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Biomedical subjects

J Stanley

Publications and source records attributed to J Stanley.

At least 109 records · Page 6Linked to original sources

Two types of 16S rRNA gene are found in Campylobacter helveticus: analysis, applications and characterization of the intervening sequence found in some strains.

In the recently described species Campylobacter helveticus, two sizes of PCR amplicon were detected with primers homologous to conserved regions of the 16S rRNA gene. A conventionally sized gene was sequenced from the type strain, NCTC 12470, placing the new species as phylogenetically related to C. upsaliensis and the thermotolerant campylobacters. This nucleotide sequence enabled PCR primers to be designed for use in rapid molecular identification of C. helveticus and its closest phylogenetic relative, C. upsaliensis. When this assay was employed to characterize 22 'C. upsaliensis-like' isolates, twelve were identified as C. helveticus and nine as C. upsaliensis, in agreement with data obtained with a C. helveticus-specific DNA probe. A 550 bp amplicon internal to the 16S rRNA gene of C. helveticus was used to determine restriction fragment length polymorphisms (RFLPs) in genomic Southern blots, confirming that the copy number of the C. helveticus gene was three, and identifying nine 16S rRNA gene profiles. In 5/12 C. helveticus isolates identified by PCR, an enlarged amplicon was detected. The enlarged 16S rRNA gene of one of these strains, NCTC 12838, was sequenced and shown to contain an atypical intervening sequence (IVS) of 148 nucleotides. The position and size of such an IVS was inferred in the other four isolates by PCR with primers 5' and 3' to its position in NCTC 12838. This is a first report of an IVS in the 16S rRNA gene of a eubacterium.

Base Sequence↗

A framework for IS200, 16S rRNA gene and plasmid-profile analysis in Salmonella serogroup D1.

Chromosomal fingerprinting of the type strains of serotypes of Salmonella O-serogroup D1 with the DNA insertion sequence IS200 generated patterns which were either serotype-specific (e.g., Typhi), or conserved among groups of related serotypes (e.g., Dublin, Rostock and certain phage types of Enteritidis). The number of IS200 copies varied considerably, and the IS200 patterns of type strains of serotypes associated with systemic infections in man were specific and suitable for identifying strains within those serotypes. Polymorphism at 16S rRNA gene loci was examined among type strains and 11 16S rRNA gene profiles were characterised. The most prevalent of these was conserved among type strains of 11 serotypes, and the next most prevalent among type strains of nine serotypes; together, they encompassed 15 unique IS200 profiles. The distribution and mol. wts of plasmids carrying spvBC (virulence) genes could be directly related to certain chromosomal genotypes defined by IS200 patterns. The presence of virulence plasmids in serotypes Lomalinda, Antarctica and Wangata is reported for the first time. Comparison of 16S rRNA gene profiles and IS200 patterns provides a definition of genotype that is applicable to epidemiological studies of various group D1 serotypes and should prove particularly useful for those lacking plasmid DNA.

Blotting, Southern↗

Helicobacter pullorum sp. nov.-genotype and phenotype of a new species isolated from poultry and from human patients with gastroenteritis.

Campylobacter-like organisms were isolated from the liver, duodenum and caecum of broiler and layer chickens, and from humans with gastroenteritis. They formed a unique DNA homology group and a polyphasic taxonomic analysis was made of 16 strains. Analysis of the nucleotide sequence of the 16S rRNA gene from seven of the strains identified them as belonging to a single species, within the genus Helicobacter. This conclusion was supported by the studies of relative DNA homology and of total protein electrophoretic patterns. The new species could be biochemically differentiated from other helicobacters and its ultrastructure in the electron microscope was typical of the genus except that the flagellum was not sheathed. We propose the name Helicobacter pullorum sp. nov. for this group. Like H. fennelliae or H. cinaedi it represents another non-gastric urease-negative Helicobacter species colonizing the lower bowel. Its isolation from the livers of chickens with vibrionic hepatitis is significant. We describe a species-specific PCR assay for H. pullorum sp. nov. which will facilitate its identification and further studies of its epidemiology.

Animals↗

Distinct genotypes of human and canine isolates of Campylobacter upsaliensis determined by 16S rRNA gene typing and plasmid profiling.

The utility of combined 16S rRNA (rrs) gene restriction fragment length polymorphism and plasmid profiles to differentiate between and within Campylobacter upsaliensis of human and canine origin was examined. Fourteen distinct rrs gene restriction fragment length polymorphs consisting of bands sized between 1.9 and 4.8 kb were observed. The copy number of the 16S rRNA gene was three in most strains of C. upsaliensis. Plasmids were found in almost 60% of the strains; ranging in size from 1.5 to 100 kb, they gave 15 distinct plasmid profiles. All isolates from humans contained one or more plasmids, as did strains isolated from dogs with sporadic diarrhea. The two commonest 16S ribotypes were divided into eight and nine subgroups by plasmid profiling. The genotyping of canine isolates from three veterinary surveys detected both multiple infections and reinfection of dogs. Except for one, each of the isolates from humans constituted a single and unique 16S ribotype, and these more frequently carried plasmids than did canine strains. Ribotypes of human strains were not found among canine isolates. These results suggest that host-specific genotypic differences may exist among strains of C. upsaliensis, for example, intraspecific clones or clone complexes pathogenic for humans.

Animals↗

Comparative evaluation of molecular typing of strains from a national epidemic due to Salmonella brandenburg by rRNA gene and IS200 probes and pulsed-field gel electrophoresis.

In Switzerland in 1992 there was a prolonged series of outbreaks of human salmonellosis caused by a previously rare serotype, Salmonella brandenburg. In order to examine the genotypic basis of the epidemic, molecular typing was applied to representative strains of this serovar isolated between 1983 and 1992. These included sporadic human isolates up to 1985, isolates from unrelated geographical areas, and Swiss isolates from humans, animals, and meat products isolated after 1991. Plasmid profiling was not found to be applicable to S. brandenburg, but chromosomal typing was accomplished by analyzing restriction fragment length polymorphisms with DNA probes for three marker loci; the 16S and 23S rRNA genes and sites of insertion of the mobile DNA element IS200. The macrorestriction profiles of the whole genome were examined by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis, which proved to be the most discriminatory of the typing methods. The study demonstrated the comparative value and complementary relationship between these typing methods for epidemiological purposes. All approaches concurred in identifying the 1992 isolates as a single genotypic clone, which was present in multiple (food) vehicles of infection. They were distinct from sporadic isolates of this serovar and from strains of S. brandenburg isolated in other countries.

Animals↗

Polychlorinated biphenyl levels in the tissues of exposed and nonexposed humans.

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are synthetic chemicals, manufactured in volume from about 1929 to the 1970s. Environmental contamination by PCBs has been documented in various substances, including human tissue. PCBs have been measured in human tissue by a variety of analytical methods. PCB levels have been reported as an approximation of total PCB content expressed in terms of a commercial mixture, by identification and quantification of chromatographic peaks, or by qualitative and quantitative characterization of specific congeners. Until recently, the coplanar mono-ortho- and di-ortho substituted PCBs, which are especially toxic and present in significant concentration in humans from industrial countries, had not been measured in human tissues. Examples of various types of commonly used analyses are presented in general population subjects and in persons who experienced special exposure. In this paper, the usefulness of PCB blood determinations following potential exposure is demonstrated, and their application in health studies is illustrated from a number of case studies. Coplanar PCB, mono-ortho-substituted and di-ortho-substituted PCB levels in human blood are presented and compared with polychlorinated dioxin (PCDD) and polychlorinated dibenzofuran (PCDF) levels in the U.S. population. Dioxin toxic equivalents for the two groups of chemicals are calculated and compared. It is found that mono-ortho-substituted and, to a lesser extent, coplanar PCBs, contribute substantially to dioxin toxic equivalents (TEq) in blood from U.S. adults. Because of substantial PCB contribution to dioxin toxic equivalents, total dioxinlike toxicity can only be determined if dioxins, dibenzofurans, and dioxinlike PCBs are measured.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

2,4,5-Trichlorophenoxyacetic Acid↗

Loss of T-cell receptor zeta chain and p56lck in T-cells infiltrating human renal cell carcinoma.

Cancer patients and mice bearing tumors develop a progressive immunosuppression manifested by a decreased delayed-type hypersensitivity, decreased T-cell lytic activity, diminished production of lymphokines, and a reduced T-cell proliferative response. The mechanisms underlying these changes are incompletely understood. We recently reported the presence of marked alterations in signal transduction in T-cells from mice bearing long-term (28-day) tumours. We hypothesized that a soluble product produced by the tumor or resulting from the immune response to tumor might be responsible for inducing the changes in T-cells. Tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes from patients with renal cell carcinoma tested here showed, in 10 of 11 cases, a marked decrease in the expression of the T-cell receptor zeta chain and in p56lck tyrosine kinase. The presence of major alterations in the tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes with only minor changes in the peripheral blood leukocyte T-cells supports the notion that the defects are induced by exposure to tumor. These results suggest that tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes may be compromised in their antitumor efficacy in patients with renal cell cancer.

Carcinoma, Renal Cell↗

Molecular subtyping within a single Salmonella typhimurium phage type, DT204c, with a PCR-generated probe for IS200.

We report primers and conditions for the generation by PCR of a probe for the DNA insertion element IS200. This probe was shown to be suitable for genotypic subtyping within a single phage type of Salmonella typhimurium. A collection of isolates of DT204c, a phage type implicated in the spread of multiple drug resistance in bovine animals and to man, was analyzed. Three IS200 profiles, corresponding to related chromosomal genotypes were characterized in DT204c. Molecular discrimination within a single phage type of S. typhimurium has general significance for genotypic typing, and for the definition of epidemiological clonality in Salmonella.

Base Sequence↗

Interleukin 7 enhances the proliferation and effector function of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes from renal-cell carcinoma.

Previous studies have documented the effects of IL2 on the growth and effector function of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL) in cancer patients. Since IL7 is known to induce T- and NK-cell responses in the peripheral blood, we examined the immuno-enhancing effects of IL7 on TIL derived from human renal-cell carcinoma (RCC). Whereas IL2 induced the growth of freshly isolated TIL in vitro, IL7 was ineffective alone and failed to increase the total number of cells proliferating to IL2. However, IL7 did provide a proliferative signal to TIL that were initially expanded in culture with either IL2 or IL2/IL7 for 2 weeks. IL7 also induced the proliferation of CD4+ and CD8+ TIL lines that have specificity for RCC. The proliferative response induced by IL7 was independent of IL2, since anti-IL2 antibodies did not block IL7-induced proliferation of TIL. IL7 did cooperate with anti-CD3 stimulation for the induction of proliferation; however, the magnitude of this interaction was variable and the response usually additive. In addition, IL7 synergized with anti-CD3 to induce the secretion of IFN gamma from short-term-cultured TIL and from a TIL line. Although IL7 did not promote the development of a tumor-specific T-cell response from IL2-expanded TIL, IL7 enhanced lymphokine-activated killer (LAK) activity from some short-term-cultured TIL. These results illustrate that IL7 can potentiate the growth and production of IFN gamma from RCC-reactive TIL and, to a lesser extent, enhance IL2-induced LAK activity of TIL.

Carcinoma, Renal Cell↗

Molecular genotype analysis of Salmonella bovismorbificans.

Genotypes were analysed within 30 isolates of Salmonella bovismorbificans from human or bovine salmonellosis and from environmental or food sources. Three clonal evolutionary lines (chromosomal genotypes) were identified on the basis of restriction fragment length polymorphism at the 16S rRNA genes, total protein profiles, and the location and copy number of a Salmonella-specific DNA insertion sequence, IS200. The predominant type was found with and without a 90 kbp plasmid homologous to the spv BC genes of S. typhimurium, and seven plasmid profiles were observed in this chromosomal genotype. This is the first such virulence plasmid to be reported in S. bovismorbificans. One example was found of two other clones which differed substantially from the predominant clone and from each other in chromosomal genotype. These results show that three clonal lines share the antigen profile of S. bovismorbificans, and provide a subtyping scheme for this serovar.

Animals↗

Detection and possible functions of African cassava mosaic virus DNA B gene products.

Polyclonal antisera raised against synthetic oligopeptides have been used to detect the DNA B gene products BV1 and BC1 of the geminivirus African cassava mosaic virus following SDS-PAGE fractionation of Nicotiana benthamiana extracts. BV1 antiserum detected a soluble protein of 29 kDa, consistent with the size predicted from sequence data. BC1 antiserum detected proteins of 37, 39, and 42 kDa in addition to variable, less abundant species, all of which are larger than the predicted size of 34 kDa. BC1 antiserum detected a single protein of 35-36 kDa following in vitro translation in reticulocyte lysate, suggesting that BC1 is post-translationally modified in plants. The nature of the modification was not resolved, although neither glycosylation nor association with nucleic acids is involved. In common with putative spread proteins of several other plants viruses, BC1 co-fractionated with the cell wall. The replication of both genomic components in N. tabacum protoplasts was unaffected by the introduction of frameshift mutations into BV1 and BC1 coding regions. In inoculated N. benthamiana leaves, however, the accumulation of a BV1 mutant was significantly reduced compared to the levels attained by co-inoculated, complementing BV1 and BC1 mutants. In contrast, the accumulation of a BC1 mutant was unaffected, although symptom induction in inoculated leaves and systemic infection occurred only in the presence of both BV1 and BC1. The results are consistent with a role for BV1 in localized cell-to-cell spread and for BC1, possibly together with BV1, in long-distance vascular spread of the virus.

Blotting, Western↗

Specificity of bipartite geminivirus movement proteins.

Pseudorecombinants produced by exchanging genome components (DNAs A and B) of the geminiviruses African cassava mosaic virus (ACMV) and Indian cassava mosaic virus (ICMV), ACMV, and tomato golden mosaic virus (TGMV), and TGMV and abutilon mosaic virus (AbMV) are not infectious in their common host Nicotiana benthamiana. In each case, DNA A was unable to trans-replicate the heterogenomic DNA B component in a N. benthamiana leaf disc assay. The non-viability of the pseudorecombinants has been exploited to investigate the specificity of geminivirus movement proteins, encoded by DNA B, by co-inoculating N. benthamiana with both genome components of one virus and DNA A of a second virus. We demonstrate that ACMV can mediate the systemic movement of ICMV, TGMV and AbMV DNA A components. In reciprocal experiments, neither TGMV nor AbMV can mediate the systemic movement of ACMV DNA A although they can support the movement of each other's DNA A. The variation in movement protein specificity suggests evolutionary divergence of New and Old World geminiviruses. Co-inoculation of combinations of ACMV and ICMV genome components into discriminating hosts and comparison of their behavior in N. benthamiana and N. tabacum leaf disc assays suggests that the host range of ICMV, a subset of that of ACMV, is restricted by impaired viral DNA replication rather than the inability of the virus to spread in non-host backgrounds.

DNA Replication↗

Transcriptional analysis of the virion-sense genes of the geminivirus beet curly top virus.

The genome of the geminivirus beet curly top virus (BCTV) consists of a single circular DNA containing overlapping open reading frames (ORFs) located on both the virion-sense and complementary-sense DNA strands. To investigate the expression of these ORFs, RNA extracted from infected Nicotiana benthamiana and Beta vulgaris has been examined for the presence of viral transcripts. An abundant 1.1-kb virion-sense polyadenylated RNA and four complementary-sense polyadenylated RNAs of 1.7, 1.5, 1.3, and 0.7 kb have been identified by northern blot hybridization, confirming the bidirectional transcription strategy implied by the arrangement of ORFs. We previously demonstrated that two overlapping virion-sense ORFs are involved in coat protein synthesis (ORF V1) and viral single-stranded DNA accumulation (ORF V2). Mutants of a third virion-sense ORF (ORF V3), located upstream and overlapping ORFs V1 and V2, retain the ability to replicate efficiently in N. benthamiana leaf discs but produce an asymptomatic infection in N. benthamiana and B. vulgaris at low frequency, associated with reduced levels of viral DNA compared to wild-type infection. Our data support the recent suggestion that ORF V3 participates in virus movement. The 1.1 kb virion-sense RNA comprises a population of overlapping transcripts with 5' termini suitably positioned for the expression of ORFs V1, V2, and V3. The overlapping arrangement of the transcripts and juxtaposition of putative regulatory elements could provide a means for the temporal control of virion-sense gene expression.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Geminiviruses: plant viral vectors.

Geminiviruses are being used as convenient autonomously replicating vectors for foreign gene amplification in plants. Using tissue culture techniques, they have been adapted for the analysis of the regulation of gene expression in a wide range of hosts, including both mono- and dicotyledonous species. In monocotyledonous plants that are particularly recalcitrant to transformation, geminivirus symptom-induction has been used as a sensitive marker for DNA uptake.

Cells, Cultured↗

Genotype analysis of faecal and blood isolates of Salmonella dublin from humans in England and Wales.

An analysis of genotype was made for representative strains of Salmonella dublin. The collection consisted primarily of strains isolated from humans in England and Wales, and were of both intestinal and extra-intestinal origin. Three genetic elements were characterized by DNA hybridization. They were the spvBC genes, extrachromosomal virulence determinants, the salmonella-specific insertion sequence IS200, and the 16S ribosomal RNA genes, a phylogenetic marker. Two clones of S. dublin (SdRI and SdRII) which shared an identical IS200 profile, were identified on the basis of restriction fragment length polymorphism at the 16S rRNA locus. With one exception, all strains harboured a 52 MDa plasmid which contained a conserved 3.7 kbp Hind III fragment homologous to the spvBC mouse-virulence genes of S. typhimurium. However, a single plasmid-free strain of SdRI, isolated from a patient with septicaemia exhibited no spc homology. In SdRI there was no observable genotype distinction between strains causing gastroenteritis or bacteraemia. In contrast, none of the strains of SdRII were from cases of bacteraemia, and all human isolates of this clone were from cases of gastroenteritis.

Bacteremia↗

Genotypic typing and phylogenetic analysis of Salmonella paratyphi B and S. java with IS200.

Salmonella paratyphi B and Salmonella java are biovars of common serotype 1,4,[5],12:b:1,2 which respectively cause human paratyphoid fever and gastroenteritis. In order to define genotypes and phylogenetic relationships in this group, we examined representative strains for restriction fragment length polymorphisms (RFLPs) in and around the 16S ribosomal RNA (rrn) genes, and the five to eleven insertion sites of the Salmonella-specific DNA insertion sequence IS200. One of four 16S rrn profiles was predominant, and was shared by the majority of strains, irrespective of their designation as S. paratyphi B or S. java. On the other hand, thirteen unique IS200 profiles were found and this technique was able to distinguish, for the first time, distinct genotypes for S. paratyphi B and S. java. One of the S. paratyphi B profiles, Spj-IP1.0, represented a globally-distributed clone. Greater diversity was detected within IS200 profiles of S. java than within those of S. paratyphi B. IS200 profiles described a phylogenetic complex in which strains of both biovars could be placed. They constituted reproducible molecular fingerprints, which could be compared in a band-matching database suitable for molecular epidemiological typing.

Bacterial Typing Techniques↗

Helicobacter canis sp. nov., a new species from dogs: an integrated study of phenotype and genotype.

A group of Campylobacter-like organisms (CLOs) were isolated from the faeces of diarrhoeic or healthy dogs, constituting 4% of all CLOs from this source. Since they formed a unique DNA homology group within the genus Helicobacter, and exhibited distinctive phenotypic properties, they were collectively termed the HC group. A polyphasic taxonomic analysis was made of this group. The phenotype of four dog isolates and a single human isolate was unique and could be distinguished bacteriologically from other helicobacters. Electron microscopic ultrastructure revealed defining characteristics of Helicobacter. The 16S rRNA gene of the nominated type strain NCTC 12739T was sequenced, and its analysis delineated the group as a new species of Helicobacter. This conclusion was supported by relative DNA homology and whole-cell protein electrophoretic patterns. We therefore propose the name Helicobacter canis sp. nov. for this group. The species most closely related to H. canis sp. nov. were H. cinaedi, 'Flexispira rappini' and H. fennelliae. A species-specific recombinant DNA probe was cloned from NCTC 12739T for use in routine laboratory identification and epidemiological studies. The faecal source, bile tolerance and lack of urease activity of H. canis sp. nov. suggest that this new Helicobacter species colonizes the lower bowel rather than the stomach.

Animals↗