PubMed HealthSearch

Biomedical subjects

M Kasprzak

Publications and source records attributed to M Kasprzak.

8 recordsLinked to original sources

Sequential and parallel algorithms for DNA sequencing.

MOTIVATION: Reconstruction of the original DNA sequence in the sequencing by the hybridization approach (SBH) requires computational support due to a large number of possible combinations. One can notice a lack of algorithms admitting false-negative data and giving in addition all possible solutions. RESULTS: In this paper, a new method of sequencing has been proposed. An algorithm based on its idea (for the general case, when some data are missing, like in the real experiment) has been implemented and tested. Authentic DNA sequences have been used for testing. A parallel version of the algorithm has also been implemented and tested. The quality of the reconstruction is satisfactory for the library of oligonucleotides of length between 8 and 12, and 100, 200 and 300 bp long sequences. A way to a further decrease in the computation time is also suggested.

Algorithms

Immunological characteristics of cervical mucus in infertile women.

The presence of local or circulating antisperm antibodies (ASA) in some women may cause infertility. We have examined 43 cervical mucus (CM) samples. In order to determine the total amount of immunoglobulins of individual subclasses we used the rocket immunoelectrophoresis of Laurell. To determine the specificity of the immunoglobulins to sperm surface antigens we employed the immunobead-binding test (IBT). Seventeen CM samples (39.5%) revealed high levels (> 0.22 microgram/microliter) of immunoglobulins. They were mainly of the IgA class, however IgG's were also present. We have found IgM in only two test samples (4.6%). Only two CM samples (4.6%) yielded positive results in indirect IBT. The obtained results show a complex immunological status of the human uterine cervix. Immunological response developed in this compartment may be directed against sperms as well as other antigens.

Adult

The easy formation of antisperm antibodies in prepubertal boys and the difficult humoral response in severe-combined immunodeficiency mice.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate and compare mechanisms controlling the development of antisperm antibodies in situations with different status of active immunosuppression. DESIGN: Antibody activity against human sperm was analyzed by immunosorbent assays (ELISA) in sera samples of prepubertal boys and in circulation of sensitized immunocompromised mice. SETTING: Procedures were performed in a university laboratory. PATIENT(S): Prepubertal healthy boys and patients with testicular failures. INTERVENTION(S): Blood was collected from healthy individuals and from patients with diagnosed testicular pathology; antisperm antibodies were rechecked after surgical intervention (orchidopexia or removal of the pathological gonad). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Antisperm antibodies in quantitative ELISA. RESULT(S): Significant antibody activity to finally differentiated human sperm was detected in sera samples from prepubertal boys with testicular failures (cryptorchid or mobile testis), especially in individuals with both pathological gonads. "Naive" human lymphocytes deposited to peritoneal cavity of immunocompromised mice did not respond to in situ challenge with sperm antigens. CONCLUSION(S): High antisperm antibody levels in prepubertal boys may suggest low immunosuppressive activity at this age. This situation may influence future fertility status of these individuals. Immunocompromised mice effectively prevented humoral response to sperm antigens suggesting different mechanism than T suppressor cell activity.

Adolescent

[Immunologic response against spermatozoa in the human genital tract].

Spermatozoa are immunogenic and may induce an immune response in reproductive compartments. There have been controversies concerning the effect of naturally existing antisperm antibodies on fertility of males and females. It is known, that men or women suffering from unexplained infertility have often antisperm antibodies in their urogenital secretions and/or serum. Systemic and local immune responses to sperm antigens differ between each other and they may differently affect the fertilisation process. Physiologically, females are protected from an immune response against "foreign", spermatozoal antigens. Nevertheless under local pathological conditions antisperm antibodies can be induced and may interfere with fertilisation.

Adult

[Immunologic reactions in the male and female reproductive system].

This review describes presence and significance of antisperm antibodies (ASA) in male and female reproductive compartments. We described their relevance to infertility in humans. A structure and function of cervical mucus as the environment of females defensive reactions against all the invasive factors is outlined. There are also briefly characterized techniques of ASA detection.

Agglutination Tests

Identification of self through olfaction.

To study olfactory communication in humans, 100 undergraduates ranging from age 18 to 45 yr. wore freshly washed, identical T-shirts continuously for 24 hr. During this time, the participants did not bathe or shower or apply any scent producing substance to their bodies, i.e., deodorants, perfumes. Upon retrieval, each shirt was placed in an identical brown bag. In groups of 10, each participant attempted to identify the T-shirt he had worn the previous 24 hr. The task was administered separately for each individual so that no participants knew the choice by a previous colleague. Analysis shows that the participants were able to identify correctly their own shirts on the first try three-quarters of the time. Furthermore, sex, age, smoking habit of the participant, and menstrual cycle phase in the women were factors in successful outcomes.

Adolescent