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T Scott

Publications and source records attributed to T Scott.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed1997

A 200 kDa protein is associated with haemagglutinating isolates of Moraxella (Branhamella) catarrhalis.

Moraxella catarrhalis adheres to human erythrocytes by means of a proteinaceous, trypsin sensitive, heat modifiable haemagglutinin. A 200 kDa protein was found to be associated with haemagglutinating isolates of M. catarrhalis. This protein was present on all haemagglutinating isolates (n = 17), but was absent on the non-haemagglutinating isolates (n = 23) examined. This protein demonstrated heat-modifiable properties in sodium dodecyl sulfate and was degraded by trypsin. Immunoblot assays with polyclonal antiserum indicated that the 200 kDa protein was associated exclusively with haemagglutinating isolates and antibodies to this protein did not recognise epitopes on non-haemagglutinating isolates. This protein, which appears to be a surface expressed protein may be a haemagglutinin of M. catarrhalis.

Bacterial Proteins↗
PubMed1997

Studies on haemagglutination and serum resistance status of strains of Moraxella catarrhalis isolated from the elderly.

A total of 40 strains of Moraxella catarrhalis, isolated from the sputum of elderly persons with respiratory tract infections and from nasopharyngeal swabs from healthy elderly, were examined for haemagglutination of human red blood cells and resistance to bactericidal activity in normal human serum (NHS). 15 of 20 strains isolated from the infected elderly and 3 of 20 strains isolated from the healthy elderly showed haemagglutinating properties (p < 0.001). Similarly, 13 of 20 strains from the infected group and 2 of 20 strains from the healthy group were found to be resistant to the bactericidal activity of NHS (p < 0.001). Strains of M. catarrhalis which were associated with respiratory tract infections in the elderly, in contrast to strains colonizing the healthy elderly, were found to be predominantly haemagglutinating for human red blood cells and resistant to complement killing in NHS.

Adult↗
PubMed1997

Attractant resting boxes for rapid collection and surveillance of Aedes aegypti (L.) inside houses.

Three different resting station designs made of cardboard covered with black cloth were evaluated for their attractiveness to Aedes aegypti populations resting inside houses in Thailand. Box designs attracted more females (but not males) than an open-panel design. Thirty to 60% of all adult Ae. aegypti resting inside houses were collected by aspirating from 2-4 resting boxes placed inside houses. Tall boxes (90 cm) did not attract more females or males than short boxes (45 cm). Forty-two percent more females (but fewer males) were attracted to boxes when oviposition bowls were placed inside the boxes. Four boxes per house attracted 32% more mosquitoes than two boxes. Aspirating from artificial resting stations is an efficient and rapid method for sampling male and teneral, bloodfed, and gravid female Ae. aegypti resting inside houses.

Aedes↗
PubMed1997

The effect of histone-mRNA interaction in protein synthesis.

The effect of lysine-rich and arginine-rich histones on selective inhibition of translation of mRNAs of tobacco mosaic virus (TMV), brome mosaic virus (BMV) and luciferase, in rabbit reticulocyte (RRL) was evaluated. Nuclease-treated RRL were supplemented with an appropriate mRNA and incubated with lysine-rich or arginine-rich histones at 5 and 2.5 micrograms/100 microliters lysate at 30 degrees C. Protein synthesis was measured as incorporation of 3H-leucine into protein for 24 min. The lysine-rich histone was more inhibitory than arginine-rich histone. At 5 and 2.5 micrograms/100 microliters lysate concentration, the lysine-rich histone inhibited translation of TMV mRNA by 57% and 35%, respectively, after 24 min. The corresponding values for arginine-rich histone were 31% and 13%. Both histones had a more inhibitory effect on the translation of viral mRNA than luciferase mRNA. Arginine-rich histone at 2.5 micrograms/100 microliters lysate did not cause any inhibition of luciferase mRNA. The spectrophotometric analysis of histone-mRNA mixtures at 280 nm indicated that, compared with arginine-rich histone, lysine-rich histone had a stronger affinity for mRNA.

Animals↗
PubMed1996

Cardiac hypertrophy and telemetered blood pressure 6 wk after baroreceptor denervation in normotensive rats.

We investigated cardiac morphometry 6 wk after sinoaortic baroreceptor denervation (SAD) in Long-Evans rats. SAD (n = 19) was associated with an 11% increase in the weight of the left ventricle (LV) plus septum (P < 0.001) and a 39% increase in that of the right ventricular (RV) free wall (P < 0.001), relative to sham-operated rats (n = 18). RV wall thickness was significantly increased in SAD animals, but there was no difference in the LV wall thickness and volumes of the RV and LV between groups. Constrictor responses to methoxamine and dilation responses to acetylcholine were assessed in an in vitro perfused mesenteric circulation preparation, but neither response was affected by SAD. Baroreceptor denervation was associated with marked and significant increases in the variability (2.8-fold) and daily peak (39 mmHg) levels of telemetered mean arterial pressure (MAP) and small (5%) but significant increases in the daily mean MAP level. Our results are consistent with an effect of increased MAP variability on ventricular weight but cannot rule out possible contributions from other mechanisms.

Animals↗
PubMed1996

Haemagglutination properties of Moraxella (Branhamella) catarrhalis.

The ability of 30 isolates of Moraxella (Branhamella) catarrhalis to haemagglutinate erythrocytes of five species was examined. Two haemagglutination phenotypes of M. catarrhalis were observed: phenotype I isolates (n = 10) agglutinated human erythrocytes, while phenotype II isolates (n = 7) agglutinated both human and rabbit erythrocytes. No haemagglutination was observed with chick, sheep or horse erythrocytes. Haemagglutination by both phenotype I and II isolates was abolished following treatment of these isolates with pronase and trypsin, while heat treatment at 70 degrees C markedly reduced the level of haemagglutination by both sets of isolates. Haemagglutination by phenotype II isolates was inhibited by galactose, whereas haemagglutination by phenotype I isolates was not inhibited by this carbohydrate. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) studies showed that very close cell-surface interactions occurred when both phenotypes of M. catarrhalis adhered to the human erythrocyte. Fimbrial attachment was not apparent. Haemagglutinating isolates of both phenotypes had a trypsin-sensitive outer fibrillar coat when examined by TEM.

Animals↗
PubMed1995

Proenzyme of Manduca sexta phenol oxidase: purification, activation, substrate specificity of the active enzyme, and molecular cloning.

Phenol oxidase (PO) was isolated as a proenzyme (pro-phenol oxidase, pro-PO) from the hemolymph of Manduca sexta larvae and purified to homogeneity. Pro-PO exhibits a M(r) of 130,000 on gel filtration and two bands with an apparent M(r) of approximately 100,000 on SDS/PAGE, as well as size-exclusion HPLC. Activation of pro-PO was achieved either by specific proteolysis by a cuticular protease or by the detergent cetylpyridinium chloride at a concentration below the critical micellar concentration. A cDNA clone for M. sexta pro-PO was obtained from a larval hemocyte cDNA library. The clone encodes a polypeptide of approximately 80,000 Da that contains two copper-binding sites and shows high sequence similarity to POs, hemocyanins, and storage proteins of arthropods. The M. Sexta pro-PO, together with other arthropod pro-POs, contains a short stretch of amino acids with sequence similarity to the thiol ester region of alpha-macroglobulins and complement proteins C3 and C4.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1995

Unaltered thyroid function in mice responding to a highly immunogenic thyrotropin receptor: implications for the establishment of a mouse model for Graves' disease.

Grave's disease (GD) is a common disorder characterized by the presence of autoantibodies to the thyrotropin receptor. In the past, the exceedingly low expression of the thyrotropin receptor on thyrocytes has not allowed its purification in quantities sufficient to investigate the establishment of an animal model for this disease. In this study, we have purified the 398-amino acid, extracellular region of the human thyrotropin receptor (TSH-R.E) from insect cells using recombinant baculovirus, and explored its immunopathogenic properties in H-2b,d,q,k,s strains of mice. The receptor preparation was highly immunogenic since it elicited strong specific proliferative T cell responses as well as IgG responses in all strains tested. In addition, hyperimmunization with TSH-R.E induced (i) serum antibodies that blocked the binding of 125I-TSH to its receptor, a common feature of GD autoantibodies; and (ii) IgG that reacted with a synthetic peptide (residues 32-54) from the N-terminus of the receptor, a region implicated in the binding of thyroid stimulating antibodies. In SJL animals only, a weak antibody response to two other thyroid antigens, thyroglobulin and thyroid peroxidase, was also observed. The presence of these antibodies, however, was not accompanied by a detectable alteration in thyroid function as assessed by the measurement of serum TSH, T4 and iodine levels. Also mononuclear infiltration of the thyroid gland or morphological changes compatible with an activation state of thyrocytes were not apparent in TSH-R-challenged mice. In contrast, mice treated with the anti-oxidant aminotriazole showed a dramatic increase in serum TSH levels and an activated follicular epithelium. These data demonstrate that a highly immunogenic TSH-R.E in mice does not necessarily provide a proper stimulus for the induction of a hyper- or hypothyroid status as defined by hormonal or histological criteria. Main reasons for the inability to induce receptor-specific antibodies that affect thyroid function such as those generated in GD are likely to be the inappropriate folding of the recombinant extracellular domain of the receptor, or the xenogeneic nature of the autoantigen.

Animals↗
PubMed1995

Complex formation between mushroom tyrosinase and Manduca dopachrome isomerase.

Melanin biosynthesis in animals is initiated by the ubiquitously present tyrosinase and is aided by dopachrome isomerase. We have characterized a novel dopachrome isomerase (decarboxylating) from the hemolymph of Manduca sexta that generates a new quinone methide intermediate during melanogenesis (Sugumaran, M. and Semensi, V. (1991) J. Biol. Chem. 266, 6073-6078). This enzyme has the ability to form a complex with mushroom tyrosinase as judged by a number of physicochemical studies. The isomerase exhibited a marked inhibitory effect on tyrosinase and tyrosinase reciprocated by inhibiting the isomerase. While the isomerase showed no activity toward preformed dopaminechrome, it readily influenced the stability of dopaminechrome generated in situ by tyrosinase. Moreover, mushroom tyrosinase, which lacked specific binding to Concanavalin A Sepharose column, after complexing with the isomerase exhibited binding to this column. The complex formation also affected the pI value as well as mobility on a size exclusion column of these enzymes. Enzymes executing sequential metabolic transformation are known to form complexes called metabolons. Based on these above studies, it is concluded that both the enzymes involved in insect melanogenic pathway--phenoloxidase and dopachrome isomerase--are able to form a metabolon complex.

Animals↗
PubMed1995

In vitro evaluation of the pneumocandin antifungal agent L-733560, a new water-soluble hybrid of L-705589 and L-731373.

Lipopeptide L-733560 is a hybrid analog of L-731373 and L-705589. All are water-soluble semisynthetic pneumocandin Bo derivatives. In vitro susceptibility testing of L-705589, L-731373, and L-733560 against more than 200 clinical isolates consisting of eight Candida species, Cryptococcus neoformans, and three Aspergillus species was performed by the broth microdilution methods. All three pneumocandins exhibited potent anti-Candida activity and moderate anti-C. neoformans activity. However, anti-Aspergillus activity was demonstrated only by an agar disk diffusion method. Antifungal agent-resistant Candida species and C. neoformans showed susceptibility comparable to that of susceptible isolates. Growth inhibition kinetic studies against Candida albicans revealed fungicidal activity within 3 to 5 h. Drug combination studies with pneumocandins and amphotericin B revealed indifferent activity against C. albicans and additive effects against C. neoformans and Aspergillus fumigatus. The activities of the compounds were not dramatically affected by the presence of serum. Resistance induction studies showed that the susceptibility of C. albicans MY1055 was not significantly altered by repeated exposure to subinhibitory concentrations of L-733560. Erythrocyte hemolysis studies indicated minimal hemolytic potential with pneumocandins. Results from preclinical evaluations and development studies performed thus far indicate that the pneumocandins should be safe, broad-spectrum fungicidal agents and potent parenteral antifungal agents.

Animals↗
PubMed1995

1995 almanac. EMS in the United States. 1995 survey of providers in the 200 most populous cities.

In summary, the continued acquisition of technology capable of providing managers with comprehensive analysis of system operations will enable managers to develop EMS configuration models capable of predicting operational and financial performance. Increased involvement of MCOs in the design and funding of EMS, in addition to recent HCFA decisions to reimburse for treatment--not provider training--will result in a move away from funding mechanisms that reward consumption of services to mechanisms that reward conservation (e.g., capitation). Ultimately, we (the authors) predict that the realignment of funding mechanisms, with assurances that quality patient care will not deteriorate, will result in some significant changes in the 200 most populous cities.

Data Collection↗
PubMed1995

EMS equipment of the future.

Just Imagine ... NASA contracts you to design the next lunar module. Or General Motors solicits you to work on an entirely new approach to carrying luggage in cars that will come off the assembly line in the year 2020. You ask, what does this have to do with me? EMSAT, that's what. If you're involved in EMS, read on. It's your future.

Ambulances↗
PubMed1994

Acute transverse myelitis: a retrospective study using magnetic resonance imaging.

The prognostic value of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the syndrome of acute transverse myelitis had not been evaluated. After retrospective study of 14 cases, we found that MRI is valuable for both diagnosis and prognosis in this illness. The criteria for the diagnosis of acute transverse myelitis consisted of acute onset (over less than 3 weeks) of symmetrical motor and sensory dysfunction referable to a distinct spinal cord level, with sphincter dysfunction. Patients with abnormal MRIs of the spinal cord had significantly worse outcomes than patients with normal MRIs.

Acute Disease↗
PubMed1994

Epidemiology of hepatitis C virus: a study of male blood donors in Saudi Arabia.

BACKGROUND: Few epidemiologic reports on the prevalence of hepatitis C in Saudi blood donors have been published. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Men (of several nationalities) donating blood at the King Khalid National Guard Hospital (Jeddah, Saudi Arabia) were randomly selected (n = 744) for this study examining the prevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) in the local donor population, the relationship of antibody to HCV (anti-HCV) to the surrogate markers alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and antibody to hepatitis B core antigen (anti-HBc), and the effect of the use of these markers on the discard rate. RESULTS: The prevalence of anti-HCV in the group examined was 3.2 percent (24/744), with a significantly high prevalence of 24.5 percent (12/49) in donors who were Egyptian (p < 0.0001). Exclusion of this group would lower the prevalence to 1.7 percent (12/695). Anti-HCV prevalence peaked in the group aged 30 to 39, and a significant relationship was found between anti-HCV and ALT level > 65 U/L (p < 0.0001). There was no significant relationship between anti-HCV and anti-HBc (p = 0.66). The prevalence of anti-HCV in the Saudis studied was 1.7 percent (9/528). The prevalence of anti-HCV in non-Bedouin Saudis was significantly greater than that in Bedouin Saudis (7/165 [4.2%] vs. 2/363 [0.5%]; p < 0.01). The prevalence of anti-HBc was found to be 28.7 percent (214/744). The use of elevated ALT (> 90 U/L) and anti-HBc as surrogate markers would increase the current discard rate (8.3%) by 2.8 and 23.8 percent, respectively. CONCLUSION: These findings demonstrate the practical difficulties of using anti-HBc as a surrogate marker for hepatitis C in areas endemic for hepatitis B virus.

Adult↗