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Biomedical subjects

M Nelson

Publications and source records attributed to M Nelson.

At least 307 records · Page 17Linked to original sources

A single amino acid change restores DNA cytosine methyltransferase activity in a cloned chlorella virus pseudogene.

The chlorella virus PBCV-1 contains an open reading frame, named P17-ORF4, which differs by eight amino acids from a DNA cytosine methyltransferase, M.CviJI, encoded by a different chlorella virus IL-3A. Whereas IL-3A expresses M.CviJI, which methylates the central cytosine in (A/G)GC(T/C/G) sequences, P17-ORF4 is non-functional. Gene fusions between P17-ORF4 and M.CviJI and site-directed point mutations revealed that changing Gln188 to Lys188 abolishes M.CviJI methyltransferase activity. Conversely, changing Lys188 in P17-ORF4 to Gln188 results in M.CviJI activity. The other altered seven amino acids do not appear to affect M.CviJI activity.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

DNA sequencing of four bases using three lanes.

A three-lane DNA sequencing strategy is described which is based on redundant binary coding principles from communications theory. Three-lane sequencing is an efficient, accurate, and flexible strategy, suitable for large-scale automated DNA sequencing. Communications theory and algebraic coding principles can also be applied to sequencing other informational macromolecules.

Base Composition↗

Choroid plexus tumors in childhood. Response to chemotherapy, and immunophenotypic profile using a panel of monoclonal antibodies.

Clinical and immunophenotypic (IP) data are presented on three children with choroid plexus (CP) tumors. Two children ages 0.2 and 2 years old with histologically proven malignant tumors had subtotal tumor resections and were treated with ten monthly cycles of eight-drugs-in-1-day chemotherapy without radiation therapy (XRT). Both are free of tumor 4 and 7 years later. The literature on survival of children with CP carcinomas after chemotherapy and XRT is reviewed. Monoclonal antibodies to 17 neuroectodermal, neuronal, glial, and leukocytic markers on frozen sections were used to IP the two malignant tumors and a CP papilloma. All tumors expressed two neuroectodermal markers (PI-153/3 and UJ 223.8), cytokeratin 19, and a neural and leukocyte marker (Thy-1). Two of three expressed neurofilament protein (NF-H) and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and one expressed NF-M and common leukocyte antigen. None had strong expression for the panneuroectodermal antigen UJ13/A. There was variable expression of the other markers. The most common IP profile for CP tumors (cytokeratin 18+, PI-153/3+, Thy-1+, UJ 223.8+, and GFAP+ and UJ13A-, UJ 127.11-, and NF-L-) is discussed in the context of the current knowledge of the ontogenetic origin of the CP. It was concluded that chemotherapy for malignant CP tumors can be associated with long-term survival in young children and that the unique IP profile of CP tumors with coexpression of three intermediate filaments suggests new and provocative evidence of their cellular complexity and heterogeneity.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗

Dynamic digitized cerebral parenchymography.

Aortic arch injections centred on the head have been performed routinely in patients with cerebral ischaemia. Digital angiograms with modified windowing (low and narrow) have been used. This "cerebral" arch injection allows much improved analysis of the cerebral parenchymal vascularization, giving better understanding of hemispheric ischaemia and making the decision about revascularization more rational.

Angiography, Digital Subtraction↗

Identification of the ferrioxamine B receptor, FoxB, in Escherichia coli K12.

The photoreactive p-azidobenzoyl analog of ferrioxamine B was used to show that ferrioxamine-B-mediated iron transport is separate and distinct from coprogen-mediated iron transport in Escherichia coli. Photolysis of this analog inhibited uptake of [59Fe]ferrioxamine B but not [59Fe]ferrichrome. Conversely, photolysis of the p-azidobenzoyl analog of coprogen B inhibited uptake of [59Fe]coprogen but not [59Fe]ferrioxamine B or [59Fe]ferrichrome. Photolabeling of outer membranes with p-azidobenzoyl-[59Fe]ferrioxamine B resulted in the labeling of two iron-regulated peptides with molecular masses of about 66 and 26 kDa. Expression of these peptides was increased when ferrioxamine B was the sole iron source. Both peptides were present in outer membrane preparations of the fhuF mutant H1717, but the 66 kDa peptide was not inducible. These results are evidence for an outer membrane receptor in E. coli unique for linear ferrioxamines.

Bacterial Outer Membrane Proteins↗

Biosphere 2 Test Module: a ground-based sunlight-driven prototype of a closed ecological life support system.

Constructed in 1986, the Biosphere 2 Test Module has been used since the end of that year for closed ecological systems experiments. It is the largest closed ecological facility ever built, with a sealed variable volume of some 480 cubic meters. It is built with a skin of steel spaceframes with double-laminated glass panels admitting about 65 percent Photosynthetically Active Radiation (PAR). The floor is of welded steel and there is an underground atmospheric connection via an air duct to a variable volume chamber ("lung") permitting expansion and contraction of the Test Module's air volume caused by changes in temperature and barometric pressure, which causes a slight positive pressure from inside the closed system to the outside thereby insuring that the very small leakage rate is outward. Several series of closed ecological system investigations have been carried out in this facility. One series of experiments investigated the dynamics of higher plants and associated soils with the atmosphere under varying light and temperature conditions. Another series of experiments included one human in the closed system for three, five and twenty-one days. During these experiments the Test Module had subsystems which completely recycled its water and atmosphere; all the human dietary needs were produced within the facility, and all wastes were recycled using a marsh plant/microbe system. Other experiments have examined the capability of individual component systems used, such as the soil bed reactors, to eliminate experimentally introduced trace gases. Analytic systems developed for these experiments include continuous monitors of eleven atmospheric gases in addition to the complete gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GCMS) examinations of potable, waste system and irrigation water quality.

Air Conditioning↗

Biosphere 2: a prototype project for a permanent and evolving life system for Mars base.

As part of the ground-based preparation for creating long-term life systems needed for space habitation and settlement, Space Biospheres Ventures (SBV) is undertaking the Biosphere 2 project near Oracle, Arizona. Biosphere 2, currently under construction, is scheduled to commence its operations in 1991 with a two-year closure period with a crew of eight people. Biosphere 2 is a facility which will be essentialy materially-closed to exchange with the outside environment. It is open to information and energy flow. Biosphere 2 is designed to achieve a complex life-support system by the integration of seven areas or "biomes"--rainforest, savannah, desert, marsh, ocean, intensive agriculture and human habitat. Unique bioregenerative technologies, such as soil bed reactors for air purification, aquatic waste processing systems, real-time analytic systems and complex computer monitoring and control systems are being developed for the Biosphere 2 project. Its operation should afford valuable insight into the functioning of complex life systems necessary for long-term habitation in space. It will serve as an experimental ground-based prototype and testbed for the stable, permanent life systems needed for human exploration of Mars.

Air Conditioning↗

Work-related injuries in Athens County 1982 to 1986. A comparison of emergency department and workers' compensation data.

In 1987, the Panel on Occupational Safety and Health Statistics issued a report concluding that the existing national surveillance system for occupation injuries might result in substantial underreporting of occupational injuries. In this study, we examined two sources of data on occupational injuries, the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS) and lost-work time claims to the Bureau of Workers' Compensation (BWC), available in one community, Athens County, Ohio. Based on comparison of the NEISS and BWC data sets, we conclude that neither data set alone gives a complete nor an accurate picture of occupational injuries in Athens County. The two may provide a more complete representation of occupational injuries when examined together. Using the NEISS and BWC data sets in combination results in a total number of injuries higher than that predicted by national norms.

Adolescent↗

Measurement of free kappa and lambda chains in serum and the significance of their ratio in patients with multiple myeloma.

An inhibition enzyme-linked immunoassay technique using commercially available antibodies has been developed for the quantitation of both kappa and lambda light chains in the serum of patients with B-cell malignancies. Assay conditions were selected to enable measurement of free light chains in the concentration range between 0.1 and 20 mg/l. The normal range for free lambda chains in serum was found to be 0.4-4.2 mg/l and for free kappa chains it was 1.6-15.2 mg/l. At diagnosis the serum of most patients with multiple myeloma contained increased levels of the malignant free light chain and in some cases there was also elevation of the non-malignant light chain. The absolute level of the malignant light chain at diagnosis did not correlate with survival nor with laboratory parameters such as IgM or creatinine. A correlation with beta 2 M and serum paraprotein levels was evident only in cases of IgA myeloma. Although the absolute level of free serum light chain had no value as a prognostic indicator, the ratio of kappa:lambda chains closely followed the clinical assessment of disease status, being near the normal range (1.2-9.1) in plateau phase or stable disease. During periods of progressive disease this ratio ranged from 19 to 460 (n = 14) in patients with kappa myeloma, and 0.0013-0.14 (n = 9) in patients with lambda myeloma. Determination of the ratio of free light chains in the serum may allow effective monitoring and earlier warning of disease progression in patients with multiple myeloma.

Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay↗

Towards an understanding of families with physically disabled adolescents.

This exploratory study examined the family environment of ten families, each with a physically disabled adolescent and at least one non-disabled adolescent. Family members completed the Moos Family Environment Scale (FES) and discussed with the interviewer their experiences as a family. Blind and independent ratings on the FES by social workers involved in the study provided a comparison with the families' self ratings. Family ratings on the FES gave no indication of distress, but showed slightly higher than average emphasis on cohesion and achievement orientation. Social work ratings, in contrast, indicated elevated levels of conflict, achievement orientation, and control. In this report, no attempt is made to generalize these specific findings to all families with disabled adolescents. Rather, results are interpreted, in the light of findings in the recent literature, to underscore the need for better designed research and to alert professionals to the danger of imposing the prevalent dysfunctional view upon families with disabled children and adolescents.

Adolescent↗

A computerized diet questionnaire for use in diet health education. 1. Development and validation.

A diet questionnaire was developed in association with a computer program to provide rapid nutritional feedback to the general public. The questionnaire was validated against 16 d of weighted diet records and biochemical variables in blood and urine. The highest Pearson correlation coefficients obtained between the questionnaire and the weighed records were for alcohol, fibre, iron, riboflavin (r 0.74, 0.67, 0.66, 0.66 respectively). Striking sex differences were shown in the results; the trend for higher correlations persisted in females. At least 65% of subjects were classified by questionnaire to within one quintile of the classification by weighed record for the majority of nutrients.

Adolescent↗