Cells involved in the immune response. XXX. An evaluation of the different assays to demonstrate rabbit spleen plaque-forming cells. Enhancement of the assay by anti-target cell antibodies

Four different procedures for the detection of rabbit spleen plaque-forming cells (PFC) directed toward the sheep erythrocyte (SRBC) antigen were evaluated in terms of their sensitivity. These included the conventional localized hemolysis in gel (LHG) assay, the thin-layer LHG assay, the LH assay using a monolayer of the target SRBC erythrocytes and the localized hemolysis in liquid phase (Cunningham) assay. The latter assay consistently proved to be the most sensitive assay. The sensitivity of this latter assay was further improved by incorporating preformed IgG or IgM antibodies directed toward the target erythrocytes, in subhemolytic concentrations, into the assay. This antibody-enhanced plaque assay in liquid medium is 20-50 times more sensitive than the conventional LHG assay.     

Ca2+–calmodulin-dependent protein kinase expression and signalling in skeletal muscle during exercise

Ca²⁺ signalling is proposed to play an important role in skeletal muscle function during exercise. Here, we examined the expression of multifunctional Ca²⁺–calmodulin-dependent protein kinases (CaMK) in human skeletal muscle and show that CaMKII and CaMKK, but not CaMKI or CaMKIV, are expressed. Furthermore, the effect of exercise duration and intensity on skeletal muscle CaMKII activity and phosphorylation of downstream targets was examined. Eight healthy men exercised at ∼67% of peak pulmonary O₂ uptake     with muscle samples taken at rest and after 1, 10, 30, 60 and 90 min of exercise. Ten other men exercised for three consecutive 10 min bouts at 35%, 60% and 85%     with muscle samples taken at rest, at the end of each interval and 30 min post-exercise. There was a rapid and transient increase in autonomous CaMKII activity and CaMKII phosphorylation at Thr²⁸⁷ in skeletal muscle during exercise. Furthermore, the phosphorylation of phospholamban (PLN) at Thr¹⁷, which was identified as a CaMKII substrate in skeletal muscle, was rapidly (< 1 min) increased by exercise, and remained phosphorylated 5-fold above basal level during 90 min of exercise. The phosphorylation of serum response factor at Ser¹⁰³, a putative CaMKII substrate, was higher after 30 min of exercise. PLN phosphorylation at Thr¹⁷ was higher with increasing exercise intensities. These data indicate that CaMKII is the major multifunctional CaMK in skeletal muscle and its activation occurs rapidly and is sustained during continuous exercise, with the activation being greater during intense exercise.     

Significance of laboratory diagnostic study parameters of the hepatobiliary system in the evaluation of cardiovascular diseases--results of cross sectional and longitudinal studies in patients with suspicious cardiovascular findings in an epidemiologic follow-up study

With the help of an approx. 280 000 inhabitants check of x-ray-morphological suspects of a heart disease the laboratory parameters thymol turbidity test, zinc-sulphate turbidity test, total protein, serum protein electrophoresis and the enzymes "ASAT" and "ALAT" in longitudinal section and cross-section were examined in an intervention study during 5 years. All these parameters show standard values on the average, but compared to a healthy reference they showed significant differences, which relations to heart and vessel diseases could be deduced from. This referred especially to age-inverse behaviour of the transaminases only concerning male test persons. The examination of the longitudinal section confirmed exactly the results of the cross-section analysis. On the one hand it underlines the results got from the cross-section and in the second place it contributes to the efficient diagnostics by learning undone a repetition of these laboratory examinations during the period of 5 years with such a defined population. The relations of the particularities mentioned obviously refer to subclinical fields. Effects of therapy do not reflect in the laboratory findings.     

Radiologic and manometric correlation in "nutcracker esophagus"

"Nutcracker esophagus" is a newly described esophageal motor disorder seen in some patients with chest pain and/or dysphagia and characterized manometrically by normal primary peristalsis with distal contractions of high amplitude. The radiographic and manometric examinations in 20 patients with nutcracker esophagus were correlated. Normal primary peristalsis was observed radiographically in 16 patients, and a nonspecific motor disorder was diagnosed in the remaining four patients. Mild-to-severe nonspecific tertiary activity was seen in about half of the patients, esophageal wall thickness was normal. It is concluded that nutcracker esophagus is primarily a manometric diagnosis made in the appropriate clinical setting, and that the radiographic findings are normal or nonspecific.     

Effects of pentachlorophenol on periphyton communities in outdoor experimental streams

The objectives of this study were to determine the effects of pentachlorophenol (PCP) on the periphyton community in outdoor experimental streams. It was part of a larger study in which an objective was to evaluate the effects of PCP at water quality criterion levels on natural aquatic communities. Measures of periphyton biomass including ash-free dry weight and phytopigments indicated a linear dose-response relationship with PCP between the criterion level (48 g/L) and 432 g/L. Slight effects were evident at the criterion level.     

Tackling the scaling-up problem of digital health applications

Journal of Public Health - The purpose of this editorial is to provide guidance for the readers concerning the broad realm of approaches towards successful implementation of digital health...     

Correction to: How to support dental students in reading radiographs: effects of a gaze‑based compare‑and‑contrast intervention

Advances in Health Sciences Education -     

Is obsessive–compulsive disorder an autoimmune disease?

OBSESSIVE–COMPULSIVE DISORDER (OCD) IS A COMMON and debilitating neuropsychiatric disorder. Although it is widely believed to have a genetic basis, no specific genetic factors have been conclusively identified as yet, leading researchers to look for environmental risk factors that may interact with an underlying genetic susceptibility in affected individuals. Recently, there has been increasing interest in a possible link between streptococcal infections and the development of OCD and tic disorders in children. It has been suggested that OCD in some susceptible individuals may be caused by an autoimmune response to streptococcal infections, that is, a similar biological mechanism to that associated with Sydenham's chorea. The term “pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorders associated with streptococcal infections” (PANDAS) has been used to describe a subset of children with abrupt onset or exacerbations of OCD or tics, or both, following streptococcal infections. Affected children have relatively early symptom onset, characteristic comorbid symptoms and subtle neurological dysfunction. Neuroimaging studies reveal increased basal ganglia volumes, and the proposed cause involves the cross-reaction of streptococcal antibodies with basal ganglia tissue. Vulnerability to developing PANDAS probably involves genetic factors, and elevated levels of D8/17 antibodies may represent a marker of susceptibility to PANDAS. Prophylactic antibiotic treatments have thus far not been shown to be helpful in preventing symptom exacerbations. Intravenous immunoglobulin therapy may be an effective treatment in selected individuals. Further understanding of the role of streptococcal infections in childhood-onset OCD will be important in determining alternative and effective strategies for treatment, early identification and prevention of this common and debilitating psychiatric disorder.