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T Foster

Publications and source records attributed to T Foster.

48 records · Page 3Linked to original sources

Virulence of protein A-deficient and alpha-toxin-deficient mutants of Staphylococcus aureus isolated by allele replacement.

The gene coding for protein A (spa) of Staphylococcus aureus 8325-4 has been inactivated by substituting part of the spa coding sequence for a DNA fragment specifying resistance to ethidium bromide. The in vitro-constructed spa::EtBrr substitution mutation was introduced into the S. aureus chromosome by recombinational allele replacement. Southern blot hybridization showed that the in vitro-constructed mutation was present in the chromosomal spa locus. We have previously reported the inactivation of the alpha-toxin gene (hly) by allele replacement with an in vitro-constructed hly::Emr (erythromycin resistance) mutation (M. O'Reilly, J.C.S. de Azavedo, S. Kennedy, and T.J. Foster, Microb. Pathogen. 1:125-138, 1986). A double Spa- Hly- mutant was constructed by transduction. The virulence of Spa- and Hly- mutants was tested by experimental infection of mice. When subcutaneous injections were given, Hly- mutants formed a flat, darkened lesion, whereas Hly+ strains caused a raised, cream lesion. Alpha-toxin was shown to be a major factor in forming subcutaneous lesions and in causing the death of mice injected intraperitoneally. Spa- mutants were slightly less virulent than their Spa+ counterparts, which suggests that protein A is also a virulence factor of S. aureus.

Animals↗

Temporomandibular joint: magnetic resonance imaging.

Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging of the temporomandibular joint was performed in two subjects using a 1.5 T experimental imaging system equipped with a 6.5 cm surface coil antenna. Normal and pathologic anatomy were demonstrated with exquisite detail. Anterior displacement of the joint meniscus was clearly visible in the symptomatic subject, consistent with arthrographic confirmation.

Adult↗

Surface-coil magnetic resonance imaging of the internal auditory canal.

Computed tomography is effective for detecting acoustic neuromas, but not for resolving individual nerves in the internal auditory canal. Surface-coil magnetic resonance (MR) images of the internal auditory canal were obtained using a 1.5 T superconducting magnet, a 13.5-cm-diameter surface coil, 3- and 5-mm-thick slices, and partial-saturation pulse sequences. Cranial nerves VII and VIII (three branches) were identified on MR images in volunteers and on corresponding cryomicrotomic sections. The nerves were obscured in one patient with an acoustic neuroma. Because high-resolution surface-coil images can demonstrate specific nerves in the internal auditory canal, MR should be a sensitive study to evaluate cranial nerves VII and VIII in patients with facial paralysis and neurosensory hearing loss that is congenital or caused by small acoustic neuromas.

Facial Nerve↗

Disablement and eye contact.

This study investigated the effect of height level and wheelchair presence on eye contact and interaction. Presence of a wheelchair increased eye contact to a standing colleague, possibly due to the wheelchair-confined individuals' perceived dependence on others.

Adult↗

Cloning, expression, and mapping of the Staphylococcus aureus alpha-hemolysin determinant in Escherichia coli K-12.

A fragment of Staphylococcus aureus DNA encoding the alpha-hemolysin determinant was cloned from strain Wood 46 by inserting Sau3A-generated genomic DNA fragments between the BamHI sites of the lambda replacement vector L47.1. Phages expressing alpha-hemolysin were detected by overlaying plaques formed from several thousand independent recombinant phage with erythrocytes and looking for zones of hemolysis. One phage expressing alpha-hemolysin was purified and named lambda w alpha 3. This was subsequently shown to contain a 10.2-kilobase pair insert of S. aureus DNA. A 7.6-kilobase pair HindIII fragment encoding the alpha-hemolysin was subcloned from lambda w alpha 3 into the plasmid vector pACYC184 to form the hybrid plasmid pDU1148. Escherichia coli K-12 cells harboring pDU1148 synthesized a low level of alpha-hemolysin which remained associated with the cells and was not secreted into culture supernatants. When the same strain was stabbed onto blood agar plates, no zones of hemolysis were detected after overnight growth at 37 degrees C but hemolysis developed if the plates were left at room temperature for 48 h. By introducing specific deletions or Tn5 insertions into plasmid pDU1148, the alpha-hemolysin gene was mapped to a region within a 3.3-kilobase pair EcoRI-HindIII fragment which was subcloned onto the vector plasmid pBR322. A specific enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay with peroxidase-labeled rabbit anti-alpha-hemolysin antibodies was used to measure the levels of alpha-hemolysin antigen expressed in E. coli K-12 cells harboring pDU1148 or a variety of pDU1148::Tn5 and pDU1148 deletion mutants.

Chromosome Mapping↗

Reentry concerns of incarcerated substance abusers.

To facilitate planning of a state-wide reentry program for parolees with histories of drug and alcohol abuse, group interviews were conducted to determine the perceived problems and reentry service needs of 110 male and female inmates of Oregon correctional institutions. Expressed concerns about problems related to frustrations of prison experience, familial and peer relationships, parole supervision, and day-to-day survival skills point to significant gaps and biases in existing reentry services planned from an "objective" viewpoint that slights direct assessment of potential clients' needs.

Adult↗

MR imaging of the optic nerve and sheath: correcting the chemical shift misregistration effect.

The interface between soft-tissue structures and adipose tissue may be obscured by the chemical shift misregistration effect on MR images. In the orbit, this effect occurs at the edges at the optic nerve, even on high-resolution local coil images. In both phantom and clinical studies with a 1.5 T local coil imaging system, it was found that the chemical shift misregistration effect can be minimized by positioning the patient so that the optic nerve is parallel to the frequency encoding gradient. Alternatively, the effect can be corrected by using a computer program to combine "lipid" and "water" proton images. The sensitivity of MR for optic nerve lesions should be improved by these technical modifications.

Child↗

Magnetic resonance imaging of the jugular foramen.

The jugular foramen in normal volunteers was studied with 1.5 T magnetic resonance (MR) systems in 3-mm-thick head- and surface-coil images. Anatomic sections through cadaver heads were correlated with the MR images to identify the jugular bulb and the course of cranial nerves IX-XI. Sagittal images were more useful than coronal or axial to show the course of these nerves through the skull base. MR demonstrates the anatomic relations of the jugular foramen (except its osseous margins) such that its primary use in evaluating this region can be anticipated.

Accessory Nerve↗