Macroscopic kidney lesions in slaughtered pigs are an inadequate indicator of current leptospiral infection.
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
Animals↗
Biomedical subjects
B Adler
Publications and source records attributed to B Adler.
Use of iron supplements in infancy: a field trial.
Iron-deficiency anaemia in infancy, which is an important public health problem even in countries where gross malnutrition is not prevalent, can be prevented by iron supplementation or by fortification of infant foods with iron. A programme of iron supplementation was carried out in two places in Israel through the Maternal and Child Health services in the course of their routine duties. Though 89% of the mothers complied and gave iron supplements to their infants for a period of 1-9 months, only 26% continued for the full 9 months. A stastically significant difference was found in the haemoglobin and mean erythrocyte volume levels between the iron-supplemented group and the controls. The results indicate that the use of a higher daily dose of iron for a shorter period might lead to better compliance and greater benefits.
Anemia, Hypochromic↗
Bovine steroid 21-hydroxylase: regulation of biosynthesis.
A recombinant cDNA clone, PBC21-1, specific for bovine steroid 21-hydroxylase cytochrome P-450 (P-450C21) was identified in a bovine adrenocortical cDNA library, and this identity was confirmed by nucleotide sequencing which revealed significant amino acid homology (77%) with human P-450C21 cDNA. The pBC21-1 insert is 1.7 kilobases in length and includes a 1128 base pair region that encodes the C-terminal 376 amino acids of bovine P-450C21 as well as 535 base pairs of 3'-untranslated sequence. A novel feature of this insert is a 20 base pair intervening sequence near the 5' end, apparently the result of an aberrant splicing event. Northern blot analysis reveals that bovine P-450C21 is encoded by two transcripts, 2.3 and 2.0 kilobases in length which are detected in adrenal cortical RNA. Bovine liver, heart, kidney, and corpus luteum do not contain detectable P-450C21 transcripts. Regulation of P-450C21 gene expression by adrenocorticotropin was investigated with pBC21-1 and bovine adrenocortical cells in primary, monolayer culture. Treatment with ACTH or analogues of cAMP increases the steady-state levels of P-450C21 RNA in such cell cultures. In vitro transcription run-on assays suggest that this increase is, at least in part, due to the enhanced transcriptional activity of the P-450C21 gene.
Adrenal Cortex↗
Transformation of chromosome breakage syndrome fibroblasts by SV40 DNA transfection.
SV40 DNA was transfected into three Fanconi's anemia, two classical ataxia-telangiectasia, two variant ataxia-telangiectasia, three Bloom's syndrome, and three normal fibroblast cultures in order to study T-antigen expression, growth transformation, and survival of the crisis phase. Although Fanconi's anemia cells exhibited an initially higher frequency of uptake of transfected DNA compared with all the other cell strains studied, they did not acquire the transformed phenotype any faster than the others. Classical ataxia-telangiectasia fibroblasts, on the other hand, showed approximately the same rate of initial uptake of SV40, but were significantly slower than all other cell strains in expressing the transformed phenotype. The uptake and growth transformation properties of Bloom's syndrome and variant ataxia-telangiectasia cells were similar to those of normals. Serial subculturing of transfected cells was found to accelerate the appearance of growth-transformed cells. Although a number of transformed sublines of Fanconi's anemia, classical and variant ataxia-telangiectasia, and Bloom's syndrome strains apparently survived the crisis phase, no immortalized strains emerged from them.
Antigens, Viral, Tumor↗
Chromosome breakage in Fanconi's anemia and normal cells following in vitro and in vivo cocultivation.
Studies of Fanconi's anemia (FA) have been in conflict as to the existence of a clastogenic factor. Two male FA patients who received bone marrow transplants were studied. One FA patient received a transplant from his normal sister whose engrafted lymphocytes showed spontaneous, as well as diepoxybutane (DEB)-induced chromosome breakage in the normal range. The second FA patient received a transplant from his obligate heterozygous mother whose engrafted lymphocytes exhibited increased spontaneous chromosome breakage but not in response to DEB treatment. In vitro cocultivation of FA and FA heterozygous lymphocytes and of FA and normal lymphocytes showed chromosome breakage levels consistent with their genotypes. These results suggest that no detectable clastogenic factor is produced by FA cells.
Adolescent↗
Development of an improved selective medium for isolation of leptospires from clinical material.
Standard albumin-Tween 80 medium (EMJH) for growth of leptospires was modified by the addition of six antibiotics to produce a superior, selective medium for primary isolation of leptospires of serovars hardjo and pomona of Leptospira interrogans from clinical material.
Animals↗
Ultrastructure and chemical composition of lipopolysaccharide extracted from Leptospira interrogans serovar copenhageni.
Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) from Leptospira interrogans serovar copenhageni was prepared from the aqueous phase of a phenol/water extract. Electron microscopic examination of negatively stained LPS showed a mixture of ribbon-like, round and ring structures. Carbohydrate analysis of the preparations revealed pentoses, hexoses, heptoses, hexosamines, and a 2-keto-3-deoxyonic acid which was chromatographically different from authentic 2-keto-3-deoxyoctonic acid (KDO). The major fatty acids of the LPS were hydroxylauric, palmitic and oleic acids. Although the leptospiral LPS preparations did not contain KDO or hydroxymyristic acid, they were otherwise morphologically and chemically similar to the LPS of other Gram-negative bacteria.
Chemical Phenomena↗
Glycolipoprotein cytotoxin from Leptospira interrogans serovar copenhageni.
Lipopolysaccharide (LPS), glycolipoprotein (GLP) and lipid extract were prepared from Leptospira interrogans serovar copenhageni. GLP, lipid extract or purified fatty acids from lipid extract produced cytotoxic effects seen as cell enzyme leakage followed by cytotoxic death when tested in mouse fibroblast L929 cells in tissue culture. All extracts also agglutinated mouse erythrocytes but purified LPS was not cytotoxic. Neither GLP nor LPS were pyrogenic but both gelled Limulus amoebocyte lysate. Specific anti-GLP IgG neutralized the cytotoxic and haemagglutinating effect of GLP; however, at higher concentrations it enhanced the cytotoxicity of GLP and mediated lysis of the erythrocytes. A high dose of leptospires (i.e. 10(10) organisms) killed weanling mice causing pathological changes similar to those seen in acute leptospirosis. Similar results were obtained with live, dead, pathogenic and saprophytic leptospires. The results suggest that toxicity is involved in leptospiral infection and that lipid components either of whole leptospires or of a leptospiral GLP may contribute to the pathogenesis of acute leptospirosis.
Animals↗
Interactions of virulent and avirulent leptospires with primary cultures of renal epithelial cells.
A primary culture system for the cells of mouse renal-tubular epithelium was established and used to observe the adhesion of leptospires. Virulent strains of serovars copenhageni and ballum attached themselves to epithelial cells within 3 h of infection whereas an avirulent variant of serovar copenhageni did not adhere to epithelial cells at all within the experimental period of 24 h. The saprophytic Leptospira biflexa serovar patoc became attached non-specifically to inert glass surfaces as well as to the cells. The adhesion of leptospires to epithelial cells was not inhibited by homologous antibody.
Adhesiveness↗
A monoclonal antibody reacting with a determinant on leptospiral lipopolysaccharide protects guinea pigs against leptospirosis.
An IgA monoclonal antibody (MUM/F1-1/copenhageni) was produced from a mouse immunised with Leptospira interrogans serovar copenhageni. The antibody showed partial serogroup specificity by agglutination and by reaction in enzyme immunoassay, and opsonised homologous leptospires for phagocytosis by cultured mouse macrophages. Immunodiffusion and Western-blotting experiments indicated that MUM/F1-1/copenhageni reacted with a carbohydrate determinant in the leptospiral lipopolysaccharide. Daily administration of purified MUM/F1-1/copenhageni IgA before and after challenge with 2 X 10(8) virulent homologous leptospires passively protected newborn guinea pigs against lethal leptospirosis.
Animals↗
Pharmacodynamic supersensitivity and opioid receptor upregulation in the mouse.
The analgesic potency and toxicity (lethality) of morphine were increased 2.5 times after implantation of 7.5-mg s.c. naltrexone pellets in the mouse for 8 days. Implantation for 8 days also resulted in a 41% [3H][D-Ala2-D-Leu5]enkephalin and 55% [3H] [D-Ala2-MePhe4-Gly(ol)5]enkephalin increase in radiolabeled opioid binding in mouse brain relative to placebo-implanted controls. Treatment for 1 day did not produce any significant increases in binding or morphine's analgesic potency. Brain morphine concentrations did not differ after a dose of morphine (8 mg/kg) that produced analgesia in 86% of 8-day naltrexone-treated mice vs. 39% of placebo-treated mice. The increase in the analgesic potency of morphine by chronic naltrexone treatment in the mouse is particularly striking as it is approximately 3 times greater than that observed for the rat. The decrease in the LD50 of morphine after 8 days of naltrexone treatment raises the possibility that the toxicity of opiates may be increased in patients who discontinue naltrexone maintenance treatment and resume opiate abuse.
Animals↗
Synthesis of the major oligosaccharide components of murine haemangioendothelioma cells.
Murine haemangioendothelioma cells in culture synthesize lactosaminoglycan-type glycoproteins which are found both associated with cells and secreted into the culture medium. Pronase-derived glycopeptides, prepared from the [3H]glucosamine-labeled glycoproteins that were secreted into the culture medium were found to contain about 10% of the labeled products as large size (Mr greater than 5000) 3H-labeled glycopeptides. In contrast, 40% of the cellular 3H-glycopeptides were found to be of this large size class of glycopeptides. These large size glycopeptides did not bind to Con A-Sepharose but did bind to Datura stramonium-agarose, from which they were eluted with chitobiose. The glycopeptides which did not bind to Datura-lectin were sulfated complex-type oligosaccharides which were not degraded by endo-beta-galactosidase. The glycopeptides which bound to Datura-lectin were degraded by endo-beta-galactosidase (or keratanase) to yield Gal----GlcNAc----Gal and glycopeptides, which were resistant to further endo-beta-galactosidase digestion and which no longer bound to Datura lectin-agarose. A major [3H]glucosamine-labelled glycoprotein (Mr approx. 75000) was found to be susceptible to endo-beta-galactosidase degradation and is probably the major cellular constituent having lactosaminoglycan-type side chains in these cells. An in vitro assay to measure leucocyte-haemangioendothelioma interactions indicated that treatment of haemangioendothelioma cells with endo-beta-galactosidase reduced leucocyte binding to these cells by 80%.
Amino Sugars↗
Familial aggregation of blood pressure, weight and height among sibling pairs at school entry.
Aggregation of blood pressure among sibling pairs of the same age and sex was studied. The children were of a restricted age group, 6-7 year olds, who entered school between 1976 and 1980 in a Western Neighborhood of Jerusalem. The mean systolic blood pressure (SBP) was 98.8 mmHg (SD 10.2), for the first sib of the pair and 97.3 mmHg (SD 9.7), for the second sib of the pair and the mean diastolic blood pressure (DBP) was 63.0 mmHg (SD 9.6) and 60.1 mmHg (SD 9.2), respectively. The Pearson correlation coefficient for SBP was 0.18 (p less than 0.05) and for DBP 0.12 (p less than 0.05), for weight 0.46 (p = 0.001) and for height 0.46 (p = 0.001). Pearson's and intraclass correlations and regression coefficients were calculated. Comparison with other studies was made. The degree of the correlation was found to differ among the various studies. The lowest correlations were those of the present study. The factors affecting the strength of the correlations are discussed.
Blood Pressure↗
Enzymatic radioimmunoassay for detecting Leptospira interrogans serovar pomona in the urine of experimentally-infected pigs.
An enzymatic radioimmunoassay (ERIA) has been developed for detecting Leptospira interrogans serovar pomona in porcine urine. Four grower pigs were experimentally infected with serovar pomona. A total of 39 urine samples was collected, and ERIA was compared with dark ground microscopy (DGM) and culture for demonstrating leptospiruria. Of 20 samples positive by at least one technique, leptospires were detected by ERIA in 14, by culture in 16 and by DGM in 13. ERIA, unlike the other 2 methods, was suitable for use with urine which had been stored frozen for several months.
Animals↗
Learning achievement and behavior at school of anemic and non-anemic infants.
In a prospective study the learning achievement and behaviour of second grade children who were anemic in infancy (n = 20) was compared with that of non-anemic children (n = 55). All children received preventive care and were under surveillance from birth at the Community Health and Research Center of Hadassah in Jerusalem. The anemic children had a hemoglobin level of less than 10.5 g/dl whereas the comparison group had more than 11.5 g/dl at 9 months of age. The learning achievement score was significantly lower in the anemic group 9.3 S.D. 3.8, than in the non-anemic group 11.5 S.D. 2.9 (P = 0.009). The positive task orientation was also significantly lower in the anemic group, though on additional behavior scores no differences were found. Differences remained significant even after controlling for maternal education and sex of child in a multivariate analysis. It is possible that an iron deficiency state which persists during the critical period of brain development in infancy has long-lasting effects on cognitive functioning. Prevention of iron deficiency may contribute to promotion of child development and better achievement.
Achievement↗
Influence of platelet volume on the ability of prostacyclin to inhibit platelet aggregation and the release reaction.
The influence of mean platelet volume (MPV) and platelet count on in vitro platelet sensitivity to prostacyclin (PGI2) was studied with human size-dependent platelet subpopulations prepared by counterflow centrifugation. The original unfractionated platelet suspension and each of five size-dependent platelet fractions were suspended in buffer at a platelet count of 2 X 10(8)/ml. The percent decrease in the extent of platelet aggregation and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) release in response to 10 micrograms/ml collagen was determined over a range of PGI2 concentrations in a Lumi-Aggregometer. A significant positive correlation between MPV and the concentration required to give 50% inhibition for both platelet aggregation and ATP release (r = 0.99, p less than 0.001 and r = 0.99, p less than 0.001, respectively) was observed. In separate experiments, the effect of platelet count on the ability of a given dose of PGI2 to inhibit platelet aggregation and ATP release was determined, and a significant inverse correlation was noted (r = 0.99, p less than 0.01 and r = 0.98, p less than 0.01, respectively). Our data indicate that the sensitivity of human platelets to the inhibitory effects of PGI2 is dependent on both the platelet volume and the platelet count. Thus, the presence of a greater platelet mass, resulting from either an increased MPV or an increased platelet count, decreases the inhibitory effectiveness of PGI2 on both platelet aggregation and the release reaction.
Adenosine Triphosphate↗
Fanconi anemia: prenatal diagnosis in 30 fetuses at risk.
We report our experience, since 1978, with prenatal diagnosis in fetuses at risk for Fanconi anemia. Amniotic fluid cells from 30 fetuses from 24 families were monitored for baseline and diepoxybutane-induced chromosomal breakage. Seven of the fetuses at risk were diagnosed as affected; baseline and diepoxybutane-induced breakage ranged from 0.18 to 0.45 and 0.69 to 0.96 breaks per cell, respectively. The range of baseline and diepoxybutane-induced chromosomal breakage in amniocytes from the 23 pregnancies at risk that were diagnosed prenatally as unaffected ranged from 0 to 0.08 and 0 to 0.13 breaks per cell, respectively. Four of these cases were also diagnosed as normal on the basis of chromosomal breakage studies in cells obtained by chorionic villus sampling. The range of baseline and diepoxybutane-induced breakage in cells from five control fetuses was 0 to 0.05 and 0 to 0.10 breaks per cell, respectively. Of the pregnancies diagnosed as affected, two were carried to term, whereas five were terminated. One newborn and two abortuses had congenital malformations including abnormalities of the thumb and radius. The other affected live-born infant, now 5 1/2 years old, has severe growth retardation and pancytopenia. No Fanconi anemia-associated malformations were found in any of the other fetuses or newborns studied. In all cases in which tissue was available for study, diagnoses were confirmed by chromosome breakage studies. This method thus permits reliable detection of Fanconi anemia.
Amniotic Fluid↗