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Biomedical subjects

M Wilson

Publications and source records attributed to M Wilson.

At least 487 records · Page 27Linked to original sources

Sequences of C mu and the VH1 family in LG7, a clonable strain of Xenopus, homozygous for the immunoglobulin loci.

Twenty-eight heavy-chain variable (VH1) region genes and the immunoglobulin (IgM) heavy-chain constant region of an isogenic Xenopus hybrid, X. laevis/X. gilli, LG7, have been sequenced. The LG7 clone represents the first Xenopus hybrid that is homozygous for the IgH locus. The VH1 family was specifically investigated because VH1 genes are used by the antibodies produced during the Xenopus antidinitrophenol (DNP) response, These VH1 germ-line sequences establish a so-called "dictionary" that is available for studying somatic hypermutational mechanisms in immunized frogs.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

The occurrence of periodontitis-related microorganisms in relation to titanium implants.

The peri-implant space was examined for the presence of periodontitis-related microorganisms in 19 patients. All patients had been fitted with osseointegrated titanium implants which were clinically sound at the time of examination and all had been prescribed daily 0.2% chlorhexidine mouthrinse. In 17 patients, two contralateral fixtures in patients were selected, the remaining 2 patients had only one fixture, and associated mucosal clinical variables assessed for plaque accumulation, gingival inflammation, bleeding tendency, and probing depth. The bacteriological composition of submucosal plaque samples was investigated using non-selective media and selective media for Actinobacillus actimomycetemcomitans (Aa), Porphyromonas gingivalis (Pg), and Prevotella intermedia (Pi). The peri-implant tissues were healthy. Twenty-two of 37 sites had a greater proportion of anaerobes than aerobes. Aa was detected at one site. Pg was not cultivated, and Pi was present in 7 of 37 sites, comprising between 0.4% and 60.9% of the total anaerobic viable counts. Since the presence of any of these organisms may play a contributory role to the loss of the fixture, it is recommended that the submucosal plaque of implants be monitored regularly for the presence of these periodontitis-associated species.

Adult↗

Inhibition of bone DNA and collagen production by surface-associated material from bacteria implicated in the pathology of periodontal disease.

Gentle extraction of oral bacteria implicated in the pathogenesis of periodontal disease, Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans, Porphyromonas gingivalis, or Eikenella corrodens, with saline removes the extracellular components while leaving the bacteria intact. This readily-solubilized surface-associated material (SAM) has been demonstrated to significantly inhibit DNA and collagen synthesis by murine calvaria at concentrations as low as 10 ng/ml. DNA and collagen synthesis in isolated calvarial osteoblasts were also inhibited by these SAM preparations with similar dose responses. The inhibitory effect of these bacterial expolymers was blocked by 1 microM indomethacin. The potent inhibitory actions on bone synthesis of the SAM from these bacteria may contribute to the alveolar bone loss found in patients with periodontal disease.

Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans↗

The role of basic fibroblast growth factor in skeletal muscle regeneration.

Muscle growth and regeneration is controlled by locally produced growth factors which activate satellite cells and stimulate their proliferation, differentiation and fusion to form mature myotubes. Basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) has been previously shown to promote proliferation and inhibit differentiation of myoblasts in vitro. In comparison, the in vivo role of this growth factor is less well documented. In the present investigation on the role of bFGF in muscle regeneration, bFGF mRNA levels were studied in two experimental systems: (1) primary cell cultures derived from rat skeletal muscles, and (2) an in vivo rat muscle injury model. bFGF mRNA was detected in myoblasts just prior to fusion and in myotubes of primary muscle cell cultures. In the non-injured muscle, bFGF mRNA transcripts were detected in myotubes but not satellite cells. In the in vivo muscle injury model bFGF mRNA was observed in myoblasts and in degenerating and regenerated myotubes. The significance of these experimental results in terms of the role played by bFGF in the myogenic program in vivo are discussed.

Animals↗

Prevalence and risk factors for Taenia solium taeniasis and cysticercosis in humans and pigs in a village in Morelos, Mexico.

In a Mexican village in which Taenia solium infection was known to be endemic, we selected a cluster sample of 368 households (21% of the total) for demographic, environmental, and diagnostic surveys, and medical histories for taeniasis and cysticercosis. Coproparasitologic studies of 1,531 participants revealed infection by Taenia sp. in four (0.3%) individuals; however, 5.8% of the respondents reported a history of having passed tapeworm proglottids in feces. Of 1,552 human serum specimens, 10.8% tested positive in the cysticercosis immunoblot assay. Seropositivity increased with age and reached a maximum in subjects ages 46-55 years. Risk factors associated with seropositivity included a history of passing tapeworm proglottids, frequent consumption of pork, and poor personal and household hygiene (P less than 0.05). A history of seizures was also significantly associated with seropositivity (P less than 0.05); approximately one-third of persons with such histories were seropositive. Of 571 pigs examined by tongue inspection, 23 (4.0%) had cysticerci; infection rates increased with the age of pigs, and were higher in pigs that habitually ran loose or were fed human feces (P less than 0.05). Goodness of fit analysis confirmed that seropositive persons (but not infected pigs) were significantly clustered within households, particularly, in households in which a member reported a history of having passed tapeworm proglottids. The results of this study have identified community behavioral and environmental practices that must be modified to prevent continued transmission of cysticercosis and taeniasis.

Adolescent↗

Clinical effect of indolidan in congestive heart failure.

Indolidan (IN) experimentally inhibits type IV phosphodiesterase. It was administered to twelve patients (age 64 +/- 15 years) with New York Heart Association (NYHA) class 2-3 congestive heart failure in which digoxin and diuretic therapy were continued. IN was administered i.v. at 1,180 +/- 340 micrograms (15 micrograms/kg) over two hours. After 24 hours, IN was given p.o. at 231 +/- 44 micrograms. The time course effect of IN i.v. revealed an increase in cardiac index and a decrease in pulmonary capillary wedge pressure and blood pressure. Daily oral administration of IN or placebo was carried out for up to 3 months. There were no significant hemodynamic changes of chronically administered IN. The maximum oxygen uptake increased in placebo relative to IN therapy. IN tended to be arrhythmogenic as evidenced by a general increased frequency of ventricular premature contractions of both single and paired type. Therefore, IN had some hemodynamic efficacy on acute i.v. and p.o. administration but not during chronic therapy, and there was negative safety features of arrhythmias.

Administration, Oral↗

A small one-band paracentric inversion inv (4) (p15.3p16.3).

A neonate with aniridia was found to have a one band paracentric inversion of the short arm of chromosome 4. This was initially difficult to interpret on high resolution banding. The inversion was present in three generations of the family.

Aniridia↗

Mycoplasmas in the plaque and saliva of children.

Plaque and saliva samples from 60 children were screened for the presence of mycoplasmas. Each child provided a sample of stimulated saliva and one of plaque from the buccal surface of the most posterior tooth in the upper right quadrant. Mycoplasmas were cultured from 93% of the saliva samples and from 50% of the plaque samples. At the time of sampling, gingivitis was assessed at the site adjacent to that from which the plaque was taken. Mycoplasmas were found significantly more often in plaque from sites in which the adjacent gingivae exhibited inflammation than from sites in which no inflammation was detectable. The proportion of mycoplasmas in plaque from samples adjacent to inflamed gingivae was significantly greater than that in plaque from sites which were clinically healthy. A similar pattern was detected in the corresponding saliva samples. The finding of a greater incidence, together with increased levels, of mycoplasmas in plaque samples from sites with gingivitis may suggest a role for these organisms in this condition.

Child↗

Clinical significance of morphologic subdivision in diffuse large cell lymphoma.

Although diffuse large cell lymphomas can be morphologically divided into large cell (DLC) and immunoblastic (IBL) subtypes, the clinical significance of this subdivision remains controversial. The initial diagnostic materials from 85 patients with recorded diagnoses of diffuse large cell lymphoma who were treated at Stanford between 1975 and 1986 with cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin (Adriamycin; Adria Laboratories, Columbus, OH), vincristine, and prednisone (CHOP); methotrexate, bleomycin, doxorubicin, cyclophosphamide, vincristine, and dexamethasone (M-BACOD); or methotrexate, doxorubicin, cyclophosphamide, vincristine, prednisone, and bleomycin (MACOP-B) chemotherapy were retrospectively reviewed by a panel of hematopathologists and classified according to morphologic criteria of the Working Formulation. Based on the criterion of agreement of two of three observers, 60 patients were classified as having DLC, 19 as having IBL, and the lymphomas in 6 patients could not be additionally classified. No significant differences in complete response (CR) rate, freedom from disease progression (FFP), or overall survival were found between the DLC and IBL groups. There was also no significant difference in prognosis between DLC cases additionally subclassified as large cleaved cell (16 patients) and those with large non-cleaved cell (36 patients). Although IBL is considered to be a high-grade lymphoma, the authors concluded that it does not differ significantly in prognosis from DLC lymphoma and, therefore, does not justify a modified treatment selection based on IBL morphologic type alone. Definitive evaluation of the prognostic significance of morphologic subdivision may require a larger cohort of uniformly treated patients.

Actuarial Analysis↗

New X-linked syndrome of mental retardation, gynecomastia, and obesity is linked to DXS255.

We describe 14 males from 3 successive generations in a family who have X-linked mental retardation (XLMR), obesity, gynecomastia, speech difficulties, emotional lability, tapering fingers, and small feet. Linkage analysis using markers spread along the X chromosome demonstrated a gene localisation close to the centromere. Maximum lod scores for markers near the centromere, all at theta = 0.00, were 1.36 for DXS72, and 1.46 for DXYS1. The closest flanking markers which showed recombination were DXS84 and DXS94, defining the physical localisation within Xp21.1-q22. DXS255 was fully informative with lod-1 confidence interval for theta of 0.00-0.12. Clinical findings and linkage data in this family distinguish it from the Börjeson-Forssman-Lehmann syndrome and other previously described XLMR syndromes.

Adolescent↗

Permeation of calcium ions through non-NMDA glutamate channels in retinal bipolar cells.

The conduction of calcium ions through glutamate-gated channels is important in the induction of long-term potentiation and may trigger other cellular changes. In retinal bipolar cells, which lack the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) type of glutamate-gated channel, calcium permeability through non-NMDA channels was examined. Changes in extracellular calcium concentration unexpectedly affected the reversal potential for glutamate-induced currents in a manner consistent with these channels being highly permeable to calcium. External magnesium ions promote desensitization of these non-NMDA channels in a voltage-independent way. Thus, in addition to non-NMDA channels that conduct only sodium and potassium, there is a class that is also permeable to calcium.

Ambystoma↗

Selected ion monitoring method for determination of nicotine, cotinine and deuterium-labeled analogs: absence of an isotope effect in the clearance of (S)-nicotine-3',3'-d2 in humans.

A method for simultaneous determination of nicotine, its metabolite cotinine, and the stable isotope-labeled analogs nicotine-3',3'-d2 and cotinine-4',4'-d2 in human plasma has been developed. The method utilizes capillary column gas chromatography with detection by electron impact mass spectrometry and selected ion monitoring. Sensitivity is adequate for determination of nicotine and nicotine-d2 at concentrations as low as 1 ng ml-1, and cotinine and cotinine-d2 at concentrations as low as 10 ng ml-1 with good precision and accuracy. The method has been used to compare the elimination kinetics of (S)-nicotine-3',3'-d2 with natural nicotine in human subjects. Total clearance of nicotine-3',3'-d2 was virtually identical to the total clearance of natural nicotine, which validates the use of the deuterium-labeled analog in quantitative studies of nicotine metabolic disposition.

Adult↗

Evolution of immunoglobulin light chain genes: analysis of Xenopus IgL isotypes and their contribution to antibody diversity.

The amphibian Xenopus laevis expresses several types of immunoglobulin light chain (IgL). cDNA clones for two IgL isotypes, C sigma 1 and C sigma 2, were analysed. C sigma is expressed in spleen and mitogen-stimulated B cells, like another Xenopus IgL type, termed C rho. C sigma shares less than 33% residues with C rho or with CL regions of shark, chicken and mammals. This suggests that C sigma diverged from a common ancestor of CL regions before or at the emergence of amphibians. Two families of VL elements, V sigma 1 and V sigma 2 are associated with C sigma (but not with C rho). They rearrange to their own set of JL elements, J sigma 1 and J sigma 2, which are poorly related to other J elements of the Ig gene family. The Xenopus genome contains a few V sigma 2 and multiple V sigma 1 elements (comparable with mammalian V kappa), but only two C sigma genes. Thus, the organization and expression of Xenopus IgL loci are apparently similar to mammalian IgL loci but different from shark and chicken IgL loci. Only a few VL elements are expressed, since cDNA clones show extensive sharing of CDR1 and CDR2 sequences; some clones differ only in CDR3. Rearranging VL and JL elements increases CDR3 diversity in both V sigma families, but abortive rearrangements are frequent in V sigma 1 regions. The very poor heterogeneity of expressed VL elements therefore appears to limit antibody diversity in Xenopus.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Clonal cells from embryonic retinal cell lines express qualitative electrophysiological differences.

Cells from the embryonic quail retina were immortalized with the v-mil oncogene and cloned by limiting dilution. Their phenotype was examined using the whole-cell patch clamp method. Three membrane currents, IK(IR), INa and IK, were found at different frequencies within a sample of 170 cells drawn from a large clone. Nearly all combinations of these three markers were found and the frequency of combinations showed that the markers assorted independently. Examination of clones of less than 10 cells showed that heterogeneity originates with a high probability within clones, arguing that chromosomal mutation, for example, is unlikely to account for phenotypic diversity. A possible explanation is that phenotypic differences between cells might reflect the local exchange of instructive signals. If so, then the genes for the three phenotypic markers are controlled independently.

Animals↗

Retinal axons in Xenopus show different behaviour patterns on various glial substrates in vitro.

Several lines of evidence suggest that glial cells have major effects on neuronal pathfinding. We have examined in vitro whether the outgrowth pattern of Xenopus retinal fibres is influenced by the glial cells encountered as they grow to the optic tectum. Strips of retina were cultured on monolayers of glial cells from the diencephalon and from the rostral and caudal ends of the optic tectum. On glia from the caudal end of the tectum the growth of fibres from the nasal and temporal ends of the strips was different: temporal fibres were shorter and more fasciculated than nasal fibres. This difference was still discernible on glia isolated from the rostral end of the tectum, but to a lesser extent. On glia from the diencephalon there was no difference between nasal and temporal fibres.

Animals↗

The importance of further cytogenetic and molecular investigation of acrocentric variants: justification by presentation of a case [t(8;14)(q24;p11)].

On routine chromosome analysis a moderately retarded 18-year-old man was found to have an unusual short arm on one chromosome 14. With GTL-banding this chromosome showed an enlarged short arm with no evident secondary constriction. Negative CBG-banding of the short arm suggested the possibility of a translocation involving euchromatin. Interpretation of the abnormality as an unbalanced translocation relied on chromosome analysis using GTL-, CBG-, and Ag-NOR-banding of the proband's phenotypically normal mother, who was found to be carrying a balanced translocation involving chromosomes 8 and 14. In situ hybridization of sequences known to map to the short arm of chromosome 14 confirmed the interpretation and established that the breakpoint was within p11. The patient, whose karyotype is 46,XY, -14, +der(14)t(8;14)(q24.1;p11), is trisomic for the terminal end of the long arm of chromosome 8. The patient's clinical features are described and compared with those reported in patients trisomic for this region. This study demonstrates the importance of using a number of different banding techniques in conjunction with in situ hybridization for the investigation of morphologically unusual acrocentric short arm variants seen at routine diagnosis.

Adolescent↗