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Biomedical subjects

R Eberle

Publications and source records attributed to R Eberle.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources

Spontaneous induction of malignancy in mouse cells by a human small cell lung cancer implanted in nude mice.

This report provides evidence for spontaneous transfer of human tumor DNA in vivo to mouse cells by a human small cell lung cancer implanted in nude mice. The transformation of the mouse cells was characterized by the presence of neurosecretory granules, which are hallmarks of small cell lung cancer. The carcinogenicity of the human xenografted tumor DNA was confirmed by transfecting NIH3T3 cells in vitro, suggesting that the human tumor DNA may have been the cause of the transformation of the mouse cells in vivo. The spontaneous induction of malignancy in mouse cells in vivo by human tumor DNA may be a factor of potential importance in tumor cell heterogeneity and propagation of the malignant state for some tumors. The observations support the thesis that some human cancer cells can transform normal cells to become malignant in vivo.

Animals↗

Tracheoesophageal puncture for voice restoration after extended laryngopharyngectomy.

Tracheoesophageal puncture was performed in ten of our patients undergoing extended laryngopharyngectomy. Three fistulas were allowed to close, and two patients were dissatisfied with their results, which allowed for an overall 50% success rate in this subgroup. The resultant voice was objectively compared with similar groups of patients undergoing primary and secondary tracheoesophageal puncture after standard laryngectomy. There was no significant difference in maximum phonation time, average speaking intensity, and average fundamental frequency between these groups. However, the maximum intensity and average intensity were significantly lower for the flap group. Our results indicate that tracheoesophageal puncture should be attempted in patients undergoing the extended procedure, notwithstanding a lower expected success rate.

Aged↗

Topological distribution of virus-specific and cross-reactive antigenic determinants on the gB glycoprotein of the herpes simplex viruses.

The antigenic properties and relations between the herpes simplex virus type 1 and 2 (HSV1, HSV2) gB glycoproteins were investigated. Using several assay systems to analyze the virus-specific reactivity of polyclonal monospecific rabbit anti-gB sera, it was demonstrated that most of the antigenic determinants of the gB glycoproteins exposed at the surface of both virions and infected cells are virus-specific rather than cross-reactive. Comparative examination of the reactivity of human immune sera with HSV1 and HSV2 antigens by immunoblotting also revealed differences in the ability of HSV1 and HSV2 immune sera to recognize homologous vs. heterologous gB antigens. These results indicate that despite the high degree of amino acid sequence homology which exists between the HSV1 and HSV2 gB glycoproteins many of the immunologically relevant antigenic determinants of the gB glycoproteins probably reside in regions of the molecule which are not so highly conserved between the two HSV serotypes.

Antibodies, Viral↗

Hyperdense middle cerebral artery: incidence and quantitative significance.

The hyperdense middle cerebral artery sign (HMCAS) is recognized as a CT finding that indicates thrombus or embolus within the middle cerebral artery. The incidence and significance of this sign are quantitatively evaluated in 50 patients entered into experimental drug studies for treatment of cerebral infarction.

Acute Disease↗

Simian alphaherpesviruses and their relation to the human herpes simplex viruses.

Biochemical and immunological properties of structural and non-structural polypeptides of the human simplex viruses (HSV1 and HSV2) and four related herpesviruses of non-human primates [Herpesvirus simiae (B virus), H. cercopithicus (SA8), H. saimiri 1 (HVS 1), and H. ateles 1 (HVA 1)] were compared. Using a radioimmunoassay (RIA), the presence of antigenic determinants shared among all six viruses was demonstrated. The relative degree of antigenic cross-reactivity among these viruses was further assessed by competition RIA. Antigenically, HSV 1 and HSV 2 were most closely related to each other although both SA 8 and B virus were also very closely related to HSV 1. Considerably less cross-reactivity existed between either HVS 1 or HVA 1 and the other four primate herpesviruses. Cross-hybridization between simian and human herpesvirus genomes demonstrated that extensive homology exists between each of the simian viruses and both HSV1 and HSV 2. Viral polypeptides bearing common antigenic determinants were identified by immune precipitation of infected cell polypeptides and by immunoblotting. Among the polypeptides of HSV which were recognized by antisera to simian viruses were the VP 5 and p40 proteins, both of which are structural components of the virion nucleocapsid. Using recombinant plasmids containing sequences of the HSV 1 VP5, p40, DNA polymerase, major DNA binding protein, and TK enzyme genes, homologous sequences were detected in all four simian viruses. Together, these results demonstrate that HSV 1, HSV 2, SA 8, and B virus form a closely related sub-group of the primate herpesviruses; HVS 1 and HVA 1 are also related to the other four primate herpesviruses, albeit more distantly.

Antigens, Viral↗

Relatedness of glycoproteins expressed on the surface of simian herpes-virus virions and infected cells to specific HSV glycoproteins.

The antigenic relatedness of the surface glycoprotein antigens of six herpesviruses indigenous to human and nonhuman primates was examined. Binding of anti-viral sera to viral antigens expressed on the surface of infected cells demonstrated that the surface antigens of herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV 1), HSV 2, simian agent 8 (SA8), and Herpesvirus simiae (B virus) exhibit extensive cross-reactivity. Surface antigens of two viruses isolated from South American primates, H. saimiri 1 (HVS 1) and H. ateles 1 (HVA 1), were comparatively more virus-specific in their antigenic reactivity. Endpoint neutralization tests performed in the presence and absence of complement confirmed these results. Immunoprecipitation of viral proteins was used to identify those representing cross-reactive surface antigens. A glycoprotein of approximately 110,000-125,000 Daltons (110-125 k) was immunoprecipitated from cells infected with each of the six primate herpesvirus by antisera to each of the viruses. Using monospecific antisera, these glycoproteins were shown to be antigenically related to the gB glycoproteins of HSV. Although these glycoproteins were antigenically conserved among all six viruses, antibodies to the gB glycoproteins did not cross-neutralize heterologous viruses. A glycoprotein of approximately 60-70 k was precipitated from HSV 1, HSV 2, SA8, and B virus infected cells by antisera to each of these four viruses. These SA8 and B virus glycoproteins were shown to be antigenically related to the gD glycoproteins of HSV 1 and HSV 2 and to be involved in cross-neutralization among these viruses. Antisera to HVS 1 and HVA 1 did not recognize these gD glycoproteins nor was a glycoprotein of similar molecular weight precipitable from HVS 1 or HVA 1 infected cells by antisera to the other four viruses. Southern blot hybridizations using probes for HSV glycoprotein genes confirmed the conservation of the gB glycoproteins among all the simian viruses and of the gD gene in SA8 and B virus. A glycoprotein of approximately 75-80 k was, however, precipitated from HVS 1 and HVA 1 infected cells by antisera to either of these two viruses. In addition, at least one glycoprotein which appeared to be predominantly virus-specific in its reactivity was identified for five of the viruses.

Animals↗

Use of high dose naloxone in acute stroke: possible side-effects.

The effects of high dose naloxone in humans have not been studied extensively. We treated 36 patients who had acute ischemic cerebral infarction with high doses of naloxone to evaluate potential efficacy and toxicity. All patients were treated with a 160-mg/m2 (4-mg/kg) loading dose followed by 80 mg/m2.h (2 mg/kg.h) x 24 h. There were no statistically significant changes in group mean arterial pressure, respiratory rate, or heart rate in response to the loading dose or infusion, although clinically significant changes did occur in four patients. Twenty-three patients had adverse reactions possibly related to naloxone, the most common of which were nausea (n = 20), bradycardia and/or hypotension (n = 3), myoclonus (n = 1), and hypertension (n = 1). Seven patients had naloxone discontinued for possible adverse reactions. All adverse reactions abated with discontinuation of naloxone and/or pharmacologic therapy when indicated. No deaths were attributable to naloxone treatment. High dose naloxone appears to be well tolerated in the majority of elderly patients with acute cerebral infarction.

Adult↗

Serological evidence for variation in the incidence of herpesvirus infections in different species of apes.

Sera from captive lowland gorillas, chimpanzees, orangutans, and gibbons were screened by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for antibody to herpesviruses serologically related to human herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2 (HSV-1, HSV-2), a baboon virus (SA8), and a macaque herpesvirus (B virus). The incidence of herpesvirus antibodies varied considerably among the different species, gorillas having the highest incidence of seropositivity (65.4%) and orangutans the lowest. The virus specificity of positive sera was further analyzed by examining the kinetics of virus neutralization, competition of reactivity in ELISAs, and immunoblotting against HSV-1, HSV-2, SA8, and B virus antigens. Using these assays, the majority of positive gorilla sera (49 of 53, 92%) were determined to react in a manner identical to human HSV-1 immune sera. The remaining four positive gorilla sera reacted as HSV-2-positive sera. In contrast, the majority of positive chimpanzee sera (5 of 7, 71%) reacted as HSV-2 immune rather than HSV-1 immune. All positive sera from gibbon apes reacted as HSV-1 positive. No orangutan sera were identified which gave positive reactions by ELISAs to any of the four primate herpesviruses tested. Although four orangutan sera gave equivocal results against HSV-1 antigen, further analysis by immunoblotting could not confirm any specific reactivity with any of the primate herpesvirus antigens. Varied reactivity among individual animals with both SA8 and B virus proteins was observed, but none of the seropositive primates detected appeared to be infected with either of these simian viruses. Three gorilla sera had antigen recognition patterns slightly different from those of HSV-2-positive human and chimpanzee sera and another HSV-2-positive gorilla serum, raising the possibility that these animals harbor an indigenous virus related to HSV-2.

Animals↗

Measurements of acute cerebral infarction: a clinical examination scale.

We designed a 15-item neurologic examination stroke scale for use in acute stroke therapy trials. In a study of 24 stroke patients, interrater reliability for the scale was found to be high (mean kappa = 0.69), and test-retest reliability was also high (mean kappa = 0.66-0.77). Test-retest reliability did not differ significantly among a neurologist, a neurology house officer, a neurology nurse, or an emergency department nurse. The stroke scale validity was assessed by comparing the scale scores obtained prospectively on 65 acute stroke patients to the patients' infarction size as measured by computed tomography scan at 1 week and to the patients' clinical outcome as determined at 3 months. These correlations (scale-lesion size r = 0.68, scale-outcome r = 0.79) suggested acceptable examination and scale validity. Of the 15 test items, the most interrater reliable item (pupillary response) had low validity. Less reliable items such as upper or lower extremity motor function were more valid. We discuss methods for improving the reliability and validity of brief examination scales to be used in stroke therapy trials.

Cerebrovascular Disorders↗

Measurements of acute cerebral infarction: lesion size by computed tomography.

As part of a prospective therapy study of 65 patients with acute, nonhemorrhagic, cerebral infarction, computed tomographic scans of the head were obtained at admission, 7-10 days, and 3 months. The scans were analyzed for the presence, site, size, and volume measurement of the infarction. At 7-10 days, the mean infarction volume as measured by computed tomography was 55 cm3 or about 4 x 4 x 3.5 cm (range = 0-507 cm3). At 3 months, the mean infarction volume decreased by 25% to 41 cm3. For the 26 scans showing infarction at the time of admission, the mean lesion volume was 33 cm3 at admission, 51 cm3 at 7-10 days, and 49 cm3 at 3 months. With lesion size at 7-10 days expressed as percentage of total brain volume, the mean infarction size was only 5%. Of the 49 patients with lesions revealed by computed tomography at 7-10 days, 20 had an infarction of 1% or less of total brain volume, while only six had an infarction of 20% or more of total brain volume. The lesion volumes as measured by the 7-10-day computed tomography correlated with the neurologic examination scores on admission (Spearman's rank-order correlation = 0.78) and with the scores at 1 week (Spearman's rank-order correlation = 0.79).

Acute Disease↗

Use of ancrod in acute or progressing ischemic cerebral infarction.

Ancrod has been used in Europe for over 15 years for peripheral vascular disease, deep vein thrombosis, and central retinal venous thrombosis, and in patients at risk for thromboembolism. In a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study at University Hospitals in Cincinnati, 20 acute cerebral infarction patients received a series of IV infusions of ancrod (ten) or placebo (ten) for seven days. Early fibrinolysis with a small decrease in fibrinogen was observed, and d-dimers were elevated at four hours, indicating early clot lysis. At three months, patients with moderate to severe strokes (less than 40 on the Scandinavian Stroke Scale) in the ancrod group showed average improvement by a factor of 3 over the placebo group. No bleeding, abnormal laboratory results, or deaths occurred, but ancrod was discontinued in one patient who had seizures. As a result of this study, a double-blind multicenter international clinical trial to further assess the safety and effectiveness of ancrod is being planned.

Ancrod↗

A recombinant vaccinia virus expressing herpes simplex virus type 1 glycoprotein B induces cytotoxic T lymphocytes in mice.

Spleen cells from BALB/c (H-2d) mice vaccinated with vgB11, a recombinant vaccinia virus which expresses glycoprotein B (gB) of herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1), lysed EMT6 (H-2d) target cells infected with vgB11 or with HSV-1 but did not lyse uninfected EMT6 cells or infected L-929 (H-2k) target cells. Unlabelled target cell competition of lysis showed that only syngeneic cells infected with vgB11 or HSV-1 inhibited lysis of radiolabelled HSV-1-infected targets. These results demonstrate that vgB11 induces H-2-restricted anti-HSV-1 cytotoxic T lymphocytes and that gB is the target antigen.

Animals↗

Herpesvirus simiae (B virus): replication of the virus and identification of viral polypeptides in infected cells.

The events and products of replication of Herpesvirus simiae (B virus) in Vero cells were studied. The time course of the synthetic events of DNA replication and protein synthesis were found to be similar to the processes of the herpes simplex viruses and SA 8. Infectious progeny virus were detected by 4 hours post infection and were first found extracellularly between 6 and 8 hours post infection (PI). As in the case of SA 8, all cell lines tested were permissive for lytic infection by B virus. Analyses of B virus-infected cells by SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) revealed approximately 50 infected cell polypeptides (ICP) ranging in molecular weight from about 26,000 to 239,000 daltons. The kinetics of synthesis of the ICPs were also identified. At least nine glucosamine-containing glycopeptides were noted ranging from 133,000 to 29,000 daltons.

Animals↗

Expression of herpes simplex virus 1 glycoprotein B by a recombinant vaccinia virus and protection of mice against lethal herpes simplex virus 1 infection.

The herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) strain F gene encoding glycoprotein gB was isolated and modified at the 5' end by in vitro oligonucleotide-directed mutagenesis. The modified gB gene was inserted into the vaccinia virus genome and expressed under the control of a vaccinia virus promoter. The mature gB glycoprotein produced by the vaccinia virus recombinant was glycosylated, was expressed at the cell surface, and was indistinguishable from authentic HSV-1 gB in terms of electrophoretic mobility. Mice immunized intradermally with the recombinant vaccinia virus produced gB-specific neutralizing antibodies and were resistant to a lethal HSV-1 challenge.

Animals↗

Processing of the herpes simplex virus type 2 glycoprotein gG-2 results in secretion of a 34,000-Mr cleavage product.

Herpes simplex virus type 2 glycoprotein gG-2 undergoes a cleavage event during its synthesis and processing. The focus of this report is on the detection and fate of the small-molecular-weight component of gG-2, designated the 34K component. In cultures containing the inhibitor monensin, a 31K component accumulated within infected cells. In contrast, the intracellular accumulation of this 31K precursor was not detected in cultures grown in the absence of the inhibitor. However, the 34K component of gG-2 was found in the extracellular culture fluid. The data suggest that the 31K high-mannose cleavage product of gG-2 is further glycosylated and rapidly secreted from herpes simplex virus type 2-infected cells; however, if glycosylation is perturbed, the 31K high-mannose form remains cell associated.

Biological Transport↗

New chromogenic substrates for thrombin with increased specificity.

Chromogenic substrates for thrombin with high specificity are necessary for several functional assays, especially for the performance of photometric PT and APTT. A new approach to improve the specificity of chromogenic peptide substrates is made coupling tripeptide sequences selective for thrombin to derivatives of 5-amino-2-nitro benzoic acid (ANBA). Especially when the chromophore's side chain is substituted by amines or amino acids hydrolysis rates by other enzymes like kallikrein, plasmin or factor Xa are decreased significantly compared to corresponding para-nitroanilides of the same amino acid sequence. On the other hand, most of these compounds are still sensitive thrombin substrates. KM-values for thrombin and other enzymes are in the same order of magnitude as corresponding pNA-peptides. ANBA peptide substrates may be useful to measure thrombin selectively in a mixture of other proteases like plasmin, factor Xa or kallikrein and for the colorimetric determination of PT and APTT.

Chromogenic Compounds↗

Comparison of the primate alphaherpesviruses. I. Characterization of two herpesviruses from spider monkeys and squirrel monkeys and viral polypeptides synthesized in infected cells.

Biological and biochemical properties of two neurotropic herpesviruses of New World monkeys--Herpesvirus saimiri type 1 (HVS-1) and Herpesvirus ateles type 1 (HVA-1)--were examined and compared. HVS-1 and HVA-1 both exhibited a time course of replication similar to another primate herpesvirus, SA 8. Both viruses grew rapidly and high titers of infectious virus were readily produced. HVS-1 and HVA-1 were also able to replicate efficiently in cell lines derived from a number of primate and non-primate species. Analysis of proteins synthesized in infected cells revealed the presence of over 30 virus-specific proteins ranging from less than 30,000 to over 200,000 daltons apparent molecular weight. Both viruses specified synthesis of a major capsid polypeptide of 148,000 daltons. Pulse labeling of cells during infection demonstrated temporal differences in the kinetics of synthesis of individual viral proteins and post-translational modification of a number of viral polypeptides. Glycosylated polypeptides synthesized in HVS-1 and HVA-1 infected cells were identified which ranged from approximately 49,000 to 120,000 daltons. Structural polypeptides of HVA-1 and HVS-1 virions were identified by SDS-PAGE analysis of purified virions. Taken together with clinical data on the diseases caused by these viruses, these studies indicate that HVS-1 and HVA-1 appear similar in many respects to both the human herpes simplex viruses and alphaherpesviruses of other primates.

Animals↗

Primary tracheoesophageal puncture for voice restoration.

A 93 percent success rate of voice restoration after primary tracheoesophageal puncture was achieved in 15 patients. Patients were usually able to talk within 3 weeks after laryngectomy. Male patients without chronic obstructive lung disease achieved better results. The incidence of complication after this procedure were not significantly different from a group of 111 patients who underwent laryngectomy alone. Finally, early speech acquisition provides a substantial psychologic boost for the patient undergoing total laryngectomy.

Adult↗