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J C Williams

Publications and source records attributed to J C Williams.

At least 253 records · Page 14Linked to original sources

Immune modulation by Coxiella burnetii: characterization of a phase I immunosuppressive complex differentially expressed among strains.

Coxiella burnetii, the etiological agent of Q fever, possesses immunomodulatory activity which positively and negatively regulates host immune responses. We wish to determine the Coxiella strain differences and the chemical nature of cellular components suppressing lymphocyte responsiveness. The bacterial components responsible for the immunomodulatory activity are associated with phase I cells. In its natural state, the phase I cell-associated, immunosuppressive complex (ISC) was resistant to chemical and enzymatic treatment. The ISC was inactivated and rendered accessible by chloroform-methanol (CM) (4:1) extraction of phase I cells which produced a CM residue (CMRI) and CM extract (CME). The suppressive components in either CMRI or CME did not induce ISC activity in the host when injected separately. Reconstitution of the CMRI with CME prior to injection produced the same pathological reactions characteristic of phase I cells. The CMRI suppressive component was sensitive to alkali, acid, periodate, lysozyme, and neuraminidase, but resistant to lipase and protease. An active component of CMRI was attached to the cell matrix by disulphide bonds. The amphipathic, lipophilic, CME suppressive component was ubiquitously distributed in procaryotes and eukaryotes because ISC activity of CMRI was regained after association with reagent-grade lipids and different CMEs. The ISC was expressed by phase I strains with smooth lipopolysaccharide (LPS) but not by phase II strains with rough LPS. Phase I heart valve strains carrying significant amounts of rough LPS did not express all of the biological properties of the ISC. The LPS molecule induced immune enhancement without immunosuppression. Thus, expression of the ISC showed strain variation and may be under genetic control. The complete details of the chemical composition and active components of the ISC should prove useful for biological-response-modification studies.

Adsorption↗

Plasma concentrations of metabolic hormones in high and low producing dairy cows.

Concentrations of insulin, glucagon, growth hormone, adrenocorticotropin, and cortisol were determined in plasma samples obtained at 20-min intervals for 6 h from low and high producing dairy cows at d 30 and 90 postpartum. Four nonpregnant, nonlactating cows also were sampled. Insulin concentrations were reduced at d 30 in both groups of lactating cows compared with concentrations in nonlactating cows; glucagon concentrations were unchanged. The molar insulin: glucagon was reduced at d 30 in both groups and at d 90 for low, but not high producers. Growth hormone concentrations were higher at d 30 in high producers than at d 90, in low producers at d 30, and higher than in nonlactating cows. Cortisol concentrations were lower in high producing cows at d 30 than at d 90 or in nonlactating cows due to a reduced pulse amplitude. No differences were observed for adrenocorticotropin. Reduced molar insulin: glucagon may be an integral response of the cow to lactation, while the difference in the insulin: glucagon for high and low producers at d 90 postpartum may indicate a continued need for a gluconeogenic stimulus in low producers. The elevated growth hormone and low cortisol concentrations likely participate in the enhanced production observed in high producing dairy cows.

Adrenocorticotropic Hormone↗

Efficacy of febantel against abomasal nematodes and lungworms in cattle.

The efficacy of febantel at a dosage of 5 mg/kg (45.5% paste formulation) against inhibited early 4th-stage larvae (EL4) of Ostertagia ostertagi, other nematodes of the abomasum, and Dictyocaulus viviparus was investigated in 4- to 6-month-old Holstein calves that grazed on pasture heavily contaminated with parasites from February 24 to April 1, 1986 (36 days). In Louisiana, this is the first month of a 3-month period in which increasing numbers of inhibition-prone O ostertagi larvae are acquired, and infection risk with D viviparus may remain high. Three of 4 calves that died of lungworm infection during the pasture-exposure period were necropsied. Large numbers of abomasal nematodes, including inhibited O ostertagi larvae, and large numbers of D viviparus were recovered. Twenty-five calves were randomly allotted by equal distribution of body weight to 2 groups and treated on April 4: placebo-treated calves (n = 13) and febantel-treated calves (n = 12). Equal numbers of treated and control calves were killed at 6 and 7 days, respectively, after treatment. Mean numbers of O ostertagi in control cattle were: adults, 4,931; developing 4th-stage larvae (DL4), 1,119; and inhibited EL4, 3,410. Ostertagia lyrata, Trichostrongylus axei, Haemonchus sp, and D viviparus were well distributed in nearly all control calves. Percentage reduction of O ostertagi in treated calves, when compared with controls, was: adults, 83.6%; DL4, 57.8%; and inhibited EL4, 34.8%. Percentage reductions of other species were: O lyrata, 92.6%; T axei adults, 99.3% and 4th-stage larvae (L4), 100%; Haemonchus sp adults, 66.7%, and L4, 64%; D viviparus adults 90.6%, and immature forms, 97.1%.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Abomasum↗

Insulin and growth hormone responses to glucose infusion in mature and first-lactation dairy cows.

Five mature Holstein cows and 6 first-lactation Holstein cows were administered 100 mg of glucose/kg of body weight, IV, over a 20-minute period on postpartum day 30. A series (preinfusion, glucose infusion, and postinfusion) of blood samples was collected at -15, -10, -5, 5, 10, 15, 20, 30, 45, 60, 75, 90, 105, and 120 minutes from the start of the infusion. Serum was obtained and was assayed for glucose, immunoreactive insulin (IRI), growth hormone (GH), and free fatty acid concentrations. Baseline glucose and free fatty acid concentrations were similar in cattle of both groups throughout the sample collection period. Both groups of cattle disposed of the infused glucose in a similar manner. The first-lactation cows secreted significantly (P less than 0.0001) more IRI to utilize the glucose load than did the mature cows, 71 +/- 13 microU/ml vs 38 +/- 7 microU/ml, respectively (mean +/- SEM). Preinfusion and glucose infusion GH concentrations were similar in cattle of both groups. In the postinfusion period, GH values were significantly (P less than 0.0002) higher in the first-lactation cows (8.7 +/- 1.8 ng/ml) than in the mature cows (5.8 +/- 1.6 ng/ml). Compared with that in the mature cows, the higher IRI concentration required by the first-lactation cows to utilize approximately the same glucose load suggested that first-lactation cows were insulin resistant. The increased insulin response to increased glucose concentration may be one reason first-lactation cows produce less milk than do mature cows. Other factors, such as variation in the ability of the mammary gland to synthesize milk cannot be excluded.

Animals↗

Factors influencing duration of breast feeding among low-income women.

Forty low-income breast feeding primiparous women were interviewed to determine whether family member and peer attitudes toward breast feeding and available postpartum support were associated with continued or early termination of breast feeding. Mean breast feeding duration equalled 20.5 weeks (range, 1 to 52 weeks). When an outside source of assistance (a doula) was available during the first 2 weeks postpartum, mean duration was 23.4 weeks compared with 12.3 weeks when a doula was unavailable (p less than .05). Breast feeding duration was independent of the doula's attitude regarding breast feeding. Duration of breast feeding was significantly longer for breast feeding women who participated in the USDA Special Supplemental Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) than for those who did not participate. All of the women claimed to like breast feeding; 93% of the husbands or boyfriends, 83% of the women's mothers, and 81% of the women's best friends had positive attitudes toward breast feeding. The more breast feeding friends the woman had, the longer she breast fed (r = .32, p less than .05). Termination of breast feeding was not due to perceived negative attitudes of family members and peers regarding breast feeding.

Adolescent↗

Argon green and krypton red laser treatment of diabetic macular edema.

We treated 69 eyes of 44 patients who had clinically significant macular edema with argon or krypton laser photocoagulation or both. The mean initial visual acuity was 20/40. Patients were followed for 6 to 63 (mean 19.7 +/- 11.0) months. There was a mean loss of three letters in acuity, but the difference between initial and final acuity was not statistically significant. In 43 eyes the acuity remained within two lines of the initial acuity, in 17 there was a loss of two lines or more, and in 9 the acuity improved by two lines or more. The initial acuity correlated highly to the final acuity (p less than 0.0001). Multiple linear regression showed that pretreatment existence of macular ischemia or diffuse macular edema or both, when adjusted for initial acuity, age, insulin dependence and duration of diabetes mellitus, was predictive of poorer final acuity than in patients without ischemia or diffuse edema. The results support a consensus that macular edema should be treated early. In view of the conflicting experimental and clinical studies of grid techniques of photocoagulation and the role of the krypton laser, further clinical studies of the treatment of diabetic macular edema are warranted.

Adult↗

Effect of strategic anthelmintic treatment and pasture management on productivity and control of nematode parasites in weaner-yearling beef cattle.

Three groups of 17 beef calves were used to evaluate effects of strategic anthelmintic treatment on safe (group 1) and contaminated (group 2) pasture in comparison with minimal treatment at weaning and contaminated pasture (group 3). The investigation extended from weaning in November 1982 to the following August. Results of faecal egg counts, herbage larval counts, plasma pepsinogen and tracer calf worm counts in autumn and spring indicated minimal levels of infection on safe pastures provided in November and April (group 1). A decided weight gain advantage for group 1 was achieved from November to April, but the rate of gain was not consistent after April and transfer to the second safe pasture. Final average weights in late August were: group 1, 368 kg; group 2, 336 kg; group 3, 262 kg. All were significantly different (P less than 0.05). Worm counts from representative yearlings in September revealed low to moderate levels of Ostertagia ostertagi in group 1. In contrast group 2 cattle had large, almost exclusively O ostertagi infections; group 3 cattle had exceedingly high levels of Trichostrongylus axei infection and moderate to high levels of O ostertagi. Marginal evidence of type 2 ostertagiasis was observed in individual animals of group 2 and group 3.

Animal Feed↗

High concentration of serum gastrin immunoreactivity and abomasal mucosal hyperplasia in calves infected with Ostertagia ostertagi and/or Trichostrongylus axei.

Parasite-free, 4-month-old-calves were inoculated with Ostertagia ostertagi and/or Trichostrongylus axei, followed 6 weeks later by inoculation with increasing doses of O ostertagi for 8 weeks in the 2 groups (n = 4) of calves that had been given O ostertagi. Gastrin immunoreactivity concentration in serum was measured before and after infection and was correlated with changes in mucosal thickness. Gastrin immunoreactivity concentration in preinoculation control sera ranged from 95.2 to 287.1 pg/ml, and increased values were measured in all parasitized calves after 15 weeks. Significantly (P less than 0.05) increased serum gastrin immunoreactivity concentration compared with the preinfection value, was found in calves infected with O ostertagi or T axei, and highly significant (P less than 0.01) values were observed in calves infected with both parasites. Abomasal mucosal hyperplasia was observed in all parasitized calves; increased mucosal thickness and mucosal cross-sectional area were most prominent in calves infected with O ostertagi and T axei.

Abomasum↗

Structure and biological relationships of Coxiella burnetii lipopolysaccharides.

Lipopolysaccharides (LPSs) extracted from nine strains of Coxiella burnetii were analyzed for chemical compositions, molecular heterogeneity by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, and lethal toxicities in galactosamine-sensitized mice. The structure of a unique disaccharide of hydrolyzed phase I LPS was determined to be galactosaminuronyl-alpha (1-6)-glucosamine (GalNU-alpha (1-6)-GlcN, C12H22N2O10) with an Mr of 354. The Mr of LPSs of C. burnetii intra- and interspecific strains and the content of GalNU-alpha (1-6)-GlcN and two sugars, virenose and dihydrohydroxystreptose, were used as biochemical markers of truncated LPSs. Smooth-phase I LPS contained all three compounds, semi-rough-phase I LPS did not contain virenose, and rough-phase II LPS contained none of the three compounds. These analyses indicate that the intermediate to larger Mr LPSs require the addition of GalNU-alpha (1-6)-GlcN and dihydrohydroxystreptose to obtain the major (10.5 kDa), the intermediate (between 10.5 and 27 kDa), and the minor (23 kDa) LPS bands. The addition of virenose to the major and the minor bands produced the large Mr phase I LPSs. Extreme microheterogeneity in the banding profile ranging in Mr from the 2.5 to 10.5 kDa may be due to unidentified components, while the microheterogeneity in Mr of the 10.5-kDa and larger LPS bands is related to variations in the compounds described here. All of the LPSs were toxic in galactosamine-sensitized mice, albeit they were 100-1000-fold less toxic than Escherichia coli and Salmonella typhimurium endotoxin.

Animals↗

Electron microscopy in the diagnosis of lysosomal storage diseases.

Lysosomal storage diseases (LSD) affect cells of the conjunctiva in the absence of clinical eye findings. Consequently conjunctiva was added to skin, rectal mucosa, and peripheral blood lymphocytes as a biopsy site for electron microscopic examination in suspected LSD. The abnormally stored substrates in LSD are the result of diminished lysosomal enzyme activity. Although all cells lack the deficient lysosomal enzyme, the quantity of stored material varies with the extent of breakdown of substrate in the cell under normal circumstances. The stored material does not accumulate in all cells and may have a different cellular morphology at different sites. Although no one tissue provides universally diagnostic material for electron microscopy, skin and conjunctiva are optimal for most LSD. Rectal mucosa and peripheral blood lymphocytes are also useful in many cases. Biochemical assays have replaced brain biopsy for diagnosis but these techniques may give equivocal or non-diagnostic results, and in some diseases the enzyme defect remains undefined. Of the 359 biopsies of conjunctiva, skin, rectal mucosa, and lymphocytes we evaluated for LSD and other neurodegenerative diseases, 65 showed abnormal lysosomal storage; in 41 a specific diagnosis was made by biochemical assay or morphology. Ultrastructural examination of tissue from patients with clinically suspected storage disease may disclose pathognomonic alterations or suggest a differential diagnosis even in the absence of clinically evident involvement of the biopsied tissue. Biopsy has particular value in those diseases with incompletely characterized biochemical abnormalities.

Female↗

Postoperative alterations in interorgan glutamine exchange in enterectomized dogs.

The effect of enterectomy on postoperative visceral organ glutamine exchange was studied in order to gain further understanding of the role of the intestinal tract in the altered glutamine metabolism that occurs following catabolic illness. In addition to studying glutamine, which transports 1/3 of whole blood amino acid nitrogen, we determined the fluxes of glutamate and alanine across the gastrointestinal tract, liver, and kidneys in 18 postoperative dogs. Arterial glutamine and glutamate were significantly higher in enterectomized animals than in controls. With enterectomy the gut became an organ of glutamine balance while in control dogs the GI tract consumed glutamine (0.11 +/- 0.04 vs 1.67 +/- 0.14 mumole/kg X min, P less than 0.001). The gut switched from an organ of glutamate release to one of net glutamate uptake following enterectomy and intestinal alanine release simultaneously fell by 50%. Simultaneously, the liver reduced its uptake of alanine and became an organ of glutamine release. Renal glutamine consumption was also diminished in enterectomy animals. The interorgan exchange of glutamine and other amino acids is altered by enterectomy. The increase in circulating glutamine levels in enterectomized animals suggests that the accelerated intestinal glutamine consumption that characterizes catabolic illnesses contributes to the low glutamine levels in these stress states. In addition, it becomes apparent that the gut is an important supplier of alanine to the liver, which supports gluconeogenesis. Metabolic adaptation and cooperation between organs is essential during organ absence or dysfunction if the organism is to survive critical illness.

Alanine↗

Infection with Ostertagia ostertagi in goats and calves.

In order to determine the usefulness of the goat as a model host for Ostertagia ostertagi, a series of experiments was conducted in which young goats and calves were experimentally infected with L3 of calf-source and goat-source isolates. The goat-source isolate was derived from a continuous passage of the bovine parasite in goats. Patent infections resulted in 73 out of 86 inoculated goats (85%). The largest number of patent infections was observed when inoculation consisted of a single dose of goat-source larvae. Percent establishment of infection was generally low in goats inoculated with either larval source. Time taken to achieve patency in goats was frequently within the range normal for cattle infections, but was often extended (21-67 days). With the exception of the generally higher level of establishment of goat- or calf-source isolates in calves and the low frequency of the vulval flap in adult female worms established in goats, little difference was observed in percent establishment or worm population characteristics of the two isolates in goats as based on source of larval inoculum, inoculation course, and age of host at inoculation. Prolonged passage of infection in goats did not result in stabilized isolate more adapted to the goat or less adapted to calves. Fecal egg counts were generally minimal or negative in goats during the first 30 days of infection, but were often increased and not substantially lower than counts in calf infections after 60 or 90 days. Low level egg counts in goats were observed to persist for up to 17 months. During the spring of 2 years, goat kids grazed on a cattle pasture acquired O. ostertagi infections which included adult worms, but a larger number of early L4. The latter were presumed to be inhibited in development just as such inhibition occurs in cattle during spring.

Abomasum↗

Magnetic resonance imaging in the diagnosis of the cranio-cervical manifestations of the mucopolysaccharidoses.

Sixteen magnetic resonance (MR) studies were performed in eight patients with mucopolysaccharidosis (MPS). In patients with Hunter, Hurler, and Scheie syndromes, multiple areas of increased signal intensity were noted in the periventricular white matter. Computerized tomography (CT) frequently failed to demonstrate these white matter lesions. Other findings included spinal cord compression, hydrocephalus and airway obstruction due to soft tissue thickening around pharynx. In patients with Morquio syndrome, cervical spine dislocation, spinal cord compression and hydrocephalus were diagnosed by MR. MR was superior compared to CT, plain films and plain tomography, as the narrowing caused by bone and soft tissue changes were better seen with MR. Our experience suggests that MR should be the primary imaging modality for the detection of cranial abnormalities in patients with MPS. High resolution surface coil imaging may be preferable to invasive procedures such as myelography and CT with intrathecal contrast agents for the evaluation of cervical spine disease.

Adolescent↗

The epidemiology of Ostertagia ostertagi and other gastrointestinal nematodes of cattle in Louisiana.

The epidemiology of Ostertagia ostertagi and other gastrointestinal nematodes in yearling beef cattle was examined in each of 2 successive years. During each year 50 head of newly weaned beef calves were given a single dose of thiabendazole and then placed on experimental pastures. Twenty-four of the animals were designated for monthly slaughter (n = 2) and analysis of worm population characteristics and 25 were designated for blood and faecal collection and for weighing. Parasite-free tracer calves were grazed alongside the yearling cattle each month (n = 2) throughout the 2 years and were also slaughtered for analysis of worm populations. Faecal egg counts, plasma pepsinogen determinations, herbage larval counts, and animal liveweight changes were recorded monthly. Results of this work substantiated previous observations on seasonal changes of populations of the different nematode genera, but greater continuity and definition of patterns was possible in the present work. Ostertagia ostertagi was the predominant nematode present. While minimal numbers of inhibited larvae were observed from autumn into winter, most of the population was adult at this time. Acquisition of inhibition-prone larvae begins in late winter and peak numbers are acquired between March and June. Little transmission of O. ostertagi occurs between June and September. Trichostrongylus axei had a similar seasonal prevalence to O. ostertagi. A major difference in the 2 years was in the pattern of maturation of inhibited larvae. This occurred early, during May 1981, following below average temperatures in May and above average rainfall in May and June. Overt type II disease was not associated with a smaller level of maturation in autumn 1982. In contrast, maturation of large burdens of inhibited larvae did not occur until autumn 1982 following a protracted period of dry and hot weather from spring. Acute type II disease was observed in autumn 1982. Reasons for the differences in maturation pattern, based on worm counts from yearling cattle and tracer calves and association of these with faecal egg counts, herbage larval counts, clinical condition, and liveweight changes are discussed.

Abomasum↗

Information system linking a medical school with practitioners and hospitals.

A recently established medical information network uses computers and telephone lines to link rural Georgia medical practitioners, Georgia hospitals, and the Mercer University School of Medicine (MUSM) in Macon, Georgia. This network, the Georgia Interactive Network for Medical Information (GaIN), provides a service and educational support system for its members. The GaIN model embodies many of the educational and information management principles endorsed by two reports by the Association of American Medical Colleges: the 1984 report of the Project Panel on the General Professional Education of the Physician and a 1982 project report called "Academic Information in the Academic Health Sciences Center." The design, services, utilization patterns, and results of the GaIN project and implications for the network's future are described. Use of the GaIN has made MUSM students more at ease with computers, has connected MUSM with remote teaching sites and rural practices, and has served as a catalyst for Georgia physicians' investigation of computer applications to support health care delivery in the state.

Computer Communication Networks↗

Animal models in Q fever: pathological responses of inbred mice to phase I Coxiella burnetii.

The susceptibility of inbred strains of mice to infection by phase I Coxiella burnetii, the aetiological agent of Q fever, was investigated by evaluating morbidity, mortality, antibody production and in vitro proliferative responses of splenic lymphocytes. Among the 47 strains of mice tested for morbidity and mortality to C. burnetii infection, 33 were resistant, 10 were of intermediate sensitivity, and four were sensitive. A/J mice exhibited the highest mortality, and surviving mice of this strain yielded high concentrations of viable rickettsiae from essentially all organs for more than 3 weeks after inoculation. However, A/J mice developed a protective immune response after vaccination with inactivated C. burnetii cells. Induction of gross pathological responses and antibody production were similar in sensitive mice (strain A/J) and resistant mice (strain C57BL/6J). The LD50 of phase I C. burnetii for A/J mice was about 1000-fold lower than that for the more resistant C57BL/6J mice. Mice of both strains developed antibody titres against phase I cells, phase II cells, and phase I lipopolysaccharide after the injection of one or more viable phase I organisms of C. burnetii; five or more rickettsiae caused splenomegaly that was almost proportional to the infecting dose. Suppression of in vitro proliferative responses of splenic lymphocytes to concanavalin A, a T-cell mitogen, was apparent after infection of sensitive A/J mice with as few as one to five phase I micro-organisms. However, suppression of proliferation of splenic lymphocytes from resistant C57BL/6J mice required 10(7) phase I C. burnetii.

Animals↗

A model of osmotic and hydrostatic pressure effects on volume absorption in the proximal tubule.

A computer model of the proximal tubule of the rabbit is described in which the tubule is treated as a single cylindrical barrier to the flow of solute and water between lumen and bath, and volume absorption is assumed to be driven exclusively by hydrostatic and osmotic pressure differences across this barrier. The model mimics the function of the tubule in two in vitro preparations: in simulations of the isolated tubule perfused under oil, the model correctly describes the solute concentration gradients that exist between the perfusate and absorbate and predicts differences in solute concentrations among absorbate droplets on the same tubule if luminal concentration becomes limiting. This prediction was tested experimentally with glucose and found to be correct. In simulations of the tubule perfused in an aqueous bath, the role of transmural hydrostatic pressure was explored; it is predicted that, at normal rates of in vitro perfusion (approximately 10 nl/min), increases in pressure have very little effect on volume absorption but can greatly alter the osmotic differences present across the wall of the tubule, especially with high values of osmotic water permeability. At high rates of perfusion, the ability of the tubule to produce a lumen hypotonic to the bath is reduced, but the direct effects of pressure on volume absorption become more apparent, resulting in relatively little effect of perfusion rate on volume absorption if the osmotic water permeability is sufficiently high. A similar relationship was seen experimentally. In all, this simple model provides a good prediction of function in isolated perfused tubules without any assumptions of hypertonic compartments within the epithelium.

Computer Simulation↗

Metabolism and genetics of chlamydias and rickettsias.

Chlamydial and rickettsial diseases pose a hazard to man and to domesticated and wild animals. The virulence mechanisms which aid the establishment of these obligate intracellular parasites in the eukaryotic host are still not within our grasp. Recent knowledge of the biochemical stratagem, the metabolic capabilities and the genetic diversity of these microbes illustrate fundamental differences in ecology and evolutionary divergence. The preferred site of intracellular residence determines the strategy for uptake, for nutrient assimilation and also for evasion of the host's immunological defenses. The Chlamydia, Rickettsia, and Coxiella are the most extensively studied of the genera. Whereas the Ehrlichia and Cowdria are poorly understood, they are also the most intriguing of the Rickettsiae. A number of antigenically and genetically distinct species are identified for the genera Chlamydia, Rickettsia, and Ehrlichia, whereas the Coxiella and Cowdria may not represent such a wide diversity. Recent information on the genetic heterogeneity of the chromosomal and plasmid DNAs of the strains of Coxiella suggest the diversity is greater than was originally envisioned. New information regarding the antigenic structure of Cowdria and their cellular tropisms suggests that they are closely related to the Ehrlichia. In this review we compare the metabolic capabilities and the genetic diversity of these different intracellular bacteria.

Animals↗