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Characterization of serotypes of human rotavirus strains by solid-phase immune electron microscopy.

Serotyping of human rotaviruses (HRVs) by neutralization requires the previous adaptation of strains to growth in cell cultures, which is often unsuccessful. By using the solid-phase immune electron microscopy (SPIEM) technique with protein A and type-specific, cross-adsorbed, polyclonal immune sera, we divided 40 previously typed culture-adapted strains into the same four serotypes distinguished by neutralization, but HRV strains could also be typed directly on stool extracts. Of 171 HRV strains tested by SPIEM, 163 were typed as a single serotype, two were shown to be mixed serotypes, three could not be typed since they were partially antibody-coated, and three were lacking the common group antigen (atypical rotaviruses or pararotaviruses). In addition, strains of serotype 4 could be classified by SPIEM into two subtypes, 4A and 4B. Overall, strains of serotype 1 were detected in nearly 50% of the 171 HRV-positive stools examined by SPIEM, strains of either serotype 2 or 4 in about 20%, and strains of serotype 3 in nearly 10%. Although the data were too scarce to allow for definite conclusions, the prevalence of the four serotypes appeared to change with the geographic area and the year.

Animals↗

Cross-reactivity between enteric adenoviruses and adenovirus type 4: analysis of epitopes by solid-phase immune electron microscopy.

The immunological relationships between the two newly discovered serotypes of enteric adenoviruses, Ad40 and Ad41, and antisera to human adenoviruses representing all subgroups were studied by solid-phase immune electron microscopy. A pronounced two-way cross-reaction was seen between Ad40 (subgroup F) and Ad41 (subgroup G). Furthermore, a distinct one-way cross-reaction was noted between adenovirus type 4 antiserum (subgroup E) and virions of Ad40.

Adenoviridae↗

Comparison of solid-phase immune electron microscopy, direct electron microscopy and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for detection of rotavirus in faecal samples.

One hundred and fifteen faecal samples from children with gastroenteritis have been examined by solid-phase immune electron microscopy (SPIEM), standard direct electron microscopy and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Diluted high-titered anti-(human) rotavirus serum, produced in rabbit by immunization with purified pooled rotaviruses from gastroenteritis patients, was used as antiserum in the immunological tests. The presence of rotavirus was demonstrated in 41 (36%) of the 115 samples by both SPIEM and ELISA. No false positive reactions were seen. By direct electron microscopy rotavirus was detected in 35 (30%) of the specimens. In addition, other gastroenteritis viruses like adeno-, astro- and calicivirus were visualized by this non-specific test in eight samples. The applicability of these three methods in routine diagnostic work is discussed.

Antigen-Antibody Reactions↗

The direct determination of magnetic domain wall profiles by differential phase contrast electron microscopy.

A new technique for the quantitative investigation of magnetic structures in ferromagnetic thin films is proposed. Unlike previous techniques the detected signal is simply related to the magnetic induction in the film, and as such the direct determination of domain wall profiles is possible. The technique utilizes a differential phase contrast mode of scanning transmission electron microscopy in which the normal bright field detector is replaced by a split-detector lying symmetrically about the optic axis of the system. The difference signal from the two halves of the detector provides the required magnetic information. Analysis of the image formation mechanism shows that, using a commercially available scanning transmission electron microscope equipped with a field emission gun, wall profiles should be obtainable directly from most structures of interest in Lorentz microscopy. Furthermore, signal-to-noise considerations indicate that these results can be obtained in acceptably short recording times. Finally, experimental results using both polycrystalline and single crystal specimens are presented, which confirm the theoretical predictions.

Elements↗

Investigation of an outbreak of gastroenteritis caused by Norwalk-like virus, using solid phase immune electron microscopy.

In February 1993, 95 persons (47 patients and 48 staff members) were affected by an hospital outbreak of viral gastroenteritis. Using direct electron microscopy (EM) the causative agent was identified as a small round structured virus. This was confirmed as a Norwalk-like virus using solid phase immune electron microscopy (SPIEM). Of 94 stool samples examined, 12 (13%) samples containing small round structured viruses (SRSV) were SPIEM positive for Norwalk-like virus. A further 25 (27%) samples contained small round featureless virus (SRFV) identified by direct EM and were negative on SPIEM. The illness was characterized by preceding influenza-like symptoms in 76% of cases followed by vomiting (76%), diarrhoea (79%) and abdominal pain (79%). One fatality was recorded. The outbreak lasted for 15 days, with a peak incidence of new cases amongst patients and staff occurring on day 5. It was controlled through a combination of ward closures, patient cohorting, suspension of duties for affected staff and disinfection procedures. Difficulties were encountered in the education of staff and in the implementation of environmental control measures. Screening of hospital catering services and a case control study, carried out among affected staff members, failed to identify a foodborne source. Consumption of tap water in the hospital was commoner among affected staff members than among controls, but this did not reach significance (P = 0.1).

Aged↗

Use of solid-phase immune electron microscopy for classification of Norwalk-like viruses into six antigenic groups from 10 outbreaks of gastroenteritis in the United States.

Norwalk-like viruses observed in fecal specimens from 10 outbreaks of gastroenteritis investigated in the United States between 1987 and 1992 were analyzed by solid-phase immune electron microscopy. Outbreak virus strains were classified into six antigenic groups: the four types (UK1 to UK4) previously defined in the United Kingdom, Norwalk virus, and the Oklahoma agent that was newly defined in this study. The diversity of antigenic types demonstrated in these outbreaks was greater than previously recognized and will serve as a basis for characterization of these strains at the molecular level.

Antibodies, Viral↗

Comparison of the polymerase region of small round structured virus strains previously classified in three antigenic types by solid-phase immune electron microscopy.

We have used a reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction with nested sets of primers to determine the nucleotide sequences of a 166 base pair segment of the RNA polymerase region of seven strains of small round structured viruses (SRSVs) from the United Kingdom. These SRSV strains were previously classified by solid-phase immune electron microscopy into three antigenic types--UK2, UK3 and UK4, which are comparable to the prototype strains Norwalk virus, Hawaii agent, and Snow Mountain agents, respectively. Based on their sequences, the seven strains from the United Kingdom could be divided into two groups. The first group included two strains of the UK2 type along with Norwalk virus and Southampton virus and the second group included three strains of UK3 and two strains of UK4 types. Viruses in the first group showed 75.3%-77.1% nucleotide and 89.1%-94.6% amino acid identity with Norwalk virus while those of the second group showed 60.8%-63.3% nucleotide and 67.3%-69.1% amino acid identity. Nucleotide and amino acid identity within the second group ranged between 91.6%-99.4% and 96.4%-100%, respectively. These results suggest that the SRSVs antigenically related with Norwalk virus, Hawaii agent, and Snow Mountain agent, can be classified into two genotypes on the basis of their sequences in the RNA polymerase region.

Adult↗

Rigid gas permeable contact lenses surface roughness examined by interferential shifting phase and scanning electron microscopies.

The anterior surface roughness of seven factory new rigid gas permeable (RGP) contact lenses has been studied by interferential shifting phase microscopy (ISPM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Five lenses were fluorsilicone acrylate and two lenses were silicone acrylate. Their material Dk ranged from 14 to 210. ISPM is shown to be a reliable and non-destructive method to observe and measure the relief of the contact lens surface. Moreover, profile and contour data are easily stored for further quantitative studies. ISPM contour patterns of the studied lenses are qualitatively compared with those obtained by SEM for the same lenses. Results point out that ISPM gives similar accuracy but it is non-destructive and cheaper than SEM. Moreover, the quantitative study of surface roughness suggests that there is a relationship between surface roughness and Dk of the lens material: surface roughness increases with Dk and allows to distinguish between lenses with low, medium and high Dk.

Contact Lenses↗

Organization of the nucleoplasm in Escherichia coli visualized by phase-contrast light microscopy, freeze fracturing, and thin sectioning.

The organization of the nucleoplasm in Escherichia coli was studied by comparing the results obtained by freeze fracturing and thin sectioning. In addition to exponentially growing cells, we used chloramphenicol-treated cells which show a well-defined nucleoplasm, in the phase-contrast light microscope and can therefore function as a control for treatments necessary for electron microscopy. Two factors were found to determine the visibility of the nucleoplasm in freeze fractures: first, the state of lateral aggregation of deoxyribonucleic and fibrils, which is enhanced by postfixation with OsO4 according to the Ryter-Kellenberger technique; second, the presence of ice crystals. When their formation is prevented by the use of high concentration of freeze-protecting agents, the nucleoplasm appears as a smooth region in cells that have been prefixed. In unfixed cells, however, the freeze-protecting agent causes disappearance of the nucleoplasm by rearrangement of structures within the cell. This observation makes it hard to determine whether the deoxyribonucleic acid in vivo dispersed, as found after glutaraldehyde prefixation, or compact, as after OsO4 prefixation.

Cell Nucleus↗

The effects of milling on diameters and lengths of fibrous glass and chrysotile asbestos fibers.

An investigation on the ffects of milling on diameters and lengths of fibrous glass and chrysotile asbestos was performed. A wool type fibrous glass and chrysotile asbestos were ball milled, one at a time, for selected periods of time. After each milling time a sample was taken by using a special technique to obtain representative samples. The samples from all milling times were analyzed by phase contrast microscopy with a Zeiss phase contrast objective at a total magnification of 625 X. Selected samples were observed and photographed in a Phillips EM 200 electron miscroscope. The results of examination by phase contrast microscopy showed that milling had no significant effect on diameters of fibrous glass fibers, but reduced the lengths of these fibers and reduced both diameters and lengths of chrysotile asbestos...

Air Pollutants↗

Comparative sensitivities of solid-phase immune electron microscopy and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for serotyping of human rotavirus strains with neutralizing monoclonal antibodies.

Suspensions of 24 rotavirus strains, 6 for each known human rotavirus serotype, were serially diluted and titrated by (i) enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for rotavirus detection, using monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) specific for group-specific sites of the VP6 inner capsid protein; (ii) ELISA for subgrouping, using MAbs reactive with subgroup-specific determinants of rotavirus VP6; (iii) ELISA for serotyping, using MAbs directed to serotype-specific sites of the VP7 outer capsid glycoprotein; and (iv) solid-phase immune electron microscopy (SPIEM) for serotyping, using VP7-specific MAbs. In addition, in each preparation the proportion of double-shelled rotavirus particles were determined by direct electron microscopy. Results showed that SPIEM was 2- to 16-fold more sensitive than ELISA for serotyping of rotavirus. The titers in VP7-specific tests correlated well with the proportion of double-shelled virus particles in each of the samples. Titers obtained by ELISA for serotyping of suspensions containing 20% or fewer complete particles were up to 4,096-fold lower than those obtained by ELISA for detection. ELISA serotyping titers of samples containing 20 to 80% double-shelled rotavirus particles were up to 128-fold lower than ELISA detection titers, whereas preparations with nearly 100% complete particles had ELISA titers that were less different from each other. ELISA subgrouping titers were four- to eightfold lower than corresponding rotavirus detection titers. It was concluded that, although SPIEM appears to be more sensitive than ELISA, the amount of complete virus particles in the specimens is of critical importance for successful serotyping of human rotavirus strains. Samples rich in single-shelled particles but containing low amounts of VP7 outer capsid glycoprotein might even be strongly reactive in assays for rotavirus detection and subgrouping but virtually unreactive in tests for serotyping.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗

Quantitative phase-contrast imaging of cells with phase-sensitive optical coherence microscopy.

We describe a method for en face phase-contrast imaging of cells with a fiber-based differential phase-contrast optical coherence microscopy system. Recorded en face images are quantitative phase-contrast maps of cells due to spatial variation of the refractive index and (or) thickness of various cellular components. Quantitative phase-contrast images of human epithelial cheek cells obtained with the fiber-based differential phase-contrast optical coherence microscopy system are presented.

Cheek↗

Comparison of solid-phase immune electron microscopy by use of protein A with direct electron microscopy and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for detection of rotavirus in stool.

A total of 525 stool specimens collected during 1 year were examined for the presence of rotavirus by direct electron microscopy (EM), enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and a solid-phase immune electron microscope method (SPIEM) utilizing protein A-coated grids for anchoring of specific viral antisera. Rotavirus was seen in 187 specimens; SPIEM detected 183 (97.8%), whereas direct EM and ELISA detected 161 (86%) and 166 (88.7%), respectively. No false-positive reactions were seen by ELISA. The sensitivity of the methods was evaluated by coded investigation of a dilution series of a positive sample, with a negative fecal specimen as diluent. SPIEM was approximately 30 times more sensitive than direct EM and 10 times more sensitive than ELISA. A study was done to compare the elapsed time for recognition of rotavirus by SPIEM and EM in 25 randomly selected positive specimens. All virus-positive specimens were detected within 2 min by SPIEM, whereas up to 9 min was required for direct EM. SPIEM with protein A is a highly sensitive method, useful for rapid detection of viruses in clinical specimens. Due to the direct visualization of virus particles by electron microscopy, there is no requirement for monospecific antisera for the method.

Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay↗

Transmission electron microscopy with Zernike phase plate.

The possibility of implementing a Zernike phase plate in a transmission electron microscope is investigated both theoretically and experimentally. The phase-retarding plate in the form of thin film with a hole in the center is positioned in the back-focal plane of the objective lens. The experiments show that the phase plate functions as predicted, producing a cosine-type phase contrast transfer function. Images of negatively stained horse spleen ferritin were highly improved in the contrast and the image-modulation, compared to those acquired without the phase plate. Charging and related difficulties were encountered during the phase plate experiments. In order to make the technique user-friendly a number of improvements have to be made, and are discussed in terms of the current level of technology and instrumentation.

Animals↗

Human carcinoma: early experience with phase-contrast X-ray CT with synchrotron radiation--comparative specimen study with optical microscopy.

Phase-contrast x-ray computed tomography (CT) indicates the distribution of the refractive index and has potential to reveal the structures inside soft tissues without a contrast agent. With a synchrotron x-ray source, phase-contrast x-ray CT with a triple Laue-case x-ray interferometer clearly differentiated various human pathologic tissues in the cases of hepatocellular carcinoma with cirrhosis and metastatic colon carcinoma to the liver, and the images closely corresponded to those obtained with low-magnification optical microscopy.

Carcinoma, Hepatocellular↗

Phase structure and enzymatic degradation of poly(L-lactide)/atactic poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) blends: an atomic force microscopy study.

Phase structures and enzymatic degradation of poly(l-lactide) (PLLA)/atactic poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (ata-PHB) blends with different compositions were characterized by using atomic force microscopy (AFM). Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) thermograms of PLLA/ata-PHB blends with different compositions showed two glass transition temperatures, indicating that the PLLA/ata-PHB blends are immiscible in the melt. Surface morphologies of the thin films for PLLA/ata-PHB blends were determined by AFM. Phase separated morphology was recognized from the AFM topography and phase images. The domain size of the components was dependent on the blend ratio. Enzymatic degradation of the PLLA/ata-PHB blends was performed by using both PHB depolymerase and proteinase K. Either PLLA or ata-PHB domains were eroded depending on the kinds of enzyme. Surface morphologies after enzymatic degradation have revealed the phase structure along the depth direction. Enzymatic adsorption of PHB depolymerase was examined on the surface of PLLA/ata-PHB blends. The enzyme molecules were found on both domains of the binary blends. The larger number of enzyme molecules was found on the PLLA domains relative to those on the ata-PHB domains, suggesting the higher affinity of the enzyme against PLLA domain.

Adsorption↗