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Biomedical subjects

R Franklin

Publications and source records attributed to R Franklin.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed1995

[Women among a population at a psychiatric service in Senegal (psychosocial aspects)].

From a psychiatric consultation of women, the authors have tried to bring up the psychosocial aspects being very much influenced by the cultural context. They have discovered two profiles of these sort of women, they are either, married women under the stress of uncontrolled child-birth and are very much influenced by local tradition or are women being at a turning points of their life; adolescence, premenopause, and menopause. The authors have a well demonstrated the primordial role they take as natural (helpers) aids when a member of the family gives evidence of mental disorder.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1994

Activation of human monocytes via a non-neurokinin substance P receptor that is coupled to Gi protein, calcium, phospholipase D, MAP kinase, and IL-6 production.

Substance P (SP) is a tachykinin involved in the regulation of inflammatory processes. Tachykinins bind to three subtypes of neurokinin (NK) receptors. However, recently we demonstrated that monocytes express a SP binding site that is not one of the known NK receptors. Activation of this SP receptor leads to the stimulation of MAP kinase in monocytes. In the present paper we show that this novel SP binding site is coupled to a GTP binding protein of the Gi alpha 1/2 subclass. Triggering of the SP receptor leads to a rapid rise in cytosolic calcium. In a more sustained way, SP stimulates phospholipase D (PLD) activity in human monocytes. The effects of SP on calcium, PLD, and MAP kinase activity can be blocked by pretreatment of the cells with pertussis toxin, which is in agreement with receptor coupling to Gi. At a functional level, stimulation of the non-NK SP receptor on monocytes results in the induction of IL-6 production. We show here that the order of potency for activation of monocytes by various ligands is directly related to the Ki for displacement of labeled SP by these ligands. Therefore, our data strongly suggest that the effects of SP are mediated via the novel SP receptor we recently described.

Calcium↗
PubMed1994

Identification of human immunodeficiency virus type 2 in a New Zealand resident.

AIMS: To determine the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) types infecting a West African immigrant to New Zealand. To develop an HIV type 2 specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR). METHODS: The HIV antibody status of the patient was determined using both HIV-1 and dual HIV-1 and 2 enzyme immuno assays (EIA). Western blot with HIV-2 and HIV-1 and 2 strips was used as a confirmatory assay. DNA from white blood cells was extracted and HIV proviral DNA amplified using either primers specific to the HIV-2 gag region (VB305 and VB312) or to HIV-1 gag (SK38/39) and env (SK68/69) regions. Amplified products were electrophoretically resolved, southern blotted and probed with specific oligonucleotide probes. RESULTS: The patient serum was strongly reactive for HIV antibodies by EIA and showed multiple reactivity when tested by western blot against both HIV-1 and HIV-2 proteins. DNA was only amplified with primers specific to HIV-2 and the 298 bp product hybridized with an HIV-2 specific probe. No HIV-1 DNA was amplified from the patient. CONCLUSION: This individual is infected with HIV-2 and has most likely developed antibodies that cross-react with HIV-1. We believe this is the first report of an HIV-2 infected individual in New Zealand.

AIDS Serodiagnosis↗
PubMed1994

Isolation and expression of a gene specifying a cdc2-like protein kinase from the human malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum.

A partially redundant oligonucleotide based on conserved protein sequences of cdk and cdc2-like proteins was used to isolate from genomic libraries of Plasmodium falciparum fragments of chromosome XIII carrying a 288-residue open-reading frame encoding a protein kinase sharing 57-58% identity with yeast p34cdc2. Based on sequence data, base composition and the striking similarity with other cdk and related proteins, four intervening sequences were identified. Their removal in vitro allowed expression of the gene, designated PfPK5, in Escherichia coli, the resulting product having kinase activity against casein and histone H1. Western blotting using a polyclonal antibody raised against the expressed protein showed that the kinase was located in the parasite's cytosol and was present in approximately constant amounts throughout the intra-erythrocytic asexual reproductive stage of the life cycle. The PSTAIRE region of the PfPK5 protein differs at three sites from that of p34cdc2, and the gene failed to complement cdc2/28 yeast mutants. However, Western blotting showed that the gene was not expressed in yeast, so this does not eliminate the possibility that it is the malarial version of cdc2.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1993

Health risk appraisal differences between well elderly and university students.

A descriptive/correlational study was undertaken to compare lifestyle behaviors between the well elderly attending a nurse-managed clinic and students attending a university wellness center. The purpose of this study was threefold: (a) to determine current health behaviors of both well elderly and students, (b) to identify high-risk health practices among these two populations, and (c) to compare differences in health behaviors between the two groups. The Carter Center of Emory University Health Risk Appraisal (HRA) was used to measure the occurrence of selected health behaviors. The sample consisted of 173 well elderly and 110 students. Results of the study indicate that when age-related physiologic variables were removed, both groups were highly involved in risk preventive behaviors. Most differences could be explained by culture and age. Additional studies are needed to measure the effect of risk preventive behaviors on quality-of-life.

Adult↗
PubMed1993

Citrate modulation of high-affinity aspartate transport in prostate epithelial cells.

Prostate secretory epithelial cells have the unique and highly specialized function of accumulating and secreting extraordinarily high levels of citrate. Aspartate is a major four-carbon source of oxaloacetate required for the net synthesis of citrate by these cells. The prostate epithelial cells contain a Na(+)-coupled, high-affinity aspartate transporter which permits the cells to accumulate aspartate from circulation against a large concentration gradient. Because of this unique relationship between aspartate and citrate, it was important to determine if citrate modulated the high-affinity transport of aspartate into prostate epithelial cells. The current studies with freshly prepared prostate epithelial cells obtained from rat ventral prostate demonstrated that citrate exerted two effects on aspartate transport. Physiological levels of extracellular citrate (i.e., equivalent to circulating levels) markedly inhibited (cis-inhibitory effect) aspartate transport. In contrast, intracellular citrate at concentrations associated with normal in situ cells resulted in two levels of stimulation of aspartate transport. A 4-fold increase in aspartate transport occurred when the intracellular citrate was increased up to 500 nmols/g, and an 11-fold increase resulted when the intracellular citrate concentration was elevated to 1800 nmols/g (which is uniquely characteristic of prostate cells). The combined effect of the cis-inhibitory and trans-stimulatory actions of citrate was a consistent 1-2 fold increase in aspartate transport. These studies support the concept that citrate is a physiological regulator of the high-affinity transport of aspartate into prostate secretory epithelial cells in association with the unique and highly specialized function of net citrate production and secretion.

Animals↗
PubMed1993

Prevention of adhesion formation/reformation with the Gore-Tex Surgical Membrane.

Eighteen patients with extensive adhesions and 10 undergoing myomectomy had GORE-TEX Surgical Membranes placed in order to prevent adhesion formation/reformation. At the time of second-look laparoscopy the membranes were removed easily and the extent of adhesion was minimal. Preliminary data from 10 additional patients undergoing adhesiolysis demonstrated that the GSM resulted in significantly fewer adhesions than did oxidized regenerated cellulose. The number of patients in this group will be expanded to insure that this difference is maintained.

Adnexal Diseases↗
PubMed1991

Comparison of the calf suckling technique and milk oxytocin test for estimation of milk yields.

The calf suckling technique and milk oxytocin test were compared as methods to quantify lactation yields in Sanga-type cows in the multi-purpose livestock sector of central Zambia. There was no significant difference between the overall means derived from 154 observations. The oxytocin method interferes less with the multi-purpose system of management, is less time consuming and does not require expensive calf weight scales.

Analysis of Variance↗
PubMed1991

B-cell activation and regulation of immunoglobulin synthesis by platelet activating factor.

Platelet activating factor (PAF) is a highly potent phospholipid mediator known to be active in many biologic systems. To date little is known of the effect of PAF on B lymphocytes. Using three immunoglobulin (Ig)-secreting B-lymphoblastoid lines, we have demonstrated that PAF can influence both early activation and late differentiation events. Following addition of 10(-7) to 10(-11) M PAF, but not the inactive metabolite lyso-PAF, all three cell lines demonstrated rapid, dose-dependent increases in free cytosolic Ca2+ concentrations ([Ca2+]i). The changes in [Ca2+]i resulted from release of intracellular stored Ca2+ as well as transmembrane Ca2+ uptake. In parallel PAF caused significant alterations in the kinetics of Ig secretion in the Ig-secreting lymphocyte lines. A 6-12-fold increase in Ig production was detectable after 24 h of stimulation with PAF, which was followed by a plateau over the next 48 h. All of these events were inhibited by the specific PAF antagonists Web2086 and CV3988. PAF antagonists themselves had a profound effect, diminishing Ig production by the B-cell lines by up to 90%. These data indicate that PAF may have an important immunomodulatory role in B lymphocytes.

Azepines↗
PubMed1989

Development of a rat model for respiratory infection with Bordetella pertussis.

Considerable effort directed toward designing a safe and effective vaccine for Bordetella pertussis in which the cellular and/or acellular antigens necessary to confer immunity are known has been hampered by lack of information on the pathogenesis of the natural infection. The study presented here describes an animal model of lung infection by B. pertussis encased in agar beads in adult (200- to 220-g) male Sprague-Dawley rats. At 3 and 7 days after inoculation with phase I B. pertussis, organisms could be recovered from the lungs of rats; however, organisms were not recoverable at days 10 and 14 but reappeared in lung homogenates at day 21. Histopathological examination revealed findings similar to those seen in human disease. At day 3, a mild lymphocytic infiltrate was present in the bronchi, with progressive lymphoid hyperplasia peribronchially. By day 7, a necrotizing inflammation of the tracheobronchial mucous membranes, characterized by both mononuclear and polymorphonuclear cells, was noted. Phase III B. pertussis organisms were not recoverable from the lungs of inoculated rats at day 3 after inoculation, nor were histological changes noted in these animals. Clinical findings in phase I B. pertussis-infected rats included hypoglycemia, circulating lymphocytosis, and paroxysms in which air was forcibly expelled from the mouth or nose.

Animals↗
PubMed1989

Interleukin-2 suppression in cats naturally infected with feline leukemia virus.

Feline peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBLs) produce interleukin-2 (IL-2) when stimulated with concanavalin A (Con A) or the combination of the Ca2+ ionophore A23187 (A2) plus the phorbol ester phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate (PMA). To determine the status of T helper cell function in cats naturally infected with feline leukemia virus (FeLV), PBLs from 19 normal cats and 49 FeLV-infected (34 asymptomatic and 15 symptomatic) cats were tested for their ability to produce IL-2 in response to Con A or A2/PMA stimulation. In the case of Con A stimulation, 21, 41, and 67% of normal, FeLV-infected asymptomatic, and FeLV-infected symptomatic cats, respectively, failed to produce detectable levels of IL-2. In contrast, A2/PMA stimulation yielded high titers of IL-2 in 100% of the normal cats, 92% of asymptomatic cats, but only 44% of clinically ill cats. All of the A2/PMA nonresponders in the FeLV-infected symptomatic population were also unresponsive to Con A. T Helper immunosuppression was observed in cats with FeLV-induced lymphoproliferative diseases as well as cats with FeLV-associated acquired immune deficiency syndrome-like diseases. These data suggest that TH immunosuppression in naturally infected viremic cats may precede development of clinical disease. Moreover, the ability to restore TH function with A2/PMA is diminished with development of clinical disease.

Animals↗
PubMed1988

Comparison of a protein-stabilized Rotazyme II test, with standard Rotazyme II, and electron microscopy for detection of rotavirus.

We compared the performance of Rotazyme II with protein-stabilized diluent to standard Rotazyme II and to direct electron microscopy, for the detection of rotavirus. Sensitivity and specificity were: standard Rotazyme II, 79 and 100%, respectively; Rotazyme II with protein stabilizers, both 100%, and electron microscopy, 75 and 100%, respectively. Commercial availability of this product should improve rotavirus detection for laboratories utilizing Rotazyme II methodology.

Child↗
PubMed1985

Localisation of ventricular septal defects by simultaneous display of superimposed colour Doppler and cross sectional echocardiographic images.

Precise non-invasive localisation of the site of a small ventricular septal defect was attempted using a new technique that simultaneously combines conventional cross sectional echocardiography with a Doppler system by superimposing the colour coded direction and velocity of blood flow directly on to real time ultrasound images. Twenty three patients with unoperated ventricular septal defects and a further eight after surgical closure were studied; 12 children with normal hearts served as controls. A colour coded blood flow jet entering the right ventricle during systole was identified in all 23 unoperated patients, in 11 of whom the defect was too small to be visualised by conventional cross sectional echocardiography. The colour Doppler technique precisely located 19 perimembranous and five trabecular defects (one patient had two defects). Five of the postoperative patients were without clinical evidence of a significant shunt but had pansystolic murmurs. In each of these five, trans-septal shunt blood flow as demonstrated by colour Doppler images whereas in only three of these patients was the residual defect large enough to be visualised by conventional cross sectional echocardiography. Three postoperative patients had no murmurs and showed no residual shunt on colour Doppler images. This was confirmed at cardiac catheterisation. There were no false positive results among the controls. This technique is useful for the more accurate diagnosis and location of ventricular septal defects and may help in assessing their natural or surgical closure.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1985

Antiemetic efficacy of levonantradol compared to delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol for chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting.

The antiemetic efficacy of im levonantradol, a synthetic cannabinoid, given at a dose of 1 mg every 4 hours, was compared to oral delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) given at a dose of 15 mg every 4 hours in a double-blind crossover study. Twenty-six patients receiving emetogenic cancer chemotherapy were evaluated. For each drug, 28% of treated patients had no nausea. The median number of emetic episodes with levonantradol was 2.0 versus 3.0 for THC (P = 0.06). Side effects occurred in 91.7% and 97.3% of levonantradol and THC patients, respectively, with drowsiness and dizziness most commonly seen. Side effects were generally well-tolerated, with only 13.9% of levonantradol and 21.6% of THC patients discontinuing treatment because of side effects. Levonantradol appears to be at least as effective an antiemetic as THC and is the only cannabinoid available for parenteral use.

Adult↗