During encoding of subsequently non-recollected objects presented in the non-social context, ASD subjects showed increased activation JPH203 cell line in the dorsal MPFC.
Our findings suggest that in ASD subjects, fronto-parietal brain regions subserving memory formation and the association of contextual information are activated atypically when a social context is presented at encoding. The data add to findings from related research fields indicating that in ASD, socioemotional impairment extends into domains beyond social cognition. Increased activation
in the dorsal MPFC in ASD individuals might reflect supervisory cognitive processes related to the suppression of a distracting non-social context. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.”
“Aim: To retest PCR positive patient samples by more sensitive
methods for viable coxiellas and for the coxiella cell components of antigen and specific lipopolysaccharide (LPS). To re-interpret the previous results in the light of the new information. selleckchem To review the pertinent literature for a concept of an immuno-modulatory complex generated by the current studies.
Design: Laboratory case study.
Methods: Stored patient samples were inoculated into SCID mice that were followed for 60 days. Mouse spleen and liver samples were then examined by PCR assay for targets in the COM1 and IS1111a sequences and for antigens by FAD IFA with a polyclonal rabbit antiserum to C. burnetii Phase 1 and a monoclonal antiserum
to Phase 1 LPS (details; O. Sukocheva et al., unpublished data).
Results: All specimens, including a recently excised heart valve from a Birmingham patient with late developing endocarditis, were infection negative in SCID mice. Dilutions of SCID mouse spleen and liver homogenates titrated in PCR assays were negative at dilutions attained by control mice inoculated with an endpoint dilution of a viable prototype strain of C. burnetii. Sections of the spleens from all specimens showed a complex of coxiella antigen-LPS by IFA.
Discussion/Review: We advance a concept of long-term persistence of a non-infective, non-biodegraded complex of coxiella cell components with its antigens and specific LPS [so called Immunomodulatory complex (IMC)] associated with traces of genomic DNA that signalled its presence in our earlier studies. The IMC’s survival in patients for at least 12 years, and in one patient for 70 years implies a capacity for serial passage in macrophages with effective down-regulation of their biodegrading functions. The review assesses the compatibility of the IMC concept in relation to cogent literature on C. burnetii interactions with macrophage and cell-mediated immunity. Some remaining gaps in our knowledge of the organ sites and duration of carriage of viable coxiellas after initial infection are also identified.