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Biomedical subjects

J C Thompson

Publications and source records attributed to J C Thompson.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

The effectiveness of individual versus group induction of depressed mood.

This study is an investigation of the effectiveness of an individually administered mood induction procedure compared with an equivalent procedure administered to a group. Seventy-nine nondepressed individuals (25 men, 54 women) were randomly assigned to either a depressive or a neutral mood induction in an individual or a group setting. In each procedure, the mood induction involved the Velten self-statement procedure (E. Velten, 1968) enhanced by related mood music. Overall, both the individual and group induction procedures were effective in producing a depressed mood state, and their effectiveness was unrelated to social desirability or the sex of the participant. However, the group procedure was more vulnerable to individual differences in response, and its use in research on depression requires stringent criteria for mood change.

Acoustic Stimulation↗

Outbreak of post-parturient haemoglobinuria in an autumn calving dairy herd.

AIM: Description of factors relating to an outbreak of post-parturient haemoglobinuria in a dairy herd in New Zealand. HISTORY: Fifty cows out of 300 newly autumn calved cows, at about 3 weeks post partum, developed signs of anorexia, jaundice, anaemia, red urine, and 14 died. Many cows were severely inappetant. Others were subclinically affected, as indicated by partial inappetance. Routine haematological examinations carried out at this time revealed a profound regenerative anaemia, and serum phosphorus concentrations were markedly decreased, giving a diagnosis of post-parturient haemoglobinuria. The cows had been through a severe drought, but were in good condition. They were being fed a combination of grass, barley and a mix of fruit, vegetable cannery waste and silage. Analysis of the grass, milker mix and silage, which formed a component of the milker mix, revealed a marginally low phosphorus concentration in the silage. TREATMENT: The cows were treated by phosphorus supplementation and supportive treatment, and most eventually recovered.

Journal Article↗

Automated homogeneous immunoassay for gentamicin on the dimension clinical chemistry system.

BACKGROUND: Monitoring of the concentration of gentamicin in serum and plasma during therapy is widely recommended and practiced in hospitals. Our aim was to develop a homogeneous immunoassay based on particle-enhanced turbidimetric inhibition immunoassay technology to quantify gentamicin on the Dimension clinical chemistry system. METHODS: Assay performance was assessed on each of the Dimension models in a 15-instrument interlaboratory comparison study. A split-sample comparison (n = 1171) was also performed between the gentamicin methods on the Dimension system and the Abbott TDx analyzer, using multiple reagent and calibrator lots on multiple instruments. RESULTS: The Dimension method was linear to 25.1 micromol/L (12.0 microg/mL) with a detection limit of 0.63 micromol/L (0.3 microg/mL). Calibration was stable for 30 days. The within-run imprecision (CV) was <1.3%, and total imprecision ranged from 1.8% to 3.2% between 4.2 micromol/L (2.0 microg/mL) and 16.7 micromol/L (8.0 microg/mL) gentamicin. Linear regression analysis of the results on the Dimension method (DM) vs the Abbott TDx yielded the following equation: DM = 0.98TDx - 0.42; r = 0.987. Minimal interference was observed from structurally related compounds such as sagamicin, netilmicin, and sisomicin. CONCLUSION: The monoclonal antibody used in this method has similar reactivities toward the individual gentamicin subspecies C1, C1a, and C2, thus providing analytical recovery not significantly dependent on relative subspecies concentrations.

Anti-Bacterial Agents↗

Insulin-like growth factor-I promotes multidrug resistance in MCLM colon cancer cells.

Insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) is known as a potent mitogen for a variety of cell types, including colon cancer cell lines. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of IGF-I on cell death induced by cytotoxic agents actinomycin D (Act-D), lovastatin (LOV), and doxorubicin (DOX) in the MCLM mouse colon cancer cell line, and the mechanisms involved. Subconfluent monolayer MCLM cells were treated with IGF-I (25 ng/ml) for 12 h in serum-free media. Various concentrations of cytotoxic agents then were added to the cells that were incubated continually at 37 degrees C for 24 h. Cell survival was determined with the MTT (3-[4-5-dimenthylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) assay, which assesses mitochondrial function in living cells. The mRNA expression for multidrug resistance gene-1 (mdr-1), c-H-ras, and manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) in cells treated with IGF-I was examined by Northern blot or RNase protection assays. The levels of p-glycoprotein, a drug efflux pump encoded by the mdr-1 gene, were assessed by Western immunoblotting. Results demonstrated that 1) IGF-I significantly inhibited the cell death and apoptosis of MCLM cells treated with Act-D, LOV, or DOX; 2) IGF-I increased mRNA expression for mdr-1, c-H-ras, and MnSOD; 3) the p-glycoproteins in cells treated with IGF-I or stably transfected with c-H-ras were elevated when compared with control. These results suggest that IGF-I protects MCLM cells against death induced by cytotoxic agents; this acquired drug resistance may be mediated by multiple mechanisms, including promoting expression of mdr-1, c-H-ras, and MnSOD; whereas, the p-glycoprotein level stimulated by IGF-I may result partly from the increase of c-H-ras in the cells.

ATP Binding Cassette Transporter, Subfamily B, Mem↗

Novel expression and regulation of gastrin gene in human ovarian cancer cell line, SW626.

Gastrin-secreting tumors have been identified in ectopic locations including the ovary; the mechanisms regulating gastrin gene expression, its distribution, and signaling pathways in these ectopic tissues are not known. The purpose of our present study was to determine: (1) whether the gastrin gene and peptide could be detected in ovarian cancer cell lines, (2) if functional gastrin releasing peptide receptors (GRP-R) are present, and (3) whether gastrin gene expression is altered by GRP. Five ovarian cancer cell lines (SW626, OVCA 420, OVCA 429, OVCA 432, and OVCA 433) were analyzed. We identified gastrin gene and peptide expression in the SW626 cell line but not in the OVCA lines. SW626 cells express a functional GRP-R that is correctly coupled to the Ca2+ signaling pathway. Treatment of SW626 cells with bombesin, the amphibian equivalent of GRP, inhibited expression of the gastrin gene in a time- and dose-dependent fashion. The SW626 ovarian cancer cell line will provide a useful model to further define regulation and expression of both the gastrin gene and peptide in ectopic (nongastrointestinal) tissues.

Blotting, Northern↗

Selenium reference ranges in New Zealand cattle.

AIM: To compare serum selenium and liver selenium concentrations with whole blood concentrations in samples taken at the same time from unsupplemented cattle, and to use these comparisons to establish a reference range for use in diagnosing selenium deficiency. METHODS: Selenium was measured in concurrent whole blood, serum and liver samples obtained from cattle in unsupplemented herds in the Manawatu, Waikato and Wairarapa regions of New Zealand. The results were statistically analysed. RESULTS: The revised reference ranges are as follows. [table: see text] CONCLUSION: The serum and liver selenium concentrations used as reference values prior to this study were inaccurate for the detection of selenium deficiency.

Journal Article↗

Delivery of high concentrations of inspired oxygen via Tusk mask.

OBJECTIVES: Nonrebreather face masks (NRM) are frequently used in patients with respiratory distress and profound hypoxemia. A simpler modification to the partial rebreather face mask, using only two pieces of respiratory tubing or "tusks," has also been shown to increase FiO2 compared with the NRM in five normal subjects. Clinically, we have observed this modification to further increase PaO2 in critically ill patients already using the NRM in the intensive care unit. This study was designed to compare the Tusk mask with the NRM in both a larger group of normal subjects and in patients with underlying lung disease. DESIGN: Prospective, randomized, crossover study. SETTING: A university teaching hospital and tertiary care referral center. SUBJECTS: Sixteen normal subjects (11 male and 5 female; age 30.4+/-6.8 [SD] yrs) and seven patients with interstitial lung disease (ILD) (3 male and 4 female; age 68.1+/-11.9 yrs). INTERVENTIONS: Subjects and patients served as their own controls and were randomized to wear either the NRM or Tusk mask for a 30-min period. After a 60-min washout period, the other mask was applied. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Arterial blood gas measurements were performed immediately before and at the end of each 30-min test period. Respiratory synchronization during the study period was achieved, using a metronome. In the normal subjects, PaO2 using the NRM and Tusk masks increased 290.0+/-57.1 torr (38.6+/-7.6 kPa) and 330.0+/-68.9 torr (44.0 +/-9.2 kPa), respectively (p=.032). PaO2 increased 293.4+/-38.0 torr (39.1+/-5.1 kPa) with the NRM and 378.4+/-61.7 torr (50.4+/-8.2 kPa) with the tusk mask (p=.001) in the patients with ILD. There was no statistically significant change seen in mean PaCO2 with either mask in either group. The mean PaO2 returned to within 6% of baseline in both groups after the washout period. CONCLUSIONS: Both normal subjects and patients with compromised pulmonary function achieved a higher PaO2 using a Tusk mask than when using the conventional NRM, at the same oxygen flow rate. Patients with hypoxemia may obtain lifesaving benefit from the additional concentration of oxygen delivered via the Tusk mask.

Adult↗

A human gastric cancer cell line possesses a functional receptor for gastrin-releasing peptide.

Bombesin (BBS) exhibits diverse biological functions including those of neurotransmitter, regulator of gastrointestinal hormone release, and mitogen. Gastrin-releasing peptide (GRP, the mammalian equivalent of BBS) is found in mucosal cells of the gastric fundus and antrum. We determined whether a human gastric cancer cell line (SIIA) expresses a functional GRP-receptor (GRP-R). BBS increased intracellular calcium ([Ca2+]i), and a specific GRP-R antagonist, ([D-Phe6, Des-Met14]-BBS (6-14)-ethylamide), blocked BBS-induced increase in [Ca2+]i. SIIA cells possess GRP-R mRNA by reverse transcriptase-PCR. Furthermore, these cells possess an 80-kDa cell surface protein that specifically binds BBS with two high-binding affinities (Kd1 = 0.6 nM, Kd2 = 6.7 nM). These findings indicate that SIIA cells possess a GRP-R that is capable of physiological signal transduction, though the cellular response remains unknown.

Adenocarcinoma↗

Altered cell differentiation and proliferation in mice lacking p57KIP2 indicates a role in Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome.

Mice lacking the imprinted Cdk inhibitor p57(KIP2) have altered cell proliferation and differentiation, leading to abdominal muscle defects; cleft palate; endochondral bone ossification defects with incomplete differentiation of hypertrophic chondrocytes; renal medullary dysplasia; adrenal cortical hyperplasia and cytomegaly; and lens cell hyperproliferation and apoptosis. Many of these phenotypes are also seen in patients with Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome, a pleiotropic hereditary disorder characterized by overgrowth and predisposition to cancer, suggesting that loss of p57(KIP2) expression may play a role in the condition.

Abdomen↗

Inhibition of neurotensin-induced pancreatic carcinoma growth by a nonpeptide neurotensin receptor antagonist, SR48692.

BACKGROUND: Recently, a nonpeptide neurotensin (NT) receptor antagonist, SR48692, was developed that selectively antagonizes the high affinity, biologically active NT binding site. The effect of SR48692 on NT-mediated growth of a human pancreatic carcinoma, MIA PaCa-2, was determined both in vitro and in vivo. METHODS: (125)I-NT binding and Northern blot analyses were performed for evaluation of the NT receptor in MIA PaCa-2 cells. Intracellular calcium ([Ca2+]i) mobilization and inositol phosphate (IP3) levels were measured. Cell growth studies were performed by counting cell numbers. Athymic nude mice were inoculated with MIA PaCa-2 cells and randomized into four groups to receive either vehicle (NT or SR48692) or NT + SR48692. RESULTS: MIA PaCa-2 cells possess both a high affinity, SR48692-sensitive and a levocabastine-insensitive NT binding site; Northern blot analysis demonstrated expression of the NT receptor. SR48692 inhibited [Ca2+]i mobilization, IP3 turnover, and MIA PaCa-2 cell growth induced by NT in a dose-dependent fashion. In in vivo experiments, NT significantly increased the size, weight, and DNA and protein content of xenografted MIA PaCa-2 tumors; SR48692 inhibited the effect of NT. CONCLUSIONS: The novel NT receptor antagonist SR48692 will be a valuable agent to delineate further the cellular mechanisms responsible for peptide-mediated growth of normal and neoplastic gut tissues.

Animals↗

Caloric restriction causes secretagogue specific changes of gastric acid secretion in rats.

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of short-term caloric restriction (CR) for 4, 8 and 16 weeks on gastric acid secretion in rats. CR rats fed 60% of normal food intake for 4, 8 or 16 weeks and then prepared with gastric fistulas. Histamine- and carbachol-stimulated gastric acid secretion were significantly (P < 0.05) decreased after more than 4 weeks and 8 weeks of caloric restriction, respectively. In contrast, gastrin-stimulated acid secretion was unaffected by CR. The 1-h-integrated acid output to a submaximal dose of gastrin (40 micrograms.kg-1) was significantly higher than that of histamine (5 mg.kg-1) after 8 weeks of CR (63 +/- 13 and 27 +/- 4 microEq.h-1, respectively). Gastrin treatment (5 micrograms.kg-1.h-1) of CR rats restored the gastric acid responses to both histamine and carbachol. These results suggest that CR can selectively decrease the gastric acid responses to both histamine and carbachol by depletion of the endogenous tissue stores of gastrin. More importantly, these results indicate that under an in vivo gastrin-diminished condition, histamine is not the final secretagogue for gastric acid secretion.

Animals↗

Serum thyroid hormone concentrations in New Zealand horses.

Total thyroxine and total tri-iodothyronine concentrations were measured in the sera from 125 horses of mixed age, breed and sex, and varied clinical histories. While low serum thyroxine concentrations were detected in 35 horses, the majority of those horses had serum thyroxine values within the reference range when retested. Only one horse had a mildly decreased serum tri-iodothyronine concentration. Those horses in which the serum thyroxine concentration was low when retested had a normal thyrotropin releasing hormone stimulation test. Hypothyroidism was not diagnosed in any horses in this study. The low serum thyroxine concentrations measured in the present study were attributed to either normal fluctuations in serum concentrations in healthy horses, the effect of drugs, or to the effects of non-thyroidal illness. Because thyroid hormone concentrations are altered by many factors, hypothyroidism should not be diagnosed on the basis of a single low value and further testing, preferably including active stimulation of the thyroid gland, should be carried out.

Journal Article↗

Distribution and localization of a novel cholecystokinin-releasing factor in the rat gastrointestinal tract.

The purpose of this study was to examine the distribution and localization of an intestinal cholecystokinin (CCK)-releasing factor, called luminal CCK-releasing factor (LCRF), in the gastrointestinal tract and pancreas of the rat. RIA analysis indicates that LCRF immunoreactivity is found throughout the gut including the pancreas, stomach, duodenum, jejunum, ileum, and colon with the highest levels in the small intestine. Immunohistochemistry analysis shows LCRF immunoreactivity staining in intestinal villi, Brunner's glands of the duodenum, the duodenal myenteric plexus, gastric pits, pancreatic ductules, and pancreatic islets. These results indicate potential sources for secretagogue-stimulated release of luminal LCRF and support the hypothesis that LCRF is secreted into the intestinal lumen to stimulate CCK release from mucosal CCK cells.

Animals↗

Kinetics and proposed mechanism of the reaction of an immunoinhibition, particle-enhanced immunoassay.

We report kinetic studies on the reaction of a latex agglutination immunoassay used to quantify phenytoin in serum. In this assay, polystyrene particles with a covalently attached analog of phenytoin react with an antiphenytoin monoclonal antibody to form light-scattering aggregates, with the rate of this reaction being decreased by addition of phenytoin from sample. In the absence of free (sample) phenytoin, this reaction did not exhibit a maximum rate of agglutination in the presence of excess antibody, i.e., an equivalence point. Furthermore, agglutination was inhibitable by free phenytoin even when the latter was added after agglutination of particles with antibody had begun. Most significantly, the immunoagglutination proceeded in an identical fashion with monovalent F(ab) fragment. These data are consistent with low-affinity immunospecific particle-antibody complexation, which then induces colloidal aggregation, without requiring immunospecific bridging by antibody molecules. The described mechanism is not generalizable to all latex agglutination immunoassays, although disturbance of colloidal stability may be a component in most assays.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗