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Biomedical subjects

S A Jones

Publications and source records attributed to S A Jones.

At least 91 records · Page 5Linked to original sources
PubMed1995

A comparison of post-receptor signal transduction events in Jurkat cells transfected with either IL-8R1 or IL-8R2. Chemokine mediated activation of p42/p44 MAP-kinase (ERK-2).

The CXC chemokine, IL-8, is a potent chemoattractant of neutrophils and binds to two distinct receptors, termed IL-8R1 and IL-8R2. These receptors share high affinity for IL-8, however, only IL-8R1 is specific for IL-8 whereas IL-8R2 binds other related chemokines, including GRO alpha with high affinity. Stable Jurkat transfectants were generated expressing either functional IL-8R1 or IL-8R2 (J-IL8R1 and J-IL8R2). Both J-IL8R1 and J-IL8R2 exhibited high affinity IL-8 binding (Kd 3-5 nM) with respective receptor densities of 23,000 +/- 3,000 and 18,500 +/- 1,500. Pre-treatment of both transfectants with 1.0 micrograms/ml B. pertussis toxin (PTx) resulted in inhibition of IL-8 mediated intracellular Ca2+ mobilisation and chemotaxis, without altering the receptor's affinity for its ligand. This indicates that both receptors couple to a PTx-sensitive G-protein. Further studies showed that IL-8R1 and IL-8R2 could mediate time-dependent phosphorylation of p42/p44 MAP-kinase. In both transfectants, phosphorylation was maximal at 1-2 min after IL-8 stimulation and could be inhibited by PTx. Stimulation of J-IL8R1 and J-IL8R2 with GRO alpha revealed that this chemokine was a more potent activator of MAP-kinase in J-IL8R2, an observation reflected in the high affinity binding of GRO alpha to IL-8R2. These studies indicate that chemokines are capable of activating protein kinases and with regards to PTx-sensitivity and MAP-kinase stimulation, no significant differences between IL-8R1 and IL-8R2 post-receptor signalling occur during cell activation by IL-8.

Cell Line↗
PubMed1995

The effect of acetylcholinesterase on outgrowth of dopaminergic neurons in organotypic slice culture of rat mid-brain.

This study has investigated the possibility that acetylcholinesterase could play a non-classical role as an adhesion factor or growth factor in the development of dopaminergic neurons in organotypic slice culture of postnatal day 1 rats. When the culture medium was supplemented with acetylcholinesterase (3 U/ml), outgrowth of tyrosine hydroxylase-immunoreactive neurites was significantly enhanced. Addition of a specific inhibitor of acetylcholinesterase, BW284c51, caused a decrease in the number of tyrosine hydroxylase neurons and a reduction in the cell body size and extent of neurite outgrowth of remaining neurons. However, echothiophate which also inhibits AChE activity, did not produce these effects. Therefore acetylcholinesterase could act as a growth enhancing factor for dopaminergic neurons, and disruption of an as yet unidentified site on the acetylcholinesterase molecule by BW284c51 could decrease the survival and outgrowth of these neurons.

Acetylcholinesterase↗
PubMed1995

Effects of wall shear stress and fluid recirculation on the localization of circulating monocytes in a three-dimensional flow model.

There is a correlation between the location of early atherosclerotic lesions and the hemodynamic characteristics at those sites. Circulating monocytes are key cells in the pathogenesis of atherosclerotic plaques and localize at sites of atherogenesis. The hypothesis that the distribution of monocyte adhesion to the vascular wall is determined in part by hemodynamic factors was addressed by studying monocyte adhesion in an in vitro flow model in the absence of any biological activity in the model wall. Suspensions of U937 cells were perfused (Re = 200) through an axisymmetric silicone flow model with a stenosis followed by a reverse step. The model provided spatially varying wall shear stress, flow separation and reattachment, and a three-dimensional flow pattern. The cell rolling velocity and adhesion rates were determined by analysis of videomicrographs. Wall shear stress was obtained by numerical solution of the equations of fluid motion. Cell adhesion patterns were also studied in the presence of chemotactic peptide gradients. The cell rolling velocity varied linearly with wall shear stress. The adhesion rate tended to decrease with increasing local wall shear stress, but was also affected by the radial component of velocity and the dynamics of the recirculation region and flow reattachment. Adhesion was increased in the vicinity of chemotactic peptide sources downstream of the expansion site. Results with human monocytes were qualitatively similar to the U937 experiments. Differences in the adhesion rates of U937 cells occurring solely as a function of the fluid dynamic properties of the flow field were clearly demonstrated in the absence of any biological activity in the model wall.

Arterial Occlusive Diseases↗
PubMed1995

Prevalence of penicillin resistant bacteria in acute suppurative oral infection.

Pus aspirated from acute suppurative oral infections in 78 patients (age range 13-76 years) yielded a total of 331 bacterial strains consisting of 143 facultative anaerobes (predominantly Streptococcus spp.) and 188 strict anaerobes (predominantly Prevotella spp.). Seventy-five isolates (23%) were resistant to penicillin (MIC > 1 mg/L), 37 (11%) were resistant to ampicillin (MIC > 2 mg/L) and 16 (5%) isolates were resistant to amoxycillin/clavulanic acid (MIC > 2 mg/L). Samples from 43 (55%) of the patients yielded at least one penicillin resistant isolate and within this group 30 samples (73%) contained at least one strain which produced beta-lactamase. A history of antibiotic therapy during the 6 months before enrollment in the study did not influence the isolation of penicillin resistant bacteria. It is concluded that penicillin resistant bacteria are often present in the microflora of acute dental infection.

Acute Disease↗
PubMed1995

An automated three-dimensional particle tracking technique for the study of modeled arterial flow fields.

An automated three-dimensional particle tracking technique has been developed to study particle motion in modeled flow fields. A high speed video recording system. Kodak Ektapro 1000, with two cameras arranged relatively orthogonally is used for this technique. The particle tracking data are compared to theoretical Poiseuille flow and to laser Doppler data from an axisymmetric stenosis model. The particle tracking data are in good agreement with both theoretical and laser Doppler data, and at least 79 percent of the particle paths were determined successfully. Fluid dynamic properties derived by this technique are: 3-D particle paths, velocity, and particle residence time.

Algorithms↗
PubMed1995

The expression of NADPH oxidase components in human glomerular mesangial cells: detection of protein and mRNA for p47phox, p67phox, and p22phox.

Previous work has shown that human mesangial cells (HMC) are capable of low rates of generation of reactive oxygen species for considerable periods of time. In this communication, the presence of components of an NADPH oxidase-like system, more commonly associated with phagocytic leukocytes, is shown. The ability of HMC to generate low levels of superoxide may have important implications in cellular signaling in general and may contribute to glomerular injury. Spectroscopic analysis of HMC membranes revealed a low-potential cytochrome b component, redox midpoint potential centered around -250 mV, which is present at 60 pmol/mg of membrane protein. Immunodetection studies suggested the presence of the p22phox, p47phox, and p67phox components of the NADPH oxidase, whereas the gp91phox was not detected. Further studies with oligonucleotide polymerase chain reaction primers showed that, in HMC the mRNA expression of the p67phox and p47phox was absent from growth-arrested cells but was present in HMC treated with interleukin-1 beta (1,000 pg/mL), whereas gp91phox could not be detected. Only mRNA corresponding to p22phox was present in growth-arrested cells; p47phox mRNA was induced by 2-h treatment with interleukin-1 beta but declined after 6-h treatment. These data illustrate for the first time that HMC are capable of expressing mRNA for several NADPH oxidase components. The apparent absence, or variation, of the gp91phox indicates the likelihood of an NADPH oxidase isoenzyme.

Base Sequence↗
PubMed1994

The functional expression of p47-phox and p67-phox may contribute to the generation of superoxide by an NADPH oxidase-like system in human fibroblasts.

Recent evidence suggests that a number of non-phagocytic cell types may contain a superoxide generating NADPH oxidase. Studies to data on cultured human fibroblasts have primarily concerned the identification of cytochrome b558, whilst expression of other NADPH oxidase components have not been addressed. In this study we have investigated the expression of NADPH oxidase with particular reference to the cytosolic factors p47-phox and p67-phox. Reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) showed that human fibroblasts express mRNA for p47-phox, p67-phox and p22-phox. Expression of the gp91-phox transcript was not detected, indicating that human fibroblasts may possess an NADPH oxidase isoenzyme. Western blot analysis of human fibroblast cytosol, using an anti-p47-phox antibody (JW-1), identified a 47 kDa protein. Cell-free reconstitution assays showed that fibroblast cytosol could initiate superoxide generation when mixed with either human fibroblast membranes (0.16 nmol superoxide/min/microgram membrane protein), or resting human neutrophil membranes (0.20 nmol superoxide/min/microgram membrane protein). These data indicate that the expression of p47-phox and p67-phox by human fibroblasts may contribute to the cells' generation of superoxide.

Base Sequence↗
PubMed1994

The subthalamo-nigral pathway regulates movement and concomitant acetylcholinesterase release from the substantia nigra.

Within the substantia nigra acetylcholinesterase is released independently of cholinergic transmission: this release could be related to some aspects of motor control. To investigate this possibility, acetylcholinesterase release was continuously monitored in relation to specific movements evoked by central electrical stimulation. Increased intensities of stimulation of the subthalamic nucleus in awake guinea-pigs produced a behavioural response, ranging from a decrease in spontaneous movement, to chewing, to both chewing and circling movements. Enhancement of acetylcholinesterase release occurred only when large scale movements (circling as well as chewing) were evoked by subthalamic stimulation: however, a similar protocol of stimulation during ketamine-induced anaesthesia did not produce any comparable movements nor any concomitant change in the release of acetylcholinesterase. Perfusion of the glutamate agonist N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) into the substantia nigra also induced an increase in release of acetylcholinesterase from the substantia nigra of conscious animals, whereas (S)-alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methylisoxazole-4-proprionic acid (AMPA) did not significantly enhance acetylcholinesterase levels. It is concluded that AChE release in the substantia nigra can occur as a result of activation of glutamatergic subthalamic afferents, and that this activation may also be associated with changes in movement.

Acetylcholinesterase↗
PubMed1994

Shear stress at a compliant model of the human carotid bifurcation.

To investigate the role of a compliant wall to the near wall hemodynamic flowfield, two models of the carotid bifurcation were constructed. Both were of identical internal geometries, however, one was made of compliant material which produced approximately the same degree of wall motion as that occurring in vivo while the other one was rigid. The inner geometries were formed from the same mold so that the configurations are directly comparable. Each model was placed in a pulsatile flow system that produced a physiologic flow waveform. Velocity was measured with a single component Laser system and wall shear rate was estimated from near wall data. Wall motion in the compliant model was measured by a wall motion transducer and the maximum diameter change varied between 4-7 percent in the model with the greatest change at the axis intersection. The mean shear stress in the compliant model was observed to be smaller by about 30 percent at most locations. The variation in peak shear stress was greater and occasionally reached as much as 100 percent with the compliant model consistently having smaller positive and negative peaks. The separation point was seen to move further upstream in the compliant cast. The modified flowfield in the presence of a compliant wall can then be important in the hemodynamic theory of atherogenesis.

Arteriosclerosis↗
PubMed1994

Prostaglandin E2 in cerebrospinal fluid of fetal and newborn sheep: central versus peripheral source.

During the perinatal period, prostaglandin (PG) E2 levels show parallel changes in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and blood which may be important for the adaptation of the fetus to extrauterine life. It is not known, however, whether PGE2 in the CSF originates from a local or a peripheral source. Experiments were carried out in term fetal and newborn sheep chronically instrumented with a cannula inside the third ventricle and vascular lines. Indomethacin was given intracerebroventricularly (i.c.v.) (50 or 100 micrograms at hourly intervals), alone or in combination with intravenous (i.v.) PGE2 (1 or 1.5 micrograms/kg/min). In the fetus, i.c.v. indomethacin reduced PGE2 levels in both CSF and plasma. Conversely, no significant change was noted at either site when indomethacin was given i.c.v. to the newborn. At both ages, PGE2 increased in the CSF during i.v. infusion of the compound, but this elevation was proportionately smaller than in plasma. We conclude that, in the perinatal period, brain and peripheral circulation function as separate compartments with respect to PGE2, though there is passage of the compound across the blood-brain barrier. Results provide indirect evidence that perinatal brain produces PGE2 in measurable amounts.

Animals↗
PubMed1994

Development of a simplified single-apheresis approach for peripheral-blood progenitor-cell transplantation in previously treated patients with lymphoma.

PURPOSE: The aims of this study were to develop a simplified, safe, and cost-effective peripheral-blood progenitor-cell (PBPC) mobilization protocol. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Twenty-six patients with relapsed or resistant lymphomas were entered onto a sequential cohort study in which schedules of various granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) were administered after cyclophosphamide 1.5 g/m2. Hematologic recovery after high-dose carmustine (BCNU) etoposide, cytarabine, and melphalan (BEAM) chemotherapy was compared with that of 46 patients who received autologous bone marrow transplantation (ABMT) without growth factors and 28 patients who received ABMT followed by G-CSF. RESULTS: When G-CSF (10 micrograms/kg/d) was administered from the day after the cyclophosphamide, neutropenia developed on day 8 followed by an abrupt increase in the WBC count. The optimal time for PBPC harvesting was the day on which the postnadir WBC count was greater than 8.0 x 10(9)/L, as shown by CD34+ cell counts and granulocytic-macrophage colony-forming cell (GM-CFC) assays. The reproducibility of the response was such that routine monitoring of CD34+ cell counts and GM-CFC was not necessary. A single leukapheresis on this day was adequate for prompt hematologic engraftment, and posttransplant G-CSF made little further impact on the rapid recovery. Compared with both control groups, the use of PBPC led to more rapid neutrophil recovery, markedly accelerated platelet recovery, less use of antimicrobial agents and parenteral nutrition, and more than 10 days earlier discharge from hospital. All of these differences were highly significant (P < .01). CONCLUSION: A simplified mobilization protocol is described that requires only one apheresis to achieve rapid hematologic engraftment.

Adult↗
PubMed1994

Effect of interleukin 1, lipopolysaccharide and phorbol esters on phospholipase D activity in chondrocytes.

Phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA), interleukin-1 (IL-1) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induce similar responses in a variety of cell types, including chondrocytes. These responses include the release of arachidonic acid (AA) and the production of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2). Although PMA is known to stimulate phospholipase D (PLD) activity in most cells, it is not known whether LPS and IL-1 also stimulate PLD activity, or whether PLD activity contributes to AA liberation and PGE2 production in chondrocytes. In the present study we compared the effect of IL-1, LPS and protein kinase C (PKC) activators (PMA), mezerein, phorbol dibutyrate on PGE2 synthesis and PLD activity in articular chondrocytes. Although IL-1, LPS and PKC activators stimulate PGE2 synthesis, only the PKC activators stimulated PLD activity. The PKC inhibitor, staurosporine, as well as PKC downregulation, were both found to inhibit PMA-induced PLD activity without inhibiting other PMA-induced effects in chondrocytes. Our data suggest that although chondrocytes contain a PKC-regulated PLD activity, this is not a possible mechanism by which IL-1 or LPS stimulate early events in these cells.

Animals↗
PubMed1993

Continuing medical education: experience and opinions of consultants.

The right of consultants to study leave and expenses is not binding on trusts and has been eroded in directly managed units. Complaints led to a survey of consultants in North West Thames region. This showed that most consultants use their own time and money to maintain their knowledge by buying and consulting journals and textbooks, attending local meetings, and using their annual leave for study, but they feel the need for study leave to attend meetings of specialist societies and courses. Leave is usually granted readily but without cover provided by a locum and with a very limited contribution to expenses. To maintain quality of medical care both the right and obligation to take study leave should be contractual.

Attitude of Health Personnel↗
PubMed1993

Photometric characteristics of haem proteins in erythropoietin-producing hepatoma cells (HepG2).

Erythropoietin (Epo)-producing hepatoma cells (HepG2) reveal, in addition to the cytochromes of the respiratory chain, a photometrically measurable haem signal with absorbance maxima at 559 nm and 427 nm, suggesting the presence of a b-type cytochrome. This activity exhibited a low midpoint potential, CO-binding spectra and reduction which was insensitive to both cyanide and antimycin. This haem possessed a 22 kDa subunit and might be part of an electron transfer chain similar to the NADPH oxidase, since the NADPH oxidase cytosolic activating factor (p47) could be identified by Western blot analysis. H2O2, which was detected inside the cells by confocal microscopy, might therefore be produced by the suggested electron transfer chain. This cyanide- and antimycin-insensitive but hypoxia-sensitive cytochrome b would be an attractive candidate for controlled Epo production in response to pO2.

Blotting, Western↗
PubMed1993

Personal unity in dying: alternative conceptions of the meaning of health.

Death is a universal phenomenon. In the health care system, however, it is regarded as unfortunate and catastrophic. Death is perceived as the extreme end of a continuum whose opposite end is health. In nursing practice, through the application of nursing diagnosis and nursing process, dying is treated as a procedural problem. Rarely is dying treated as part of the experience of living, characterized by the meanings assigned by the individual to the event. The purpose of the study was to describe one person's dying experience as a personal expression of the meaning of health.

Adaptation, Psychological↗
PubMed1993

Hemodynamic patterns in two models of end-to-side vascular graft anastomoses: effects of pulsatility, flow division, Reynolds number, and hood length.

Flow behavior in models of end-to-side vascular graft anastomoses was studied under steady and pulsatile flow conditions. Models were constructed to simulate geometries employed in experimental studies on intimal thickening in a canine model. Reynolds numbers, division of flow in the outflow tracts and the pulsatile waveform employed were taken from measurements obtained in the canine model. Flows in the scaled-up, transparent models were visualized with white, neutrally buoyant particles which were photographed under laser illumination and also recorded on video tape under bright incandescent light. Strong, three-dimensional helical patterns which formed in the anastomotic junction were prominent features of the flow fields. Regions of low wall shear, oscillatory wall shear and long particle residence time were identified from the flow visualization experiments. Comparisons with the limited qualitative data available on intimal thickening in vascular graft anastomoses suggest a relation between localization of vascular intimal thickening and those surfaces experiencing low shear and long particle residence time.

Anastomosis, Surgical↗
PubMed1993

Eicosanoids in third ventricular cerebrospinal fluid of fetal and newborn sheep.

A method to serially sample cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from the third ventricle of chronically catheterized fetal and newborn sheep was developed. Either sampling cannulas of preset lengths ("fixed-probe" technique) or a single cannula that could be positioned at the desired depth ("roving-probe" technique) was used. The roving probe proved superior because free CSF flow was obtained in seven of ten animals after surgery compared with two of nine animals implanted with a fixed probe. CSF (5 animals) and plasma (7 animals) was collected serially from 2 wk before to 2 wk after birth, including the time around labor. Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) levels (means +/- SE) were significantly higher in CSF (366 +/- 120 pg/ml; n = 5) and plasma (520 +/- 69 pg/ml; n = 7) before the day of delivery than in the same animals after birth. During labor, CSF and plasma PGE2 levels increased significantly to 1,428 +/- 643 pg/ml in CSF and to 2,015 +/- 414 pg/ml in plasma. However, by 1 h after birth, PGE2 had fallen to 366 +/- 165 pg/ml in CSF and to 338 +/- 106 pg/ml in plasma; levels similar to those observed in the fetus before labor. PGE2 continued to decrease precipitously and, at 24 h of age, levels were significantly less than those observed in the fetus. PGE2 levels were near the limit of detection of the assay in CSF (< 5 pg/ml) and were 49 +/- 10 pg/ml in plasma. In contrast, CSF thromboxane B2 (n = 2) and total peptidoleukotriene content (n = 4) showed little change during labor or after birth.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Animals↗