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Biomedical subjects

R H Gross

Publications and source records attributed to R H Gross.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

A gene for rabbit synovial cell collagenase: member of a family of metalloproteinases that degrade the connective tissue matrix.

We have determined the nucleotide sequence of a collagenase mRNA from rabbit synovial cells from which the primary structure of the encoded protein was deduced. This proteinase is 51% homologous to the enzyme that activates it from the zymogen form, rabbit synovial cell activator/stromelysin. Rabbit collagenase and activator/stromelysin thus share comembership in a gene family that includes human skin collagenase; the human and rabbit metalloproteinase, activator/stromelysin; and an oncogene-induced proteinase from rat named transin. The mRNA sequence of collagenase enabled us to completely map the structure of its gene, which is 9.1 kilobases and is composed of 10 exons and 9 introns. This is the first report of the structure of a collagenase gene. We show that it has striking similarity to additional members of this metalloproteinase gene family, transin genes I and II of rat. We have further sequenced genomic DNA flanking the collagenase gene and have identified nucleic acid elements of possible importance in gene regulation.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Segmental spinal instrumentation with sublaminar wires. A critical appraisal.

Fifty-eight patients who had scoliosis or kyphosis of varying etiologies were followed for a minimum of two years (average, forty-four months) after segmental spinal instrumentation using sublaminar wires. In eight (19 per cent) of the patients who had been operated on for scoliosis one or both rods broke. The average time that had elapsed before the breakage was discovered was twenty-three months. None of the patients in whom a rod had broken had had postoperative immobilization or a first-stage anterior fusion, and only one had had supplementary grafting with banked bone. Instrumentation to the pelvis was also associated with a greater incidence of broken rods. The use of supplementary grafting with banked bone or the use of postoperative immobilization significantly decreased the loss of postoperative correction. Preliminary anterior spinal fusion helped prevent breakage of rods but not loss of correction. It was concluded that postoperative immobilization and use of large amounts of supplementary bone graft lead to better results when using this implant system.

Adolescent↗

A DNA sequence analysis program for the Apple Macintosh.

This paper describes a new set of programs for analyzing DNA sequences using the Apple Macintosh computer, a computer ideally suited for this kind of analysis. Because of the Macintosh interface and the availability of high quality software-only speech synthesis, these programs are truly easy to use. Instead of typing in commands, the user directs the program by making selections with the mouse, thereby eliminating most typographical and syntax errors. Output options are selected by "pressing buttons" and then clicking "OK" with the mouse. DNA sequences are confirmed by having the program speak them. The high resolution graphics on the Macintosh not only allow for explanatory diagrams to be used to aid in deciding on input parameters, but can be used to produce slides for presentations and figures for papers. Because of the clipboard and the ability of the Macintosh to readily share data among different applications, data can be saved for use directly in word processing documents (e.g. manuscripts).

Animals↗

Characterization of rabbit genes for synovial cell collagenase.

To provide tools for understanding collagenase gene expression in rheumatoid arthritis, we have isolated and characterized genomic clones for rabbit synovial cell collagenase. These clones represent 2 types of collagenase gene, at least 1 of which is transcribed in synovial fibroblasts. By examining the rabbit genome in situ, we provide evidence that there are only 2 different synovial cell collagenase genes found in a haploid genome. Amplification of these genes is not a mechanism for collagenase messenger RNA induction by phorbol esters.

Animals↗

Foot pain in children.

A general approach to the child with foot pain has been described. In that the pediatrician is so often the recipient of parent's questions about children's shoes, he or she should be aware of problems relating to poorly fitting shoes, probably the most common source of complaints of foot pain in children. With a systematic approach, the pediatrician is very capable of managing the majority of such complaints.

Adolescent↗

Homology between exon-containing portions of rabbit genomic clones for synovial cell collagenase and human foreskin and synovial cell mRNAs.

Portions of rabbit genomic clones containing exons cross-hybridize with human synovial cell and human foreskin fibroblast mRNAs. These cross-hybridizing genomic fragments have been subcloned into pBR328 and may be useful probes in isolating cDNA and genomic clones from human tissue, and perhaps from other species as well. In addition, DNA sequence data on a 530 bp cDNA clone for rabbit synovial-cell collagenase indicate that this clone is composed primarily of 3'-untranslated region. As such, it is probably not useful in cross-species hybridizations.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

The role of the Verebelyi-Ogston procedure in the management of the arthrogrypotic foot.

The Verebelyi-Ogston procedure, initially described in the nineteenth century, was recently reported by Stephen Kopits for the treatment of the myelodysplastic foot. The author has used this procedure for the rigid myelodysplastic or arthrogrypotic foot. The operation, consisting of subchondral decancellization of the cuboid and talus, is effective in converting a rigid varus foot into a supple, braceable, plantigrade foot. Based on the author's experience with four arthrogrypotic feet with a minimum follow-up period of 57 months, the procedure is recommended as an alternative to talectomy. Prolonged postoperative orthotic support is necessary to prevent recurrence.

Arthrogryposis↗

Hip problems in children. Aids to early recognition.

Awareness of the age at which various pediatric hip disorders present and familiarity with their characteristics greatly aid in early detection. A properly performed physical examination is still the mainstay of early diagnosis. The earlier a hip disorder is discovered and treated, the less the chance of lasting harm to the child.

Adolescent↗

Isolation of a collagenase cDNA clone and measurement of changing collagenase mRNA levels during induction in rabbit synovial fibroblasts.

To facilitate our studies on the mechanisms controlling collagenase production at a molecular level in rabbit synovial fibroblasts, we have constructed a cDNA library using mRNAs isolated from cells induced with crystals of monosodium urate monohydrate. We have screened this library with cDNA probes made from induced and control mRNA populations. From among 30 clones that hybridized preferentially to the induced-cell probe, 4 contained collagenase sequences. The largest, a clone of 650 base pairs, was identified by its ability to hybrid select a mRNA that could be translated in a cell-free system into a product that was precipitable with monospecific antibody to collagenase. Using this clone to probe blots of RNA from induced cells, we detected the appearance of a collagenase mRNA of 2.7 kilobases within 5 hr of addition of urate. The level of collagenase mRNA continued to increase for 35-40 hr, when it was 60 to 90 times more abundant in induced cells than in control cells. The increase in mRNA levels correlated with an increase in immunoreactive collagenase protein that was detectable in culture medium by 10 hr.

Animals↗

Management of the resistant myelodysplastic or arthrogrypotic clubfoot with the Verebelyi-Ogston procedure.

The Verebelyi-Ogston (V-O) procedure, consisting of subchrondral excision of the talus and cuboid, was used for the treatment of 13 resistant clubfeet secondary to myelomeningocele or arthrogryposis. Nine feet were initially satisfactory, but the condition recurred in both feet of one patient after bracing was discontinued 3 years postoperatively. Three feet were graded as satisfactory after a second V-O procedure, and one after a third. The procedure must be monitored by intraoperative fluoroscopy or radiography, and followed by orthotic support. Despite the theoretical long-term disadvantage of incongruent joint surfaces, we consider the V-O procedure to be a good method for the treatment of this subset of rigid neuropathic clubfeet.

Arthrogryposis↗

Causative factors responsible for femoral fractures in infants and young children.

The causative factor responsible for producing a femoral fracture was determined in 74 children 5 years of age or younger admitted to Oklahoma Children's Memorial Hospital over a 5-year period. Almost one-half of the fractures (34/74) were sustained as a result of suspected or confirmed abuse; most (17/26) of the fractures in infants less than 1 year of age were a result of abuse. Seven automobile-pedestrian accidents were causative in children 2 years or older. An accurate history, good record keeping, common sense, and awareness of the incidence of abuse will assist the orthopedist in recognizing abuse when it is likely, and sparing the family when it is not.

Accidents, Traffic↗

Ringworm resulting from swimming with a polyurethane cast.

A case of ringworm of the arm is described in a 6-year-old child, after swimming with a polyurethane cast. This report illustrates a potential problem when these casts are inadequately dried and worn for prolonged periods in warm climates. Accurate diagnosis depends on demonstration of fungus in the lesion by smear and culture. Topical antifungal therapy led to rapid resolution.

Casts, Surgical↗

Cast brace management of the femoral shaft fracture in children and young adults.

Seventy-two children and adolescents, 5-19 years of age, sustaining femoral fractures were treated with immediate cast bracing at Oklahoma Children's Memorial Hospital. Ambulation was started an average of 3 days after fracture when there were no associated injuries. The average length of hospitalization was 18.7 days; the average length of immobilization in plaster was 67.4 days. Results were generally comparable to those of more standard methods of treating a fractured femur in this age group. Proximal as well as middle and distal fractures were treated, but varus and anterior angulation was not well controlled in proximal fractures. No patient had a clinically significant deformity. Sixty-one percent of the entire group healed with less than 6 mm discrepancy. Middle-third fractures showed more tendency toward shortening. All six fractures that healed with more than 1.5 cm of shortening were middle third. No injured femur was longer than the uninjured femur at a 6-month follow-up. Immediate cast bracing can provide an opportunity for early ambulation and avoid the sequelae of immobilization. Weekly assessment for the first 4 weeks is mandatory to monitor length and angulation. The adolescent male with a midshaft fracture was most difficult to manage, and in this situation, closed intramedullary nailing is recommended.

Adolescent↗

Early management and decision making for the treatment of myelomeningocele.

A program for early selection and treatment of the infant with myelomeningocele was developed at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center in 1977. Over a 5-year period, 69 babies were evaluated, 36 babies were recommended for early vigorous treatment. Of the 33 babies for whom only supportive care was recommended, five were initially treated at the parents' request, two underwent delayed vigorous treatment, one was subsequently treated by "crisis management," one moved and did not return for follow-up, and 24 received only supportive care. All 24 babies died between 1 to 189 days of age (mean 37 days). The involvement of several physicians and paramedical support personnel is considered essential for this approach of early selection and treatment. Continued support and regular follow-up is necessary for any baby who receives only supportive care. Parents retain legal custody. Although ethical concerns make any approach difficult, the method presented is considered to be the best alternative available at this time.

Child, Preschool↗

Increased level of translatable collagenase messenger ribonucleic acid in rabbit synovial fibroblasts treated with phorbol myristate acetate or crystals of monosodium urate monohydrate.

We studied mechanisms governing production of the neutral proteinase collagenase by synovial cells. We used a model system of monolayer cultures of rabbit synovial fibroblasts stimulated to produce collagenase by treatment with phorbol myristate acetate or crystals of monosodium urate monohydrate. mRNAs from these and untreated cells were translated in a wheat germ cell-free system. Collagenase was not present in the culture medium or in the in vitro translation products of mRNA from untreated cells but was present in both the medium and translation products of stimulated cells, as analyzed by gel electrophoresis and immunoprecipitation with monospecific antibody. Induction of collagenase was prevented by treatment of the cells with alpha-amanitin (2 mug/ mL), an inhibitor of mRNA synthesis. We have concluded that the induction of collagenase synthesis by either phorbol myristate acetate or urate crystals is due to an increased level of translatable mRNA.

Amanitins↗

The Otto Aufranc Award Paper. Infant hip screening.

1. Results of examinations of 10,170 newborns over a 5-year period yielded a rate of 3 to 4 per 1000 with dislocatable or dislocated hips. For whites the ratio is 6.2 per 1000, for blacks 0.4 per 1000. The subluxable rate varied widely from year to year. 2. One baby with late-diagnosed CDH returned, giving a false negative rate of 1 per 10,000. 3. Subluxable hips do not appear to become late-diagnosed acetabular dysplasia. 4. Pediatricians appear to have had deficient training in infant hip screening. 5. Physician extenders are recommended to accomplish more effective hip screening in this country. 6. The Pavlik harness was very effective in the treatment of dislocatable or dislocated hips in newborns.

Female↗