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Biomedical subjects

I Weir

Publications and source records attributed to I Weir.

12 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2000

Hybrid and complex glycans are linked to the conserved N-glycosylation site of the third eight-cysteine domain of LTBP-1 in insect cells.

Covalent association of LTBP-1 (latent TGF-beta binding protein-1) to latent TGF-beta is mediated by the third eight-cysteine (also referred to as TB) module of LTBP-1, a domain designated as CR3. Spodoptera frugiperda (Sf9) cells have proved a suitable cell system in which to study this association and to produce recombinant CR3, and we show here that another lepidopteran cell line, Trichoplusia niTN-5B1-4 (High-Five) cells, allows the recovery of large amounts of functional recombinant CR3. CR3 contains an N-glycosylation site, which is conserved in all forms of LTBP known to date. When we examined the status of this N-glycosylation using MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry and enzymatic analysis, we found that CR3 is one of the rare recombinant peptides modified with complex glycans in insect cells. Sf9 cells mainly processed the fucosylated paucomannosidic structure (GlcNAc)(2)(Mannose)(3)Fucose, although hybrid and complex N-glycosylations were also detected. In High-Five cells, the peptide was found to be modified with a wide variety of hybrid and complex sugars in addition to paucomanosidic oligosaccharides. Most glycans had one or two fucose residues bound through alpha1,3 and alpha1,6 linkages to the innermost GlcNAc. On the basis of these results and on the structure of an eight-cysteine domain from fibrillin-1, we present a model of glycosylated CR3 and discuss the role of glycosylation in eight-cysteine domain protein-protein interactions.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1996

Functional results in oral cavity reconstruction using reinnervated versus nonreinnervated free fasciocutaneous grafts.

Recent advances in free-tissue transfer have given the otolaryngologist--head and neck surgeon a number of reliable options for reconstruction of the oral cavity following ablative procedures. One recent modification has been the transfer of free reinnervated fasciocutaneous grafts in the hope of enhancing oral rehabilitation following surgery. To assess the efficacy of this modification, a protocol was established to retrospectively evaluate patients that received either reinnervated or non-reinnervated free-tissue transfers. Factors including site, surgical resection, type of tissue transfer, and follow-up period were controlled. Evaluation of free-graft sensory return and quality of life was carried out through physical examination and patient interview. Speech assessment was carried out using standardized tests of intelligibility administered by a speech pathologist. Swallowing assessment was carried out with videocinefluoroscopic and scintigraphic techniques, and the oropharyngeal swallow efficiency was calculated. Sensory return in the reinnervate free grafts was superior; however, there was not statistical difference between groups in the speech and swallowing tests. Quality of life was judged to be good in both groups. Sensory return and functional outcome in intraoral reconstruction after tumour ablation was reviewed and discussed

Adult↗
PubMed1994

Disruption of the structure of larval foraging behaviour in interspecific hybrids in Drosophila.

Larval foraging behaviour in two sibling species, Drosophila pavani and Drosophila gaucha belonging to the mesophragmatica species group, is described. Interspecific hybrid larvae derived from both reciprocal crosses of the parent species show disruption in the organization of their behaviour, leading to lower mean feeding rates. This, together with interactions involving biotic residues, described elsewhere, is likely under competitive conditions to contribute to reduced fitness of the hybrids relative to the parent species.

Animals↗
PubMed1988

Haemodynamic and metabolic effects of prophylactic nitroglycerin infusion in the immediate period following coronary artery bypass grafting.

This is a preliminary report of work in progress to assess the effects of prophylactic nitroglycerin infusion in patients undergoing coronary artery vein grafting. So far 14 patients have been studied. They were divided into two groups to receive either nitroglycerin (1 microgram kg-1 min-1) or placebo (5% dextrose). The infusion was commenced on removal of the aortic cross-clamp after completion of the distal anastomoses of the grafts. During cardiopulmonary bypass myocardial protection was provided by cold potassium cardioplegia and systemic hyopthermia. For 2 hours after cessation of cardiopulmonary bypass simultaneous samples of coronary sinus and femoral arterial blood were taken to estimate lactate concentrations and oxygen saturation. No differences were found between the groups. At the same times haemodynamic measurements were made. There was a statistically significant increase in cardiac index in the nitroglycerin group up to 30 minutes post cardiopulmonary bypass. There was also a statistically significant fall in systemic and pulmonary vascular resistances with no differences in systemic or pulmonary arterial pressures. There was no difference in central venous or pulmonary capillary wedge pressures. Patients receiving nitroglycerin seemed more stable cardiovascularly than those receiving placebo. In conclusion nitroglycerin improves cardiac output in the immediate post bypass period following cold potassium cardioplegia.

Bicarbonates↗
PubMed1987

A case of left atrial haemangioma: echocardiographic, surgical, and morphological features.

A slow growing encapsulated haemangioma of the left atrium was diagnosed by means of cross sectional echocardiography. The heterogeneous nature of the tumour was reflected in a central area of relative echolucency. After successful surgical removal of the tumour, the patient's symptoms of lethargy and limited exercise capacity improved considerably.

Echocardiography↗
PubMed1986

Problems in the investigation of an apparent outbreak of coagulase-negative staphylococcal septicaemia following cardiac surgery.

Two hundred and twenty-six hospital staff and patients were investigated for the carriage of gentamicin-resistant coagulase-negative staphylococci (CNS) during an apparent outbreak of infection after cardiac surgery. Of the four index strains from infected wounds, three were indistinguishable. The carriage of similar organisms was widespread, particularly among ITU staff (72%) and patients. Ninety-one of the 296 gentamicin-resistant isolates were further investigated, and of these 33 were indistinguishable from index strains even with the use of specialized techniques. Our experience indicates that in outbreaks of infection caused by gentamicin-resistant CNS, resources should be focused on the interruption of transmission and prevention of introduction of these organisms to susceptible patients.

Carrier State↗
PubMed1986

Aortic dissection during pregnancy.

Aortic dissection occurred in a nineteen year old woman during the thirty seventh week of pregnancy. Immediate elective delivery of a normal baby by caesarean section was followed by aortic root replacement 48 hours later. It was decided not to proceed immediately to operation on the aortic root because it was believed that the anticoagulation necessary for cardiopulmonary bypass might provoke dangerous haemorrhage from the raw placental site.

Adult↗