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Biomedical subjects

J Thompson

Publications and source records attributed to J Thompson.

At least 595 records · Page 33Linked to original sources
PubMed1987

A comparison of acetaminophen and rimantadine in the treatment of influenza A infection in children.

Rimantadine was compared with acetaminophen in a double-blind randomly assigned therapeutic trial in 63 children presenting with influenzal symptoms. Forty-nine of the children were proven to have influenza A by culture on presentation. Forty-three of the cultures, 88%, were influenza A/H1N1 strains. Both drugs were well tolerated. Rimantadine lowered the amount of virus shed in the first 2 days after initiation of therapy. Clinical resolution of illness was not different between the two therapeutic modalities. In individuals who shed virus for 4 days, strains recovered on the last day were relatively resistant to rimantadine.

Acetaminophen↗
PubMed1987

Interferon alfa-2b/melphalan/prednisone in previously untreated patients with multiple myeloma: a phase I-II trial.

Interferon alfa-2b (Intron A; Schering Plough) has been shown to be active in advanced previously treated multiple myeloma (MM). Recent in vitro evidence has suggested synergy between cytotoxic agents and interferon alfa-2b. This phase I-II protocol was initiated to study interferon alfa-2b in combination with melphalan and prednisone. Groups of five patients received interferon alfa-2b twice-weekly for two weeks at dose levels of 0.5, 1.0, 2.0, 5.0 and 10.0 X 10(6) IU/m2. During week 2, melphalan (9 mg/m2) and prednisone (40 mg/m2) were administered concurrently with interferon alfa-2b followed by a rest period during nadir myelosuppression, the cycles being repeated every 28 days. Thirty patients were entered of whom 21 were Stage III, 3 Stage II and 6 Stage I. Median nadir WBC/mm3 and platelets/mm3 at the various dose levels are given in the table. Serious adverse reactions while on study included myocardial infarction, renal failure and leukopenia-related sepsis. Early response information is available. Twenty-six patients are evaluable for response. Seven have had progressive disease and 19 (69%) a partial response, the median duration was 11+ months. Interferon alfa-2b does not appear to antagonize melphalan/prednisone effectiveness and may be additive or synergistic. Full evaluation of this combination will be undertaken in randomized controlled trials which are now underway.

Acute Kidney Injury↗
PubMed1987

Extensive stage small cell carcinoma of the bronchus. A randomised study of etoposide given orally by one-day or five-day schedule together with intravenous adriamycin and cyclophosphamide.

Fifty-four patients whose disease had been staged as extensive small cell carcinoma of the bronchus were randomised to receive either CAV1 (cyclophosphamide 600 mg m-2 i.v., adriamycin 50 mg m-2 i.v., given on day 1, and etoposide 500 mg m-2 p.o. given on day 3) or CAV5 (cyclophosphamide and adriamycin given as for CAV1, etoposide 500 mg m-2 given in divided dose over days 3-7) on a 21-day schedule. The two regimens proved comparable (CR + PR 55% vs 56%), and the survival curves were virtually superimposable (median survival: CAV1, 8 months; CAV5, 9 months). Only five patients are still alive. The toxicity of the two treatments was similar. The scheduling of etoposide over 1 or 5 days seemed clinically unimportant in this study, perhaps because of concurrent use of other effective chemotherapy drugs.

Administration, Oral↗
PubMed1987

Molecular hybridization with RNA probes in concentrated solutions of guanidine thiocyanate.

Hybridizations with RNA probes were performed in 3-6 M guanidine thiocyanate concentrations where cells can be solubilized. At these concentrations the melting temperature of hybrids and the optimum temperature of hybrid formation are greatly reduced. The rate of hybridization in GuSCN at room temperature was greater than that in 50% formamide at 42 degrees C. Hybridizations were performed on DNA and RNA in cells dissolved in GuSCN without prior nucleic acid purification.

Animals↗
PubMed1987

Skeletal muscle neural cell adhesion molecule (N-CAM): changes in protein and mRNA species during myogenesis of muscle cell lines.

Qualitative and quantitative changes in neural cell adhesion molecule (N-CAM) protein and mRNA forms were measured during myogenesis in G8-1 and C2 cell lines. Indirect immunofluorescence assay showed that N-CAM was constitutively expressed by myoblasts in culture and that myotubes appeared to be stained more strongly. These changes were quantified using a dot blot assay. N-CAM levels increased almost 4-fold in G8-1 cells and 15-fold in C2 cells during myogenesis. The kinetics of accumulation of N-CAM were not coordinate with other muscle markers such as creatine kinase or acetylcholine receptor levels, since N-CAM accumulated significantly ahead of these markers. Immunoblotting showed that myogenesis was not associated with changes in the extent of sialylation of N-CAM. However, distinct changes in desialo forms were observed after neuraminidase treatment. Myogenesis was accompanied by increases in 125- and 155-kD desialo forms with minor changes in 120- and 145-kD forms. Biosynthetic labeling studies showed that myoblasts specifically expressed a transmembrane isoform of 145 kD that was phosphorylated and was down-regulated in myotubes. Pulse-chase analysis of myotubes showed that the 120-kD isoform and an isoform of 145 kD that co-migrated with, but was distinct from, the 145 kD transmembrane isoform of myoblasts were precursors of the 125- and 155-kD isoforms, respectively, that accumulated in myotubes. The 125- and 155-kD isoforms in myotubes are linked to the cell membrane via phosphatidylinositol linkage and can be released by phospholipase C. Indirect immunofluorescence analysis showed that phosphatidylinositol specific phospholipase C specifically released N-CAM from the myotube membrane generating N-CAM-free myotubes, while myoblasts were unaffected by this treatment. Three N-CAM mRNA species were observed in mouse muscle cell lines. Myoblasts were characterized by their expression of 6.7- and 5.2-kb transcripts while myotubes express 5.2- and 2.9-kb transcripts. Thus, myogenesis is qualitatively associated with a down regulation of the 6.7-kb transcript and an up regulation of the 5.2- and 2.9-kb transcript.

Antigens, Surface↗
PubMed1987

Effects of tissue-type plasminogen activator on Staphylococcus epidermidis--infected plasma clots as a model of infected endocardial vegetations.

The ability of tissue-type plasminogen activator (t-PA) to enhance the effect of antibiotics in the treatment of bacterial endocarditis was studied using plasma clots infected with Staphylococcus epidermidis as a model of infected endocardial vegetations. A concentration-dependent lysis of the infected plasma clots was induced by t-PA, as shown by the decrease in the weight of the clots, a decrease in the amount of incorporated 125I fibrin, as well as the release of staphylococci from the clots into the incubation fluid. The addition of cloxacillin to the incubation medium in various concentrations led to a concentration-dependent decrease of the number of S. epidermidis in the clots. The presence of t-PA did not enhance the antibacterial effect of cloxacillin. It is concluded that the lysis induced by t-PA might enhance the effect of treatment of endocarditis by reducing the size of endocardial vegetations but not by enhancement of the effect of antibiotics on the bacteria embedded in the vegetations.

Animals↗
PubMed1987

The use of DNA probes identifying restriction-fragment-length polymorphisms to examine the Mycobacterium avium complex.

DNA probes were used to identify restriction-fragment-length polymorphisms (RFLPs) in DNA samples, demonstrating that the Mycobacterium avium complex could be clearly divided into M. avium and Mycobacterium intracellulare strains. Less than 2% DNA base substitution was found between M. avium strains, whereas the M. intracellulare strains had greater than 15% base substitution. The Johne's disease bacillus, Mycobacterium paratuberculosis (American type strain), was found to be distinguishable from the M. avium complex serotypes examined. Strain 18 was found to be identical to M. avium. The rat leprosy bacillus, Mycobacterium lepraemurium, was found to be very closely related, but not identical, to M. avium.

DNA, Bacterial↗
PubMed1987

Proline requirement for glucose utilization by Peptostreptococcus anaerobius ATCC 27337.

Resting cells of Peptostreptococcus anaerobius maintained under anaerobic conditions were unable to metabolize either glucose or alanine. The addition of proline to the appropriate suspension, however, resulted in the immediate utilization of both compounds. Fermentation of alanine by the cells required that stoichiometric concentrations of proline be present in the medium; and during the oxidation of alanine, proline was simultaneously reduced to the ring cleavage product delta-aminovaleric acid. Although proline was required to initiate glucose transport, stoichiometric amounts of the imino acid were not necessary for glucose fermentation. Proline also stimulated the uptake and concomitant phosphorylation of the nonmetabolizable glucose analog 2-deoxy-D-glucose. The proline requirement for glucose transport by P. anaerobius could be replaced by adding ferricyanide or simply by aerating the cell suspension. The initiation of sugar uptake by proline, ferricyanide, and O2 was attributed to the capacity of these compounds to function as electron acceptors, which permitted reoxidation of the (reduced) intracellular nucleotide pool and the formation (from an endogenous reserve) of the high-energy donor(s) required for the vectorial transport and phosphorylation of sugar.

Adenosine Triphosphate↗
PubMed1987

Amino acid-dependent transport of sugars by Fusobacterium nucleatum ATCC 10953.

Resting cells of Fusobacterium nucleatum 10953 (grown previously in a medium containing glucose) failed to accumulate glucose under aerobic or anaerobic conditions. However, the addition of glutamic acid, lysine, or histidine to anaerobic suspensions of cells caused the immediate and rapid accumulation of glucose. Except for the amino acid-dependent transport of galactose and fructose (the latter being transported at approximately one-third the rate of glucose), no other sugars tested were accumulated by the resting cells. Amino acid-dependent uptake of sugar(s) by F. nucleatum was abolished by exposure of cells to air, and under aerobic conditions the rates of fermentation of glutamic acid and lysine were less than 15% of the rates determined anaerobically. The energy necessary for active transport of the sugars (acetyl phosphate and ATP) is derived from the anaerobic fermentation of glutamic acid, lysine, or histidine. Competition studies revealed that glucose and galactose were mutual and exclusive inhibitors of transport, and it is suggested that the two sugars (Km = 14 microM) are translocated via a common carrier. The products of amino acid-dependent sugar transport were recovered from resting cells as ethanol-precipitable, high-molecular-weight polymers. Polymer formation by F. nucleatum, during growth in medium containing glucose or galactose, was confirmed by electron microscopy.

Aerobiosis↗
PubMed1987

Ornithine transport and exchange in Streptococcus lactis.

Resting cells of Streptococcus lactis 133 appeared to accumulate [14C]ornithine to a high concentration in the absence of an exogenous energy source. However, analysis of intracellular amino acid pool constituents and results of transport experiments revealed that the accumulation of ornithine represented a homoexchange between extracellular [14C]ornithine and unlabeled ornithine in the cell. The energy-independent exchange of ornithine was not inhibited by proton-conducting uncouplers or by metabolic inhibitors. Intracellular [14C]ornithine was retained by resting cells after suspension in a buffered medium. However, addition of unlabeled ornithine to the suspension elicited rapid exit of labeled amino acid. The initial rate of exit of [14C]ornithine was dependent on the concentration of unlabeled ornithine in the medium, but this accelerative exchange diffusion process caused no net loss of amino acid. By contrast, the presence of a fermentable energy source caused a rapid expulsion of and net decrease in the concentration of intracellular ornithine. Kinetic analyses of amino acid transport demonstrated competitive inhibition between lysine and ornithine, and data obtained by two-dimensional thin-layer chromatography established the heteroexchange of these basic amino acids. The effects of amino acids and of ornithine analogs on both entry and exit of [14C]ornithine have been examined. The data suggest that a common carrier mediates the entry and exchange of lysine, arginine, and ornithine in cells of S. lactis.

Amino Acids↗
PubMed1987

Surgery after initial chemotherapy for localized small-cell carcinoma of the lung.

Despite the high response rates induced by chemotherapy, many patients with limited small-cell lung cancer (SCLC) relapse at the site of primary disease. Failure of radiotherapy to overcome this has led to the use of surgery as part of a combined modality approach. Between December 1981 and December 1985, 189 patients with SCLC were assessed for suitability for surgery after an initial three cycles of chemotherapy (doxorubicin, cyclophosphamide, and etoposide). Fifty-seven were found to have limited disease, and of these, 19 were ineligible or unfit for surgery. Of the 38 eligible patients, 84% had an objective response to three cycles of chemotherapy and 25 were deemed suitable for surgery after restaging. At thoracotomy, four were inoperable, nine had a lobectomy, and 12 had a pneumonectomy. There was no evidence of viable SCLC in four resection specimens (one stage 1, two stage 2, one stage 3 at presentation), no viable SCLC but an entirely separate focus of viable poorly differentiated squamous carcinoma (SqLC) in one, and the remaining specimens contained viable SCLC. Survival of patients selected to undergo tumor resection was excellent (median survival, 33 months; plateau phase, 48% alive at 3 to 5 years), but survival of the entire group with limited SCLC was not dissimilar from that reported in previous series of limited-stage tumor treated with chemotherapy alone. Long-term survival appeared to be largely restricted to those with no evidence of viable SCLC at surgery (no viable SCLC, zero of five relapsed; viable SCLC, 13 of 16 relapsed and/or died). This prospective study confirms the feasibility of the combined modality approach, but suggests that any improvement in overall survival is likely to be small. Until the results from multicenter randomized trials are available, surgery, as part of a combined modality program, should be regarded as experimental.

Actuarial Analysis↗
PubMed1987

Classification of overdose/self-poisoning presentations to an accident and emergency department.

A simple classification system of overdoses presenting to a hospital emergency department is described. Five major overdose categories were developed (accidental, suicidal behavior, recreational/experimentation, compulsive use, and an indeterminate category), which were divided into 10 subcategories. A prospective survey at an inner-city hospital in Sydney classified 199 consecutive self-poisoning presentations as being due to compulsive drug use in 38% of cases; suicidal gesture as a reaction to stress, 17%; adverse reactions to recreational or experimental use, 15%; suicidal gesture to influence others, 7%; genuine accident or noncompliance with medication, 6%; genuine suicide attempt, 3%; and pseudo-overdose, 3%. The reason for the overdose was uncertain in the remainder of the cases. Additional data are also presented, including the types of drugs involved in each overdose category. Categories of overdose may be useful in psychosocial assessment for follow-up interventions, assist in research, and help reduce negative attitudes toward overdoses.

Accidents↗
PubMed1987

Candidate rotavirus vaccine (rhesus rotavirus strain) in children: an evaluation.

Fifty children, 3 months to 12 years of age, were given an experimental, orally administered, live attenuated rotavirus vaccine. Overall evidence of vaccine effectiveness as judged by vaccine virus shedding or a serologic response was seen in 82% of vaccinees. No clinical illness was seen in the rotavirus vaccinees when compared with 40 concurrently studied control children. No transmission to control children was observed even with close daily contact in a day-care setting. Young infants, generally less than 1 year of age, who had not previously experienced wild-type rotavirus infection shed significantly more vaccine virus. Limitation of virus shedding in those already exposed may be related to a prompt copro-IgA response which was significantly elevated by three days after vaccination. In summary, the development of this rotavirus vaccine, rhesus rotavirus-MMU-18006, is a promising step in the development of immunoprophylaxis against this major enteric pathogen.

Antibodies, Viral↗
PubMed1987

Sequential evaluation of alpha-2b-interferon treatment in 128 patients with hairy cell leukemia.

This multicenter study reports on 128 patients with hairy cell leukemia (HCL) who were treated subcutaneously with alfa-2b interferon (Intron A, Schering Corp, Kenilworth, NJ), three times a week at a dosage of 2 megaunits/m2. Five patients (4%) had a complete response (CR) with virtual eradication of hairy cells from the bone marrow, 98 (77%) showed a partial response (PR), defined as hematologic normalization of all three blood counts associated with decreased hairy cells in the bone marrow, and nine (7%) showed a minor response (MR) that included improvement in at least one measurement of the blood count. Sixteen persons (12%) did not respond. Thirteen of the 128 had had neither a splenectomy nor a CR. Responders who completed 12 months of interferon therapy were randomized to either an additional 6 months of therapy or to observation only. Relapses occurred in six of 35 (18%) randomized to observation alone and in two of 29 (7%) who continued interferon therapy. The relapses are too few to draw conclusions; however, 27 responders have remained off interferon treatment for greater than 6 months; cessation of interferon therapy does not result in a rapid deterioration of peripheral blood counts. In HCL, interferon therapy produced a large percentage of durable objective responses in the majority of patients. The exact duration of this response and the results of retreatment are yet undetermined.

Adult↗