Gene products of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) of human and non-human primates play a crucial role in adaptive immunity, and most of the relevant genes not only show a high degree of ...variability (polymorphism) but also copy number variation (CNV) is observed. Due to this diversity, MHC proteins influence the capability of individuals to cope with various pathogens. MHC and/or MHC-linked gene products such as odorant receptor genes are thought to influence mate choice and reproductive success. Therefore, MHC typing of wild and captive primate populations is considered to be useful in conservation biology, which is, however, often hampered by the need of invasive and time-consuming methods. All intact
Mhc-DRB
genes in primates appear to possess a complex and highly divergent microsatellite, DRB-STR. A panel of 154 pedigreed olive baboons (
Papio anubis
) was examined for their
DRB
content by DRB-STR analysis of genomic DNA. Using the same methodology on DNA of feces samples,
DRB
variability of a silvery gibbon population (
Hylobates moloch
) (
N
= 24), an endangered species, could successfully be studied. In both species, length determination of the DRB-STR resulted in the definition of unique genotyping patterns that appeared to be specific for a certain chromosome. Moreover, the different STR lengths were shown to segregate with the allelic variation of the respective gene. The results obtained expand data gained previously on DRB-STR typing in macaques, great apes, and humans and strengthen the conclusion that this protocol is applicable in molecular ecology, conservation biology, and colony management, especially of endangered primate species.
The olive baboon represents an important model system to study various aspects of human biology and health, including the origin and diversity of the major histocompatibility complex. After screening ...of a group of related animals for polymorphisms associated with a well-defined microsatellite marker, subsequent MHC class I typing of a selected population of 24 animals was performed on two distinct next-generation sequencing (NGS) platforms. A substantial number of 21
A
and 80
B
transcripts were discovered, about half of which had not been previously reported. Per animal, from one to four highly transcribed
A
alleles (majors) were observed, in addition to ones characterised by low transcripion levels (minors), such as members of the
A*14
lineage. Furthermore, in one animal, up to 13
B
alleles with differential transcription level profiles may be present. Based on segregation profiles, 16
Paan-AB
haplotypes were defined. A haplotype encodes in general one or two major
A
and three to seven
B
transcripts, respectively. A further peculiarity is the presence of at least one copy of a
B*02
lineage on nearly every haplotype, which indicates that
B*02
represents a separate locus with probably a specialistic function. Haplotypes appear to be generated by recombination-like events, and the breakpoints map not only between the
A
and
B
regions but also within the
B
region itself. Therefore, the genetic makeup of the olive baboon MHC class I region appears to have been subject to a similar or even more complex expansion process than the one documented for macaque species.
HLA-F represents one of the nonclassical MHC class I molecules in humans. Its main characteristics involve low levels of polymorphism in combination with a restricted tissue distribution. This ...signals that the gene product executes a specialised function, which, however, is still poorly understood. Relatively little is known about the evolutionary equivalents of this gene in nonhuman primates, especially with regard to population data. Here we report a comparative genetic analysis of the orthologous genes of HLA-F in various great ape, Old World monkey (OWM), and New World monkey (NWM) species. HLA-F-related transcripts were found in all subjects studied. Low levels of polymorphism were encountered, although the length of the predicted gene products may vary. In most species, one or two transcripts were discovered, indicating the presence of only one active F-like gene per chromosome. An exception was provided by a New World monkey species, namely, the common marmoset. In this species, the gene has been subject to duplication, giving rise to up to six F-like transcripts per animal. In humans, great apes, and OWM, and probably the majority of the NWM species, the evolutionary equivalents of the HLA-F gene experienced purifying selection. In the marmoset, however, the gene was initially duplicated, but the expansion was subjected afterwards to various mechanisms of genetic inactivation, as evidenced by the presence of pseudogenes and an array of genetic artefacts in a section of the transcripts.
Food spoilage is often caused by microorganisms. The predominant spoilage microorganisms of pasteurized, chilled ready-to-eat (RTE) mixed rice-vegetable meals stored at 7°C were isolated and ...determined as Paenibacillus species. These sporeforming psychrotrophic bacteria are well adapted to grow in the starch-rich environment of pasteurized and chilled meals. Growth of the Paenibacillus isolates appeared to be delayed by decreased (<7°C) temperature or chilled temperature (7°C) combined with decreased pH (<5), increased sodium chloride (>5.5%, corresponding with an aw<0.934), or decreased aw (<0.931; using sucrose). To gain insight in the effect of the pasteurization processing of the meal on spore inactivation, heat-inactivation kinetics were determined and D-values were calculated. According to these kinetics, pasteurization up to 90°C, necessary for inactivation of vegetative spoilage microorganisms and pathogens, does not significantly contribute to the inactivation of Paenibacillus spores in the meals. Furthermore, outgrowth of pasteurized spores was determined in the mixed rice-vegetable meal at several temperatures; P. terrae FBR-61 and P. pabuli FBR-75 isolates did not substantially increase in numbers during storage at 2°C, but had a significant increase within a month of storage at 4°C or within several days at 22°C. Overall, this work shows the importance of Paenibacillus species as spoilage microorganisms of pasteurized, chilled RTE meals and that the meals' matrix, processing conditions, and storage temperature are important hurdles to control microbial meal spoilage.
•Pasteurized, chilled ready-to-eat meals were investigated on spoilers.•Proper isolation temperature is important for isolating food spoilage microorganisms.•Paenibacillus species appeared to dominate the ready-to-eat meals.•Paenibacillus spp. inhibiting growth factors were investigated and detected.•A shelf life control strategy is possible via applying several hurdles.
Objective
Childhood‐onset systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a severe, lifelong, multisystem autoimmune disease. Long‐term outcome data are limited. This study was undertaken to identify clinical ...characteristics and health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) of adults with childhood‐onset SLE.
Methods
Patients participated in a single study visit comprising a structured history and physical examination. Disease activity (scored using the SLE Disease Activity Index 2000 SLEDAI‐2K), damage (scored using the Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics/American College of Rheumatology Damage Index SDI), and HRQoL (scored using the Short Form 36 Health Survey) were assessed. Medical records were reviewed.
Results
In total, 111 childhood‐onset SLE patients were included; the median disease duration was 20 years, 91% of patients were female, and 72% were white. Disease activity was low (median SLEDAI‐2K score 4), and 71% of patients received prednisone, hydroxychloroquine (HCQ), and/or other disease‐modifying antirheumatic drugs. The vast majority of new childhood‐onset SLE–related manifestations developed within 2 years of diagnosis. Damage such as myocardial infarctions began occurring after 5 years. Most patients (62%) experienced damage, predominantly in the musculoskeletal, neuropsychiatric, and renal systems. Cerebrovascular accidents, renal transplants, replacement arthroplasties, and myocardial infarctions typically occurred at a young age (median age 20 years, 24 years, 34 years, and 39 years, respectively). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that damage accrual was associated with disease duration (odds ratio OR 1.15, P < 0.001), antiphospholipid antibody positivity (OR 3.56, P = 0.026), and hypertension (OR 3.21, P = 0.043). Current HCQ monotherapy was associated with an SDI score of 0 (OR 0.16, P = 0.009). In this cohort, HRQoL was impaired compared to the overall Dutch population. The presence of damage reduced HRQoL scores in 1 domain. High disease activity (SLEDAI‐2K score ≥8) and changes in physical appearance strongly reduced HRQoL scores (in 4 of 8 domains and 7 of 8 domains, respectively).
Conclusion
The majority of adults with childhood‐onset SLE in this large cohort developed significant damage at a young age and had impaired HRQoL without achieving drug‐free remission, illustrating the substantial impact of childhood‐onset SLE on future life.
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