Donor-derived costimulatory molecule-deficient dendritic cells impair the allostimulatory function of recipients' antigen-presenting cells.
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Animals↗
Biomedical subjects
W Lee
Publications and source records attributed to W Lee.
Effect of rapamycin and FK506 on mesangial cell proliferation.
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Animals↗
The fetal imaging workstation demonstration project.
Congenital birth defects are a leading cause of infant mortality. Early detection of fetal anomalies by prenatal ultrasound may improve clinical outcome in selected cases. However, many training programs are hindered by curriculum weaknesses which include: (1) limited physician exposure to ultrasound anomalies; (2) inadequate postnatal correlation with prenatal findings; (3) constraints imposed by static images for ultrasound training; and (4) difficulty with understanding complex three-dimensional anatomy. The Fetal Imaging Workstation Demonstration Project addresses these problems by illustrating how computers can supplement traditional prenatal ultrasound training through interactive multimedia. The project uses a laserdisc library of ultrasound video images as source material for a variety of interactive software tutorials. An educational testing module has been developed that can evaluate diagnostic skills through simulated ultrasound studies provided by the laserdisc library. An interactive three-dimensional fetal heart model also provides a new way for physicians to better understand their two-dimensional ultrasound studies. A survey suggests that this prototype has been widely accepted by housestaff physicians and that there is a perceived need for this supplementary training. Future work will address the educational effectiveness of these materials and will consider cost-effective ways to disseminate the software for other institutions. However, future development must be implemented against a background of rapidly emerging technologies involving faster computers, digital video, and virtual reality applications.
Computer Systems↗
Renal angiomyolipoma: embolotherapy with a mixture of alcohol and iodized oil.
PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy of superselective embolotherapy of renal angiomyolipomas with a 1:3 mixture of iodized oil and absolute ethanol as embolic material. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifteen patients with 21 symptomatic renal angiomyolipomas were treated with embolization. The sizes of tumors ranged from 6 cm to 15 cm (mean, 8.6 cm). Six of 15 patients were diagnosed with tuberous sclerosis. The diagnoses of renal angiomyolipoma were made from characteristic computed tomographic findings. All angiomyolipomas were successfully embolized with a 1:3 mixture of iodized oil and absolute ethanol (2-20 mL; mean, 8.5 mL). Patients were followed up from 5 months to 8 years (mean, 35.6 months). The efficacy of embolotherapy was evaluated by symptom-free period, immediate and late complications, and follow-up imaging findings, including changes in tumor size. RESULTS: Thirteen patients showed no symptom recurrence during follow-up periods from 3 months to 8 years. Two patients with incomplete embolization required repeated embolization because of the recurrence of perinephric hematoma or other symptoms. Twelve patients experienced mild postembolization syndrome, which subsided with conservative management. A moderate amount of pleural effusion developed in one patient and was managed with percutaneous drainage. No patients developed any severe late complications, hypertension, or renal failure. During the follow-up period, 12 tumors decreased in size, whereas there was no change in eight tumors, and in one tumor imaging follow-up was not available. CONCLUSION: Embolization with a 1:3 mixture of iodized oil and absolute ethanol is an effective method of treatment in renal angiomyolipoma with favorable results. But incomplete embolization of angiomyolipoma results in a high incidence of recurrent symptoms due to bleeding.
Adolescent↗
Activation of transcription by two factors that bind promoter and enhancer sequences of the human metallothionein gene and SV40.
Genetic analysis of eukaryotic transcriptional promoters has revealed that protein-coding genes often contain a complex array of cis-control elements consisting of upstream activator sequences and enhancer elements. The metallothionein genes provide a useful example for dissecting the action of multiple interspersed control elements that govern both basal level and regulated expression in animal cells. The human metallothionein (hMTIIA) promoter has been analysed in detail and found to contain no less than five distinct control elements in the 5' flanking regions of the gene that mediate specificity and regulation of transcription. These different control elements can be functionally subdivided into two categories: basal and induced elements. There are several distinct basal recognition sequences, which include a TATA-box, a GC-box, and at least two basal level enhancer (BLE) sequences, that function like classical enhancer elements. The hMTIIA gene also responds to induction by heavy metals and by steroid hormones through the action of metal regulatory elements (MRE) and glucocorticoid responsive elements (GRE). Here we report the identification of two cellular DNA-binding proteins that interact selectively with sequences governing the basal level expression of hMTIIA. One of these factors is a novel activator protein (AP1) that interacts with sequences in the BLE of hMTIIA and also binds to a site within the 72-base pair (bp) repeats of the simian virus 40 (SV40) enhancer region. The second protein has been purified to homogeneity and shown to be transcription factor Sp1 which recognizes and binds to a single GC-box element within the hMTIIA promoter.
Base Sequence↗
Effect of the lipophilic/hydrophilic character of cationic triarylmethane dyes on their selective phototoxicity toward tumor cells.
The observation that enhanced mitochondrial transmembrane potential is a prevalent tumor cell phenotype has provided the conceptual basis for the development of mitochondrial targeting as a novel therapeutic strategy for both chemo- and photochemotherapy of neoplastic diseases. Because the plasma transmembrane potential is negative on the inner side of the cell and the mitochondrial transmembrane potential is negative on the inner side of this organelle, extensively conjugated cationic molecules (dyes) displaying appropriate structural features are driven electrophoretically through these membranes and tend to accumulate inside energized mitochondria. As a result of the higher mitochondrial transmembrane potential typical of tumor cells, a number of cationic dyes preferentially accrue and are retained for longer periods in the mitochondria of these cells compared to normal cells. This differential in both drug loading and retention brings about the opportunity to attack and destroy tumor cells with a high degree of selectivity. Only a small subset of the cationic dyes known to accumulate in energized mitochondria mediate the destruction of tumor cells with a high degree of selectivity, and the lack of a reliable model to describe the structural determinants of this tumor specificity has prevented mitochondrial targeting from becoming a more reliable therapeutic strategy. We describe here a systematic study of how the molecular structure of closely related cationic triarylmethanes affects the selectivity with which these dyes mediate the photochemical destruction of tumor cells. Based on our observations of how the lipophilic/hydrophilic character of these dyes affects tumor selectivity, we propose a simple model to assist in the design of new drugs tailored specifically for imaging and selective destruction of neoplastic tissue via mitochondrial targeting.
Animals↗
Animal model for ethylene oxide (EtO) associated hypersensitivity reactions.
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Animals↗
A person-centred approach to education audit.
This article looks at how the person-centred approach to education audit was developed following a review of the literature and current practice which identified a need for change. Literature covering general and nurse education was studied, together with specific initiatives relating to the audit of the learning environment. A profile tool was designed and tested in a range of practice settings used by students of nursing. The results were evaluated.
Education, Nursing↗
[In vitro sensitivity of Paracoccidioides brasiliensis to systemically used antifungal agents].
In 1992, the NCCLS proposed a broth macrodilution method for determining the in vitro susceptibility of yeast. However, for dimorphic fungi no standardised method is available. The aim of our study was to evaluate the reference broth macrodilution method with isolates of Paracoccidioides brasiliensis. The in vitro susceptibility of two ATCC strains (32069 and 36324) and nine clinical isolates were determined against serial dilutions of amphotericin B (AMB), ketoconazole (KTZ), and itraconazole (ITZ) from 0.02 to 20 mg/l and fluconazole (FCZ) from 0.1 to 100 mg/l. The inoculum used was 0.5 x 10(4)-2.5 x 10(5) CFU/ml, employing the yeast phase in order to obtain homogeneous growth. The test was incubated with agitation in a rotating shaker at 35 degrees C, and 7 days was the optimal time for MIC final reading. Average MIC50/MIC90 (mg/l) for the eleven isolates tested were the following: AMB: < 0.02/0.16, FCZ: 1.6/6.2, KTZ: 0.08/0.31, ITZ: 0.31/1.3. One clinical isolate showed high MIC for azole drugs (KTZ: 1.3 mg/ml, FCZ: 100 mg/l and ITZ 5 mg/l). Although further studies are necessary to evaluate the usefulness of this methodology for P. brasiliensis, the latter may be clinically useful to predict the development of resistance.
Amphotericin B↗
The first reported cluster of food-borne cyclosporiasis in Canada.
INTRODUCTION: Prior to 1996, sporadic cases of cyclosporiasis in Canada were most often associated with foreign travel and outbreaks throughout the world were associated with contaminated drinking water. In May 1996, the North York Public Health Department was notified of three laboratory-confirmed cases of cyclosporiasis among persons who attended a luncheon at a religious institution. A ceremonial bath (mikvah) was initially identified as a possible source of exposure to contaminated water. METHODS: Guests of a luncheon were interviewed regarding food, beverage and water exposure. The institution kitchen and water sources were inspected and environmental testing was performed. RESULTS: Eating strawberry flan, decorated with rasberries and blueberries, was associated with developing illness (relative risk = 2.13, p = 0.02). There was no evidence that water exposure was associated with illness. DISCUSSION: This event was the index Canadian cluster of a widespread North American outbreak associated with imported Guatemalan raspberries. The local investigation highlights the role of public health departments in multijurisdictional food-borne outbreaks of emerging pathogens.
Adolescent↗
[In vitro infection by different strains of Paracoccidioides brasiliensis].
We analyzed the in vitro infection process by P. brasiliensis and the effect of extracellular factor(s) produced on monolayers of mammalian Vero cell lines. The yeast phase of four strains was studied: B339 (avirulent or slightly virulent), U, (intermediate virulence), 93745 and 63265 (both highly virulent). Strains of intermediate and high virulence had higher adherence at first contact (about 16%). Strain B339 had a slower adherence at first contact (8%) than the others during the same period. The production of extracellular proteases, soluble extracellular factor(s) and extracellular antigen gP43 showed no correlation with the in vitro physiopathogenicity of the analyzed strains. We demonstrate that the Vero model presented in this paper is a suitable system to study infection and virulence in vitro. We are currently assessing its usefulness as a tool for the analysis of the interaction between pathogen, host and antifungal agents.
Animals↗
[Malassezia species isolated from skin diseases in a care center in the city of Buenos Aires, Argentina].
The epidemiology of Malassezia genus is poorly understood; geographical and population factors might have influence on the species distribution. The aim of this work was to determine the frequency of Malassezia species involved in skin diseases in a diagnostic center at Buenos Aires City. From 02/01/1999 to 10/31/2001, 456 skin specimens from 447 patients diagnosed as pityriasis versicolor, seborrheic dermatitis, foliculitis and atopic dermatitis, were analyzed by microscopic examination and culture. Malassezia spp was evidenced in 255 skin samples (55.9%) by microscopic analysis but it could be recovered from only 99 (38.8%) specimens. Malassezia species were isolated from 10 (3.9%) scarring lesions that were negative by microscopy. Among 109 isolates, M. sympodialis (58.7%) was the most frequent, followed by M. globosa and M. furfur (18.3% and 9.2%). Unique isolates (0.9%) of M. obtusa, M. slooffiae and M. restricta were recovered. Eleven isolates (10.1%) could not be identified because they had lost viability in the culture. This is the first study on Malassezia species associated to skin diseases in Argentina; further screening including other geographic regions of the country is necessary in order to confirm these results.
Adolescent↗
[Immunodiagnosis of endemic mycoses and bronchopulmonary aspergillosis: a multicenter study in Argentina].
In order to contribute to the knowledge of the relative frequency of chronic fungal diseases and assess the performance of diagnostic laboratories in Argentina, a multicenter study was performed with the participation of 25 medical centers located in 12 different provinces and Buenos Aires City. Between 04-01-2000 and 03-30-2001, 965 serum specimens from patients clinically suspected of having histoplasmosis (HP), paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM), coccidioidomycosis (CM) or aspergilosis were analyzed. Agar immunodiffusion tests (IDD) were done locally. All positive and 35% of negative sera were retested in the reference center. Results of laboratories of origin showed 98.8% concordance with those of reference center. Antibodies against any of the etiological agents were detected in 120 specimens from 98 patients. Endemic mycoses (HP, PCM and CM) were diagnosed in 70 patients (71.4%) and aspergilosis in 28 (28.6%). The frequencies of the different mycoses in decreasing order were PCM 47 patients (47.9%), aspergilosis 28 patients (28.6%), HP 13 patients (13.3%) and CM 10 patients (10.2%). The study was carried out on a voluntary basis and some areas of the country were not represented. However, the frequencies were in range with the expected rates in the population under study.
Argentina↗
[Histoplasma capsulatum with aberrant morphology isolated in Argentina].
For the first time in Argentina, we describe a strain of Histoplasma capsulatum var. capsulatum with an aberrant morphology that was isolated from a single patient with AIDS. Mycelial phase cultures on agar Sabouraud at 25-28 degrees C showed white, glabrous, umbilicated and centrally radiated colonies. Unusual microscopic findings were the absence of typical conidia, the presence of terminal/intercalary chlamydoconidia with a diameter of 4 pm and of thickened hyphae. Fungal identification was confirmed by the detection of bands H and M species specific antigens in mycelial culture supernatants and reversion to the typical yeast phase on agar brain-heart-cysteine at 37 degrees C. The genomic DNA profile obtained by RAPD-PCR with primers 1281-1283 coincided with the predominant profile of H. capsulatum among isolates from Argentine patients.
AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections↗
[A neuroanatomical study of the vestibular efferent system, III: the origin and pathway of the axons].
We have studied the vestibular efferent fibers pathway, after scratching the peripheral vestibular receptors and horseradish peroxidase injection, and TMB or DAB processing. We have proved the existence of a differentiated bundle in the main vestibular pathway, this bundle crosses the areas where the efferent somas have been situated, some of this fibers have been seen crossing the midline. It has not been possible to connect the efferent somas with the fibers.
Animals↗
[Neuroanatomic study of the efferent vestibular system I: distribution of the somas in the brain stem. A qualitative study].
EVN are studied in the chinchilla by means of HRP tract tracer, using TMB and DAB as chromagen. Three groups of EVN somas have been identified within the brainstem; located in the proximity of the vestibular nuclei (I), the facial nerve genu (II) and the abducens nucleus (III). The extension, localization and anatomical relations have been determined.
Animals↗
Modification, calibration, and comparative testing of an automated surgical keratometer.
A new digital surgical keratometer (SK-1, Canon Inc) designed to fit existing operating microscopes and provide quantitative measurements at a nominal 2.0- and 3.6-mm diameter optical zone of the central cornea was modified for single foot-switch operation by the surgeon. The instrument was tested against three calibrated steel spheres, an astigmatic test-jig, and compared with a standard clinical keratometer (CLC, A.O. Co) in two studies involving six eye bank eyes and five healthy human corneas. Assessed with the steel spheres, the SK-1 calibration error was -0.042 diopters at the 3.6-mm diameter and +0.207 D at the 2.0-mm chord, while it was -0.120 D for the CLC. With cylindrical power greater than 0.50 D, the astigmatic angle was accurate to +/- 1 degree. After correction for calibration error, the CLC readings on eye bank eyes were 1.00 D higher in average (range +0.45 to +1.90) than those obtained with the SK-1 which gave lower keratometric values at the 2-mm chord diameter (-0.254 D, range: +0.05 to -0.7). The human subject corrected readings at the 3.6-mm chord were within 0.137 D (range -0.09 to +0.41) from the CLC values. A mean corrected difference of +0.068 D (range -0.27 to +0.30) was found between the two chords. The SK-1 instrument was easier to use than the CLC. A more accurate calibration and the addition of automated averaging and video display of readings as well as of a motorized Placido disc would further augment its clinical usefulness.
Calibration↗
[Neuroanatomical study of the efferent vestibular system. II. Distribution of the somas in the brain stem. A morphological and quantitative study].
EVNs are studied in the chinchilla by means of HRP tract tracer. Morphological and quantitative analysis have been made noting that the contralateral groups outnumber the ipsilateral ones. Group I has the biggest number of somas. Round somas predominate over oval and polygonal shapes. In relation with size 10-15 microns, somas predominate.
Animals↗