A 16S rRNA-based DNA probe and PCR method specific for Listeria ivanovii

A 16S rRNA-based DNA probe and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method was developed for identification and rapid detection of Listeria ivanovii. The probe (R-1) is 5'-GTAGTGACGCATGTCATCAC-3' corresponding to positions 185-204 in the L. ivanovii 16S rRNA sequence. DNA hybridization results indicated that R-1 probe only reacted with L. ivanovii, and not with six other species of Listeria or other bacteria tested. The PCR method using R-1 and a reverse primer, R-2, was positive with all eight strains of L. ivanovii tested but was negative with six other species of Listeria, including nine strains of L. monocytogenes, and 20 other taxonomically related bacteria tested. In our PCR method, starting with whole bacterial cells, only 3 h were required for the PCR assay and 1 h for electrophoresis without any additional time for DNA isolation and DNA hybridization. This PCR method detected as few as 4 cells of L. ivanovii in pure cultures and 4-40 cells of L. ivanovii in inoculated and diluted mouse feed, blood, or faeces samples.

Filler particle size and composite resin classification systems

The currently used composite resin classification systems need review if they are to continue to serve as descriptives and quantitative parameters denoting the filler particle content of these materials. Examination of the particles in 12 composite resins using a technique of washing the filler particles from the matrix of the composite resin was presented as yet another method of grouping composites according to filler particle content. Light microscopic examination of the filler particles that remained provided a separation of the 12 materials into four easily distinguished groups based on filler particle sizes. The wear of the 12 composite resins determined in a previous study was examined in relation to the classification of the materials by the currently available systems. The wear values were also examined using the groupings of the materials according to their filler particle sizes as determined by separating the particles from the matrix by the washing technique. Grouping composites on the basis of the filler particle sizes found after washing was easily correlated with wear and supported the suggestion that composites with smaller filler particles wear less.

The in vivo wear resistance of 12 composite resins

PURPOSE

The in vivo wear resistance of 12 composite resins were compared with an amalgam control using the Latin Square experimental design. Sixteen edentulous patients wearing specially designed complete dentures formed the experimental population.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The Michigan Computer Graphics Measurement System was used to digitize the surface of the control and composite resin samples before and after 3-month test periods to obtain wear data. The 12 composite resins selected for this investigation based on their published composite classification types were seven fine particle composites, three blends, and two microfilled composite resins. The Latin Square experimental design was found to be valid with the factor of material being statistically different at the 5% level of significance. Wear was computed as volume loss (mm3/mm2), and all of the composites studied had more wear than the amalgam control (P = .001).

RESULTS

After 3 months, the mean (error) of wear of the amalgam was 0.028 (0.006). Means (error) of wear for the 12 composites were ranked from most to least wear by mean wear volume loss.

CONCLUSION

The absence of any relationship between mean wear volume loss and the volume percentage filler was confirmed by the correlation coefficient r = -0.158.

16S rRNA-based probes and polymerase chain reaction method to detect Listeria monocytogenes cells added to foods

A rapid polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method was developed for detection of Listeria monocytogenes in foods. This method used a pair of primers based on a unique region in the 16S rRNA sequence of L. monocytogenes, which were previously reported by us to yield a specific nucleic acid probe. Our method included use of a shorter denaturing time, a shorter annealing time, a rapid transition, and an increase in the number of cycles, resulting in good sensitivity. Just 3 h for PCR plus 1 h for electrophoresis was required. Additional time for DNA isolation and DNA hybridization was not needed. This method detected as few as 2 to 20 CFU of L. monocytogenes in pure cultures and as few as 4 to 40 CFU of L. monocytogenes in inoculated (10(8) CFU), diluted food samples. Seven of eight foods, including four poultry products, gave positive results. Only one food sample, soft cheese, gave interference. An internal probe hybridization test was used to confirm that the PCR products were from L. monocytogenes. A specificity test indicated that this PCR method was positive for all 13 strains of L. monocytogenes tested but negative for the other 6 species of Listeria, including 6 strains of L. innocua, and negative for 17 other gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria tested.

Development of cell surface protein associated gene probe specific for Listeria monocytogenes and detection of the bacteria in food by PCR

A genomic library of L. monocytogenes was constructed using lambda Zap II-Eco RI and screened with a monoclonal antibody which is specific for a Listeria cell surface protein. Three positive clones each contained a 6.5 kb insert which in E. coli could express the same Listeria protein. The 6.5 kb insert was further digested with Hin dIII and the smaller fragments were subcloned into a plasmid vector (pBluescript) and screened with 32P-labelled genomic DNA from L. monocytogenes or L. innocua. Three clones which were positive with L. monocytogenes and negative with L. innocua were screened and each contained a 2.1 kb insert. The 2.1 kb insert was partly sequenced and some candidate oligomer probes from the sequences were selected and compared with sequences in a Genbank computer search. One such oligomer probe (T7-list) was confirmed to be specific for L. monocytogenes. The probe hybridized with all 28 strains of L. monocytogenes tested, but not with any of six other Listeria species nor 11 other bacteria tested. Using this probe-primer, a PCR method was developed which could detect as few as 2 cfu of L. monocytogenes in pure cultures, and as few as 4-10 cfu of L. monocytogenes when inoculated into foods.

Analysis of purified human liver alpha-L-fucosidase by western-blotting with lectins and polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies

Western-blot analysis [with lectins, polyclonal antibodies (pAbs) and four monoclonal antibodies (mAbs)] was employed to investigate the structural relationship between the separated isoforms and subunits of purified human liver alpha-L-fucosidase. SDS/PAGE and Western-blot analysis indicated the presence of two protein bands of 51 kDa and 56 kDa that were recognized by the pAbs. Polyacrylamide-gel isoelectric focusing (PAG-IEF) followed by blotting indicated that the pAbs and mAbs recognized at least five fucosidase isoforms (pI values 3.6-6.0). Lectin blotting indicated an enrichment of sialic acid residues in the more acidic isoforms. Western-blot analysis indicated that four mAbs recognized the 51 kDa subunit and at least two mAbs recognized the 56 kDa subunit. The subunit composition of the isoforms (separated by PAG-IEF) of human liver alpha-L-fucosidase was investigated by SDS/PAGE. One or two closely spaced bands were found for each isoform with a trend of increasing relative amounts of the high-molecular-mass band in the more acidic isoforms relative to the more neutral isoforms. Neuraminidase treatment of alpha-L-fucosidase resulted in a decrease in the amount of the high-molecular-mass subunit and an increase in the amount of the low-molecular-mass subunit, suggesting that these subunits are related at least in part by sialic acid residues. In addition, blotting with lectins indicated the presence of sialic acid residues only in the high-molecular-mass subunit. N-Glycanase treatment led to the disappearance of the glycosylated 56 kDa and 51 kDa protein bands and the appearance of non-glycosylated protein bands at 48 kDa and 45 kDa. The overall results indicate that (1) N-glycosylation contributes to, but does not account completely for, structural differences in the fucosidase subunits and (2) the more acidic isoforms of fucosidase contain enriched relative amounts of the sialylated high-molecular-mass subunit.

Early detection of osseointegration using scanning electron microscopy and the interfacial biopsy chamber: a pilot study

This pilot project attempted to demonstrate microscopic evidence of osseointegration in a controlled environment as originally presented by Brånemark. The Interfacial Biopsy Chamber was developed to collect titanium/tissue serial biopsies of the implant-tissue interface at various stages of wound healing. It was surgically placed in two Flemish giant rabbits and titanium/tissue biopsies were collected at 35 and 70 days. The biopsies were examined using scanning electron microscopy (x2000, x3200, and x7500) and light microscopy (x230). Osseous tissue was found in intimate contact with the titanium implant surface with no evidence of an intervening fibrous layer. Cells with the morphological characteristics of osteoblasts were observed covering the titanium surface. Processes extending from the main body of these cells were in intimate contact with the titanium surface, following the machining striations. The photomicrographs were similar to those presented earlier by Brånemark. The project also suggested the use of the Interfacial Biopsy Chamber as a research instrument for the collection of implant/tissue interface serial biopsy samples.

Development of a 16S rRNA-based oligomer probe specific for Listeria monocytogenes

Crude rRNA was isolated from Listeria monocytogenes, L. innocua, and L. ivanovii and sequenced by a reverse transcriptase method. Only two sequence regions were found to differ for L. monocytogenes versus L. innocua or L. ivanovii. Two oligonucleotide probes (RL-1 and RL-2) complementary to these two regions of rRNA of L. monocytogenes were synthesized. The RL-1 probe had one base while the RL-2 probe had two bases which differed for L. monocytogenes versus L. innocua and L. ivanovii. Use of a dried gel hybridization in place of Northern (RNA) hybridization or dot blot hybridization indicated that the RL-2 probe hybridized with all 36 strains of L. monocytogenes tested but not with 6 other Listeria species and 11 other bacteria tested. The RL-2 probe is specific for L. monocytogenes, while the RL-1 probe showed some cross-reactions with other Listeria species. An alkaline phosphatase-labeled RL-2 probe could be used in a dot blot hybridization test and gave good results, but a 32P-labeled RL-2 probe was more sensitive than the nonradioactive probe and the 32P-labeled probe was useable for up to 2 months, even though the 32P was highly degenerated.

An in vivo experiment to test composite resin wear using the Latin-Square analysis

The Michigan Computer Graphics Coordinate Measurement System was used to measure the wear of three composite resins and an amalgam alloy control. The validity of the Latin Square experimental design for analysis in a clinical study was demonstrated, and statistically significant differences in wear were established for main effect for the materials under investigation. None of the composite resins examined approximated the amalgam alloy control in wear properties. Rank ordering of the materials with respect to wear was possible using this experimental design. Ranking of the materials for wear resistance using this research approach opens up other future research opportunities to correlate such properties as filler particle size, composition, and distribution with the data derived.

Comparison and modification of rRNA sequencing methods

In this study, modification of two methods of RNA sequencing resulted in more definitive sequencing bands. In one method of sequencing, the bands of lane A and lane G sometimes were not clear. Modifications of this method by changing the concentrations of ddATP and ddGTP resulted in the bands of lane A and lane G becoming more readable. Although a second sequencing method was found to have clearer bands than the first method, and the bases immediately downstream from the primer binding site could be read by using r-32P-labeled primer, the bands on the top of lane A still were not clear. Modifications of this second method by changing the ddATP/dATP ratio resulted in the bands of lane A becoming much clearer.

MK-507 (L-671,152), a topically active carbonic anhydrase inhibitor, reduces aqueous humor production in monkeys

An investigation was carried out to determine the mechanism by which MK-507 (L-671,152), a water-soluble inhibitor of human carbonic anhydrase II in vitro, reduces intraocular pressure when applied topically to monkey eyes. Intraocular pressure, tonographically measured outflow facility, and fluorophotometrically determined aqueous humor flow were measured before and after therapy in eight normal cynomolgus monkeys. Fifty microliters of 2% MK-507 was instilled in one eye and diluent in the contralateral eye. Baseline values for intraocular pressure, outflow facility, and aqueous humor flow were similar in the drug-treated and diluent-treated control eyes. After therapy, intraocular pressure was significantly (P less than .05) reduced from 1 to 7 hours (eg, 14.0 +/- 1.0 and 15.9 +/- 0.9 mm Hg [mean +/- SEM], treated and control eyes, respectively, at 3 hours). Outflow facility was not significantly (P greater than .40) changed at 3 hours, and aqueous humor flow measured over 5 hours was significantly (P less than .05) reduced (38%) in treated (0.9 +/- 0.1 microL/min) as compared with control eyes (1.5 +/- 0.1 microL/min). The results suggest that MK-507 reduces intraocular pressure by decreasing aqueous humor production.

Dried gel hybridization in place of southern hybridization for detection of Listeria monocytogenes DNA fragments

A simple, sensitive, dried gel DNA hybridization method for detection of Listeria monocytogenes DNA fragments is described. DNA samples were fractionated on an agarose gel. The gel was then denatured in NaOH-NaCl and neutralized in Tris-NaCl. The resulting agarose gel was dried and hybridized with 32P-labelled DNA probe. No transfer to nitrocellulose membranes was used.

Selective alpha 2-adrenergic agonists B-HT 920 and UK14304-18. Effects on aqueous humor dynamics in monkeys

Selective alpha 2-adrenergic agonists UK14304-18 and B-HT 920 were evaluated in the eyes of cynomolgus monkeys. In normal monkeys, unilateral topical application of 0.3%, 0.5%, or 1% UK14304-18 or B-HT 920 reduced (P less than .05) intraocular pressure bilaterally up to 9.9 +/- 1.2 mm Hg (mean +/- SEM) and 8.4 +/- 1.4 mm Hg in treated and contralateral eyes, respectively. Five-day twice-daily 0.5% UK14304-18 administration reduced (P less than .05) intraocular pressure up to 49% in eight glaucomatous monkeys. In eight normal monkeys, 0.5% B-HT 920 and 0.5% UK14304-18 produced no alterations in outflow facility. Following unilateral application of 0.5% B-HT 920 or 0.5% UK14304-18, fluorophotometrically measured aqueous humor production was reduced (P less than .05) bilaterally up to 67% compared with baseline values. Also, 0.5% UK14304-18 reduced (P less than .025) systolic and diastolic blood pressure. UK14304-18 and B-HT 920 seem to reduce intraocular pressure by decreasing aqueous production. They are potential new agents for the treatment of glaucoma.

Development of a simplified method for subclass isotyping and screening monoclonal antibodies

A simplified dot-blot procedure for screening and subclass isotyping of monoclonal antibodies is described in which only 0.5-50 ng of antigen and 1 microliter of antibody are needed to perform the test. The results on the nitrocellulose membrane can be stored indefinitely for future reference. This method is less expensive, uses smaller quantities of antigen and antibody, and is faster than presently used enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay techniques or other dot-blot methods. Monoclonal antibodies against Mycoplasma gallisepticum were screened and isotyped using this technique.

Construction of versatile low-copy-number vectors for cloning, sequencing and gene expression in Escherichia coli

Using the polymerase chain reaction and standard recombinant DNA techniques, a series of new multipurpose low-copy-number (lcn) vectors, pWSK29, pWKS30, pWKS129 and pWKS130, have been constructed. Plasmids pWSK29 and pWKS30 carry the ampicillin-resistance marker (ApR), 20 unique cloning sites flanked by T7 and T3 RNA polymerase promoters, the lacZ alpha gene and the bacteriophage f1 origin of replication (ori) for production of single-stranded (ss) DNA in the presence of a helper phage. Plasmids pWSK129 and pWKS130 carry the kanamycin-resistance marker (KmR) and have 16 unique cloning sites flanked by T7 and T3 RNA polymerase promoters positioned within the lacZ alpha gene. Plasmids pWSK129 and pWKS130 also contain the f1 ori for the generation of ss DNA in the presence of a helper phage. All of the plasmids have an lcn of six to eight per cell. Each vector can be used for: (i) complementation analysis, (ii) generating unidirectional deletions with exonuclease III/S1 nuclease, (iii) DNA sequencing, (iv) high-level gene expression using T7 RNA polymerase, and (v) run-off transcription. They are very useful for analyzing genes encoding proteins which are toxic in Escherichia coli in high copy number.

Effects of prostaglandins F2 alpha, A2, and their esters in glaucomatous monkey eyes

The effect of prostaglandin (PG) F2 alpha-isopropyl ester (IE), PGA2, or PGA2-IE on intraocular pressure (IOP) was tested in eight cynomolgus monkey eyes with argon laser-induced glaucoma. Dose-response testing and baseline IOP measurements were done. For multiple dose testing, 5 micrograms in 25 microliters (0.02%) of each PG was topically applied twice daily for 5 days. The IOP was measured at 30- or 60-minute intervals for 6 hours after the morning dose each day. A significant (P less than 0.05) reduction of IOP peaked at 5-9 mm Hg below baseline values on the 5th day of treatment for each PG. The ocular hypotensive effect of these PGs progressively became more pronounced during the course of twice-daily dosing, with a significant reduction maintained at least 17 hours after some doses. No more than trace aqueous flare and no cells were observed in any eye during the course of treatment. These findings demonstrate that PGs other than F2 alpha are potent ocular hypotensive agents in primates.

The ocular hypotensive effect of the topical carbonic anhydrase inhibitor L-671,152 in glaucomatous monkeys

L-671,152, a new potent water-soluble inhibitor of human carbonic anhydrase II in vitro, was applied topically to cynomolgus monkey eyes in which glaucoma had been produced by argon laser photocoagulation of the trabecular mesh-work. Intraocular pressure was measured at 0 hours, 0.5 hours, and hourly for 8 hours in eight eyes for 2 baseline days, 1 day receiving the vehicle and 5 days receiving therapy with 2% L-671,152 twice a day, after initial single-dose trials of various concentrations. Intraocular pressure was not significantly different comparing baseline and vehicle-treated days. Significant intraocular pressure reductions occurred from 1 to 8 hours after the first dose, and lasted for at least 16 hours after the second dose. The reduction in intraocular pressure became more pronounced from day 1 to day 5 at each time interval. The mean (+/- SEM) maximum reduction in intraocular pressure was 7.8 +/- 2.1 mm Hg on day 1 and 10.1 +/- 2.4 mm Hg on day 5 at 3 hours after administration, comparing the intraocular pressure in drug-treated and vehicle-treated eyes. L-671,152 has a longer duration of action than does previously studied MK-927 in glaucomatous monkeys. It appears to have great clinical potential.

The effect of MK-927, a topical carbonic anhydrase inhibitor, on IOP in glaucomatous monkeys

MK-927 is a water soluble, potent inhibitor of human carbonic anhydrase (CA) II in vitro. Topical administration of MK-927 reduces intraocular pressure (IOP) in rabbits. Elevated IOP was produced in cynomolgus monkey eyes by argon laser photocoagulation of the trabecular meshwork. IOP was measured at 0 hr, 0.5 hr and hourly for 8 hrs in 8 eyes for two baseline days, one day on vehicle and five days of therapy with 2% MK-927 b.i.d., after initial single-dose trials of various concentrations. IOP was not significantly different comparing baseline and vehicle treated days. Significant (p less than 0.05) reductions of IOP occurred for five days lasting at least 8 hrs after each dosing. At 3 hrs after treatment with vehicle the IOP was 31.6 +/- 3.4 (SE) mm Hg. Maximum reduction of IOP occurred at 3 hrs after application of MK-927, the IOP decreasing from day 1 (19.9 +/- 1.0 mm Hg) to day 5 (16.5 +/- 1.6 mm Hg). MK-927 appears to have great clinical potential.

Signs of early damage in glaucomatous monkey eyes: low spatial frequency losses in the pattern ERG and VEP

Experimental glaucoma was created in one eye of three cynomolgus monkeys by argon laser application to the mid-trabecular meshwork. Simultaneous pattern electroretinograms (PERG) and pattern visual evoked potentials (PVEP) were measured in both control and glaucoma eyes to spatial frequencies of 0.5, 1.25, 2.5, and 3.5 cpd which were counterphase modulated at 6 Hz. The transient flash electroretinogram was also measured. While normal flash electroretinograms were recorded in all eyes both before and after the unilateral production of elevated intraocular pressure (IOP), reductions in PERG and PVEP amplitude were seen in the eyes with glaucoma as early as two weeks following a sustained increase of IOP, despite the absence of cupping of the optic nervehead judged by ophthalmoscopic examination and analysis of photograph by two observers. Optic nervehead abnormalities occurred subsequently. In glaucomatous monkey eyes, the earliest PERG and PVEP changes were most evident with lower spatial frequencies of stimulation. Our data suggest that the optimal stimulus parameters for the detection of early glaucoma are low spatial frequency patterns presented at a rapid rate of temporal modulation.