Biomedical subjects

M Javier

Publications and source records attributed to M Javier.

4 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed1997

In vivo analysis of nuclear protein traffic in mammalian cells.

We have developed an experimental system to study nucleocytoplasmic traffic of proteins in living mammalian cells. Toward this goal, substrates were generated that contain several copies of Aequorea victoria green fluorescent protein (GFP). To follow facilitated transport across the nuclear envelope we created reporter proteins that carry different nuclear localization sequences (NLSs). The expression of reporter genes was controlled by an inducible promoter. Transiently transfected HeLa cells were employed to follow the sorting of fluorescent reporter proteins. When NLS-GFP fusions were located in HeLa cells, we found that direct fusion of the NLS derived from SV40 T-antigen to GFP prevented nuclear accumulation of the protein. However, insertion between NLS and GFP of different linkers encoding small amino acid residues produced reporter proteins that were competent for nuclear import. Taken together, we have generated unique tools for the characterization of nuclear protein import in dividing mammalian cells.

Animals↗

PubMed1997

Percutaneous method of laser transmyocardial revascularization.

Laser transmyocardial revascularization (TMR) creates conduits from the left ventricular cavity into the myocardium and has been forwarded as a potential method of perfusing ischemic myocardium. The procedure typically employs a CO2 laser to produce transmyocardial channels from the epicardial to the endocardial surface via an open thoracotomy. Preliminary studies in animals and human subjects have yielded promising results, and clinical trials evaluating the long-term efficacy of the procedure are in progress. We now report the use of a percutaneous method of TMR using a laser delivered through a novel catheter system. To assess the feasibility of performing percutaneous TMR, studies were performed on 15 adult canine subjects utilizing a holmium:YAG laser. Via a femoral artery approach, novel laser catheters were introduced into the left ventricular cavity under fluoroscopic guidance. Biplane coronary angiography, ventriculography, and transesophageal echocardiography were employed to direct catheters to specific regions and assess the efficacy of creating transmyocardial channels. Multiple channels could be created in the anterior, lateral, inferoposterior, and septal regions as demonstrated by contrast ventriculography with confirmation by subsequent gross and histologic examination. The procedure was tolerated well without any ventricular dysfunction or sustained ventricular arrhythmias. We have demonstrated that laser transmyocardial revascularization via a percutaneous approach is feasible with creation of channels from the endocardial surface of the left ventricle into the myocardium. On gross and histological examination, these channels are similar in appearance to those created by the currently employed open chest, epicardial method of TMR.

Angioplasty, Balloon, Laser-Assisted↗

PubMed1982

The efficacy of metronidazole in the treatment of giardiasis.

An eight-month survey of patients with gastrointestinal complaints is presented. There were 213 cases collected. Based on stool examinations, Ascaris lumbricoides is still the most common followed by Giardia lamblia and Trichuris trichiura, respectively. From these 213 cases, Giardia was detected in 34 patients. Most of the subjects belong to the older age group between 7-10 years. Anorexia and weight loss are the most common complaints followed by diarrhoea. Based on the duration of complaints, giardiasis is a chronic infection. All 34 subjects were managed with metronidazole at a dose of 40 mg per kg per day in three divided doses for a period of seven days. Cure rate was 100% with no toxicity noted. Metronidazole is therefore suggested as a drug of choice for Giardia lamblia infection.

Child↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Septicemia following sinogram.

Contrast studies of draining sinus tracts can be of great assistance in defining the extent of an infection. Complications of this procedure must be quite rare. A 35-year-old paraplegic patient developed septicemia following a sinogram. An intraosseous venogram of the entire femoral shaft was visualized in addition to the sinus tract itself. The moderate pressure used to inject the dye may have contributed to the systemic spread of the infection and may be a hazard of sinography.

Adult↗