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  • About
  • The Global ETD Search service is a free service for researchers to find electronic theses and dissertations. This service is provided by the Networked Digital Library of Theses and Dissertations.
    Our metadata is collected from universities around the world. If you manage a university/consortium/country archive and want to be added, details can be found on the NDLTD website.
41

Detection of opisthorchis viverrini infection by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay using partially purified antigens /

Nitaya Poopyruchpong, Vithoon Viyanant, January 1988 (has links) (PDF)
Thesis (M.Sc. (Environmental Biology))--Mahidol University, 1988.
42

Life History Tradeoffs Between Testosterone and Immune Function Among Shuar Forager-Horticulturalists of Amazonian Ecuador

Gildner, Theresa 06 September 2018 (has links)
The sex hormone testosterone supports male reproduction. However, testosterone is hypothesized to suppress immune activity, resulting in a tradeoff between energetic investment in reproductive effort and immune function. The Immunocompetence Handicap Hypothesis (ICHH) therefore argues that testosterone-linked masculine traits honestly signal health status to prospective mates, as only uninfected males should be able to maintain high testosterone levels. Still, this proposed tradeoff remains poorly tested among human men, especially among natural fertility populations experiencing high infectious disease burdens. This dissertation therefore tested the ICHH among indigenous Shuar men of Amazonian Ecuador. Specifically, this project examined testosterone variation patterns and assessed how male investment in reproductive effort is associated with reproductive success and immune function. The first study tested testosterone level variation among Shuar men in relation to body composition, age, and style of life factors. This study demonstrated that age and BMI interactions shape testosterone levels in complex ways, such that the relationship between body composition and testosterone profile varies throughout the life course. The second study investigated whether individual reproductive success was significantly influenced by masculine trait development and parasite load. These results failed to support the hypotheses that masculine traits increased reproductive success or honestly signaled lack of parasitic disease. Instead, a significant positive association was observed between a composite score of masculine traits and Ascaris lumbricoides infection load; suggesting that male investment in reproductive effort may increase parasitic infection risk. The final study assessed whether testosterone levels were negatively associated with four measures of immune function (parasite load, C-Reactive Protein [CRP], Immunoglobulin-G [IgG], and Immunoglobulin-E [IgE]). Testosterone levels were inversely associated with CRP levels and a positive relationship between testosterone levels and Trichuris trichiura infection load was documented, suggesting increased investment in reproductive effort may suppress some aspects of immune function and increase parasite burden. Overall, these studies fail to support the ICHH, but do indicate a context-dependent tradeoff between energetic investment in male reproductive effort and some aspects of immune function; thereby demonstrating complex interactions between physical characteristics, physiological processes, and immune activity in human men. This dissertation includes unpublished, co-authored material.
43

Estudos helmintológicos em quirópteros no bioma Amazônia / Helmintologic study in chiropterans in the Amazon biome

Albuquerque, Ana Cláudia Alexandre de [UNESP] 26 February 2016 (has links)
Submitted by ANA CLÁUDIA ALEXANDRE DE ALBUQUERQUE null (ac.alb@hotmail.com) on 2016-03-21T11:00:37Z No. of bitstreams: 1 Dissertação Ana Cláudia A de Albuquerque.pdf: 998265 bytes, checksum: 1386f34fb9c89ae1ac081bb702cad917 (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Juliano Benedito Ferreira (julianoferreira@reitoria.unesp.br) on 2016-03-22T13:27:00Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 1 albuquerque_aca_me_jabo.pdf: 998265 bytes, checksum: 1386f34fb9c89ae1ac081bb702cad917 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2016-03-22T13:27:00Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 albuquerque_aca_me_jabo.pdf: 998265 bytes, checksum: 1386f34fb9c89ae1ac081bb702cad917 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2016-02-26 / Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq) / A Amazônia é o maior Bioma brasileiro, com uma das maiores biodiversidades mundial. Foram descritas 167 espécies de morcegos no Brasil, com 120 espécies registradas no Estado do Pará, das quais 10 têm registro exclusivo neste estado. Entretanto, apesar da elevada diversidade, são raros os estudos voltados para a descrição de endoparasitas em quirópteros pertencentes a este Bioma. Diante disso, o presente estudo teve como objetivo estudar a helmintofauna de diferentes espécies de quirópteros amazônicos, calcular os índices de infecção comparando-os com aspectos fenotípicos dos hospedeiros e avaliar os índices ecológicos populacionais e de cada guilda alimentar. Para tal, foram utilizados 67 morcegos de 21 espécies provenientes de várias cidades do Estado do Pará. Os animais foram separados em guildas alimentares e necropsiados. Os parasitas obtidos foram identificados taxonomicamente e quantificados. Dos animais estudados, 20,89% (14/67) encontraram-se parasitados. No total, foram recuperados 182 exemplares de helmintos das seguintes espécies: Anenterotrema eduardocaballeroi, Anenterotrema liliputianum, Ochoterenatrema caballeroi, Tricholeiperia sp., Parahistiostrongylus octacanthus, Litomosoides guiterasi, Litomosoides brasiliensis, Capillariinae gen. sp. e Hymenolepididae gen. sp. Pelos resultados obtidos verificou-se que não houve impacto do endoparasitismo na condição corporal dos quirópteros e não foram observadas diferenças entre a intensidade parasitária de machos e de fêmeas. A guilda alimentar que apresentou maior prevalência e intensidade média parasitária foi os onívoros. De acordo com a literatura, animais pertencentes a regiões mais próximas a linha do Equador tendem a apresentar maior riqueza de espécies de parasitas, fato este que não foi observado no presente estudo, no qual foram observadas baixas diversidade e riqueza de espécies. Constatou-se que os quirópteros estudados não seguiram o padrão ecológico observado em outros grupos de animais. / Amazonia, the largest Brazilian Biomes, is one of the most biodiverse Biomes around the world. Considering the Brazilian chiropteran species, 120 of out 167 are registered in Pará State, with 10 endemic species. Despite the high diversity of bats in Amazonia, studies on their parasites, especially on helminths, are scarce. Therefore, the present study aims to study the helminthfauna of different bat species from the Pará State, Amazon Biome, determine the descriptors of infection and evaluate the host-parasite relationship, as well as evaluate diferences in ecological indexes in accord to the alimentary guilds. The study was developed on 67 bats of 21 species captured in several áreas of the Pará State. The animals were identified, divided in alimentary guilds and necropsied. The parasites obtained were identified and quantified. Parasites were found in 20.89% of the bats, a total of 182 specimens belonging to Anenterotrema eduardocaballeroi, Anenterotrema liliputianum, Ochoterenatrema caballeroi, Tricholeiperia sp., Parahistiostrongylus octacanthus, Litomosoides guiterasi, Litomosoides brasiliensis, Capillariinae gen. sp. and Hymenolepididae gen. sp. The results indicate that there was no impact of endoparasitism on host body condition and no relationship between sex and parasite intensity. In relation to the alimentary guilds, the omnivores showed higher prevalence and mean intensity. Animals from regions closer to the equator tend to have greater richness parasites species, but the present study revealed low diversity and richness species. In conclusion, bats studied did not follow the ecological pattern observed in other animal groups. / CNPq: 156973/2014-6
44

Diagnóstico laboratorial de blastocistose humana - ocorrência de Blastocystis hominis (BRUMPT,1912) em habitantes da região de Araraquara-SP

Miné, Júlio César [UNESP] 24 June 2005 (has links) (PDF)
Made available in DSpace on 2014-06-11T19:27:55Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2005-06-24Bitstream added on 2014-06-13T18:56:48Z : No. of bitstreams: 1 mine_jc_me_arafcf.pdf: 726384 bytes, checksum: 6f4cf343dd34895158b4fd037741c3af (MD5) / Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq) / Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP) / Blastocystis hominis é protozoário causador da infecção intestinal denominada blastocistose humana, cujo diagnóstico é realizado pelo exame coproparasitológico e por meio de técnicas de colorações permanentes que foram utilizadas neste estudo para avaliar a prevalência de Blastocystis hominis nos espécimes fecais de habitantes na região de Araraquara-SP. Foram estudadas 503 amostras de fezes submetidas às técnicas de exame direto a fresco, de Faust e cols., de Lutz e de Rugai, Mattos e Brisola, além das colorações pela hematoxilina férrica, tricrômio e de Kinyoun modificada. Do total das amostras analisadas 174 (34,6%) apresentaram-se positivas para a presença de parasitas intestinais. O protozoário e helminto mais freqüentes foram respectivamente: Entamoeba coli (14,6%) e Strongyloides stercoralis (6,7%). Blastocystis hominis foi observado em 23 (4,6%) amostras fecais com consistência predominantemente pastosa, não caracterizando quadro diarréico. Apesar da baixa prevalência de Blastocystis hominis encontrada na região de Araraquara, comparativamente a outras regiões brasileiras, é importante a realização do diagnóstico laboratorial desse protozoário. O encontro de Blastocystis hominis em material fecal é indicativo de contaminação de alimentos e água de consumo, desde que se admita a rota de transmissão oral-fecal deste parasita, o que implica na orientação da população sobre as medidas de saneamento básico e higiene como meio para se controlar problemas de saúde ocasionados pelos enteroparasitas. / Blastocystis hominis is a protozoan which causes an intestinal infection called human blasticistosis. Its diganosis is perfomed by stool examination and permanent staining techniques. Such methodologies were carried out on the present study in order to evaluate the prevalence of Blastocystis hominis in faecal specimens from the Araraquara region inhabitants. A total of 503 faecal samples were evaluated by the following techniques: examination fo fresh specimens, Lutz, Faust et al. and Rugai et al. besides the iron hemotoxylin, trichrome and modified Kinyon staining. Out of 503 stool samples examined 174 (34,6) were found to be positive for intestinal parasites. The most prevalent protozoan and helminth parasites were Entamoeba coli (14,6%) and Strongyloides stercoralis (6,7%) respectively. Balstocystis hominis was present in 23 (4,6%) stool samples, most of all of soft consistence and without diarrheic reports. Blastocystis hominis laboratorial diagnosis is important althought its prevalence has been low in Araraquara region. Blastocystis hominis findings is faecal specimens indicates the food and water contamination and since the transmission of this parasite is iral-faecal it implies that the population needs orientation about hygiene and basic sanitation conditions in order to control health problems caused by enteroparasites.
45

Fauna parasitária e alterações teciduais em três espécies de peixes dos rios Aquidauana e Miranda, Pantanal Sul Mato-Grossense /

Campos, Cristiane Fátima Meldau de. January 2006 (has links)
Orientador: Flávio Ruas de Moraes / Banca: Laura Satiko Okada Nakaghi / Banca: Ricardo Massato Takemoto / Banca: Mauricio Laterça Martins / Banca: Adjair Antônio do Nascimento / Resumo: Neste trabalho são apresentados dados de abundância média, prevalência e intensidade média de parasitismo em trinta e quatro espécimes de Pseudoplatystoma fasciatum, popularmente conhecidos como cacharas, capturados nos meses de março, setembro e novembro de 2003, outubro de 2004 e 2005, com tarrafas e redes de espera no rio Aquidauana. Todos os indivíduos amostrados encontravam-se parasitados. Dezenove espécies de parasitos foram identificadas, sendo sete cestodas proteocefalídeos, três monogeneas, um digenea, três nematodas, um acantocéfalo, um crustáceo, um pentastomídeo e duas espécies de mixosporídeos. As espécies de cestóides, Harriscolex kaparari e Megathylacus travassosi são registradas pela primeira vez para P. fasciatum capturados no rio Aquidauana. Os monogeneas foram os endohelmintos que apresentaram maior prevalência (100 %), seguidos pelos cestodas (91,18 %) e nematodas (58,82 %). / Abstract: In this work are presented mean abundance, prevalence and mean intensity of infection in 34 specimens of Pseudoplatystoma fasciatum, commonly called cacharas. Fish were captured in Aquidauana river in March, September and November 2003, October 2004 and 2005, with nets in the Aquidauana river. All analyzed fish were infected. Nineteen species of parasites were collected, seven of proteocephalid cestodes, three of monogeneans, one of digeneans, three of nematodes, one of acanthocephalan, one of crustacean, one of pentastomid and two species of myxosporeans. The first record of Harriscolex kaparari and Megathylacus travassosi in P. fasciatum in the Aquidauana river was observed. Monogeneans were showed the highest prevalence, followed by cestodes (91.18 %) and nematodes (58.82 %). / Doutor
46

Eficiência de um sistema simplificado de tratamento de efluentes na remoção de cistos de Giardia spp. e ovos de helmintos / The eficiency of a simplified system of a sewage treatment in the removal of Giardia spp. cyst and helmints' eggs

Leonel, Lays Paulino, 1987- 06 September 2014 (has links)
Orientador: Adriano Luiz Tonetti / Dissertação (mestrado) - Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Faculdade de Engenharia Civil, Arquitetura e Urbanismo / Made available in DSpace on 2018-08-25T09:51:14Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Leonel_LaysPaulino_M.pdf: 2123587 bytes, checksum: f2f21f542524435e2023085c25b3381d (MD5) Previous issue date: 2014 / Resumo: Diante do enorme problema de saúde pública que são as doenças de veiculação hídrica e do grande déficit sanitário existente no Brasil, principalmente nas cidades com população inferior a cinquenta mil habitantes e nas periferias dos grandes centros urbanos, o presente trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar a eficiência de um sistema simplificado, composto por filtro anaeróbio, preenchido com anéis de bambu, associado a filtro de areia, na remoção de cistos de Giardia spp. e ovos de helmintos. O filtro anaeróbio foi operado com fluxo ascendente e tempo de detenção hidráulica de 12 horas, o efluente proveniente deste reator era aplicado sobre a superfície do leito de areia em oito cargas de 25 L m-2, totalizando uma taxa de aplicação de 200 L m-2dia-1. As amostras de efluente eram coletadas em três pontos, P01 (esgoto bruto), P02 (efluente do filtro anaeróbio) e P03 (efluente do filtro de areia), mensalmente, durante 12 meses. Nos últimos quatro meses, foram realizadas análises para detecção de cistos de Giardia spp. no lodo do filtro anaeróbio e de ovos de helmintos no leito do filtro de areia e também no lodo. O sistema também foi avaliado quanto à remoção de E. coli e quanto aos parâmetros físicos e químicos. O filtro anaeróbio foi capaz de remover 99,5 ± 28,7% da concentração estimada de cistos presentes no esgoto bruto, já o filtro de areia removeu 56,25 ± 31,6% dos cistos presentes no efluente anaeróbio, sendo a eficiência de remoção total do sistema igual 99,7%. Ovos de helmintos foram detectados em apenas três amostras de efluente anaeróbio, em uma concentração média de 1,5 ovos/L, sendo alcançada a remoção de 100% dos ovos após a passagem pelo filtro de areia. O sistema também proporcionou a redução de 4 unidades logarítmicas da concentração de E. coli presente no esgoto bruto, além do mais, o efluente produzido apresentou baixas concentrações de Demanda Química de Oxigênio (52 ± 24 mgL-1) e Sólidos Suspensos Totais (17 ± 20 mgL-1) e, baixos valores de turbidez (3 ± 4 UT), comprovando assim, a eficiência do sistema simplificado proposto tanto na remoção de patógenos quanto na adequação dos parâmetros físicos e químicos / Abstract: In the face of the enormous public health¿s problem that are the waterborne diseases and the big Brazilian sanitary deficit, especially at cities with less than fifty thousand inhabitants and big cities¿ peripheries, this study aimed to evaluate the efficiency of a simplified system, composed by an upflow anaerobic filter, filled with bamboo rings, associated with a sand filter, in the removal of Giardia cysts and helminths eggs. The anaerobic filter was operated with hydraulic retention time of 12 hours, the effluent from this reactor was applied to the sand bed surface in eight loads of 25 L m-2, with a total application rate of 200 L m -2 day-1. The samples were collected at three different points, P01 (raw sewage), P02 (anaerobic filter effluent) and P03 (Sand filter effluent), monthly, during 12 months. In the last four months were performed analysis to detect Giardia spp. cysts in the anaerobic filter sludge and helminths eggs in the sand filter bed and, as well, in the sludge. The system was also evaluated relating to the E. coli removal and for physical and chemical parameters. The anaerobic filter was able to remove 99.5 ± 28.7% of the estimated concentration of cysts present in raw sewage, while the sand filter removed 31.6 ± 56.25% of the cysts present in the anaerobic effluent, making the system total efficiency¿s removal of 99.7%. Helminth eggs were detected in three anaerobic effluent samples, in an average concentration of 1.5 eggs/L, and after the effluent passes through the sand filter there was a removal of 100% eggs. The system also provided a reduction of 4 log units of E. coli concentration existing in raw sewage, in addition the effluent produced showed low concentrations of Chemical Oxygen Demand (52 ± 24 mg L - ) and Total Suspended Solids (17 ± 20 mgL -1) and lower turbidity values (3 ±4 UT), proving then, the simplified system proposed efficiency both in removing pathogens, as the adequacy of physical and chemical parameters / Mestrado / Saneamento e Ambiente / Mestra em Engenharia Civil
47

Avaliação da presença de patogenos no lodo liquido estabilizado de ETE (processo aerobio) quando aplicado ao solo arenoso-siltroso

Pires, Marta Siviero Guilherme, 1969- 23 October 2003 (has links)
Orientador: Bruno Coraucci Filho / Tese (doutorado) - Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Faculdade de Engenharia Civil / Made available in DSpace on 2018-08-03T18:54:05Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Pires_MartaSivieroGuilherme_D.pdf: 5702842 bytes, checksum: 77ad92c5acda8dafac231e6107994972 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2003 / Resumo: o lodo de esgoto é um resíduo gerado no final do processo de tratamento de esgotos. É produzido em grandes quantidades e há necessidade de promover sua disposição de maneira adequada. A disposição do lodo no solo é uma alternativa que combina reuso e reciclagem de constituintes orgânicos e minerais, pois o lodo contém matéria orgânica e elementos como N e P, que são importantes para o desenvolvimento das plantas. No entanto, este lodo pode estar contaminado por patógenos, como os protozoários e helmintos, ou por metais pesados, causando problemas em relação à disposição. O objetivo desta pesquisa foi avaliar a presença destes patógenos no solo e no líquido percolado que recebeu aplicação de lodo em 3 dosagens diferentes: 2,5 ; 5,0 e 7,5 TDS/ha, com pH natural e 5,0 TDS/ha pH corrigido, além do grupo controle. Também foram testadas duas formas de desinfecção do lodo: calagem (20, 30 e 50%) e desinfecção natural utilizando a luz solar, sendo que neste experimento, além de helmintos e protozoários, foram feitas análises de coliformes totais e E. colí. Os resultados obtidos para aplicação de lodo no solo mostram que os patógenos concentram-se na camada superficial do solo (0-20cm), e quanto maior a dose de lodo aplicada maior a concentração destes organismos. No líquido percolado não foram detectados patógenos. Os testes de calagem indicam que a 50% os patógenos são eliminados em 15 dias, e o experimento de desinfecção natural também demonstra que este método pode ser utilizado, com eliminação total da E. colítambém em periodo de 15 dias / Abstract: Sewage sludge is a residue trom wastewater treatment process that has been produced in large scale and must be disposed appropriatelly. Land disposal of sludge is an altemative that arrange reuse and recicling ot organic and mineral constituints like nitrogen (N) and phosporus (P). However, sludge can be contamined with pathogens, helminth and protozoan, or heavy metal, causing problems with disposal. The objective was to evaluate the pathogens in soil and inflitrated liquid in sai', that received sewage sludge application in three differents dosagens: 2,5; 5,0 e 7,5 TDS/ha in natural pH and 5,OTDS/ha in corriged pH. There were tested two forms os sludge disinfection: chemical stabilization with lime a (20, 30 and 50%) and natural solar disinfection. In the last was checkin total coliforms and E. colí. The research to land appplication in soU shows that the pathogens are concentring on superficial layer at soil (D-20cm) and the concentration increases in accordance with elevation dosage. In the infilirated liquid has not been detected pathogens. The chemical stabilization with lime (50%) shows that pathogens are eliminated within 15 days. Solar disinfection proved an alternative efficient, with destruction of E coli within 15 days too / Doutorado / Saneamento e Ambiente / Doutor em Engenharia Civil
48

An Investigation of the Effects of the Parasitic Nematode Aplectana hamatospicula on the Performance and Behavior of Cuban Treefrogs (<em>Osteopilus septentrionalis</em>)

Surbaugh, Kerri 27 June 2019 (has links)
Parasitic infections are ubiquitous in nature, and host-parasite dynamics can have powerful effects on wildlife populations. Many species have evolved behavioral responses to infection that can help mitigate damage from parasites. Anorexia is a common response to infection observed throughout the animal kingdom. Reducing nutrient intake can help shift host resources from digestion to immunity, as well as limit resources available to parasites. Reduced feeding can weaken the host, but in some host-parasite interactions, this cost is less than that of maintaining an infection. Here, I describe an experiment aimed to explore the effects of the parasitic nematode Aplectana hamatospicula on the Cuban treefrog (Osteopilus septentrionalis) across life stages. Tadpoles were exposed to A. hamatospicula larvae or a sham exposure and growth and behavior were quantified. After metamorphosis, the jumping performance of these frogs was assessed. I revealed that A. hamatospicula could infect and complete its lifecycle in tadpoles. This infection was unique in that it persisted through metamorphosis with the worm continuing to reproduce in the intestinal tract of the terrestrial frogs. These infections reduced the relative mass gain of tadpoles. However, post-metamorphic frogs were able to compensate for this lower growth when provided an ad libitum diet, and infection did not directly or indirectly impact jumping performance, perhaps because of this compensation. Tadpoles that prevented or cleared the infection had a higher rate of anorexia, suggesting that anorexia might be a successful disease-mitigation response to A. hamatospicula.
49

The prevalence of helminths in warthogs, bushpigs and some antelope species in Limpopo Province, South Africa

Conradie, Ilana 17 February 2009 (has links)
The aim of the study was to describe the helminth parasites of the common game species in the Limpopo Province, focusing on the northern and western parts where the climate is harsh and dry, with a large area considered to be semi-arid. In total 36 animals were examined which included ten impala, Aepyceros melampus, eight kudu, Tragelaphus strepsiceros, four blue wildebeest, Connochaetes taurinus, two black wildebeest, Connochaetes gnou, three gemsbok, Oryx gazelle, one nyala, Tragelaphus angasii, one bushbuck, Tragelaphus scriptus and one waterbuck, Kobus ellipsiprymnus, as well as six warthogs, Phacochoerus aethiopicus, and a single bushpig, Potamochoerus porcus. New host records for species include Trichostrongylus deflexus in the blue wildebeest, Agriostomum gorgonis in the black wildebeest, Stilesia globipunctata in the waterbuck, and Fasciola hepatica in the kudu. The only known zoonotic helminth recovered was one hydatid cyst of an Echinococcus sp. from the lungs of a warthog. The total burdens and species variation of the helminths in this study were all consistently low compared to other studies done in areas with higher rainfall. This has practical implications when animals are translocated to areas with higher rainfall and higher prevalence of helminths. / Dissertation (MSc)--University of Pretoria, 2008. / Veterinary Tropical Diseases / unrestricted
50

Immunological studies of the anti-inflammatory protein, Sj16, of Schistosoma japonicum. / CUHK electronic theses & dissertations collection

January 2009 (has links)
Schistosome is the causative agent of schistosomiasis which is one of the world's most prevalent tropical diseases. In the skin of infected host, significant inflammatory response to the parasite is not observed. Previous studies from Schistosoma mansoni showed that this subdued inflammatory response was due to a 16-KDa protein, Sm16, which is present abundantly in the secretions of schistosomulae. Provided that Schistosoma japonicum shares the same infective pathway as S. mansoni by penetrating the skin, it seems logical that S. japonicum has a protein with a similar role to Sm16 to down-regulate host immune responses. According to the cDNA sequence of Sm16, a corresponding gene (designated Sj16) of Sm16 has previously been amplified and cloned from the cercarial cDNA of S. japonicum. Sequence analysis showed that Sj16 shares 99% identity with Sm16 in its nucleotide sequence, and 100% identity in its protein sequence. While previous studiers reported their failure in obtaining the soluble recombinant protein of Sm16, we expressed and purified the recombinant Sj16 (rSj16) from E. coli in the present study. Western blot and ELISA analysis showed that S. japonicum-infected rabbit sera could not recognize rSj16, indicating that native Sj16 might fail to induce circulating antibodies during S. japonicum infection. In the in vivo study, rSj16 dramatically suppressed not only the recruitment of leukocytes to the peritoneal cavity of BALB/c mice injected with thioglycollate, but also the maturation of thioglycollate-induced peritoneal macrophages. The suppression effect was accompanied by a marked up-regulation of IL-10 and IL-1RA transcripts, and down-regulation of IL-12p35, IL-1beta and MIP-2 transcripts in peritoneal cells. Further analysis revealed that rSj16 also inhibited both humoral and cellular immune responses to heterologous antigens. In addition, rSj16 was found to induce macrophage differentiation of the murine myeloid leukemia WEHI-3B (JCS) cells, and regulate the differentiation of mouse hematopoietic cells towards the macrophage lineage. Although previous studies indicated the involvement of endogenous IL-1alpha, IL-1beta and TNF-alpha in the macrophage differentiation of JCS cells, the results from this study suggested that rSj16-induced JCS cell differentiation do not rely on the endogenous production of these three cytokines. This is the first study to successfully express and purify sufficient soluble rSj16, and demonstrate the anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects of the rSj16. / Hu, Shaomin. / Adviser: Ming Chiu Fung. / Source: Dissertation Abstracts International, Volume: 71-01, Section: B, page: 0210. / Thesis (Ph.D.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2009. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 139-154). / Electronic reproduction. Hong Kong : Chinese University of Hong Kong, [2012] System requirements: Adobe Acrobat Reader. Available via World Wide Web. / Electronic reproduction. Ann Arbor, MI : ProQuest Information and Learning Company, [200-] System requirements: Adobe Acrobat Reader. Available via World Wide Web. / Abstracts in English and Chinese.

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