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Biomedical subjects

W J Jones

Publications and source records attributed to W J Jones.

At least 73 records · Page 4Linked to original sources

Modulation of renal sodium-potassium-adenosine triphosphatase by aldosterone. Effect of high physiologic levels on enzyme activity in isolated rat and rabbit tubules.

The purpose of this study was to determine the nephron site, time course, and mechanism of mineralocorticoid action on renal tubular Na-K-ATPase in rats and rabbits, without dietary manipulation and by using the natural mineralocorticoid aldosterone. Sustained, high physiologic levels of circulating aldosterone mimicking those produced endogenously during potassium loading or sodium deprivation were provided by constant delivery of the hormone in doses of 5 or 50 micrograms/100 g body wt per 24 h, respectively, from osmotic minipumps implanted subcutaneously. In adrenal-intact rats receiving the 5-microgram dose, aldosterone levels were similar to those seen in animals fed a high K diet and produced a time-dependent increase in Na-K-ATPase activity in the cortical-collecting tubule (CCT) to a level 103% higher than in controls after 7 d (2,007 +/- 178 vs. 989 +/- 72 pmol/mm per h, P less than 0.001); the enzyme activity in the proximal convoluted tubule, medullary thick ascending limb, and the inner stripe of the medullary-collecting tubule did not change significantly. The increment in CCT Na-K-ATPase was larger (142%) in animals receiving for the same period of time the 50-micrograms dose, which produced circulating aldosterone levels similar to those of sodium-deprived rats. A significant stimulation of Na-K-ATPase activity was seen in the CCT of adrenalectomized rats after 24 h of treatment with either dose of the hormone, and at 12 h only in animals receiving the 50 micrograms/100 g per 24 h regimen. To determine whether the enhanced Na-K-ATPase activity produced by aldosterone is due to synthesis of new enzyme units or to alteration in its kinetics, we examined the ouabain-binding capacity and the affinity for Na and K of the enzyme from CCT of rabbits treated with 5 micrograms/100 g body wt per 24 h aldosterone for 3 d. These experiments revealed a parallel increment on Na-K-ATPase activity and specific [3H]ouabain binding in aldosterone-treated rabbits, while the affinity of the enzyme for either sodium or potassium was unaltered. The results of this study indicate that high physiologic levels of aldosterone simulating those measured during K loading or Na deprivation lead to a segment-specific increase in Na-K-ATPase activity in the CCT. This effect was time-and dose-dependent and was due to an increase in the number of active enzyme units. The segmental specificity and time course of the increase in enzyme activity suggest that modulation of Na-K-ATPase by aldosterone plays a role in the chronic adaptation of the CCT to altered availability of sodium and potassium, and therefore in the homeostasis of these cations by the kidney.

Adrenalectomy↗

The treatment of psychogenic impotence after dermal graft repair for Peyronie's disease.

We studied 20 men who failed to resume coitus after a dermal graft repair for Peyronie's disease. Psychogenic causes were found in 15 men, 10 of whom were treated locally by the sex counselors who interviewed all the couples. Psychogenic dysfunction was related to waiting for healing or for a specified period, then approaching first coitus either with idealized expectations or as if it were a test. Of the 10 treated men 3 also had marital conflict and 5 others had lack of a partner or poor motivation, including 1 who also suffered some instability of erection possibly of structural cause. In most of the treated men relief of anxiety and conflict proved effective, and coitus was restored. We are now evaluating possible improved results in new operative candidates through preoperative and postoperative counseling, which emphasizes a less pressured approach to coitus postoperatively.

Coitus↗

Methanogenesis from sucrose by defined immobilized consortia.

A bacterial consortium capable of sucrose degradation primarily to CH(4) and CO(2) was constructed, with acetate as the key methanogenic precursor. In addition, the effect of agar immobilization on the activity of the consortium was determined. The primary fermentative organism, Escherichia coli, produced acetate, formate, H(2), and CO(2) (known substrates for methanogens), as well as ethanol and lactate, compounds that are not substrates for methanogens. Oxidation of the nonmethanogenic substrates, lactate and ethanol, to acetate was mediated by the addition of Acetobacterium woodii and Desulfovibrio vulgaris. The methanogenic stage was accomplished by the addition of the acetophilic methanogen Methanosarcina barkeri and the hydrogenophilic methanogen Methanobacterium formicicum. Results of studies with low substrate concentrations (0.05 to 0.2% [wt/vol]), a growth-limiting medium, and the five-component consortium indicated efficient conversion (40%) of sucrose carbon to CH(4). Significant decreases in yields of CH(4) and rates of CH(4) production were observed if any component of the consortium was omitted. Approximately 70% of the CH(4) generated occurred via acetate. Agar-immobilized cells of the consortium exhibited yields of CH(4) and rates of CH(4) production from sucrose similar to those of nonimmobilized cells. The rate of CH(4) production decreased by 25% when cysteine was omitted from reaction conditions and by 40% when the immobilized consortium was stored for 1 week at 4 degrees C.

Journal Article↗

Regulation of renal Na-K-ATPase in the rat. Role of the natural mineralo- and glucocorticoid hormones.

Both mineralo- and glucocorticoids stimulate renal Na-K-ATPase, but their relative role in the regulation of the enzyme remains controversial. In this study we measured Na-K-ATPase activity in the cortical collecting tubule (CCT) of adrenalectomized rats replaced with either the native mineralocorticoid (aldosterone) or glucocorticoid (corticosterone) in doses calculated to yield previously determined physiologic concentrations of these hormones (5 ng X dl-1 and 5 micrograms X dl-1, respectively). This was achieved by continuous delivery of aldosterone (1 microgram X 100 g-1 X d-1) from an osmotic minipump or of corticosterone (2 pellets of 20 mg each), implanted subcutaneously either at adrenalectomy or 7 d later, when Na-K-ATPase activity reached its nadir. Adrenalectomized rats not receiving hormone replacement and adrenal-intact animals served as controls. The CCT was chosen because it contains the highest concentration of binding sites for both hormones. Na-K-ATPase activity declined 52% in the CCT of untreated adrenalectomized rats after 7 d, and remained unchanged thereafter. Physiologic replacement doses of aldosterone prevented this decline and restored the activity of the enzyme after it had been allowed to decrease maximally following adrenal ablation, whereas similar replacement of corticosterone was without effect. These observations suggest that under physiologic conditions Na-K-ATPase in the CCT, a probable target nephron segment of both hormones, is under mineralocorticoid rather than glucocorticoid control.

Adenosine Triphosphatases↗

Analysis of chlorobutanol in ophthalmic ointments and aqueous solutions by reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography.

A reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatographic assay for chlorobutanol was developed and found suitable for the routine analysis of ophthalmic ointments and aqueous solutions. The method utilized a column packed with 10-microns octadecylsilane with a mobile phase of methanol-water (50:50). Peak detection was by UV absorption at 210 nm. In this chromatographic system, chlorobutanol had a capacity factor (K') of 4.1. Standard curves obtained in the presence of ointment vehicle containing an aminoglycoside were linear, intercepted at zero, and averaged 99.4% recovery. Degradation studies indicated that the method was stability indicating. The analytical results for a complete experimental ophthalmic ointment and an aqueous ophthalmic diluent are presented. This high-performance liquid chromatographic method of analysis represents an alternative to GC procedures for determining chlorobutanol.

Chlorobutanol↗

Growth and plating efficiency of methanococci on agar media.

Plating techniques for cultivation of methanogenic bacteria have been optimized for two members of the genus Methanococcus. Methanococcus maripaludis and Methanococcus voltae were cultivated on aerobically and anaerobically prepared agar media. Maintenance of O(2) levels below 5 mul/liter within an anaerobic glove box was necessary during plating and incubation for 90% recovery of plated cells. Under an atmosphere of H(2), CO(2), and H(2)S (79:20:1), 2 to 3 days of incubation at 37 degrees C were sufficient for the formation of visible colonies. The viability of plated cells was significantly affected by the growth phase of the culture, H(2)S concentration, and the volume of medium per plate. In addition, colony size of methanococci was affected by agar type, as well as by the concentrations of agar, H(2)S, and bicarbonate.

Journal Article↗

Monoclonal antibodies to Legionella pneumophila serogroup 1: possible applications in diagnostic tests and epidemiologic studies.

Monoclonal antibodies were produced against two strains of Legionella pneumophila serogroup 1. A panel of nine monoclonal antibodies were selected for their unique specificities observed in indirect fluorescent antibody tests with 130 strains of L. pneumophila serogroup 1. One monoclonal antibody was reactive with an antigen possessed by 128 of 130 strains. Two major subgroups were identified and 13 different antigen patterns were observed among the 130 serogroup 1 strains.

Animals↗

Self-directed learning and student selected goals in nurse education.

This paper is a consideration of the philosophy of, and research into, general education. It examines some of the approaches to education and a small part of the research into discovery learning, self-directed study and student-selected goals of learning. Proposals are made for a single module of nurse training for admission to the register of general nurses which incorporate the philosophy and research-based ideals of self-directed learning. Finally, problems which may be anticipated in its implementation are discussed but no firm conclusions are drawn until these can be based on fact rather than conjecture.

Education, Nursing, Diploma Programs↗

Populations of methane-producing bacteria and in vitro methanogenesis in salt marsh and estuarine sediments.

Most probable numbers (MPNs) of methanogens in various salt marsh and estuarine sediments were determined with an anaerobic, habitat-simulating culture medium with 80% H(2) plus 20% CO(2) as substrate. Average MPNs for the short Spartina (SS) marsh sediments of Sapelo Island, Ga., were maximal at the 5- to 7-cm depth (1.2 x 10/g of dry sediment). Populations decreased to approximately 880/g of dry sediment at the 34- to 36-cm depth. There was no significant difference between summer and winter populations. In tall Spartina (TS) marsh sediments, average populations were maximal (1.2 x 10/g of dry sediment) in the upper 0- to 2-cm zone; populations from the 5- to 36-cm zones were similar (average of 9 x 10/g of dry sediment). Methanogenic populations for TS sediments of James Island Creek marsh, Charleston, S.C., were similar (average of 3 x 10/g of dry sediment) for all depths tested (0 to 22 cm), which was comparable to the trend observed for TS sediments at Sapelo Island, Ga. Sediment grab samples collected along a transect of James Island Creek and its adjacent Spartina marsh had MPNs that were approximately 20 times greater for the region of Spartina growth (average of 10/g of dry sediment) compared with the channel (approximately 5 x 10 methanogens per g of dry sediment). A similar trend was found at Pawley's Island marsh, S.C., but populations were approximately one order of magnitude lower. In vitro rates of methanogenesis with SS sediments incubated under 80% H(2)-20% CO(2) showed that the 5- to 7-cm region exhibited maximal activity (51 nmol of CH(4) g h), which was greater than rates for sediments above and below this depth. SS sediment samples (5 to 7 cm) incubated under 100% N(2) and supplemented with formate exhibited rates of methanogenesis similar to those generated by samples under 80% H(2)-20% CO(2). Replacing the N(2) atmosphere with H(2) resulted in an eightfold decrease in the rate of methanogenesis. In vitro methanogenic activity by TS salt marsh sediments, incubated under 80% H(2)-20% CO(2), was similar for all depths tested (0 to 22 cm). TS sediment samples (0 to 7 cm) supplemented with formate and incubated under 100% N(2) had greater rates of methanogenesis compared with unsupplemented samples.

Journal Article↗