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Biomedical subjects

J Clair

Publications and source records attributed to J Clair.

7 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2001

Development and validation of a gamma interferon ELISPOT assay for quantitation of cellular immune responses to varicella-zoster virus.

Cell-mediated immunity appears to be critical for the prevention and control of varicella-zoster virus (VZV) infection and complications arising from zoster. Current assays of VZV-specific cell-mediated immunity are cumbersome or lack sensitivity. We have developed a gamma interferon ELISPOT assay that provides a direct measure of the number of T cells secreting a cytokine following stimulation with antigen. This assay is extremely sensitive and specific, with the ability to detect gamma interferon spot-forming cells (SFC) in the range of 10 to 1,000 SFC per million peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). This assay has been validated by demonstrating the following: (i) the response detected is mediated almost entirely by CD4+ T cells, (ii) ELISPOT responses from fresh-frozen PBMCs are equivalent to those from freshly isolated cells, (iii) frozen PBMCs can be shipped on dry ice for up to 48 h without loss of activity, (iv) frozen PBMC samples can be stored in liquid nitrogen over long periods (>22 months) without any significant change in response, and (v) the numbers of ELISPOTs counted using a computer-based imaging system are equivalent to those counted by humans but have lower variability. The ability to use frozen cells is facilitated by the use of a recombinant nuclease (Benzonase) that can prevent cell clumping when samples are thawed. Frozen PBMC samples can be cycled through multiple changes in storage between liquid nitrogen and dry ice without any change in response being detected. This facilitates collection of samples at one site and testing performed at a remote location. This VZV ELISPOT assay provides a new versatile tool for monitoring cellular immune responses either during a herpes zoster disease outbreak or following vaccination.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗
PubMed2000

Statistical comparison of high-shear versus low-shear granulation using a common formulation.

Experimental combinations from the ranges assigned to the independent factors were studied using both a low-shear (planetary) mixer and a high-shear mixer for granulation. The independent factors studied were X1 calcium phosphate/mannitol ratio, X2 pregelatinized starch, X3 magnesium stearate, X4 mixer type, and X5 compression pressure. To optimize the tablet properties fully, the experimental range was varied from -2 to +2 experimental units, with the exception of X4, which was assigned -1 for the planetary mixer and +1 for the high-shear mixer. Drug dissolution did not seem to be affected by mixer type, but tablet hardness was affected by mixer type.

Chemistry, Pharmaceutical↗
PubMed1992

The bisphosphonate, alendronate, prevents bone loss in ovariectomized baboons.

We examined the effect of the amino bisphosphonate alendronate, administered IV every 2 weeks at 0.05 and 0.25 mg/kg for 1 year, on bone loss and parameters related to bone metabolism in ovariectomized baboons. Relative to non-OVX animals, the OVX baboons experienced increased bone turnover, reflected in biochemical and histomorphometric measurements, and bone loss assessed by dual-beam absorptiometry in the lumbar spine, which was similar to changes observed in ovariectomized women. Alendronate treatment maintained all parameters of bone turnover at control (nonovariectomized) levels and prevented the bone loss in a dose-dependent manner. We concluded that ovariectomized baboons offer a suitable model for the bone changes observed in ovariectomized women and that these changes can be prevented by sustained administration of an appropriate dose of this aminobisphosphonate.

Acid Phosphatase↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Meningococcus: a menace in Cork?

A review of laboratory isolates and notifications of meningococcal disease in the Cork area was conducted for the period 1989-93. The study aimed to describe the epidemiology of meningococcal disease in the area. The incidence of meningococcal disease is high in the Cork area and has been increasing since 1991 with a peak incidence of laboratory confirmed cases of 6.5 per 100,000 in 1993. In the five year review period 113 notifications of meningococcal disease were identified of which 61 (54%) were laboratory confirmed and 52 (46%) were clinically diagnosed only. All laboratory confirmed cases had been notified to the local Director of Community Care/Medical Officer of Health. Group C organisms comprised two-thirds of isolates in 1992 and 1993. Comparison of regional and national incidence rates must be based on laboratory confirmed cases as the criteria for diagnosis and completeness of notifications may vary. A National Infectious Disease Surveillance Centre is vital for monitoring trends and for the coordinated development of a national policy on control and prevention of meningococcal disease.

Age Distribution↗