Historia del dopaje en el beisbol mundial / História do doping no beisebol mundial / History of doping in world baseball

RESUMEN Introducción: El béisbol ha estado constantemente bajo la amenaza del dopaje, y actualmente existen criterios emitidos por algunos expertos que sugieren la posibilidad de que muchos éxitos alcanzados por famosos beisbolistas que en nuestros días aparecen como las principales grandes estrellas de este deporte en el salón de la fama, hayan estado relacionados con el consumo de sustancias prohibidas. Objetivo: El objetivo del presente estudio fue explorar los datos publicados en la bibliografía mundial especializada que revelan cómo el dopaje, así como otras formas de fraudes, han afectado al beisbol tanto en las categorías de mayores como en las menores. Materiales y métodos: El presente trabajo de revisión bibliográfica se realiza como una sugerencia de aficionados al béisbol y la prensa deportiva interesada en conocer cómo ha influido el problema del dopaje y el uso de sustancias prohibidas en este deporte desde sus orígenes. Resultados: Actualmente, se realizan pruebas para el control antidopaje a los jugadores aficionados y profesionales de las ligas de este deporte en todo el mundo. Las pruebas, medidas y sanciones que se aplican se ajustan a las prohibiciones y estándares emitidas por la Agencia Mundial Antidopaje y el Código Mundial Antidopaje. Las sustancias utilizadas con mayor frecuencia han sido los esteroides anabólicos, estimulantes, hormona de crecimiento y narcóticos. Conclusiones: una vez concluida la etapa competitiva y con el paso al retiro, muchos beisbolistas se inician en el consumo de tabaco, alcohol y otras drogas que afectan de manera significativa su salud y calidad de vida.

SÍNTESE Introdução: O beisebol tem estado constantemente sob a ameaça do doping, e agora há algumas opiniões de especialistas sugerindo a possibilidade de que muitos sucessos alcançados por jogadores famosos de beisebol que hoje aparecem como as maiores estrelas do esporte podem ter sido relacionados ao uso de substâncias proibidas. Objetivo: O objetivo deste estudo foi explorar os dados publicados na literatura mundial especializada que revelam como o doping, assim como outras formas de fraude, afetaram o beisebol tanto no nível sênior quanto no júnior. Materiais e métodos: Esta revisão de literatura foi realizada por sugestão dos fãs de beisebol e da imprensa esportiva interessada em descobrir como o problema do doping e do uso de substâncias proibidas tem afetado este esporte desde suas origens. Resultados: Atualmente, jogadores amadores e profissionais das ligas de beisebol em todo o mundo são testados para o controle do doping. Os testes, medidas e sanções aplicadas estão de acordo com as proibições e normas emitidas pela Agência Mundial Antidoping e o Código Mundial Antidoping. As substâncias mais utilizadas têm sido esteróides anabolizantes, estimulantes, hormônios de crescimento e narcóticos. Conclusões: uma vez terminada a fase competitiva e com a transição para a aposentadoria, muitos jogadores de beisebol começam a usar tabaco, álcool e outras drogas que afetam significativamente sua saúde e qualidade de vida.

ABSTRACT Introduction: baseball has been constantly under the threat of doping, and currently there are criteria issued by some experts that suggest the possibility that many successes achieved by famous baseball players who nowadays appear as the main big stars of this sport in the ballroom fame, have been related to the consumption of prohibited substances. Objective: the objective of this study was to explore the data published in the specialized world bibliography that reveal how doping, as well as other forms of fraud, have affected baseball in both the major and minor categories. Materials and methods: this bibliographic review work is carried out as a suggestion from baseball fans and the sports press interested in knowing how the problem of doping and the use of prohibited substances has influenced this sport since its origins. Results: Currently, doping control tests are carried out on amateur and professional players in the sport's leagues around the world. The tests, measures and sanctions that are applied conform to the prohibitions and standards issued by the World Anti-Doping Agency and the World Anti-Doping Code. The substances used most frequently have been anabolic steroids, stimulants, Growth Hormone and narcotics. Conclusions: once the competitive stage is over and with the passage to retirement, many baseball players begin to consume tobacco, alcohol and other drugs that significantly affect their health and quality of life.

Effect of Shuddha Guggulu on Metabolic Syndrome - A Case Report

Metabolic syndrome is conglomeration of symptoms composed of impaired fasting glucose, abdominal obesity, hypertension and dyslipidemia. It is associated with cardio metabolic risk factors with increased risk of multiple chronic diseases, including cancer and cardiovascular disease because of the increased amount of visceral fat together with a chronic inflammatory state. Metabolic Syndrome is resulted by the causative factors which are Santarpanakaraka in nature leading to Medodushti, which in turn leads to Medoroga. The Santarpana karaka Nidanas include the food articles that are rich in Snigdhamsha, Madhura rasa, Guru and Pichchila gunas. By consuming the food rich in such qualities produces the Rasa dhatu which is excessively composed of the qualities like Ati Snehamsha and Madhuratara Guna which produces excess Medo dhatu and causes Sthoulya. Ama present in the Medodhatu leads to further Medo dushti and manifests Metabolic Syndrome. Shuddha Guggulu is potent Ama pachaka dravya and does Pachana of the circulating Atisnigdha Ama in the form of lipoproteins. And also Guggulu having Lekhaneeya Guna reduces deposition of Medo dhatu and prevents inflammatory process by its anti- inflammatory potential. Aim: To assess the effect of Shuddha Guggulu in Metabolic Syndrome, dyslipidaemia. Methodology: Oral administration of the preparation in the patient. Result: There was marked improvement in signs, symptoms and biochemical parameters after intervention. Conclusion: Shuddha Guggulu is significantly effective in reducing lipid levels and CRP

Conceptual Study of Ama and its Manifestation in Various Diseases

Like the theories of Tridosha, Sapta Dhatu, and Trimalas, the concept of Agni and Ama are very unique conceived in Ayurvedic texts. The concept of Ama encompasses an almost whole spectrum of diseases mentioned in Ayurveda. In the Ayurvedic view, nearly all diseases have their origin in Ama dosha. In Ayurveda, the word Ama and Pakva are very important to understand the theories of pathology and treatment according to Ayurveda. The success or failure of the Ayurvedic Physician in treatment depends upon the understanding of two conditions, Sama and Nirama- immature and mature. In Ama dosha langhan or fasting is the general form of treatment. Even medicine is forbidden in acute conditions. As the Jathragni is already weak and struggling to digest Ama, it can’t digest the medicine, another newcomer. The interaction of Doshas, food, and medicine may cause even fatal results.

Characterization of internal transcribed spacer-1 and apical membrane antigen-1 sequences provides insights into the genetic diversity of Eimeria tenella strains

@#Coccidiosis is a major recurring problem in the poultry industry and is caused by infection of one or more of the seven Eimeria species known to infect chickens, with Eimeria tenella among the best studied and economically important. Studies on the genetic diversity of E. tenella strains is essential for the development of universally acceptable diagnostic markers and vaccines against the disease. Eimeria tenella internal transcribed spacer-1 (ITS-1) and apical membrane antigen-1 (AMA-1) sequences from different parts of the world are available in the public domain and therefore provide suitable comparative markers for genetic diversity study. In this study, the ITS-1 and AMA-1 sequence diversity of two local E. tenella strains, namely EtNSN6 and EtSGR6 were characterized. Both ITS-1 and AMA-1 sequences for EtNSN6 and EtSGR6 were retrieved by mapping to their respective genome sequences generated using next generation sequencing. Multiple sequence alignment of the ITS-1 and AMA-1 sequences with selected homologous sequences revealed the presence of a total of five and 13 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) respectively. All SNPs appeared to occur at random and did not show any unique pattern based on geographical regions while no insertions and deletions (indels) was found to occur in the aligned sequences. However, unique bases that defined certain strains were detected. Phylogenetics analyses performed with Maximum Parsimony (MP) and Maximum Likelihood (ML) methods revealed similar topology for the internal groups with all the E. tenella ITS-1 and AMA-1 sequences grouped in the same clade supported by high bootstrap confidence. This confirmed that both EtNSN6 and EtSGR6 samples are E. tenella strains. Sequence comparison and phylogenetics analyses further suggest the possibility of low genetic diversity among E. tenella strains.

In silico structural modeling and quality assessment of Plasmodium knowlesi apical membrane antigen 1 using comparative protein models

@#Plasmodium knowlesi is the most common zoonotic parasite associated with human malaria infection in Malaysia. Apical membrane antigen 1 (AMA1) protein in the parasite plays a critical role in parasite invasion into host cells. To date, there is no complete three-dimensional ectodomain structure of P. knowlesi AMA1 (PkAMA1) protein. The knowledge of a protein structure is important to understand the protein molecular functions. Three in silico servers with respective structure prediction methods were used in this study, i.e., SWISS-MODEL for homology modeling and Phyre2 for protein threading, which are template-based modeling, while I-TASSER for template-free ab initio modeling. Two query sequences were used in the study, i.e., native ectodomain of PkAMA1 strain H protein designated as PkAMA1-H and a modified PkAMA1 (mPkAMA1) protein sequence in adaptation for Pichia pastoris expression. The quality of each model was assessed by ProSA-web, QMEAN and SAVES v6.0 (ERRAT, Verify3D and Ramachandran plot) servers. Generated models were then superimposed with two models of Plasmodium AMA1 deposited in Protein Data Bank (PDB), i.e., PkAMA1 (4UV6.B) and Plasmodium vivax AMA1 (PvAMA1, 1W81) protein structures for similarity assessment, quantified by root-meansquare deviation (RMSD) value. SWISS-MODEL, Phyre2 and I-TASSER server generated two, one and five models, respectively. All models are of good quality according to ProSA-web assessment. Based on the average values of model quality assessment and superimposition, the models that recorded highest values for most parameters were selected as best predicted models, i.e., model 2 for both PkAMA1-H and mPkAMA1 from SWISS-MODEL as well as model 1 of PkAMA1-H and model 3 of mPkAMA1 from I-TASSER. Template-based method is useful if known template is available, but template-free method is more suitable if there is no known available template. Generated models can be used as guidance in further protein study that requires protein structural data, i.e., protein-protein interaction study.

Bioinformatics characterization of Plasmodium knowlesi apical membrane antigen 1 (PkAMA1) for multi-epitope vaccine design

@#Malaria caused by Plasmodium knowlesi species has become a public health concern, especially in Malaysia. Plasmodium knowlesi parasite which originates from the macaque species, infects human through the bite of the Anopheles mosquitoes. Research on malaria vaccine has been a continuous effort to eradicate the malaria infection, yet there is no vaccine against P. knowlesi malaria to date. Apical membrane antigen 1 (AMA1) is a unique surface protein of all apicomplexan parasites that plays a crucial role in parasite-host cell invasion and thus has been a long-standing malaria vaccine candidate. The selection of protective epitopes in silico has led to significant advances in the design of the vaccine. The present study aimed to employ bioinformatics tools to predict the potential immunogenic B- and T-cell epitopes in designing malaria vaccine targeting P. knowlesi AMA1 (PkAMA1). B-cell epitopes were predicted using four bioinformatics tools, i.e., BepiPred, ABCpred, BcePred, and IEDB servers whereas T-cell epitopes were predicted using two bioinformatics servers, i.e., NetMHCpan4.1 and NetMHCIIpan-4.0 targeting human major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I and class II molecules, respectively. The antigenicity of the selected epitopes computed by both B- and T-cell predictors were further analyzed using the VaxiJen server. The results demonstrated that PkAMA1 protein encompasses multi antigenic regions that have the potential for the development of multi-epitope vaccine. Two B- and T-cell epitopes consensus regions, i.e., NSGIRIDLGEDAEVGNSKYRIPAGKCP (codons 28-54) and KTHAASFVIAEDQNTSY RHPAVYDEKNKT (codons 122-150) at domain I (DI) of PkAMA1 were reported. Advancement of bioinformatics in characterization of the target protein may facilitate vaccine development especially in vaccine design which is costly and cumbersome process. Thus, comprehensive B-cell and T-cell epitope prediction of PkAMA1 offers a promising pipeline for the development and design of multi-epitope vaccine against P. knowlesi.

Gut Brain Axis In Autism Spectrum Disorders - Ayurvedic Perspective

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) constitutes a group of brain developmental disorders, and it is defined by stereotyped behaviour and deficits in communication and social interaction. The prevalence of ASD has shown an alarming increase in the recent decades ending up to 1 in 90 children. The exact cause of ASD is still not known. Research studies have focused on genetic causes, dysregulation of the immune system, inflammation, exposure to environmental toxicants, and the defective gut microbiota. Accumulating evidence demonstrates that gastrointestinal symptoms, such as abdominal pain, gaseousness, diarrhea, constipation and flatulence, are a common comorbidity in patients with ASD. The gut consists of millions of microbiota, and we hypothesize that the microbiota and its metabolites might be involved in the pathophysiology of ASD. In Ayurveda all Psycho social abnormalities have been included under the category of Unmada. A defective digestive and metabolic function is postulated as the root cause of Unmada, leading to systemic accumulation of metabolic wastes (Dhatugataama). The metabolic wastes act as systemic toxins and impair the functional integrity of brain. An observational study was carried out in the outpatient section of the Department of Kaumarabhrithya, Govt. Ayurveda College Hospital for Women and Children, Poojappura, Thiruvananthapuram in 122 children with ASD. Data pertaining to Socio demographic aspects and clinical manifestations were recorded and its prevalence rate was calculated. It was noted that 54% of the cases showed an evident disturbance in the digestive mechanism. Constipation was complained by 28% of cases, bloated abdomen by 16%, irritable bowel by 8%, increased flatulence by 7% and recurrent diarrhoea by 3%. Although these studies did not show a cause-effect relationship between GI symptoms and ASD, the findings suggest that the gut plays an important role in the etiology of ASD. Ayurvedic treatment strategies that modulate the gut microbiota might constitute a potential therapy for patients with ASD.

Concept And Significance Of Agni In Ayurveda

Agni in Ayurveda has a significant role to maintain body homeostasis, body functioning, metabolism of body and proper functioning of body. Agni in Ayurveda is correlated with digestive power of the body. There are many reasons behind the maintenance of Agni (digestive power of body) in Ayurveda. The main reason behind its maintenance is that it helps in growth and development of the body. Agni is basically divided in three types which have further types and the main three types which maintain body balance are Jhataragni (digestive fire), Bhutagni and Dhatuvagni (metabolism at cellular level). They work together to maintain the balance in the body as Jhataragni is maintaining metabolism and Bhutagni and Dhatuagni is maintaining the cellular metabolism. Imbalance in the physiology of Agni is the main cause for the formation of Ama which is the main reason for many diseases. So Agni is important for every function of body. This article shows the importance of Agni and significance of Agni in Ayurveda.

Ksheeralasaka Vis-à-vis Cow’s Milk Allergy: A Critical Review

Ksheeralasaka is a multi-system disease of the breast-fed child caused by Sannipataja-stanya-dushti (breast milk vitiated by all the Tridoshas). A proper understanding of the condition is not available and it is confused with lactose intolerance and cow’s milk allergy. Hence a thorough review of Ksheeralasaka and its management in the light of Ayurvedic and modern principles is intended in this paper so that suitable therapies can be selected. Ksheera denotes breast milk and Alasaka is a type of Ajeerna (indigestion), a condition called Ama caused by Agnimandya or weak digestive/metabolic power. Thus Ksheeralasaka is Ajeerna or indigestion in the infant caused by intake of vitiated breast milk. Ksheeralasaka is most similar to non-IgE-mediated cow’s milk protein allergy and is also comparable with food allergies caused by egg, peanuts, etc. Lactose intolerance and lactose overload can also co-occur with cow’s milk protein allergy or food allergies. Being a disease of Ama and Stanyadushti, Apatarpana (depletion) in the form of Sodhana (purification) and Stanyasodhana (purification of breast milk) are the treatments to be adopted. Langhana or fasting is sufficient if Ama is mild, Langhana and Pachana (digestives) are needed if it is moderate and Sodhana (purification) is needed if severe. Vamana for mother and child purifies the gut and expels the allergens ingested. Breast milk purifiers and anti-diarrhoeals are judiciously advised for the mother and the child respectively. Advice regarding feeding practices can help reduce symptoms of lactose overload that may co-occur.

Etiopathological Study Of Most Common Digestive Disorder Ajirna (indigestion)

Ayurveda consider Health and Disease both as the products of food and life style. Today when population is moving with modernization in the 21st century a lot of new diseases emerge out due to faulty life style, improper diet and unhealthy food lack of exercise, mental stress and sleep all are disturbs the biological clock of human being and produce many new life style diseases. Ajirna is the one of the most common disease which is originate from digestive insufficiency (Agni) due to all above factors of modern Era. Ayurveda is the ancient Indian system of medicine, deals with management and prevention of disease. Ayurveda has given prime importance to Agni as it is one of the basic biological elements of the living body. Its own physical characteristics, location and function and secretions like digestive juices and enzymes which participate in the digestive and metabolic functions. Therefore, Ayurveda considers Dehagni as the cause of life, Complexion, Strength, Health, Oja, Teja (energy) and Prana. Ayurveda consider that no disease ever be develop without the derangement of Agni. Ajirna arises as a result of less, excessive and irregular digestion of food and long term of this situation production of Amadosa and circulate all over the body. Further Amadosa combined with other Dosas and Dushyas vitiated them and produce many diseases. Preventive measures like Dincharya, Ratricharya, Ritucharya, Sadvrita and Pathya palana Dasvidhsbhojana Grahan Niyam are the preventive measure for Ajirn in Ayurveda.

Autoimmune thyroiditis Correlation between thyroid hormone status and AMA titre

Background: Thyroiditis is the second most common thyroid lesion next to endemic goitre diagnosed on FNA in iodine (I2) deficient areas. This study was carried out to study correlation between thyroid hormone status with anti-thyroid antibodies in cases of autoimmune thyroiditis diagnosed on FNAC. Aim: To correlate thyroid hormone status with anti-thyroid antibodies in cytologically diagnosed cases of autoimmune thyroiditis. Materials and methods: This was a retrospective study carried out in a tertiary care teaching hospital. 150 cases diagnosed as autoimmune thyroiditis in a two year period from January 2010 to December 2011 formed the study group. The clinical history, TFT, and AMA tires were noted from the medical record available with the patient and also from Endocrinology department records. Results: Incidence of autoimmune thyroiditis was found to be 13.4%. Majority of the patients were females (96.7%), 53.3% of cases were seen in the age group 21-40 years age group. Of the patients with autoimmune thyroiditis, 110(73.3%) patients were euthyroid while 32 (21.3%) patients were hypothyroid at the time of FNAC. Only 8(5.3%) patients showed evidence of hyperthyroidism. 8% patients showed subclinical hypothyroidism. In 97 patients anti-microsomal antibody titre (AMA) was available, 83 were positive i.e.85.6% positivity. Of the cytologically diagnosed cases of autoimmune thyroiditis, 14.4% cases showed AMA negativity. Thus FNAC remains the gold standard for the diagnosis. Conclusion: Autoimmune thyroiditis was seen more commonly in females, majority cases were seen in age group of 21-40 years. Euthyroid autoimmune thyroiditis was common in our study. Antimicrosomal antibody titre (AMA) was available in 97 cases, out of which 83 were positive i.e.85.6% positivity. Of the cytologically diagnosed cases of autoimmune thyroiditis, 14.4% cases showed AMA Arun Chopwad, Shweta P. Bijwe. Autoimmune thyroiditis – Correlation between thyroid hormone status and AMA titre. IAIM, 2018; 5(3): 34-43. Page 35 negativity. Thus FNAC remains the gold standard for the diagnosis in subjects with a clinical diagnosis of Hashimoto’s thyroiditis and negative antibody results.

Significance of serum IgG4 and CA19-9 in diagnosis and antidiastole of IgG4 related cholangitis / 中国免疫学杂志

Objective:To investigate the value of autoantibodies and serum levels of IgG4 and CA19-9 in the diagnosis of IgG4 associated cholangitis (IgG4-SC).Methods:Detect the serum IgG4 and CA19-9 of 41 clinical cases of IgG4-SC patients,162 clinical cases of non IgG4-SC patients and 40 healthy human serum samples by immunoassay and direct chemiluminescence methods, also detect the antinuclear antibodies (ANA),anti neutrophil antibody (ANCA),anti smooth muscle antibody (SMA) and anti mitochondrial antibody (AMA) of the above serum samples by indirect immunofluorescence and analyze the detection results.Results:①The positive rates of ANA,ANCA,SMA and AMA in patients with IgG4-SC were 41.46%,7.32%,0 and 2.44%.Among them,the positive rate of ANA was significantly different from that of the normal control group(P<0.01),and the positive rate of SMA and AMA was significantly different from that of non IgG4-SC group(P<0.01),and so as the positive rate of ANCA do with that of PSC group.②The number of serum IgG4 and CA19-9 increased samples were significantly compared with the normal control group (P<0.01);the area under the ROC curve (AUC) was 0.979 and 0.646,respectively,and P<0.05.Conclusion:The high level of serum IgG4 and CA19-9 and autoantibody detection are of great accuracy and important clinical value in the differential diagnosis of IgG4-SC.

The comparison of different immunoassays for the detection on autoantibodies specific to primary biliary cholangitis / 中华检验医学杂志

Objective To compare the test performance of different immunoassays for the detection on autoantibodies specific to primary biliary cholangitis,including anti-mitochondrial type 2 antibody(AMA-M2),anti-glycoprotein 210(anti-gp210)and anti-nuclear body protein sp100(anti-sp100).Methods Serum samples from Primary Biliary Cholangitis(PBC, n=91), liver disease control(including viral hepatitis,autoimmune hepatitis and liver cirrhosis,n=67)and healthy individual(n=40)were collected from Beijing Youan Hospital during the period between April 2014 and April 2017.All samples were tested with chemiluminescent immunoassay(CLIA)and enzyme linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA)for AMA-M2, meanwhile the detection on anti-gp210 and anti-sp100 were compared between CLIA and Line Immunoassay(LIA).The Kappa coefficient were used to measure the level of qualitative agreement between different assays.The diagnostic accuracy of AMA-M2 detected with CLIA and ELISA were compared by receiver operating characteristic curve(ROC).Results The overall qualitative agreement between CLIA and ELISA for the detection to AMA-M2 is 88.4%(Kappa =0.765, P<0.01).Excellent qualitative agreement between CLIA and LIA for the detection to anti-gp210 and anti-sp100 was also found with overall agreement as 96.5%(Kappa=0.852,P<0.01)and 98%(Kappa=0.884,P<0.01), respectively.The ROC analysis also showed similar area under the curve(AUC)for CLIA(0.965, P<0.01)and ELISA (0.928,P<0.01)on detection to AMA-M2.Conclusions CLIA and ELISA showed excellent agreement for the detection to AMA-M2.High qualitative agreement between CLIA and LIA was also found when testing anti-gp210 and anti-sp100.

Día Mundial sin Tabaco 2017. OMS y AMA / World no Tobacco Day 2017. WHO & AMA

En este artículo se explica el motivo de la campaña antitabaco 2017 de la OMS y la participación de la AMA en la lucha contra el tabaquismo.

This article explains the reason for the WHO’s Anti-smoking campaign 2017 and the participation of AMA in the fight against smoking.

Acerca de la Fundación de la Sociedad Argentina de Historia de la Medicina de la Asociación Médica Argentina / About the Foundation of the Argentine Society of History of Medicine of the Argentine Medical Association

La Sociedad Argentina de Historia de la Medicina de la Asociación Médica Argentina fue fundada en 1936. Este trabajo analiza la historia y las circunstancias asociadas en ese período.

The Argentine History Medicine Society. Argentine Medicine Association was founded in 1936. In this article covers the history and circustances associated with this period.

A Comparative Evaluation of the Performances of Anti-MIT3, Anti-gp210, and Anti-sp100 Antibodies for the Diagnosis of Primary Biliary Cirrhosis

BACKGROUND: Anti-mitochondrial antibody (AMA) is a serological hallmark of primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC). AMAs are detected by an immunofluorescence assay (IF), which is subject to errors. We evaluated the diagnostic performances of the AMA ELISA test (the anti-MIT3 antibody) and PBC-associated antinuclear antibody (ANA) tests (the anti-gp210 and anti-sp100 antibodies). METHODS: AMA, anti-gp210, and anti-sp100 were measured in the sera of 130 subjects including patients for whom the AMA test was requested with the clinical suspicion of PBC, patients with other autoimmune diseases, and those undergoing health check-ups. AMA was detected by both IF and ELISA (anti-MIT3 antibodies), and anti-gp210 and anti-sp100 were detected by ELISA. The diagnostic performances of the anti-MIT3, anti-gp210, and anti-sp100 were compared with that of the AMA IF test. Associations between the presence of anti-sp100 or anti-gp210 and the diagnosis and biochemical abnormalities of PBC were investigated. RESULTS: The area under the curve of anti-MIT3 for the diagnosis of PBC was 0.934 (95% confidence interval, 0.877-0.970), and the agreement between anti-MIT3 and AMA IF was 93.8% (kappa, 0.82). The sensitivities of anti-MIT3 and AMA IF were both 100%, and the specificities were 83.1% and 81.4%, respectively, whereas the sensitivities of anti-gp210 and anti-sp100 were 41.7% and 16.7%, and their specificities were 94.9% and 97.5%, respectively. The presence of anti-gp210 was associated with the diagnosis of PBC (P=0.0001), but that of anti-sp100 was not. CONCLUSIONS: The diagnostic performance of anti-MIT3 is comparable to that of AMA IF. Anti-gp210 seems to be complementary to AMA for the diagnosis of PBC.

A Recombinant Plasmodium vivax Apical Membrane Antigen-1 to Detect Human Infection in Iran

In Iran, Plasmodium vivax is responsible for more than 80% of the infected cases of malaria per year. Control interventions for vivax malaria in humans rely mainly on developed diagnostic methods. Recombinant P. vivax apical membrane antigen-1 (rPvAMA-1) has been reported to achieve designing rapid, sensitive, and specific molecular diagnosis. This study aimed to perform isolation and expression of a rPvAMA-1, derived from Iranian patients residing in an endemic area. Then, the diagnostic efficiency of the characterized Iranian PvAMA-1 was assessed using an indirect ELISA method. For this purpose, a partial region of AMA-1 gene was amplified, cloned, and expressed in pET32a plasmid. The recombinant His-tagged protein was purified and used to coat the ELISA plate. Antibody detection was assessed by indirect ELISA using rPvAMA-1. The validity of the ELISA method for detection of anti-P. vivax antibodies in the field was compared to light microscopy on 84 confirmed P. vivax patients and compared to 84 non-P. vivax infected individuals. The ELISA cut-off value was calculated as the mean+2SD of OD values of the people living in malaria endemic areas from a south part of Iran. We found a cut-off point of OD=0.311 that showed the best correlation between the sera confirmed with P. vivax infection and healthy control sera. A sensitivity of 81.0% and specificity of 84.5% were found at this cut off titer. A good degree of statistical agreement was found between ELISA using rPvAMA-1 and light microscopy (0.827) by Kappa analysis.

The Effect of Breath-Hold Diving on Intraocular Pressure, Optic Nerve, Visual Field in Korean Haenyeo (Female Divers)

PURPOSE: To examine how breath-hold diving activities of Korean haenyeo female divers affect intraocular pressure (IOP), optic nerve and visual field (VF). METHODS: Basic ophthalmologic tests were performed for a group of breath-hold female divers (26 eyes) and a control group of non-divers (26 eyes) and the results compared between the 2 groups. For the breath-hold female diver group, a questionnaire survey was conducted on the patterns of breath-hold diving and the correlation with abnormalities in IOP, optic nerve and VF analyzed. RESULTS: IOP was significantly higher in the diver group (diver group: 15.00 +/- 3.76 mm Hg, control group: 13.93 +/- 2.36 mm Hg, p < 0.05). Between the 2 groups, the cup area (diver group: 1.21 +/- 0.60 mm2, control group: 0.83 +/- 0.46 mm2, p < 0.05), the cup-to-disc (C/D) ratio (diver group: 0.44 +/- 0.21, control group: 0.31 +/- 0.14, p < 0.05), and the vertical C/D ratio (diver group: 0.70 +/- 0.17, control group: 0.51 +/- 0.12, p < 0.05) were also significantly different. A significant correlation between working hours per day and IOP (r = 0.44, p < 0.05), between diving depth and RNFL defect, and cup area, and vertical C/D ratio (r = 0.43, r = 0.41, r = 0.39, p < 0.05) was observed. CONCLUSIONS: Subjects who breath-hold dive for a long period, such as Korean Haenyeo, need to have a glaucoma test regularly.

CD8+ T-cell Activation in Mice Injected with a Plasmid DNA Vaccine Encoding AMA-1 of the Reemerging Korean Plasmodium vivax

Relatively little has been studied on the AMA-1 vaccine against Plasmodium vivax and on the plasmid DNA vaccine encoding P. vivax AMA-1 (PvAMA-1). In the present study, a plasmid DNA vaccine encoding AMA-1 of the reemerging Korean P. vivax has been constructed and a preliminary study was done on its cellular immunogenicity to recipient BALB/c mice. The PvAMA-1 gene was cloned and expressed in the plasmid vector UBpcAMA-1, and a protein band of approximately 56.8 kDa was obtained from the transfected COS7 cells. BALB/c mice were immunized intramuscularly or using a gene gun 4 times with the vaccine, and the proportions of splenic T-cell subsets were examined by fluorocytometry at week 2 after the last injection. The spleen cells from intramuscularly injected mice revealed no significant changes in the proportions of CD8+ T-cells and CD4+ T-cells. However, in mice immunized using a gene gun, significantly higher (P<0.05) proportions of CD8+ cells were observed compared to UB vector-injected control mice. The results indicated that cellular immunogenicity of the plasmid DNA vaccine encoding AMA-1 of the reemerging Korean P. vivax was weak when it was injected intramuscularly; however, a promising effect was observed using the gene gun injection technique.

Role of H2O2 and cell wall monoamine oxidases in germination of Vigna radiata seeds.

Plant cell wall expresses monoamine oxidases (MAOs) that catalyze oxidation of secreted amines and produce H2O2 in the process. The H2O2, so produced is used by cell wall peroxidases for lignification of cell wall or for plant defense. The natural substrates for these MAOs are elusive, but polyamines and certain catecholamines have been proposed as candidates. Reactive oxygen species are also known to act as signaling molecules controlling plant metabolism. Mungbean (Vigna radiata) has long served as the plant model of choice while studying molecular programs followed during germination and seed development. In this study, we tested the effect of externally added MAO substrates epinephrine and H2O2 on storage protein mobilization in germinating seeds of Vigna radiata. The seeds were imbibed in the presence of 50 M epinephrine and 10 M H2O2. These low concentrations of the two compounds were used to exclude direct effects on proteolysis and were arrived at after testing a range of the two and choosing the most effective concentration. These seeds showed 11% and 7% decrease in fresh weight respectively, indicating greater storage mobilization and a corresponding 19% and 46% increase in axis length as compared to untreated seeds. Soluble protein in seeds treated with epinephrine and H2O2 decreased significantly by 34% and 33% as compared to untreated seeds. Electrophoretic analysis of seed proteins revealed a startling and selective depletion of storage proteins in treated seeds. The results indicated a clear involvement of H2O2 in storage protein mobilization in the cotyledons. We propose that H2O2 generated within cell walls of seeds serves as a signaling molecule guiding germination events, including protein reserve mobilization.