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Biomedical subjects

J M Shaw

Publications and source records attributed to J M Shaw.

At least 109 records · Page 6Linked to original sources

A formula for scoring human embryo growth rates in in vitro fertilization: its value in predicting pregnancy and in comparison with visual estimates of embryo quality.

Two systems for measuring embryo development in vitro were evaluated. One was a 1-4 scale based on a subjective evaluation of embryo quality (EQ) from microscopic appearance. In addition, a formula for scoring embryo growth rate in vitro was developed. The embryo development rating (EDR) was based on the ratio between the time at which embryos were observed at a particular stage after insemination and the time at which they would be expected to reach that stage in a hypothetical "ideal" growth rate with a cell cycle length of 11.9 hr. Using this scoring system, "normally" growing embryos scored 100. This approach was aimed at partially normalizing the data and allowed all embryos to be analyzed similarly regardless of the time of observation. Analysis of 1539 embryo replacements resulting in 232 clinical pregnancies showed that both EDR and embryo-quality scores were of value in predicting success, with clinical pregnancy most likely to eventuate from a combination of moderate to good EQ scores (2-4) coupled with average or above-average growth rates (EDR scores from 90 to 129). Poor-quality and very slowly or very rapidly growing embryos were underrepresented in cycles that proceeded to pregnancy. These inferences were based on all embryos transferred (mean, 2.73 per transfer cycle), and they were substantiated by an analysis of 33 pregnancies resulting from replacement of a single embryo and from 18 pregnancies in which all embryos scored the same with both systems. EQ and EDR were significantly associated with each other and together provide a valuable guide in predicting pregnancy, in selecting embryos for freezing, and in monitoring day-to-day performance in the in vitro fertilization (IVF) program.

Embryo Transfer↗

Erythema gyratum repens unassociated with internal malignancy.

A case report of erythema gyratum repens occurring in a 68-year-old man is presented. Evaluation and follow-up for development of malignancy over a 39-month period failed to reveal evidence of malignancy. The patient died of an unrelated cause. Autopsy did not demonstrate any evidence of malignancy.

Aged↗

High-density lipoprotein binding to bovine adrenal cortex membranes.

Binding studies were performed with bovine adrenal cortex membranes, human 125I-labelled high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and modified photoactivable derivatives of 125I-labelled HDL, namely 125I-labelled HDL-amidinophenylazide and 125I-labelled HDL-amidopropionyldithiophenylazide. The purity of the apolipoprotein composition of the 125I-labelled HDL and photoactivable 125I-labelled HDL used in the binding studies was determined by Coomassie blue and silver staining, and by measuring 125I-labelled cpm after SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. About 45% of the 125I-labelled HDL binding to the membranes occurred in the presence of excess EDTA and only unlabelled HDL competed for the binding site. The 125I-labelled interaction with this binding site on the membranes did not require calcium. In addition, 40% of the 125I-labelled HDL binding was to an EDTA-sensitive site, and unlabelled HDL and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) competed for the binding site. Consequently, adrenal cortex membranes have binding sites which show cross reactivity for both HDL and LDL. Modification of 58% of the apolipoprotein lysine residues of 125I-labelled HDL with methylazidophenylimidate, a reagent which maintains the positive charge at lysine residues, had little affect on binding to EDTA-sensitive and insensitive sites. In contrast, modification of 35% of apolipoprotein lysine residues of 125I-labelled HDL with N-succinimidyl(4-azidophenyldithio)propionate, a reagent which converts charged amino lysines to amide bonds, showed binding properties which were almost totally inhibited by EDTA.

Adrenal Cortex↗

Disposition of [14C]aztreonam in rats, dogs, and monkeys.

[14C]aztreonam was administered as single 25-mg/kg doses to dogs (intravenously and subcutaneously) and monkeys (intramuscularly and intravenously) and as single 50-mg/kg doses (intramuscularly and intravenously) to rats. In rats and dogs, radioactive moieties were excreted primarily in urine; in monkeys, they were excreted about equally in urine and feces. Unchanged aztreonam accounted for 77 to 86% of the radioactivity excreted in the urine of rats, dogs, and monkeys; SQ 26,992, the metabolite resulting from hydrolysis of the monobactam ring, accounted for 10 to 15%; and minor, unidentified metabolites accounted for the remainder. In rats with cannulated bile ducts, about 15% of an intramuscular dose was excreted in bile in 24 h; the bile contained a greater percentage of metabolites than that found in urine. In dogs, the apparent elimination half-life of aztreonam in serum was 0.7 h after intravenous administration. Aztreonam and SQ 26,992 accounted for most of the radioactivity in the sera of dogs and monkeys. Serum protein binding of aztreonam and its metabolites ranged from 28 to 35% in dogs and from 49 to 59% in monkeys. In the three species studied, aztreonam was most extensively metabolized in monkeys; SQ 26,992 and other minor metabolites from monkey urine were tested and found to be devoid of any significant antimicrobial activity.

Animals↗

Distribution of [14C]aztreonam in rat tissue.

[14C]aztreonam was administered intramuscularly (50 mg/kg) to male and female rats. Groups of 10 rats (five male and five female) were sacrificed at 0.25, 2, 6, and 24 h after dosing. Blood and various tissues were removed from six rats (three male and three female) in each group for determination of total radioactivity and unchanged aztreonam by liquid scintillation counting and thin-layer radiochromatography. The remaining rats were prepared for whole-body autoradiography. Radioactivity was distributed rapidly to most tissues and was rapidly eliminated from blood into urine and bile. Concentrations of total radioactivity in kidney, liver, small and large intestines and their contents, and urinary bladder were higher than those in serum at all the times examined. Concentrations of unchanged aztreonam in serum, kidney, liver, and lung declined at about the same rate as did that of total radioactivity in the same tissues. The results of whole-body autoradiography essentially confirmed the results of the distribution of [14C]aztreonam as determined by liquid scintillation counting. No major differences between males and females were observed when concentrations in organs common to both were compared.

Animals↗

Distribution of aztreonam into fetuses and milk of rats.

Subcutaneous administration of [14C]aztreonam (150 mg/kg) to pregnant rats was followed by the appearance of radioactive moieties in fetuses and amniotic fluid. Concentrations of both total radioactivity and unchanged aztreonam in maternal serum declined more rapidly than those in fetuses and amniotic fluid. [14C]aztreonam (150 mg/kg) was also administered subcutaneously to lactating rats. Radioactivity and unchanged aztreonam were found in the suckling pups and in the serum and milk of the dam. Results obtained by whole-body autoradiography were generally consistent with these obtained by measuring radioactivity present in the excised tissues. Autoradiographs of the pups showed detectable amounts of radioactivity in the brain; since no radioactivity was detectable in the brain of the dam, it appears that the blood-brain barrier was not fully developed in 7-day-old pups.

Amniotic Fluid↗

Preparation and interaction of a low-density lipoprotein:daunomycin complex with P388 leukemic cells.

A low-density lipoprotein (LDL):daunomycin complex was prepared which contains, on the average, 8 nmol of daunomycin/mg of apolipoprotein. LDL was not perturbed to any significant degree by association with daunomycin, and the complex remained stable at 4 degrees. Fluorescence quenching with DNA and potassium iodide, antibody precipitation, and density flotation studies suggested at least two domains for localization of the daunomycin, the surface region and the hydrophobic core of the LDL particle. Interaction of the LDL:daunomycin complex with P388 leukemic cells which were sensitive or resistant to daunomycin occurred rapidly in both sublines, with quantitatively larger amounts of the drug being cell associated than when free drug was used alone. The cells appeared morphologically intact, with no nuclear damage after short-term incubation with LDL:daunomycin. Subfractionation of cell membranes and organelles from the sensitive and resistant cell lines incubated with LDL:daunomycin showed accumulation of drug in the plasma membrane and microsomal-lysosomal-mitochondrial membranes and an insoluble nuclear chromatin material. Both 125l-labeled apoprotein and daunomycin from a 125l-LDL:daunomycin complex showed enrichment in similar membrane:organelle fractions of the P388 cells.

Animals↗

Characteristics of uptake and cytotoxicity of a low-density lipoprotein-daunomycin complex in P388 leukemic cells.

We have investigated the in vitro drug-cell interaction and therapeutic effects of a low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-daunomycin complex as compared to free daunomycin. Uptake and retention of daunomycin were significantly enhanced in sensitive and resistant P388 leukemia cells when they were perfused with LDL-daunomycin complex relative to free drug. The interaction of the LDL-daunomycin complex with P388 cells appeared to be through a LDL-specific pathway since competition with free LDL but not high-density lipoprotein significantly reduced daunomycin uptake. The LDL-daunomycin complex was cytotoxic to both daunomycin-sensitive and daunomycin-resistant P388 sublines. Colony growth studies showed the LDL-daunomycin complex to be more cytotoxic at shorter exposure times relative to free drug. Resistant cells showed 55 and 12% colony growth with 10-min and 2-hr exposures, respectively, to 0.4 microgram daunomycin/ml of the LDL-daunomycin complex. Free drug at 0.4 microgram/ml drug concentration and similar exposure times resulted in no loss in colony growth. The resistant cells were subjected to cell cycle analysis based on DNA content and showed an accumulation of cells at the G2-M phase of the cell cycle when treated with the LDL-daunomycin complex, with no effects being observed with free daunomycin.

Animals↗

Order measurements in plasma membranes from Duchenne dystrophy fibroblasts.

Plasma membranes have been isolated using different methods from Duchenne dystrophy and control human skin fibroblasts. Fluorescence techniques were utilized to resolve the rotational properties and the degree of hindered rotation of the fluorescent probe, 1,6-diphenyl-1,3,5-hexatriene in the membranes. Under specific conditions of fibroblast processing and membrane fractionation, plasma membranes from Duchenne fibroblasts showed significantly less order (0.0125 greater than P less than 0.0025) and less hindrance to probe rotation than membranes from control fibroblasts. The order differences did not seem to be the result of heterogeneity in the membrane environment sampled by the probe. The frequency dependence of the fluorescence lifetime for diphenylhexatriene indicated no measurable contribution by a short lifetime component. Analysis of diphenylhexatriene rotation in the plasma membranes using the 'wobbling-in-cone' theory suggested that both the angle of probe rotation (theta c) and the rotational rate (Dw) were important parameters in understanding the variations between Duchenne and control membranes at 16, 22 and 30 degrees C. Electron spin resonance studies with 5'-doxylstearic acid at 25 degrees C confirmed our fluorescence results. The segmental motion exhibited by the spin label revealed less order in the Duchenne membranes.

Cell Fractionation↗

Effect of phospholipid oxidation products on transbilayer movement of phospholipids in single lamellar vesicles.

Single lamellar phosphatidyl[methyl-2H]choline vesicles were incubated with an excess of unlabeled phosphatidylcholine vesicles or phosphatidylcholine-cholesterol vesicles containing 8 mol % glucuronosyldiglyceride. Incubation of the two vesicle populations was performed in the presence or absence of a purified phosphatidylcholine exchange protein. The negatively charged glycolipid donor vesicles could be completely removed by column chromatography on DEAE-Sephacel. Following incubation with exchange protein and subsequent fractionation, the -N(CD3)3 phosphatidylcholine acceptor vesicles exhibited a 61-73% enrichment of the unlabeled phosphatidylcholine in the outer monolayer. Upon incubation in an air atmosphere, no appreciable transbilayer movement of the outer monolayer -N(CH3)3 phosphatidylcholine was observed for at least 5 days. Between days 5 and 7, however, extensive transbilayer movement occurred, leading to an outer monolayer/inner monolayer phosphatidylcholine ratio of 2.1 on day 7. In phosphatidylcholine-6 mol % cholesterol vesicles treated similarly, the outside/inside ratio of the unlabeled phospholipid was 6.7, suggesting a much smaller percentage of transbilayer movement. The loss of transbilayer asymmetry which occurred during a 36-h period after day 5 could be estimated at the upper limit, t 1/2 approximately 7.3 h for phosphatidylcholine vesicles and t 1/2 approximately 53 h for phosphatidylcholine-cholesterol vesicles. The actual rates for transbilayer movement, however, were likely more rapid. Transbilayer movement occurred at a time period when oxidized phospholipid breakdown products had reached critical levels.

Androgen-Binding Protein↗

Absorption and bioavailability of captopril in mice and rats after administration by gavage and in the diet.

The absorption of captopril (I), a new antihypertensive agent, was studied in mice and rats at doses (50 and 1350 mg/kg) administered in the diet in chronic toxicological studies. 3H- or 35S-Labeled I was administered by gavage and in the diet to male and female animals in a two-way crossover study. Animals received daily doses of nonradiolabeled I in the diet for 25 days, except on Days 15 and 22 when radiolabeled I was administered either by gavage or in the diet. Absorption of the total radioactivity in 2-month-old mice averaged 49 and 48%, respectively, of the 50- and 1350-mg/kg doses given in the diet and 57 and 65%, respectively, of the doses given by gavage. The bioavailability of I in 2-month-old mice averaged 48 and 39% (diet) and 44 and 59% (gavage) of the 50- and 1350-mg/kg doses, respectively. In 2-month-old rats, absorption of the total radioactivity averaged 41% of the 50-mg/kg dose given in the diet. In 2- and 15-month-old rats, minimum absorption of the 1350-mg/kg dose averaged 36 and 45% (diet) and 51 and 71% (gavage), respectively; the minimum bioavailability averaged 20 and 29% (diet) and 39 and 44% (gavage), respectively. These studies demonstrate adequate absorption and bioavailability of I over a wide range of doses from the drug-diet mixtures and by young and old animals and also illustrate a useful experimental design for the estimation of relative oral absorption of a drug administered continuously in the diet over several days.

Animals↗

Pharmacokinetics of captopril in dogs and monkeys.

[14C]Captopril was given as a priming dose, followed by constant intravenous infusion for 4 or 6 hr, to three anesthetized dogs and three anesthetized monkeys. Blood, urine, and bile samples were collected during and after drug infusion. Pharmacokinetic evaluations were carried out exclusively on data obtained for unchanged captopril. The average total body clearance (ClT) and the renal clearance (ClR) of captopril, in milliliters per kilogram per hour, were 605 and 341 in the dog and 1135 and 944 in the monkey. The biliary clearance of captopril was negligible in both species. The greater difference between the ClR and ClT values in the dog compared to that in the monkey was the result of more extensive metabolism of captopril by the dog. Since almost all of the radioactive dose was recovered in urine in both species, captopril and its metabolites were almost exclusively eliminated by the kidneys. One primary reason that body and renal clearance values of captopril were much greater in the monkey than in the dog was that the net tubular secretion fo captopril was about three times greater in the monkey (82%) than in the dog (28%). The volume of distribution of captopril was higher in the monkey (3.6 liters/kg) than in the dog (2.6 liters/kg); the volume of the central compartment was about the same (0.5 liter/kg) for both species. The terminal half-life value was slightly higher in the dog (2.8 hr) than in the monkey (2.2 hr).

Anesthesia↗

Development of optimal treatment tactics for alcohol withdrawal. I. Assessment and effectiveness of supportive care.

The relative roles of supportive care and pharmacotherapy in the treatment of alcohol withdrawal are not established. A reliable and validated withdrawal severity assessment scale (Clinical Institute Withdrawal Assessment for Alcohol, CIWA-A) was developed to assess initially and then follow the clinical course of 38 hospitalized chronic alcoholics requiring hospitalization for withdrawal but without serious concurrent medical or surgical problems. Supportive care, consisting of standardized half-hourly patient assessment (CIWA-A) and nursing care, was used as the initial treatment for all patients. Twenty-eight (74%) patients with clinical supportive care successes within 8 hours, 75% within 4 hours. Two responding patients subsequently developed evidence of withdrawal at 48 hours (hallucinations) and 72 hours (seizure). Ten patients (26%) did not respond to supportive care and required drug therapy in addition. Responders to supportive care drink more by history and have less severe liver disease than nonresponders. There are no other apparent predictors of the patients who require drug therapy. Three quarters of hospitalized patients, without serious medical complications, in alcohol withdrawal respond to intensive supportive care. However, pharmacotherapy is essential for nonresponders and patients with hallucinations.

Adolescent↗

Self-funding insurance helps cut costs.

Excessive costs and decreasing benefits created the need to plan a health insurance program that eliminates the insurance carrier and more completely involves the hospital.

Health Benefit Plans, Employee↗