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S Foley

Publications and source records attributed to S Foley.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed1997

Characterization of the lysogeny DNA module from the temperate Streptococcus thermophilus bacteriophage phi Sfi21.

Phage phi Sfi21, the only temperate Streptococcus thermophilus phage from our phage collection, showed extensive DNA homology with virulent phages from lytic group I. Southern blot hybridizations demonstrated that the phi Sfi21-specific DNA was clustered in an approximately 6.6-kb-long region, the putative lysogeny module. Sequence analysis and database research identified an integrase within this module; orf 203 with homology to an anonymous orf 258 from the temperate lactococcal phage BK5-T; orf 127 and orf 122 with weak homology to the N- and C-terminal parts, respectively, of the cl-like repressor from lactococcal phages Tuc2009 and BK5-T; orf 75 with homology to a repressor protein from lambdoid phage 434 and an anti-repressor ant with homology to phage P1. The molecular arrangement of the predicted orfs in phage phi Sfi21 was very similar to that of the lactococcal phage BK5-T. The transition from phi Sfi21-specific DNA into DNA shared with virulent phages was abrupt and flanked at one side by notable DNA repeats. Sequence analysis identified a holin protein to the left of the lysogeny module. A site-specific deletion of 2.4 kb, which reproducibly transformed phi Sfi21 into a lytic phage, was localized in the lysogeny module. It was flanked at both sides by conspicuous DNA repeats. One repeat region reflected the DNA around the attP site, while the other reflected the putative genetic switch region between repressor and anti-repressor genes. S. thermophilus host Sfi1 transformed with a plasmid containing int and orf 203 showed resistance to superinfection by heterologous phages, but not by the homologous phi Sfi21. Part of the int gene could be deleted without loss of this activity, while a deletion in orf 203 resulted in loss of the phage resistance. We speculate on the possibility of a bipartite immunity system for the control of lysogeny in phi Sfi21.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1997

In vitro fluence rate effects in photodynamic reactions with AIPcS4 as sensitizer.

It has been shown previously that the efficiency of photodynamic therapy (PDT) both in vivo and in vitro is dependent on fluence rate. In this study, different in vitro experiments showed that tetrasulfonated aluminum phthalocyanine (AIPcS4) is more efficient in photosensitization if the light is delivered at low fluence rate. Erythrocyte damage, virus inactivation and photooxidation of reduced glutathione (GSH) and histidine were all enhanced if light was delivered at 100 W/m2 as compared to 500 W/m2. Bleaching did not occur under these conditions. Oxygen depletion, shown to be important in fluence rate effects observed in vivo, does not seem to be involved. On theoretical grounds saturation of the triplet state is not likely under these conditions. A possible explantation for the observed fluence rate effects might be found in different reaction pathways, that are favored under high or low fluence rate illuminations. These reactions might involve uni- or bimolecular reactions of intermediate products, resulting in less efficiency at higher fluence rate. It proves to be important, under all circumstances, to monitor fluence rate, because a change in fluence rate, even with similar total fluences, might influence photobiological results in an unexpected way.

Erythrocytes↗
PubMed1997

Endoscopic correction of intractable stress incontinence with silicone micro-implants.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the clinical value of silicone micro-implants (Macroplastique, Uroplastique, Bioplastique) in the treatment of intractable genuine stress incontinence. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between January 1992 and March 1995, 34 patients with failed previous surgery for genuine stress incontinence were treated with transurethral submucosal injection of Macroplastique. RESULTS: The initial success rate was high, 90% at 1 month and 75% at 3 months postoperatively. However, at 2 years of follow-up the success rate fell to 48%. Patient satisfaction was high. CONCLUSION: Macroplastique is a relatively simple and effective day-case procedure for intractable genuine stress incontinence. It may have a place as a last-resort surgery for genuine stress incontinence predominantly due to sphincter incompetence in an unfit patient with failed previous anti-incontinence procedures despite good repositioning of the bladder neck. However, many more patients and a much longer follow-up are needed before any further meaningful statements can be made about the success or failure of this material.

Adult↗
PubMed1997

Age-dependence of the relationship between adiposity and serum low density lipoprotein cholesterol in men.

OBJECTIVE: The primary aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of age on the relationships between commonly used measures of adiposity [abdominal circumference (AC) and body mass index (BMI)] and serum lipids in men. METHODS: AC, height, weight, and a fasting serum lipid profile were measured in 194 male volunteers, aged 18 to 81 years, who were free of diabetes mellitus and had participated in one of several studies on metabolic cardiovascular risk factors in the authors' laboratory. Least squares linear regression and two-way analysis of variance were used to assess relationships between measures of adiposity and fasting serum lipid values in two age groups: 18 to 49 (n = 53) and 50 to 81 years (n = 141). RESULTS: Increasing AC correlated with serum triglycerides [r = 0.32 (younger) and 0.43 (older)], and was inversely associated with high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (r = -0.26 and -0.26). Regression lines for these relationships did not differ between age groups. Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) increased with greater AC among younger subjects (r = 0.44), but not among men over 50 years (r = -0.01). The relationships between BMI and serum lipids generally paralleled those for AC, but were weaker than for AC in the younger group. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that an interaction exists between age and adiposity as determinants of LDL-C levels, and that AC is a simple, clinically useful tool for assessing risk for adiposity-related dyslipidemia in men.

Abdomen↗
PubMed1996

Molecular analysis of the replication origin of the Lactococcus lactis plasmid pCJ305.

The replication origin region, ori, of the Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis plasmid pCI305 contains three-and-one-half directly repeated 22-bp sequences and two inverted repeat sequences, IR1 and IR2. These inverted repeat sequences overlap the promoter of the repB gene, which encodes a protein (RepB) essential for plasmid replication. Gel retardation assays, using lactococcal crude cell extracts in which RepB was overproduced, were used to demonstrate that the replication protein interacts with DNA sequences within the origin region. IR1 was identified as a RepB binding site. The -35 region of the repB promoter is contained within the loop of the potential stem-loop structure of IR1, suggesting autoregulation of repB. The pCI305 RepB failed to interact with DNA sequences within the minimal replicons of nine other members of the pCI305 family of plasmids and it was concluded that this DNA-protein interaction was replicon specific. In vivo studies were performed to determine the role of the three-and-one-half copies of the 22-bp sequences. When this sequence was provided in trans on a compatible vector, it resulted in the loss of pCI305 from the cell population (incompatibility).

Bacterial Proteins↗
PubMed1996

Long-term outcome of prostatic stent treatment for benign prostatic hyperplasia.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the long-term result of prostatic stent treatment for patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). METHODS: We reviewed our experience with prostatic stents in 24 patients with bladder outlet obstruction caused by BPH for whom up to 63 months of follow-up data were available. RESULTS: Prostatic stents were successfully placed in 24 of 25 patients enrolled in the study. All 9 patients treated for urinary retention voided spontaneously after stent placement. In 14 (93%) of 15 patients with nonretention, voiding symptoms decreased by 50% or more. The stent was removed in 9 patients for persistence of symptoms, symptom recurrence, or stent migration. Nine patients died of unrelated causes during the follow-up period. The stents functioned adequately in these patients until death. In the remaining 6 patients, the stent was still in place at the last follow-up visit (range 12 to 52 months, average 35) after placement, and their Madsen-Iversen symptom scores ranged from 3 to 10. Fourteen patients underwent cystoscopy 1 to 37 months after stent placement. Epithelium did not completely cover the stent in any of these patients; however, no stone formation was noted. CONCLUSIONS: Prostatic stents can be effective in relieving bladder outlet obstruction caused by BPH. They appear to be most useful in patients at high surgical risk and with a limited life expectancy. However, stent removal, which can be difficult, may be required in more than one-third of patients. We recommend prostatic stent placement primarily in patients who would otherwise be relegated to an indwelling catheter.

Aged↗
PubMed1996

Clinical sequelae associated with squaric acid dibutylester topical sensitization.

BACKGROUND: Squaric acid dibutylester (SADBE) is a potent topical sensitizer used in the treatment of various cutaneous conditions. Currently, there are no standardized protocols defining safe sensitization methods or treatment regimens following sensitization. OBJECTIVE: This is a literature review of the clinical use of SADBE and a report of our experience with SADBE therapy and its potential hazards. METHODS: SADBE was applied with a cotton swab to the forearm of 14 patients to induce contact dermatitis. RESULTS: Ten of 14 patients (71%) had severe eczematous reactions at the site of sensitization, and 9 of 14 (64%) developed disseminated reactions. CONCLUSION: Standard protocols delineating safe methods of sensitization and treatment with SADBE need further development.

Administration, Topical↗
PubMed1995

Reading skills of dietetic interns and readability of dietetics literature.

OBJECTIVE: To assess and compare reading skills of dietetic interns with reading levels of internship references. DESIGN: A standardized reading test, the Nelson-Denny Reading Test, measured reading skills of entering dietetic interns over 7 years. A computerized readability program assessed the readability of references. SETTING: Dietetic internships in university and Veterans Affairs hospitals. SUBJECTS: Of 194 entering interns, 178 (92%) were included and 16 (89%) were omitted. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Nelson-Denny percentile and grade equivalent scores for vocabulary, comprehension, and total. The Fog Index identified reference reading-grade levels. STATISTICAL ANALYSES PERFORMED: Descriptive statistics and analysis of variance. RESULTS: Interns from the two programs did not differ significantly on Nelson-Denny Reading Test scores or in application grade point average. Percentile means and standard deviations were 54.7 +/- 23.8 for vocabulary, 51.2 +/- 25.0 for comprehension, 52.9 +/- 23.9 for total, and 41.6 +/- 24.7 for reading rate. Nearly 20% (33 of 178) of interns read significantly below expected grade level. The fog Index assigned reference grade levels from 6.98 to 21.63 years. CONCLUSIONS: The majority of dietetic interns have strong reading skills and read within the references' reading levels. A minority may experience difficulties reading assignments. Preinternship reading skills assessment could lead to greater success in reading professional literature.

Adult↗
PubMed1995

The incidence of testicular cancer in Royal Air Force personnel.

OBJECTIVES: To review the incidence of testicular cancer within the Royal Air Force (RAF) compared with the national incidence. METHODS: The medical statistics for RAF personnel (supplied by the Central Statistics Office, categorized by occupation) were reviewed for the incidence of testicular cancer and compared to the national rate. RESULTS: A significantly elevated incidence of testicular neoplasm was detected in RAF personnel, which was well above the national rate. The increased incidence appeared most marked in those personnel working directly with aircraft. CONCLUSION: The only cause of the significantly higher incidence of testicular cancer in RAF personnel is probably related to working with aircraft. This concurs with a finding that aircraft technicians in the US Navy had an increased incidence of testicular cancer, and the exposure to hydrocarbon carcinogens in the workplace was implicated.

Adult↗
PubMed1993

Mouse Crry/p65. Characterization of monoclonal antibodies and the tissue distribution of a functional homologue of human MCP and DAF.

In previous studies we have demonstrated that mouse Crry/p65 regulates complement component C3 deposition on self membranes, a functional property that both human decay-accelerating factor (DAF) and membrane cofactor protein (MCP) exhibit. We have proposed that Crry/p65 has a similar biologic role in mouse as MCP and perhaps DAF and is the mouse analogue of one or both of these proteins. In order to address this hypothesis and further study Crry/p65, we have prepared rat mAb and a rabbit polyclonal Ab to this protein. Using these reagents we demonstrate that, like human MCP and DAF, the tissue distribution of Crry/p65 is very broad. Most if not all cells of nonneuronal origin express this protein. In addition, by immunohistochemical analysis, Crry/p65 is shown to be more highly expressed in some tissues at potential sites of immune complex deposition and damage, such as the mesangium of the renal glomerulus and the arterial vessel endothelium. By Western blot analysis, protein isoforms can be demonstrated. Unlike human DAF, however, no phosphatidylinositol-specific phospholipase C-sensitive Crry/p65 protein form can be demonstrated on lymphocytes or erythrocytes. Five of six anti-Crry/p65 mAb can partially or completely reverse the capacity of Crry/p65 to block C3 deposition on cell membranes. Analysis of four IgG rat anti-Crry/p65 mAb demonstrates that two major independent epitopes can be detected. Overall, Crry/p65 retains many of the major features of human MCP and DAF, and the use of these reagents should further the understanding of the biologic roles of this class of complement regulatory proteins.

Animals↗
PubMed1993

Mouse Crry/p65 is a regulator of the alternative pathway of complement activation.

Like man, mouse has evolved a unique set of regulatory proteins which provide protection from complement-mediated damage to self membranes. The recently described mouse protein Crry/p65 has been shown to inhibit classical complement pathway C3 deposition on cell membranes in which it is expressed. In two distinct experimental systems, we now further delineate the regulatory activity of Crry/p65 and demonstrate its inhibitory effect on alternative complement pathway C3 activation. First, significant inhibition of mouse alternative pathway C3 deposition was demonstrated on neuraminidase-treated human K562 cells expressing recombinant Crry/p65. Second, using a baculovirus technique, recombinant Crry/p65 was synthesized as a soluble molecule and then purified. This molecule was found to inhibit mouse C3 deposition on the surface of zymosan, a potent alternative complement pathway activator. These studies, combined with our earlier findings, demonstrate that Crry/p65 can regulate both the classical and alternative complement pathways. Crry/p65 must, therefore, exert its effects prior to, or at the level of, the C3 convertases, in a fashion similar to that of human membrane cofactor protein and/or decay-accelerating factor. These studies provide further proof of the hypothesis that Crry/p65 is an evolutionarily unique, complement regulatory protein which has developed in mouse.

Animals↗
PubMed1992

Distinct receptor and regulatory properties of recombinant mouse complement receptor 1 (CR1) and Crry, the two genetic homologues of human CR1.

The relationship between the characterized mouse regulators of complement activation (RCA) genes and the 190-kD mouse complement receptor 1 (MCR1), 155-kD mouse complement receptor 2 (MCR2), and mouse p65 is unclear. One mouse RCA gene, designated MCR2 (or Cr2), encodes alternatively spliced 21 and 15 short consensus repeat (SCR)-containing transcripts that crosshybridize with cDNAs of both human CR2 and CR1, or CR2 alone, respectively. A five SCR-containing transcript derived from a second unique gene, designated Crry, also crosshybridizes with human CR1. We have previously shown that the 155-kD MCR2 is encoded by the 15 SCR-containing transcript. To analyze the protein products of the other transcripts, which are considered the genetic homologues of human CR1, we have expressed the 21 and the 5 SCR-containing cDNAs in the human K562 erythroleukemia cell line. We demonstrate that cells expressing the 21 SCR transcript express the 190-kD MCR1 protein. These cells react with five unique rat anti-MCR1 monoclonal antibodies, including the 8C12 antibody considered to be monospecific for MCR1. In addition, these cells efficiently form rosettes with mouse C3b-bearing sheep erythrocytes. In contrast, cells expressing the five SCR-containing Crry transcript are strongly recognized by an anti-human CR1 antibody that also defines the mouse p65 protein. Using a functional assay that measures the surface deposition of C3 activated via the classical complement pathway, we show that Crry/p65-expressing cells have a markedly decreased amount of C3 deposited on them as compared with control cells expressing the antisense construct or cells expressing MCR1 or MCR2. This suggests that Crry has intrinsic complement regulatory activity.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Animals↗
PubMed1992

Distinct and overlapping functions of allelic forms of human mannose binding protein.

Human mannose binding protein (MBP) is a C-type serum lectin involved in first-line host defense against a variety of bacterial, fungal and viral pathogens. Recently an association was found between low levels of serum MBP and an increased frequency of recurrent infections in infants. A particular genotype, in which glycine is substituted by aspartic acid at codon 54 of MBP in the fifth collagen repeat, shows apparent concordance with the clinical phenotype. We report, however, that this genotype occurs in 5% of the population and encodes a functional protein. Our results indicate that the Gly54Asp allele does not account for a deficiency state, but instead suggest that MBP may have two predominant allelic forms that have overlapping function and differ only in their ability to activate the classical pathway of complement.

Alleles↗
PubMed1977

Effect of high-concentration ammonium and sodium fluoride rinses on dental caries in schoolchildren.

A double-blind clinical trial was conducted in a non-fluoridated community to determine the effect on enamel fluoride and caries experience of daily rinsing in school with 1,000 parts/10(6) solutions of ammonium fluoride or sodium fluoride at pH 4.4. Subjects were 10- to 12-year-old children (n approximately equal to 200/group at baseline), about one-half of whom reported the usage of fluoride supplements. Dental caries (DFS index) and enamel fluoride (in vivo biopsy) were evaluated at baseline, 12 months, and 24 months. Supplement users had higher enamel fluoride levels and less caries experience initially, as well as generally lower caries increments over the study. In year 1, the overall caries reductions (supplement users and non-users combined) were 23 % (ammonium fluoride) and 33 % (sodium fluoride), P less than 0.01. For year 2, treatment effects were significantly greater: 54 % (ammonium fluoride) and 47 % (sodium fluoride). In newly erupted teeth, the effects of the ammonium fluoride (70 % DFS reduction) was significantly greater (P = 0.013) than that of the sodium fluoride (48 % DFS reduction). Enamel fluoride levels at the end of 2 years were 3,124 parts/10(6) (ammonium fluoride), 2,771 parts/10(6) (sodium fluoride), and 2,603 parts/10(6) (placebo), P = 0.025.

Child↗