Biomedical subjects

L Alexander

Publications and source records attributed to L Alexander.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2006

Reasons for participation and non-participation in a randomized controlled trial: postal questionnaire surveys of women eligible for TOMBOLA (Trial Of Management of Borderline and Other Low-Grade Abnormal smears).

BACKGROUND: Better understanding of motivators for, and barriers to, participation in randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in different study populations and settings has the potential to improve participation of historically under-represented groups (eg, women) in future trials. PURPOSE: To investigate reasons why women agreed, or declined, to participate in a RCT. METHODS: In two postal questionnaire-based studies, we investigated women's reasons for participation or non-participation in TOMBOLA, a RCT comparing management policies for low-grade cervical abnormalities. Four-hundred and ninety-two TOMBOLA participants (response rate 56%) completed questionnaires on reasons for participation. One-hundred and thiry-seven women (38%) who declined TOMBOLA participation completed questionnaires on reasons for this. RESULTS: Eighty percent of women reported that one of their reasons for attending their TOMBOLA recruitment appointment was worries about their smear result. Ninety-four percent participated in the RCT because it was a worthwhile contribution to the cervical screening programme and other women; for 70% this was the most important reason. These proportions did not vary by socio-demographic factors. Thirty-two percent thought participation would result in better care. The most common reason for non-participation was preference for follow-up from the woman's GP. Logistical issues (eg, inconvenient appointments, travel time, arranging time off work or child-care) were commonly cited. Fourteen percent were too frightened to participate; this was unrelated to the grade of the recruitment smear. LIMITATIONS: Response rates were not high, but there was little evidence of response bias. Structured questionnaires were used. CONCLUSIONS: Future research should address how best to deliver information to ensure different social groups appreciate potential benefits of RCT participation and provide reassurance regarding fears about participation. Simple strategies (eg, appealing to the altruism of potential participants or offering flexible recruitment clinic locations and times) might enhance RCT recruitment rates. This in turn would ensure best use of research resources thus bringing the greatest benefits to participants and the population.

Adult↗

PubMed2004

How physically active are South Asians in the United Kingdom? A literature review.

BACKGROUND: Moderate physical activity is protective against coronary heart disease (CHD) and diabetes, both important public health problems among UK South Asian (Indian, Pakistani and Bangladeshi) ethnic groups. We assessed the evidence that physical activity is lower in South Asian groups than in the general population. METHODS: We carried out a systematic literature review of studies describing levels of physical activity and fitness in UK South Asians using MEDLINE, EMBASE, the Cochrane databases, hand searching of relevant journals and review of reference lists. RESULTS: We identified 12 studies in adults and five in children. Various methods were used to assess physical activity and fitness, but all the studies reported lower levels among South Asian groups. The differences were substantial, particularly among women and older people. For example, the Health Survey for England found that Indian, Pakistani and Bangladeshi men were 14, 30 and 45 per cent less likely than the general population to meet current guidelines for physical activity. Limited information was provided about translation and adaptation of questionnaires. CONCLUSION: Levels of physical activity were lower in all South Asian groups than the general population and patterns of activity differed. No studies used validated measures. Insufficient attention has been paid to issues of cross-cultural equivalence. With these caveats, low levels of physical activity among UK South Asian ethnic groups may contribute to their increased risk of diabetes and CHD. Closer attention to validity, translation and adaptation is necessary to monitor changes and assess the effectiveness of interventions to increase physical activity.

Adult↗

PubMed2003

Estimated and predicted changes in the cat population of Australian households from 1979 to 2005.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate and predict changes in the cat population of Australian households from 1979 to 2005. METHOD: Telephone surveys were used to estimate Australia's total household cat population for each year from 1979 to 1999. A simple mathematical model based on population characteristics in 1995 was used to predict future population changes to 2005. Estimates and predictions for 1996 to 1999 were compared to validate the model. RESULTS: Australia's household cat population increased steadily from 2.23 million in 1979 to peak at 3.24 million in 1988. Since then it has steadily declined to 2.60 million in 1999. The population size predicted from the mathematical model was similar to that from surveys for the years 1996 to 1999. It is predicted that the population will continue to decline to approximately 2.19 million in 2005. The proportion of Australian households owning cats fell from 31.1% in 1994 to 25.8% in 1999, while the average number of cats per cat-owning household remained relatively constant at 1.47. CONCLUSIONS: Australia's household cat population is decreasing, falling by 19% between 1988, when it reached its peak, and 1999. This contrasts with the US where the population increased by 13.9% over the same period. The decline in Australia appears to be due to a decrease in the total number of cat-owning households rather than the number of cats per cat-owning household. It is likely that this trend will continue unless there is a change in household pet ownership preferences in the meantime.

Animals↗

PubMed2003

A new contribution to the integration of human and porcine genome maps: 623 new points of homology.

In this study we examined homologies between 1,735 porcine microsatellites and human sequence. For 1,710 microsatellites we directly used the sequence flanking the repeat available in GenBank. For a set of 305 microsatellites, a BAC library was screened and end-sequencing provided 461 additional sequences. Altogether 2,171 porcine sequences were tentatively aligned with the sequence of the human genome using the fasta program. Human homologies were observed for 652 microsatellite loci and porcine chromosome assignments available for 623 microsatellites provide useful links in the human and pig comparative map. Moreover for 92 STS, a significant sequence similarity was detected using at least two sequences and in all cases corresponding human locations were consistent. The present study allowed the integration of anonymous markers and the porcine linkage map into the framework of the comparative data between human and porcine genomes (http://w3.toulouse.inra.fr/lgc/pig/msat/). Moreover all conserved syntenic segments were defined on human chromosomes.

Animals↗

PubMed2002

Recombinant equine interleukin-1beta induces putative mediators of articular cartilage degradation in equine chondrocytes.

Interleukin-1 is considered a central mediator of cartilage loss in osteoarthritis in several species, however an equine recombinant form of this cytokine is not readily available for in vitro use in equine osteoarthritis research. Equine recombinant interleukin-1beta was cloned and expressed and its effects on the expression and activity of selected chondrocytic proteins implicated in cartilage matrix degradation were characterized. Reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction methods were used to amplify the entire coding region of the equine IL-1beta mRNA, which was cloned into an expression vector, expressed in E. coli, and purified using a Ni2+ chromatographic method. The effects of the recombinant peptide on chondrocyte gene expression were determined by Northern blotting using RNA from equine chondrocyte cultures hybridized to probes for matrix metalloproteinases (MMP 1, MMP 3, MMP 13), tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinases 1 (TIMP 1) and cyclooxygenase 2 (COX 2). Effects on selected mediators of cartilage degradation (nitrite concentrations and MMP activity) were determined using conditioned medium from reIL-1beta-treated equine cartilage explant cultures. A recombinant peptide of approximately 21 kd was obtained. Northern blotting analyses revealed a marked up-regulation of expression of all MMPs, TIMP 1, and COX 2 in mRNA from treated chondrocytes. Furthermore, cartilage explants exposed to reIL-1beta had augmented collagenase/gelatinase and stromelysin activities as well as increased concentration of nitrite in conditioned media. The development of a biologically active, species-specific IL-1beta provides a valuable tool in the study of osteoarthritis pathophysiology and its treatment in horses.

Animals↗

PubMed2001

Emergence of cytotoxic T lymphocyte escape mutations in nonpathogenic simian immunodeficiency virus infection.

Although CTL escape has been well documented in pathogenic simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) infection, there is no information on CTL escape in nonpathogenic SIV infection in nonhuman primate hosts like the sooty mangabeys. CTL responses and sequence variation in the SIV nef gene were evaluated in one sooty mangabey and one rhesus macaque inoculated together with the same stock of cloned SIVmac239. Each animal developed an immunodominant response to a distinct CTL epitope in Nef, aa 157-167 in the macaque and aa 20-28 in the mangabey. Nonsynonymous mutations in their respective epitopes were observed in both animals and resulted in loss of CTL recognition. These mutations were present in the majority of proviral DNA sequences at 16 weeks post infection in the macaque and >2 years post infection in the mangabey. These results document the occurrence of CTL escape in a host that does not develop AIDS, and adds to the growing body of evidence that CTL exert significant selective pressure in SIV infection.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

PubMed2001

Localization of somatostatin mRNAs in the brain and pancreas of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss).

Rainbow trout possess three distinct mRNAs, each encoding a separate precursor: PPSS I, which contains a 14-amino acid sequence at its C-terminus (somatostatin-14) that is highly conserved among vertebrates, as well as two others, PPSS II' and PPSS II", both containing [Tyr(7), Gly(10)]-somatostatin-14 at their C-terminus. In this study, we used RNA template-specific PCR and in situ hybridization to determine the distribution and cellular localization of PPSS mRNAs in the brain and Brockmann body of rainbow trout. PPSS I, PPSS II' and PPSS II" were expressed in the Brockmann body and pituitary; the expression of PPSS mRNAs in the brain was region specific. PPSS I mRNA was expressed in the Brockmann body predominantly by cells other than those that expressed PPSS IIs; however, there were several instances where PPSS I and PPSS IIs were co-expressed within the same cell. Of the PPSS II-expressing cells, many were observed to express both PPSS II' and PPSS II" mRNA; however, some cells expressed only PPSS II' mRNA, while other cells expressed only PPSS II" mRNA. In the brain, PPSS I mRNA was expressed in the optic tectum (OT) and in many hypothalamic nuclei, including the nucleus rotundus (NR), nucleus anterioris hypothalami (NAH), nucleus anterior tuberis (NAT), nucleus lateral tuberis (NLT), as well as in the pituitary (adenohypophysis). PPSS II" mRNA was present in the same regions as PPSS I mRNA; however, PPSS II' mRNA was present primarily in OT, NAT, NLT and adenohypohysis. These results indicate that PPSS mRNAs are expressed differently by different cells, suggesting that cell-specific mechanisms are involved with the control of PPSS expression and that particular biological responses may be associated with a specific SS isoform.

Animals↗

PubMed2001

Dietary intake of soybean protein and menstrual cycle length in pre-menopausal Singapore Chinese women.

BACKGROUND: Intake of soybean protein was associated with a reduced risk of breast cancer in a case-control study. It has also been demonstrated to increase menstrual cycle length in an experimental setting. OBJECTIVE: To ascertain whether the association of soybean protein intakes with menstrual cycle length persists in an uncontrolled community setting. DESIGN: Cross-sectional food frequency dietary survey, menstrual cycle survey and prospective collection of menstrual cycle data. SETTING: A hospital clinic and a nursing college. SUBJECTS: Two hundred menstruating women. RESULTS: An association (P = 0.034) of higher intakes of soybean protein with increased menstrual cycle length, as recorded by self report and by prospectively recording three consecutive cycles, was observed. The risk of menstrual cycle length being greater than the median, when comparing the upper quartile (8.7-35.2 g x day(-1)) of soybean intake and the lowest quartile (0.1-3.3 g x day(-1)) was double, and this approached statistical significance (OR = 2.02, 95% CI = 0.88-4.64 and OR = 1.93, 95% CI = 0.82-4.56 for self-reported cycle length and cycle length as recorded by diary, respectively). In terms of the absolute association with cycle length, subjects in the upper quartile of soybean intake demonstrated a cycle length 1-2 days longer than did subjects in the lowest quartile. CONCLUSIONS: It is likely that the association between dietary intake of soybean protein and length of menstrual cycle prevails in the community setting. This is shown using both self-reported cycle length and cycle length as recorded in a prospective diary.

Adult↗

PubMed2001

Generation and mapping of expressed sequence tags from virus-infected swine macrophages.

In an effort to identify genes that have a major effect on macrophage function during viral infection, we employed differential display reverse transcription (DDRT)-PCR to capture expressed sequence tags (ESTs) of swine alveolar macrophages infected by the porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV). Sequence analyses showed that approximately 60% of these ESTs had significant similarity (> or =93%) to known pig ESTs or genes or matched sequences from other species with homology > or =80%. To determine chromosomal localization, PCR-based mapping was performed across either swine somatic cell hybrid or radiation hybrid panels. A total of 48 porcine viral response ESTs were mapped via the swine somatic cell panel or the INRA-Minnesota porcine Radiation Hybrid (IMpRH) panel (LOD > 6.0). Northern blot analyses confirmed PRRSV-induced altered transcript expression for several ESTs, including a 2'-5' oligoadenylate synthetase and a putative dual-specificity phosphatase. These virus-response ESTs represent good candidate genes for understanding PRRSV pathogenesis and for dissecting host genes which may have major effect on disease resistance.

2',5'-Oligoadenylate Synthetase↗

PubMed2001

Suboptimal nucleotides in the infectious, pathogenic simian immunodeficiency virus clone SIVmac239.

We analyzed virus sequences in two monkeys infected with SIVmac239 and two monkeys infected with SHIVnef that maintained high, persisting viral loads. Sequence changes were observed consistently at four loci in all four animals: a single nucleotide change in the Lys-tRNA primer binding site in the 5' long terminal repeat; two nucleotide changes that resulted in two amino acid changes in the pol gene product; and a single nucleotide change in the region of the simian immunodeficiency virus genome where the rev and env genes overlap, resulting in changes in the predicted amino acid sequences of both gene products. None of these mutations were seen in short-term cultures of CEMx174 cells infected with SIVmac239 or SHIVnef. At all four positions in all four animals, the new sequences represented consensus sequences for primate lentiviruses, whereas the inoculum sequences at these four loci have either never been or rarely been reported outside of SIVmac239. Thus, although cloned SIVmac239 is consistently pathogenic and consistently induces high viral load set points, it is clearly less than optimal at these four nucleotide positions.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

PubMed2000

IMpRH server: an RH mapping server available on the Web.

SUMMARY: The INRA-Minnesota Porcine Radiation Hybrid (IMpRH) Server provides both a mapping tool (IMpRH mapping tool) and a database (IMpRH database) of officially submitted results. The mapping tool permits the mapping of a new marker relatively to markers previously mapped on the IMpRH panel. The IMpRH database is the official database for submission of new results and queries. The database not only permits the sharing of public data but also semi-private and private data.

Animals↗

PubMed2000

Species specificity of macaque rhadinovirus glycoprotein B sequences.

All members of the Herpesviridae family contain sequences for a highly conserved glycoprotein B (gB) gene. We investigated the phylogenetic relationships of gB sequences from eight independent rhadinovirus isolates obtained from three species: rhesus (Macaca mulatta), cynomologus (Macaca fasicularis), and pig-tailed (Macaca nemestrina) macaques. Samples were derived from monkeys housed at four separate facilities. Analysis of these eight independent gB sequences revealed five regions of heterogeneity within the 823- to 829-amino-acid polypeptides: residues 1 to 65, 120 to 185, 255 to 300, 352 to 393, and 412 to 457. The remaining regions of gB were highly conserved among the different macaque isolates. Overall divergence among these gene sequences ranged from 0.1 to 7.2% at the amino acid level. Phylogenetic trees constructed with our macaque rhadinovirus gB sequences and those derived from additional subfamilies or genera (alpha, beta, gamma-1, and gamma-2) revealed that the macaque gB sequences branched with other gamma-2 herpesvirus gB sequences and that within the gamma-2 genera, the macaque gB sequences clustered as a distinct branch. The eight macaque rhadinovirus gB sequences were all approximately equidistant from Kaposi sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) gB sequences and had a shorter evolutionary distance to KSHV gB sequences than to any other herpesvirus, including the gamma-2 herpesvirus saimiri (HVS) of New World squirrel monkeys. The macaque gB sequences did not cluster according to the facility of origin, but did cluster according to the species of origin, displaying less intraspecies divergence (0.1 to 2.9%) than interspecies divergence (3.3 to 7.2%). These results demonstrate a close relatedness of rhadinovirus isolates from different macaque species.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

PubMed2000

The primary sequence of rhesus monkey rhadinovirus isolate 26-95: sequence similarities to Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus and rhesus monkey rhadinovirus isolate 17577.

The primary sequence of the long unique region L-DNA (L for low GC) of rhesus monkey rhadinovirus (RRV) isolate 26-95 was determined. The L-DNA consists of 130,733 bp that contain 84 open reading frames (ORFs). The overall organization of the RRV26-95 genome was found to be very similar to that of human Kaposi sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV). BLAST search analysis revealed that in almost all cases RRV26-95 coding sequences have a greater degree of similarity to corresponding KSHV sequences than to other herpesviruses. All of the ORFs present in KSHV have at least one homologue in RRV26-95 except K3 and K5 (bovine herpesvirus-4 immediate-early protein homologues), K7 (nut-1), and K12 (Kaposin). RRV26-95 contains one MIP-1 and eight interferon regulatory factor (vIRF) homologues compared to three MIP-1 and four vIRF homologues in KSHV. All homologues are correspondingly located in KSHV and RRV with the exception of dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR). DHFR is correspondingly located near the left end of the genome in RRV26-95 and herpesvirus saimiri (HVS), but in KSHV the DHFR gene is displaced 16,069 nucleotides in a rightward direction in the genome. DHFR is also unusual in that the RRV26-95 DHFR more closely resembles HVS DHFR (74% similarity) than KSHV DHFR (55% similarity). Of the 84 ORFs in RRV26-95, 83 contain sequences similar to the recently determined sequences of the independent RRV isolate 17577. RRV26-95 and RRV17577 sequences differ in that ORF 67.5 sequences contained in RRV26-95 were not found in RRV17577. In addition, ORF 4 is significantly shorter in RRV26-95 than was reported for RRV17577 (395 versus 645 amino acids). Only four of the corresponding ORFs between RRV26-95 and RRV17577 exhibited less than 95% sequence identity: glycoproteins H and L, uracil DNA glucosidase, and a tegument protein (ORF 67). Both RRV26-95 and RRV17577 have unique ORFs between positions 21444 to 21752 and 110910 to 114899 in a rightward direction and from positions 116524 to 111082 in a leftward direction that are not found in KSHV. Our analysis indicates that RRV26-95 and RRV17577 are clearly independent isolates of the same virus species and that both are closely related in structural organization and overall sequence to KSHV. The availability of detailed sequence information, the ability to grow RRV lytically in cell culture, and the ability to infect monkeys experimentally with RRV will facilitate the construction of mutant strains of virus for evaluating the contribution of individual genes to biological properties.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

PubMed2000

Unusual polymorphisms in human immunodeficiency virus type 1 associated with nonprogressive infection.

Factors accounting for long-term nonprogression may include infection with an attenuated strain of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1), genetic polymorphisms in the host, and virus-specific immune responses. In this study, we examined eight individuals with nonprogressing or slowly progressing HIV-1 infection, none of whom were homozygous for host-specific polymorphisms (CCR5-Delta32, CCR2-64I, and SDF-1-3'A) which have been associated with slower disease progression. HIV-1 was recovered from seven of the eight, and recovered virus was used for sequencing the full-length HIV-1 genome; full-length HIV-1 genome sequences from the eighth were determined following amplification of viral sequences directly from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). Longitudinal studies of one individual with HIV-1 that consistently exhibited a slow/low growth phenotype revealed a single amino acid deletion in a conserved region of the gp41 transmembrane protein that was not seen in any of 131 envelope sequences in the Los Alamos HIV-1 sequence database. Genetic analysis also revealed that five of the eight individuals harbored HIV-1 with unusual 1- or 2-amino-acid deletions in the Gag sequence compared to subgroup B Gag consensus sequences. These deletions in Gag have either never been observed previously or are extremely rare in the database. Three individuals had deletions in Nef, and one had a 4-amino-acid insertion in Vpu. The unusual polymorphisms in Gag, Env, and Nef described here were also found in stored PBMC samples taken 3 to 11 years prior to, or in one case 4 years subsequent to, the time of sampling for the original sequencing. In all, seven of the eight individuals exhibited one or more unusual polymorphisms; a total of 13 unusual polymorphisms were documented in these seven individuals. These polymorphisms may have been present from the time of initial infection or may have appeared in response to immune surveillance or other selective pressures. Our results indicate that unusual, difficult-to-revert polymorphisms in HIV-1 can be found associated with slow progression or nonprogression in a majority of such cases.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

PubMed2000

Generational differences in male sexuality that may affect Zimbabwean women's risk for sexually transmitted diseases and HIV/AIDS.

OBJECTIVE: To determine generational differences in male sexuality, which could predispose men's female sexual partners to STDs/HIV. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. SETTING: Harare, Zimbabwe. SUBJECTS: Three hundred and ninety seven male adults aged eighteen years and above. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Number of sexual partners, condom use, likelihood of sharing information on HIV status with wife or with other sexual partners, preference for women with dry vaginas prior to sex and discussion about sexual satisfaction with wife or with girl friend. RESULTS: Fewer men in the 27-39 year age group when compared to men aged 18-26 years (22.2% versus 28.9%) had two or more sexual partners. The greatest proportion of ever condom users were men aged 27-39 years, but this proportion was not significantly different from the proportion of ever condom users aged 18-26 years (76.5% versus 69.5%; Odds Ratio[OR] = 1.42, 95% Confidence interval [CI] 0.81-2.51). Men aged > or = 40 years (43.8%, OR = 0.34, 95% CI 0.20-0.84) were significantly fewer than men aged 18-26 years in ever use of condoms. In the event that they contracted HIV, 79.5%, 82.4% and 85.9% of men aged 18-26, 27-39 and 40 years and above respectively indicated that they would disclose their HIV status to their wives. On the other hand, men aged 18-26 years (56.8%), 27-39 years (54.0%) and > or = 40 years (53.1%) indicated that they would disclose their HIV status to girl friends or other sexual partners. Significantly, more men aged 40 years (OR = 2.23; 95% CI 1.19-4.18) and 27-39 years (OR = 1.82; 95% CI 1.00-3.32) in comparison to 18-26 year old men indicated their preference for women with dry vaginas prior to sex. The greatest proportion of men who discussed sexual satisfaction with their wives (85.7%) and girl friends or other sexual partners (23.5%) were aged 27-39 years. CONCLUSION: It is recommended that public health and behavioural scientists in Zimbabwe devote more time to understanding the intricacies of male sexual behaviour at different stages of life. This would provide the important insight needed to develop effective targeted interventions to reduce the spread of STDs/HIV in Zimbabwe.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2000

African-American attitudes regarding cancer clinical trials and research studies: results from focus group methodology.

Despite federal recommendations highlighting the need to include special population groups (mainly minorities and women) in clinical research, recruitment and retention of these groups present a great challenge to researchers. This paper describes a focus group study that was conducted to examine factors related to minority participation and retention in cancer clinical research studies. In 1996, the National Cancer Institute submitted a request for applicants to receive support for regional conferences. The purpose of the proposed conferences was to share current information and strategies to aid cancer clinical investigators in recruiting and retaining minority participants in clinical cancer research and to stimulate local/regional adaptations of these strategies. The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), The University of Alabama, and Tuskegee University collaborated to respond to the request. Funding was granted by NCI for the regional conference in Alabama. The conference was held in Tuskegee, Alabama, the site of the infamous US Public Health Syphilis Study at Tuskegee. In planning for the conference, focus group sessions were conducted with African-American men and women who represented all regions of Alabama. The focus group information was used to identify important issues to be addressed at the conference.

Black or African American↗

PubMed2000

U.S. clinical investigation of the Artisan myopia lens for the correction of high myopia in phakic eyes. Report of the results of phases 1 and 2, and interim phase 3.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this article is to present the results of the U.S. Clinical investigation of the Artisan anterior chamber iris fixed lens implant for the correction of myopia in phakic eyes. METHODS: A prospective, multi-center, FDA-supervised trial was designed and undertaken in the United States by Ophtec USA, Inc., Boca Raton, Florida to determine the safety and efficacy of the Artisan lens as a potential refractive treatment for patients with high myopia. During the trial, two different models of the Artisan lens were used: one with a 5-mm optical zone (model 206) and the other with a 6-mm optical zone (model 204). RESULTS: The data presented comprise 176 enrolled subjects and 264 implant procedures. The most frequently chosen Artisan lens power was -13.00 D (average, -12.76 D; SD, 3.24). The postoperative results at 6 months for all eyes (n = 135) showed 100% of patients were 20/40 or better best-corrected while 72% gained one or more lines and 22% gained two or more lines regardless of degree of astigmatism or postoperative goal. Through the course of the study, intraocular pressure maintained a level with a mean below 16 mmHg. In general, total reported complications in the patient cohort decreased over time, dropping from 39% at the initial visit to 10% at visit four and 0% at visit seven. CONCLUSIONS: On the basis of the interim results of the U.S. Clinical Investigation of the Artisan Myopia Lens for the Correction of High Myopia in Phakic Eyes, the Artisan anterior chamber phakic IOL may offer an option for correction of high degrees of myopia. Refractive outcomes were exceptional and complications were minimal and amenable to treatment.

Adult↗

PubMed1999

Recombinant simian immunodeficiency virus expressing green fluorescent protein identifies infected cells in rhesus monkeys.

We engineered recombinant derivatives of simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) to express enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP). Replacement of vpr sequences with EGFP resulted in a genome that did not produce detectable levels of replication-competent virus. Replication-competent virus and bright fluorescence of infected cells were obtained with two other constructs, one in which SIV nef sequences were replaced by EGFP and another in which EGFP was inserted into the SIV nef locus and HIV-1 nef sequences were expressed by downstream placement of an internal ribosomal entry site. These strains were infectious in rhesus monkeys and green fluorescing cells were detected in the tissues of infected monkeys by FACS analysis and by direct microscopic visualization. EGFP sequences were absent from recovered virus by 8 weeks following infection. We conclude that recombinant SIV that is engineered to express EGFP can be used to directly detect productively infected cells and aid in the immunophenotypic characterization of these cells within the first 2 weeks of infection of rhesus monkeys.

Animals↗