Direct contact between Plasmodium falciparum and human B-cells in a novel co-culture increases parasite growth and affects B-cell growth.

Background: Plasmodium falciparum parasites cause malaria and co-exist in humans together with B-cells for long periods of time. Immunity is only achieved after repeated exposure. There has been a lack of methods to mimic the in vivo co-occurrence, where cells and parasites can be grown together for many days, and it has been difficult with long time in vitro studies.

Development of Plasmodium falciparum specific naïve, atypical, memory and plasma B cells during infancy and in adults in an endemic area.

Background: B-cells are essential in immunity against malaria, but which sub-sets of B-cells specifically recognize Plasmodium falciparum and when they appear is still largely unknown.

Results: Using the flow cytometry technique for detection of P. falciparum specific (Pf+) B-cells, this study for the first time measured the development of Pf+ B cell (CD19+) phenotypes in Ugandan babies from birth up to nine months, and in their mothers.

Novel flow cytometry technique for detection of Plasmodium falciparum specific B-cells in humans: increased levels of specific B-cells in ongoing infection.

Background: Malaria caused by Plasmodium falciparum is still a major health threat in endemic areas especially for children below 5 years of age. While it is recognized that antibody immunity plays an important role in controlling the disease, knowledge of the mechanisms of sustenance and natural boosting of immunity is very limited. Before, it has not been possible to investigate malaria specific B-cells directly in flow cytometry, making it difficult to know how much of a B cell response is due to malaria, or how much is due to other immunological stimulators.

Differences in affinity of monoclonal and naturally acquired polyclonal antibodies against Plasmodium falciparum merozoite antigens.

Background: Malaria is a major global cause of deaths and a vaccine is urgently needed.

Results: We have employed the P. falciparum merozoite antigens MSP2-3D7/FC27 and AMA1, used them in ELISA, and coupled them in different ways using surface plasmon resonance (SPR) and estimated affinity (measured as kd) of monoclonal as well as naturally-acquired polyclonal antibodies in human plasma.

A common trunk of origin of the right testicular and middle suprarenal arteries with a retrocaval course.

A common trunk of origin of the right testicular and middle suprarenal arteries with a retrocaval course was observed during the dissection of a male cadaver. The Common trunk (CT) arose from the anterior aspect of the abdominal aorta (AA) at the level of the right renal artery (RRA) and after a short course behind the inferior vena cava (IVC), the CT divided into right testicular and middle suprarenal arteries. The middle suprarenal artery (MSA) passed upwards behind the IVC to the right suprarenal gland.

The first stereoselective total synthesis of (Z)-cryptomoscatone D2, a natural G₂ checkpoint inhibitor.

The first stereoselective synthesis of (Z)-cryptomoscatone D2, a naturally occurring G(2) checkpoint inhibitor, was accomplished using propane-1,3-diol as the starting material. The Maruoka asymmetric allylation, ring closing metathesis and the hydrogenation of the triple bond employing Lindlar's catalyst were involved as the key steps.

High affinity antibodies to Plasmodium falciparum merozoite antigens are associated with protection from malaria.

Background: Malaria kills almost 1 million people every year, but the mechanisms behind protective immunity against the disease are still largely unknown.

Methodology/principal Findings: In this study, surface plasmon resonance technology was used to evaluate the affinity (measured as k(d)) of naturally acquired antibodies to the Plasmodium falciparum antigens MSP2 and AMA1. Antibodies in serum samples from residents in endemic areas bound with higher affinities to AMA1 than to MSP2, and with higher affinities to the 3D7 allele of MSP2-3D7 than to the FC27 allele.

Acoustic wave immunosensing of a meningococcal antigen using gold nanoparticle-enhanced mass sensitivity.

Bacterial meningitis is an infection of the thin membranes covering the brain and spinal cord by a number of microorganisms including Neisseria meningitidis, which can lead to permanent neurological damage in the event of late diagnosis. Given the quick onset and severity of the disease, there is a clear need for a rapid, sensitive and specific diagnostic technique. Here, we describe the development and evaluation of an acoustic wave sensor, the quartz crystal microbalance (QCM), as a rapid immunosensor employing antibodies against the cell surface outer membrane protein 85 (OMP85) of N.

Histomorphometric and sympathetic innervation of the human renal artery: A cadaveric study.

Background And Aim: Renal artery stenosis (RAS) and acute renal failure may be due to the intimal hyperplasia and sympathetic fibers of the renal artery (RA), respectively. The purpose of this study was to characterize arterial wall and sympathetic innervation of the human RA.

Materials And Methods: Fifty-two fresh human RA samples (proximal part) were collected from 26 cadavers (19 males and 7 females), between the ages of 19 and 83 years, during autopsy.

Formulation of plumbagin loaded long circulating pegylated liposomes: in vivo evaluation in C57BL/6J mice bearing B16F1 melanoma.

Context And Objective: Plumbagin (2-methyl, 5-hydroxy, 1, 4-naphthoquinone), an anticancer agent is encapsulated either as conventional or long circulating liposomal formulations to enhance its biological half-life and antitumor efficacy.

Methods: The liposomes were prepared by thin film hydration method and in vitro characterization was carried out to examine the particle size, zeta potential, drug encapsulation efficiency and in vitro release. The optimized formulations were tested for pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic efficacy against mice bearing B16F1 melanoma.

Histomorphometric and sympathetic innervation of the human superficial temporal artery.

Context: Following microvascular surgeries, stenosis and spasm of the arterial graft or the recipient vessel are serious complications which are often caused by intimal hyperplasia and perivascular nerves, respectively.

Aims: The purpose of this study was to understand the characteristics of arterial wall and sympathetic innervation of the human superficial temporal artery (STA) and also, the effect of aging on STA.

Methods And Materials: Fifty-two fresh human STA (frontal branch) samples were obtained from 26 cadavers (19 males and 7 females) between the ages of 19 and 83 years.

Histomorphometric and sympathetic innervation of the human internal thoracic artery.

Introduction: Internal thoracic artery (ITA) is an established arterial graft for the coronary artery by-pass surgery. Special micro-anatomical features of the ITA wall may protect it from age related pathological changes. One of the complications seen after coronary artery bypass grafting is vasospasm.

Analytical properties of 1-phenyl-1,2-propanedione-2-oxime thiosemicarbazone: simultaneous spectrophotometric determination of copper(II) and nickel(II) in edible oils and seeds.

The analytical properties of 1-phenyl-1,2-propanedione-2-oxime thiosemi-carbazone (PPDOT) are described for the first time. The reagent gives colour reactions with copper(II) and nickel(II) in sodium acetate-acetic acid buffer medium. The copper complex shows maximum absorbance at 465 nm while the nickel complex at 395 nm.

Intra-individual and intra-species heterogeneity in nuclear rDNA ITS region of Vigna species from subgenus Ceratotropis.

The extent of intra-individual and intra-species heterogeneity in the nuclear rDNA internal transcribed spacer (ITS) was investigated among the 'Asiatic Vigna' species (subgenus Ceratotropis). High intra- and inter-individual ITS polymorphism was observed among Vigna radiata accessions, where multiple ITS length variants ranging from approximately 700 to approximately 770 bp were detected on PCR amplification. Subsequent analysis revealed that the variants are 'heteroduplex ITS fragments' generated during the PCR process.

Bilateral variation of facial artery: a case report.

Dissection of a 65-year-old male cadaver revealed bilateral anomalous facial artery. The right facial artery taking origin from the external carotid artery did not make any loop in the submandibular region, entered the face by winding round the lower border of mandible, and terminated as the inferior labial artery. The upper part of the right side face in this case was supplied by various branches of transverse facial artery, infra orbital artery and dorsal nasal artery.

Rapid, selective, direct and derivative spectrophotometric determination of titanium with 2,4-dihydroxybenzaldehyde isonicotinoyl hydrazone.

A simple and sensitive spectrophotometric method is developed for the determination of titanium in aqueous medium. The metal ion forms a reddish brown coloured complex with 2,4-dihydroxybenzaldehyde isonicotinoyl hydrazone (2,4-DHBINH) in the pH range 1-7. The complex shows two absorption maxima, one at 430 nm and the other at 500 nm.