PubMed HealthSearch

Biomedical subjects

J Donovan

Publications and source records attributed to J Donovan.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Cytokine regulation of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).

The remarkable ability of HIV to insinuate itself into the working of the immune system is the key of its success as an infectious agent. Given that the cytokine network regulates the immune responses, it is not surprising that cytokines can modulate HIV infection. GM-CSF, IL6 and TNF-alpha enhance HIV, but TGF-beta and HIF inhibits the virus. However, the anti-HIV activity of TGF-beta is restricted to myeloid cells, while HIF inhibits HIV in myeloid cells and in T-lymphocytes. HIF is produced by CEM cells after induction by an extract from pine cones. It is not an interferon and is likely a novel cytokine. It is pepsin-sensitive but trypsin-resistant and has an apparent molecular weight of 7-12 KDa. Apart from having anti-HIV activity, crude preparations of HIF also inhibit HTLV-1 virus but not HSV virus replication.

Base Sequence

Protein separations on tentacle ion exchangers.

This study was undertaken to introduce new tentacle ion exchange materials to the biochromatographer. The differences in the bioseparation media have been shown with a four-component protein mixture. By controlling the sample loading and the flow rate, each material can be made to perform satisfactorily, according to the demands of the biochromatographer, whether for high resolution or high sample capacity. The controlled manufacturing techniques of the Fractogel and LiChrospher DEAE materials make any analytical or process separations equivalent and reproducible. When even higher capacities are required, the biochromatographer need only use the wider diameter Superformance glass columns packed with the equivalent Fractogel.

Chromatography, Ion Exchange

The concept and role of mentor.

The role of the mentor has been identified as crucial for the successful implementation of a Project 2000 programme. The term, 'mentorship', appears to be open to a wide range of interpretations and a continuum of supportive/learning relationships is identified. Requirements for a successful mentoring relationship and the stages through which it passes are analysed together with discussion of its application in a predominantly female profession. Mentorship in practice is described with examples from mental handicap, psychiatric and general nursing. The roles described appear to be limited by comparison with the role adopted by mentors in higher education, business and other professions to such an extent that it may be an inappropriate use of the term. It is suggested that the role is clarified and alternative titles, such as facilitator, are explored.

Education, Nursing

Modification of human immunodeficiency viral replication by pine cone extracts.

We have shown previously that two fractions (PC6 and PC7) extracted from cones of the Japanese white pine Pinus parvifloria Sieb. et Zucc have potent immunopotentiating effects. Here, we show that PC6 and PC7 inhibited HIV-1 replication (greater than 95%), in a dose-dependent manner, in chronically infected CR10/HIV-1 cells and in acute cytolytic HIV-1 infection of CEM cells. Treatment of CEM cells, prior to or after acute infection with HIV-1, reduced subsequent viral production, but the best inhibitory effect was obtained with treatment before and after infection: an 80% inhibition was achieved with as little as 3 micrograms/ml of PC6. Comparable results were also obtained when PC6 was used to inhibit HIV-1 replication in the U937 human histiocytic lymphoma cell line. Both PC6 and PC7 were relatively nontoxic to cells. The anti-HIV-1 effect of PC6 and PC7 we observed in this report, coupled with earlier reports of their immunopotentiating properties suggest their potential as ideal therapeutic agents for the treatment of AIDS.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome

Primary sclerosing cholangitis: the emerging role for liver transplantation.

Primary sclerosing cholangitis is a progressive liver disease for which orthotopic liver transplantation is the only curative procedure. Questions exist regarding the role of temporizing procedures and the timing of transplantation. During the past 4 yr, we have performed liver transplants in 177 adult recipients. Twenty-six patients (14.6%) with primary sclerosing cholangitis received 30 transplants including 12 men and 14 women. The recipients were examined for a number of preoperative and postoperative variables. The 4-yr actuarial survival in patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis after transplantation was 88%. Patients were segregated according to preoperative risk variables. Twenty patients were low and medium risk, with one death (95% survival). Three patients were high risk, with two deaths (33% survival). In conclusion, orthotopic liver transplantation is safe and effective therapy for primary sclerosing cholangitis. Early referral for transplantation is recommended to reduce the mortality associated with this procedure in those with advanced hepatic failure.

Actuarial Analysis

Management of individuals with Parkinson's disease: rationale and case studies.

In this article, we present a systematic approach to physical therapy management of individuals with Parkinson's disease. This approach is based on a model that relates knowledge of the underlying pathology of the disease to impairments and disability. We discuss use of the model to evaluate, interpret, and treat impairments and disabilities of the patient with Parkinson's disease. We emphasize the relative influence of impairments that arise directly from the neuroanatomical pathology and those that arise indirectly through subsequent musculoskeletal alterations. We illustrate the use of the model in setting goals and in developing a treatment program. Two case studies are presented to illustrate the application of this approach to specific patient care. These case studies suggest the efficacy of physical therapy initiated early in the disease process. The first case study illustrates improvements of balance, gait, and functional movement made by an individual who was not yet receiving medication for Parkinson's disease. The second case study illustrates improvements of balance, gait, and functional movement made by an individual who was already receiving medication for the disease. These case studies illustrate the dramatic improvements that can be achieved in the patient with Parkinson's disease.

Aged

Restriction enzyme map of herpesvirus of turkey DNA and its collinear relationship with Marek's disease virus DNA.

The genome of herpesvirus of turkey (HVT) was shown to consist of long and short unique regions flanked by inverted repeats (J. Cebrian, Kaschka-Dietrich, C., Berthelot, N., and Sheldrick, P., 1982, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 79, 555-558). In this paper we report the construction of the linkage map of HVT DNA for BamHI, HindIII, and PstI restriction endonucleases. The maps were constructed by hybridization of 19 cloned BamHI fragments of HVT DNA to electrophoretically separated digests of genomic DNA. Our results indicate that the terminal and internal inverted repeats (TRL and IRL) flanking the long unique sequences (UL) are spanned by BamHI-F fragment and a -F-related terminal fragment, respectively, whereas the terminal and internal inverted repeats (TRS and IRS) flanking the short unique sequences (US) are mostly contained in BamHI-A fragment. Both BamHI-A and -F showed a heterogeneity in size, suggesting the presence of amplification of certain sequences in the inverted repeats. We also report that the HVT genome is collinear with the genetically related Marek's disease virus (MDV) genome, as determined by hybridization of labeled cloned HVT DNA fragments with electrophoretically separated MDV DNA fragments.

Animals

Prolactin secreting renal cell carcinoma.

We report a case of hyperprolactinemia and long-standing gynecomastia associated with a hypernephroma. After radical nephrectomy serum prolactin returned to normal and remained so for 4 years without evidence of tumor recurrence. Potential explanations for the observed concurrent findings and the literature are discussed.

Adult

Surgical correction of the buried penis: description of a classification system and a technique to correct the disorder.

The concealed penis is a long-standing problem that only recently has begun to receive the attention it deserves. We offer a classification for this general disorder, which facilitates the selection of appropriate surgical procedures for these patients. To correct the most common problem, the buried penis, involves removal of localized deposits of fat from the hypogastrium with open surgical or closed suction techniques followed by anchoring of the skin of the base of the penis to the periosteum of the pubis. During the last year we have used this approach successfully in 7 boys with various forms of penile concealment with good results.

Abdominal Muscles