Human neutrophil antigen-3a antibodies induce neutrophil aggregation in a plasma-free medium

Background

Antibodies against the human neutrophil alloantigen-3a (HNA-3a) are involved in severe cases of transfusion-related acute lung injury (TRALI), but the susceptibility of patients towards HNA-3a antibody differs largely. HNA-3a antibodies induce granulocyte aggregation. However, it is unresolved whether plasma proteins are required for granulocyte aggregation.

Materials and methods

We investigated whether HNA-3a-antibody-induced aggregation of polymorphonuclear cells is dependent on plasma factors by using and modifying the granulocyte agglutination test (GAT).

Results

Polymorphonuclear cells homozygous for HNA-3a did not aggregate when incubated with HNA-3a antibodies in a plasma-protein-free GAT setup. When the GAT was performed using polymorphonuclear cells re-suspended in phosphate-buffered saline containing proteins, HNA-3-mediated aggregation was observed. Moreover, using Tween^®20 for blocking the plates, reconstituted the granulocyte aggregation in a protein-free medium. This indicates that granulocyte aggregation probably occurs by direct granulocyte-granulocyte interaction(s) or is mediated by substances released by neutrophils after activation.

Discussion

Granulocyte aggregation induced by HNA-3a antibodies does not require human plasma proteins. Interindividual variability in the response to HNA-3a antibodies does not depend on differences in patient’s plasma proteins.     

The risk assessment paradigm and its application for trichothecenes

Risk analysis for trichothecene mycotoxins and other food contaminants, which are to a significant extent unavoidable, presents considerable challenges. Risk assessment is constrained by uncertainties associated with the lack of adequate data, and risk management must consider the fact that mycotoxin contamination can have serious impacts on trade and food sufficiency. These factors necessitate good communication between the risk assessors and risk managers in formulating the questions to be addressed by the risk assessment. Risk assessment must be an iterative process, since the problem formulation and the risk assessment may need to be revised to reflect new data and theories. In addition to providing advice to risk managers, risk assessment should provide a blueprint for future research by illustrating what observations will influence a prediction. The international risk assessments completed for deoxynivalenol, T-2 and HT-2 toxins, and nivalenol have noted a number of issues regarding the lack of adequate intake data for exposure assessment and significant gaps in toxicological studies for hazard characterizations. Addressing these uncertainties would provide risk managers with better guidance for control measures.     

An improved method for efficient isolation and purification of genomic DNA from filamentous cyanobacteria belonging to genera Anabaena, Nodularia and Nostoc

The aim of this work was to develop an improved method for isolation and purification of genomic DNA from filamentous cyanobacteria. The method described here employs a modified phenol extraction-based procedure. It allowed us to obtain a high yield (60–620 μg/g wet weight, depending on the cyanobacterial strain) of pure and undegraded genomic DNA (A260/A280 ratio of about 1.8 and A260/A230 ratio of about 2.0). Genomic DNA, isolated from cyanobacteria belonging to the genera Anabaena, Nodularia and Nostoc has been successfully used for construction of gene libraries. Thus, this method can be used in procedures requiring highly purified cyanobacterial DNA.     

Macro‐micro dermatology: Erythematous papules and lentigo‐like macules – a new entity?

Galli‐Galli disease is usually characterized by reticulate hyperpigmentation of the flexures. Rare patients may present without this finding, instead having only localized erythematous papules and brown, lentigo‐like macules on the trunk and extremities. Histological changes consist of elongated and in part hyperpigmented rete ridges and areas of acantholysis.     

Holy springs and holy water: underestimated sources of illness?

Use of holy springs and holy water is inherent in religious activities. Holy spring water is also used extensively for personal drinking water, although not assessed according to drinking water standards. Holy water in churches and chapels may cause infections via wetting of lips and sprinkling on persons. Our aim was to assess the microbiological and chemical water quality of holy springs and holy water in churches and hospital chapels. Of the holy springs investigated, only 14% met the microbiological and chemical requirements of national drinking water regulations. Considering results from sanitary inspections of the water catchments, no spring was assessed as a reliable drinking water source. All holy water samples from churches and hospital chapels showed extremely high concentrations of HPC; fecal indicators, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus occurred only in the most frequently visited churches. We conclude that it is highly necessary to include holy springs in programs for assessment and management of water quality. Public awareness has to be raised to perceive holy springs as potential sources of illness. Holy water can be another source of infection, especially in hospital chapels and frequently visited churches. Recommendations are made for proper water quality management of both water types.     

Etanercept improves the health-related quality of life of patients with psoriasis: results of a phase III randomized clinical trial

In this randomized, double-blind, phase III trial, patients with psoriasis received etanercept for 24 weeks or placebo for 12 weeks followed by etanercept for 12 weeks. At week 12, improvement in Dermatology Life Quality Index was 47% to 61% with etanercept compared with 11% with placebo (P < .0001). Etanercept rapidly and substantially improved patients' health-related quality of life.