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Biomedical subjects

K Hayes

Publications and source records attributed to K Hayes.

At least 91 records · Page 5Linked to original sources

Characterisation of the alpha-1-antitrypsin M3 gene, a normal variant.

By sequence analysis of the complete protein-coding region of the human alpha-1-antitrypsin gene using polymerase chain reaction techniques, we have characterised one of the normal variants, M3. We have identified a single point mutation between M1 Val213 and M3 at codon position 376 which is a GAA(Glu) to GAC(Asp) transversion.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Altered sensitivity to antiviral drugs of herpes simplex virus isolates from a patient with the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome.

Acyclovir (ACV)-resistant herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) was isolated from a patient with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome after long-term but intermittent ACV therapy. These thymidine kinase-defective isolates were sensitive in vitro to foscarnet. While combined therapy with ACV and interferon produced only partial clinical improvement, the in vitro effect of this combination against an ACV-resistant isolate from the patient was strongly synergistic. A short course (10-12 days) of intravenous foscarnet controlled severe ulceration, and clinical improvement lasted 6 months. After recurrence and further courses of foscarnet, however, the patient responded poorly, and subsequent HSV isolates were resistant to both ACV and foscarnet and hypersensitive to aphidicolin.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗

Selective control of sympathetic pathways to the kidney, spleen and intestine by the ventrolateral medulla in rats.

1. Electrical activity of multifibre renal, splenic, mesenteric and greater splanchnic nerves and 13th thoracic white rami was recorded in artificially respired, urethane-anaesthetized rats. Discharge of neurones in the rostral ventrolateral medulla was blocked by unilateral microinjections of the inhibitory amino acid glycine and effects on the electrical activity of these sympathetic nerves were compared. 2. Blockade of the rostral ventrolateral medulla caused greater decreases in discharge of renal than splenic nerves and had no consistent effect on mesenteric nerves. This blockade also decreased the discharge of the preganglionic white rami more than that of the preganglionic splanchnic nerves. 3. Postganglionic responses to rostral ventrolateral medulla blockade were always greater than preganglionic responses. 4. The arterial pressure and renal nerve responses to rostral ventrolateral medulla blockade in urethane-anaesthetized rats were not different from those in rats anaesthetized with alpha-chloralose. 5. These findings demonstrate that pre- and postganglionic sympathetic pathways to the kidney are more dependent upon excitatory drive from the rostral ventrolateral medulla than pathways directed to the spleen and intestine.

Animals↗

Prevention of transfusion-acquired cytomegalovirus infection in infants by blood filtration to remove leucocytes. Neonatal Cytomegalovirus Infection Study Group.

A multicentre, controlled trial was carried out to determine whether removal of leucocytes from blood by means of 'Imugard IG500' (Terumo) filters would prevent transfusion-acquired cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection in newborn infants. 72 infants whose mothers were seronegative and who received some seropositive blood were followed for 6 months for evidence of CMV infection. There were no significant differences between the groups who received filtered and unfiltered blood in median gestation, birthweight, or amount of seropositive blood received (median volume 32.5 ml and 34.5 ml, respectively). 9 (21%) of the 42 infants who received unfiltered blood and none of the 30 who received filtered blood were infected with CMV. All infected infants weighed less than 1500 g at birth; they represented 31% of very low birthweight (VLBW) infants at risk of CMV infection. None of 24 VLBW infants who received filtered seropositive blood was infected. 1 infected infant died and 5 had clinical features consistent with CMV infection. The results show that transfusion-acquired CMV infection is preventable by filtration of blood through a leucocyte filter. This method has advantages over other methods of removing leucocytes or the use of only seronegative blood for newborn infants.

Antibodies, Viral↗

Skin-conductance orienting response in chronic schizophrenics: the role of neuroleptics.

The primary aim of this study was to determine whether there is an association between neuroleptic treatment and skin-conductance orienting response (SCOR) nonresponding in chronic schizophrenics. In a design adapted to this purpose, we were unable to demonstrate a relationship between neuroleptics and nonresponding. Although inability to prove the null hypothesis precludes a claim that neuroleptic treatment and SCOR nonresponding are unrelated, internal evidence and prior studies strongly suggest that such a dissociation exists in most chronic schizophrenic nonresponders. We also found stable nonspecific and toxic skin conductance activity differences between SCOR "responders" and "nonresponders" on three occasions of testing. We interpret our results as bearing on state and trait issues in chronic schizophrenics.

Adult↗