基于TLR4信号通路探讨右美托咪啶对内毒素诱导的急性肺损伤纤维化大鼠细胞外基质重塑的作用

目的：基于TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB信号通路探讨右美托咪啶对内毒素诱导的大鼠急性肺纤维化的保护作用。方法：采用随机数字表法将大鼠分为4组：对照组、模型组、低浓度右美托咪啶组、高浓度右美托咪啶组。模型组和低、高浓度右美托咪啶组大鼠气管内联合腹腔内注射内毒素诱导肺损伤纤维化，其中低、高浓度右美托咪啶组在建模前30 min分别腹腔注射右美托咪啶15μg/kg和25μg/kg。测定肺组织湿重/干重（W/D），同时进行HE染色和Masson染色观察大鼠肺组织病理变化及纤维化情况。ELISA法检测大鼠TNF-α、IL-1β、IL-6水平，RT-PCR检测整合素α5、Fn mRNA的表达水平，免疫荧光染色检测大鼠肺组织α-SMA的表达，Western blot法检测MyD88、NF-κB、p-NF-κB、TLR4蛋白表达。结果：与对照组相比，模型组大鼠W/D升高，TNF-α、IL-1β、IL-6水平明显升高，肺组织中MyD88、p-NF-κB、TLR4蛋白表达明显升高。与模型组相比，低、高浓度右美托咪啶组大鼠W/D降低，TNF-α、IL-1β、IL-6水平明显降低，肺组织中MyD88、p-NF...     

NF-κB 在TNF-α抗体治疗大鼠肝肺综合征中的作用

 目的：探讨 TNF-α单克隆抗体（TNF-αMcAb）对肝肺综合征（HPS）大鼠NF-κB表达的影响及NF-κB在TNF-α单克隆抗体治疗大鼠肝肺综合症中的作用。方法: 采用胆总管结扎（CBDL）建立大鼠HPS模型,通过腹腔注射抗TNF-αMcAb（0.1mg/kg.2d）治疗HPS,观察肺组织病理变化;检测血浆TNF-α、内毒素水平及肺组织NF-κB蛋白表达;进行血气分析,计算肺泡-动脉氧分压梯度差;结果：TNF-αMcAb干预后肺组织的炎症和毛细血管扩张明显减轻,肺泡-动脉氧分压梯度差明显减少（P<0.05）,血浆内毒素、TNF-α的水平较胆总管结扎组明显减低（P<0.05）。肺组织NF-κB 蛋白表达水平显著下降（P<0.05）。 结论： TNF-α单克隆抗体可部分改善大鼠肝肺综合征的严重程度并抑制NF-κB的表达,TNF-α单克隆抗体可能通过抑制NF-κB的表达治疗肝肺综合症。     

蛇床子素对失血性休克所致肺损伤大鼠的保护作用及机制

目的探讨蛇床子素(Osthole)对失血性休克所导致的肺损伤大鼠的保护作用及其治疗机制。方法将SPF级SD大鼠50只,体重200-250g,随机分为假手术组(Sham组)、失血性休克组(HS组)、蛇床子素组(Ost组)、NF-κB抑制剂组(PDTC组)、蛇床子素联合NF-κB抑制剂组(Ost+PDTC组),每组10只。利用股动脉放血法制作大鼠失血性休克模型,自体血回输复苏;Sham组不放血,Ost组于建模后腹腔注射蛇床子素25mg/kg,于HS发生后4h处死大鼠。HE染色观察大鼠肺组织病理变化;检测大鼠各组肺湿/干重比;检测肺组织SOD和MDA水平;ELISA法检测大鼠血清中IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α;Western Blot法检测各组大鼠肺组织中NF-κB p65, IκB-α, p-IκB-α蛋白表达水平。结果 HS组大鼠肺损伤严重,肺组织中SOD水平降低、MDA水平升高(P0.05),血清中IL-1β、IL-6及TNF-α水平升高(P0.05),蛇床子素可以抑制失血性休克引发的肺损伤;Ost组大鼠肺湿/干重比显著降低;肺组织SOD水平升高、MDA水平降低(P0.05);血清中IL-1β、IL-6和TNF-α水平均降低(P0.05);同时, NF-κBp65、 p-IκB-α蛋白表达降低, IκB-α蛋白表达升高(P0.05),且加入NF-κB抑制剂后,蛇床子素对炎症因子的改善作用受到抑制,对NF-κB信号通路相关蛋白的调控也受到抑制。结论蛇床子素有效减轻失血性休克导致的急性肺损伤,与抑制NF-κB信号通路介导的炎症反应相关。     

姜黄素对急性百草枯中毒大鼠支气管肺组织NF-κB及NE活性的影响

目的探讨姜黄素后处理对急性百草枯中毒大鼠支气管肺组织NF-κB及中性粒细胞弹性蛋白酶(NE)活性的影响。方法 SPF级Wistar大鼠108只,随机分为空白对照组、百草枯染毒组(百草枯50mg/kg一次性灌胃染毒)与姜黄素组(染毒后,200mg/kg一次性腹腔注射)。于3d、7d、14d,采用酶联免疫吸附法检测IL-1β、IL-2含量的表达,免疫组织化学法检测支气管肺组织NF-κB及NE含量。结果 IL-1β、IL-2大鼠血清含量以及肺组织NF-κB、NE表达水平百草枯染毒组均显著高于空白对照组,姜黄素后处理组均显著低于百草枯染毒组(P0.05)。结论姜黄素减轻百草枯急性中毒大鼠肺组织氧化应激和急性肺损伤程度与降低支气管肺组织NF-κB及NE活性相关。     

穿心莲内酯对克雷伯杆菌肺炎大鼠肺脏病理损伤、免疫功能紊乱及 TLR4 / NF-κB 信号通路的调节作用

目的:探讨穿心莲内酯对克雷伯杆菌肺炎的作用及机制。方法:SD大鼠随机分为对照组(Control)、模型组(Klebsiella组)、Kleb+Andro(2.5 mg)组、Kleb+Andro(5 mg)组和Kleb+Andro(10 mg)组,每组12只。气管滴入克雷伯杆菌建立大鼠肺炎模型。给药组自造模前1 d腹腔注射10 ml/kg穿心莲内酯,对照组和模型组给予等体积灭菌生理盐水,连续7 d。脱颈椎处死大鼠,取血清及肺组织检测。称量并记录大鼠右肺湿重/干重比值(W/D);HE和Masson染色检测肺组织病理形态及纤维化情况;Western blot检测裂解形式的Caspase-3和Caspase-9表达;ELISA检测血清中肿瘤坏死因子-α(TNF-α)、IL-1β和IL-6含量;RT-PCR和Western blot检测核因子-κB(NF-κB)p65和NF-κB抑制蛋白(IκBα)mRNA及蛋白表达。结果:与模型组相比,穿心莲内酯能降低W/D比值(P0.05),减轻肺组织充血、水肿、炎症细胞浸润和胶原沉积,改善其组织形态和纤维化情况;下调凋亡相关蛋白Caspase-3和Caspase-9表达(P0.05);抑制血清TNF-α、IL-1β和IL-6含量,及NF-κB p65和IκBα磷酸化水平(P0.05)。结论:穿心莲内酯能抑制克雷伯杆菌肺炎大鼠的肺脏病理损伤和免疫功能紊乱,与抑制TLR4/NF-κB信号通路有关。     

右美托咪定改善感染性休克大鼠急性肺损伤及对TLR9/NF-κB通路表达的影响

目的用,并探讨其可能的机制。方法将SD大鼠分为假手术组(Sham),模型组(LPS)和DMED治疗组(LPS+DMED);称重并计算各组大鼠肺系数、肺组织湿/干重比(W/D)和含水量;HE染色检测各组大鼠肺组织病理变化;ELISA检测各组大鼠肺组织IL-1β、IL-6及TNF-α蛋白的表达;免疫荧光化学法染色各组大鼠肺组织NF-κB(p65)的表达;Western blot法检测TLR9和NF-κB(p65)的蛋白表达。结果与LPS组比较,DMED明显降低感染性休克大鼠的肺系数、肺组织湿/干重比(W/D)和含水量,改善感染性休克大鼠肺组织病理变化,显著降低IL-1β、IL-6及TNF-α蛋白表达水平,减弱肺组织中NF-κB(p65)的活化,抑制TLR9和NF-κB(p65)的蛋白表达。结论 DMED对感染性休克大鼠急性肺损伤的保护作用,与减轻炎症因子和抑制TLR-9/NF-κB信号通路相关。     

薯蓣皂苷对糖尿病肾病大鼠TLR4/NF-κB/TNF-α 通路及肾间质淋巴细胞浸润的影响

目的：探究薯蓣皂苷对糖尿病肾病（DN）大鼠TLR4/NF-κB/TNF-α通路及肾间质淋巴细胞浸润的影响。方法：通过喂养高脂高糖饲料8周后腹腔注射60 mg/kg链脲佐菌素的方法，建立DN大鼠模型，随机分为模型组、薯蓣皂苷低（10 mg/kg）、中（20 mg/kg）、高（40 mg/kg）剂量组、二甲双胍（140 mg/kg）组，每组12只大鼠，另取12只SD大鼠使用普通饲料喂养8周后腹腔注射等量生理盐水，设为对照组。经药物分组处理后，测定大鼠血糖、24 h尿蛋白含量和肾功能指标[血清肌酐（Scr）、血尿素氮（BUN）]水平；HE染色检测大鼠肾组织病理改变；免疫组织化学染色检测大鼠肾组织间质中浸润的LFA-1阳性细胞比例；ELISA检测大鼠血清炎症因子（TNF-α、IL-8）水平；Western blot检测大鼠肾组织TLR4/NF-κB/TNF-α通路相关蛋白表达。结果：与对照组相比，模型组大鼠肾组织充血、水肿，肾小球皱缩严重，系膜基质增生，间质可见明显炎症淋巴细胞浸润，显示明显病理损伤，血糖、24 h尿蛋白含量、Scr、BUN、TNF-α及IL-8水平、LFA-1阳性细胞比例、肾...     

人参皂苷Rg1对脓毒症所致心肌损伤大鼠HMGB1/NF-κB通路的影响北大核心CSCD

目的:探讨人参皂苷Rg1(Rg1)对脓毒症所致心肌损伤大鼠的保护作用及其对高迁移率族蛋白B1(HMGB1)/核因子-κB(NF-κB)通路的调节机制。方法:腹腔注射20 mg/kg脂多糖(LPS)构建脓毒症大鼠模型,并分为5组,每组10只,假手术组(Sham组)大鼠造模过程中腹腔注射等量生理盐水;造模前2 h,LPS+Rg1组大鼠灌胃15 mg/kg Rg1,心脏冠脉注射NF-κB-mimic-NC;LPS+Rg1+NF-κB-mimic组大鼠灌胃15 mg/kg Rg1,心脏冠脉注射NF-κB-mimic;LPS+NF-κB-mimic组大鼠灌胃等量生理盐水,心脏冠脉注射NF-κB-mimic;Sham组和LPS组大鼠灌胃等量生理盐水,心脏冠脉注射NF-κB-mimic-NC。心脏彩超检测大鼠左室收缩末内径(LVDs)、左室舒张末内径(LVDd)、左室射血分数(LVEF)、短轴缩短率(FS),TUNEL染色检测大鼠心肌细胞凋亡率;试剂盒检测大鼠血清TNF-α、IL-1β、肌酸激酶同工酶(CK-MB)和乳酸脱氢酶(LDH)含量;免疫荧光染色观察大鼠心肌组织caspase-3表达;免疫组化染色观察大鼠心肌组织HMGB1表达;Western blot心肌组织HMGB1、NF-κB表达。结果:与Sham组相比,LPS组、LPS+Rg1组、LPS+Rg1+NF-κB-mimic组、LPS+NF-κB-mimic组大鼠LVDs、LVDd、心肌细胞凋亡率、血清TNF-α、IL-1β、CK-MB和LDH含量、心肌组织HMGB1、NF-κB表达明显升高,LVEF、FS明显降低(均P<0.05);与LPS组相比,LPS+Rg1组、LPS+Rg1+NF-κB-mimic组大鼠LVDs、LVDd、血清TNF-α、IL-1β、CK-MB和LDH含量、心肌组织HMGB1、NF-κB表达明显降低,LVEF、FS明显升高,LPS+NF-κB-mimic组大鼠LVDs、LVDd、心肌细胞凋亡率、血清TNF-α、IL-1β、CK-MB和LDH含量、心肌组织HMGB1、NF-κB表达明显升高,LVEF、FS明显降低(均P<0.05);与LPS+Rg1组相比,LPS+Rg1+NF-κB-mimic组、LPS+NF-κB-mimic组大鼠LVDs、LVDd、心肌细胞凋亡率、血清TNF-α、IL-1β、CK-MB和LDH含量、心肌组织HMGB1、NF-κB表达明显升高,LVEF、FS明显降低(均P<0.05)。结论:Rg1可明显抑制脓毒症诱导的心肌组织炎症应激,降低心肌细胞凋亡率,改善心功能,可能与抑制HMGB1/NF-κB信号有关。     

淫羊藿苷改善重症急性胰腺炎模型大鼠肺损伤

目的 探讨淫羊藿苷(ICA)通过抑制炎性反应减轻重症急性胰腺炎(SAP)模型大鼠肺损伤及机制。方法 将大鼠随机分为假手术组(sham组)、模型组(SAP组,将5%牛黄胆酸钠按0.1 mL/kg通过微泵逆行泵入胆管)和实验组(ICA组,造模前2 h给予淫羊藿苷80 mg/kg干预)。每组6只大鼠,造模24 h后收集下腔静脉血、胰腺组织和肺组织。HE染色观察胰腺和肺脏病理损伤;ELISA测定血清淀粉酶活性、IL-6、IL-1β和TNF-α含量;免疫组织化学染色测定肺组织中炎性因子IL-6、IL-1β和TNF-α含量;Western blot测定肺组织中磷酸化JNK/JNK和磷酸化NF-κB/NF-κB比值。结果 SAP组胰腺和肺脏的病理评分显著高于sham组(P<0.01),ICA组胰腺和肺脏的病理评分较SAP组明显降低(P<0.01);SAP组血清淀粉酶活性、血清IL-6、IL-1β和TNF-α含量以及肺组织中IL-6、IL-1β和TNF-α表达量较sham组明显升高(P<0.01),而ICA组血清淀粉酶活性、血清IL-6、IL-1β和TNF-α含量以及肺组织中IL-6...     

依达拉奉减轻慢性阻塞性肺疾病大鼠氧化应激和炎性反应

目的探究依达拉奉(EDA)对慢性阻塞性肺疾病(COPD)大鼠氧化应激和炎性反应的作用机制。方法将大鼠随机分为对照组、模型组、EDA高、中和低剂量组,每组10只。气管滴注脂多糖(LPS)联合烟熏制备COPD模型,腹腔注射40、20、10 mg/kg EDA。造模28 d后,检测肺功能和肺组织湿干重比(W/D);ELISA法检测肺组织SOD、MDA、TNF-α、IL-1β、IL-6水平;HE染色观察肺组织病理学形态;Western blot检测caspase-3、MMP-9、TLR4、MyD88、NF-κB p65蛋白表达和IκBα磷酸化。结果与对照组比较,模型组静息呼吸频率、气道阻力(RI)升高,吸气峰流速(PIF)和动态肺顺应性(Cdyn)值降低,肺损伤明显,肺组织SOD活力降低,MDA、TNF-α、IL-1β、IL-6含量增加,caspase-3、MMP-9、TLR4、MyD88表达及IκBα磷酸化水平升高,NF-κB p65核内转移明显(P0.05)。与模型组比较,EDA降低静息呼吸频率和RI,升高PIF和Cdyn,减轻肺损伤,增加肺组织SOD活力,减少MDA、TNF-α、IL-1β、IL-6含量,降低caspase-3、MMP-9、TLR4、MyD88表达及IκBα磷酸化水平,NF-κB p65核内转移受限(P0.05)。结论 EDA可改善COPD大鼠肺功能,减轻肺组织损伤及炎性反应和氧化应激水平。     

Schizophrenia in a North Swedish geographical isolate, 1900–1977. Epidemiology, genetics and biochemistry

Over 200 schizophrenic patients belonging to three major and interrelated pedigree complexes have been investigated over the past 30 years in a North Swedish geographically isolated population, presently numbering about 6,000. An intensive investigation of a number of biochemical correlates and genetic markers in a few selected families belonging to one of the major pedigrees has indicated new strategies for the current research program.
Schizophrenia, as defined operationally, is significantly associated with decreased activities of two enzymes (1) blood platelet monoamine oxidase, (2) plasma dopamine-β-hydroxylase, and (3) with the genetic marker Gc² (group specific antigen). Both enzymes are subject to genetic variation. A positive score for linkage between schizophrenia and low plasma DBH activity has been calculated, but, so far, available data are insufficient for discrimination between linkage and partial contribution of genetically controlled low plasma DBH to the pathogenesis of the disease. Alternatively, both mechanisms could be involved.
As a model for continued research, schizophrenia is explained as based on a double dominant-recessive genotype (Aabb), representing a vulnerability which in about 50 % of cases develops into clinical schizophrenia. It is suggested that the dominant mutation (A) operates on or affects MAO activity, and that the recessive genotype (bb) is instrumental in low variates of DBH activity and very likely such variates within the normal range of physiological variation. Moreover, it is suggested that the combined effects of MAO- and DBH-reduced efficiency on the metabolism of e.g. dopamine could be an essential pathogenic mechanism for the schizophrenic illness which is segregating in this population.     

The universal muscular chain reaction,muscle spasm,Torsions, ruptures and extravasations. Chameleons of pathology and some manifestations of simple muscular disorders

Most bodily functions require the coordinated actions of complementary and supplementary paired muscle groups. Where this essential muscular cooperation is lacking, hollow organs may burst and others become literally screwed up, giving rise to many similar spastic diseases such as Torticollis, Twisted ovarian cyst, Torsion of the Testis, Volvulus of the intestines, Varicose Veins, Megacolon, Aortamegaly, Scoliosis, Erb's Palsy, Peyronie's Disease, Main-en-Griffe, Undescended Foot (Pes Cavus), Talipes, Strabismus. Spasm is “panenepidemic” and unclassified examples of Torsion Dystonia and Dyskinesia really are as common as debt and taxes.     

The dominant diseases of modernized societies as omega-3 essential fatty acid deficiency syndrome: Substrate beriberi

About 1900, modern food selection and processing caused widespread $\text{epidemics}$ of the B vitamin deficiency diseases of beriberi and pellagra which, for genetic reasons, often expressed as different diseases ranging from bowel and heart disease to dermatoses and psychoses. But the B vitamins merely help convert essential fatty acids (EFA) into the prostaglandin (PG) tissue regulators and it now turns out that, through hydrogenation, milling and selection of w3-poor southern foods, we have also been systematically depleting, by as much as 90%, a newly discovered trace Nordic EFA (w3) of special importance to primates and sole precursor of the PG3(4) series, even as a concurrent fiber deficiency increases body demand for EFA. Since substrate EFA is processed by many B vitamin catalysts, an EFA deficiency will mimic a $\text{panh}$ypovitaminosis B, i.e., a mixture of $\text{substrate}$ beriberi and $\text{substrate}$ pellagra resembling vitamin beriberi and pellagra but exhibiting as even more diverse $\text{endemic}$ disease. This would consitute a second stage of the Modern Malnutrition and explain why some workers now hold the dominant diseases of modermized societies to be new, nutritionally based, pellagraform yet lipid-related and to range, once again, from heart disease to psychosis. It is an assumption that our dominant diseases are unrelated to each other or are merely revealed by our diagnostic acumen and therapeutic success; and that hydrogenating millions of tons of food oils annually, to destroy the rancidity producing w3-EFA, is safe for $\text{primates}$. Extensive beriberiform disease is reported here in 32 typical cases taken from medical practice which responds strikingly to linseed oil supplements (60% w3-EFA) in confirmation of identical results in Capuchins.     

Hypo- und Hypermagnesämie aus kardiologischer Sicht

Zusammenfassung Eine Reihe pathologischer Zustände bedingen Magnesiummangel. Zustände mit Hypermagnesämie sind ebenfalls bekannt, doch wesentlich seltener. Für den Kardiologen beachtenswert ist, daß unter Therapie mit bestimmten Diuretica bei Herzinsuffizienz, bei Herzinfarkt, Kardiomyopathie, Digitalisintoxikation und bestimmten Herzrhythmusstörungen Hypomagnesämie beobachtet wurde. Leider kann in der klinischen Routine nur ein extracelluläres Magnesiumdefizit durch Serumbestimmungen gemessen werden; über Magnesiummangel einzelner Organe kann nichts ausgesagt werden. Hinweise für Magnesiummangel geben aber neben der Messung des Serumspiegels Anamnese, klinischer Befund, bestimmte EKG-Veränderungen wie auch evtl. Hypokalämie, ein Zustand, bei dem sich oft — besonders bei Aldosteronismus — parallele Veränderungen zeigten.Tierexperimente deuten darauf hin, daß infarktähnliche Läsionen unter Magnesiummangel entstehen, doch ob Herzinfarkt beim Menschen durch Magnesiummangel ausgelöst werden kann, ist noch ungeklärt. In Leichenherzen zeigte sich im Infarktgebiet neben Calciumakkumulation signifikanter Magnesiumverlust, wobei unklar blieb, ob sich Ursache oder Folge des Infarktes widerspiegelten. Falls ein ursächlicher Zusammenhang besteht, ist er im Myokardstoffwechsel selbst zu suchen, wie bei der Alkoholkardiomyopathie, wo myokardialer Magnesiummangel zumindest als pathogenetischer Teilfaktor anerkannt wird. Andererseits versucht man aber auch Beziehungen zwischen Atherosklerose, Blutgerinnung und Hypomagnesämie herzustellen, in der Meinung, daß Magnesiummangel auch über den coronaren Pathomechanismus des Herzinfarktes wirken könnte. Sicher scheint, daß gewisse EKG-Veränderungen und Herzrhythmusstörungen durch einen irritierten Magnesiumhaushalt bedingt sein können, da sie bei Gabe bzw. Entzug von Magnesium verschwinden. Daß Magnesiummangel die Glykosidtoleranz verringert, wird tierexperimentell bestätigt. Unter Hypomagnesämie bewirkt Acetylstrophanthidin eher und länger Rhythmusstörungen als ohne, außerdem lassen diese sich durch Magnesiumgaben eliminieren. Da in gewissen Fällen spontane und digitalisinduzierte Herzrythmusstörungen durch Magnesiuminjektionen beseitigt wurden, scheint Magnesium als Therapeuticum angebracht. Einsatz verschiedener Magnesiumsalze bei Angina pectoris, degenerativen Herzerkrankungen und Herzinsuffizienz ohne geprüften und offensichtlich gestörten Magnesiumhaushalt ist fragwürdig, weil keine eindeutigen klinischen Erfolgsbeweise vorliegen. Immerhin mag es aber larvierte, durch Serumbestimmungen nicht erfaßbare Mangelzustände geben. Allgemein erscheint es aus kardiologischer Sicht ratsam, den Magnesiumhaushalt zu überwachen und in entsprechenden Fällen auszugleichen, um möglichen Myokardläsionen oder fatalen Herzrhythmusstörungen entgegenzuwirken.     

Environmental risk factors and their role in the management of atopic dermatitis

Introduction: The etiology of atopic dermatitis (AD) is multifactorial with interaction between genetics, immune and environmental factors.

Areas covered: We review the role of prenatal exposures, irritants and pruritogens, pathogens, climate factors, including temperature, humidity, ultraviolet radiation, outdoor and indoor air pollutants, tobacco smoke exposure, water hardness, urban vs. rural living, diet, breastfeeding, probiotics and prebiotics on AD.

Expert commentary: The increased global prevalence of AD cannot be attributed to genetics alone, suggesting that evolving environmental exposures may trigger and/or flare disease in predisposed individuals. There is a complex interplay between different environmental factors, including individual use of personal care products and exposure to climate, pollution, food and other exogenous factors. Understanding these complex risk factors is crucial to developing targeted interventions to prevent the disease in millions. Moreover, patients require counseling on optimal regimens for minimization of exposure to irritants and pruritogens and other harmful exposures.     

HLA genes in Amerindians from Mexico San Vicente Tancuayalab Teenek/Huastecos

Huastecos or Teenek Amerindians are presently living at North East Mexico (San Luis Potosi State). They have probably one of the most ancient culture of Mexico and Central America together with Mayas and Olmec groups with which also show close relationships. Proximity to Atlantic Ocean/Mexican Gulf originated that Spaniards had very early contact with them at about 1519 CE or before. In the present paper we have aimed to study HLA gene profile which may be useful for HLA and disease epidemiology and transplant programs in Teeneks. HLA-DRB1*04:07, -DRB1*14:06 and -DRB1*04:11 have been found in high frequency like in other Amerindian groups. High frequency typical Amerindians HLA extended haplotypes have been found, such as A*02-B*35-DRB1*04:07-DQB1*03:02; A*68-B*39-DRB1*04:07-DQB1*03:02 and A*02-B*39-DRB1*04:07-DQB1*03:02; also new haplotypes have been described, like A*02-B*52-DRB1*04:11-DQB1*03:02, A*68-B*35-DRB1*14:02-DQB1*03:01 and A*68-B*40-DRB1*16:02-DQB1*03:01. Genetic proximity is observed not only to linguistically close Mayans, but also to Mazatecans, Mixtecans and Zapotecans, who speak an altogether different languages; it shows once more that genes and languages do not correlate. This population was greatly diminished after European contact between 1500 and 1600 years CE; in fact, North and South America First Inhabitants population was brought from 80 down to 8 million people because of diseases (i.e.: measles, smallpox or influenza), slavery and war.     

'Very sore nights and days': the child's experience of illness in early modern England, c.1580-1720

Sick children were ubiquitous in early modern England, and yet they have received very little attention from historians. Taking the elusive perspective of the child, this article explores the physical, emotional, and spiritual experience of illness in England between approximately 1580 and 1720. What was it like being ill and suffering pain? How did the young respond emotionally to the anticipation of death? It is argued that children’s experiences were characterised by profound ambivalence: illness could be terrifying and distressing, but also a source of emotional and spiritual fulfilment and joy. This interpretation challenges the common assumption amongst medical historians that the experiences of early modern patients were utterly miserable. It also sheds light on children’s emotional feelings for their parents, a subject often overlooked in the historiography of childhood. The primary sources used in this article include diaries, autobiographies, letters, the biographies of pious children, printed possession cases, doctors’ casebooks, and theological treatises concerning the afterlife.     

Guidelines for the Validation and Use of Immunoassays for Determination of Introduced Proteins in Biotechnology Enhanced Crops and Derived Food Ingredients

Recent advancements in agricultural biotechnology have created a need for analytical techniques to determine introduced proteins in crops enhanced through modern biotechnology techniques. These proteins are expressed in plant tissues and may be present in food ingredients. Immunoassays are ideally suited for protein detection and may be used as both quantitative and threshold methods. Microplate ELISA and lateral flow devices are two of the most commonly used immunoassay formats for agricultural biotechnology applications. This paper provides general background information and a discussion of criteria for the validation and application of immunochemical methods to the analysis of proteins introduced into plants and food ingredients using biotechnology methods. It is the result of a collaborative effort of members of the Analytical Environmental Immunochemical Consortium. This collaborative effort represents the combined expertise of several organizations to reach consensus on establishing guidelines for the validation and use of immunoassays. Further, the paper offers developers and users a consistent approach to adopting the technology as well as aid in producing accurate and meaningful results.     

Ultracryotomy: development and application (with examples from the yeast cytology) (author's transl)

The preparation steps usually necessary for obtaining ultrathin frozen sections of biological material (chemical prefixation, enclosing, cryoprotective treatment, freezing, sectioning, and post-staining the sections for transmission electron microscopy) are submitted to a critical analysis. The application of cryo-ultramicrotomy, in particularly for cytochemical purposes, is reviewed. Fundamental considerations of chemical prefixation and poststaining are supported by examples from yeast cytology. Furthermore, the efficiency of the cryo-ultramicrotomy (electron optical resolution of ultrastructural details) is demonstrated on yeast cells and protoplasts.