Doctor versus laboratory notification of gonorrhoea in Western Australia.
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Adolescent↗
Biomedical subjects
M Roberts
Publications and source records attributed to M Roberts.
Muscarinic receptor subtypes, beta-adrenoceptors and cAMP in the tracheal smooth muscle of conventional and double-muscled calves.
The total muscarinic (M1 + M2 + M3) and beta-adrenergic receptors in the tracheal smooth muscle of conventional and double-muscled calves were identified and characterized with the non-specific antagonists [3H]quinuclidinyl benzilate ([3H]QNB) and [3H]dihydroalprenolol ([3H]DHA) respectively. Although the quantity of beta-adrenoceptors in double-muscled calves was 25% lower (p < 0.05) than in conventional calves (Bmax = 327 +/- 89 fmol/mg protein), adenylate cyclase assays indicated that the basal adenylate cyclase activity and the (-)-isopropylnoradrenaline (ISO)- and sodium fluoride (NaF)-stimulated values were not significantly different between these calves. However, the density of muscarinic receptors in double-muscled calves was 40% higher (p < 0.01) than in conventional calves (Bmax = 2955 +/- 625 fmol/mg protein). Subtypes of muscarinic receptors were studied with [3H]telenzepine (M1-receptors), [3H]AF-DX 384 (M2-receptors) and [3H]4DAMP (M1 and M3-receptors). It was found that in both double-muscled and conventional calves about 40% of the receptors were of the M3-subtype, the remaining 60% being M2-receptors. From these results, it is suggested that inflammation of the respiratory tract in double-muscled calves may be complicated by an imbalance between the cholinergic bronchoconstrictor and the beta-adrenergic bronchodilator components of the autonomic nervous system.
Animals↗
Allotype-dependent stimulation of peripheral blood and synovial lymphocytes by IgG3 in rheumatoid arthritis.
The immunopathologic process of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is primarily expressed in the synovium where rheumatoid factor (RF) synthesis is concentrated. We hypothesized that RF synthesized by rheumatoid synovial cells (RSC) may be driven via a T cell-mediated immune response developed against IgG3 epitopes. To identify and characterize specific RSC RF epitopes and T cell antigens, two 28 amino acid peptides homologous with the C-terminus of IgG1 (P1) and IgG3 [G3m(5)] (P3) were synthesized and used in RF-binding studies and lymphocyte proliferation assays. Our results indicate that (i) the C-terminus of the CH3 domain contains epitopes for IgG3-reactive RSC RF; (ii) IgG3-reactive RSC RF binds primarily to IgG3 [G3m(5)]; (iii) P3 stimulated proliferation of T lymphocytes from both RA peripheral blood and RSC; and (iv) RF production was enhanced by P3 in selected RA cell cultures. These observations suggest that the C-terminus of IgG3 allotype G3m(5) may be important in T cell activation and RF production in RA.
Amino Acid Sequence↗
Recombinant P.69/pertactin: immunogenicity and protection of mice against Bordetella pertussis infection.
The immunogenicity of recombinant (r-) pertactin was examined. Parenteral immunization of mice with natural or r-pertactin produced a similar increase in serum anti-pertactin antibodies and a decrease in Bordetella pertussis lung counts following aerosol challenge. Study of the kinetics of B. pertussis growth in the respiratory tract of immunized and control mice revealed that immunization with r-pertactin halted the multiplication of B. pertussis in the lungs and facilitated the early onset of bacterial clearance. In the trachea, bacterial numbers declined sharply in immunized animals during the first 3 days after challenge but thereafter B. pertussis numbers remained fairly constant throughout the rest of the experiment. Very low doses (0.1 micrograms) of r-pertactin were immunogenic and protective but only if the antigen was absorbed to alhydrogel. In vitro proliferation assays with lymphocytes from mice primed with either natural or r-pertactin indicated that the major T-cell epitopes of pertactin are conserved in the recombinant protein.
Adjuvants, Immunologic↗
Nonimmune fetal hydrops caused by bilateral type III congenital cystic adenomatoid malformation of the lung at 17 weeks' gestation.
Type III congenital cystic malformation of the lung with nonimmune hydrops and oligohydramnios was diagnosed at 17 weeks by ultrasonography. Massive fetal cardiac compression with probable associated left- and right-sided failure causing both the oligohydramnios and the ascites, respectively, was thought to be the underlying pathophysiologic mechanism of this unusual clinical presentation. Pathologic examination after termination of the pregnancy confirmed the prenatal diagnosis.
Adult↗
Anaphylactoid reaction to iopamiro (after pretreatment).
A patient is described with a past history of an anaphylactoid reaction to contrast media who reacted to nonionic contrast media after pretreatment with antihistamines and steroids. The available options to reduce the incidence of reactions include use of non-ionic contrast which has a reported lower frequency than ionic contrast or some form of pretreatment. Various forms of pretreatment have been described and in the majority steroids and antihistamines are used. We describe a patient who reacted to nonionic contrast after a pretreatment regime.
Anaphylaxis↗
Characterization of a Salmonella typhimurium aro vaccine strain expressing the P.69 antigen of Bordetella pertussis.
The P.69 Bordetella pertussis protective antigen was expressed by use of the trc promoter from the chromosome of a Salmonella typhimurium aro vaccine strain, BRD509, by integrating the prn gene, encoding the 93-kDa precursor of this protein, into the aroC locus. P.69 was detected on the cell surface of the S. typhimurium strain (BRD640) by agglutination and immunoelectron microscopy. BALB/c mice immunized orally or intravenously with BRD640 showed a significant level of protection against an aerosol challenge with virulent B. pertussis, compared with control animals. No anti-P.69 antibodies in the serum or anti-P.69 antibody-secreting cells in the lungs were detected in BRD640-vaccinated animals, although cells isolated from spleens showed a P.69-dependent cell proliferative response. In contrast, low levels of anti-P.69 antibodies in the serum and anti-P.69 antibody-secreting cells in the lungs were detected in immunized mice following a B. pertussis challenge.
Adhesins, Bacterial↗
Setting priorities in health care: your money or your life.
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Forecasting↗
Errors in fluid balance with pump control of continuous hemodialysis.
The use of pumps both proximal and distal to the dialyzer during continuous hemodialysis provides control of dialysate and ultrafiltration flow rates, thereby reducing nursing time. However, we had noted unexpected severe extracellular fluid depletion suggesting that errors in pump delivery may be responsible. We measured in vitro the operation of various pumps under conditions similar to continuous hemodialysis. Fluid delivery of peristaltic and roller pumps varied with how the tubing set was inserted in the pump. Piston and peristaltic pumps with dedicated pump segments were more accurate. Pumps should be calibrated and tested under conditions simulating continuous hemodialysis prior to in vivo use.
In Vitro Techniques↗
Effect of nifedipine on total ischemic activity and circadian distribution of myocardial ischemic episodes in angina pectoris.
A randomized, double-blind, crossover study was conducted in 10 patients to assess the effect of nifedipine versus placebo on total ischemic activity and circadian distribution of ischemic episodes. After baseline exercise treadmill testing and 48-hour ambulatory electrocardiographic ST-segment monitoring, patients received either nifedipine (mean dose, 80 mg/day) or placebo administered 4 times per day, with the initial dose taken immediately upon arising in the morning. Patients were maintained on a stable dose of each study drug for 7 days, after which they underwent repeat exercise treadmill testing and 48-hour ambulatory electrocardiography. During exercise treadmill testing, greater exercise duration was achieved by patients receiving nifedipine than by those receiving placebo (421 +/- 121 vs 353 +/- 155 seconds, respectively; p less than 0.05). Time to greater than or equal to 1 mm ST depression was significantly greater with nifedipine (282 +/- 146 seconds) than at baseline (130 +/- 72 seconds, p less than 0.003) and with placebo (150 +/- 98 seconds, p less than 0.0005). During ambulatory electrocardiographic monitoring, nifedipine reduced both the total number of ischemic episodes (18 vs 54 at baseline and 63 with placebo; p less than 0.02 for both) and the total duration of ischemia (260 vs 874 at baseline and 927 minutes with placebo; p less than 0.02 for both). The surge of ischemia between 06:00 and 12:00 noted at baseline and during placebo therapy was nearly abolished during nifedipine treatment. Nifedipine at this dosage, administered in this manner, is effective in reducing total ischemic activity and may prevent morning surges of ischemic episodes.
Angina Pectoris↗
Pertactin, an Arg-Gly-Asp-containing Bordetella pertussis surface protein that promotes adherence of mammalian cells.
A 69-kDa protein has been identified on the surface of the Gram-negative pathogen Bordetella pertussis that can elicit a protective immune response in animal models. This protein is associated with virulent strains of B. pertussis but its function has remained unclear. In this report we demonstrate that purified preparations of the 69-kDa outer membrane protein can promote the attachment of Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells. The interaction between the mammalian cells and this protein can be specifically inhibited by an Arg-Gly-Asp (RGD)-containing synthetic peptide that is homologous with a region found in the 69-kDa protein sequence. These studies indicate that a specific cell binding site containing an Arg-Gly-Asp sequence may be involved in the interaction of this bacterial protein with mammalian cell surfaces. To further investigate the role of this protein as a bacterial adhesin, a mutant of B. pertussis W28 that does not express the 69-kDa protein was constructed using the plasmid vector pRTP1. This mutant was 30-40% less efficient at adhering to CHO cells and to human HeLa cells than was the parent strain. These data support a role for this 69-kDa outer membrane protein in the attachment of B. pertussis to mammalian cells. We propose the name "pertactin" for this protein.
Amino Acid Sequence↗
Identification and characterization of a protective immunodominant B cell epitope of pertactin (P.69) from Bordetella pertussis.
Epitopes defined by monoclonal antibodies (mAb) specific for the Bordetella pertussis outer membrane protein P.69 (pertactin) were mapped using a series of amino- and carboxy-terminal deletion mutants expressed in Escherichia coli. mAb were found to bind predominantly to a region of pertactin spanning a (Pro-Gln-Pro)5 repeat motif and one mAb was found to bind to another region spanning a (Gly-Gly-Xaa-Xaa-Pro)5 repeat motif. To localize further the mAb-binding sites, a panel of synthetic peptides, a series of 94 overlapping hexameric peptides, and a P.69 30-amino acid fusion to a hepatitis B core protein (HBcAg-69), were synthesized. This combined approach has identified the binding site for the mAb BBO5: Pro-Gly-Pro-Gln-Pro-Pro; mAb BBO7, E4A8 and E4D7: Ala-Pro-Gln-Pro-Pro-Ala-Gly-Arg; and mAb BPE3: Thr-Leu-Trp-Tyr-Ala-Glu-Ser-Asn-Ala-Leu-Ser-Lys-Arg. We have used a non-lethal murine respiratory model of B. pertussis infection to investigate the ability of a peptide containing the epitope of the mAb BBO5 to elicit protective immunity. Immunization of mice with the HBcAg-69 protein prevented growth of B. pertussis in the lungs compared to mice receiving HBcAg alone, and protection correlated with high titers of anti-P.69 antibodies.
Amino Acid Sequence↗
The parasites of the Polynesian rat within and beyond New Zealand.
A list of the ecto- and endoparasites of the Polynesian rat, Rattus exulans, from throughout its geographical range is presented here. The majority of the New Zealand populations included in this survey came from 'exulans only' islands while all but one of the non-New Zealand reports came from places where other rodent species are sympatric. This information is intended among other things to highlight gaps in our knowledge of and stimulate an interest in the parasitology of this rat.
Animals↗
The parasites of the Polynesian rat: biogeography and origins of the New Zealand parasite fauna.
Unique aspects of the prehistory and current distribution of the Polynesian rat (Rattus exulans Peale) have been applied to the problem of determining the biogeographical origin of its parasites as found on 'exulans only' islands of New Zealand. The database consists of collated records of both endo- and ectoparasites reported from throughout this rat's geographical range. The analytical method is based on the concepts of Sprent (1969. Immunity to Parasitic Animals, pp. 14-17) and includes the formulation and testing of two hypotheses. A total of six 'heirloom' species is identified, and a further seven are classified as 'old souvenirs'. Contrary to prediction, 11 species are considered to be 'new souvenirs', acquired from other rodent species now present in New Zealand.
Animals↗
A comparison of cutaneous testing and ELISA testing for assessing reactivity to ethylene oxide-human serum albumin in hemodialysis patients with anaphylactic reactions.
In five patients who have experienced anaphylaxis and in 29 patients who have not had such episodes during hemodialysis, we have performed two immunologic studies: cutaneous testing with ethylene oxide-human serum albumin (ETO-HSA) and ELISA for IgE against ETO-HSA. Four of five patients with reactions had positive cutaneous tests, whereas only one nonreactor had a positive skin test (p less than 0.0002). The same four of five patients with reactions also had positive ELISA results, whereas three nonreactors has positive ELISA results (p less than 0.003). In this group of patients, the positive predictive value of cutaneous testing (80%) is somewhat higher than that of ELISA testing (57%). However, the sensitivity, specificity, and negative predictive values are similar. We conclude that cutaneous testing with ETO-HSA probably offers a small advantage over IgE against ETO-HSA as determined by ELISA.
Anaphylaxis↗
Hypogammaglobulinemia associated with cytomegalovirus pneumonia.
Transient but profound hypogammaglobulinemia occurred during cytomegalovirus (CMV) pneumonia in a patient who developed striking declines in number of T lymphocytes. A 66-year-old, female, human immunodeficiency virus-negative patient requiring long-term hemodialysis had normal serum immunoglobulin concentrations before the onset of CMV pneumonia (IgG, 1070-1470 mg/dl; IgA, 94-102 mg/dl; IgM, 30-48 mg/dl). During the pneumonia episode, serum immunoglobulin concentrations were profoundly reduced (IgG, 440 mg/dl; IgA, 40 mg/dl; IgM, 25 mg/dl). Total lymphocytes declined from 3048/mm3 to 212/mm3 with reductions in CD4+CD45- lymphocytes (inducers of B cells) to 9% (nl, 24%-32%) and CD4+CD45+ lymphocytes (inducers of suppressor T cells) to 4% (nl, 14%-22%). CD8 lymphocytes were reduced to 5% (nl, 19%-31%). As the pneumonia resolved, serum immunoglobulin concentrations returned to normal. This is one of the few reported instances of CMV infection apparently causing hypogammaglobulinemia.
Agammaglobulinemia↗
Prevention of spinal cord injury: an elementary education approach.
Spinal cord injury (SCI) results in permanent paralysis and most often happens to teenagers and young adults. High risk behaviors are most often the cause; therefore these injuries are often preventable. In response to a gap in existing prevention programs, an elementary age SCI prevention program was developed, designed for implementation by teachers. Evaluation was carried out via a quasi-experimental pre-post comparison group design. Experimental students demonstrated significantly improved knowledge of SCI and its prevention. Similar changes in self-reported safety belt use were not noted. Development of the curriculum, related grant activities, and plans for national dissemination are described.
Child↗
Intranasal immunization using the B subunit of the Escherichia coli heat-labile toxin fused to an epitope of the Bordetella pertussis P.69 antigen.
The plasmid pBRD026, which directs expression of the B subunit of the Escherichia coli heat-labile toxin (LTB), was modified so that DNA encoding epitopes could be inserted at the 3' end of the gene. An oligonucleotide linker containing restriction sites for BglII and SpeI was inserted at the SpeI site at the 3' end of the LTB gene to form plasmid pFV1. This linker also encodes the amino acid sequence Gly-Pro-Gly-Pro which we propose acts as a 'hinge' between the LTB and the foreign epitope. Oligonucleotides specifying an epitope from the Bordetella pertussis P.69 outer membrane protein were cloned into pFV1 to form pFV169. The resultant fusion protein (LTB69) was partially purified from the periplasm of E. coli strains in a soluble pentameric form which could bind GM1 gangliosides. Mice immunized intranasally with purified LTB69 produced antibodies against both LTB and the P.69 protein. In addition, ELISPOT assays demonstrated the presence of LTB-specific and P.69-specific antibody-secreting cells in the lungs of immunized mice.
Administration, Intranasal↗