Tobravirus isolation and RNA extraction.
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Genetic Techniques↗
Biomedical subjects
S C Taylor
Publications and source records attributed to S C Taylor.
Comparisons of three probability formulae for parentage exclusion.
Three general formulae calibrate the average capability of marker systems to dispute falsely reported pedigree records in uniparous species. The most familiar exclusion formula applies to paternity, although the same formula applies equally to maternity. Another formula faults the relationship of a single offspring with its putative parent; for example, where the genotype of the other parent is not available. The remaining formulae excludes both of the falsely recorded parents of a substituted offspring. Simplified forms of the three general formulae facilitate the calculation of maximal average exclusion values over a range of hypothetical markers. Allele frequency data on eight marker systems in horses provide practical examples. The exclusion values of the three formulae are compared.
Alleles↗
Type 2 cytokine serum levels in healthy sickle cell disease patients.
Sickle cell disease (SCD) is characterized by significant morbidity and early mortality. Children with this hemoglobinopathy exhibit many of the manifestations associated with immunodeficiency disorders. Serum was obtained from 56 healthy SCD subjects and 45 normal healthy controls. Type 2 cytokines interleukin (IL)-4, IL-6, and IL-10 serum levels were measured. Concentrations were determined by reference to a standard curve, and results were expressed in pg/mL. Results revealed significant levels of IL-4 in 6 (13%) of 45 SCD patients compared with 1 (2%) of 45 controls. Increased levels of IL-6 were present in 35 (78%) of 45 SCD patients and 12 (41%) of 29 controls. Elevated levels of IL-10 were detectable in 13 (41%) of 42 SCD patients and 1 (4%) of 25 controls. High circulating levels of type 2 cytokines may suppress both humoral and cell-mediated immune functions in SCD, with resultant increased morbidity.
Adolescent↗
In vitro lymphocyte blastogenic responses and cytokine production in sickle cell disease patients with acute pneumonia.
BACKGROUND: Pulmonary infections continue to be a major cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with sickle cell disease (SCD). METHODS: In this study cell-mediated immunity in vitro was evaluated in 62 SCD patients (62 steady state and 16 with acute pneumonia) and compared with 44 normal controls (30 healthy and 14 with acute pneumonia). Lymphocyte blastogenic responses to phytohemagglutinin, tetanus toxoid and Candida albicans antigen were assessed in all subjects. In addition production of tumor necrosis factor, alpha- and gamma-interferon (IFN) were assayed. RESULTS: The results revealed comparable blastogenic responses to all three stimuli in all subjects except SCD patients with pneumonia. This group showed poor responses to all stimuli. The mean counts per minute were decreased 65 to 90% when compared with the other patients. Cytokine production of IFN-alpha and TNF was equivalent in all subjects. Conversely IFN-gamma production in both SCD groups, steady state (35 +/- 6 U/ml) and SCD with pneumonia (14 +/- 6 U/ml), was significantly decreased when compared with those in normal healthy controls (65 +/- 14 U/ml) and with pneumonia (48 +/- 17 U/ml). On analysis of individual titers 15 of 62 (24%) steady state and 10 of 16 (63%) SCD patients with pneumonia were deficient in IFN-gamma production in vitro. CONCLUSIONS: Acute pulmonary infections seem to have a profound effect on cell-mediated immunity in SCD. IFN-gamma deficiency, along with quantitative and qualitative T cell abnormalities, may represent significant factors to explain the frequent and severe infections seen in SCD.
Adolescent↗
Serum interleukin-6 levels in the steady state of sickle cell disease.
In patients with childhood sickle cell disease (SCD) serum interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels were measured during the steady (healthy) state of disease. The corresponding measurements were made in comparable healthy normal controls. Serum IL-6 levels were assessed via ELISA in 27 SCD patients and 19 controls. Results revealed significantly higher circulating levels of IL-6 in the SCD patients (60 +/- 7 pg/ml) compared with the healthy controls (12 +/- 5 pg/ml). IL-6 is a multifunctional cytokine that plays a central role in host defense mechanisms. The impact of high circulating levels of IL-6 may be deleterious to humoral and cell-mediated immune functions in SCD, with resultant heightened risk for morbidity.
Adolescent↗
The 4-hydroxy-2-oxovalerate aldolase and acetaldehyde dehydrogenase (acylating) encoded by the nahM and nahO genes of the naphthalene catabolic plasmid pWW60-22 provide further evidence of conservation of meta-cleavage pathway gene sequences.
We report the complete nucleotide sequence and over-expression of the nahOM genes for the acetaldehyde dehydrogenase (acylating) and the 4-hydroxy-2-oxovalerate aldolase from the meta pathway operon of the naphthalene catabolic plasmid pWW60-22 from Pseudomonas sp. NCIMB9816. Additional partial sequence analysis of adjacent DNA shows the gene order within the operon to be nahNLOMK, identical to the order found for the isofunctional genes in the meta pathway operons in the toluene/xylene pathway of TOL plasmid pWW0 and the phenol/methylphenol pathway of pVI150. The deduced amino acid sequences of NahO and NahM were significantly homologous to the equivalent enzymes encoded by other Pseudomonas meta pathways, although both were the most divergent in each comparison. The nahOM genes were inserted downstream of the T7 promoter in the expression vector pET3a and similar constructs were also made of the isofunctional regions from pVI150 (dmpFG) and TOL plasmid pDK1 (xyIQK). High expression of all three gene pairs was detected by enzyme assays and by SDS-PAGE.
Aldehyde Oxidoreductases↗
A novel pathway for the catabolism of 4-nitrotoluene by Pseudomonas.
Eleven strains of Pseudomonas were isolated by selective enrichment on 4-nitrotoluene (4NT). They all utilized 4NT, 4-nitrobenzyl alcohol (4NBA) or 4-nitrobenzoate (4NBZate) as sole sources of carbon and nitrogen. One strain, TW3, was used for more detailed studies. 4NT-grown cells of TW3 take up O2 when incubated in the presence of 4NBA, 4-nitrobenzaldehyde (4NBZ) and 4NBZate. HPLC analysis of culture supernatants showed that 4NBZ and 4NBZate were formed when 4NT-grown cells wer incubated with 4NBA, whereas only 4NBZate was found when they were incubated with 4NBZ. Two dehydrogenases were detected in extracts of 4NT-grown cells. 4NBA dehydrogenase could be assayed by a dye-linked assay whereas 4NBZ dehydrogenase activity was linked to NAD+ reduction. No nitrite was detected in supernatants of 4NBZate-grown cells incubated with 4NBZate but the nitrogen appeared as ammonium. The only aromatic ring-cleavage dioxygenase that was induced during growth on the nitroaromatics was protocatechuate 3,4-dioxygenase. It is proposed that the pathway for 4NT catabolism proceeds via 4NBA, 4NBZ and 4NBZate and ultimately to protocatechuate with release of the nitro group as ammonium.
Alcohol Oxidoreductases↗
Quantitation of lysophosphatidylcholine molecular species in rat cardiac tissue.
We have developed a rapid and sensitive procedure for isolation and measurement of 1-acyllysophosphatidylcholine (LPC) species in rat myocardial tissue. Tissues were spiked with heptadecanoyl-LPC internal standard and extracted with chloroform/methanol. The chloroform phase was dried, resuspended in chloroform/propan-2-ol (2/1, v/v), and applied to an aminopropyl-bonded phase (Bond Elut) column. Following stepwise elution with several solvent mixtures, the LPC fraction (ethyl acetate/methanol, 4/6, v/v) was separated by HPLC with direct quantitation of palmitoyl-LPC (P-LPC), oleoyl-LPC (O-LPC), and stearoyl-LPC (S-LPC), using an evaporative light scattering mass detector. Calibration curves were generated for each individual LPC species. Recoveries of added [14C]LPC and of heptadecanoyl-LPC internal standard after extraction and chromatography were 85.8 +/- 1.9% (mean +/- SE, N = 10) and 83.4 +/- 1.8% (N = 15), respectively. This assay showed satisfactory sensitivity, reproducibility, and accuracy for measurement of LPC species in rat myocardial tissue. The major molecular species of LPC in rat myocardium were found to be P-LPC and S-LPC, which were two- to sixfold as abundant as O-LPC. In isolated, crystalloid-perfused rat hearts the time of perfusion was found to significantly influence the content of P-LPC (0 min, 252 +/- 10; 15 min, 178 +/- 10, P less than 0.001, compared with 0 min; 40 min, 131 +/- 4, P less than 0.001; and 70 min, 129 +/- 4, P less than 0.001; nmol/g dry weight), but not the content of O-LPC and S-LPC. The method will be useful for studying the participation of LPC species in physiology, pathophysiology, and therapeutics.
Animals↗
Subungual osteochondroma. Diagnosis and management.
Osteochondroma, a benign tumor of bone that may penetrate the skin is rarely recognized by the dermatologist. We report two cases of osteochondroma of the distal phalanges with cutaneous penetration, and discuss the clinical, histologic, and radiographic features that allow rapid identification of this lesion. Furthermore, we emphasize the importance of total tumor excision, including adequate treatment of the underlying bone, to prevent recurrence of the lesion.
Child↗
Construction and analysis of infectious transcripts synthesized from full-length cDNA clones of both genomic RNAs of pea early browning virus.
Full-length cDNA clones of both RNAs of pea early browning virus have been constructed. Synthetic transcripts derived in vitro from these clones are infectious when inoculated onto plants. Electron microscopy revealed the presence of virions in transcript-inoculated plants, and both purified RNA and virions isolated from such plants could be used to infect other plants. Transcripts of RNA1 alone were able to replicate and spread systemically which is a characteristic of members of the tobravirus group of plant viruses.
Base Sequence↗
Nodular vulvar amyloid as a presentation of systemic amyloidosis.
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Aged↗
The Oncology Nursing Society.
Oncology nursing is one of the fastest moving and most exciting specialties in nursing today. ONS, not surprisingly, is one of the strongest specialty groups. Taylor profiles the history of this group.
Humans↗
Cardioprotective effects of the potassium channel opener cromakalim: stereoselectivity and effects on myocardial adenine nucleotides.
We determined if the cardioprotective effects of the potassium channel opener cromakalim are stereoselective and if it can preserve adenine nucleotides in ischemic myocardium. We subjected isolated isovolumically beating rat hearts to 25 min of global ischemia and reperfusion with and without pretreatment by cromakalim or its enantiomers. All of these compounds significantly increased preischemic coronary flow with the (3S,4R)-(-)-enantiomer being more potent (EC25 = 0.52 microM) compared to cromakalim (EC25 = 1.04 microM) and the (3R,4S)-(+)-enantiomer (EC25 greater than 100 microM). The (-)-enantiomer was also significantly more potent in reducing ischemic/reperfusion damage compared to cromakalim and its (+)-enantiomer. Reperfusion contractile function was improved significantly and lactate dehydrogenase release was reduced by these compounds. Time to contracture was also increased significantly by the (-)-enantiomer (EC25 = 2.27 microM), cromakalim (EC25 = 4.89 microM) and the (+)-enantiomer (EC25 greater than 100 microM). We determined if cromakalim, in a concentration which does not depress cardiac function (10 microM), can preserve high energy phosphates during ischemia in isolated rat hearts. Cromakalim significantly preserved ATP at 15 to 25 min of ischemia. Adenylate energy charge was also significantly improved by cromakalim at 20 to 25 min into an ischemic episode. Thus, the cardioprotective effects of cromakalim are stereoselective and may be due partly to preservation of myocardial energy reserves. It is significant that cromakalim can preserve adenine nucleotides despite its lack of negative inotropic effects.
Adenine Nucleotides↗
Nail cosmetics.
Disorders of the nails may be brought about by systemic disease or outside influences. Although many of the products available on the market may be of great benefit in offering palliation of abnormalities of the nail plate, they may also be a source of significant adverse effects. Treatment of nail disorders must be predicated on a well-focused history, physical examination, and proper tissue samples.
Cosmetics↗
National Nurses Society on Addictions.
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Humans↗
Genetic aspects of mammalian growth and survival in relation to body size.
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Animals↗
Acetylcholinesterase activity in regions of mouse brain following acute and chronic treatment with a benzodiazepine inverse agonist.
1. Chronic administration of the benzodiazepine inverse agonist FG 7142 has previously been shown to induce seizure activity in mice. In the present study we have investigated the effects of acute and chronic treatment with FG 7142 in mice on the levels of acetylcholinesterase activity in cortex, hippocampus, midbrain and striatum. We have also investigated the effects of acute and chronic stress in the form of handling (vehicle-injection) on acetylcholinesterase levels. 2. A single dose of FG 7142 produced a marked elevation of total acetylcholinesterase activities in the hippocampus and midbrain when compared with vehicle-injected control levels, but the levels were not different from those in unhandled animals. 3. Acute stress, in the form of vehicle-injection produced decreases in cortical and hippocampal soluble acetylcholinesterase activity but FG 7142 had no effect upon these stress-induced changes. 4. Total cortical and hippocampal acetylcholinesterase activities were increased by 56% and 16% respectively in the chronic FG 7142-treated mice that exhibited seizure activity (compared with vehicle-injected controls). 5. Soluble acetylcholinesterase activity in the midbrain was decreased to 82% of control levels only in animals that had undergone FG 7142-induced kindling. Smaller or no changes in acetylcholinesterase activity in the midbrain were observed in chronically FG 7142-treated animals that exhibited no seizure activity. 6. Mice that did not demonstrate seizure activity in response to chronic FG 7142 treatment showed alterations in the soluble acetylcholinesterase activities of the hippocampus and midbrain. 7. It is concluded that chronic treatment with the benzodiazepine inverse agonist FG 7142 produces alterations in the acetylcholinesterase activities of various brain regions, in a manner related to the kindling that can be produced by this treatment. 8. Chronic mild stress, in the form of repeated handling (vehicle injection), induced changes in brain activity with decreases in total activity occurring in the cortex and hippocampus, and an increase in soluble acetylcholinesterase activity occurring in the midbrain. 9. All these stress-induced changes appeared to be prevented by administration of FG 7142 at the time of the stress. It would appear therefore that FG 7142 can prevent the effects of chronic stress on brain acetylcholinesterase activity.
Acetylcholinesterase↗
Interferon production in sickle cell disease.
There is limited data on cytokine production in sickle cell disease (SCD). In this study, both alpha (Poly IC-induced) and gamma (PHA-induced) interferon (IFN) were measured in 62 SCD steady state patients, and 21 in the crisis state associated with infections. Comparable normal controls (30 healthy and 14 with infections) were assessed in a similar manner. Gamma IFN production in both SCD groups, steady state (35 +/- 6 U/ml) and crisis state (24 +/- 11 U/ml) was significantly diminished when compared to the normal healthy controls (65 +/- 14 U/ml) with P less than .005. Both SCD groups were also less than normals with infections (56 +/- 23 U/ml) with P less than .005. On closer analysis of individual titers, 15/62 (24%) in the steady state, 11/21 (52%) of SCD patients with infection and 2/14 (14%) of normals with infection, showed impaired gamma IFN when compared to normals without infection (range 27-2187 U/ml). Alpha IFN production in the SCD groups; steady state (512 +/- 113 U/ml) and SCD crisis with infection (559 +/- 110 U/ml) was virtually equivalent to normals (524 +/- 170 U/ml) and normals with infection (509 +/- 116 U/ml). Analysis of individual titers, in contrast to gamma IFN, also showed no significant differences. These results indicate that a significant percentage of SCD patients in both the steady state and infectious state associated with crisis, have impaired gamma IFN production. In view of the known immunomodulatory functions of gamma IFN, this apparent defect may be another factor to explain the increased frequency and severity of infections in SCD.
Adolescent↗