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Biomedical subjects

J R Cook

Publications and source records attributed to J R Cook.

At least 73 records · Page 4Linked to original sources

Identification and sequence of an accessory factor required for activation of the human interferon gamma receptor.

Human chromosomes 6 and 21 are both necessary to confer sensitivity to human interferon gamma (Hu-IFN-gamma), as measured by induction of class I human leukocyte antigen (HLA) and protection against encephalomyocarditis virus (EMCV) infection. Whereas human chromosome 6 encodes the Hu-IFN-gamma receptor, human chromosome 21 encodes accessory factors for generating biological activity through the Hu-IFN-gamma receptor. Probes from a genomic clone were used to identity cDNA clones expressing a species-specific accessory factor. These cDNA clones are able to substitute for human chromosome 21 to reconstitute the Hu-IFN-gamma receptor-mediated induction of class I HLA antigens. However, the factor encoded by the cDNA does not confer full antiviral protection against EMCV, confirming that an additional factor encoded on human chromosome 21 is required for reconstitution of antiviral activity against EMCV. We conclude that this accessory factor belongs to a family of such accessory factors responsible for different actions of IFN-gamma.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Sublocalization of the human interferon-gamma receptor accessory factor gene and characterization of accessory factor activity by yeast artificial chromosomal fragmentation.

A chromosomal fragmentation procedure was employed to produce a deletion set of yeast artificial chromosomes (YACs) from a parental YAC, GART D142H8, known to map to human chromosome 21q and to encode the human interferon-gamma receptor (Hu-IFN-gamma R) accessory factor gene as well as the phosphoribosylglycinamide formyltransferase (GART) gene. When expressed in Chinese hamster ovary cells, these deleted YACs retain accessory factor activity, as judged by major histocompatibility complex class I antigen inducibility, until the deletions from the acentric end exceed 390 kilobases (kb). Therefore, the accessory factor (AF-1) gene can be localized to a 150-kb region at the left (centric) end of the parental 540-kb GART YAC. Cells containing functional YACs are also able to induce the ISGF3 gamma and gamma-activated factor (GAF) transcription factors, but were not protected against encephalomyocarditis virus (EMCV) upon treatment with Hu-IFN-gamma. Therefore, the Hu-IFN-gamma R and the AF-1 are sufficient for some, but not all, of the actions of Hu-IFN-gamma. We postulate that an additional accessory factor (AF-2) required for antiviral activity against EMCV is encoded on chromosome 21q.

Acyltransferases↗

Identification of a yeast artificial chromosome clone encoding an accessory factor for the human interferon gamma receptor: evidence for multiple accessory factors.

Human chromosomes 6 and 21 are both necessary to confer sensitivity to human interferon gamma (Hu-IFN-gamma), as measured by the induction of human HLA class I antigen. Human chromosome 6 encodes the receptor for Hu-IFN-gamma, and human chromosome 21 encodes accessory factors for generating biological activity through the Hu-IFN-gamma receptor. A small region of human chromosome 21 that is responsible for encoding such factors was localized with hamster-human somatic cell hybrids carrying an irradiation-reduced fragment of human chromosome 21. The cell line with the minimum chromosome 21-specific DNA is Chinese hamster ovary 3x1S. To localize the genes further, 10 different yeast artificial chromosome clones from six different loci in the vicinity of the 3x1S region were fused to a human-hamster hybrid cell line (designated 16-9) that contains human chromosome 6q (supplying the Hu-IFN-gamma receptor) and the human HLA-B7 gene. These transformed 16-9 cells were assayed for induction of class I HLA antigens upon treatment with Hu-IFN-gamma. Here we report that a 540-kb yeast artificial chromosome encodes the necessary species-specific factor(s) and can substitute for human chromosome 21 to reconstitute the Hu-IFN-gamma-receptor-mediated induction of class I HLA antigens. However, the factor encoded on the yeast artificial chromosome does not confer antiviral protection against encephalomyocarditis virus, demonstrating that an additional factor encoded on human chromosome 21 is required for the antiviral activity.

Animals↗

Nonresponsiveness of an SV40-transformed Balb/c-3T3 cell line to PDGF mitogenicity is correlated with an irreversible reduction in PDGF receptor number.

The effect of SV40 transformation on the mitogenic responsiveness of Balb/c-3T3 cells to platelet-derived growth factor was examined. The SV40 transformed cell line (SV40-3T3) did not require exogenous PDGF for growth in a serum-free medium containing insulin, transferrin and high density lipoprotein as macromolecular supplements. The SV40-3T3 cells were found to have undetectable PDGF-stimulated PDGF receptor autophosphorylation and markedly reduced PDGF binding. PDGF-induced PDGF receptor autophosphorylation and PDGF binding of the normal 3T3 cells were not reduced by incubation with conditioned medium from SV40 transformed cells; nor could PDGF binding to SV40-3T3 be increased by an 8-hour incubation with 0.5 mM suramin, a compound known to prevent the binding of PDGF to its receptor. These data suggest that SV40-3T3 cells do not produce PDGF in quantities that are sufficient to down regulate their PDGF receptor and suggest that the reduced PDGF responsiveness and PDGF receptor number in SV40-3T3 cells may be a reflection of a more permanent, perhaps genetic, alteration.

3T3 Cells↗

Time-dependent variability in repeated measurements of cholesterol levels: clinical implications for risk misclassification and intervention monitoring.

Intraindividual variability (IIV) in total cholesterol levels based on measurements taken 1 week apart is compared with an estimate based on measurements taken 2 years apart. Single-subject 95% confidence intervals around the mean of two repeated measurements were Xi +/- 21 and +/- 28 mg/dl, respectively, and Xi +/- 30 and +/- 40 mg/dl for a single measurement. Comparing these results with published estimates over varying time intervals shows a trend of decreasing IIV with shorter intervals, suggesting that confidence interval widths based on short-term repeated measurements and those based on longer-term repeated measurements may differ more than previously assumed. The practical consequences are that: (1) the level of misclassification inherent in the National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) guidelines may be less than had been estimated; and (2) reliable cholesterol reductions resulting from dietary or other interventions may be somewhat easier to detect. These findings have implications for the cost-effectiveness of cholesterol screening strategies and interventions to reduce cholesterol.

Adult↗

Yeast artificial chromosome fragmentation vectors that utilize URA3 selection.

Two fragmentation vectors, pSE1 and pSE2, were developed for targeting yeast artificial chromosomes (YACs) containing human genomic DNA. Ura- yeast cells containing YACs were selected with 5-fluoro-orotic acid. Fragmented YACs were subsequently generated by transformation to a Ura+ phenotype. Over 80% of the transformants contained YACs of reduced molecular size. These fragmented YACs will prove to be useful in mapping the region of human chromosomes covered by the parental YAC. Fragmentation utilizing URA3 transformation provides a method for producing YAC deletion sets from YACs contained in AB1380 and other ura3- yeast stains. Linkage of a neomycin resistance gene to the URA3 gene facilitates functional analysis of these YACs in eukaryotic cells.

Acyltransferases↗

A preliminary study of the relationship between central auditory processing disorder and attention deficit disorder.

Fifteen boys aged six to ten who met the criteria for attention deficit disorder (ADD) were compared with ten boys who did not have ADD in a double-blind, placebo-controlled, single-crossover study of methylphenidate. To assess the degree of overlap between ADD and central auditory processing disorder (CAPD), all subjects were assessed on parent and teacher behavior rating scales, as well as a battery of CAPD tests at baseline and after three and six weeks of treatment. Twelve of the 15 subjects with ADD and none of the subjects without ADD met the criteria for CAPD. The subjects with ADD also responded to stimulant treatment on the measures of both ADD and CAPD. The overlap in the symptomatology of these disorders, the finding that the criteria for both disorders were met in 12 of 15 cases and the sensitivity of both ADD and CAPD measures to treatment with methylphenidate suggest that ADD and CAPD are closely related disorders. The implications of these results are three-fold. First, sustained attention is a critical feature of performance on CAPD tests and the current diagnostic criteria for CAPD make a clinical separation of the two disorders problematic. Second, stimulants appear to be a useful treatment for the symptoms of both ADD and CAPD. Third, CAPD tests may be a useful measure of ADD symptomatology and response to stimulants.

Analysis of Variance↗

Structural analysis of the human interferon gamma receptor: a small segment of the intracellular domain is specifically required for class I major histocompatibility complex antigen induction and antiviral activity.

Mutations of the human interferon gamma (IFN-gamma) receptor intracellular domain have permitted us to define a restricted region of that domain as necessary for both induction of class I major histocompatibility complex antigen by IFN-gamma and protection against encephalomyocarditis virus. This region consists of five amino acids (YDKPH), all of which are conserved in the human and murine receptors. Tyr-457 and His-461 are essential for activity. Approximately 80% of the amino acids of the intracellular domain of the receptor is not required for major histocompatibility complex class I antigen induction or for antiviral protection against encephalomyocarditis virus. The observation that there was no protection by IFN-gamma against vesiculostomatitis virus indicates that other factors, in addition to chromosome 21 accessory factor(s), are required to generate the full complement of transduction signals from the human IFN-gamma receptor.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Comparison of decremental and burst overdrive pacing as treatment for ventricular tachycardia associated with coronary artery disease.

Several forms of antitachycardia pacing have been used successfully for terminating cardiac arrhythmias, and implantable devices now incorporate a tier of overdrive pacing for treating of ventricular tachycardia (VT). No consensus exists regarding the optimal mode of pacing therapy. Accordingly, a prospective, randomized, crossover study of antitachycardia pacing was performed to analyze the effects of 2 decremental forms (10 and 5 ms) and a synchronized burst overdrive pacing mode on episodes of VT. Overdrive antitachycardia pacing was an effective therapy (78%) for terminating VT. Burst overdrive pacing and an autodecremental pacing protocol, incorporating a 10 ms decrement, were found to be effective and comparable forms of therapy. Both of these pacing methods were superior in terminating VT when compared with a pacing scheme using a 5 ms coupling decrement (p less than 0.01). Tachycardia acceleration occurred in 6.4% of the episodes of VT. None of the pacing methods displayed a specific propensity for tachycardia acceleration, and no measure of tachycardia segments identified a predilection for pace terminability. Antitachycardia pacing is an effective therapy for VT and different pacing formulas have variable effects. Further, these effects appear to be independent of tachycardia cycle length and variability.

Adult↗

Substance abuse.

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Humans↗

Decompressive procedures. Indications and techniques.

Hemilaminectomy and dorsal laminectomy are the surgical techniques most suited for decompression of the thoracic, thoracolumbar, lumbar, and lumbosacral spine. Hemilaminectomy is preferred for decompressing the spinal cord before applying fixation devices for fractures/luxations. Dorsal laminectomy is the method of choice for exploration of the spinal canal and for decompression of the lumbosacral region. Either method is applicable to removal of herniated intervertebral disc material and fenestration of other disc spaces.

Animals↗

Proarrhythmic effects of procainamide and tocainide in a canine infarction model.

A canine model of myocardial infarction (MI) was used to study the type and frequency of ventricular antiarrhythmic and proarrhythmic effects due to procainamide and tocainide and the risk factors associated with development of proarrhythmia. An anterior MI was created by a 2-h occlusion of the left anterior descending artery (LAD) with complete reperfusion. Programmed ventricular stimulation was performed on two occasions after MI, on days 4-6 and on days 8-10, before drug and during antiarrhythmic drug infusion at three dose levels. The antiarrhythmic drugs were given in a randomized cross-over design. Only procainamide caused a dose-dependent increase in QRS, JTc, and right ventricular effective refractory period (ERP). Neither procainamide nor tocainide made sustained ventricular tachycardia (VT) noninducible, but procainamide slowed the tachycardia rate. Both drugs successfully made ventricular fibrillation (VF) noninducible: procainamide in 78% of trials and tocainide in 50% of trials. Proarrhythmia (development of inducible VT during drug when not present before drug or inability to terminate VT during drug administration) developed in 29% of dogs that received procainamide and 25% of dogs that received tocainide. There was no apparent correlation of QRS, JTc, and right ventricular ERP after drugs and proarrhythmia due to procainamide or tocainide. There was no significant difference in the size of MI between dogs with one or more proarrhythmic response to either drug and dogs that had no proarrhythmia. In this model, procainamide and tocainide had no antiarrhythmic efficacy for VT, but had moderate proarrhythmia potential that was unpredictable.

Animals↗

Cerebrospinal fluid changes after iopamidol and metrizamide myelography in clinically normal dogs.

Cerebrospinal fluid samples from 2 groups of clinically normal dogs were compared after iopamidol (n = 9) and metrizamide (n = 8) myelography. Iopamidol (200 mg of I/ml) and metrizamide (170 mg of I/ml) were administered by cerebellomedullary injection at dosage of 0.45 ml/kg of body weight. In dogs of both groups, postmyelographic CSF changes included high specific gravity, Pandy score, protein concentration, and WBC count. The high specific gravity and Pandy score were false-positive effects attributed to nonionic contrast media. Although postmyelographic protein concentration and total WBC count were greater in CSF samples from dogs given metrizamide than in those given iopamidol, differences were not statistically significant. The differential WBC counts were consistent with mild, acute leptomeningitis; these findings were supported by results of histologic examination. Iopamidol and metrizamide should be considered low-grade leptomeningeal irritants in dogs.

Animals↗

The use of rectal temperature to monitor heat stroke.

The diagnosis and treatment of heat stroke has relied on rectal temperature monitoring. A twenty-year retrospective review of heat stroke and heat exhaustion victims reveals a 24% mortality and a 33% incidence of overcooling. An experimental protocol using hot and cool baths demonstrates marked rectal temperature lag during periods of rapid body heating and cooling. Auditory canal temperature measurements provide an attractive alternative to rectal temperature measurement during rapid temperature change. Rectal temperature monitoring of heat stroke victims is not recommended. This work suggests that shivering during treatment of heat stroke might be the result of vascular and brain overcooling with elevated rectal temperatures.

Aged↗

Stability over time of variables measuring heart rate variability in normal subjects.

Both time and frequency domain measures of heart rate (HR) variability have been used to assess autonomic tone in a variety of clinical conditions. Few studies in normal subjects have been performed to determine the stability of HR variability over time, or the correlation between and within time and frequency domain measures of HR variability. Fourteen normal subjects aged 20 to 55 years were studied with baseline and placebo 24-hour ambulatory electrocardiograms performed 3 to 65 days apart to assess the reproducibility of the following time domain measures of cycle length variability: the standard deviation of all normal cycle intervals; mean normal cycle interval; mean day normal cycle interval; night/day difference in mean normal cycle interval; root-mean-square successive cycle interval difference; percentage of differences between adjacent normal cycle length intervals that are greater than 50 ms computed over the entire 24-hour electrocardiographic recording (proportion of adjacent intervals greater than 50 ms); and the frequency domain measures of high (0.15 to 40 Hz), low (0.003 to 0.15) and total (0.003 to 0.40) power. The mean and standard deviations of these measures were virtually identical between placebo and baseline measurements and within the studied time range. Variables strongly dependent on vagal tone (high-frequency, low-frequency and total power, root-mean-square successive difference, and percentage of differences between adjacent normal cycle intervals greater than 50 ms computed over the entire 24-hour electrocardiographic recording) were highly correlated (r greater than 0.8). It is concluded that measures of HR variability are stable over short periods of time.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adult↗

Vincristine-induced peripheral neuropathy in a dog.

A 12-year-old spayed Golden Retriever with mycosis fungoides was treated by use of a chemotherapy protocol that included vincristine. After 16 weekly vincristine injections, the dog began to have signs of peripheral neuropathy. Results of electromyographic examination were consistent with muscle denervation, and motor nerve conduction velocity was depressed. Histologic examination of a common peroneal nerve biopsy specimen revealed severe nerve fiber degeneration. Clinical response and pathologic evidence of improvement were observed after the drug had been discontinued for 2.5 months.

Animals↗