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Biomedical subjects

J W Johnson

Publications and source records attributed to J W Johnson.

153 records · Page 9Linked to original sources

Regulation of endometrial prostaglandin synthesis during early pregnancy in cattle: effects of phospholipases and calcium in vitro.

In experiment 1, endometrial explants from 3 cyclic (Day 17) cows were incubated with arachidonic acid (AA), phospholipase A-2 (PLA-2) and calcium ionophore A23187 (CaI) or control. AA (0.2 mg), PLA-2 (1 U/ml) and CaI (4 micrograms/ml) increased PGF and PGE secretion. In experiment 2, endometrial explants from cyclic (n = 4) and pregnant (n = 3) cows were incubated +/- Ca++ and with either: control, AA, PLA-2, CaI, PLA-2 + CaI, or AA + CaI. PG secretion was higher in cultures with Ca++. In presence of Ca++, PGF secretion was lower for pregnant than cyclic endometrium. AA with Ca++ stimulated PGF and PGE secretion, indicating that AA availability may limit PG secretion. The stimulatory effect of PLA-2 on PGF and PGE secretion was greater in pregnant than cyclic endometrium. However, CaI inhibited the PLA-2 response of pregnant, but not cyclic endometrium. In experiment 3, endometrium (4 cyclic cows) failed to convert 3H-PGF2 alpha to PGE2 or 3H-PGE2 to PGF2 alpha. Responsiveness of PG secretion to PLA-2, and CaI is altered by reproductive status suggesting that these factors may be involved in the differential regulation of PG production during early pregnancy in cattle.

Animals↗

Glycine potentiates the NMDA response in cultured mouse brain neurons.

Transmitters mediating 'fast' synaptic processes in the vertebrate central nervous system are commonly placed in two separate categories that are believed to exhibit no interaction at the receptor level. The 'inhibitory transmitters' (such as glycine and GABA) are considered to act only on receptors mediating a chloride conductance increase, whereas 'excitatory transmitters' (such as L-glutamate) are considered to activate receptors mediating a cationic conductance increase. The best known excitatory receptor is that specifically activated by N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) which has recently been characterized at the single channel level. The response activated by NMDA agonists is unique in that it exhibits a voltage-dependent Mg block. We report here that this response exhibits another remarkable property: it is dramatically potentiated by glycine. This potentiation is not mediated by the inhibitory strychnine-sensitive glycine receptor, and is detected at a glycine concentration as low as 10 nM. The potentiation can be observed in outside-out patches as an increase in the frequency of opening of the channels activated by NMDA agonists. Thus, in addition to its role as an inhibitory transmitter, glycine may facilitate excitatory transmission in the brain through an allosteric activation of the NMDA receptor.

Action Potentials↗

Performance of AlGaN/GaN high electron mobility transistors at nanoscale gate lengths.

The DC and RF performance of AlGaN/GaN high electron mobility transistors with nanoscale gate lengths is presented. The layer structures were grown by either metal organic chemical vapor deposition or rf plasma-assisted molecular beam epitaxy. Excellent scaling properties were observed as a function of both gate length and width and confirm that these devices are well suited to both high speed switching and power microwave applications.

Aluminum↗

Clinical experience with Tc-99m labeled (N2S2) anti-melanoma antibody fragments and single photon emission computed tomography.

We evaluated the imaging capability of murine Tc-99m-labeled antimelanoma Fab fragments in 12 patients with clinical stage II and III melanoma. Tc-99m-NRX118.7 antimelanoma Fab fragment, 10.0 to 27.2 mCi (370-1, 006 MBq), was injected IV 30 min after irrelevant nonspecific intact antibody and 5 min after intact specific antibody were given. In all patients, whole-body scans and spot views were obtained. Single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) was additionally performed in eight of the patients. The procedure was well tolerated, and 31 of 38 known foci of melanoma were detected (sensitivity, 82%). SPECT aided in detecting and better localizing lesions in the head, neck, and chest. The specificity of the technique was satisfactory when interpretation was performed with a knowledge of normal sites of accretion and excretion of technetium-99m activity such as the kidneys and gut. In several instances, lesions were discovered by means of the antibody scan before detection by other methods, and in two instances, the lack of visualization on antibody scan of a palpable mass correctly indicated that no melanoma was present in the mass. Scan results in three patients led to alterations in patient care; including preventing aggressive surgical and nonsurgical treatments. Although these data are encouraging, evaluation in additional patients will be essential to determine the clinical utility of this antibody scan in the management of patients with melanoma.

Adult↗

Vaporized hydrogen peroxide sterilization of freeze dryers.

The feasibility of using vapor hydrogen peroxide (VHP) as an alternative to steam sterilization has been examined using a pilot plant freeze dryer equipped with a prototype vapor generator. Specific objectives of the study discussed in this presentation were to: 1. Identify critical process variables affecting the lethality of VHP to Bacillus stearothermophilus spores, particularly within dead legs in the system. 2. Measure the efficacy of system degassing after sterilization. 3. Determine the effect of repeated sterilization cycles on the integrity of elastomeric components of the freeze dryer. Penetration of adequate concentrations of hydrogen peroxide vapor into small diameter piping, such as tubing connected to pressure gauges, is the most challenging aspect of VHP sterilization of freeze dryers. Prior to equipment modifications, spore strips placed within such dead legs remained positive irrespective of the number of gas/degas pulses and system pressure. Equipment modifications necessary to effect complete kill of biological indicators placed in system dead legs is discussed. Results of this study support the conclusion that vaporized hydrogen peroxide shows promise as an alternative sterilization method for freeze dryers.

Equipment Design↗

Fowl cholera immunity in broiler breeder chickens determined by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was developed to detect antibodies in broiler breeders vaccinated (wing web) with the CU fowl cholera vaccine. Birds were bled weekly from 9 to 26 weeks, every other week from 26 to 40 weeks, and every 4 weeks from 40 to 56 weeks of age. Overall mean ELISA antibody titers (9 to 56 weeks) reported as log10 values and survivability of the vaccinates after virulent challenge were as follows: unvaccinated--5.75, 48%; birds vaccinated once at 8 weeks--5.91, 78%; birds vaccinated twice at 8 and 14 weeks--6.11, 100%; birds vaccinated thrice at 8, 14, and 20 weeks--6.23, 100%; birds vaccinated twice at 8 and 20 weeks--6.12, 100%; and birds vaccinated twice at 8 and 20 weeks (plus fowl pox at 8 weeks)--6.08, 95%. Survivability in the vaccinates after virulent challenge with strain X-73 Pasteurella multocida was 100% in birds with ELISA antibody titers (log10) greater than 6.02. Under the conditions of this experiment, birds vaccinated two or three times between 8 and 20 weeks proved to be sufficiently immune at 56 weeks of age to withstand a virulent fowl cholera challenge. Birds not vaccinated or vaccinated only once at 8 weeks were not sufficiently immunized to withstand virulent challenge.

Age Factors↗