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Biomedical subjects

C L Fischer

Publications and source records attributed to C L Fischer.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Two antigenically distinct subtypes of human immunodeficiency virus type 1: viral genotype predicts neutralization serotype.

At least five distinct genetic subtypes (genotypes) of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) have been identified by DNA sequencing. Current vaccine candidates are based on virus strains from North America and Europe that represent only one subtype. The extent to which distinct genotypes of HIV-1 correspond to antigenically distinguishable serotypes is largely unknown and may be critically important to vaccine design. Cross-neuralization studies were done with viruses and plasma from two different genotypes. Based on neutralization susceptibility, 10 primary HIV-1 isolates from Thailand and the United States were classified into one of two antigenic subtypes that correlated with viral genotype. The existence of serotypes of HIV-1 suggests that a broadly effective vaccine may have to include strains from multiple subtypes. Neutralization of these primary HIV-1 isolates differed substantially from results with laboratory strains. Future neutralization studies using primary isolates and multiple genotypes may be important for assessment of HIV-1 antigenic diversity.

Antigenic Variation↗

Lymphocyte-mediated cytotoxicity microassay by cytofluorography.

A cytofluorometric method for measuring lymphocyte-mediated cytotoxicity is described which employs acridine orange and ethidium bromide stains. These stains permits the rapid (approximately 45 sec per sample) differential enumeration of viable cells and are therefore valuable in the preparation and performance of a cytotoxicity assay. Reproducibility of viable target cell counts is good and, statistically, the same mean result is obtained when the cytofluorometric and an accepted radioisotopic method are compared. It is found that the method employing radioisotopic label ([125I]iododeoxyuridine) non-specifically killed 80% of the target cells, whereas the cytofluorographic method does not result in non-specific kill. Therefore, the cytofluorometric method reflects in vivo conditions more accurately. The cytofluorometric method also provides a more rapid and less technically demanding assay than those previously described.

Animals↗

Intracoronary myocardial perfusion imaging: patterns in patients with coronary artery disease.

Myocardial imaging following the intracoronary injection of radiolabeled particles is used to identify transmural scars in patients being evaluated for coronary atherosclerosis. Selective imaging of the microcirculation derived from each major coronary vessel is accomplished using a dual radionuclide technique. This report illustrates the various normal and abnormal imaging patterns encountered in patients with coronary artery disease. The regional myocardial nomenclature proposed by the American Heart Association Council on Cardiovascular Surgery is used. Correlation of the nuclear study with the contrast arteriogram and ventriculogram is essential for identifying both transmural scars and regions of collateral circulation. The procedure is safe and can be performed during routine coronary angiography.

Aged↗

Quantitation of "acute-phase proteins" postoperatively. Value in detection and monitoring of complications.

Serial determinations of serum C-reactive protein are helpful in the detection and monitoring of postoperative complications associated with inflammation and/or tissue necrosis. The serum C-reactive protein level begins to increase within sex hours after operation, peaks on the second day, and by the third postoperative day begins to decrease toward the preoperative level. In cases with surgical complications involving inflammation, serum C-reactive protein levels remain elevated and do not show a decline on the third postoperative day. Serum levels of other "acute-phase proteins," such as alpha-1 acid glycoprotein, ceruloplasmin, alpha-1 antitrypsin, and haptoglobin, were found to increase in response to surgical procedures, but subsequent to the increase in C-reactive protein. These other proteins offer no additional information in monitoring the postoperative acutephase response,

Abscess↗

Acomparative study of two methods of urine preservation.

In preparation for the conduct of biochemical experiments in the Skylab Orbital Workshop a study was performed on the stability of various chemical constituents in urine in 2 different techniques for preservation and storage. Urine samples were either vacuum dried or frozen and maintained in storage at minus 20 degrees for periods of up to 10 weeks. The urinary constituents studied included aldosterone, antidiuretic hormone, epinephrine, norepinephrine, urea, nitrogen, creatine, hydroxyproline, 17-hydroxycorticosteroids, calcium, sodium potassium, chloride, magnesium and phosphate. Some degradation of urinary compounds was observed after both treatments. The rate and variability of destruction following the vacuum drying treatment, however, was greater than for freezing. It was concluded that only the freezing treatment could be used to preserve with predictable loss the urinary samples which would be returned to earth following the conclusion of each Skylab flight.

Aldosterone↗

Improved measurement of erythrocyte volume distribution by aperture-counter signal analysis.

In aperture counters, particles in fluid suspension flow through a small orifice or aperture, causing a change in the electrical resistance of the aperture. This change is sensed by an external electronic circuit and translated into a voltage pulse, the signal height of which is proportional to the volume of the particle in the aperture. These signal pulses are collated into a spectrum of pulse heights by a multichannel pulse-height analyzer. The channel number (voltage increment) spectrum is proportional to the volume distribution of the particles sensed. A problem is that pulse height not only depends on cell volume, but also on the orientation and shape of the particle sensed and the current density along the path taken by the particle through the aperture. Uneven current density exists, primarily at the aperture entrance and exit, close to the wall. Orientation and shape of particles are altered near the wall by the unbalanced shear forces there. Toward the center of the aperture, the shear forces act so as not to induce continuous change in the orientation of the particles sensed. Thus introduction into the pulse-height spectrum of pulses that do not show a good proportionality to volume is primarily caused by particles that are traveling near the aperture wall. Residence time in the aperture for a particle traveling near the wall will be longer than that for a particle traveling down the center of the aperture, because of the smaller fluid velocity near the wall. Duration of the signal pulse created by a particle traveling near the wall will be correspondingly greater. We discuss an electronic filter to remove from the pulse-height spectrum those pulses that appear to result from particles traveling near the wall and the effect of the filter on the measured signal height and hence the volume distribution of erythrocytes. Use of this technique to characterize erythrocytes by volume distribution is described.

Autoanalysis↗