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Biomedical subjects

I Thomas

Publications and source records attributed to I Thomas.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1992

Amylin increases transport of tyrosine and tryptophan into the brain.

Injection of amylin (diabetes-associated peptide) into the hypothalamus induces anorexia, increases brain metabolism of dopamine and serotonin and elevates brain level of tryptophan. When male Sprague-Dawley rats were treated with 50 mg/kg L-tryptophan and L-tyrosine ethyl ester 30 min prior to the intrahypothalamic injection of 2 micrograms amylin, brain tryptophan and tyrosine levels were selectively increased as compared to rats treated with amylin alone. Hypothalamic and striatal serotonin metabolism also appeared to be increased following the amino acid-amylin treatment combination. These results suggest that amylin may increase transport of tyrosine and tryptophan into the brain, and that the increased availability of tryptophan may contribute to increased serotonin turnover observed following intrahypothalamic amylin treatment.

3,4-Dihydroxyphenylacetic Acid↗
PubMed1992

Behçet's disease presenting as superior vena cava syndrome.

Behçet's disease is a multisystem disease with many systemic manifestations. Vascular thromboses with a predilection for the venous system are a well-recognized complication. We report on a patient with superior vena cava syndrome and review different hypotheses regarding the underlying pathogenesis.

Adult↗
PubMed1992

Potential pathogenicity for rodents of vaccines intended for oral vaccination against rabies: a comparison.

Different oral vaccines intended to control fox rabies were administered to 271 wild rodents. Vaccines were administered orally or by the mucosal route to four different European species belonging to the genera Apodemus, Arvicola, Clethrionomys and Microtus. These rodents are likely to consume baits and to have contact with the vaccine. Two genetically engineered vaccines were tested: SAG1 (an avirulent mutant of the rabies virus) and V-RG (vaccinia recombinant virus expressing the rabies glycoprotein gene). Both were found to be completely innocuous when administered orally or by the mucosal route. The residual pathogenicity of conventional modified live vaccines derived from the SAD strain was confirmed.

Administration, Oral↗
PubMed1991

Cutaneous herpes simplex virus infections.

Affecting millions of Americans each year, herpes simplex virus infections are among the most common human viral infections. Many clinical forms exist, depending on the site of infection and the patient's age and immune status. Clinical evaluation and laboratory studies help establish the diagnosis. Acyclovir is the drug most often used to treat herpes simplex virus infections, although newer agents, such as phosphonoformate trisodium, may be required for acyclovir-resistant infections.

Acyclovir↗
PubMed1991

Incomplete Reiter's syndrome in a black patient showing HLA B 27.

We report a case of incomplete Reiter's syndrome in a black patient, who was first incorrectly diagnosed as having rheumatoid arthritis. We discuss the challenge involved in diagnosing incomplete forms of the syndrome and the value of a positive HLA B 27 antigen level in black patients.

Arthritis, Reactive↗
PubMed1990

Use of a vaccinia-rabies recombinant virus for the oral vaccination of foxes against rabies.

The vaccination of wild animals against rabies has been developed most extensively in Europe. Experiments have demonstrated the efficacy of a vaccinia-rabies recombinant virus administered by the oral route in foxes. The innocuity of this vaccine was tested in the target species as well as in several non-target wild and domestic species. Because of its safety and heat-stability, this recombinant virus should offer an excellent alternative to the attenuated strains of rabies virus currently used in the field. A large scale field trial was conducted in Belgium in October 1988 to assess the efficacy of this new vaccine-bait systems.

Animals↗
PubMed1990

Use of vaccinia rabies recombinant for oral vaccination of wildlife.

A vaccinia rabies recombinant virus was constructed and shown to induce the synthesis of rabies virus glycoprotein in infected cells and to induce rabies virus neutralizing antibodies and protection in susceptible animals. Active when orally administered, this recombinant is a good candidate for the development of vaccines for wild animal rabies vectors. This recombinant was found stable, safe for target and non-target animal species, and protective for most of the rabies vectors. After extensive experimental studies conducted under controlled conditions, it as used in limited field trials and in an extensive open field trial. The preliminary results confirmed its basic properties and potential for rabies eradication.

Animals↗
PubMed1990

Primary multiplication site of the vaccinia-rabies glycoprotein recombinant virus administered to foxes by the oral route.

The primary multiplication site of VVTGgRAB, a recombinant vaccinia virus (VV) expressing the rabies virus G glycoprotein, was studied in comparison with that of the parental VV Copenhagen strain, after oral administration to foxes. Foxes were fed with 10(8) TCID50 of either VVTGgRAB or VV and were sacrificed 12, 24, 48 or 96 h after inoculation. Both viruses were detected by viral isolation in the tonsils during the first 48 h after inoculation at titres between 10(2) and 10(4.3) TCID50/ml. Indirect immunofluorescence confirmed the presence of the virus in tonsils of some of the foxes. The polymerase chain reaction allowed the detection of VVTGgRAB in the tonsils of both of two foxes tested after 24 h, three of three foxes after 48 h, in the buccal mucosa of one of two foxes tested after 24 h and two of three foxes after 48 h and in the soft palate of one of two foxes tested after 24 h and one of three foxes after 48 h. VV was detected in the tonsils of one fox tested after 48 h, in the buccal mucosa of another fox tested after 24 h, and in the first fox after 48 h by the same reaction. Foxes were inoculated with virus isolated from fox tonsils 24 h after oral administration (with or without cell culture amplification) to perform back passages. No virus could be isolated in either case after this passage. The innocuity of VVTGgRAB was also demonstrated when foxes were inoculated with passaged virus.

Administration, Oral↗
PubMed1990

The effect of condom use on cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade I (CIN I).

A prospective, controlled study of condom use in patients with histologically-proven CIN I was undertaken. Forty-six patients were studied, 22 by random allocation and 24 by nonrandom allocation to either condom use or non-condom use for 6 months. At the end of this time, patients were reassessed cytologically, colposcopically and histologically. There was no significant difference between the groups with respect to outcome. Six patients' lesions (13%) progressed in this period, 5 (11%) to CIN III. Condom usage is not an effective treatment for CIN I.

Adult↗
PubMed1989

Oestrus during pregnancy in the cow.

Forty-three oestruses were observed in 35 pregnant cows in one beef suckler herd and 17 dairy herds; at each oestrus the pregnant cow stood willingly to be mounted by another cow or bull. Such oestruses were observed at all stages of pregnancy, although more often between 121 and 240 days, occurred more than once per pregnancy and were also seen in successive pregnancies. On one farm where the dairy cows were observed for four 30 minute periods daily, oestrus was recorded in 5.7 per cent of pregnant cows. The behavioural signs associated with oestrus during pregnancy were indistinguishable from those of true oestrus in non-pregnant animals and although its duration was shorter (mean 5.6 hours), its intensity was comparable to that of the true oestrus. Pregnant cows showing oestrus were usually seen interacting with other oestrous cows in the sexually active group. Pregnant cows showing oestrus had a higher mean condition score (3.9 +/- 0.64) than control pregnant cows (3.0 +/- 0.36). Physiological changes in the genital tract normally associated with true oestrus were not observed in pregnant cows showing oestrus. There was no ovulation or metoestrous bleeding. The characteristics of cervical mucus, including ferning patterns, were similar to those of pregnant cows at the same stage of pregnancy. Hormonal changes associated with oestrus in non-pregnant cows were not observed in the pregnant cows exhibiting oestrus. Seven of nine pregnant cows at oestrus stood willingly to be mounted by a bull. On seven occasions, bulls exposed only to cervical mucus from pregnant cows showing oestrus did not display flehmen.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Animals↗
PubMed1989

Quantification of extracorporeal platelet deposition in cardiopulmonary bypass: effects of ZK 36374, a prostacyclin analogue.

The degree of extracorporeal platelet sequestration in 32 patients undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass has been assessed using 111In labelled platelets and both a shadow shield whole body monitor and a standard gamma camera. The effects of ZK 36374, a prostacyclin analogue, on deposition of platelets in the oxygenator and atrial line filter were also investigated. Total platelet deposition in the placebo group ranged from 2.2% to 31.7%, mean 13.9 +/- 7.8%; n = 15, and was significantly higher than the deposition in the treatment group, range 0.7% to 9.4%, mean 3.9 +/- 2.6%; n = 16, P less than 0.001. There was also a highly significant correlation between the gamma camera and whole body monitor measurements, r = 0.99, P less than 0.001, with no systematic difference between the techniques. This study demonstrates that accurate quantitative assessment of platelet deposition can be achieved with either the gamma camera or whole body monitor. In addition, significant reduction in platelet sequestration in the extracorporeal circuit can be achieved by using ZK 36374 during the bypass operation.

Adult↗
PubMed1989

Experimental infection of bulls with a genital isolate of bovine herpesvirus-4 and reactivation of latent virus with dexamethasone.

Five 13- to 18-month old Belgian Blue bulls were used in this experiment. Four bulls (Nos. 2, 3, 4 and 5) were inoculated intratesticularly with 10(5) plaque-forming units of bovine herpesvirus-4 (BHV-4) in each testicle (Day 0). The challenge BHV-4 strain was previously isolated from testicle cells of a bull exhibiting orchitis and azoospermia. The fifth bull (No. 1) was used as a control and received the same volume of uninfected cell culture supernatant. For 5 days, beginning on Day 51 post-infection, two bulls (Nos. 4 and 5) and the control bull (No. 1) received 0.1 mg kg-1 of dexamethasone. Unilateral castrations were then performed at regular intervals for viral examination. Treatment with dexamethasone reactivated latent BHV-4, but no clinical signs were observed in treated bulls until the end of the experiment (Day 93). Only Bull 3 showed conjunctivitis and temporary azoospermia. The virus was recovered from various samples showing that: (i) BHV-4 can be present in a latent state in the testicles and mononuclear blood cells; (ii) dexamethasone reactivates the virus; (iii) the virus is excreted by nasal and ocular routes. Each infected bull seroconverted and a booster antibody response appeared after dexamethasone treatment as shown by immunofluorescence. Neutralizing antibodies were detected in each bull by complement-dependent neutralization test with titres higher than those obtained by a classical neutralization test. No booster response of neutralizing antibodies was observed after dexamethasone treatment. The antigenically relevant envelope BHV-4 proteins were identified by Western blotting using sera samples from the animals. DNA restriction endonuclease profiles of viruses reisolated after primary infection and reactivation showed only small differences.

Animals↗
PubMed1989

Use of recombinant vaccinia-rabies glycoprotein virus for oral vaccination of wildlife against rabies: innocuity to several non-target bait consuming species.

The pathogenicity of a vaccinia recombinant virus expressing the rabies glycoprotein (VVTGgRAB) was tested in several wild animal species which could compete with the natural rabies host, the red fox (Vulpes vulpes) in consuming vaccine baits in Europe. The following species were included in this study: wild boar (Sus scrofa), Eurasian badger (Meles meles), wood mouse (Apodemus sylvaticus), yellow-necked mouse (Apodemus flavicollis), bank vole (Clethrionomys glareolus), common vole (Microtus arvalis), field vole (Microtus agrestis), water vole (Arvicola terrestris), common buzzard (Buteo buteo), kestrel (Falco tinnunculus), carrion crow (Corvus corone), magpie (Pica pica) and jay (Garrulus glandarius). During the observation period, the 107 animals given the VVTGgRAB vaccine orally did not show any clinical signs. Daily monitoring for 28 days and postmortem examination did not result in the detection of pox lesions in the oral mucosa or the skin in mammals or the unfeathered portions of birds. VVTGgRAB seems to multiply in the mammalian species tested, since rabies seroconversion was observed in all of them. Birds failed to develop demonstrable rabies virus-neutralizing antibody. A seroconversion against vaccinia virus was observed in two of four wild boars. Serological results obtained in badgers and wild boars also demonstrates the absence of direct or indirect horizontal transmission of the recombinant virus. The potential of the recombinant virus for the immunization of badgers against rabies also was investigated. Only 50% of the badgers orally administered with 1 x 10(8.3) TCID50 of this vaccine were protected against rabies.

Administration, Oral↗
PubMed1989

[Safety and efficacy of an antirabies vaccine consisting of recombinant vaccinia-rabies virus administered orally to the fox, dog and cat].

One of the most promising ways to control rabies in wildlife seems to be the distribution of bait containing an anti-rabies vaccine. So far, the most widely used vaccines were modified live viruses (SAD strain or derivatives). Nevertheless, these strains retain some pathogenicity for non-target species. A novel vaccine was proposed consisting of genetically modified vaccinia virus (strain Copenhagen, thermosensitive ts 26) expressing the foreign glycoprotein G for the rabies virus (strain ERA). Different doses of this recombinant virus were administered orally to 59 foxes (Vulpes vulpes) and their antibodies were titrated before challenge. Foxes (8/8) resisted 1 month after vaccination with 10(7) plaque forming units (PFU), or 4/4 after 18 months. Seroconversion among dogs was 4/4 after vaccination with 10(9,6) PFU and 4/4 among cats after vaccination with 10(8) PFU. These dogs (4/4) and cats (3/4) resisted the challenge 2-3 months after vaccination. This vaccine thus appears to be potent and safe in these species. Its properties are discussed.

Administration, Oral↗
PubMed1988

A field trial in Belgium to control fox rabies by oral immunisation.

Campaigns of fox vaccination against rabies were carried out in Belgium in September 1986 and June and September 1987. The SAD B19 attenuated strain of rabies virus was inserted into baits which were distributed over an area of 2100 km2 at a density of 11 baits/km2. As recommended by the World Health Organisation, the efficacy and the innocuity of the method were controlled in the field and in the laboratory. Samples of blood and brain and jaw were taken from foxes which were shot or found dead in the vaccination area, for the diagnosis of rabies, the titration of antirabies antibody and the detection of tetracycline marker. In rabid animals, the virus strain was characterised by immunofluorescence using monoclonal antibodies. In September 1987, the uptake of the baits had reached 72 per cent by 14 days after distribution. Several wild species competed with foxes in taking the baits. After the last campaign, tetracycline was found in 65 per cent of the healthy foxes collected and rabies virus neutralising antibodies were detected in 77 per cent of them. In 1987, the incidence of rabies decreased markedly in the vaccination area compared with the untreated areas. No vaccine virus was isolated either from rabid animals or from 228 small mammals trapped in the vaccination area.

Administration, Oral↗
PubMed1988

First field trial of fox vaccination against rabies using a vaccinia-rabies recombinant virus.

A field trial of fox vaccination against rabies using a vaccinia-rabies recombinant virus was carried out in Belgium on October 24, 1987. Each vaccine capsule contained a suspension of 10(8) TCID50 of the recombinant virus and was introduced into a chicken head. Each chicken head contained 150 mg of tetracycline as a marker of uptake. Two hundred and fifty heads were distributed in an area of 6 km2 situated within a military zone. The bait uptake was monitored for 15 days after the distribution. Sixty-three per cent of the chicken heads were taken by wild animals within that period. The trial was controlled according to the rules defined by the World Health Organisation.

Animals↗
PubMed1987

JAMA, India.

Explore the source record for details and available documents.

American Medical Association↗