scholarly journals Assessment of the Total Inflammatory Potential of Bioaerosols by Using a Granulocyte Assay

2009 ◽  
Vol 75 (24) ◽  
pp. 7655-7662 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael Timm ◽  
Anne Mette Madsen ◽  
Jørgen Vinsløv Hansen ◽  
Lise Moesby ◽  
Erik Wind Hansen
Keyword(s):  
Occupational Health ◽  
Fungal Spores ◽  
Working Environment ◽  
Breathing Zone ◽  
Multilinear Regression ◽  
Microbial Composition ◽  
Thermophilic Actinomycetes ◽  
Vitro Assay ◽  
Unstimulated Control

ABSTRACT Occupational health symptoms related to bioaerosol exposure have been observed in a variety of working environments. Bioaerosols contain microorganisms and microbial components. The aim of this study was to estimate the total inflammatory potential (TIP) of bioaerosols using an in vitro assay based on granulocyte-like cells. A total of 129 bioaerosol samples were collected in the breathing zone of workers during their daily working routine at 22 biofuel plants. The samples were analyzed by traditional assays for dust, endotoxin, fungal spores, (1→3)-β-d-glucan, total number of bacteria, the enzyme N-acetyl-β-d-glucosaminidase (NAGase; primarily originating from fungi), Aspergillus fumigatus, and mesophilic and thermophilic actinomycetes; the samples were also assayed for TIP. In a multilinear regression four factors were significant for the TIP values obtained: endotoxin (P < 0.0001), fungal spores (P < 0.0001), (1→3)-β-d-glucan (P = 0.0005), and mesophilic actinomycetes (P = 0.0063). Using this model to estimate TIP values on the basis of microbial composition, the correlation to the measured values was r = 0.91. When TIP values obtained in the granulocyte assay were related to the primary working area, we found that bioaerosol samples from personnel working in straw storage facilities showed high TIP values (≈50 times the TIP of unstimulated controls). In contrast, bioaerosol samples from personnel with work functions in offices or laboratories showed low TIP values (≈5 times the TIP of the unstimulated control). This indicates, as expected, that these areas were less contaminated. In conclusion, the granulocyte assay reacts to multiple contaminants in the environmental samples and can be used to obtain a measurement of TIP. Therefore, potential occupational health effects related to inflammation of the airways in a working environment can be estimated using this assay.

A Simple and Inexpensive Clinical Whole Body Counter

1976 ◽  
Vol 15 (05) ◽  
pp. 248-253
Author(s):  
A. K. Basu ◽  
S. K. Guha ◽  
B. N. Tandon ◽  
M. M. Gupta ◽  
M. ML. Rehani
Keyword(s):  
The Body ◽  
Whole Body ◽  
Vitro Assay ◽  
Body Counter ◽  
Optimum Parameters ◽  
Whole Body Counter ◽  
Single Detector ◽  
Background Index ◽  
Iodide Crystal

SummaryThe conventional radioisotope scanner has been used as a whole body counter. The background index of the system is 10.9 counts per minute per ml of sodium iodide crystal. The sensitivity and derived sensitivity parameters have been evaluated and found to be suitable for clinical studies. The optimum parameters for a single detector at two positions above the lying subject have been obtained. It has been found that for the case of 131I measurement it is possible to assay a source located at any point in the body with coefficient of variation less than 5%. To add to the versatility, a fixed geometry for in-vitro counting of large samples has been obtained. The retention values obtained by the whole body counter have been found to correlate with those obtained by in-vitro assay of urine and stool after intravenous administration of 51Cr-albumin.

In Vitro Assay of Platelet Adhesiveness with Washed and Tanned Human Red Cells

1968 ◽  
Vol 20 (03/04) ◽  
pp. 384-396 ◽  
Author(s):  
G Zbinden ◽  
S Tomlin
Keyword(s):  
Platelet Adhesion ◽  
Sodium Citrate ◽  
Blood Platelets ◽  
In Vitro Assay ◽  
Red Cells ◽  
Platelet Adhesiveness ◽  
Vitro Assay ◽  
In Vitro System ◽  
Human Red Cells

SummaryAn in vitro system is described in which adhesion of blood platelets to washed and tannic acid-treated red cells was assayed quantitatively by microscopic observation. ADP, epinephrine and TAME produced a reversible increase in platelet adhesiveness which was antagonized by AMP. With Evans blue, polyanetholsulfonate, phthalanilide NSC 38280, thrombin and heparin at concentrations above 1-4 u/ml the increase was irreversible. The ADP-induced increase in adhesiveness was inhibited by sodium citrate, EDTA, AMP, ATP and N-ethylmaleimide. EDTA, AMP and the SH-blocker N-ethylmaleimide also reduced spontaneous platelet adhesion to red cells. No significant effects were observed with adenosine, phenprocoumon, 5-HT, phthalanilide NSC 57155, various estrogens, progestogens and fatty acids, acetylsalicylic acid and similarly acting agents, hydroxylamine, glucose and KCN. The method may be useful for the screening of thrombogenic and antithrombotic properties of drugs.

Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of Amoxicillin Loaded Hybrid Material Composite Spheres Against Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 ◽  
Author(s):  
Muhammad Arfat Yameen ◽  
Amir Zeb ◽  
Raza E Mustafa ◽  
Sana Mushtaq ◽  
Nargis Aman ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mtt Assay ◽  
Hybrid Material ◽  
Ag Nanoparticles ◽  
Hybrid Composite ◽  
Synthesis Method ◽  
Biological Evaluation ◽  
Vitro Assay ◽  
Cytotoxicity Studies ◽  
Material Composite

Background: Incoherent use of antibiotics has led toward resistance in MRSA, which is becoming multidrugresistant with high rate of virulence in the community and hospital settings. Objective: Synergistic anti-MRSA activity was investigated in this study for hybrid material composite spheres of amoxicillin, Ag nanoparticles and chitosan which were prepared by one-step synthesis method and various characterizations were performed. Methods: Antimicrobial-susceptibility assay on MRSA was achieved by disc diffusion and agar dilution techniques while agar well diffusion was used for hybrid composite spheres. The in vitro and cytotoxicity studies was done by skin abrasion mouse model and MTT assay on RD cell respectively. Results: All isolates were resistant with the tested antibiotics except vancomycin. MIC against MRSA showed high resistance with amoxicillin from 4 to 128 mg L-1. The mean diameter of chitosan spheres and Ag nanoparticles was 02 mm and 277 nm respectively. Morphology of spheres was uneven, varied, porous and irregular in SEM and Ag nanoparticles presence and formation was also seen in micrograph. No substantial interface among drug, nanoparticles and polymer was found in XRD and IR showed characteristic peaks of all compound in the formulation. The in vitro assay showed augmented anti-MRSA activity with amoxicillin loaded hybrid composite spheres (22-29 mm). A significant reduction in microbial burden (~6.5 log10 CFU ml-1) was seen in vivo with loaded hybrid composite spheres formulation. The MTT assay indicated no potential cytotoxicity with hybrid composite spheres. Conclusion: Synergistic effect, amoxicillin, new hybrid formulation, anti-MRSA activity, composite spheres. nanoparticles.

Identification of a Potential Inhibitor Targeting MurC Ligase of the Drug Resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa Strain through Structure-Based Virtual Screening Approach and In Vitro Assay

2019 ◽  
Vol 20 (14) ◽  
pp. 1203-1212
Author(s):  
Abdelmonaem Messaoudi ◽  
Manel Zoghlami ◽  
Zarrin Basharat ◽  
Najla Sadfi-Zouaoui
Keyword(s):  
Pseudomonas Aeruginosa ◽  
Virtual Screening ◽  
Homology Model ◽  
Generation Cephalosporin ◽  
World Health ◽  
Resistant Bacteria ◽  
Antimicrobial Drugs ◽  
Vitro Assay ◽  
Priority List

Background & Objective: Pseudomonas aeruginosa shows resistance to a large number of antibiotics, including carbapenems and third generation cephalosporin. According to the World Health Organization global report published in February 2017, Pseudomonas aeruginosa is on the priority list among resistant bacteria, for which new antibiotics are urgently needed. Peptidoglycan serves as a good target for the discovery of novel antimicrobial drugs. Methods: Biosynthesis of peptidoglycan is a multi-step process involving four mur enzymes. Among these enzymes, UDP-N-acetylmuramate-L-alanine ligase (MurC) is considered to be an excellent target for the design of new classes of antimicrobial inhibitors in gram-negative bacteria. Results: In this study, a homology model of Pseudomonas aeruginosa MurC ligase was generated and used for virtual screening of chemical compounds from the ZINC Database. The best screened inhibitor i.e. N, N-dimethyl-2-oxo-2,3-dihydro-1H-1,3-benzodiazole-5-sulfonamide was then validated experimentally through inhibition assay. Conclusion: The presented results based on combined computational and in vitro analysis open up new horizons for the development of novel antimicrobials against this pathogen.

Elaboration of Novel TTK1 Inhibitory Leads via QSAR-Guided Selection of Crystallographic Pharmacophores Followed By In vitro Assay

2020 ◽  
Vol 16 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mahmoud A. Al-Sha'er ◽  
Mutasem O. Taha
Keyword(s):  
Standard Error ◽  
Qsar Model ◽  
Qsar Modeling ◽  
Vitro Assay ◽  
Physicochemical Descriptors ◽  
Qsar Models ◽  
Ic50 Values ◽  
Pharmacophore Hypotheses ◽  
Selection Of

Introduction: Tyrosine threonine kinase (TTK1) is a key regulator of chromosome segregation. TTK targeting received recent concern for the enhancement of possible anticancer therapies. Objective: In this regard we employed our well-known method of QSAR-guided selection of best crystallographic pharmacophore(s) to discover considerable binding interactions that anchore inhibitors into TTK1 binding site. Method:Sixtyone TTK1 crystallographic complexes were used to extract 315 pharmacophore hypotheses. QSAR modeling was subsequently used to choose a single crystallographic pharmacophore that when combined with other physicochemical descriptors elucidates bioactivity discrepancy within a list of 55 miscellaneous inhibitors. Results: The best QSAR model was robust and predictive (r2(55) = 0.75, r2LOO = 0.72 , r2press against external testing list of 12 compounds = 0.67), Standard error of estimate (training set) (S)= 0.63 , Standard error of estimate (testing set)(Stest) = 0.62. The resulting pharmacophore and QSAR models were used to scan the National Cancer Institute (NCI) database for new TTK1 inhibitors. Conclusion: Five hits confirmed significant TTK1 inhibitory profiles with IC50 values ranging between 11.7 and 76.6 micM.

scholarly journals Validation of the in vitro comet assay for DNA cross-links and altered bases detection

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Damián Muruzabal ◽  
Julen Sanz-Serrano ◽  
Sylvie Sauvaigo ◽  
Bertrand Treillard ◽  
Ann-Karin Olsen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Comet Assay ◽  
Human Health Risk ◽  
High Sensitivity ◽  
Dna Lesions ◽  
Dna Glycosylase ◽  
Vitro Assay ◽  
Cytotoxic Compound ◽  
Endonuclease Iii ◽  
Cross Links

AbstractMechanistic toxicology is gaining weight for human health risk assessment. Different mechanistic assays are available, such as the comet assay, which detects DNA damage at the level of individual cells. However, the conventional alkaline version only detects strand breaks and alkali-labile sites. We have validated two modifications of the in vitro assay to generate mechanistic information: (1) use of DNA-repair enzymes (i.e., formamidopyrimidine DNA glycosylase, endonuclease III, human 8-oxoguanine DNA glycosylase I and human alkyladenine DNA glycosylase) for detection of oxidized and alkylated bases as well as (2) a modification for detecting cross-links. Seven genotoxicants with different mechanisms of action (potassium bromate, methyl methanesulfonate, ethyl methanesulfonate, hydrogen peroxide, cisplatin, mitomycin C, and benzo[a]pyrene diol epoxide), as well as a non-genotoxic compound (dimethyl sulfoxide) and a cytotoxic compound (Triton X-100) were tested on TK-6 cells. We were able to detect with high sensitivity and clearly differentiate oxidizing, alkylating and cross-linking agents. These modifications of the comet assay significantly increase its sensitivity and its specificity towards DNA lesions, providing mechanistic information regarding the type of damage.

scholarly journals A Bacterially-Expressed Recombinant Envelope Protein from Usutu Virus Induces Neutralizing Antibodies in Rabbits

Vaccines ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 157
Author(s):  
Kinga Böszörményi ◽  
Janet Hirsch ◽  
Gwendoline Kiemenyi Kayere ◽  
Zahra Fagrouch ◽  
Nicole Heijmans ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Envelope Protein ◽  
Neutralizing Antibodies ◽  
Size Exclusion ◽  
Vitro Assay ◽  
Usutu Virus ◽  
Transmission Electron ◽  
Exclusion Chromatography ◽  
Efficacious Vaccine ◽  
Human Infections

Background: Recently, an emerging flavivirus, Usutu virus (USUV), has caused an epidemic among birds in Europe, resulting in a massive die-off in Eurasian blackbirds. Currently found only in Europe and Africa, it can be envisioned that Usutu virus will follow the path of other flaviviruses, like West Nile virus and Zika virus, and will spread via its mosquito vectors and bird hosts to other parts of the world. Several cases of human infections by Usutu virus have already been published. Anticipating this spread, development of an efficacious vaccine would be highly desirable. Method: This study describes the production in E. coli, purification, and refolding of a partial USUV envelope protein. Prior to immunization, the protein was characterized using size exclusion chromatography, transmission electron microscopy and dynamic light scattering, showing the limited presence of virus-like structures, indicating that the protein solution is probably a mixture of mono and multimeric envelope proteins. Results: Immunizations of two rabbits with the refolded E-protein fraction, mixed with a strong adjuvant, resulted in the generation of neutralizing antibodies, as evidenced in an in vitro assay. Discussion: The way forward towards a subunit vaccine against Usutu virus infection is discussed.

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