Ba and Bb Fragments of Factor B Activation: Fragment Production, Biological Activities, Neoepitope Expression and Quantitation in Clinical Samples

1989 ◽  
Vol 6 (3) ◽  
pp. 175-204 ◽  
Author(s):  
William P. Kolb ◽  
Phillip R. Morrow ◽  
John D. Tamerius
Keyword(s):  
Biological Activities ◽  
Clinical Samples ◽  
Factor B ◽  
Fragment Production

scholarly journals MicroRNAs Regulated by the LPS/TLR2 Immune Axis as Bona Fide Biomarkers for Diagnosis of Acute Leptospirosis

mSphere ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Charles Solomon Akino Mercy ◽  
Natarajaseenivasan Suriya Muthukumaran ◽  
Prema Velusamy ◽  
Palanisamy Bothammal ◽  
Krishnamoorthi Sumaiya ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Protein Kinase ◽  
Early Diagnosis ◽  
Infectious Diseases ◽  
Cellular Response ◽  
Biological Activities ◽  
Mapk Signaling ◽  
Functional Enrichment ◽  
Clinical Samples ◽  
Systemic Complications

ABSTRACT Leptospirosis remains a significant human health issue due to its systemic complications. Therefore, biomarkers that are more effective are urgently needed for the early diagnosis of leptospirosis. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are evolutionarily conserved regulatory RNAs that have shown the potential to be used as biomarkers for diagnosis, prognosis, and therapy of infectious diseases. In this study, we performed an unbiased screen using the miRNome miRNA array to identify circulating miRNAs with the potential to serve as authentic biomarkers for early diagnosis of leptospirosis. Because leptospiral lipopolysaccharide (LPS) is the predominant leptospiral antigen and plays a vital role in immunological and biological activities, we used LPS treated and untreated in vitro (THP1 cells) and in vivo (BALB/c mice) surrogate models to identify the LPS-specific miRNAs. Differential expression analysis revealed 18 miRNAs to be associated strongly with LPS stimulation in THP1 cells. Of these, three (miR-let-7b-5p, miR-144-3p, and miR-21-5p) were observed to be present at increased levels in vivo. The identified miRNAs were validated for their biomarker potential using serum samples from leptospirosis-negative patients and patients with confirmed cases of leptospirosis. Identified miRNAs were able to discriminate the acute leptospiral infection from other febrile diseases with a test sensitivity and specificity of 93.2% and 88.19%, respectively. Gene functional enrichment and protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analysis revealed that the identified miRNAs play important roles in disease signal transduction, signaling by interleukins, the stress-activated protein kinase signaling cascade, the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway, and the cellular response to a transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) stimulus with a notable interconnection between these biological processes. IMPORTANCE Here, we used miRNAs that are differentially regulated by the LPS/TLR2 immune axis to devise a miRNA-based diagnosis for leptospirosis. The study established the role of the circulating stable miRNAs (miR-21-5p, miR-144-3p, and miR-let-7b-5p) as an early diagnostic marker for leptospirosis. These miRNAs can be used to diagnose acute leptospirosis and also to differentiate leptospiral infection from other bacterial and spirochetal infections, as proved by the use of human clinical samples. Thus, our findings indicate that miRNAs can play a crucial role in the diagnosis of infectious diseases, like leptospirosis, that are generally misdiagnosed.

scholarly journals A Review on the Development of Gold and Silver Nanoparticles-Based Biosensor as a Detection Strategy of Emerging and Pathogenic RNA Virus

Sensors ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (15) ◽  
pp. 5114
Author(s):  
Nadiah Ibrahim ◽  
Nur Diyana Jamaluddin ◽  
Ling Ling Tan ◽  
Nurul Yuziana Mohd Mohd Yusof
Keyword(s):  
Nucleic Acid ◽  
Biological Activities ◽  
Electrochemical Techniques ◽  
Immunological Methods ◽  
Viral Diseases ◽  
Clinical Samples ◽  
Test Accuracy ◽  
Risk Of Death ◽  
Detection Strategy ◽  
Signal Amplifier

The emergence of highly pathogenic and deadly human coronaviruses, namely SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV within the past two decades and currently SARS-CoV-2, have resulted in millions of human death across the world. In addition, other human viral diseases, such as mosquito borne-viral diseases and blood-borne viruses, also contribute to a higher risk of death in severe cases. To date, there is no specific drug or medicine available to cure these human viral diseases. Therefore, the early and rapid detection without compromising the test accuracy is required in order to provide a suitable treatment for the containment of the diseases. Recently, nanomaterials-based biosensors have attracted enormous interest due to their biological activities and unique sensing properties, which enable the detection of analytes such as nucleic acid (DNA or RNA), aptamers, and proteins in clinical samples. In addition, the advances of nanotechnologies also enable the development of miniaturized detection systems for point-of-care (POC) biosensors, which could be a new strategy for detecting human viral diseases. The detection of virus-specific genes by using single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) probes has become a particular interest due to their higher sensitivity and specificity compared to immunological methods based on antibody or antigen for early diagnosis of viral infection. Hence, this review has been developed to provide an overview of the current development of nanoparticles-based biosensors that target pathogenic RNA viruses, toward a robust and effective detection strategy of the existing or newly emerging human viral diseases such as SARS-CoV-2. This review emphasizes the nanoparticles-based biosensors developed using noble metals such as gold (Au) and silver (Ag) by virtue of their powerful characteristics as a signal amplifier or enhancer in the detection of nucleic acid. In addition, this review provides a broad knowledge with respect to several analytical methods involved in the development of nanoparticles-based biosensors for the detection of viral nucleic acid using both optical and electrochemical techniques.

Detection of viruses by electron microscopy: Increased sensitivity by direct micro-ultracentrifugation of samples

1987 ◽  
Vol 45 ◽  
pp. 908-909
Author(s):  
Alain R. Trudel ◽  
M. Trudel
Keyword(s):  
Electron Microscopy ◽  
Fold Increase ◽  
Observation Time ◽  
Clinical Samples ◽  
Maximum Speed ◽  
Viral Particles ◽  
Structural Details ◽  
Latex Spheres ◽  
Increased Sensitivity ◽  
Size Of Particles

AirfugeR (Beckman) direct ultracentrifugation of viral samples on electron microscopy grids offers a rapid way to concentrate viral particles or subunits and facilitate their detection and study. Using the A-100 fixed angle rotor (30°) with a K factor of 19 at maximum speed (95 000 rpm), samples up to 240 μl can be prepared for electron microscopy observation in a few minutes: observation time is decreased and structural details are highlighted. Using latex spheres to calculate the increase in sensitivity compared to the inverted drop procedure, we obtained a 10 to 40 fold increase in sensitivity depending on the size of particles. This technique also permits quantification of viral particles in samples if an aliquot is mixed with latex spheres of known concentration.Direct ultracentrifugation for electron microscopy can be performed on laboratory samples such as gradient or column fractions, infected cell supernatant, or on clinical samples such as urine, tears, cephalo-rachidian liquid, etc..

Improvement of cytoprotective and antioxidant activity of Rosa canina L. and Salix alba L. by controlled differential sieving process against H2O2-induced oxidative stress in mouse primary splenocytes

2017 ◽  
Vol 87 (3-4) ◽  
pp. 191-200 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nidhal Soualeh ◽  
Aliçia Stiévenard ◽  
Elie Baudelaire ◽  
Rachid Soulimani ◽  
Jaouad Bouayed
Keyword(s):  
Antioxidant Activity ◽  
Antioxidant Activities ◽  
Biological Activities ◽  
Good Alternative ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
Salix Alba ◽  
Rosa Canina ◽  
Free Process ◽  
Plant Powders ◽  
Sieving Process

Abstract. In this study, cytoprotective and antioxidant activities of Rosa canina (RC) and Salix alba (SA), medicinal plants, were studied on mouse primary splenocytes by comparing Controlled Differential Sieving process (CDSp), which is a novel green solvent-free process, versus a conventional technique, employing hydroethanolic extraction (HEE). Thus, preventive antioxidant activity of three plant powders of homogeneous particle sizes, 50–100 µm, 100–180 µm and 180–315 µm, dissolved directly in the cellular buffer, were compared to those of hydroethanolic (HE) extract, at 2 concentrations (250 and 500 µg/mL) in H2O2-treated spleen cells. Overall, compared to HE extract, the superfine powders, i. e., fractions < 180 µm, at the lowest concentration, resulted in greater reactive oxygen species (ROS) elimination, increased glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity and lower malondialdehyde (MDA) production. Better antioxidant and preventive effects in pre-treated cells were found with the superfine powders for SA (i. e., 50–100 µm and 100–180 µm, both p < 0.001), and with the intermediate powder for RC (i. e., 100–180 µm, p < 0.05) versus HE extract. The activity levels of catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) in pretreated splenocytes exposed to H2O2, albeit reduced, were near to those in unexposed cells, suggesting that pretreatment with the fine powders has relatively restored the normal levels of antioxidant-related enzymes. These findings supported that CDSp improved the biological activities of plants, avoiding the use of organic solvents and thus it could be a good alternative to conventional extraction techniques.

External Validity of SCORS-G Ratings of Thematic Apperception Test Narratives in a Sample of Outpatients and Inpatients

2015 ◽  
Vol 36 (1) ◽  
pp. 58-81 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michelle B. Stein ◽  
Jenelle Slavin-Mulford ◽  
Caleb J. Siefert ◽  
Samuel Justin Sinclair ◽  
Michaela Smith ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Life Events ◽  
Psychiatric Hospitalization ◽  
Clinical Care ◽  
Thematic Apperception Test ◽  
Clinical Samples ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Conduct Disordered ◽  
Global Ratings ◽  
Thematic Apperception ◽  
History Of

Abstract. The Social Cognition and Object Relations Scale-Global Ratings Method (SCORS-G; Stein, Hilsenroth, Slavin-Mulford, & Pinsker-Aspen, 2011 ) is a reliable system for coding narrative data, such as Thematic Apperception Test (TAT) stories. This study employs a cross-sectional, correlational design to examine associations between SCORS-G dimensions and life events in two clinical samples. Samples were composed of 177 outpatients and 57 inpatients who completed TAT protocols as part of routine clinical care. Two experienced raters coded narratives with the SCORS-G. Data on the following clinically relevant life events were collected: history of psychiatric hospitalization, suicidality, self-harming behavior, drug/alcohol abuse, conduct-disordered behavior, trauma, and education level. As expected, the clinical life event variable associated with the largest number of SCORS-G dimensions was Suicidality. Identity and Coherence of Self was related to self-harm history across samples. Emotional Investment in Relationships and Complexity of Representations were also associated with several life events. Clinical applications, limitations of the study, and future directions are reviewed.

Are Three Items Sufficient to Measure Sense of Coherence?

2018 ◽  
Vol 34 (4) ◽  
pp. 229-237 ◽  
Author(s):  
Francesca Chiesi ◽  
Andrea Bonacchi ◽  
Caterina Primi ◽  
Alessandro Toccafondi ◽  
Guido Miccinesi
Keyword(s):  
Sense Of Coherence ◽  
Convergent Validity ◽  
Clinical Sample ◽  
Clinical Samples ◽  
Depression Symptoms ◽  
Time Saving ◽  
Positive Role ◽  
Patients With Cancer ◽  
Measure Sense

Abstract. The present study aimed at evaluating if the three-item sense of coherence (SOC) scale developed by Lundberg and Nystrom Peck (1995) can be effectively used for research purpose in both nonclinical and clinical samples. To provide evidence that it represents adequately the measured construct we tested its validity in a nonclinical (N = 658) and clinical sample (N = 764 patients with cancer). Results obtained in the nonclinical sample attested a positive relation of SOC – as measured by the three-item SOC scale – with Antonovsky’s 13-item and 29-item SOC scales (convergent validity), and with dispositional optimism, sense of mastery, anxiety, and depression symptoms (concurrent validity). Results obtained in the clinical sample confirmed the criterion validity of the scale attesting the positive role of SOC – as measured by the three-item SOC scale – on the person’s capacity to respond to illness and treatment. The current study provides evidence that the three-item SOC scale is a valid, low-loading, and time-saving instrument for research purposes on large sample.

Minimizing Carry-Over Effects After Treatment Failure and Maximizing Therapeutic Outcome

2014 ◽  
Vol 222 (3) ◽  
pp. 171-178 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mareile Hofmann ◽  
Nathalie Wrobel ◽  
Simon Kessner ◽  
Ulrike Bingel
Keyword(s):  
Treatment Failure ◽  
Human Subjects ◽  
Subsequent Treatment ◽  
Clinical Samples ◽  
Administration Route ◽  
Healthy Human ◽  
Negative Experiences ◽  
Analgesic Treatment ◽  
Balanced Design ◽  
Carry Over

According to experimental and clinical evidence, the experiences of previous treatments are carried over to different therapeutic approaches and impair the outcome of subsequent treatments. In this behavioral pilot study we used a change in administration route to investigate whether the effect of prior treatment experience on a subsequent treatment depends on the similarity of both treatments. We experimentally induced positive or negative experiences with a topical analgesic treatment in two groups of healthy human subjects. Subsequently, we compared responses to a second, unrelated and systemic analgesic treatment between both the positive and negative group. We found that there was no difference in the analgesic response to the second treatment between the two groups. Our data indicate that a change in administration route might reduce the influence of treatment history and therefore be a way to reduce negative carry-over effects after treatment failure. Future studies will have to validate these findings in a fully balanced design including larger, clinical samples.

Shape‐controlled silver NPs for shape‐dependent biological activities

2017 ◽  
Vol 12 (9) ◽  
pp. 647-651 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fatemeh Sadeghi ◽  
Abolfazl Yazdanpanah ◽  
Amirbabak Abrishamkar ◽  
Fatholah Moztarzadeh ◽  
Arash Ramedani ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Biological Activities ◽  
Silver Nps ◽  
Shape Controlled

Research into chemistry and biological activities of Prangos Lindl. (Apiaceae) species of Turkey

Planta Medica ◽  
2009 ◽  
Vol 75 (09) ◽  
Author(s):  
KHC Baser ◽  
B Demirci ◽  
G Ozek ◽  
A Duran ◽  
N Tabanca ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Biological Activities
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