Saudi Med J
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To optimize an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for measuring the HspX protein (α-crystallin) levels and then evaluate its correlation with the accumulation of lipid bodies in Mycobacterium bovis (M. bovis) during hypoxia and exposure to nitric oxide. ⋯ The optimized ELISA protocol in this study can detect HspX protein levels in M. bovis growing in normal and hypoxic environments. Importantly, hypoxia led to enhanced expression of HspX protein, which correlated with the enhanced production of lipid bodies. Lipid body production is a survival strategy of pathogenic mycobacteria.
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Kawasaki disease is a vascular disorder of unknown etiology that affects children. Kawasaki disease mainly involves medium-sized blood vessels and may cause cardiovascular complications, particularly coronary artery aneurysms. ⋯ Although a relationship between vaccinations and Kawasaki disease has been suggested, there is no strong evidence of an increased risk or causal association. This possibility of adverse effects is rare but should be observed and further investigated.