Rapid Isolation of Staphylococcus aureus Pathogens from Infected Clinical Samples Using Magnetic Beads Coated with Fc-Mannose Binding Lectin.

Here we describe how Staphylococcus aureus bacteria can be rapidly isolated from clinical samples of articular fluid and synovial tissue using magnetic beads coated with the engineered chimeric human opsonin protein, Fc-mannose-binding lectin (FcMBL). The FcMBL-beads were used to capture and magnetically remove bacteria from purified cultures of 12 S. aureus strains, and from 8 articular fluid samples and 4 synovial tissue samples collected from patients with osteoarthritis or periprosthetic infections previously documented by positive S. aureus cultures. While the capture efficiency was high (85%) with purified S. aureus strains grown in vitro, direct FcMBL-bead capture from the clinical samples was initially disappointing (< 5% efficiency). Further analysis revealed that inhibition of FcMBL binding was due to coating of the bacteria by immunoglobulins and immune cells that masked FcMBL binding sites, and to the high viscosity of these complex biological samples. Importantly, capture of pathogens using the FcMBL-beads was increased to 76% efficiency by pretreating clinical specimens with hypotonic washes, hyaluronidase and a protease cocktail. Using this approach, S. aureus bacteria could be isolated from infected osteoarthritic tissues within 2 hours after sample collection. This FcMBL-enabled magnetic method for rapid capture and concentration of pathogens from clinical samples could be integrated upstream of current processes used in clinical microbiology laboratories to identify pathogens and perform antibiotic sensitivity testing when bacterial culture is not possible or before colonies can be detected.

Efficacy and safety of oral immunotherapy with short ragweed extract.

BACKGROUND: Oral immunotherapy, if proven safe and effective, could be an alternative to subcutaneous immunotherapy. OBJECTIVE: This pilot study investigated the clinic and immunologic effects of ragweed immunotherapy using a new microencapsulated, pH-sensitive, oral delivery system. METHODS: A double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was conducted in 23 patients with allergic rhinitis to short ragweed. Following a baseline nasal challenge with ragweed allergen, oral immunotherapy with encapsulated short ragweed extract or placebo was administered once daily, 6 days/week. Dosed began at 3 micrograms Amb a 1 per day and were increased by 3 micrograms every three days as tolerated, to a maximum daily maintenance dose of 24 micrograms. A nasal challenge was repeated 6 weeks, later, followed by the continuation of maintenance therapy through the natural ragweed season. Daily allergy symptoms and relief medication usage was recorded. A final nasal challenge was performed at the end of the natural season. Short ragweed-specific serum IgE, IgG, and IgG4 antibody levels were measured every 2 weeks during the study. RESULTS: Maximum tolerated doses ranged from 6 to 24 micrograms Amb a 1 per day (74% reached 24 micrograms). Adverse events were not serious or different between the active and placebo groups. The active group showed increased in short ragweed-specific serum IgG and IgG4 antibody levels. Symptom scores during the natural season were numerically but not statistically lower in the active treatment group. This group also experienced a greater reduction from baseline in nasal reactivity as assessed by nasal challenge. CONCLUSIONS: These pilot data suggest that the encapsulated, pH-sensitive oral immunotherapy delivery system was safe, induced a brisk serologic response, and attenuated the symptomatic response to both experimental and environmental ragweed exposure.

In vitro evaluation of the calcification behavior of polyurethane biomaterials for cardiovascular applications.

Scope of the study is the calcification behavior of medical grade polyurethanes for cardiovascular devices. Within these applications, implant material calcification is a serious complication. The calcification behavior of these materials is investigated with a dynamic in vitro testing method for evaluating the influence of dynamic mechanical strain and parameters of the solubility of calcium salts.

Genomic organization and polypeptide primary structure of zona pellucida glycoprotein hZP3, the hamster sperm receptor.

During the course of fertilization in mammals, free-swimming sperm bind tightly to receptors located in the egg extracellular coat, or zona pellucida. Recently, the hamster sperm receptor, a 56,000 Mr zona pellucida glycoprotein called hZP3, was identified and partially characterized (C. C. Moller et al., (1990). Dev. Biol. 137, 276-286). Here, we describe genomic cloning of hZP3, certain organizational features of the hZP3 gene, and primary structures of hZP3 mRNA and polypeptide. The findings are compared with reported results of comparable analyses of the mouse sperm receptor, an 83,000 Mr zona pellucida glycoprotein called mZP3. Such comparisons reveal a high degree of conservation of genomic organization and polypeptide structure for the two mammalian sperm receptors, despite the considerable difference in their Mrs. These findings are of interest in view of the extremely restricted expression of the ZP3 gene during development and the important role of ZP3 oligosaccharides in gamete adhesion.

Maternal death associated with sickle cell trait.

A case report is presented of a patient with sickle cell trait who died an abrupt intrapartum death precipitated by probable peripartal cardiomopathy and apparently aggravated by intravascular sickling. Notable autopsy findings included massive sicklemia in all organ systems.

[Rehabilitation after operations on the hip-joint (author's transl)]. / Hüftoperierte im Heilverfahren.

The increase of hip-replacement is also seen in departments of rehabilitation. Among 270 operations during 1974/75 the main age at operations was 50-59 years. Para-articular ossification was more common in men than women. Function was disturbed more often in women, pain more common after operations other than replacement. Unfitness for work and compensation depend on the degree of limitation of mobility and weightbearing related to occupation. Because of relatively common complications and still unsatisfactory postoperative improvement, indication for replacement ought to be more critical. Conservative measures often give astonishingly good results, delay progressive symptoms. Techniques preserving the joint should be exhausted before the proper age for operation is reached.