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Biomedical subjects

A S Anderson

Publications and source records attributed to A S Anderson.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources
PubMed1995

The influence of dietary advice on nutrient intake during pregnancy.

To assess the effect of an antenatal nutrition programme designed specifically for the local population, questionnaires on nutrition knowledge, attitudes to healthier eating and 4 d diet diaries were completed by women attending routine antenatal clinics. Women who received the nutrition education programme were allocated into an Intervention Education Group whilst those women who did not were allocated into a Routine Education Group. The results showed that knowledge about nutrition was significantly higher in the intervention group. However, no significant differences were detected between the two groups for attitude variables or nutrient intake. It is concluded, therefore, that the most-widely-read form of nutrition advice for pregnant women may have some impact on nutrition knowledge but has little effect on nutrient intake during pregnancy.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1995

Retention of oncogenicity by a Marek's disease virus mutant lacking six unique short region genes.

We previously reported the construction of Marek's disease virus (MDV) strains having mutations in various genes that map to the unique short (US) region of the viral genome (J.L. Cantello, A.S. Anderson, A. Francesconi, and R.W. Morgan, J. Virol. 65:1584-1588, 1991; M.S. Parcells, A.S. Anderson, and R.W. Morgan, Virus Genes 9:5-13, 1994; M.S. Parcells, A.S. Anderson, and R.W. Morgan, J. Virol. 68:8239-8253, 1994). These strains were constructed by using a high-passage-level serotype 1 MDV strain which grew well in chicken embryo fibroblasts. Despite the growth of the parent and mutant viruses in cell culture, in vivo studies were limited by poor growth of these strains in chickens. One of the mutants studied lacked 4.5 kbp of US region DNA and contained the lacZ gene of Escherichia coli inserted at the site of the deletion. The deletion removed MDV homologs to the US1, US2, and US10 genes of herpes simplex virus type 1 as well as three MDV-specific open reading frames. We now report the construction of a mutant MDV containing a similar deletion in the US region of the highly oncogenic RB1B strain. This mutant, RB1B delta 4.5lac, had a growth impairment in established chicken embryo fibroblasts similar to that described previously for MDVs lacking a functional US1 gene. In chickens, RB1B delta 4.5lac showed decreased early cytolytic infection, mortality, tumor incidence, and horizontal transmission. Several lymphoblastoid cell lines were established from RB1B delta 4.5lac-induced tumors, and virus reactivated from these cell lines was LacZ+. These results indicate that the deleted genes are nonessential for the transformation of chicken T cells or for the establishment and maintenance of latency. On the basis of the growth impairment observed for RB1B delta 4.5lac in cell culture and in vivo, we conclude that deletion of these genes affects the lytic replication of MDV. This is the first MDV mutant constructed in the RB1B oncogenic strain, and the methodology described herein provides for the direct examination of MDV-encoded determinants of oncogenicity.

Animals↗
PubMed1994

Characterization of a Marek's disease virus mutant containing a lacZ insertion in the US6 (gD) homologue gene.

We report the construction of a Marek's disease virus (MDV) mutant containing the lacZ gene of Escherichia coli inserted into a homologue of the US6 (glycoprotein D, gD) gene of herpes simplex virus. The mutant was constructed using the high-passage GAatt85 MDV strain as the parent virus, since that strain grows readily in chicken embryo fibroblasts using culture conditions conducive to mutant virus construction. The lacZ insertion site was positioned one third of the way into the US6 (gD) open reading frame. Insertion of the lacZ gene disrupted a major 6.2 kb transcript that initiated approximately 2.5 kb upstream of the gD homologue gene in the vicinity of the US3 homologue and sorf4 genes, and extended into the US7 (gI) homologue gene. The mutant virus (US6lac) and the parent virus had similar growth kinetics in cell culture at 37 degrees C and 41 degrees C. Furthermore, the US6lac mutant could be reisolated from the spleens and peripheral blood of infected chickens with a frequency comparable to that of the parent virus. Our results indicate that the gene encoding the gD homologue is nonessential for growth in cell culture or for infection of chickens following intra-abdominal inoculation with an attenuated serotype-1 MDV.

Animals↗
PubMed1994

Dietary patterns among adolescents in the west of Scotland.

Dietary data from 15-year-old adolescents participating in the West of Scotland Twenty-07 study were examined in order to describe current eating patterns and food habits. Comparison of the data with a 'healthy eating' index showed that less than one-third of the sample were eating a diet similar to that promoted by local health education campaigns. Multivariate analysis showed that adolescents from non-manual and wealthier families, non-smokers, and females were more likely to be classified as 'healthy eaters'. Comparison of the data with that collected from a 35-year-old cohort in the same study showed that significantly fewer 15-year-olds were likely to consume diets associated with long-term health.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1994

Identification of latency-associated transcripts that map antisense to the ICP4 homolog gene of Marek's disease virus.

Two small RNAs (0.9 and 0.75 kb), named Marek's disease virus (MDV) small RNAs (MSRs) and a 10-kb RNA, all of which map antisense to the MDV ICP4 homolog gene, have been readily detected in MDCC-MSB1 MDV-transformed T-lymphoblastoid cells. These RNAs were not detectable in reticuloendotheliosis virus-transformed T cells. When MDV was reactivated by treatment of lymphoblastoid cells with 25 micrograms of iododeoxyuridine per ml, the relative levels of the transcripts decreased. These RNAs were not detected by Northern (RNA) hybridization in productively infected chicken embryo fibroblasts 48 h postinfection; however, they were apparent 140 h postinfection. By using Northern hybridization, RNase protection assays, and primer extension analysis, the MSRs were determined to map antisense to the predicted translational start site of the ICP4 homolog gene. The conclusion most consistent with the data is that the two MSRs are overlapping, spliced RNAs. Both small RNAs contain a latency promoter binding factor consensus recognition sequence located toward their 5' ends as well as two potential ICP4 recognition consensus sequences, one in each orientation. The region contains a number of small open reading frames on each side and within the MSRs. Although the exact endpoints are unknown, the large 10-kb species spans the entire ICP4 homolog region. We believe that this group of RNAs, which map antisense to the ICP4 homolog gene, are latency-associated transcripts of MDV.

Animals↗
PubMed1994

Characterization of Marek's disease virus insertion and deletion mutants that lack US1 (ICP22 homolog), US10, and/or US2 and neighboring short-component open reading frames.

We report the characterization of Marek's disease virus (MDV) strains having mutations in various genes that map to the unique short (US) region of the viral genome. A deletion mutant (GA delta 4.8lac) lacks 4.8 kbp of US region DNA, the deleted segment having been replaced by the lacZ gene of Escherichia coli. This deletion results in the loss of the MDV-encoded US1, US10, and US2 homologs of herpes simplex virus type 1, as well as three putative MDV-specific genes, Sorf1, Sorf2, and Sorf3. Two mutants containing lacZ insertions in the US1 and US10 genes have been constructed, and we have previously reported a US2lac insertion mutant (J. L. Cantello, A. S. Anderson, A. Francesconi, and R. W. Morgan, J. Virol. 65:1584-1588, 1991). The isolation of these mutants indicates that the relevant genes are not required for growth of MDV in chicken embryo fibroblasts. The mutants had early growth kinetics indistinguishable from those of their parent viruses; however, 5 to 7 days after being plated, the US1 insertion mutant (US1lac) and the GA delta 4.8lac deletion mutant showed a 5- to 10-fold decrease in virus growth. This decrease in virus accumulation correlated with a 30 to 50% decrease in plaquing efficiency when these viruses were plated onto established versus fresh chicken embryo fibroblast monolayers compared with a 10 to 15% decrease seen for the parent viruses and for the US10lac or US2lac insertion mutants. Finally, GA delta 4.8lac could be reisolated from chickens, indicating that the deleted genes are not required for the infection of chickens following intra-abdominal inoculation of an attenuated serotype 1 MDV.

Animals↗
PubMed1993

Adolescent meal patterns: grazing habits in the west of Scotland.

Concern is frequently expressed that young people are increasingly taking a 'grazing' approach to eating, rather than eating 'proper meals', and that this may have undesirable nutritional and social consequences. As part of a wide ranging study of health and well-being, 1,009 fifteen year olds in the Central Clydeside Conurbation were questioned in 1987 about their eating patterns. They reported an average of 5.5 eating occasions per day (2.7 main meals and 2.8 snacks), these eating occasions being concentrated towards the end of the day. Over 40% reported eating crisps, confectionery or biscuits at least once a day, a much higher proportion than among a cohort of 35 year olds in the same study. We discuss the implications for nutrition education and suggest that the picture is not as bad as is sometimes painted.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1992

Complete nucleotide sequence of the Marek's disease virus ICP4 gene.

The Marek's disease virus (MDV) gene encoding a homologue to the ICP4 protein of herpes simplex virus has been mapped to BamHl fragment A based on the physical map of the MDV genome (Fukuchi et al., 1984). The gene lies completely within the inverted repeat flanking the unique short region of the genome. The complete nucleotide sequence of the MDV ICP4 gene has been determined. The coding region is 4245 nucleotides long and has an overall G+C content of 52%. The MDV ICP4 protein is predicted to have a structure similar to that of ICP4-like proteins of other herpesviruses in that it has five distinct regions, the second and fourth of which are highly conserved. In addition, the protein contains the characteristic run of serine residues located toward its amino terminus. The MDV ICP4 gene is expressed in MDV-infected chicken embryo fibroblasts.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1991

Retraining faculty for the problem-based curriculum at the University of Hawaii, 1989-1991.

The problem-based learning (PBL) curriculum, adopted by an increasing number of medical schools, requires retraining faculty for new roles as tutors with small groups of medical students. This study describes the procedures and results of four PBL training workshops (1989-1991) given at the University of Hawaii John A. Burns School of Medicine. Eighty-eight faculty volunteers each answered a 20-item multiple-choice questionnaire testing their knowledge of PBL both before and after they participated in a workshop. The posttest results were used to identify deficiencies in the tutors' knowledge and practice of both their role and their function. The authors conclude that these deficiencies, now identified, will be addressed in a systematic fashion in subsequent workshops.

Curriculum↗
PubMed1991

Radioimmunoassay of human eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) by an improved method. Establishment of normal levels in serum and turnover in vivo.

A radioimmunoassay was developed allowing measurement of the cytotoxic cationic ECP. The assay, which has a total incubation time of 3.5 hr, is a double antibody assay with radiolabelled ECP, covering the concentration range of 2-200 micrograms/l. Performance data show a detection limit of less than 2 micrograms/l and a cross-reactivity with eosinophil protein X (EPX/EDN) of less than 0.06%. The coefficient of variation (%) within the measuring range was, within assay 4.8-10.4, and total 6.6-12.0. The assay is useful for measurement in various body fluids including serum, nasal secretions and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, and dilution of samples prior to analysis was generally not required. Sera from 100 apparently healthy individuals revealed a geometric mean of 6.0 micrograms ECP/l and a range (95%) of 2.3-15.9 micrograms/l. The elimination rate of ECP, t1/2, in vivo was estimated to be 65 min when ECP was measured in serum. Comparisons between this assay and a method previously described showed that the new method is superior with regard to precision and assay procedure.

Blood Proteins↗
PubMed1991

Isolation of a Marek's disease virus (MDV) recombinant containing the lacZ gene of Escherichia coli stably inserted within the MDV US2 gene.

We have isolated a stable, recombinant Marek's disease virus (MDV) containing the lacZ gene of Escherichia coli inserted into the unique short region of the genome. The nucleotide sequence of the insertion site indicates that it lies within a sequence homologous to the US2 gene of herpes simplex virus. Stable insertion of the lacZ gene into the MDV US2 gene indicates that the site is nonessential for MDV growth in cell culture.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1990

A comparison between the diets of pregnant diabetic women and pregnant non-diabetic women.

In order to assess the effect of dietary advice for pregnant diabetic women, the habitual dietary intake of 8 pregnant diabetic women was assessed by 7-day weighed food records. These results were compared with records from 8 non-diabetic women, matched for age and gestation. Despite intense personalized dietetic advice to the diabetic women, there were no statistically significant differences in macro-nutrient intake between the two groups. The diabetic women were encouraged to increase their carbohydrate intake slightly, but failed to achieve current British Diabetic Association dietary recommendations with respect to percent energy from carbohydrate (41 +/- 5 (+/- SE)(range 29-47)%, BDA recommendation greater than 50%) and percentage from fat 43 +/- 6 (33-51)%, BDA recommendation less than 30%). Intake of bread and cereals was increased in the diabetic women, but increases in complex carbohydrates were insufficient to compensate for a reduced intake of high-sugar foods. Intakes of energy from simple sugars were significantly lower (p less than 0.05) in the diabetic group (12 +/- 2 (5-20)%) than in the non-diabetic group (21 +/- 2 (12-28)%). There was no detectable difference in sources of fats in the diet between the two groups.

Adult↗
PubMed1988

Catering for health in a Scottish Health Board.

This paper describes the first steps taken in Grampian Health Board to change hospital staff menus in order to provide meals higher in starchy carbohydrate and dietary fibre but lower in fat and sugar, as recommended in several recent reports. These changes are discussed with reference to the alterations made by the catering department. A nutrition education programme was used to promote these changes and the methods used for this are also described. An overall evaluation was carried out by means of a dietary intake questionnaire administered before and after the programme and the results of this show a significant decrease in fat intake and increases in carbohydrate and dietary fibre intakes.

Food Service, Hospital↗
PubMed1988

Towards NACNE: improving eating habits in a Scottish health board.

A low-cost locally based nutrition education programme was designed around the employment of a part-time dietitian with the aim of improving the nutritional intakes of Grampian Health Board staff. Its effectiveness was evaluated by assessment of habitual dietary intakes of staff, using a previously validated questionnaire administered to random samples before and after the intervention programme. The results indicated significant changes towards lower fat and higher carbohydrate intakes (both P less than 0.05) and improvements appeared to be distributed throughout the sexes, and age and socioeconomic groups. Mean fat intakes of staff fell by 2.7 per cent of total energy (P less than 0.01). Current long-term nutritional goals were achieved by 6 per cent of staff before the intervention programme and by 13 per cent afterwards (P less than 0.05). The example set in the staff dining rooms by the introduction of modified recipes and low-fat/high-carbohydrate replacements for some of the less healthy traditional dishes was well received and led to no increase in catering costs.

Adolescent↗