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Biomedical subjects

V Knight

Publications and source records attributed to V Knight.

At least 109 records · Page 6Linked to original sources
PubMedDate not supplied

Gene transfer by guanidinium-cholesterol: dioleoylphosphatidyl-ethanolamine liposome-DNA complexes in aerosol.

BACKGROUND: A major challenge of gene therapy is the efficient transfer of genes to cell sites where effective transfection can occur. The impact of jet nebulization on DNA structural and functional integrity has been problematic for the aerosol delivery of genes to pulmonary sites and remains a serious concern for this otherwise promising and noninvasive approach. METHODS: This study examined effects of cationic liposome-DNA formulation on both transfection efficiency (in vitro and in vivo) and jet nebulizer stability. The effects of nebulization and sonication on liposome-DNA particle size characteristics were examined. Electron microscopy of promising formulations was performed using several fixation methods. RESULTS: The cationic lipid bis-guanidinium-tren-cholesterol (BGTC), in combination with the neutral co-lipid dioleoylphosphatidylethanolamine (DOPE), was found to have a degree of stability adequate to permit effective gene delivery by the aerosol route. Optimal ratios of lipids and plasmid DNA were identified. Particle size analysis and ultrastructural studies revealed a remarkably homogeneous population of distinctly liposomal structures correlating with the highest levels of transfection efficiency and nebulizer stability. CONCLUSIONS: Optimizing gene delivery vectors for pulmonary aerosol delivery to respiratory sites must take into account factors other than transfection efficiency in vitro. Effects of liposome-DNA formulation on liposomal morphology (i.e. particle size, multilamellar structure) appear to be relevant to stability during aerosolization. These studies have allowed us to identify formulations that hold promise for successful clinical application of aerosol gene delivery.

Aerosols↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Why virgins attend sexually transmitted disease clinics.

We sought to ascertain the reasons why virgins might attend sexually transmitted disease (STD) clinics. The medical records of 31 patients (18 males and 13 females) attending a major public STD clinic and who declared no lifetime sexual partners were examined. Nine subjects were concerned about genital anatomical variation while 3 had non-STD genital pathology (urinary tract infection, non-specific genital dermatosis, vaginismus). Six attended for human immunodeficiency virus antibody testing and 3 for hepatitis-related reasons. Of 6 children, 5 were screened for congenital syphilis and the other had genital warts. Three older patients (aged 34-38) presented with genital symptoms as part of a previously diagnosed psychosis. One prostitute who attended for a 'certificate' had never had penetrative sex. Most attendances in this study were appropriate and reflect the increasing recognition of STD clinics as appropriate centres for a wide range of non-STD genital and sexual problems.

AIDS Serodiagnosis↗
PubMedDate not supplied

High dose-short duration ribavirin aerosol treatment--a review.

A high-dose, short-duration treatment with ribavirin aerosol consisting of a three-fold increase in concentration of drug (60 mg versus 20 mg of ribavirin per mL in the liquid reservoir of the generator administered for about one-third the time of the standard treatment) was as effective as the standard dosage in the treatment of experimental influenza A and B infections in mice and in the treatment of experimental respiratory syncytial virus infection in cotton rats. Despite some minor pulmonary intolerance, it was considered to be suitable for use in treatment of patients with severe chronic pulmonary disease, and it was well-tolerated and apparently effective in the treatment (by face mask and endotracheal tube) of infants with bronchiolitis principally caused by respiratory syncytial virus infection. Pharmacokinetic studies in mice revealed very high concentrations of drug in the lungs, about triple the level with the standard dose, with similar blood and brain concentrations. Ribavirin concentrations were similarly high in respiratory secretions of infants given the triple dose.

Administration, Inhalation↗