Outbreak of toxoplasmosis associated with municipal drinking water--British Columbia. The British Columbia Toxoplasmosis Team.
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British Columbia↗
Biomedical subjects
L Martinez
Publications and source records attributed to L Martinez.
Neuropeptide-like immunoreactivities and carboxypeptide H activity associated with bovine brain clathrin coated vesicles.
Chromatographically purified clathrin coated vesicles (CCV) from bovine brain gray matter were collected and analyzed for their adaptor protein profile via SDS-PAGE, for their carboxypeptidase H (CPH) activity via radioenzymatic assays and for their NP (NPY1-36, CCK-8 and SS-14) content by radioimmunoassays. The results reveal the expression of CPH and neuropeptide-like immunoreactivities (NP-Li: NPY-Li, CCK-Li and SS-Li) associated with CCV. CPH activity associated with CCV is stimulated by cobalt, inhibited by 5 microM GEMSA and has an acidic pH optimum (4.5-6.5). The Michaelis-Menten kinetics assay of CPH in CCV reveals a Km = 28.9 microM and Vmax = 1.88 nmol/min/mg at pH 4.5 using 3H.Bz-FAR as a substrate. The NP-Li and CPH were mainly associated with the ascending portion of the CCV peak suggesting that these molecules are found in the larger diameter CCV subpopulation associated with CCV of the trans Golgi network (TGN), endocytic or recycling CCV. Analysis of the adaptor protein profile of the material eluting from the Sephacryl S-1000 column demonstrates a wide distribution of the Golgi-associated AP-1 (HA-I) molecules (AP47 and AP19) in relation to the CCV peak, spanning both the ascending and descending portions of the CCV peak. This adaptor protein pattern is consistent with the inherent size microheterogeneity of TGN CCV, large diameter CCV of the regulated secretory pathway and smaller diameter CCV of the lysosomal pathway.
Amino Acid Sequence↗
Dynamic behavior in glycolytic oscillations with phase shifts.
Practically all of the studies of glycolytic oscillations in homogeneous spatial mediums have been performed through the construction of systems of ordinary differential equations and the search for their solutions. In this kind of modelling, the system dynamic behavior is considered to depend only on the values adopted by the parameters related to the dependent variables. In the present work, the modeling of a biochemical system through a system of functional differential equations with delay allows us to analyse the consequences that the variations in the parametric values linked to the independent variable (time) have upon the integral solutions of the system. In our model, the delays correspond with phase shifts in the initial functions for two dependent variables. The results of our researches show that when a instability-generating multienzymatic mechanism suffers variations of the delay time in any of its variables, a wide range of different dynamic responses can be produced. Our work is presented as an enlargement on the dynamic study of biochemical oscillations in general and, particularly, the glycolytic oscillations, under the consideration of the existence of variations in the phase shifts during the oscillations of metabolites involved in the studied reactive processes.
Enzymes↗
Pyramidal tract and corticospinal neurons with branching axons to the dorsal column nuclei of the cat.
Extracellular single activity was recorded from pericruciate neurons in anaesthetized, paralysed, artificially ventilated cats. A total of 309 neurons were identified antidromically by stimulation of the dorsal column nuclei (229 from the nuneate nucleus and 80 from the gracile nucleus). The study addressed the question whether pericruciate-dorsal column nuclei neurons (corticonuclear cells) sent collaterals to the ipsilateral red nucleus and/or to the contralateral nucleus reticularis gigantocellularis. Also, the ipsilateral pyramidal tract was stimulated at mid-olivary level, as was the crossed corticospinal tract at C2, Th2 and L2 levels in order to know whether the corticonuclear cells sent their axons to the spinal cord and if so to which level. It was found that more than 95% of the corticonuclear fibres coursed through the pyramidal tract. A significant (28.4%; 88/309) proportion of the the corticonuclear neurons sent collaterals to the red nucleus and/or to the nucleus reticularis gigantocellularis. About 68% (209/309) of the corticonuclear cells did not send their axons to the spinal cord and the remainder were corticospinal neurons. Most of the corticospinal fibres terminated at the cervical level (72/100) and the remaining ended at thoracic (18/100) and lumbar (10/100) segments of the cord. While 63.4% (123/194) of the corticonuclear fibres coursing through the pyramidal tract and ending at supraspinal levels were slow conducting, the great majority of the corticospinal neurons were fast conducting (91/100). The non-corticospinal neurons were significantly slower conducting than the corticospinal cells. The corticogracile neurons were slower conducting than the corticocuneate cells. Of the 88 corticonuclear neurons that sent at least a branch to the sites tested, 50% branched into the red nucleus, 35.2% into the nucleus reticularis gigantocellularis and 14.7% into both nuclei, without significant difference between non-corticospinal and corticospinal cells. Most of the main axons of the corticonuclear cells ended at bulbar and cervical levels (281/309 or 90.9%). The data indicate that pericruciate-dorsal column nuclei neurons form a particular substrate within pyramidal tract cells. They can serve precise functions in motor coordination associated with the selection of their own sensory input. The results are discussed from this point of view.
Animals↗
Phase II trial of weekly i.v. vinorelbine as a single agent in first-line advanced breast cancer chemotherapy. The Latin-American experience.
This study investigated the therapeutic effect of single-agent i.v. weekly Navelbine (vinorelbine), a semisynthetic vinca alkaloid, in women who had received no prior treatment for locally advanced or metastatic breast cancer. Of 68 patients entered into the study, 63 were adequate inclusions, assessable for toxicity and response by WHO criteria; the 5 patients who were not evaluated were excluded from analysis because they were found not to meet the eligibility criteria of the study. Navelbine was given as a weekly 30 mg/m2 short i.v. (20 minutes) infusion; treatment was continued until disease progression. The overall response rate was 44% (complete response 8%, partial response 36%). The response rate according to target was lymph nodes, 62.9%; liver, 50.0%; lung, 50.0%; skin, 37.5%; and primary tumor, 30.8%. The median duration of response was 17.9 weeks (range: 7-52 weeks). The median time to treatment failure was 12.9 weeks, and the median survival was 50.3 weeks. The 63 eligible patients received 501 cycles. The mean dose intensity was 76%. At least one episode of WHO grade 3/4 granulocytopenia was seen in 46% of the patients (13.6% of cycles). Significant nausea/vomiting was seen in only 5% of patients corresponding to 1% of cycles. Only 5% of patients developed WHO grade 3-4 constipation and grade 3 peripheral neuropathy was observed in 1.6% of patients. Alopecia was rare (6.3% of patients), and other side effects were uncommon. This study confirms that Navelbine has major single-agent antitumor activity as frontline therapy in advanced breast cancer. Given its excellent tolerance profile and low morbidity, it should be recommended for inclusion in first-line combination chemotherapy regimens.
Adult↗
Macroscopic effects of percutaneous trigeminal ganglion compression (Mullan's technique): an anatomic study.
After the use of Mullan's technique, macroscopic changes take place on the gasserian ganglion and the surrounding structures. These changes were studied on 20 trigeminal nerves of 10 fresh adult cadavers. Changes took place on the dura as well as in the neural elements. There was compression on the ganglion and on the trigeminal nerve, and there were changes in the position of the trigeminal root, with shortening of its cisternal segment. When the balloon was inflated to capacity (0.75-1.0 ml), dural stretching in an area of 15 x 10 mm took place. This stretching of the dura extended from the lateral wall of the cavernous sinus to the level of the porus trigemini. Despite these important mechanical effects, we never found a rupture or tear on the dura or the trigeminal nerve fibers. We discuss the relationship between mechanical effects and clinical results.
Adult↗
HLA antigen expression and panel reactive antibodies.
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HLA-A Antigens↗
Monoamine oxidase inhibition prevents ischemia reperfusion damage in rat kidneys.
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Animals↗
Child abuse and neglect investigative process.
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Child↗
Occurrence of psilocybin and psilocin in Psilocybe pseudobullacea (Petch) Pegler from the Venezuelan Andes.
Using thin-layer chromatographic and spectroscopic (UV) methods two Psilocybe species from the Venezuelan Andes were analysed for the hallucinogens psilocybin and psilocin. These species are: P. montana (Pers. ex Fr.) Kumm and P. pseudobullacea (Petch) Pegler. Both hallucinogens were found in P. pseudobullacea, while P. montana was found to be exempt of these compounds.
Agaricales↗
Pericruciate fibres to the red nucleus and to the medial bulbar reticular formation.
Extracellular single activity was recorded from pericruciate neurons in anaesthetized, paralysed, artificially ventilated cats. A total of 455 neurons were classified antidromically according to their sites of termination along the corticospinal tract and whether they sent collateral branches to the ipsilateral red nucleus and/or to the contralateral nucleus reticularis gigantocellularis. It was found that the majority of the branching fibres that reached the most caudal segments of the cord were fast conducting, while the slower branching axons tended to terminate at more rostral levels of the corticospinal tract. Most of the branching fibres terminated at bulbar and cervical levels (153/182: 84%), and the remaining ended at thoracic (21/182: 11.5%) and at lumbar (8/182: 4.4%) segments of the cord. The non-corticospinal, pyramidal tract fibres branched more (56%) than the corticospinal fibres (26.6%). Within the corticospinal neurons, the degree of branching decreased with distance along the spinal cord. While 57.5% of the pericruciate fibres that projected only as far as the pyramidal tract were slow conducting, the majority of the corticospinal neurons were fast conducting (74.6%). Both pyramidal tract and corticospinal neurons that sent branches to one or to the two sites tested were significantly faster conducting than the neurons which did not branch. A total of 101 corticorubral and corticobulbar neurons which did not respond to pyramidal tract stimulation was also recorded. The data can be of significance in the understanding of co-ordination of different muscles in order to couple movement and posture into a common act. The results are discussed from this point of view.
Animals↗
Acute myocardial infarction during pregnancy and puerperium in athletic women. Two case reports.
The authors present 2 cases: 1 of a thirty-two-year-old woman and another of a thirty-eight-year-old woman, both Hispanic and athletic, with no identifiable precipitating or coronary risk factors, such as previous heart disease, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, cigarette smoking, hyperlipoproteinemia, oral contraceptive use, coagulation disorders, thyroid disease, collagen tissue disorder, or family history of premature myocardial infarction, who both developed an acute posteroinferior wall myocardial infarction with normal coronary arteries, one during pregnancy, from which normal twin girls were born, and another, during the postpartum period. After reviewing the literature the authors consider the present cases as unique due to the rare association of pregnancy with intrapartum and postpartum acute myocardial infarction with normal coronary arteries in athletic women.
Adult↗
Seasonal variations of 25 hydroxyvitamin D and parathyroid hormone in Ushuaia (Argentina), the southernmost city of the world.
Serum levels of calcium, phosphorus, alkaline phosphatase, 250HD, 1.25(OH)2D and PTH were studied in a group of 42 children aged 8.5 +/- 1.8 years (X +/- SD) from the city of Ushuaia (latitude 55 degrees S), at both the end of the winter and the end of summer. Calcium, phosphorus, alkaline phosphatase and 1.25(OH)2D serum levels were not different in summer and winter. The levels of serum 25OHD were significantly higher in summer (18.4 +/- 7.3 ng/ml) than in winter (9.8 +/- 3.8 ng/ml P < 0.001). The levels of 25OHD in children with fair or dark skin were similar in winter but were significantly higher in children with fair skin in summer (20.0 +/- 7.2 ng/l vs 15.3 +/- 5.1 ng/ml (P < 0.05). Serum levels of PTH were higher in winter (58.2 +/- 30.5 pg/ml) than in summer (47.9 +/- 28.3 pg/ml) (P < 0.03). The results demonstrate the existence of a population with low serum levels of 25OHD in winter. The higher levels of PTH in winter when serum 25OHD levels are lower could be the cause of the lack of seasonal variation in serum calcium and 1.25(OH)2D levels. Further studies are needed to establish whether these changes besides increasing the incidence of rickets, could also affect the mineral density of the skeleton in the population of this vitamin-D-deficient area.
Alkaline Phosphatase↗
Distribution of free amino acids in human preovulatory follicles.
The purpose of the present study was to investigate the possible role of intrafollicular amino acids in the human ovarian follicle. Follicular fluid (FF) and oocytes were obtained from 12 women for in vitro fertilization. Follicular development was induced with clomiphene citrate and human menopausal gonadotropin. Thirty-six FF samples, free of visible blood contamination and containing mature oocytes were used to measure free amino acids, steroids and gonadotropins. The FF were divided into three groups: (1) follicles yielding oocytes that were unfertilized (n = 12); (B) follicles containing oocytes that were fertilized and cleaved to less than four cells (n = 12); (C) follicles yielding oocytes that were fertilized and cleaved to four or more cells (n = 12). The concentrations of histidine, phenylalanine and asparagine in FF were significantly greater than those in plasma at the time of follicle aspiration. However, amino acid concentrations in FF did not differ significantly between the three groups studied. No significant relationships were found between intrafollicular levels of amino acids and those of LH, FSH, estradiol, progesterone and testosterone. These results suggest that intrafollicular amino acids are not involved in the regulation of human preovulatory follicle.
Amino Acids↗
[Nutritional status of vitamin D in mothers and neonates of Ushuaia and Buenos Aires].
Serum levels of calcium, phosphorus, total alkaline phosphatase (AP) and 25 hydroxyvitamin D (250HD) were measured at the end of the winter in Group 1 (Ushuaia, latitude 55 degrees S): 16 women (24-48 hs postpartum serum blood) and 20 neonates (cord blood) and in Group 2 (Buenos Aires, latitude 34 degrees S) 21 women (24-48 hs postpartum serum blood) and their 21 neonates (cord blood). The neonatal serum calcium and phosphorus were higher and the neonatal serum AP and 250HD level were lower than maternal levels in both groups (Table 1 and 2). Serum levels of 250HD were diminished (< 8 ng/ml) in 62% of the mothers and 81% of the neonates of Ushuaia and in 24% of the mothers and 16% of the neonates of Buenos Aires (figure 1). Neonatal serum 250HD levels correlate with maternal serum 250HD levels in the paired group of Buenos Aires (r = 0.65, p < 0.003) (Figure 2). In Ushuaia the serum 250HD levels (X +/- SD) in neonates (3.9 +/- 2.7 ng/ml) and in mothers (6.3 +/- 4.8 ng/ml) were lower than in Buenos Aires (neonates: 11.3 +/- 6.0 ng/ml and mothers: 14.4 +/- 8.4 ng/ml, p < 0.001). Maternal serum calcium levels were lower in Ushuaia (8.7 +/- 0.8 mg/dl) than in Buenos Aires (9.2 +/- 0.4 mg/dl) (p < 0.05). In conclusion, 1) In Ushuaia pregnant women and their neonates had a deficient nutritional state of vitamin D. Preventive administration of vitamin D would probably be beneficial.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Adult↗
Granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor given before dose-intensive cyclophosphamide, etoposide, and cisplatin (DICEP).
Substantial increases in dose-intensity of chemotherapy yield a severalfold increase in complete remission rates and durable responses in several types of malignant disease. Hematopoietic colony-stimulating factors decrease the duration of the resultant severe neutropenia but optimal dosing regimens of these cytokines have not yet been determined. This study was designed to explore the use of both yeast-derived and E. coli-derived GM-CSF given pre- and postchemotherapy with an intensive combination chemotherapy regimen. The chemotherapeutic regimen consisted of cyclophosphamide 5000 mg/m2, etoposide 1500 mg/m2, and cisplatin 150 mg/m2 (DICEP). Patients receiving either yeast-derived GM-CSF (6.5 days) or E. coli-derived GM-CSF (6.0 days) had a shorter duration of severe granulocytopenia with an absolute granulocyte count below 300/microL than patients receiving no GM-CSF (11.0 days, p = 0.0001). Administration of GM-CSF for 6 days immediately preceding DICEP did not further shorten the duration of cytopenia. E. coli-derived GM-CSF given at doses above 5 micrograms/kg was poorly tolerated and offered no hematologic advantage. Lower doses (3 micrograms/kg) of the E. coli product were better tolerated but still produced more toxicities than yeast-derived GM-CSF. The yeast-derived product produced no local skin reactions and decreased the incidence of nonhematologic and all grade 3 or 4 toxicities compared to the control group.
Adult↗
Protein glycation: effects upon protein recognition by the proximal tubule.
Reabsorption of 125I labeled unmodified and glycated albumin by the proximal tubule was studied using micropuncture technique in wistar rats of different ages. The data show a significant reabsorption of unmodified albumin while the glycated albumin was virtually excluded from reabsorption process. Among different explanations considered, we think molecular charge of the protein seems to be a key factor for the altered recognition of glycated albumin by the proximal tubule.
Animals↗
Assignment of tyrosine-specific T-cell phosphatase to conserved syntenic groups on human chromosome 18 and mouse chromosome 18.
Phosphorylation of proteins on tyrosine is crucially involved in signal transduction and mitogenesis and is regulated by both kinases and phosphatases. Recently, a number of soluble and transmembrane receptor-linked protein tyrosine phosphatases (PTPase) have been characterized. Among these is a 48.4-kDa PTPase encoded by a cDNA isolated from a T-lymphocyte library by low-stringency screening with probes derived from placental PTPase 1B. A human T-cell PTPase (PTPT) cDNA and somatic cell hybrids were used to assign a PTPT gene to conserved syntentic groups on human chromosome 18 and on mouse chromosome 18. Two unlinked sequences, one on human chromosome 1, were also detected.
Animals↗