Microsticks as solid-phase carriers for enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays.

Microsticks are machine-tooled or molded pegs of plastic or stainless steel which were developed as solid-phase carriers for the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). They consist of a stem, which can be coated with plastic to be used as the reactive surface, and a shaft designed for easy handling and labeling and for positioning the sticks in microtiter wells and transfer plates. Microsticks permit a wide selection of coating materials and afford the user greater control over quality and standardization of the solid-phase surface. Polycarbonate and nitrocellulose coatings were tested in ELISAs for antibodies to measles virus, toxoplasma, and human gamma globulin. The Microsticks were found to give reproducible, sensitive, and specific ELISA results and minimized problems due to lot-to-lot and batch-to-batch variations found with other plastic carriers.     

Mouse homologues of the human AZF candidate gene RBM are expressed in spermatogonia and spermatids, and map to a Y chromosome deletion interval associated with a high incidence of sperm abnormalities

An RNA-binding motif (RBM) gene family has been identified on the human Y chromosome that maps to the same deletion interval as the 'azoospermia factor' (AZF). We have identified the homologous gene family (Rbm) on the mouse Y with a view to investigating the proposal that this gene family plays a role in spermatogenesis. At least 25 and probably >50 copies of Rbm are present on the mouse Y chromosome short arm located between Sry and the centromere. As in the human, a role in spermatogenesis is indicated by a germ cell-specific pattern of expression in the testis, but there are distinct differences in the pattern of expression between the two species. Mice carrying the deletion Yd1, that maps to the proximal Y short arm, are female due to a position effect resulting in non-expression of Sry ; sex-reversing such mice with an Sry transgene produces males with a high incidence of abnormal sperm, making this the third deletion interval on the mouse Y that affects some aspect of spermatogenesis. Most of the copies of Rbm map to this deletion interval, and the Yd1males have markedly reduced Rbm expression, suggesting that RBM deficiency may be responsible for, or contribute to, the abnormal sperm development. In man, deletion of the functional copies of RBM is associated with meiotic arrest rather than sperm anomalies; however, the different effects of deletion are consistent with the differences in expression between the two species.      

Colposcopic examination of the cervix of cebus monkeys.

A total of 410 colposcopic examinations were performed on 188 female cebus monkeys that were under study to determine the oncogenic potential of herpes simplex virus type 2 in this genus. A split-cone vaginal speculum was developed that permitted good observation of the vaginal cervix in the cebus monkey. The cervical anatomy of cebus monkeys was found to differ from that of humans in that the surface of the animal cervix was more papilliform, with thinner squamous epithelium, and the squamocolumnar junction lay within the endocervical canal. Therefore, the ability to detect abnormalities in the cervical epithelium by colposcopic examination in the cebus monkey was restricted to vascular changes in the squamous epithelium. After 100 examinations, several vascular patterns were distinguishable and interpretations of these patterns were compared with cytologic findings on the same animals. Findings by both cytology and colposcopy were mild in nature; no carcinoma was detected. Colposcopic and cytologic findings correlated at a level of 84%. More abnormalities were detected with colposcopy than with use of cytologic techniques.     

Immunization of renal transplant recipients with pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine

BACKGROUND: Streptococcus pneumoniae, a common pathogen leading to pneumonia, is a cause of morbidity and mortality in immunosuppressed patients. Vaccination against this agent can be recommended for immunosuppressed patients, including those with chronic renal failure, nephrotic syndrome and renal transplant recipients; however, a diminished immune response and loss of protective antibodies have been observed. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In our prospective study, the efficacy and side effects of polyvalent pneumococcal vaccination were investigated in renal transplant recipients. A total of 21 patients (6 female, 15 male) with well-functioning renal allografts, who had transplant surgery at least 2 months before, were included in the study. The patients were stratified according to the immunosuppressive protocol and 8 received double, while 13 received triple, immunosuppressive agents. After obtaining basal serum samples, all cases were vaccinated with the 0.5 mL intramuscular administration of polyvalent polysaccharide pneumococcal vaccine (Pneumo 23 Pasteur Merieux, lot No: K 1131). RESULTS: Following a mean of 6 wk in all patients and also a mean of 12 wk in 12 patients, serum samples were again obtained to measure pneumococcal antibodies. Antibody titers following 6 and 12 wk of vaccination were significantly higher, as compared with basal values in all patients, except one. These titers did not show any statistically significant difference between double and triple therapies. There was no significant difference between the 12th and 6th wk postvaccination antibody titers. No systemic or local adverse effects were observed. CONCLUSION: Pneumococcal vaccination is safe and effective in patients with well-functioning renal allografts, at least in the short term. This vaccination policy may be useful for preventing invasive pneumococcal disease in immunosuppressed patients.     

Antibody levels to parainfluenza,rubella, measles,and influenza a virus in children with polymyositis

The CF and HI antibody titers to rubella and measles viruses, the CF titers to influenza A, and the HI titers to parainfluenza 1, 2, and 3 were carried out on the sera of 20 patients with childhood polymyositis and their matched controls. The titers for measles, parainfluenza 1, and influenza A were slightly higher for patients than for controls. The control group had antibody titers to rubella and parainfluenza 2 and 3 higher than or similar to those of patients. Strong patterns or significant differences for a given virus or virus group were not encountered.