Influence of particle size and reactive oxygen species on cobalt chrome nanoparticle-mediated genotoxicity.

Patients with cobalt chrome (CoCr) metal-on-metal (MOM) implants may be exposed to a wide size range of metallic nanoparticles as a result of wear. In this study we have characterised the biological responses of human fibroblasts to two types of synthetically derived CoCr particles [(a) from a tribometer (30 nm) and (b) thermal plasma technology (20, 35, and 80 nm)] in vitro, testing their dependence on nanoparticle size or the generation of oxygen free radicals, or both. Metal ions were released from the surface of nanoparticles, particularly from larger (80 nm) particles generated by thermal plasma technology.

Detection and verification of quantitative trait loci for resistance to Dothistroma needle blight in Pinus radiata.

Six related radiata pine ( Pinus radiata) full-sib families were used to detect and independently verify quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for resistance to Dothistroma needle blight, caused by Dothistroma septospora. The detection families had from 26 to 30 individuals each, and had either a common maternal (31053) or paternal (31032) parent; one family (cross 4) consisted of progeny from both parents, 31053 x 31032. Approximately 200 additional progeny from cross 4 were clonally replicated and planted at two sites, with at least five to seven ramets of each individual per site.

QTL associations for density and diameter in Pinus radiata and the potential for marker-aided selection.

A large full-sib family of radiata pine ( Pinus radiata Donn. ex D. Don) was used for quantitative trait locus (QTL) detection and independent verification.

A set of microsatellite markers for fingerprinting and breeding applications in Pinus radiata.

Fifty microsatellite markers were developed and characterized in Pinus radiata, and from among these, a subset of 10 easily scored and highly polymorphic markers was selected for use in fingerprinting, quality control, and breeding applications. The markers were characterized based on reliable and reproducible amplification, observed and expected heterozygosities, number of alleles, a low frequency of null alleles, and a lack of close linkage with other selected markers. Allele numbers and frequencies were estimated using 24 first-generation breeding clones from Australia and New Zealand.

Comparative mapping in loblolly and radiata pine using RFLP and microsatellite markers.

Genetic linkage maps were constructed for loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) and radiata pine (P. radiata D.

Bibliometric methods for the evaluation of arthritis research.

This study uses bibliometric methods to evaluate the magnitude and quality of publications in arthritis research in the UK and compare this with that of other countries. Arthritis research was defined by publication in a specialist journal or by specific title key words or address. Outputs from 13 countries between 1988 and 1995 were analysed by number, research level (from clinical to basic) and potential impact on other researchers (from low to high).

A genetic linkage map for Pinus radiata based on RFLP, RAPD, and microsatellite markers.

A genetic linkage map for radiata pine (Pinus radiata D. Don) has been constructed using segregation data from a three-generation outbred pedigree. A total of 208 loci were analyzed including 165 restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP), 41 random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) and 2 microsatellite markers.

Random amplified polymorphic DNA markers tightly linked to a gene for resistance to white pine blister rust in sugar pine.

We have genetically mapped a gene for resistance to white pine blister rust (Cronartium ribicola Fisch.) in sugar pine (Pinus lambertiana Dougl.) by using an approach which relies on three factors: (i) the ability to assay for genetic markers in the haploid stage of the host's life cycle, using megagametophyte seed tissue; (ii) a simple and clearly defined pathosystem; and (iii) the use of random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers that can be quickly and efficiently evaluated.

Identification of quantitative trait loci influencing wood specific gravity in an outbred pedigree of loblolly pine.

We report the identification of quantitative trait loci (QTL) influencing wood specific gravity (WSG) in an outbred pedigree of loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.). QTL mapping in an outcrossing species is complicated by the presence of multiple alleles (> 2) at QTL and marker loci.

Occurrence and inheritance of microsatellites in Pinus radiata.

Microsatellites are an important class of DNA marker because of their abundance and length hypervariability. As part of a project mapping the Pinus radiata genome, we have characterized some of the microsatellites in this species. Southern blots were screened with oligonucleotide probes [(CA)10, (GA)10, (GAA)9, (CAA)8, (CAC)5, (GACA)4] to assess their abundance.

Use of recombinant substitution lines in the construction of RFLP-based genetic maps of chromosomes 6A and 6B of tetraploid wheat (Triticum turgidum L.).

RFLP-based genetic maps of chromosomes 6A and 6B of Triticum turgidum have been constructed using data obtained by the study of Triticum turgidum var 'durum' cv 'Langdon'-T. t. var 'dicoccoides' recombinant substitution lines (RSLs) supplemented with data obtained from F3 families derived from 'Langdon' dicoccoides 6A and 6B disomic substitution lines.

Mapped DNA probes from loblolly pine can be used for restriction fragment length polymorphism mapping in other conifers.

A high-density genetic map based on restriction fragment length polymorphisms (RFLPs) is being constructed for loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.). Consequently, a large number of DNA probes from loblolly pine are potentially available for use in other species.

An RFLP linkage map for loblolly pine based on a three-generation outbred pedigree.

A genetic linkage map for loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) was constructed using segregation data from a three-generation outbred pedigree consisting of four grandparents, two parents, and 95 F2 progeny. The map was based predominantly on restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) loci detected by cDNA probes.

Chromosomal localization of intergenomic RFLP loci in hexaploid wheat.

Hybridization of radiolabeled wheat DNA probes to genomic DNA digests of compensating nullisomic-tetrasomic lines and ditelosomic lines of hexaploid wheat (Triticum aestivum L. cv. Chinese Spring) can be used to identify intergenomic RFLPs.

The functional affinities of antibodies of different IgG subclasses to dietary antigens in mothers and their babies.

The quantity and functional affinities of IgG1 and IgG4 antibodies to the dietary antigens casein and ovalbumin were measured in unselected mothers and their 1-year-old infants. In these infants, the titre of IgG antibodies to both antigens was highest in the IgG1 subclass, while in their mothers the titre of IgG1 and IgG4 antibodies to these foods was similar. High affinity IgG4 responses to both casein and ovalbumin were frequently found in mothers, whilst IgG1 responses, particularly to ovalbumin, were of low functional affinity.

Inheritance of RFLP loci in a loblolly pine three-generation pedigree.

A high-density restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) linkage map is being constructed for loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.). Loblolly pine cDNA and genomic DNA clones were used as probes in hybridizations to genomic DNAs prepared from grandparents, parents, and progeny of a three-generation outbred pedigree.

Transformation of Zea mays L. Using Agrobacterium tumefaciens and the Shoot Apex.

Agrobacterium tumefaciens is established as a vector for gene transfer in many dicotyledonous plants but is not accepted as a vector in monocotyledonous plants, especially in the important Gramineae. The use of Agrobacterium to transfer genes into monocot species could simplify the transformation and improvement of important crop plants. In this report we describe the use of Agrobacterium to transfer a gene into corn, the regeneration of plants, and detection of the transferred genes in the F(1) progeny.

Low affinity antibodies against collagen type II are associated with pathology in collagen-induced arthritis in mice.

The relationship between the functional affinity of antibodies against type II collagen (CII) and the development of arthritis was studied in mice with collagen-induced arthritis. The responses of DBA/1 strain mice were compared with those of mice selectively bred to produce antibodies of high functional affinity (HA mice) and low functional affinity (LA mice). HA and LA mice did not develop arthritis in response to immunization with CII whereas 86% of DBA/1 mice did, with 33% showing severe and 53% mild disease.

Antibodies of different human IgG subclasses show distinct patterns of affinity maturation after immunization with keyhole limpet haemocyanin.

The functional affinities of antibodies of different IgG subclasses were measured in normal individuals during the primary, secondary and tertiary immune responses to keyhole limpet haemocyanin (KLH). IgG1 responses showed marked affinity maturation between Days 7 and 21 after primary and by Day 7 after secondary and subsequent immunizations, correlating with an expansion of high-affinity antibody populations. When present, IgG2 responses were of low titre but high functional affinity with no change in response to immunization and may represent a T-independent cross-reacting response with a carbohydrate epitope of KLH.

Experimental allergic encephalomyelitis (EAE) in mice selectively bred to produce high affinity (HA) or low affinity (LA) antibody responses.

Induction of experimental allergic encephalomyelitis (EAE) in mice genetically selected to produce either high affinity (HA) or low affinity (LA) antibody responses has revealed significant differences in disease susceptibility between the two lines. HA mice were highly susceptible to EAE following subcutaneous sensitization to mouse central nervous system (CNS) tissue emulsified in Freund's complete adjuvant (FCA). Furthermore, of HA mice surviving acute EAE, up to 93% subsequently developed chronic relapsing disease (CREAE) characterized by variable demyelinating inflammatory changes within the spinal cord.

The role of antibody affinity and titre in immunity to Schistosoma mansoni following vaccination with highly irradiated cercariae.

Sera from rabbits and rats vaccinated with highly irradiated cercariae of Schistosoma mansoni (VRabS, VRatS) were found to be of substantially higher affinity than sera from CBA mice vaccinated four times (4 X CVMS), single sex sera (SSS) or chronic infection sera (CIS). In contrast, VRabS and SSS appeared to possess the highest titres of antibody, followed by CIS and VRatS, with 4 X CVMS displaying the lowest titre. Two mouse strains selectively bred for high-affinity (HA) or low-affinity (LA) antibody following vaccination were tested for their ability to resist a challenge infection.

Serial studies on the functional affinity and heterogeneity of antibodies of different IgG subclasses to phospholipase A2 produced in response to bee-venom immunotherapy.

High functional affinity and high titer IgG4 antibodies to phospholipase A2 were produced by allergic patients in response to bee-venom immunotherapy. In contrast, the affinity of IgG1 antibodies decreased after immunotherapy, and both the titer and affinity of IgG1 antiphospholipase A2 remained significantly lower compared to IgG4 1 to 2 years after treatment. Analysis of affinity heterogeneity suggested a loss of IgG1 high-affinity antibody-producing clones during immunotherapy and a preferential expansion of IgG4 clones.

Serial studies on the affinity and heterogeneity of human autoantibodies to thyroglobulin.

The functional affinity and heterogeneity of autoantibodies to thyroglobulin (Tg) were measured by an IgG subclass-specific solid-phase competition ELISA in patients with autoimmune thyroid disease. High-affinity IgG1 and IgG4 antibodies formed the major anti-Tg response. Both titre and affinity of IgG3 and IgG2 anti-Tg were generally low but in some Hashimoto's disease patients high-affinity IgG2 anti-Tg were found and IgG2 anti-Tg, unlike those of other subclasses, showed very restricted heterogeneity.

Interferon-gamma as an adjuvant in immunocompromised mice.

We have compared interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) with saponin and interleukin-1 (IL-1) as adjuvants for a blood-stage malaria vaccine in mice with various immunological abnormalities. IFN-gamma was particularly effective in Biozzi low antibody responder mice, mice selectively bred to produce antibody of low affinity, and mice depleted of CD4+ T cells. IFN-gamma and other cytokines may be safe adjuvants for use in human immunodeficiency states.