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Biomedical subjects

J J Moore

Publications and source records attributed to J J Moore.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2000

Impact of race and gestational age on red blood cell indices in very low birth weight infants.

BACKGROUND: Normative data for hematologic values in the very low birth weight infants are limited and inconsistent, with the reported mean hematocrit (HCT) in these infants ranging from 43.5% to 60%. No data are available on the effect of race. OBJECTIVES: To establish normative data for hemoglobin (Hb) and HCT by arterial sampling obtained during the first 3 hours after birth in black and white premature infants </=31 weeks of gestation. METHODS: Retrospective chart review of all infants </= 31 weeks of gestation born between June 1994 and October 1998. INCLUSION CRITERIA: infant </=31 weeks of gestation who had an arterial blood sample obtained in the first 3 hours after birth. EXCLUSION CRITERIA: infants were excluded if they had any medical condition that may affect the red blood cell indices (eg, twin-to-twin transfusion or fetomaternal hemorrhage). RESULTS: Of 428 infants, 188 who met both inclusion and exclusion criteria were classified into 3 gestational age groups: group 1 = 23 to 25 weeks of gestation (n = 40); group 2 = 26 to 28 weeks (n = 60); and group 3 = 29 to 31 weeks (n = 88). There were statistically significant differences between groups 1 and 3 in HCT, Hb, mean corpuscular Hb (MCH), and mean corpuscular volume (MCV). No differences in HCT and Hb values were noted in relation to sex, mode of delivery, multiple gestation, antenatal steroids, or maternal smoking. In group 3, the mean Hb, HCT, and MCV values were higher in white infants than in black infants (16.7 +/- 1.6 g/dL vs 15.4 +/- 1. 7 g/dL; 50.0 +/- 5.0 vs 45.5 +/- 4.6; and 112 +/- 5 fL vs 107 +/- 8 fL, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Hb, HCT, and MCH values are described for premature infants </=31 weeks of gestation born in North America. Hb and HCT increased, whereas MCV decreased with gestational age. Hb, HCT, and MCV values are statistically higher in white infants than in black infants.

Black People↗
PubMed1999

The pediatric disposable end-tidal carbon dioxide detector role in endotracheal intubation in newborns.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the practical value of the new pediatric disposable ETCO2 detector Pedi-CAP in verifying endotracheal tube placement in neonatal resuscitation. METHODS: Infants who required endotracheal intubation in the delivery room or the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) were included in a prospective study in which the endotracheal tube placement was determined clinically and simultaneously by the Pedi-CAP and confirmed by chest radiograph. The Pedi-CAP and clinical evaluation determination times of the endotracheal tube placement were measured and compared. The accuracy and ease of the Pedi-CAP use were tested. RESULTS: Forty-five newborns (450 to 4620 gm) who needed endotracheal intubation were included in the study. Twenty-four (53.3%) were intubated in the delivery room and 21 (46.7%) in the NICU. The Pedi-CAP color indicator correlated with the clinical evaluation and radiograph findings of proper intubation in 30 of 33 patients (sensitivity 91%, specificity 100%, positive predictive value 100%, and negative predictive value 80%). There were three false-negative results in patients with severe cardiorespiratory depression. The Pedi-CAP color indicator correlated with the clinical evaluation for the ET-tube being in the esophagus in 12 of 12 patients (sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive value were all 100%). The time required to determine the tube position by clinical evaluation was 0 to 90 seconds (mean = 39.7 seconds; SD +/- 15.3 seconds). The time required with the disposable ETCO2 detector was 4 to 12 seconds (mean = 8.1 seconds; SD +/- 2.9 seconds; p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The use of a disposable pediatric endotracheal CO2 detector significantly reduces the time spent in verifying the endotracheal tube position (trachea versus esophagus) in newborns, including premature babies with body weight < 1000 gm. This is of particular benefit to babies who are erroneously intubated in the esophagus, because using the device allows much faster detection of this problem and much earlier reintubation.

Carbon Dioxide↗
PubMed1997

Hypotonic stress increases cyclooxygenase-2 expression and prostaglandin release from amnion-derived WISH cells.

This report examines the effect of cell volume expansion on cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) mRNA expression, COX-2 protein expression, and prostaglandin E2 release from human amnion-derived WISH cells. Earle's balanced salts solution (EBSS) with limited NaCl concentration was utilized as the induction medium. COX-2 mRNA was elevated 6-fold in cells incubated for 1 h in hypotonic EBSS. COX-2 mRNA expression was not increased when raffinose or sucrose were used to reconstitute low NaCl. Actinomycin D blocked COX-2 mRNA increase by hypotonic stress, while cycloheximide enhanced COX-2 mRNA expression. COX-2 mRNA and protein concentrations increased as a function of decreasing media osmolarity and incubation time in hypotonic EBSS. Hypotonic EBSS induced a 3-fold increase in prostaglandin E2 release. WISH cells transiently transfected with a luciferase expression vector driven by the human COX-2 promoter for the COX-2 gene show a 3-fold increase in luciferase activity when incubated in hypotonic EBSS. COX-2 mRNA levels in primary human amnion cells were also increased by hypotonic stress. This study suggests that amnion cell COX-2 gene expression is regulated by cell volume expansion and/or increased plasma membrane tension.

Amnion↗
PubMed1997

Gestational changes in the uterine expression of an inwardly rectifying K+ channel, ROMK.

We have examined the repertoire and relative expression levels of voltage-gated K+ channels in timed-pregnant rat uteri. These studies have revealed the gestation-specific and abundant expression of mRNA encoding an inwardly rectifying K+ channel, ROMK (originally identified in renal outer medulla), within the gravid uterus. Steady-state levels of ROMK transcripts undergo dynamic gestational changes: they are undetectable in virgin uteri, reach a maximum level by Day 12 of gestation, decline thereafter until, by term, they are again undetectable. Kidney cells also express ROMK transcripts at high levels but do not undergo apparent changes during gestation. Molecular analyses (by "rapid amplification of cDNA ends", or "5'-RACE") of the ROMK mRNAs revealed the presence of two alternative-splicing variants which are likely to arise from distinct transcription-start sites within the same gene. Polymerase chain reaction-based assessments of gravid uteri from other species revealed the expression of ROMK transcripts in the myometrium as well. Uterine expression of ROMK therefore represents a generalized phenomenon, characterized by both gestation- and tissue-specific regulation, and the transcription-regulatory mechanisms of this channel protein are potentially complex. From the biophysical properties of this channel in vitro and the observed gestational profile, we hypothesize that this channel modulates both the resting membrane potential and cellular excitability of myometrial cells, and in turn contributes to the observed contractile quiescence of the gravid uterus.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1996

Human fetal membranes inhibit calcium L-channel activated uterine contractions.

OBJECTIVE: Paracrine signals among fetal membranes, decidua, and uterus play an important role in the initiation of parturition in women. In previous work we demonstrated that fetal membranes inhibit uterine contractions. In the current study we test the hypothesis that the fetal membranes decrease uterine contractions by inhibition of the uterine calcium L-channel. STUDY DESIGN: Our dual-chamber fetal membrane-uterine muscle in vitro model was used in this study. Rat uterine muscle strips were anchored into the maternal sides of the chambers. Fetal membranes (or Parafilm controls) were added to the chamber in a removable cassette. Uterine contractions were stimulated with the specific calcium L-channel agonist Bay K 8644. RESULTS: When uterine muscle was exposed to full-thickness fetal membranes (amnion-chorion with attached decidua) or to the intact fetal components (chorion-amnion) or to chorion alone, the Bay K 8644 dose-response curve was significantly shifted to the right. When uterine muscle was exposed to amnion alone or to the decidua alone, the Bay K 8644 dose-response curve was not shifted. Fetal membranes, did not cause a shift in the ionomycin (a calcium ionophore) dose-response curve. CONCLUSION: These results support the hypothesis and provide evidence that human fetal membranes, most likely chorion, release an endogenous calcium L-channel inhibitor.

3-Pyridinecarboxylic acid, 1,4-dihydro-2,6-dimethy↗
PubMed1995

Fetal membranes inhibit prostaglandin but not oxytocin-induced uterine contractions.

OBJECTIVE: Paracrine signaling in fetal membranes and uterus is hypothesized to play a role in the initiation of labor in women. Numerous fetal membrane signals that stimulate uterine contractions have been described. Recently, by means of the dual-chamber, fetal membrane, uterine muscle model we showed that fetal membranes inhibit spontaneous uterine contractions. This study was designed to test whether human fetal membranes can also inhibit agonist-induced uterine contractions. STUDY DESIGN: A rat uterine muscle strip was mounted into the maternal side of a Plexiglas acrylic plastic chamber. Uterine contractions were recorded for 3 hours after the addition of either 50 nmol/L prostaglandin E2 or 0.1 nmol/L oxytocin to the maternal side of the chamber. During the first and third hours no fetal membranes were present (basal condition). At the beginning of the second hour fetal membranes were inserted into the chamber so that they divided the chamber into maternal and fetal compartments. The membranes were removed before the beginning of the third hour. The integrated force of uterine contractions during the second hour, when the muscle was exposed to fetal membranes, was compared with the basal condition (first and third hours) by repeated-measure analysis of variance. RESULTS: Fetal membranes reversibly inhibited prostaglandin E2-induced uterine contractions by 22%. Fetal membranes did not inhibit oxytocin-induced uterine contractions. CONCLUSION: Fetal membranes inhibit agonist-induced uterine contractions. The fetal membrane inhibitory system is agonist selective.

Analysis of Variance↗
PubMed1994

Kin selection, social structure, gene flow, and the evolution of chimpanzees.

Hypotheses about chimpanzee social behavior, phylogeography, and evolution were evaluated by noninvasive genotyping of free-ranging individuals from 20 African sites. Degrees of relatedness among individuals in one community were inferred from allele-sharing at eight nuclear simple sequence repeat (SSR) loci. Males are related on the order of half-siblings, and homozygosity is significantly increased at several SSR loci compared to Hardy-Weinberg expectations. These data support the kin-selection hypothesis for the evolution of cooperation among males. Sequence variation patterns at two mitochondrial loci indicate historically high long-distance gene flow and clarify the relationships among three allopatric subspecies. The unexpectedly large genetic distance between the western subspecies, Pan troglodytes verus, and the other two subspecies suggests a divergence time of about 1.58 million years. This result, if confirmed at nuclear loci and supported by eco-behavioral data, implies that P. t. verus should be elevated to full species rank.

Africa↗
PubMed1994

Augmentation of antigen-specific lymphoproliferative responses in vitro by biological response modifiers.

The detection of antigen-specific T cell responsiveness, particularly of resting memory lymphocytes, in cultures of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) may be hampered by a less than optimal antigen presentation in vitro. Augmented sensitivity of the test system may be achieved by the addition of reagents with a beneficial effect on lymphocyte and antigen-presenting cell (APC) functions. In this study the effect of several biological response modifiers on antigen-specific T cell proliferation was determined, using nickel sulphate and tetanus toxoid as test antigens. IL-1 alpha (100 U/ml), interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) (10 U/ml), and indomethacin (2 microM) were found to significantly enhance nickel-induced proliferation in PBMC cultures from nickel-hypersensitive donors (n = 6). Tetanus-induced proliferation (n = 5) was similarly enhanced, both by the above supplements and by the addition of polyethylene glycol (PEG) or a neuraminidase treatment of the PBMC before culture. The addition to PBMC cultures of a combination of IL-1 alpha (30 U/ml), IFN-gamma (10 U/ml), and indomethacin (2 microM) is recommended to specifically enhance antigen-induced lymphoproliferative signals.

Antigen Presentation↗
PubMed1994

Paternity exclusion in a community of wild chimpanzees using hypervariable simple sequence repeats.

We report the use of hypervariable simple sequence repeat (SSR) nuclear loci to study paternity in a community of wild chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes schweinfurthii) in Gombe National Park, Tanzania. All 43 living members of a habituated community were sampled and 35 were genotyped at 8 SSR loci using DNA amplified from hair. Paternity exclusions were performed for 25 chimpanzees including 10 for whom the mother was also genotyped. In each case 12-20 males were potential fathers based on their age and/or direct observation of sexual behaviour. 179 tests involving potential father/offspring combinations were performed. In four cases the data permit the probable identification of the previously undetermined father; these are the first such determinations for free-ranging chimpanzees, and the first based on non-invasive sampling. In another four cases we were able to exclude all but two to five potential fathers, and in the remaining cases we were able to exclude all living males. For molecular ecologists SSR genotype databases offer important advantages over currently popular minisatellite DNA finger-printing: they can be analysed unequivocally using traditional population genetics techniques and they can be expanded through time and space by other researchers.

Alleles↗
PubMed1993

Protein kinase A activators inhibit agonist induced prostaglandin production in human amnion.

Prostaglandin (PG) production by human amnion has been postulated to have a role in the onset of labor. Previous work by ourselves and others has demonstrated that oxytocin, phorbol esters and epidermal growth factor (EGF) increase PGE2 production in human amnion cells by activation of the Phospholipase C/Protein Kinase C (PKC) cascade system. The present study was undertaken to determine the effect of prior activation of the Adenylate Cyclase cascade system upon subsequent stimulation of PGE2 production by oxytocin, phorbol 12-myristate-13-acetate (PMA) or EGF in amnion cells and membrane discs. Isoproterenol, forskolin and dibutyryl cyclic adenosine monophosphate (dbcAMP) were utilized to activate the Adenylate Cyclase system at the receptor, enzyme and second messenger level. In control amnion cells, oxytocin, PMA and EGF each provoked dose dependent increases in PGE2 production. In cells preincubated with dbcAMP, forskolin or isoproterenol, agonist stimulated PGE2 production was markedly (50-90%) inhibited (p < 0.01). Inhibition was dose dependent upon preincubator concentrations. Maximal inhibition by adenylate cyclase activators occurred with 2-4 h of preincubation. In membrane discs, forskolin preincubation also inhibited oxytocin, PMA and EGF stimulation of PGE2 production. Activation of the Adenylate Cyclase system in human amnion cells or membrane discs inhibits the subsequent action of potent stimulators of PGE2 production in human amnion.

Adenylyl Cyclases↗
PubMed1993

Ritodrine: a beta-adrenergic receptor antagonist in human amnion.

OBJECTIVE: Human amnion is important in the initiation of labor. Ritodrine, when administered as a tocolytic, is found unchanged in amniotic fluid. We characterized effects of ritodrine binding to beta-adrenergic receptors in amnion and amniocytes. STUDY DESIGN: Iodine 125-iodopindolol, beta-adrenergic receptor agonists, and beta-adrenergic receptor antagonists were used to describe binding characteristics. Experiments were designed with and without isoproterenol and ritodrine to study intracellular cyclic adenosine 3'5'-monophosphate and prostaglandin E2 release. RESULTS: Scatchard analysis revealed a single class of saturable binding sites, with maximum binding capacity of 70.0 +/- 17.2 fmol/mg protein (n = 12) and with high-affinity dissociation constant of 458.9 +/- 72.1 pmol/L. Agonists and antagonists competed for the 125I-iodopindolol binding site consistent with a beta 2-adrenergic receptor. Hill coefficients were 0.6 to 0.8 for agonist competition and 1.0 for antagonist competition and ritodrine. Stimulation with isoproterenol resulted in dose-dependent increases in cyclic adenosine 3'5'-monophosphate and prostaglandin E2. Ritodrine failed to stimulate cyclic adenosine 3'5'-monophosphate and inhibited isoproterenol-stimulated cyclic adenosine 3'5'-monophosphate and prostaglandin E2 production. CONCLUSION: In human amnion binding of ritodrine to beta 2-adrenergic receptors and lack of ritodrine-mediated postreceptor effects are characteristic of a beta 2-adrenergic antagonist.

Amnion↗
PubMed1993

Human fetal membranes inhibit spontaneous uterine contractions.

Fetal membranes are postulated to play a role in paracrine signaling during the initiation of labor in women. We developed a dual chamber-fetal membrane-uterine muscle model to study the effect of human fetal membranes on spontaneous uterine contractions. In this model, full-thickness fetal membranes (amnion, chorion, and maternal decidua) are sealed into a Plexiglass chamber. The membranes partition the chamber into a maternal and fetal compartment. Chorion and decidua face the maternal side, and amnion faces the fetal side. An estrogenized rat uterine muscle strip is anchored into the maternal side as a bioassay to measure effects of fetal membranes on uterine contractions. Fetal membranes cause a 40% decrease in uterine contractions compared to basal condition (no membranes). Inhibition is reversible after removal of the membranes. The inhibition is specific to the chorion/decidual side because reversal of membranes with amnion toward the muscle did not show inhibition. Uterine contractions did not change over time in control chambers in which Parafilm substituted for membranes. A model for studying paracrine regulation of uterine contractions by human fetal membranes has been developed. The model provides evidence that fetal membranes inhibit uterine contractions. This inhibitory effect may contribute to uterine quiescence during pregnancy.

Animals↗
PubMed1993

Tolerance of sewage treatment plant microorganisms to mosquitocides.

Beneficial protozoa and rotifers collected from a wastewater treatment plant in Panama City, FL, were tested for tolerance to 11 commonly used mosquito larvicides and adulticides in the laboratory. The acute effects were assessed using selected concentrations of the adulticides fenthion, malathion, naled, permethrin, and resmethrin; and the larvicides Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis, Bacillus sphaericus, diflubenzuron, larviciding oil, methoprene, and temephos for the following microorganism taxa: ameoboids, flagellates, free-swimming ciliates, stalked ciliates, and rotifers.

Animals↗
PubMed1992

Identification of chimpanzee subspecies with DNA from hair and allele-specific probes.

We describe a non-invasive method of determining the subspecies identity of common chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes), based on subspecies-specific sequence differences in the mitochondrial genome. This procedure involves the extraction of DNA from hair, the amplification of a short (410 base pair (b.p.)) segment of the non-coding displacement loop (D-loop) by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and subspecies identification based on rapid allele-specific oligonucleotide (ASO) probe dot-blot typing. This approach will contribute to: (i) the colony-level management of captive chimpanzees by enabling managers to recognize hybrids between subspecies and minimize outbreeding depression; (ii) the recognition of inappropriately matched individuals in comparative behavioural and experimental studies; and (iii) forensic questions surrounding the origin of illegally traded animals.

Alleles↗
PubMed1992

Fatal toxoplasmosis in domestic rabbits in the USA.

Three rabbits from two sources died after an acute illness characterized by fever, lethargy and diarrhea in one rabbit and no clinical signs in two rabbits. The most striking lesion in all three rabbits was foci of necrosis of the spleen and liver associated with massive presence of multiplying Toxoplasma gondii tachyzoites. The diagnosis was confirmed by specific staining with anti-T. gondii serum in an avidin-biotin complex immunohistochemical stain.

Animals↗
PubMed1992

Human T lymphocyte cAMP-dependent protein kinase: subcellular distributions and activity ranges of type I and type II isozymes.

The role of the type I and type II protein kinase A isozymes in the regulation of human T lymphocyte immune effector functions has not been ascertained. To approach this question, we first characterized the distribution and enzyme activities of the type I and type II protein kinase A (PKA) isozymes in normal, human T lymphocytes. T cells possess both type I and type II isozymes with an activity ratio of 5.0:1 +/- 0.71 (mean +/- SD). The type I isozyme associates predominately with the plasma membrane whereas the type II isozyme localizes primarily to the cytosol. Analyses of isozyme activities demonstrated that T cells from approximately one-third of 16 healthy donors exhibited significantly higher type II isozyme activities (higher type II, type IIH) than the remaining donors (lower type II, type IIL) (mean = 605 +/- 75 pmol.min-1.mg protein-1, P less than 0.001). Scatchard analyses of [3H]cAMP binding in the cytosolic fraction demonstrated similar Kd values (type IIH, 1.1 x 10(-7) M; type IIL, 9.0 x 10(-8) M); however, the Bmax (maximal binding) of the type IIH was 400 fmol/mg protein compared to the Bmax of the type IIL of 126 fmol/mg protein. Scatchard analysis of [3H]cAMP binding to the type I isozyme associated with membrane fragments had a Kd of 5.6 x 10(-8) M and a Bmax of 283 fmol/mg protein. Eadie-Hofstee plots of type IIH and type IIL gave a Km and Vmax of 2.3 mg/ml and 1.5 nmol.mg-1.min-1, and 2.1 mg/ml and 1.6 nmol.mg-1.min-1, respectively. The 3.2-fold higher maximal binding of the type II isozyme in one-third of healthy donors may reflect a greater amount of isozyme protein. The compartmentalization of type I PKA isozyme to the plasma membrane and type II PKA isozyme to the cytosol may serve to localize the isozymes to their respective substrates in T lymphocytes.

Adult↗
PubMed1991

The effects of 5-fluorouridine, 5-fluorodeoxyuridine, and 5-fluorodeoxyuridine monophosphate on rabbit tenon's capsule fibroblasts in vitro.

Inhibition of rabbit subconjunctival fibroblast attachment and proliferation by 5-fluorouridine (FUR), 5-fluoro-2 deoxyuridine (FUdR), and 5-fluoro-2-deoxyuridine-5-monophosphate (FdUMP), was determined by 3H-adenosine uptake, cell counting, and colorimetric assays for the concentration range of 1000 to 0.0001 micrograms/ml over an 9 day period. The mean 50% inhibitory doses against proliferation were calculated for each assay. Rabbit fibroblast attachment was not inhibited at any drug concentration by either FUR, FUdR, or FdUMP. For rabbit fibroblast proliferation, FUR was found to be 10-100 fold more potent than FUdR and FdUMP. When comparing the human and rabbit cells, the unpaired t-test analysis showed no consistent statistical difference of the ID50s for FUR, FUdR or FdUMP. Rabbit ocular fibroblasts may be useful in modeling the proliferation of human ocular fibroblasts. These in vitro results may be useful for predicting optimal drug dosages for future in vivo testing of these drugs.

Adenosine↗