Biomedical subjects

Jacinta Kelly

Publications and source records attributed to Jacinta Kelly.

9 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2006

Mutagenesis of the catalytic triad of tissue transglutaminase abrogates coeliac disease serum IgA autoantibody binding.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Tissue transglutaminase (tTG) is an autoantigen in coeliac disease and the related disorder, dermatitis herpetiformis. The detection of autoantibodies directed against tTG is a highly specific marker of coeliac disease; however, it is unclear if there is a role for these autoantibodies in the disease process. The aim of this study was to investigate whether the catalytic triad of tTG is targeted by coeliac disease autoantibodies. METHODS: A full-length wild-type recombinant tTG and a novel site-directed mutagenic variant lacking the catalytic triad were produced in Escherichia coli. Serum samples from 61 biopsy-proven coeliac disease and 10 dermatitis herpetiformis patients were tested for their recognition of both antigens in enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS: Although IgA autoantibodies from sera of patients with coeliac disease and dermatitis herpetiformis bound wild-type tTG well, a dramatic decrease in binding to the mutant tTG was observed with a mean reduction of 79% in coeliac disease and 58% in dermatitis herpetiformis samples. IgG anti-tTG antibodies did not show a similar pattern of reduction, with no overall difference in recognition of the wild-type or mutant tTGs. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that the IgA anti-tTG response in coeliac disease and dermatitis herpetiformis is focused on the region of tTG responsible for its transamidation and deamidation reactions, whereas the IgG response may target other regions of the enzyme.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2006

Increased protein expression of matrix metalloproteinases -1, -3, and -9 and TIMP-1 in patients with gluten-sensitive enteropathy.

Gluten-sensitive enteropathy is characterized by small intestinal damage. The pathogenic mechanisms involved are not precisely understood. There is recent interest in the possibility that matrix metalloproteinases might play a pathogenic role. Using immunohistochemistry technique, we examined the protein expression of matrix metalloproteinases-1, -3, and -9 and the tissue inhibitor metalloproteinase-1 in duodenal biopsies from 30 patients with celiac disease and dermatitis herpetiformis. We demonstrated that the percentage of cells expressing these enzymes and their inhibitor in all patients was significantly greater than in the normal controls (P < 0.0001). This was evident even in patients with a minimal lesion but was most marked in patients with severe damage, mirroring the degree of inflammation in the small intestinal tissue. The increased expression of these enzymes and their inhibitor in the duodenal mucosa of patients with gluten-sensitive enteropathy suggests a role for these enzymes in the tissue remodeling which is a feature of these disorders.

Adult↗

PubMed2004

Adult human liver contains CD8pos T cells with naive phenotype, but is not a site for conventional alpha beta T cell development.

Normal adult human liver (AHL) contains populations of unconventional lymphocytes that have been shown in the mouse to mature locally. The presence of lymphoid progenitors together with IL-7, recombinase-activating gene, and pre-TCR-alpha expression in AHL suggests similar local T cell development activity in humans. Flow cytometry was used to characterize potentially naive hepatic alphabeta-T cells. We looked for evidence of TCR-alphabeta cell development in AHL by quantifying delta deletion TCR excision circles (TRECs) in CD3(pos) populations isolated from the liver and matched blood of eight individuals. Phenotypic analysis of hepatic T cells suggests the presence of Ag-inexperienced populations. TRECs were detected in all blood samples (mean, 164.10 TRECs/ micro g DNA), whereas only two hepatic samples were positive at low levels (59.40 and 1.92). The relatively high level of CD8(pos) T cells in these livers with a naive phenotype suggests that in addition to its role as a graveyard for Ag-specific activated CD8(pos) T cells, naive CD8(pos) T cells may enter the liver without prior activation. The almost complete absence of TRECs suggests that normal AHL is not a site for the development of conventional alphabeta T cells.

Adult↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Accountability and recent developments in nursing: be bold, be holistic: a review of the literature.

Contemporary intensive care nurses are confronted daily with accelerated changes and unprecedented challenges. While advancements in critical care and medical technologies may reflect good intentions for patient care, misguided nursing development may pose a sea of fallibility for intensive care nursing. Conceivably, complex technological developments provoke exponential alienation of intensive care nurses from essential nursing duties. Accountability of the nurse is crucial. A winter of discontent is evident as intensive care nurses assume new roles amidst the new technology. Several themes will be presented in this article.

Critical Care↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Spirituality as a coping mechanism.

Spirituality as a coping mechanism can be observed to be a powerful resource in the provision of comfort, peace, and resolution for patients confronted with critical illness. While the exact machinery of spirituality in adaptation and adjustment to illness is enigmatic, the complementary benefits are clearly illustrated in the analysis of recounted personal experiences. Analysis of interactions with patients living the experience of coping with critical illness provides nurses with a means of reflection and transformational learning which improves and preserves the spiritual heritage of nursing care.

Adaptation, Psychological↗

PubMedDate not supplied

A personal reflection: surviving professional development.

The embarkation of a postgraduate program differs by the individual. For some, it's like a homecoming. For others, it becomes a bizarre and surreal world more akin to the likes of Franz Kafka, Tom Robbins, and H. R. Giger than Merriam-Webster. The author describes the experience of returning to the collegiate world in her own inimitable style.

Adaptation, Psychological↗

PubMedDate not supplied

An overview of conflict.

Conflict is found in all aspects of society and nursing is not immune. Conflict is also found in critical care units. However, conflict within the nursing profession has traditionally generated negative feelings and many nurses use avoidance as a coping mechanism. This article will provide an overview of conflict, conflict management, and conflict resolution.

Adaptation, Psychological↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Barriers to achieving patient-centered care in Ireland.

In today's healthcare environment, patient care has become fragmented and impersonalized even though we desire to give person-centered care. Many factors affect the way we must deliver nursing care. This article discusses patient care in Ireland in the contemporary intensive care setting that has become more task-oriented and less patient-centered.

Humans↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Evidence-based care of a patient with a myocardial infarction.

Quality nursing care of the patient with a myocardial infarction is realized in accordance with evidence-based practice and by the willingness of nurses to adjust nursing practice as new evidence emerges. The framework for the holistic care of the patient following a myocardial infarction encompasses a comprehensive assessment, planning, intervention and evaluation process. The intention of this case study is to illustrate the rationale and evidence base underpinning the holistic approach to the care of this patient group.

Communication↗