Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for the identification of mosquito bloodmeals

An ELISA for the identification of mosquito bloodmeals (MBM) is described. The technique makes use of commercial antisera and allows to investigate at least three different animal sources on the same MBM. The efficiency of identification is 100% for up to 20 hrs-digested MBM.

The evaluation of synthetic strategies for oligonucleotides of defined sequence. Computer programs in nucleic acid synthesis: I

A computer program has been developed to aid in the evaluation of strategies for the synthesis of oligodeoxyribonucleotides of defined sequence. The program reduces the time required for the development of the most cost-effective strategy from several hours to a few minutes. The chemist supplies the program with the order of internucleotide bond formation, the final amount of material desired and the data giving anticipated reaction yields and molar ratios of reactants. The Mr and amount required for each intermediate in the proposed synthetic approach is then calculated. All of this data can be stored, edited or printed. By changing various input parameters (e.g., order of internucleotide bond formation, expected reaction yield), the chemist can utilize this program to analyze multiple synthetic approaches rapidly. The synthetic approach that will minimize the amounts of the expensive starting materials needed to complete the synthesis of the desired DNA can thus be quickly identified.

Regulation of the development of plaque-forming cells to bromelain-treated syngeneic mouse erythrocytes in bone marrow cell cultures

The development of plaque-forming cells (PFC) to bromelain-treated syngeneic mouse red blood cells (Br-MRBC) was studied in bone marrow cell (BMC) cultures. It was found that the number of marrow PFC to Br-MRBC does not show the typical spontaneous increase observed in spleen cell (SPC), or peritoneal cell (PC) cultures. The number of anti-Br-MRBC PFC was markedly increased by lipopolysaccharide (LPS), even in conditions in which cell proliferation was blocked by mitomycin C, suggesting the presence of high numbers of Br-MRBC-specific precursor cells, potentially capable of differentiating into autoantibody-producing cells, in the marrow. Moreover, the low levels of anti-Br-MRBC PFC were further reduced in the presence of concanavalin A (Con A). The addition of Con A-activated BMC to BMC, SPC, or PC cultures actively suppressed the development of anti-Br-MRBC PFC. Con A-activated BM suppressor cells were found to be Thy 1.2-negative, Ig-negative, nonadherent cells. A possible role for the BM suppressor cell in tolerance to self antigens is discussed.

Cell-mediated immunity and delayed-type hypersensitivity in Pseudomonas aeruginosa-infected mice

In mice repeated systemic injections of Pseudomonas aeruginosa viable cells were able to induce a specific delayed-type hypersensitivity, which was evaluated as increase both in footpad swelling and in the weight of popliteal lymph nodes, after a challenge in the footpad. Unfractionated spleen cells or T lymphocyte-enriched spleen cells from sensitized donors were able to specifically transfer the delayed-type hypersensitivity to syngeneic recipients but failed to protect them against a lethal challenge with P. aeruginosa. In contrast, serum or B lymphocyte and macrophage-enriched spleen cells from the same donors were capable of transferring protective immunity but failed to induce any delayed-type hypersensitivity reaction in the recipients. These results clearly show that in systemic P. aeruginosa infections a dissociation between delayed-type hypersensitivity and acquired cellular resistance occurs.

Creatine phosphokinase assay in the progress of delivery

Serum CPKase activity in 30 women during pregnancy was detected. The maximum increase of activity appeared during the expulsive step of parturition. The CPKase activity after parturition, in the range between the eighth and the twentyfourth hours, drops at the normal level.

Platelet aggregation index assay in the progress of physiological delivery. Preliminary account

I.A.P. during pregnancy and parturition has been checked. The results appear to be in the normal range in all the cases; accordingly it looks reasonable to assume no relationship to be take place among IAP and individual steps that occur in the progress of parturition and post-parturition.

[Behavior of the electrocardiographic and spirographic parameters in athletes practicing rowing who have at the same time taken an anti-inflammatory drug]

The AA. studied the effects of a new anti-inflammatory drug on some spirographic and electrocardiographic parameters in a group of oarsmen. The results show a not significant changes of these parameters after drug engagement. The variations found are to be ascribed to the training.