Hydroxide Gel Research Articles

Evaluation of the efficacy of a new oil-based adjuvant ISA 61 VG FMD vaccine as a potential vaccine for cattle.

Foot-and-mouth disease is an important viral disease of cloven-hoofed animals. Inactivated whole particle virus vaccines are still widely used in prophylactic vaccination campaigns. The choice of adjuvant is a very important factor in enhancing immune responses and the efficacy of inactivated vaccines. Montanide ISA 61 VG is a new ready-to-use mineral oil-based adjuvant developed by SEPPIC Inc. (SEPPIC, France) with high-potential immune responses needed for clinical protection against FMD infection. In this study, we compared the efficacy of two FMD vaccines either formulated with the new oil-based adjuvant ISA 61 VG and saponin, or with aluminum hydroxide gel and saponin. Both vaccines contained the same antigen payloads of O2010/IR. Two groups of 15 naive cattle received a single vaccination with different doses (full dose, 1/3 dose and 1/9 dose) to calculate their PD50 (50% protective dose) after being challenged with the homologous virulent virus. The mean neutralizing antibody titer was determined at 0, 7, 14 and 21 days after vaccination, measured by a micro neutralization test. The new vaccine improved humoral immune responses by 19%, while inducing a higher geometric mean. The titer for neutralizing antibodies was 2.91 log10 compared to the alum-gel based adjuvant vaccine which was 2.44 log10 (P-value=0.1782). The new vaccine showed a PD50 value of 10.05 as compared to a PD50 value of 4.171, respectively. According to the results, the FMD vaccine formulated with the new oil adjuvant, ISA 61 VG, shows potential as an alternative vaccine for routine and emergency vaccinations in the FMD enzootic region.

Relationships between cell migration, adhesion, apoptosis and gene expression in free and attached peritoneal cells in turbot after administration of vaccines containing P. dicentrarchi antigen and different adjuvants

Intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection is the most effective method of vaccinating fish in terms of antibody production and the degree of protection induced, and most current vaccines are administered in fish via this route. Vaccines are known to generate an inflammatory reaction in the peritoneal cavity, which is mainly caused by the adjuvant. Vaccination induces bidirectional movement of cells in and out of the peritoneal cavity where free cells and cells attached to the mesothelium and forming cell-vaccine masses can be observed. However, many aspects of the cellular immune response generated in the peritoneal cavity, such as the processes that provoke those cell responses, remain unknown. The present study analyses the cell traffic, adhesion, apoptosis and changes in gene expression in free and attached peritoneal cells after administration of vaccines containing P. dicentrarchi antigen and different types of adjuvants. Turbot were injected with PBS, PBS plus P. dicentrarchi membrane antigen, microspheres of chitosan-PVMMA containing membrane antigen, or with a mixture of antigen and one the following adjuvants: Montanide Isa 763 A, aluminium hydroxide gel or Matrix-Q. A control group also included non injected fish. Fish were sampled at several times after vaccination. The peritoneal cavity was washed with 5 mL of cold PBS to obtain the free peritoneal cells. Cells forming cell-vaccine masses and cells attached to the peritoneal mesothelium were also obtained and disaggregated by treatment with trypsin and EDTA. Cells were analysed by light microscopy, immunohistochemistry and flow cytometry. Gene expression was determined in free peritoneal cells by using a microarray rich in genes related to the immune response and to the cell cytoskeleton. In addition, gene expression was analysed by real-time PCR analysis of attached peritoneal cells and of spleen and kidney cells. The results indicate intense cell traffic to and from the peritoneal cavity, including free cells, cells attached to the mesothelium and others migrating to lymphoid organs. Gene expression analysis revealed intense upregulation of genes associated with cytoskeleton, cell adhesion and cell surface receptors. Apoptosis was observed from day one, with upregulation of genes involved in apoptosis and cell death. However, lymphocytes were scarce, and downregulation of genes related to lymphocyte activity and lymphocyte chemotaxis was observed. Finally, we compared the responses generated by the different adjuvants.

Hydration Products, Microstructure and Durability of Concrete with Metakaolin Addition

The durability, microstructure and hydration products of concrete containing 0-6wt% metakaolin (MK) were studied by analytical techniques. The hydration products were calcium hydroxide (CH), ettringite and calcium silicate hydrate gels in the control concrete, and additional monocarboaluminate and hemicarboaluminate were identified in concrete containing MK. CH content decreased by 28 days hydration in concrete containing MK, due to the pozzolanic reaction between MK and CH. Chloride diffusion coefficient decreased with the increase of MK content. By addition of 6wt% MK, chloride diffusion coefficient decreased by 60%.

Altered adjuvant of foot-and-mouth disease vaccine improves immune response and protection from virus challenge

Vaccines for foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) generally use oil adjuvants. For better immunization and safety, an adjuvant should be selected only after careful consideration. In this study, we produced vaccines for O, A, and Asia1 serotypes by mixing oil adjuvants, Emulsigen-D (ED), ISA 201, and ISA 206 with and without an aluminum hydroxide (AL) gel and measured their immunogenicity and safety to obtain information regarding critical differences (survival or weight loss) of vaccine quality in mice; the goal of this test was to overcome the difficulties associated with experiments large or medium-sized animals. The groups immunized with the vaccines containing only the oil adjuvants (ED, ISA 201, and ISA 206) had similar or higher levels of neutralizing antibodies and structural protein antibodies for the FMD virus (FMDV) than the groups immunized with the vaccines including the oil adjuvants mixed with the gel. However, in a challenge test using a mouse model, the protection rate showed the highest results in ISA 201 and ISA 206 mixed with AL. The mice immunized with vaccines containing ED showed temporary weight loss in the early postvaccination stages. Cell-mediated immunity was formed relatively strongly in the group vaccinated with vaccines including ISA 201 and ISA 206. We proposed that combinations of these adjuvants represent candidates for future FMD vaccines.

Superovulation with a single administration of FSH in aluminum hydroxide gel: a novel superovulation method for cattle.

Superovulation (SOV) is a necessary technique to produce large numbers of embryos for embryo transfer. In the conventional methods, follicular stimulating hormone (FSH) is administered to donor cattle twice daily for 3 to 4 days. As this method is labor intensive and stresses cattle, improving this method has been desired. We previously developed a novel and simple SOV method, in which the intramuscular injection of a single dose of FSH in aluminum hydroxide gel (AH-gel) induced the growth of multiple follicles, ovulation and the production of multiple embryos. Here we show that AH-gel can efficiently adsorb FSH and release it effectively in the presence of BSA, a major interstitial protein. When a single intramuscular administration of the FSH and AH-gel mixture was performed to cattle, multiple follicular growth, ovulation and embryo production were induced. However, the treatments caused indurations at the administration sites in the muscle. To reduce the muscle damage, we investigated alternative administration routes and different amounts of aluminum in the gel. By administering the FSH in AH-gel subcutaneously rather than intramuscularly, the amount of aluminum in the gel could be reduced, thus reducing the size of the induration. Moreover, repeated administrations of FSH with AH-gel did not affect the superovulatory response. These results indicate that a single administration of FSH with AH-gel is an effective, novel and practical method for SOV treatment.

3,5,6,7,8,3',4'-Heptamethoxyflavone reduces interleukin-4 production in the spleen cells of mice.

In our previous studies, we reported anti-inflammatory functions of 3,5,6,7,8,3',4'-heptamethoxyflavone (HMF), which is a polymethoxyflavone rich in various citrus fruits. Here, we investigated the immunomodulatory function of HMF in mice. HMF administration (50 mg/kg, i.p., 2 times/week) tended to reduce the production of antigen-specific IgE induced by ovalbumin in combination with aluminum hydroxide gel. Fluorescence-activated cell sorting analysis revealed the reduction of interleukin-4(+)CD4(+) spleen cells and sustained presence of interferon-γ(+)CD4(+) spleen cells in mice administered HMF, whereas the ratio of CD4(+)CD8(-) versus CD4(-)CD8(+) spleen cells was not affected. Interleukin-4 release from CD3/CD28-stimulated spleen cells of mice administered HMF was reduced, whereas interferon-γ release was not affected. These results suggest that HMF has an immunomodulatory function via reduced interleukin-4 expression.

Особенности кристаллизации наноразмерного a-оксида алюминия из алюмогидроксидных гелей с введенной затравкой

Особенности кристаллизации наноразмерного a-оксида алюминия из алюмогидроксидных гелей с введенной затравкой

Preparation of nanocrystalline composite TiO2-SnO2 powders using sol-gel method combined with hydrothermal treatment

The paper describes the process of TiO2-SnO2 nanocompositesmanufacturing utilizing two-step sol-gel method combined with calcination (in the case of titanium hydroxide gel) or hydrothermal treatment (in the case of tin hydroxide). Phase composition of the obtained nanopowders and average crystallite sizes were determined using XRD analysis. Measurements of the specific surface area were performed using sorption method based on determination of physical adsorption isotherm (BET). Morphology of the nanopowders was observed using transmission electron microscope. The presented synthesis method enables to obtain composites nanopowders from TiO2-SnO2 system with known and controlled chemical and phase compositions, and distinctly diversified TiO2 and SnO2 particle sizes.

EFFECT ON IMMUNE RESPONSE AND VIRUS SHEDDING IN THE CHICKEN VACCINATED AGAINST INACTIVATED LOCAL STRAIN OF NEWCASTLE DISEASE VIRUS GENOTYPE VII

The effectiveness of the new inactivated vaccine develop from local velogenic strain of Newcastle disease virus (NDV) Genotype VII and commercial vaccines LaSota were compared by determining the immune response and virus shedding of vaccinated chickens. Ten different groups of chicken consists of ten each, were vaccinated with and without adjuvant of the inactivated vaccine via intramuscular and subcutaneous, respectively. Three different adjuvants were used which include Oil-emulsion Complete Freund’s, Oil-emulsion Squalene-based, and aluminium hydroxide gel (Alum). As a comparison, a group of chicken was vaccinated with commercial vaccine and control group was not vaccinated. With 100% survival rate and highest mean haemaglutination-inhibition (HI) titre of log2 6, the inactivated vaccine with adjuvant Alum and Oil-emulsion Complete Freund’s surpassed the LaSota. In addition, the virus shedding was significantly reduced and comparable to LaSota vaccinated chicken. Whereas, without adjuvant, the chicken HI antibody titre is below log2 4 after vaccination and only 20-30% were survived. Based on the post-mortem findings on the survived chicken from each vaccinated group, their internal organs appeared normal and no sign of haemorrhage or pathognomonic signs of Newcastle disease (ND). Conclusively, vaccinated chicken are effectively protected from morbidity and mortality against virulent genotype VII challenge with the addition of adjuvant into inactivated local strain of NDV genotype VII vaccine. Thus, the development of inactivated local NDV genotype VII vaccine is a promising candidate to control the current ND endemic in Malaysia.

Adjuvant Immune Enhancement of Subunit Vaccine Encoding pSCPI of Streptococcus iniae in Channel Catfish (Ictalurus punctatus).

Channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) is an important agricultural fish that has been plagued by Streptococcus iniae (S. iniae) infections in recent years, some of them severe. C5a peptidase is an important virulent factor of S. iniae. In this study, the subunit vaccine containing the truncated part of C5a peptidase (pSCPI) was mixed with aluminum hydroxide gel (AH), propolis adjuvant (PA), and Freund’s Incomplete Adjuvant (FIA). The immunogenicity of the pSCPI was detected by Western-blot in vitro. The relative percent survival (RPS), lysozyme activity, antibody titers, and the expression of the related immune genes were monitored in vivo to evaluate the immune effects of the three different adjuvants. The results showed that pSCPI exerted moderate immune protection (RPS = 46.43%), whereas each of the three adjuvants improved the immune protection of pSCPI. The immunoprotection of pSCPI + AH, pSCPI + PA, and pSCPI + FIA was characterized by RPS values of 67.86%, 75.00% and, 85.71%, respectively. Further, each of the three different adjuvanted pSCPIs stimulated higher levels of lysozyme activity and antibody titers than the unadjuvanted pSCPI and/or PBS buffer. In addition, pSCPI + FIA and pSCPI + PA induced expression of the related immune genes under investigation, which was substantially higher than the levels stimulated by PBS. pSCPI + AH significantly stimulated the induction of MHC II β, CD4-L2, and IFN-γ, while it induced slightly higher production of TNF-α and even led to a decrease in the levels of IL-1β, MHC I α, and CD8 α. Therefore, we conclude that compared with the other two adjuvants, FIA combined with pSCPI is a more promising candidate adjuvant against S. iniae in channel catfish.

Evaluation of inactivated Rift valley fever virus vaccine adjuvanted with montanide oil ISA 201 VG

Inactivated tissue culture adapted Rift Valley Fever (RVF) Virus vaccines were prepared usingMontanide oil ISA 201 VG and aluminum hydroxide gel as adjuvants. The prepared vaccines weresterile and safe inducing no systemic or local clinical signs in sheep. Comparative evaluation ofexperimentally prepared vaccines in sheep after a single dose indicated that the oily prepared vaccinesstimulated the humeral immune response as estimated by SNT and ELISA compared with aluminumhydroxide gel vaccine. Protective serum antibody titers against in Montanide oil ISA 201 VGadjuvenated RVF vaccine appeared in protective level at 1st week post vaccination and aluminumhydroxide gel adjuvenated RVF vaccine at 2nd week. This protective titer persisted till 12th month inthe new oily vaccine and till the 6th month for Aluminum hydroxide gel vaccine. Both of SNT andELISA indicated that among the used adjuvant Montanide oil ISA 201 VG was preferable

Comparative evaluation of different inactivated Rift valley fever virus vaccine adjuvanted with montanide oil ISA 61 VG, montanide oil ISA 201 VG, and aluminum hydroxide gel

Comparative evaluation of different inactivated Rift valley fever virus vaccine adjuvanted with montanide oil ISA 61 VG, montanide oil ISA 201 VG, and aluminum hydroxide gel

An alternative method for preparation of polyaluminum chloride coagulant using fresh aluminum hydroxide gels: Characterization and coagulation performance

The drawbacks, high energy consumption, rigorous preparation condition and high impurity contents, have been well-recognized in the preparation of widely-used polyaluminum chloride via conventional methods in industrial scale. In order to overcome the drawbacks, the fresh aluminum hydroxide gels were proposed to prepare the polyaluminum chloride (PACG) in this study. The optimal preparation condition of PACG was obtained by optimizing the preparation conditions including temperature, time and acid concentration. The contents of the small/middle polymeric aluminum (Alb) in an optimized PACG could reach 80%. During preparation, high temperature significantly reduced the preparation time but led to a poor stability. Lower rate constants of reaction between hydroxyl-Al and Ferron, kb1 and kb2, were almost equal at high basicity value. It implied that the middle polymeric aluminum (Alb2) was dominant in Alb. Besides, the pseudo-first-order kinetics equation was rearranged. Coagulation by PACG2.0 was found to be the most effective for low-turbidity water treatment but limited to a narrowest optimum range of dosage compared with other PACG. The residual aluminum concentration of the water after coagulation by the PACG2.5 with fresh aluminum hydroxide gels was always low even overdosing. Charge neutralization was not the predominant coagulation mechanism in this treatment.

Reduction of Salmonella Enteritidis in the spleens of hens by bacterins that vary in fimbrial protein SefD.

The objective of this research was to determine whether variation in the presence of fimbrial protein SefD would impact efficacy of bacterins as measured by recovery of Salmonella enterica serovar Enteritidis (Salmonella Enteritidis) from the spleens of hens. Two bacterins were prepared that varied in SefD content. Also, two adjuvants were tested, namely, water-in-oil and aluminum hydroxide gel (alum). Control groups for both adjuvant preparations included infected nonvaccinated hens and uninfected nonvaccinated hens. At 21 days postinfection, Salmonella Enteritidis was recovered from 69.7%, 53.1%, and 86.0% from the spleens of all hens vaccinated with bacterins lacking SefD, bacterins that included SefD, and infected nonvaccinated control hens, respectively. No Salmonella was recovered from uninfected nonvaccinates. Results from individual trials showed that both bacterins reduced positive spleens, but that the one with SefD was more efficacious. Alum adjuvant had fewer side effects on hens and egg production as compared to water-in-oil. However, adjuvant did not change the relative recovery of Salmonella Enteritidis from spleens. These results suggest that SefD is a promising target antigen for improving the efficacy of immunotherapy in hens, and is intended to reduce Salmonella Enteritidis in the food supply.

Protective immune-response of aluminium hydroxide gel adjuvanted phage lysate of Brucella abortus S19 in mice against direct virulent challenge with B. abortus 544

The prophylactic efficacies of plain and alum adsorbed lysate were evaluated by direct virulent challenge in mice model. A recently isolated brucellaphage ‘ϕLd’ was used for generation of lysates. Twenty four h incubated Brucella abortus S19 broth cultures standardized to contain approximately 108 CFU/ml were found suitable for generation of lysates. Three lysate batches produced through separate cycles did not show any significant variation with respect to protein and polysaccharide contents, endotoxin level and phage counts, indicating that compositionally stable lysate preparations can be generated through an optimized production process. Three polypeptides of ∼16, 19 and 23 kDa could be identified as immuno-dominant antigens of the lysate which induced both humoral and cell-mediated immune responses in a dose dependent manner. Results of efficacy evaluation trial confirmed dose-dependent protective potencies of lysate preparation. The lysate with an antigenic dose of 0.52 μg protein and 60 μg CHO adsorbed on aluminium gel (0.1 percent aluminium concentration) exhibited the highest protective potency which was greater than that induced by standard S19 vaccine. Phage lysate methodology provides a very viable option through which an improved immunizing preparation with all desirable traits can be developed against brucellosis, and integrated with immunization programmes in a more efficient manner.

Characterization of flocculation-conditioning ferric hydroxide gel with differently charged polyacrylamides

Three types of polyacrylamide (PAM) flocculants of cationic PAM WD4960, non-ionic PAM M351, and anionic PAM WDA110 had different performances on the Ferric hydroxide gel (FHG) dewaterability and that M351 was the best one. The optimum dosages of these PAMs did not completely depend on the FHG total suspended solid (TSS) content of 0.2–1.5g/L. The amount of PAM absorbed on the FHG surface linearly increased with an increase in its dosage, and saturation adsorption did not occur at the tested PAM dosages. The rise in PAM dosage can increase the size of conditioned FHG flocs/aggregates, while can decrease their compactness. The conditioned FHG aggregates at the optimum M351 dosage exhibited a moderate size, the smoothest surface, and the least compact structure among the three types of PAM. Conditioning the raw FHG with the cationic PAM of WD4960 increased its positive charge and decreased its hydrophilicity and specific surface area (S). However, M351 or WDA110 conditioning only increased the negative surface charge and hydrophilicity and decreased the S value of the conditioned FHG. The osmotic pressure variations indicated that, as a hydrogel, the optimum WD4960-conditioned FHG had stronger potential to absorb water from outside than the M351 or WDA110-conditioned FHG. Compared with that in the raw FHG, the free water content (FWC) reduction in the M351- or WD4960-conditioned FHG contributed entirely to the increase in bound water content (BWC) and the water release outside the hydrogel.

Allergen extract suspension for subcutaneous injection (Alustal®; Phostal®): a guide to its use for allergen-specific immunotherapy

Alustal® and Phostal® are injectable suspensions containing allergen extracts adsorbed onto aluminium hydroxide and calcium phosphate gels, respectively. Alustal® and Phostal® are indicated for use as subcutaneous allergen immunotherapy (SCIT) in children aged ≥5 years and adults who have type 1 allergies of a seasonal or perennial nature. SCIT with Alustal® or Phostal® was effective and generally well tolerated in clinical trials in patients with allergic symptoms induced by grass or tree pollens or house-dust mites. In general, allergic symptoms were improved and the use of symptomatic drug treatment was reduced, with some studies also showing improvements in health-related quality of life. Accelerated Alustal® dose-escalation schedules are available in some countries and will likely improve the convenience of SCIT for patients. Accelerated dose-escalation schedules (e.g. cluster build-up schedules and shortened conventional build-up schedules) were generally well tolerated in clinical trials.

Recovery of Nanoparticles of Metal Values from Spent Metallized Graphite Brushes and Slip Rings

This work provides a method to recover monolayer metal values having nanoparticle in size from spent metalized graphite brushes. The recovered metals are supported on porous glassy carbon substrate by chemical or electro deposition process. The chemical method involves crushing and grinding of the spent brushes to pass 200 mesh. Magnetic separation removed magnetic susceptible metals such as iron. Nonferrous metals were leached using 3N nitric acid in hot conditions. Hydroxide gel of the dissolved metals generated with 1N ammonium hydroxide. The carbon substrate was multi-impregnated with metals hydroxide 3-4 times. In each time, the loaded carbon was dried. Free metals on the carbon substrate are obtained by reducing the hydroxide with hydrazine hydrate or by thermal reduction using hydrogen gas at 900°C. In the electro deposition process, ground spent brushes were packed in a polyethylene cloth used as anode. The electrolyte is 3M of sulfate salt of the metal of concern. Pulse current cyclic voltmetric technique was applied to control the particle diameter and thickness of the deposited metal. Results revealed that monolayer silver and copper of nanoparticles has been successfully prepared from spent metalized graphite brushes. Electro deposition is more friendly environment procedure and more convenient, less cost and more precise.

Evaluation of humoral immunity and protective efficacy of biofilm producing Staphylococcus aureus bacterin-toxoid prepared from a bovine mastitis isolate in rabbit.

Mastitis is a one of the major diseases of dairy animals. Staphylococcus aureus is the most common microorganism associated with this dairy scourge. Cure rates of mastitis associated with this pathogen are appallingly low. Biofilm is an important virulence factor and immunogenic structure of S. aureus that makes it resistant to phagocytosis and antibiotics. Reports on the efficacy of vaccine prepared from a biofilm producing S. aureus are infrequent. The present study was designed to evaluate the role of a bacterin-toxoid prepared from a strong biofilm producing S. aureus in effective immunization of rabbits. The strong biofilm producing S. aureus selected from 64 isolates of staphylococci was used to prepare bacterin-toxoid and aluminum hydroxide gel was added as an adjuvant. The vaccine was evaluated in rabbits by challenge protection assay and humoral immune response. The mortality rates in control and vaccinated groups were 80% and 10% at day 7 post challenge and 100% and 20% at day 15 post challenge, respectively. Serum antibody titer (GMT) was significantly higher (294.0) in vaccinated group as compared to control group of rabbits (2.63) at day 45. The results showed that the vaccine has significantly elicited humoral immune response in rabbit and developed protective efficacy against new infections.

Effect of organic matter removal treatments and addition of aluminum-containing substances on incidence of Fusarium wilt of lettuce

In order to determine the mechanism of lettuce root rot suppression in topsoil of andosols we investigated the effect of removing humus from a topsoil of andosol and adding aluminum substances to a disease-conducive subsoil of andosol on the incidence of lettuce root rot. Both topsoil of andosols heated at 250°C and treatment with hydrogen peroxide sustained disease suppressive effect, and exhibited similar levels of disease suppression as the untreated topsoil of andosol. The disease suppressive effect was lost by heating topsoil of andosol at 400°C. Next, both subsoil of andosol amendment with aluminum-containing humic acid (Al-humic acid) and aluminum hydroxide gel (Al(OH)3) added the disease suppressive effect, but not with humic acid or crystalline structure aluminum hydroxide [crystalline Al(OH)3]. The addition of Al-humic acid and Al(OH)3 to potato dextrose agar medium significantly inhibited growth of the causal agent of lettuce root rot, Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lactucae, compared with the control. Based on the above results, we speculate that noncrystalline aluminum hydroxide, which forms complexes with humus, inhibits growth of pathogenic fungus and thereby suppresses incidence of lettuce root rot.