Escherichia coli was isolated from the urine of patients with pyelonephritis, with urinary tract infections other than pyelonephritis and with asymptomatic bacteriuria. Surface properties of the strains were analyzed by the salting-out aggregation test (SAT), hydrophobic interaction chromatography (HIC), Congo red binding (Crb), agglutination of erythrocytes (MRHA) and latex particles covered by digalactoside (PF) and by adherence to tissue culture cells. In addition, a DNA probe for the pap gene was used. The DNA probe detected the highest proportion of strains with pap gene in the group of patients with pyelonephritis, lower in the urinary tract infections other than pyelonephritis and the lowest in the group with asymptomatic bacteriuria. Tests for P-fimbriae (PF, MRHA) showed a similar distribution. Hydrophobicity measured by SAT and by HIC did not show differences among the tested groups of strains. The results suggest that factors other than the P-fimbriae and hydrophobicity may contribute to the persistence of E. coli in the urinary tract.

• MeSH
• Bacterial Adhesion genetics   physiology   MeSH
• Fimbriae, Bacterial physiology   MeSH
• Genes, Bacterial MeSH
• Bacteriuria etiology   microbiology   MeSH
• Disaccharides chemistry   metabolism   MeSH
• Child MeSH
• DNA Probes MeSH
• Escherichia coli genetics   pathogenicity   physiology   MeSH
• Hemagglutination MeSH
• Urinary Tract Infections etiology   microbiology   MeSH
• Escherichia coli Infections etiology   microbiology   MeSH
• Latex Fixation Tests MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Molecular Sequence Data MeSH
• Pyelonephritis etiology   microbiology   MeSH
• Receptors, Cell Surface metabolism   MeSH
• Carbohydrate Sequence MeSH
• Check Tag
• Child MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH
• Names of Substances
• 4-O-alpha-D-galactopyranosyl-D-galactose MeSH Browser
• Disaccharides MeSH
• DNA Probes MeSH
• galactose receptor MeSH Browser
• Receptors, Cell Surface MeSH

We report a new approach to characterization of thin (bio)molecular films based on spectroscopy of Bragg-scattered surface plasmons (BSSPs) generated by diffraction-coupling of counterpropagating surface plasmons on a metal-coated diffraction grating. The BSSPs exhibit fields with different penetration depths into the medium adjacent to the metal and therefore exhibit unequal sensitivities to the presence of (bio)molecular films on the surface of the metal. Therefore, spectroscopy of BSSPs enables in situ observation of the formation of biomolecular films and determination of both their refractive index and thickness. We demonstrate this capacity of spectroscopy of BSSPs in a model experiment in which growth of protein layers on a gold surface is studied.

• MeSH
• Biopolymers chemistry   MeSH
• Membranes, Artificial * MeSH
• Surface Plasmon Resonance methods   MeSH
• Scattering, Radiation MeSH
• Refractometry methods   MeSH
• Spectrum Analysis methods   MeSH
• Light MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH
• Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't MeSH
• Names of Substances
• Biopolymers MeSH
• Membranes, Artificial * MeSH

The synthesis of long n-peri-acenes (n-PAs) is challenging as a result of their inherent open-shell radical character, which arises from the presence of parallel zigzag edges beyond a certain n value. They are considered as π-electron model systems to study magnetism in graphene nanostructures; being potential candidates in the fabrication of optoelectronic and spintronic devices. Here, we report the on-surface formation of the largest pristine member of the n-PA family, i.e. peri-heptacene (n=7, 7-PA), obtained on an Au(111) substrate under ultra-high vacuum conditions. Our high-resolution scanning tunneling microscopy investigations, complemented by theoretical simulations, provide insight into the chemical structure of this previously elusive compound. In addition, scanning tunneling spectroscopy reveals the antiferromagnetic open-shell singlet ground state of 7-PA, exhibiting singlet-triplet spin-flip inelastic excitations with an effective exchange coupling (Jeff ) of 49 meV.

• Keywords
• Carbon Magnetism, Open-Shell Character, Periacenes, Scanning Tunneling Microscopy, Surface Chemistry,
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH

Complementary molecules on the surface of both gametes are responsible for the interaction of sperm protein receptors with zona pellucida (ZP) saccharide structures, and many primary sperm receptors for ZP glycoproteins have been disclosed in various mammals. For our study, proteins were obtained from the surface of ejaculated and in vitro capacitated boar sperm. The isolated proteins were characterized by 1D- and 2D-electrophoretic protein profiles, and by glycoprotein staining. Our results show quantitative and qualitative differences in protein and glycoprotein patterns between ejaculated and capacitated sperm. Far-western blotting with ZP glycoproteins identified 17 interactions in the subproteome of the ejaculated sperm and 14 interactions in the subproteome of the capacitated sperm. High-molecular-mass proteins, coincident with binding to ZP, were sequence-identified. Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), polycystic kidney disease receptor and egg jelly receptor (PKDREJ), and acrosin precursor were successfully identified. This is the first time PKDREJ has been identified on the surface of boar spermatozoa.

• Keywords
• PKDREJ protein, Sperm surface proteins, Zona pellucida-binding receptors,
• MeSH
• Mass Spectrometry MeSH
• Sperm Capacitation * MeSH
• Membrane Glycoproteins metabolism   MeSH
• Membrane Proteins metabolism   MeSH
• Mice MeSH
• Proteome MeSH
• Proteomics methods   MeSH
• Spermatozoa metabolism   MeSH
• Sus scrofa MeSH
• Protein Binding MeSH
• Zona Pellucida metabolism   MeSH
• Animals MeSH
• Check Tag
• Male MeSH
• Mice MeSH
• Female MeSH
• Animals MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH
• Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't MeSH
• Names of Substances
• Membrane Glycoproteins MeSH
• Membrane Proteins MeSH
• Proteome MeSH

The ability to engineer geometrically well-defined antidots in large triangulene homologues allows for creating an entire family of triangulene quantum rings (TQRs) with tunable high-spin ground state, crucial for next-generation molecular spintronic devices. Herein, we report the synthesis of an open-shell [7]triangulene quantum ring ([7]TQR) molecule on Au(111) through the surface-assisted cyclodehydrogenation of a rationally designed kekulene derivative. Bond-resolved scanning tunneling microscopy (BR-STM) unambiguously imaged the molecular backbone of a single [7]TQR with a triangular zigzag edge topology, which can be viewed as [7]triangulene decorated with a coronene-like antidot in the center. Additionally, dI/dV mapping reveals that both inner and outer zigzag edges contribute to the edge-localized and spin-polarized electronic states of [7]TQR. Both experimental results and spin-polarized density functional theory calculations indicate that [7]TQR retains its open-shell septuple ground state (S = 3) on Au(111). This work demonstrates a new route for the design of high-spin graphene quantum rings for future quantum devices.

• Keywords
• Triangulene quantum ring, antidot engineering, on-surface synthesis, open-shell, scanning probe microscopy,
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH

A monoclonal antibody MEM-43 was prepared, which recognizes an antigen expressed on all peripheral blood leucocytes, on erythrocytes and several cell lines, but is absent from U937, Nalm-6, Daudi and Raji cell lines. The antigen isolated by immunoaffinity chromatography from several cell lines is an 18,000-25,000 mol. wt glycoprotein. An apparently identical antigen isolated from erythrocytes binds to several lectins and has a 14,000 mol. wt polypeptide backbone, modified by an endoglycosidase F-sensitive carbohydrate moiety. The epitope recognized is reduction-sensitive. The sequence of N-terminal 17 amino acid residues was determined; five out of six N-terminal amino acids are identical to those found at the N-terminus of the mouse lymphocyte surface antigen Ly-6C. The antigen is completely released from the cell surface after treatment with phosphatidylinositol-specific phospholipase C.

• MeSH
• Antigens, Surface immunology   metabolism   MeSH
• Cell Membrane immunology   metabolism   MeSH
• Cell Line MeSH
• Electrophoresis, Polyacrylamide Gel MeSH
• Phosphatidylinositols metabolism   MeSH
• Glycoproteins immunology   metabolism   MeSH
• Leukocytes immunology   MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Molecular Sequence Data MeSH
• Antibodies, Monoclonal immunology   metabolism   MeSH
• Mice MeSH
• Amino Acid Sequence MeSH
• Animals MeSH
• Check Tag
• Humans MeSH
• Mice MeSH
• Animals MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH
• Names of Substances
• Antigens, Surface MeSH
• Phosphatidylinositols MeSH
• Glycoproteins MeSH
• Antibodies, Monoclonal MeSH

Recently, polymers have become the fastest growing and most widely used material in a huge number of applications in almost all areas of industry. In addition to standard polymer composites with synthetic matrices, biopolymer composites based on PLA and PHB matrices filled with fibers of plant origin are now increasingly being used in selected advanced industrial applications. The article deals with the evaluation of the influence and effect of the type of surface modification of cellulose fibers using physical methods (low-temperature plasma and ozone application) and chemical methods (acetylation) on the final properties of biopolymer composites. In addition to the surface modification of natural fibers, an additional modification of biocomposite structural systems by radiation crosslinking using gamma radiation was also used. The components of the biopolymer composite were a matrix of PLA and PHBV and the filler was natural cellulose fibers in a constant percentage volume of 20%. Test specimens were made from compounds of prepared biopolymer structures, on which selected tests had been performed to evaluate the properties and mechanical characterization of biopolymer composites. Electron microscopy was used to evaluate the failure and characterization of fracture surfaces of biocomposites.

• Keywords
• biopolymer, biopolymer composite, fracture surface, mechanical behavior, natural fibers, polymer, radiation crosslinking, surface modification,
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH

Hybridomas secreting anti-HBsAg antibodies were produced by fusion of the mouse myeloma cell line SP2/0 with lymphocytes from mice immunized with purified HBsAg. All clones produced antibodies of the IgG1 idiotype that react with the subtype a determinant of HBsAg. An enzyme immunoassay for detection of HBsAg in human sera using monoclonal antibodies was developed and compared with commercial Sevatest ELISA HBsAg/micro I kit for detection of HBsAg in clinical serum samples.

• MeSH
• Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay MeSH
• Hepatitis B Surface Antigens analysis   immunology   MeSH
• Hepatitis B Antibodies biosynthesis   MeSH
• Immunoenzyme Techniques MeSH
• Immunoglobulin G biosynthesis   MeSH
• Antibodies, Monoclonal biosynthesis   MeSH
• Mice MeSH
• Animals MeSH
• Check Tag
• Mice MeSH
• Animals MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH
• Comparative Study MeSH
• Names of Substances
• Hepatitis B Surface Antigens MeSH
• Hepatitis B Antibodies MeSH
• Immunoglobulin G MeSH
• Antibodies, Monoclonal MeSH

The impact of four pre-treatment techniques on the surface morphology and chemistry, residual stress, mechanical properties, corrosion resistance in a physiological saline solution and cell colonization of commercially pure titanium is examined in detail. Mechanical polishing, electrochemical etching, chemical etching in Kroll's reagent, and ion sputter etching with argon ions were applied. Surface morphologies reflect the nature of surface layer removal. Significant roughening of the surface and a characteristic microtopology become apparent as a result of the sensitivity of chemical and ion sputter etching to the grain orientation. The hardness in the near surface region was controlled by the amount of residual stress. Etching of the stressed surface layer led to a reduction in residual stress and surface hardness. A compact passivation layer composed of TiO, TiO2 and Ti2O3 native oxides imparted high corrosion resistance to the surface after mechanical polishing, chemical and electrochemical etching. The ion sputter etched surface showed substantially reduced corrosion resistance, where the corrosion process was controlled by electron transfer. The specific topology affected the adhesion of the cell to the surface rather than the cell area coverage. The cell area coverage increased with the corrosion stability of the surface.

• Keywords
• Corrosion resistance, MG-63 cell behaviour, Surface characterization, Surface pre-treatment, Titanium,
• MeSH
• Cell Line MeSH
• Electrochemical Techniques MeSH
• Corrosion MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Oxides chemistry   MeSH
• Surface Properties MeSH
• Materials Testing MeSH
• Titanium chemistry   MeSH
• Hardness MeSH
• Check Tag
• Humans MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH
• Names of Substances
• Oxides MeSH
• Titanium MeSH

Hybridomas secreting HBsAg antibodies were obtained by fusing murine myeloma cell line P3-X63-Ag8 to spleen cells of BALB/c mice sensitized with HBsAg. The surface antigen used for immunization of mice was prepared by purification from pooled human plasma specimens. Resulting monoclonal antibodies were detected by the SPRIA method. Clones producing highest anti-HBs titres were used to prepare mouse ascitic fluids. Monoclonal antibodies in ascitic fluid reached a titre of 10(6) to 10(7) at a protein concentration of 1 mg per ml. Two of the prepared monoclonal antibodies, HBS-01 and HBS-02, both belonging to IgG1 subclass of immunoglobulins, were selected for further study in order to assess their potential useability in the commercial ELISA kit. The pI values for HBS-01 ranged from 6.60 to 6.85, for HBS-02 from 5.6 to 6.1. In solid phase ELISA test the use of HBS-01 antibody improved accuracy of the assay by increasing its detection sensitivity for HBsAg subtypes adw and ayw in the reference serum; this sensitivity was evidently much better than that seen with the commercially available rabbit polyclonal anti-HBsAg antibody. The monoclonal antibody HBS-01 is specific to the determinant "a", which makes it suitable for use in ELISA test aimed at HBsAg detection. The antibody HBS-02 showed a markedly better reaction with HBsAg subtype adw than subtype ayw and can thus be used with advantage for their discrimination.

• MeSH
• Ascitic Fluid analysis   MeSH
• Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay MeSH
• Hepatitis B Surface Antigens immunology   MeSH
• Hepatitis B Antibodies analysis   MeSH
• Hybridomas MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Antibodies, Monoclonal * analysis   biosynthesis   MeSH
• Mice, Inbred BALB C MeSH
• Mice MeSH
• Reference Standards MeSH
• Animals MeSH
• Check Tag
• Humans MeSH
• Mice MeSH
• Female MeSH
• Animals MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH
• Names of Substances
• Hepatitis B Surface Antigens MeSH
• Hepatitis B Antibodies MeSH
• Antibodies, Monoclonal * MeSH