Structural polymorphism of glycophorins demonstrated by immunoblotting techniques

We have explored the polymorphism of the glycophorin system in the human erythrocyte membrane using the immunoblotting techniques and examining 52 individuals selected without prior bias as to their serologic state and ten documented serologic variants of M, N, S, s blood group system. Polyclonal antisera to alpha glycophorin and to alpha glycophorin CNBr carboxyl terminal fragment C (residues 82-131) and M and N specific monoclonal antibodies (MoAbs) were used. The first two reagents detect specific regions of the alpha glycophorin molecule and all electrophoretically resolved species of glycophorins immunologically related to alpha and delta glycophorins (delta glycophorin, [alpha-delta] hybrids and other glycophorins with an alteration in the carboxyl terminal segment); the M and N MoAbs identified the glycophorin species containing or lacking the M or N determinant in the amino terminal octapeptide structures. We find that immunoblotting confirmed in all cases the serologically determined phenotype; we also find that polymorphic forms of the glycophorin system are relatively infrequent; immunoblotting, independent from serologic testing, was capable of detecting five mutants, two most likely S-s-U-phenotypes; a new glycophorin species was detected in normal red cells with both antiglycophorin and antipeptide C sera, which is not evident with MoAbs; immunoblots of known glycophorin variants (En(a-), U-, Mg, Mi I, II, III, V, and Sta) confirmed but also extended our knowledge of the abnormal glycophorins involved; and the He+ and Wrb(-) cells showed normal patterns.     

Effect of polyethylene glycol on single and combined topical application of diminazene aceturate (Berenil®) and metronidazole (Metrodine®) in Trypanosoma brucei- and T. congolense-infected mice

The effect of polyethylene glycol on single and combined topical applications of Berenil® and Metrodine® in Trypanosoma brucei- and Trypanosoma congolense-infected mice was evaluated. Parasitaemia in T. brucei group A was cleared by day 24 post-infection (p.i.) following topical application of Berenil® (3.5 mg/kg) in polythene glycol. In group B, Berenil® given intraperitoneally caused parasite clearance by day 12 (p.i.). Topical application of 16 mg/kg of Metrodine® in polyethylene glycol (group C) or orally (group D) caused a decline in parasitaemia by day 36 (p.i.). The combinations of both drugs in polythene glycol topically (group E) and intraperitoneally/orally (group F) cleared parasitaemia within 24 h. In their infected control (group G), parasitaemia disappeared by day 20 and reappeared by day 32 (p.i.). For T. brucei groups A, C, E and F, packed cell volume (PCV) declined by day 8 and appreciated by day 36 (p.i.). In group B, it did so by day 4 and appreciated by day 36 (p.i.). In group D, it did so by day 36 (p.i.) and appreciated slightly. In group G, it declined by day 32 (p.i.). For T. congolense groups A and B, parasite clearance was achieved by day 24 (p.i.). In groups C and D, it was by days 40 and 52 (p.i.), respectively. In groups E and F, it was by day 20 (p.i.). In group G, it increased by day 40 (p.i). In T. congolense groups A and B, PCV declined by day 20 and in group C by day 24. In group D, it did so by day 36 (p.i). The pre-infection PCV values for groups A–D were attained by day 52 (p.i.). In groups E and F, it did so by day 16, but appreciated by day 32 (p.i.). In group G, it did so by day 40 (p.i.). The vital organs of the infected controls showed degenerative changes. In conclusion, polyethylene glycol caused topical absorption of the drugs which were more effective in combinations.     

Controlled trial of D-penicillamine to prevent retinopathy of prematurity

204 infants with birthweights between 751 and 2000 g and 26-35 weeks gestational age (100 treated and 104 control subjects) were enrolled in a prospective controlled trial of the effectiveness of D-penicillamine (DPA) in the prevention of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). The two groups did not differ significantly in gestational age, birth weight, Apgar scores, the time of exposure to oxygen and in the incidence of PDA or in the number of exchange transfusions and RBTs. Of the treated infants 29, and of the control infants 34 died before the tenth week of life. These cases were not included in further analysis. Patients were subsequently examined and assessed by two ophthalmologists independently, who did not know which babies were receiving DPA. Six of the 70 surviving control infants and none of the 71 surviving treated infants had ROP stage II or graver. The results suggested that ROP may effectively be prevented with DPA in very low-birth-weight-infants, and that the drug has no serious adverse effects during the neonatal period.     

Histological alterations in the internal organs of growing chicks from feeding raw jackbean or limabean seeds

The effect of raw jackbean (Canavalia ensiformis) or limabean (Phaseolus lunatus) seeds at 0, 250 or 500 g/kg in broiler chick diets for 28 d on performance and cytopathological changes in internal organs was evaluated. Relative pancreas weight increased significantly (P < 0.05) and the lungs had severe atelectasis, thickening of the alveolar septa and bronchiolar epithelial hyperplasia. Slight hemorrhages were in the intestinal walls of growing chicks fed 250 g/kg or 500 g/kg of jackbean and limabean, respectively. The livers had marked congestion of the sinusoids and centrolobular veins, while the kidneys had distension of the capillary vessels with numerous thrombi. The structural alterations in the internal organs of chicks fed the plant seeds were attributed to allelochemicals in the seeds.     

Qualitative Methodologies and Community Participation in Examining Reproductive Experiences: The Harlem Birth Right Project

Objectives: Racial disparities in health present a challenge to public health because of the complexity of interacting social forces. The Harlem Birth Right Project sought to improve understanding of these forces by using qualitative and community participatory methods. In this paper we 1) describe the process of qualitative inquiry and community involvement, 2) evaluate the impact of community participation, and 3) present a brief summary of the findings on social context as it relates to pregnancy outcomes of women in Harlem. Methods: We operationalized the qualitative method by combining participant observation, longitudinal case studies, and focus groups. An ethnographic survey was used to verify and triangulate findings across methods of data collection. We involved the community in the design, implementation, and analysis by collaborating with community-based organizations, setting up a community advisory board, and the use of dialogue groups and community meetings. Results: The use of qualitative methods and community partnership uncovered important aspects of the social context of women's lives that may not have emerged through traditional epidemiologic research. We found that pregnancy may serve as a catalyst to increase perception of the magnitude of preexisting social stressors. Several stressors and chronic strains associated with structural forces were identified. For example, the high percentage of households headed by women is seen as one consequence of larger structural forces. While social support networks serve as an important coping mechanism to buffer against the stress caused by these structural forces, the types of support women seek differs by social strata, and some strategies were identified as being substantially more effective than others. Conclusions: Qualitative and community participatory research can be successfully conducted to support public health goals and can derive important new information on the social context of women's lives.     

An anti-EnaTS detected in the serum of an MiI homozygote

The serum of EH reacted with all red cells (RBCs) except her own, ficin- or trypsin-treated red cells, and En(a-) red cells. This reactivity defined an anti-EnaTS specificity. The red cells of the proposita typed as M-N+S-S+, Vw+Mur-Hil-Hut-Anek-Lane-, Wr(a-b+), EnaKT+. Red cells of five relatives were Vw+ and positive with her serum. Titration studies suggest that EH is genetically an MiI homozygote and that her Vw+ relatives are MiI heterozygotes. There is no history of consanguinity. Sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and immunoblotting studies have agreed with the serologic observations. A variant sialoglycoprotein of faster mobility than normal glycoprotein A, but no normal glycoprotein A, was detected on her red cells. Treatment with N-glycanase did not alter the mobility, which indicated that there was no N-glycosylation of residue 26. These findings are in agreement with the reported properties of the Mi.I-specific glycoprotein A. The relatives' Vw+ red cells showed the variant sialoglycoprotein and normal glycoprotein A. EH appears to be the first reported MiI homozygote.     

Characterization of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV1C) variants in peripheral blood mononuclear cells and spermatozoa

The presence of distinct viral variants in different cells and secretions of the same person influences the transmission of HIV as well as the response to the host defense and to therapy. Sperm-associated virus is also a risk factor for sexual transmission of HIV. Characterization of the C2-V3 region of HIV1C env gene by the Heteroduplex Mobility Assay (HMA) and sequencing demonstrated the presence of distinct variants in the peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and the sperm of the same individual (n = 6). The translated amino acid sequences of HIV variants in the PBMCs of all the study participants (n = 12) and spermatozoa of the six participants characterized showed the presence of distinct variants with different numbers of N-linked glycosylation (NLG) sites. Infectivity of PBMCs of these persons by co-culture with PBMCs from healthy individuals as detected by the p24 levels in the culture supernatant did not show a correlation with the blood plasma viral load. Interestingly, the infectivity of the sperm samples from four of the five individuals showed positive correlation with the viral load in seminal plasma. The study suggests the presence of distinct viral variants in the sperm and PBMCs of the same person with differential infectivity, and the NLG sites may be associated with the affinity of HIV to receptor/co-receptor usages as well as affinity toward neutralizing antibodies which may influence the risk of sperm associated virus in sexual transmission of HIV and transmit the virus further to distal cells.