Induction of native protein reactive antibodies by immunization with peptides containing linear B-cell epitopes defined by anti-porcine ZP3 beta monoclonal antibodies

To identify pertinent target epitopes for contraceptive vaccine development, rabbit polyclonal antibodies were raised against four peptides synthesized from the deduced amino acid (aa) sequence of porcine zona pellucida macromolecule ZP3 beta and coupled to diphtheria toxoid (DT). Synthetic peptides consisted of: P1, 23-37 aa; P2, 164-179 aa with an additional C-terminal cysteine; P3, 246-263 aa with an extra C-terminal cysteine; and P4, 310-321 aa residues corresponding to pZP3 beta precursor protein. Selected sequences were based upon B cell epitopes identified previously by monoclonal antibodies. Immune sera reacted with their respective peptides and DT in an ELISA, and also recognized porcine SIZP and pZP3 beta both in ELISA and Western blot and zona pellucida of porcine oocytes in an indirect immunofluorescence assay. None of the four anti-peptide sera recognized pZP3 alpha in Western blot, emphasizing the specificity of these antibodies to pZP3 beta. The anti-peptide sera, individually, failed to inhibit in vitro attachment of boar sperm to antibody treated zona encased porcine oocytes. However, combinations of immune sera against peptides such as P1 + P4, P2 + P4 and P1 + P2 + P4, did significantly inhibit porcine sperm-oocyte interaction. These results identify combinations of peptides that could potentially be used in the design of an immunocontraceptive vaccine based upon synthetic peptides corresponding to pZP3 beta or its homologues in other species.     

Posture, blood velocity in common femoral vein, and prophylaxis of venous thromboembolism

Might leg elevation and avoidance of poor postures provide better prophylaxis against venous thromboembolism than heparin or mechanical methods? 12 supine subjects tilted in 3 degrees increments from 6 degrees leg-down to 12 degrees leg-up showed linear increase in mean peak blood velocity and reduction in calibre in the common femoral vein (colour-duplex ultrasound). Between horizontal and 6 degrees leg-up, velocity was increased by 17% and diameter reduced by 14%. A ranking of mean peak velocities in six postures (sitting; standing; trunk raised 35 degrees to legs which were first horizontal and then tilted up 6 degrees; supine, first horizontal then 6 degrees leg-up) showed significant increases in velocity between consecutive positions.     

Homograft tympanic membrane myringoplasty

During a six-year period, homograft tympanic membranes have been used successfully for myringoplasty or tympanoplasty in 85% of 175 cases. This percentage is not as high as might be expected with fascia, and the homografts have not been as dependable in the wet, draining ear. However, the results do show that the homograft is an acceptable grafting material. The eardrums are not suggested as substitutes for fascia, but should be available for difficult cases. Their use is indicated in large or total defects to restore the natural anatomical conical shape of the eardrum, particularly in congenital atresia. The prime indication for their use is a missing malleus, and the malleus handle can be included within the transplant. The eardrum's rigid properties and the possibility of inclusion of ossicles make the homografts valuable in reconstruction of the old mastoid cavity.     

An analysis of the value of additional diagnostic procedures

When several diagnostic procedures are performed on a patient, the probability of his having or not having a specific ailment will change as the result of each procedure is known. This paper describes how such a change is readily calculated using Bayes' theorem. Information theory is also used to find the increment in information from each successive test. Numerical estimates are made using data pertinent to lung X-ray examinations. Finally, some implications for diagnostic examinations in general are drawn.