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Biomedical subjects

J Estes

Publications and source records attributed to J Estes.

17 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2002

Evaluation of an indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT) for demonstration of antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii in the sea otter (Enhydra lutris).

An indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT) for detection of Toxoplasma gondii infection was validated using serum from 77 necropsied southern sea otters (Enhydra lutris nereis) whose T. gondii infection status was determined through immunohistochemistry and parasite isolation in cell culture. Twenty-eight otters (36%) were positive for T. gondii by immunohistochemistry or parasite isolation or both, whereas 49 (64%) were negative by both tests. At a cutoff of 1:320, combined values for IFAT sensitivity and specificity were maximized at 96.4 and 67.3%, respectively. The area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve for the IFAT was 0.84. A titer of 1:320 was used as cutoff when screening serum collected from live-sampled sea otters from California (n = 80), Washington (n = 21), and Alaska (n = 65) for T. gondii infection. Thirty-six percent (29 out of 80) of California sea otters (E. lutris nereis) and 38% (8 out of 21) of Washington sea otters (E. lutris kenyoni) were seropositive for T. gondii, compared with 0% (0 out of 65) of Alaskan sea otters (E. lutris kenyoni).

Alaska↗
PubMed2000

Radioimmunotherapy with iodine (131)I tositumomab for relapsed or refractory B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma: updated results and long-term follow-up of the University of Michigan experience.

CD20-targeted radioimmunotherapy is a promising new treatment for B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). We now provide updated and long-term data on 59 chemotherapy-relapsed/refractory patients treated with iodine (131)I tositumomab in a phase I/II single-center study. Fifty-three patients received individualized therapeutic doses, delivering a specified total-body radiation dose (TBD) based on the clearance rate of a preceding dosimetric dose. Six patients received dosimetric doses only. Dose-escalations of TBD were conducted separately in patients who had or had not undergone a prior autologous stem cell transplant (ASCT) until a nonmyeloablative maximally tolerated TBD was established (non-ASCT = 75 cGy, post-ASCT = 45 cGy). Fourteen additional non-ASCT patients were treated with 75 cGy. Unlabeled antibody was given prior to labeled dosimetric and therapeutic doses to improve biodistribution. Forty-two (71%) of 59 patients responded; 20 (34%) had complete responses (CR). Thirty-five (83%) of 42 with low-grade or transformed NHL responded versus 7 (41%) of 17 with de novo intermediate-grade NHL (P =.005). For all 42 responders, the median progression-free survival was 12 months, 20.3 for those with CR. Seven patients remain in CR 3 to 5.7 years. Sixteen patients were re-treated after progression; 9 responded and 5 had a CR. Reversible hematologic toxicity was dose limiting. Only 10 patients (17%) had human anti-mouse antibodies detected. Long-term, 5 patients developed elevated thyroid-stimulating hormone levels, 5 were diagnosed with myelodysplasia and 3 with solid tumors. A single, well-tolerated treatment with iodine (131)I tositumomab can, therefore, produce frequent and durable responses in NHL, especially low-grade or transformed NHL. (Blood. 2000;96:1259-1266)

Adult↗
PubMed1998

Iodine-131 anti-B1 antibody for B-cell lymphoma: an update on the Michigan Phase I experience.

UNLABELLED: Iodine-131 anti-B1 antibody radioimmunotherapy for B-cell lymphoma was previously reported to have substantial antitumor activity in B-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) after failures of standard and salvage chemotherapy. In this article, the University of Michigan Phase I clinical experience is updated, with follow-up of up to 6 yr since initial treatment reported. METHODS: Thirty-four patients with CD20-expressing NHL were first studied with one or more dosimetric doses of approximately 5 mCi of 1311 anti-B1 antibody (after varying predoses of unlabeled anti-B1 antibody). They were then treated with a patient-specific radioimmunotherapeutic dose designed to deliver a specified radiation dose to the whole body of between 25 and 85 cGy. Patients were observed for toxicity and tumor response. RESULTS: Seventeen (50%) patients had low-grade NHL, 9 (26%) had low-grade transformed NHL and 8 (24%) had de novo intermediate-grade NHL. At study entry, 17 (50%) had an elevated lactate dehydrogenase level, 12 (35%) had high tumor burden and 18 (53%) had not responded to their last chemotherapy. The median number of prior NHL therapies was 4.1. Twenty-eight of 34 patients completed treatment, with 22 of 28 (79%) achieving a response and 14 of 28 (50%) achieving a complete response (CR). The median duration of response was 357 days. The median duration of response for CRs was 471 days, with 4 CRs having a duration of > 1000 days (maximum = > 1460 days). Bone marrow toxicity was dose-limiting and dependent on the total-body dose (TBD) of radiation. Thrombocytopenia appeared to be more marked in patients with prior bone marrow transplantation. The TBD of 75 cGy was established as the maximum tolerated dose in patients who had not had prior bone marrow transplantation. Duration of CR was significantly longer (p < 0.04) in patients who received a TBD of 65-75 cGy (1109 days) than it was in those who received a lower TBD of 25-60 cGy (385 days). Four of 34 (12%) patients developed detectable human antimouse antibody levels. The median survival from study entry for all patients was 1508 days (range = 63 to >2226 days). Sixteen of 17 patients who achieved a response of > or = 6 mo duration remain alive. CONCLUSION: This update of the Phase I results after 1311 anti-B1 antibody treatment for NHL indicates that CRs can be durable and that survival can be of long duration. This form of therapy for NHL should have increasing application in clinical practice after confirmation of these results in larger multicenter studies.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗
PubMed1997

The free-running asthma screening test: an approach to screening for exercise-induced asthma in rural Alabama.

This study documented the prevalence of exercise-induced asthma (bronchospasm) in rural elementary schools and described the use of a free-running asthma screening test (exercise-challenge) and peak expiratory flow rate measurements for screening in a school setting. Of 437 children screened, 25 (5.72%) had a > or = 15% decrease in post-exercise peak expiratory flow rate which is indicative of exercise-induced asthma. Absenteeism and poverty were associated with findings of exercise-induced asthma. Early detection of exercise-induced asthma in school-age children through screening would facilitate early treatment, enhance exercise-related activities, and decreases school absences.

Absenteeism↗
PubMed1996

Iodine-131-anti-B1 radioimmunotherapy for B-cell lymphoma.

PURPOSE: The CD20 B-lymphocyte surface antigen expressed by B-cell lymphomas is an attractive target for radioimmunotherapy, treatment using radiolabeled antibodies. We conducted a phase I dose-escalation trial to assess the toxicity, tumor targeting, and efficacy of nonmyeloablative doses of an anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody (anti-B1) labeled with iodine-131 (131I) in 34 patients with B-cell lymphoma who had failed chemotherapy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients were first given tracelabeled doses of 131I-labeled anti-B1 (15 to 20 mg, 5 mCi) to assess radiolabeled antibody biodistribution, and then a radioimmunotherapeutic dose (15 to 20 mg) labeled with a quantity of 131I that would deliver a specified centigray dose of whole-body radiation predicted by the tracer dose. Whole-body radiation doses were escalated from 25 to 85 cGy in sequential groups of patients in 10-cGy increments. To evaluate if radiolabeled antibody biodistribution could be optimized, initial patients were given one or two additional tracer doses on successive weeks, each dose preceded by an infusion of 135 mg of unlabeled anti-B1 one week and 685 mg the next. The unlabeled antibody dose resulting in the most optimal tracer biodistribution was also given before the radioimmunotherapeutic dose. Later patients were given a single tracer dose and radioimmunotherapeutic dose preceded by infusion of 685 mg of unlabeled anti-B1. RESULTS: Treatment was well tolerated. Hematologic toxicity was dose-limiting, and 75 cGy was established as the maximally tolerated whole-body radiation dose. Twenty-eight patients received radioimmunotherapeutic doses of 34 to 161 mCi, resulting in complete remission in 14 patients and a partial response in eight. All 13 patients with low-grade lymphoma responded, and 10 achieved a complete remission. Six of eight patients with transformed lymphoma responded. Thirteen of 19 patients whose disease was resistant to their last course of chemotherapy and all patients with chemotherapy-sensitive disease responded. The median duration of complete remission exceeds 16.5 months. Six patients remain in complete remission 16 to 31 months after treatment. CONCLUSION: Nonmyeloablative radioimmunotherapy with 131I-anti-B1 is associated with a high rate of durable remissions in patients with B-cell lymphoma refractory to chemotherapy.

Adult↗
PubMed1993

An epizootic of Edwardsiella tarda in largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides).

Edwardsiella tarda, an opportunistic bacterial pathogen, was isolated from dying largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) during an epizootic in a eutrophic lake system, Lochloosa Lake, Florida, USA. Approximately 1,500 adult fish died over a 6-wk period during the late summer and early fall of 1991. A mixed population of aerobic bacteria (E. tarda, Aeromonas hydrophila, and Pseudomonas sp.) was isolated from deep cutaneous ulcers and intestines of moribund bass. However, E. tarda in pure culture was the only bacterium isolated from several viscera of several fish; E. tarda may be the etiologic agent responsible for some episodes of seasonal mortality in largemouth bass.

Animals↗
PubMed1993

Therapy of scabies: nursing homes, hospitals, and the homeless.

Scabies epidemics in nursing homes, acute and chronic care hospitals, residential facilities, and communities have become commonplace. Patients with keratotic (crusted, Norwegian) scabies are highly contagious and often initiate outbreaks in institutions. This is a review of problems associated with the management of scabies epidemics in health care facilities. A model treatment plan, readily customized to suit specific epidemic scenarios, is detailed.

Clinical Protocols↗
PubMed1993

Scabies research: another dimension.

The life cycle of canine scabies has been studied extensively. Currently studies are focusing on mite behavior, physiological requirements, host specificity, mite survival, and clinical complications of scabies. Investigations are giving insight into immunologic responses to infestation and cross-reactivity with house dust mites. A diagnostic blood test or vaccine may become a future reality, if a unique antibody response can be isolated. Can scabies transmit the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)? This controversial area needs prompt definitive exploration.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗
PubMed1989

Induction of malignant nasal cavity tumours in Wistar rats fed Chinese salted fish.

Epidemiological evidence has implicated Chinese salted fish as a human nasopharyngeal carcinogen. In the present study, 221 Wistar-Kyoto rats aged 21 days were randomly assigned to one of three experimental groups. Rats in group 1 (high dose group) were fed a powder diet of one part Chinese salted fish to three parts certified rat chow during the first 18 months. Similarly, rats in group 2 (low dose group) were fed a powder diet of one part salted fish to five parts rat chow for 18 months. Rats in group 3 were given rat chow only throughout the 3-year experiment. Four malignant tumours of the nasal cavity were observed among rats fed the experimental diets (three and one respectively in the high and low dose groups). No comparable tumours were observed in controls, compatible with the historical control rate of zero. Our results, therefore, further strengthen the hypothesis that Chinese salted fish is a human nasopharyngeal carcinogen; they also establish Wistar rats as a viable animal model for carcinogenicity studies of this food in the laboratory.

Animals↗
PubMed1988

Peritoneal macrophages from patients with endometriosis release growth factor activity in vitro.

We studied the in vitro secretion of macrophage-derived growth factor (MDGF) activity by peritoneal macrophages from fertile and infertile women. Peritoneal fluid was obtained from 55 women undergoing laparoscopy for evaluation and treatment of infertility or for tubal sterilization. Isolated macrophages were plated in tissue culture wells and incubated in Dulbecco's Modified Eagle's Medium plus 0.2% lactalbumin hydrolyzate at 37 C for 24 h. Medium MDGF activity was assayed by determining the ability of medium to stimulate [3H] thymidine incorporation in BALB-c 3T3 fibroblasts. Macrophages from 23 women released significant MDGF activity in vitro; the release was linear for up to 72 h. Among the 55 women, macrophages from 10 of 36 (28%) women with normal pelvic anatomy or tubal occlusion/pelvic adhesions released significant MDGF activity. In contrast, macrophages from 13 of 19 (68%) women with endometriosis, a significantly higher proportion (P less than 0.02), released MDGF. The finding that endometriosis is associated with in vivo primed peritoneal macrophages that produce MDGF in vitro may help to explain the proliferation or maintenance of endometrial tissue in the peritoneal cavity.

Animals↗
PubMed1986

Dietary fat influences the expression of autoimmune disease in MRL/lpr/lpr mice.

Near-isocaloric diets with qualitative and quantitative differences in fat content have a profound influence on the manifestation and progression of the autoimmune syndrome that occurs in female MRL/lpr mice. In these animals, a high (9%) lipid intake resulted in a significantly higher mortality rate: 60% (saturated fat) and 75% (unsaturated fat) compared to 35% at 1 year for a group fed a diet low in fat. Furthermore, beginning at 7 months of age mice from both of the high fat diet groups exhibited a significantly higher incidence of proteinuria than mice in the low fat group. Immunologically, the group fed the high unsaturated fat diet had the highest incidence of anti-dsDNA autoantibodies, and the high saturated fat group had the poorest macrophage phagocytic function. The low fat diet preserved near 'normal' immune function in general, particularly IL-2 production. No significant differences were noted in either the production of rheumatoid factor or natural killer cell activity, irrespective of age or diet.

Animals↗
PubMed1983

Phenylthioalkylamines in experimental tumor treatment in mice.

Two phenylthioalkylamines, phenylthioethylamine (PTEA) and phenylthiopropylamine (PTPA), were prepared and tested for cytotoxicity in vitro and as antitumor agents in (C57BL X DBA/2)F1 (BDF1) mice. Low concentrations of PTEA (median effective concentrations of 8.0, 12.0, and 1.3 micrograms PTEA/ml) inhibited the growth of P388 murine lymphoma, L1210 leukemia, and B16 melanoma cells in culture. PTPA was more effective; concentrations of 0.80, 0.56, and 0.35 micrograms PTPA/ml inhibited the growth of P388, L1210, and B16 in vitro by 50%. PTEA and PTPA treatment increased survival times in BDF1 mice bearing the P388 lymphoma, L1210 leukemia, B16 melanoma, and Lewis lung tumors. Multiple daily administrations of the test compounds were more effective than single daily injections in increasing the life-span in mice bearing the P388 lymphoma and B16 melanoma. Both PTEA and PTPA inhibited the enzyme copper-zinc superoxide dismutase.

Animals↗
PubMed1982

Dietary fat affects immune response, production of antiviral factors, and immune complex disease in NZB/NZW mice.

Autoimmune-prone (NZB x NZW)F1 (B/W) mice fed three nearly isocaloric diets with varied fat content showed a marked difference in their spontaneous development of immune complex disease and their immune response. Those animals received the diets high in either unsaturated or saturated fats had more severe immune complex nephritis and died earlier than mice on the low-fat diet. Endogenous production of the mouse xenotropic virus was unaffected by dietary fats, but the serum lipoproteins associated with antiviral activity were increased to levels as high as 1:600,000 in the B/W mice on the high-fat diets. These lipoproteins may be partially responsible for the decreased mitogenic response of spleen cells from mice fed the two high-fat diets. The mice receiving a diet high in saturated fats produced substantially higher titers of natural thymocytotoxic autoantibody, an IgM class of antibody, than did the mice maintained either on the high-unsaturated-fat or low-fat diet. In contrast, the mice receiving the diet high in unsaturated fats made significantly greater levels of antibodies to double-stranded DNA, an IgG, than did the mice kept on the two other diets. These results suggest that the type of fat in the diet could affect the serum level of different immunoglobulin classes. The data provide further evidence that the amount of dietary lipids alone can influence cellular and humoral immune responses and the spontaneous development of immune complex disease.

Animals↗