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Biomedical subjects

F Klein

Publications and source records attributed to F Klein.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

Standardisation of the quantitative determination of antinuclear antibodies (ANAs) with a homogeneous pattern.

The results of antinuclear antibody tests using the indirect immunofluorescence technique may be reported as a description of the pattern and the intensity of fluorescence obtained at a certain dilution. If quantitative results are required titration is necessary. Such titrations may vary greatly between different laboratories. The present study involving 26 laboratories shows an improvement of interlaboratory comparability for the homogeneous fluorescence pattern when a common reference serum is used. Cultured cells as substrate appear to give better quantitative agreement than rat liver sections. National reference sera should be standardised in items of the appropriate WHO reference preparation.

Antibodies, Antinuclear

Characteristics of the mitogenic activity found in the supernatant of pokeweed mitogen stimulated human mononuclear cells.

Human peripheral blood mononuclear cells were stimulated with pokeweed mitogen (PWM), washed, and cultured in fresh mitogen-free culture medium; a second set of peripheral blood mononuclear cells was used to assess the mitogenic activity of supernatants of these cultures. The effects of this stimulation resembled those of a normal PWM stimulation, including the formation of blast cells, proliferation of lymphoid cells, and immunoglobulin synthesis. Our findings led us to perform experiments to investigate the nature of this mitogenic factor. The molecular weight of the mitogenic activity was found in the region of 700 kD. Additional experiments indicated that human alpha 2-macroglobulin was not responsible for the high molecular weight of the mitogenic factor. Protein digestion or precipitation with trichloroacetic acid only partially abolished the mitogenicity of the mitogenic supernatant. Comparison of the molecular weight of the mitogenic factor with that of the PWM in culture medium showed that the mitogenic activity in the supernatants could be caused by PWM associated with a high molecular weight component.

B-Lymphocytes

Standardisation of serological tests for rheumatoid factor measurement.

Standardisation of quantitative data obtained by several types of rheumatoid factor test was achieved by the use of a reference serum preparation. Interlaboratory comparability improved for the latex fixation test, the Waaler-Rose test, the IgM RF test by an enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and for the antiperinuclear factor test. Use of a common method and latex preparation was not sufficient to improve comparability for the latex test. The comparability of IgM RF tests by immunofluorescence (IF) was not changed by reading against a common reference. It is concluded that expression in international units, as defined by the World Health Organisation (WHO), improves interlaboratory comparison of quantitative data in rheumatoid serology.

Analysis of Variance

Ericksonian hypnosis and strategic interventions for sexual orientation confusion.

Erickson's utilization approach provides a model of hypnotic and strategic intervention for persons seeking psychotherapy because of sexual orientation confusion. Case studies outline examples of hypnotic and strategic short-term interventions. These cases include the use of metaphor, utilizing resistances, anchoring, and synesthesia.

Adaptation, Psychological

Opsonic activity and composition of five intramuscular gammaglobulin preparations.

The opsonic activity of five immunoglobulin preparations for intramuscular and subcutaneous substitution therapy was investigated. Various strains of Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Streptococcus pyogenes, group B streptococci, Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae were used. In addition, the concentration of unsplit IgG molecules, IgG fragments and IgG aggregates in these preparations was determined. With the exception of H. influenzae, all preparations opsonised the bacteria studied almost as well as inactivated serum. All preparations contained an appreciable amount of aggregates, but IgG fragments were not found.

Escherichia coli

The quantification of human IgG subclasses in reference preparations.

Three laboratories took part in an investigation about the possibilities of quantitative determination of IgG subclasses. Polyclonal monospecific antisera were used in combination with different kinds of calibrators to assess the IgG subclass levels in three W.H.O. reference preparations. IgG 1 could be determined with satisfactory precision; for the other subclasses the quantification was less precise. The precision was dependent on the antisera for IgG 1, IgG 2 and IgG 4 but mainly on the calibrators for IgG 3. Mass units are to be preferred to relative units. W.H.O. reference preparation 67/97 is proposed as a reference for determination of IgG subclasses in mass units. The target values are 5.0 g/l for IgG 1, 2.6 g/l for IgG 2, 0.4 g/l for IgG 3 and 0.5 g/l for IgG 4. These values add up to a total IgG value close to earlier W.H.O. estimates.

Humans

Sexual orientation: a multi-variable dynamic process.

Theory and research concerning sexual orientation has been restricted in its scope and influence by the lack of clear and widely accepted definitions of terms like heterosexual, bisexual, and homosexual. In an attempt to better demarcate and understand the complexities of human sexual attitudes, emotions, and behavior, the Klein Sexual Orientation Grid (KSOG) was developed and administered. The KSOG is composed of seven variables that are dimensions of sexual orientation, each of which is rated by the subject as applying to the present, past, or ideal. Analysis of the data from subjects who filled out the KSOG in Forum Magazine indicated that the instrument was a reliable and valid research tool which took into consideration the multi-variable and dynamic aspects of sexual orientation.

Age Factors

The effect of the diffusion medium on quantification of human IgM by radial immunodiffusion.

The results of quantification of human IgM by radial immunodiffusion (RID) are influenced by the charge of the diffusion medium and by the radio of IgM to other serum proteins. Agarose has almost no influence, while some heavily charged agars are unsuitable for RID, even after reduction of the IgM. Reference and test sera should not differ too widely in IgM levels. The interaction between charged agar and human IgM explains the subgroup phenomenon described earlier by Klein et al. (1973).

Agar

Induction potential of Sendai virus and Newcastle disease virus for human lymphoblastoid interferon production.

Sendai and Newcastle disease viruses were tested for their induction potential in the production of human lymphoblastoid interferon [HuIFN-alpha(Ly)] from Namalva cell cultures. Tests were performed at multiple induction levels, for two induction periods, and on primed and nonprimed cell cultures. Sendai virus proved statistically more effective overall; priming and induction period had no significant effect.

Burkitt Lymphoma

Correlation between opsonic activity for various microorganisms and composition of gammaglobulin preparations for intravenous use.

In this study 12 commercial immunoglobulin preparations for intravenous administration were investigated with respect to their opsonic activity for various strains of Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Streptococcus pyogenes, and group B streptococci, and in addition, the concentration of unsplit IgG molecules, IgG fragments, and IgG aggregates (dimers) was determined. The results show that four preparations that had been treated with enzyme or by reduction and alkylation had hardly any opsonic activity; the other preparations were as effective as inactivated serum. A statistical analysis showed an excellent correlation between the concentration of intact IgG molecules in a preparation and the opsonic activity for the various bacteria; a negative correlation between the concentration of IgG fragments and the opsonic activity was found. The combination of the two techniques used in this study provides a basis for recommendations on the choice of gammaglobulin preparations for clinical use.

Escherichia coli

Membrane ultrafiltration: concentration of interleukin-3.

A pilot-plant-scale operation was used for studying membrane ultrafiltration and concentration of kiloliter quantities of the lymphokine interleukin-3 with a single set of membranes. Initial use of ammonium sulfate precipitation of interleukin-3 proved erratic in the recovery of biological activity and resulted in corrosion of the processing equipment. Membrane ultrafiltration proved to be effective in enabling control of the degree of concentration and predicting recovery of the biologically active protein.

Ammonium Sulfate