and the large number of factors that many confound the link between a given manifestation and an administered drug. A diagnostic algorithm, or branched logic decision format, has recently been developed. It comprises six axes of decision strategy and provides standardized, operational rules for rating the probability of an ADR.
Spironolactone dose‐response relationships in healthy subjects.
Authors: McInnes GT , Perkins RM , Shelton JR , Harrison IR
Published: December 2015

1 The effect of single oral doses of spironolactone 25 mg, 50 mg, 100 mg, 200 mg, 400 mg, and placebo in reversing the urinary electrolyte changes induced by fludrocortisone between 2‐10 h and 12‐16 h after treatment was examined in healthy subjects. 2 In the two collection periods, there were statistically significant log linear dose‐response relationships for sodium excretion (P less than 0.001), potassium excretion (P less than 0.001 and P less than 0.025 respectively) and log10 10 Na/K (P less than 0.001). 3 However, there was evidence that the log spironolactone dose‐urinary sodium responses did not increase monotonically, while the relationship for urinary potassium appeared to enter the lower ‘plateau’ at doses between 100 mg and 200 mg, and when compared to placebo values, potassium excretion was not significantly depressed 12‐16 h after treatment (P greater than 0.1). Thus, sodium and potassium responses were dissociated in dose producing maximal effect and in duration of activity, reinforcing the view that functions or the urinary sodium/potassium ratio alone cannot be considered an adequate description of renal antimineralocorticoid activity. 4 Dose‐ response relationships for all urinary electrolyte variables seem consistently steep and linear between 25 mg and 100 mg of spironolactone, suggesting that, in studies employing this model, the doses of spironolactone should be restricted to this range.
Serum protein binding and free concentration of phenytoin and phenobarbitone in pregnancy.
Authors: Chen SS , Perucca E , Lee JN , Richens A
Published: December 2015

1 The effect of pregnancy on the binding of phenytoin and phenobarbitone to serum proteins was studied in normal women and in drug treated epileptic women. 2 The binding of both drugs was reduced during pregnancy. The reduction correlated positively with the gestational age and negatively with the serum albumin concentration. 3 In spite of the increase in unbound fraction, both the total and free serum concentrations of phenytoin were decreased in late pregnancy.
THE FORMATION, GROWTH, AND CONJUGATION OF THE PRONUCLEI IN THE RAT EGG
Authors: Austin C. R.
Published: December 2015

SYNOPSIS.

A method is described whereby living rat eggs can often be observed under the phase‐contrast microscope for as long as 12–16 hours. In this way it is possible to study in vitro the changes which occur during fertilization.

The observations which have been made are described and illustrated, and time‐relations are given for the changes in vitro.

Information is presented on the manner in which: (a) the sperm nucleus changes to form the male pronucleus; (b) the second maturation spindle, initially in metaphase, progresses to form the female pronucleus, and is associated with the abstriction of the polar body; (c) pro‐nuclear growth appears to pass through three stages characterized by the enlargement and coalescence of primary nucleoli, the enlargement of the pronucleus, and the appearance and growth of secondary nucleoli; (d) the pronuclei, when fully developed, come into contact and then diminish and disappear, giving place to the prophase chromosomes; (e) the chromosomes are arranged on the first segmentation spindle, which then undergoes division and is succeeded by the appearance of objects resembling early zygote nuclei.

Some aspects of these observations are discussed in relation to previous descriptions of fertilization based on fixed and stained material, and also in relation to Caspersson's theory of protein synthesis.
An Examination of the Function of Urine Washing in Galago senegalensis
Authors: Harcourt Caroline
Published: December 2015

A wild, female Galago senegalensis molohi (lesser bushbaby) was radio collared and followed for 139 h. The occurrence of ‘urine washing’, wetting the hands and feet with urine, was recorded and analysed in terms of when and where it took place and with what other behaviours it was associated. Data from the present study and others indicated that urine washing did not function as an olfactory sign marking territorial boundaries. It was suggested that in this species it facilitated grip.
Influence of Experience on Prey Selection by Anax imperator Larvae (Aeschnidae‐Odonata)
Authors: Blois Catherine , Cloarec Ann
Published: December 2015

Abstract and Summary

Reactions of ultimate (F0) and penultimate (F‐1) instar Anax imperator larvae to six different experimental prey species showed that they selected preferentially chironomid larvae. They then diose, in decreasing order Corixa spec, zygopteran, ephemeropteran and trichopteran larvae and Gastropoda. The last two prey species were usually avoided. This preference order can be related to behavioural characteristics of predatory sequences and to biological characteristics of prey species. Spontaneous prey selection can be modified experimentally by exposure of predators to a given prey species: Anax imperator larvae confined to a diet of chironomid larvae subsequently ate less Corixa spec, than larvae fed only Corixa spec. Anax imperator larvae showed an increase in preference for the more familiar diet after return to a mixed diet of chironomid larvae and Corixa spec. No significant differences were found between the numbers of two prey species eaten by larvae of the two instars tested for the different groups.

Die Reaktioncn von Anax imperator‐Larven des letzten (FO) und vorletzten (F‐1) Stadiums gegenüber sechs Versuchsbeutearten zeigen, daß sie hauptsächlich Cbironomus‐Larven wahlen. Weiter wählen sie der Reihe nach: Corixa spec, dann Zygopteren‐Larven, Ephemeriden‐Larven und zuletzt Gastropoden. Im allgemeinen meiden sie die zwei letztgenannten Beutearten. Diese Reihenfolge ist auf die Merkmale des Jagdverhaltens und die der Beutearten zurückzuführen. Die spontane Wahl kann experimentell verändert werden, wenn man die Raubinsekten einer bestimmten Beuteart aussetzt. Anax imperator‐Larven, die ausschließlich mit Chironomus‐Lnrven ernährt wurden, fingen später weniger Corixa als solche, die nur mit Corixa ernährt worden waren. Anax imperator‐Larven bevorzugen im Wahlversuch die ihnen geläufigste Beuteart.

Es wurde kein klarer Unterschied zwischen den Anteilen zweier Beutearten gefunden, die von den Versuchslarven der zwei Entwicklungsstadien gefressen wurden.
Olfaction‐related Behavior in Collared Peccaries
Authors: Byers John A.
Published: December 2015

Abstract and Summary

In free‐ranging collared peccaries (Tayassu tajacu) 20% of all social or socially‐related acts recorded were olfaction‐related. Mutual rubbing, in which two individuals rubbed their faces over each other's dorsal glands, occurred at elevated rates when herds were initiating movement, moving rapidly, or alarmed. Olfactory investigation of conspecifics, mostly nosing of the head, perineum, or dorsal gland, occurred in all contexts at a fairly constant rate, but at elevated rates when herds entered bedgrounds or played. When herds were near home range boundaries, scent marking occurred at much higher rates than when herds were further within home ranges. Scent marking and social olfactory investigation also were temporally associated with herd play bouts.

Freilebende Herden von Halsbandpekkaris wurden in Arizona beobachtet. 20% aller sozialen Interaktionen enthielten geruchliche Signale. Gegeneinanderreiben von Individuen war das vorherrschende Verhalten in diesem Bereich und trat am häufigsten auf, wenn die Herden aufbrachen, sich rasch davonbewegten oder erschreckt wurden. Gegenseitiges Beschnüffeln richtete sich vorwiegend gegen Kopf, Perineum und Rückendrüse und trat in ziemlich konstanter Häufigkeit auf, gesteigert nur im Spiel und am Schlafplatz. Duftmarkieren trat gehäuft an den Grenzen des Herden‐Streifgebietes auf und häufiger als nach Zufallserwartung im Spiel.

Gegenseitiges Körperreiben erzeugt wahrscheinlich eine Duftwolke über der Gruppe, die ihren Ort anzeigt; das würde erklären, warum es gehäuft in Situationen auftritt, in denen Zusammenbleiben wichtig. ist. Dieses Reiben führt wohl auch zu einem kombinierten Herdengeruch auf jedem Kopf. Das regelmäßige Beriechen deutet darauf hin, daß ständig die Herden‐Mitglied‐schaft überprüft wird. Die herdeneigenen duftmarkierten Spielplätze zeigen an, daß Gruppenspiele olfaktorisch beeinflußt werden.
An Improved Sperm Immobilization Test Based on Multiple Exposure Photography
Authors: BLUMENFELD ZEEV , MAKLER AMNON , GERSHON HARRIET , BRANDES JOSEPH M.
Published: December 2015

ABSTRACT: An improved method for objective evaluation of results in the complement dependent sperm immobilization test, with the aid of the multiple exposure photography (MEP) method is described. With this method it is possible to determine the percentage of residual motility of spermatozoa quantitatively after incubation with sera suspected of having immobilizing activity in the presence of complement. Long term storage of information, reexamination of data and comparison of results after various treatment are routinely possible with this method.
Characteristics and Bioefficacy of Monoclonal Antigonadotropin Releasing Hormone Antibody
Authors: GUPTA S.K. , SINGH OM , TALWAR G.P.
Published: December 2015

ABSTRACT: Mouse hybrid cell clones secreting antigonadotropin releasing hormone monoclonal antibody were developed by fusion of SP2/O‐Ag 1.4 myeloma cells with splenocytes of mouse immunized with gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) tagged to tetanus toxoid. The product of hybrid cell clones obtained as ascites fluid from mouse peritoneal cavity had a titre of 106 (30–40% binding of 125I‐GnRH) in radioimmunoassay. The antibody was IgG2a and Kappa. The association constant (Ka) of the product of hybrid cell clone P81662 for binding with GnRH was 1.2 × 109 L/mole. The monoclonal antibody (P81662) was highly specific for the native GnRH and devoid of reactivity with thyroid releasing hormone as tested in competitive radioimmunoassay. The recognition for GnRH agonists by monoclonal was 387‐fold less with D‐Ser (But)6 des Gly10 GnRH ethylamide and 608‐fold less with Bz1‐His6 GnRH. Monoclonal anti‐GnRH antibody was competent to neutralize the in vivo bioactivity of the hormone as evident by the block of estrus cycle and termination of pregnancy in mice. Termination of pregnancy in animals receiving anti‐GnRH monoclonal could be prevented by administration of progesterone.
Effect of Transfer Factor on Tumor‐Associated Immunity and Tumor Growth of the Dunning R‐3327G Rat Prostate Adenocarcinoma
Authors: SHAW MICHAEL W. , ABLIN RICHARD J. , GUINAN PATRICK D. , BHATTI RASHID A.
Published: December 2015

ABSTRACT: Of importance in the design and application of improved or new modalities of treatment are their evaluation on relevant animal models. In the case of prostate cancer (PCa) the Dunning R‐3327 rat prostate adenocarcinoma (PCa), and its variant sublines, is one such experimental tumor model of its human counterpart. In a preliminary study, the effect of transfer factor (TF), one form of passive immunotherapy, on tumor‐associated immunity (TAD and tumour growth and histology of the G subline (a poorly differentiated, fast‐growing, androgen sensitive, and poorly metastatic tumour of the Dunning R‐3327 rat PCa) has been evaluated. TF prepared from the leukocytes of tumor‐bearing animals and nontumor‐bearing animals referred to as sensitized (STF) and unsensitized (UTF), respectively, had no significant effect on TAI or tumor size. The only noticeable effect of TF in this study was the presence of variable and moderate lymphocytic infiltrates, necrosis, and degenerative‐type cells in tumors of animal recipients of STF. The failure to observe significant differences in TAI among tumor bearing and nontumor bearing animals raises doubt in part, of the immunogenicity of the G subline tumor and its appropriateness, at least for subsequent immunological studies. Further factors considered in this regard, are questions of tumor load, including the possible need for the use of adjuvant, and the parameters and sensitivity of immune responsiveness selected for evaluation and immunocompetency. Subsequent evaluation of the effect of TF on other more immunogenic variant sublines of the Dunning R‐3327 rat tumor may yet provide further and more useful information.
A Human Sperm Coating Antigen Isolated From Sperm Cell Membrane
Authors: SAJI FUMITAKA , MINAGAWA YOSHIO , NEGORO TAKAO , NAKAMURO KARO , TANIZAWA OSAMU
Published: December 2015

ABSTRACT: A human sperm cell membrane antigen that is highly specific to sperm and seminal plasma was isolated from plasma membrane fraction of spermatozoa using rabbit antiserum against human seminal plasma. In addition to the high specificity to sperm and seminal plasma, the isolated antigen showed the following characteristics: (1) It is a glycoprotein of approximately 12,000 daltons that has an affinity to lentil lectin; (2) it is distributed in human milk other than in sperm and seminal plasma, but is not found in any other organs and tissues including testis; (3) seminal plasma contains the largest amount of the antigen activity, 60‐fold greater than spermatozoa and 900‐fold greater than milk, suggesting that this antigen could be a sperm‐coating seminal plasma antigen.
In Utero Immunization of the Fetus to Tetanus by Maternal Vaccination During Pregnancy
Authors: VANDERBEEKEN Y. , SARFATI M. , BOSE R. , DELESPESSE G.
Published: December 2015

ABSTRACT: We tested 36 pairs of umbilical cord blood and maternal sera collected at the time of delivery by radioimmunoassay and by Western blot analysis for IgG or IgM antitetanus antibodies (anti‐TT). Twenty‐one participants had received a recall iiyection of tetanus toxoid at various periods during pregnancy. Maternal vaccination in the last trimester of pregnancy was associated with the presence of IgM anti‐TT in the cord blood sera; these were not detected in neonatal sera from mothers who were not vaccinated during pregnancy or who received the booster injection during the first two trimesters of gestation. The results could not be ascribed to artifacts such as the contamination of neonatal sera by maternal blood, the contamination of the anti‐IgM antisera by antiidiotypes, or by the presence of neonatal IgM rheumatoid factor binding to immune complexes made of maternal IgG anti‐TT and radiolabelled TT. Hence, it is concluded that maternal vaccination during the last trimester of pregnancy may induce in utero active immunization of the fetus.
Production of Blocking Antibodies by Vaccination With Husband's Lymphocytes in Unexplained Recurrent Aborters: The Role in Successful Pregnancy
Authors: TAKAKUWA KOICHI , KANAZAWA KOJI , TAKEUCHI SHOSHICHI
Published: December 2015

ABSTRACT: To elucidate an immunological mechanism in terms of the effectiveness of vaccination of the unexplained habitual aborters with their husband's lymphocytes, 20 patients were selected as the experimental group, and 10 fertile couples were selected as the control group.

Subjects were studied by mixed lymphocyte reaction‐blocking assay so as to determine whether they had blocking antibodies (BAbs) in their sera. In the experimental group, BAb levels were found to be significantly lower as compared to the ten control multiparous wives; 17 cases (85%) of them were proved not to have sufficient BAbs. Significant sharing of HLA‐D/DR antigens was observed in experimental couples.

Then, 10 out of 17 patients with evidence of no produced BAbs were vaccinated with their husband's lymphocytes, and all of them were observed to produce BAbs within three vaccinations. After vaccination, seven out of ten patients have so far become pregnant, five of these pregnancies have been successful, with evidence of continuing production of BAbs.

In conclusion, vaccination of the patients with husband's lymphocytes was found to stimulate a production of BAbs, and it was thus strongly suggested that this may lead to their production in a subsequent pregnancy, which would allow its success.
Comparative Study of Biological Properties of Proteins Synthetised In Vitro by Murine Decidua and Deciduoma
Authors: DEARDEN‐BADET MARIE‐THÉRÉSE
Published: December 2015

ABSTRACT: Supernatants from short‐term in vitro cultures of murine decidual tissue obtained from the uteri of pregnant mice on day 8 postcoïtum (decidua, in the presence of paternal antigens) or from pseudopregnant mice (deciduoma, without any histocompatibility antigens were assessed for their regulatory activity; both statuses (physiological and experimental) can only be developed under hormonal conditions. All these supernatants possess no complement inhibitory activity, but they markedly impair the generation of cytotoxic T cells (CTL) and suppress anti‐sheep red blood cell antibody response. These effects seem essentially located in a single AcA 22 fraction of 60 KD that inhibits CTL, while the plaque‐forming cell response is strongly stimulated. Electrophoretic and gel filtration profiles of supernatants from cultures of decidua and deciduoma seem similar. The results suggest that the factors synthetised by decidua or deciduoma are the same and are not induced by exposure to foreign histocompatibility antigens of the fetus. According to these results, it seems likely that decidualization represents a localized general mechanism that can be induced, under a particular hormonal background, by different stimuli (trauma) rather than being a specific response to a particular signal (blastocyst).
Inhibitors of Complement‐Mediated Cytotoxicity in Normal and Secondary Aborter Sera
Authors: TORRY DONALD S. , McINTYRE JOHN A. , FAULK W. PAGE , McCONNACHIE PETER R.
Published: December 2015

ABSTRACT: Sera from patients with secondary (2°) spontaneous abortions contain complement‐dependent cytotoxic (CDC) antibodies with specificity for paternal lymphocytes. These lymphocytotoxins are not anti‐HLA (human lymphocyte antigen) as shown by their poly‐specificity on HLA select cell panels and by their removal following absorption with HLA‐negative trophoblast membranes. They are predominantly IgG and have been designated as trophoblast‐lymphocyte cross‐reactive (TLX) antibodies. Normal and homologous 2° aborter sera contain a CDC inhibitor that does not bind to paternal cells and must be present when complement is added to antibody. The inhibitor does not manifest anticomplement effects and appears to be species specific. Inhibitory capacity is increased by heating (56°C for 30 min) and by absorption with heparin. When chromatographed on G‐200 Sephadex, inhibitor appears in the void volume, suggesting a molecular weight of more than 250,000. It can be isolated from diethylaminoethyl cellulose into an euglobulin fraction that does not contain IgG, but does contain IgM, though no studies indicate the inhibitor to be IgM. We suggest that the inhibitor is under the control of a regulator molecule, probably an inhibitor‐of‐inhibitor, and that in 2° aborter sera the equilibrium is unbalanced between antibody, inhibitor, and regulator.
Prostaglandin E2 and Plasminogen Activators in Human Milk and Their Secretion by Milk Macrophages
Authors: DEIST FRANCOISE LE , DE SAINT‐BASILE GENEVIEVE , ANGELES‐CANO EDUARDO , GRISCELLI CLAUDE
Published: December 2015

ABSTRACT: Human milk was shown to contain prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and plasminogen activator (PA) at variable concentrations depending on the time of lactation after delivery. Milk PA was functionally and immunologically identical to urokinase. A follow‐up study showed that the maximum PGE2 concentrations occurred during the second week while the maximum PA concentration was observed at the end of the first week of lactation. Milk macrophages cultured in vitro were able to secrete both PGE2 and PA. When cells were activated by concanavalin A (ConA) or E. coli lipopolysaccharide (LPS), PGE2 secretion increased dramatically while PA secretion did not. The ability of activated macrophages to secrete PGE2 was at its highest shortly after delivery. It then progressively decreased during lactation. The possible physiological role of PGE2 and PA on the gastrointestinal tract of breast fed infants is discussed.
Quantitation of Sperm Bindable IgA and IgG in Seminal Fluid
Authors: HOWE STEPHEN E. , LYNCH DONA M.
Published: December 2015

ABSTRACT: Seminal fluid and serum from 95 infertile males were assayed for sperm bindable immunoglobulins using an indirect ELISA with whole target sperm. The ELISA method was compared to seminal fluid and serum immobilization and agglutination assays (functional assays). In this infertile group, the ELISA assay was positive in 22% of seminal fluids (>1.2 fg IgA/ sperm and >0.3 fg IgG/sperm). The seminal fluid antibodies were IgA and had an accompanying elevated IgG component in 78% of patients. There was a 96% correlation between negative seminal fluid functional assays and negative ELISA, and a 95% correlation between positive seminal fluid functional assays and positive ELISA. Positive serum sperm antibody tests were found in 71% of the infertile males with positive seminal fluid sperm antibodies, but 29% of the infertile males with strongly positive IgA seminal fluid sperm antibodies showed normal levels of serum sperm antibodies by either ELISA or functional assays. The ELISA method gives reproducible quantitation of sperm antibodies in seminal fluid and correlates well with accepted functional assays. Comparisons with serum sperm antibody assays suggests that seminal fluid sperm antibody analysis complements the serum analysis of sperm antibodies.
An Enzyme‐Linked Immunosorbent Assay for Measuring Antisperm Autoantibodies Following Vasectomy in Lewis Rats
Authors: HERR JOHN C. , FLICKINGER CHARLES J. , HOWARDS STUART S. , YARBORO SCOTT , SPELL DONALD R. , CALORAS DANIEL , GALLIEN THOMAS N.
Published: December 2015

ABSTRACT: An indirect enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was devised to measure antisperm autoantibodies in the Lewis rat following vasectomy. The assay system was validated by employing prevasectomy sera and postvasectomy antisera, previously demonstrated to contain antisperm antibodies by indirect immunofluorescence. A standardized ELISA protocol was developed employing 105 sperm per microtiter plate well and sucrose‐polyvinylpyrrolidone as a postcoat stabilizer solution. The ELISA was shown to yield significant detectable antibody at dilutions of 1/512 or greater in the most reactive sera. A standard for scoring positive titers was adopted: 1.96 standard deviations above the mean of the preimmune value. Using the criterion, 88% of 7‐week postvasectomy samples could be discriminated from preimmune samples at a 1:16 dilution, which was adopted for subsequent assays. The ELISA demonstrated 73% and 91% reproducibility for an intraassay analysis of single prevasectomy and postvasectomy serum samples (7 weeks postvasectomy) tested in 160 determinations on a standard sperm pool. When this single antigen pool was employed in 35 determinations at 0, 1, and 4 weeks in an interassay study, 56% and 70% reproducibility was found for pre‐ and postvasectomy sera respectively. A correlation (r = 0.75) was made between a single absorbance value and the end‐point titer of the same sera, which indicated that single absorbance values could be used to predict serum titer and single dilutions could be used for general screening of a large number of samples. The ELISA described provides a rapid, sensitive, and reliable method that discriminated between samples taken before and after vasectomy.
Uromodulin: An Immunoregulatory Glycoprotein Isolated From Pregnancy Urine That Binds to and Regulates the Activity of Interleukin 1
Authors: MUCHMORE ANDREW V.
Published: December 2015

ABSTRACT: Uromodulin is an 85 kilodalton glycoprotein originally isolated from human pregnancy which has been shown to inhibit antigen specific T cell responses to recall antigens such as tetanus toxoid. We have also found that uromodulin is a high affinity ligand for interleukin 1 and is able to regulate the activity of interleukin 1 in vitro. Finally, we present data that free interleukin 2 receptor can be found in human pregnancy urine. We propose that a number of immunoregulatory phenomena associated with pregnancy are due to molecules able to specifically regulate interleukin 1 and interleukin 2.
Histopathologic Alterations in the Decidua in Human Spontaneous Abortion: Loss of Cells With Large Cytoplasmic Granules
Authors: CLARK DAVID A. , MOWBRAY JAMES , UNDERWOOD JENNIFER , LIDELL HILLARY
Published: December 2015

ABSTRACT: The histopathology of decidua obtained from the placental bed was evaluated by phloxine‐tartrazine staining, which allows clear definition of cells with cytoplasmic granules. Mononuclear cells with large granules were seen in biopsy specimens taken from women at 8–31 weeks of normal pregnancy. In contrast, cells with large granules were missing in sections taken from the decidua of five women who were aborting or were destined to abort. Since the presence of suppressor cell activity in murine decidua correlates with the success of pregnancy and since this suppression is associated with small lymphocytes with cytoplasmic granules, the observations made using human placental bed biopsy material suggest that a possible suppressor cell deficiency might occur in the early stages of spontaneous abortion in human females.
The Current Status of Antiplatelet Antibodies
Authors: LAU R. JANE
Published: December 2015

ABSTRACT: The importance of antiplatelet antibodies in clinical medicine was first recognized in 1951. Since that time, a number of syndromes have been described, including autoimmune thrombocytopenia purpura, posttransfusion purpura, neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia, and drug‐induced thrombocytopenia purpura, that fit into the category of immunologic thrombocytopenias. The laboratory methods for detecting the antiplatelet antibodies present in these diseases are enumerated and discussed along with the currently recognized platelet‐specific antigens. Because of the complexities of performance and the lack of agreement among many of the available procedures, it is recommended that antiplatelet antibody testing remain primarily a research tool for the present time.
Correlations Between Results of the Immunobead Test and the Sperm Penetration Assay
Authors: GOCIAL BENJAMIN , CORSON STEPHEN L. , BATZER FRANCES R. , MAISLIN GREG , MARMAR JOEL
Published: December 2015

ABSTRACT: Immunobead testing (IBT) and human sperm‐hamster egg penetration assay (SPA) were performed in 233 infertile men. Positive immunologic results were recorded in 31 (13.3%). Significant reduction in SPA scores was found in patients with IgG antisperm antibodies alone but not in patients with IgA alone or in combination with IgG. Normal SPA scores were seen in 56% of immunonegative patients (n = 113) vs. 32% of immunopositive patients (n = 10). Therefore, a normal SPA does not rule out the presence of significant levels of antisperm antibodies.