Haemagglutination and Haemagglutination-Inhibition Reactions of Extracts from Snails and Sponges

Abstract. The results of agglutination and agglutination-inhibition experiments with two spong extracts ( Axinella sp. and Cliona celata ) and three snail extracts ( Achatina granulata, Theba pisana and Helicella uirgata , banded form) are reported.
The extracts which show D-galactose specificity and are also inhibited by sugars related to D-galactose or containing it, have been subdivided into 1. a subgroup with no blood group specificity to which belong Axinella sp., Cliona celata and Ricinus communis extract and 2. another subgroup with B-like specificity to which belong extracts of Helicella virgata (banded form), Bandeiraea simplicifolia and Fomes fomentarius extracts.
Extracts of subgroup 1. but not of subgroup 2. are inhibited by Pn XIV poly-saccharide. In spite of anti-B-like specificity, extracts belonging to subgroup 2. are just as well or even better inhibited by NAcgal than by D-galactose.
The extracts of Achatina granulata and Theba pisana lack D-galactose specificity. Achatina granulata extract was inhibited by NAcgal, NAcglu and NANA; Theba pisana extract only by NANA.
Theba pisana extract agglutinated only neuraminidase-treated red cells, Helicella virgata (banded form) extract only enzyme-treated B cells.     

A Comparative Study of Antiglobulin Antibodies and Residual Anti-D Between Recipients of Intramuscular Anti-D Immunoglobulin and Intravenous Plasma Anti-D1

Abstract. The incidence of ‘specific’ and ‘non-specific’ antiglobulin antibodies was determined among 648 multiparous females, 213 recipients of intramuscular anti-D immunoglobulin and 221 recipients of intravenous plasma anti-D. Results obtained six months after the administration of anti-D showed that the formation of ‘specific’ anti-Gm or anti-Inv was no greater in recipients of anti-D immunoglobulin or plasma anti-D than in the controls. The incidence of ‘non-specific’ antiglobulins increased from an expected 5% among recipients of intravenous plasma anti-D to almost 25% in mothers given intramuscular anti-D immunoglobulin. It is suggested that the raised ‘non-specific’ antiglobulins may be provoked by a residue of aggregated γ-globulin components which is known to be present in preparations of Cohn fraction II. Six months after the passive administration of Rh antibodies residual anti-D activity was more often observed in recipients of intramuscular anti-D immunoglobulin than in recipients of plasma anti-D.     

Haemagglutination and Haemagglutination-Inhibition Reactions of Extracts from Snails and Sponges

Abstract. Agglutination-inhibition, precipitation and precipitation-inhibition tests have been performed with 2 sponge and 4 snail extracts using as inhibitors a number of biological materials and some glycoproteins and glycolipids. Some human salivas and fluids from ovarian pseudomucinous cysts inhibited, others did not inhibit. Inhibiting power was unrelated to presence of ABH substances.
Some snail and seed extracts inhibited haemagglutination by Axinella sp. extract and some snail extracts haemagglutination by Cliona celata extract. Axinella sp. extract precipitated non-haemagglutinating Achatina granulata and Hedleyella falconeri snail extracts; this precipitation was inhibited by the same sugars which also inhibit haemagglutination by Axinella sp. extract.     

The Correlation between IgM Anti-D and 'Saline Agglutination' of D-positive Cells by Anti-D Sera

S ummary . Sixty-five sera which showed anti-D activity were examined. A saline agglutinating anti-D titre of 1, possibly of 2, does not necessarily imply that the serum contains IgM anti-D, for this agglutination is sometimes due to IgG anti-D in the presence of a sufficient concentration of other protein in the serum. A saline anti-D titre of 4 or higher denotes IgM anti-D.     

布鲁氏菌和其它菌属细菌感染豚鼠的皮内变态反应及血清交叉反应

动物试验进一步证实,在布氏菌和结肠炎耶尔森氏菌O:9、土拉伦菌、埃希氏大肠杆菌0:116、0:157之间具有明显的血清学交叉反应,其中Y·e O:9菌感染动物出现的交叉反应滴度高、持续时间长。此外,试验还首次证实,Y·e O:9菌、土拉伦菌和埃希氏大肠杆菌0:157致敏动物对布氏菌素可出现阳性皮肤变态反应。其中Y·e O:9菌动物的皮肤反应强度和持续时间与S型强毒布氏菌致敏动物无差别(P<0.05);土拉伦菌和大肠杆菌O:157动物的皮肤反应轻、持续时间短,48小时后即消失;大肠杆菌0:116致敏动物对布氏菌素无反应。     

The Role of Arachidonic Acid Regulatory Enzymes in Colorectal Disease

PURPOSE Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs have a wide ranging effect on diseases of the colon and rectum. Interestingly, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs seem to play a beneficial role in colorectal cancer chemoprevention and adenoma regression, but may have a deleterious effect in inflammatory bowel disease. Prostaglandin inhibition is central to both the beneficial and toxic effects of this class of drugs. Arachidonic acid metabolism is essential to prostaglandin synthesis.METHODS A Medline search using “nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs,” “colon cancer,” “inflammatory bowel disease,” “colitis,” “COX inhibitors,” “arachidonic acid,” and “chemoprevention” as key words was performed for English-language articles. Further references were obtained through cross-referencing the bibliography cited in each work.RESULTS Based on numerous studies, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs have a beneficial role in colon cancer and colonic adenomas. However, they have been reported to have a deleterious effect on the colon in inflammatory bowel disease and have been shown to cause colitis. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs work via multiple pathways, some well defined, and others unknown. CONCLUSIONS In the new millennium, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs may be used for chemoprevention of colorectal and other cancers. In addition, they may be used in combination with surgery and chemotherapy to primarily treat colorectal carcinoma. Undoubtedly, the use of novel cyclooxygenase inhibitors with less of a toxicity profile will allow more widespread use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for a variety of diseases. The future of this class of drugs is promising.     

Fructose 1,6-Bisphosphatase: The Role of Lysosomal Enzymes in the Modification of Catalytic and Structural Properties

Seasonal variations in the properties of rabbit-liver fructose 1,6-bisphosphatase have now been linked to corresponding changes in the levels of proteolytic activity in the liver extracts. Incubation of native fructose 1,6-bisphosphatase with purified liver lysosomes causes a 3-fold increase in catalytic activity at pH 9.2, with a smaller, and variable, decrease in activity tested at pH 7.5. These changes in catalytic properties are accompanied by the appearance of a smaller subunit, as was previously reported for the enzyme treated with subtilisin. AMP, a negative modulator of fructose bisphosphatase activity, protects against this action of lysosomes. This proteolytic modification of fructose bisphosphatase by lysosomal enzymes may play a role in the modulation of gluconeogenesis.     

The Role of ARV Associated Adverse Drug Reactions in Influencing Adherence Among HIV-Infected Individuals: A Systematic Review and Qualitative Meta-Synthesis

Poor adherence remains a major barrier to achieving the clinical and public health benefits of antiretroviral drugs (ARVs). A systematic review and qualitative meta-synthesis was conduct to evaluate how ARV adverse drug reactions may influence ARV adherence. Thirty-nine articles were identified, and 33 reported that ARV adverse drug reactions decreased adherence and six studies found no influence. Visually noticeable adverse drug reactions and psychological adverse reactions were reported as more likely to cause non-adherence compared to other adverse drug reactions. Six studies reported a range of adverse reactions associated with EFV-containing regimens contributing to decreased adherence. Informing HIV-infected individuals about ARV adverse drug reactions prior to initiation, counselling about coping mechanisms, and experiencing the effectiveness of ARVs on wellbeing may improve ARV adherence.     

Post-transfusion Purpura: a Serological and Immunochemical Study

S ummary . By applying the platelet suspension immunofluorescence test (PSIFT), platelet-specific alloantibodies responsible for post-transfusion purpura were detected in eight patients within a period of 2 years. All patients were female and had previously received blood or had been pregnant. The platelet-specific alloantibodies had the specificity anti-Zw^a in all the patients, who were all Zw(a -). In two patients the platelets were tested in the acute phase of the disease and found to be coated with IgG. In one patient an ether eluate was prepared from the platelets that reacted strongly with Zw(a +) platelets, but weakly with platelets from Zw^b-homozygous individuals. The sera of these two patients, and of two others whose platelets were not directly tested, taken in the acute phase of the purpura, reacted strongly with Zw^a-positive platelets. The four sera also reacted, however weakly, with Zw^a-negative platelets, with autologous platelets taken during remission and with platelets from patients with Glanzmann's disease.
It is postulated that Zw^a-anti-Zw^a complexes, present in the eluate and the sera, caused the reaction with Zw^a-negative platelets and the patients'own platelets. Immunochemical characterization of the post-transfusion purpura antibodies showed that in all patients these were IgG, in two combined with IgM antibodies. Antibodies of the sub-class IgG1 were found in all patients, sometimes together with IgG3. In the indirect immunofluorescence test with anti-complement serum, the PTP antibodies in only four sera were able to fix complement. In only two of these sera were these complement-binding antibodies detectable in the ⁵¹Cr-lysis technique and then in a much lower titre than in the immunofluorescence technique.     

A Cytochemical Study of Marrow Enzymes in Megaloblastic Anaemia

A cytochemical study of the enzyme content of megaloblasts compared with normoblasts under comparable conditions of erythroid hyperplasia has shown an increased activity of representative enzymes of the Embden-Meyerhof pathway, pentose phosphate shunt and tricarboxylic acid cycle in individual megaloblasts at all stages of maturation. The finding of a mixed population of cells with regard to enzyme content in late megaloblasts may be related to reported variations in prolongation of the intermitotic period at an earlier stage of maturation in megaloblasts. An increased cell content of soluble, NAD-linked, α-glycero-phosphate dehydrogenase in the megaloblast contrasts with reports of a selective decrease of this enzyme in homogenate studies of human and animal tumours which has been claimed to be a specific metabolic change in neoplastic cells.
It is concluded that the increased serum lactate dehydrogenase levels in megaloblastic anaemia are derived from the intramedullary destruction of large numbers of megaloblasts containing an increased amount of this enzyme.     

IVIG Adverse Reactions: Potential Role of Cytokines and Vasoactive Substances

Background and Objectives : A clinical study was conducted to determine the effect of IVIG infusion rates on adverse experiences (AE) and on serum levels of cytokines and vasoactive substances. Materials and Methods : Forty-two healthy volunteers were randomized into 3 groups with maximum IVIG infusion rates of 0.04, 0.06, and 0.08 ml/kg/min, and a final dose of 0.5 g IgG/kg body weight. Results : Adverse reactions were noted only at the highest infusion rate of 0.08 ml/kg/min, except in 1 subject infused at 0.06 ml/kg/min. There were significant increases in IL-6 (p = 0.011) and thromboxane B₂ (p = 0.007) in AE subjects as compared to non-AE subjects. Conclusion : IVIG-induced adverse reactions occur more often with rapid infusion rates and may be mediated by elevated levels of inflammatory cytokines and vasoactive substances.     

Localization and Role of Calcium in the Erythrocyte Coat: Effects of Enzymes and Storage

S ummary . The effects of various treatments on erythrocyte shape, surface, cell coat and calcium binding sites have been investigated by means of high voltage electron microscopy (HVM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and conventional electron microscopy (TEM). Papain caused the formation of small blisters within the cellular surface as well as crenation and'budding'of the erythrocytes. Afer neuraminidase treatment, long filaments were observed to radiate from the surface of the erythrocyte. The other enzymes investigated, RNAse, DNAse, phospholipase, protease and trypsin, produced no demonstrable effect on the cellular structure, nor (with the possible exceptionof trypsin) on the cell coat as seen by subsequent staining with ruthenium red. Putative calcium binding sites on and in the erythrocyte membrane were demonstrated. Following incubation with radioactive calcium, activity was found in the erythrocyte membranes. Calcium binding could be reduced by prior treatment of the erythrocyte with EDTA, neuraminidase, and to a lesser extent, by papain and trypsin. Other enzymes had no demonstrable effect. Stored erythrocytes showed a progressive diminution in calcium binding over a period of up to 4 weeks.     

Review of the Problems Involved in Using Enzymes in Blood Group Serology - Provision of Freeze-Dried ICSH/ISBT Protease Enzyme and Anti-D Reference Standards

Proteolytic enzyme preparations and techniques used routinely in blood group serology for the detection of atypical patient antibodies prior to transfusion vary widely and are often poorly standardised. Recent advances have been made in the use of biochemical methods to standardise and stabilise the potency of the enzyme preparations used. A joint working party of the International Council for Standardization in Haematology (ICSH) and the International Society of Blood Transfusion (ISBT) has investigated possibilities for the provision of standards for the protease preparations and techniques. The specification for these standards was that the performance of enzyme reference preparation in the reference technique should be of equivalent sensitivity to the ICSH/ISBT LISS spin indirect antiglobulin test using a titration series of a reference weak anti-D, and be free from false-positive reactions. The working party circulated materials for evaluation in inter-laboratory trials, followed by a laboratory workshop meeting to achieve agreement on the specification for reference materials and methods. Reference freeze-dried papain at 0.6 azoalbumin units and weak anti-D preparations (91/562) have been prepared and validated to meet these specifications. The performance of a test enzyme preparation in the technique for which it is recommended for use should be at least equal to that of the reference papain preparation, by the reference two-stage technique in terms of sensitivity, using a titration series of the reference anti-D, and freedom from false-positive reactions, using six fresh inert sera. The reference papain and weak anti-D can also be used to calibrate the level of proteolytic activity required in other procedures in blood group serology, such as new technology methods for antibody detection, and automated and microplate cell grouping procedures. These preparations and an agreed method for their use are now available from listed centres as ICSH/ISBT and Food and Drug Administration reference materials.     

A Second Outbreak of Hepatitis C Virus Infection from Anti-D Immunoglobulin in Ireland

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the infectivity for hepatitis C virus (HCV) of intravenous anti-D immunoglobulin batches manufactured in Ireland between 1991 and 1994. METHODS: Women who had received anti-D manufactured between 1991 and 1994 were screened for serological markers of HCV infection and for the presence of HCV RNA by RT-PCR amplification and virus genotyping. RESULTS: 44 women exposed to anti-D manufactured between 1991 and 1994 were polymerase chain reaction positive for HCV RNA, 19 of whom were infected with genotype 3a virus shown by phylogenetic analysis of the NS5B gene to be closely related to that from the single implicated donor. CONCLUSIONS: Anti-D manufactured in 1991-1994 transmitted infection of HCV genotype 3a. The prevalence of HCV-specific antibody in anti-D recipients was relatively low (0.59%), consistent with the low level of virus RNA in these anti-D batches.