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K Dix

Publications and source records attributed to K Dix.

9 recordsLinked to original sources

High-throughput SNP genotyping with the Masscode system.

QIAGEN Genomics, Inc, has developed the Masscode tagging system for DNA labeling and detection. In this application, the Masscode system is described as applied to high-throughput single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) genotyping. The labeling system is based on a small-molecular-weight tag that is covalently attached through a photocleavable linker to a DNA oligonucleotide. The tagged oligonucleotide is used as a primer in an allele-specific PCR SNP discrimination assay. The allele-specific amplicons are differentiated through their Masscode tag assignments. After a photolysis step to cleave the tags from the amplicon, the samples are introduced into a single quadrupole mass spectrometry detection system for analysis. Genotyping determinations are based on the relative proportions of the paired allele tags. The system has a lower limit of detection in the femtomolar range (10(-15) M). At present, 30 different Masscode tags may be used simultaneously in a multiplex fashion to routinely provide more than 40,000 SNP genotyping measurements daily. Further developments will allow for the simultaneous detection of several hundred tags.

Alleles↗

Tris(2-chloroethyl) phosphate pharmacokinetics in the Fischer 344 rat: a comparison of conventional methods and in vivo microdialysis coupled with tandem mass spectrometry.

The pharmacokinetics of tris(2-chloroethyl) phosphate (TRCP, 20 mg/kg, iv) were investigated in awake male and female and anesthetized male Fischer 344 (F344) rats by conventional (CONV) sampling/detection methods (blood withdrawal with sample workup and analysis for TRCP). TRCP pharmacokinetics were also investigated in anesthetized male F344 rats using a new sampling/detection technique, in vivo microdialysis coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (MD/MS/MS). The concentration of free TRCP in plasma versus time profiles were analyzed using noncompartmental methods to estimate pharmacokinetic parameters. Comparisons of mean parameter estimates were made for (1) awake males versus females in CONV studies (t test, no significant differences, p < or = 0.05) and (2) awake and anesthetized males in CONV studies and anesthetized males in MD/MS/MS studies. There were significant differences (Scheffe's test) for the three groups of male rats, most notably the free TRCP concentration in plasma at early time points in CONV versus MD/MS/MS studies. The contributions of an indwelling jugular cannula, the blood sampling regimen, and the in vitro MD/MS/MS standard calibration curve were investigated. It appears that quantitation of TRCP by mass spectrometry using an in vitro standard calibration is responsible for the difference.

Anesthesia↗

On-line coupling of in vivo microdialysis with tandem mass spectrometry.

The capability of interfacing in vivo microdialysis with mass spectrometry has been demonstrated. The goal of this research was to demonstrate the feasibility of real-time analysis in biological systems using microdialysis in combination with tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS). Microdialysis sampling was accomplished by surgically implanting a small microdialysis probe into a tissue or area of interest. Molecules diffuse through the membrane of the microdialysis probe due to concentration differences. These molecules are collected in a sample loop and analyzed by tandem mass spectrometry. Sequential injections can be made in as little as 2 min. This capability is advantageous in the study of molecules with very rapid elimination rates. Tris(2-chloroethyl)phosphate (TRCP) was used as a model compound in the development of this analytical technique. As an example of an application of the microdialysis/MS/MS technique, plasma concentration vs time curves were obtained and compared with the plasma concentration profiles obtained using conventional studies. For the microdialysis/MS/MS studies, the average slope from three animals was -0.086 min-1. In comparison, the average slope from four animals from the conventional studies was -0.035 min-1.

Animals↗

Pharmacokinetics of propetamphos following intravenous administration in the F344 rat.

Propetamphos [(E)-1-methylethyl 3-[[(ethylamino)methoxyphosphinothioyl]oxy]-2-butenoate], the active ingredient in Safrotin, is an organophosphate developed by Sandoz, Ltd. (Switzerland) as an insecticide (1). Although metabolism of propetamphos has been previously investigated (2,3), there is no pharmacokinetic data available in the literature. The current studies were undertaken to investigate the pharmacokinetics of propetamphos following intravenous administration in male and female Fischer 344 (F344) rats. Rats were dosed via an indwelling jugular cannula at a dose of 12 mg/kg (one-tenth the oral LD-50). Blood samples were withdrawn via the cannula at predetermined timepoints to quantitate plasma concentrations of propetamphos over time. Propetamphos is highly bound to plasma proteins (free fraction = 0.06). Free propetamphos concentration in plasma vs. time data were analyzed by noncompartmental methods. The terminal elimination rate constant, lambda, was significantly different for males versus females (0.015 min-1 for males and 0.037 min-1 for females, p = 0.001). Plasma was cleared of unbound propetamphos at rates of 0.559 +/- 0.069 and 0.828 +/- 0.181 L/min/kg for males and females (mean +/- standard error). Mean residence times (MRTs) for propetamphos in the body for males and females were 28.3 +/- 5.7 and 14.4 +/- 3.5 min, and the volume of distribution at steady state (Vss) was 14.7 +/- 2.6 and 12.3 +/- 4.5 L/kg. The differences in these parameters, clearance (CI), MRT, and Vss, were not statistically significant at the p < 0.05 level for males versus females, but MRT was nearly significantly different (p = 0.08).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Animals↗

High levels of Gardnerella vaginalis detected with an oligonucleotide probe combined with elevated pH as a diagnostic indicator of bacterial vaginosis.

We have demonstrated a new approach to diagnosing bacterial vaginosis (BV) that is based on measuring the concentration of Gardnerella vaginalis in vaginal fluid with DNA probes. G. vaginalis is virtually always present at high concentrations in women who have BV but is also detected frequently in normal women, usually at concentrations of less than 10(7) CFU/ml of vaginal fluid. Elevated vaginal pH is another sensitive indicator of BV, although it can occur in conjunction with other conditions. We have proposed that quantitative measurements of G. vaginalis using specific DNA probes can serve as a useful aid in diagnosing BV, provided the vaginal pH is above 4.5. To test this hypothesis, a group of 113 women were first evaluated for BV by the standard set of clinical signs. Vaginal washes were collected, and aliquots were analyzed by quantitative culture for the concentration of G. vaginalis. Portions of these same samples were immobilized on nylon filters, along with standards for quantitation. The filters were incubated with a radiolabelled oligonucleotide specific for G. vaginalis 16S rRNA, and the subsequent autoradiographs were examined to determine levels of G. vaginalis in each sample. G. vaginalis at concentrations of greater than or equal to 2 x 10(7) CFU/ml and vaginal pH of greater than 4.5 were then analyzed for concurrence with the diagnoses based on clinical criteria. Results of this slot blot analysis gave a sensitivity of 95%, correctly categorizing 41 of 43 BV-positive specimens, and a specificity of 99%, correctly identifying 69 of 70 BV-negative specimens, compared with diagnosis based on clinical criteria.

Adult↗

Multicenter evaluation of tetracycline fiber therapy. III. Microbiological response.

In a multicenter study of the effects of tetracycline (TC) fiber therapy, subgingival plaque samples were tested for 6 probable periodontal pathogens by DNA probe analysis. Levels of Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans, Eikenella corrodens, Fusobacterium nucleatum, Porphyromonas (Bacteroides) gingivalis, Prevotella intermedia (Bacteroides intermedius), and Wolinella recta were quantitatively determined in samples taken at baseline, and immediately after TC fiber removal, control fiber removal, and scaling and root planing. At untreated sites, samples were taken at baseline and 10 d later. Specificity of the DNA probe method was evaluated by testing the hybridization to 83 reference cultures. Interaction of the F. nucleatum probe with Fusobacterium periodonticum, and of the W. recta probe with Wolinella curva were the only cross-hybridizations noted. Species were detected at an average sensitivity of 2.9 x 10(4) organisms per sample. Approximately 70% of sites were initially infected with P. gingivalis and F. nucleatum; 50% with P. intermedia and E. corrodens; infections with W. recta and A. actinomycetemcomitans were less common (36% and 11% respectively). The average numbers of organisms found in the plaque samples were highest for F. nucleatum, P. gingivalis, and P. intermedia (ca. 10(6)). E. corrodens, W. recta, and A. actinomycetemcomitans occurred at 10-fold lower levels. Bacterial numbers and proportions of species in subgingival sites from the five centers did not differ appreciably. Both TC fiber therapy and scaling decreased the number of sites infected with all the monitored species. The bacterial composition at untreated sites and at sites where control fibers were placed was not significantly altered. The percentage reduction of the number of sites with detectable infection varied with each species: from 86% with W. recta to approximately 40% with P. gingivalis. Significant reduction of pocket depth and bleeding occurred at TC fiber-treated sites infected with each of the species. Significant attachment level gain occurred only at sites initially infected with P. gingivalis and treated with TC fibers.

Actinobacillus↗

Species-specific oligodeoxynucleotide probes for the identification of periodontal bacteria.

Oligodeoxynucleotide probes were developed for identification of the periodontal bacteria Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans, Bacteroides gingivalis, B. intermedius types I and II, B. forsythus, Eikenella corrodens, Fusobacterium nucleatum, Haemophilus aphrophilus, Streptococcus intermedius, and Wolinella recta. Probes were designed by sequencing the 16S rRNA for each bacterium, identifying hypervariable regions, and chemically synthesizing species-specific probes. These probes were specific when tested against a panel of nucleic acids from closely related bacteria.

Bacteria↗

Use of synthetic oligonucleotide DNA probes for the identification of Bacteroides gingivalis.

Six different oligonucleotide probes complementary to the hypervariable regions of 16S rRNA of Bacteroides gingivalis were tested for specificity and sensitivity against 77 field strains of B. gingivalis and 105 strains of 12 other Bacteroides species. The data demonstrated that these probes were very specific (range, 0.85 to 1.00) and sensitive (1.00). Some limited cross-reactions with other Bacteroides species were observed. Four of these probes should be useful for rapid detection and identification of B. gingivalis.

Bacteroides↗

Arsenic speciation by capillary gas-liquid chromatography.

Specific environmentally significant arsenic compounds are determined by capillary gas-liquid chromatography. Inorganic (arsenite, arsenate) and organic (monomethylarsonate, dimethylarsinate) arsenicals are measured as the corresponding methylthioglycolate derivatives, which are simultaneously separated on wide-bore borosilicate glass and fused-silica columns under conditions of temperature programming. Inorganic arsenate and arsenite cannot be differentiated by the derivatization technique. Flame-ionization and electron-capture detection are evaluated. A simple and rapid sample preparation procedure is used for water, urine, blood, and tissue.

Arsenic↗