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Biomedical subjects

V Hall

Publications and source records attributed to V Hall.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed1999

Construction and characterization of a glycoprotein E gene-deleted bovine herpesvirus type 1 recombinant.

OBJECTIVE: To construct and characterize a recombinant glycoprotein (g)E gene-deleted bovine herpesvirus (BHV) type 1 (BHV-1). PROCEDURE: The BHV-1 gEgene-coding region and the flanking upstream and downstream sequences were cloned. The aforementioned cloned DNA was digested with suitable enzymes to release the amino terminal two thirds of that region, and was ligated to the beta-galactosidase (beta-gal) gene. The resulting plasmid DNA was cotransfected with DNA from full-length, wild-type (WT), BHV-1 Cooper strain of the virus. Recombinant viruses expressing beta-gal (blue plaques) were plaque purified and assayed further by blot hybridization for genetic characterization and by immunoblotting for reactivity against BHV-1 gE peptide-specific rabbit polyclonal antibody. One recombinant virus, gEdelta3.1IBR, was characterized in vitro and in vivo. The ability of the recombinant virus to induce BHV-1 neutralizing antibodies in infected calves was investigated by plaque-reduction tests. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: The gEdelta3.1IBR virus contained a deletion in the viral gE gene-coding sequences where a stable chimeric reporter (beta-gal) gene was inserted. One-step growth kinetics and virus yield of the recombinant and parent viruses were similar, but early after infection, the recombinant virus yield was comparatively less. After intranasal inoculation, the recombinant gEdelta3.1IBR virus replicated in the upper respiratory tract of calves, but the amount of progeny viruses produced was hundredsfold reduced, and duration of virus shedding was shorter. Results of in vivo calf experiments and serum neutralization tests indicated that deleting the gE gene has little effect on inducing neutralizing antibodies against BHV-1, but is sufficient to reduce BHV-1 virulence in calves.

Animals↗
PubMed1998

Clinical and neurohormonal effects of nicardipine hydrochloride in patients with severe chronic heart failure receiving angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor therapy.

It has been proposed that worsening of heart failure with dihydropyridines, such as nicardipine, is related to the activation of the neuroendocrine system. To test this, we evaluated 20 patients with severe heart failure (mean age, 55 +/- 13 years; New York Heart Association functional class III; left ventricular ejection fraction, 18% +/- 8% on maintenance therapy with captopril, digoxin, and diuretics) who were randomized to nicardipine (60 or 90 mg/d) or placebo during a 4-month double-blind protocol. The following measurements were obtained at baseline, monthly, and at 4 months or last follow-up visit: rest and exercise radionuclide ventriculography, maximal treadmill time, 6-minute walking test distance, serum norepinephrine and aldosterone concentrations, and plasma renin activity. During the follow-up period, worsening of heart failure occurred in 6 patients in the nicardipine group and in 2 patients in the placebo group (p = 0.06). The maximal treadmill time for a 6-minute walking distance and exercise radionuclide ejection fraction at the last follow-up visit did not change in patients who did not deteriorate with heart failure in the placebo or nicardipine groups as compared with baseline values. In this study group of patients with severe heart failure receiving therapy with digoxin, captopril, and diuretics, nicardipine was associated with worsening heart failure without an apparent activation of the neurohormones. However, because of the small number of patients and a significant number of patients who deteriorated during the follow-up period, no definitive conclusions can be made.

Aged↗
PubMed1997

A comparative study of Fusobacterium necrophorum strains from human and animal sources by phenotypic reactions, pyrolysis mass spectrometry and SDS-PAGE.

Fusobacterium necrophorum strains from human infection (21) were compared with strains from animals (17 biotype A, 2 biotype AB, 4 biotype B, 1 biotype unknown), and the type strain NCTC 10575 in conventional tests reaction patterns (CTRPs), SDS-PAGE and pyrolysis mass spectrometry (PMS). Classifications from the three approaches showed one major consensus group comprising all human strains, and another comprising animal biotype A strains. Animal biotype B strains and one animal strain, designated with some doubt to biotype A, were outliers of the consensus 'human strain' group. Again, animal biotype AB strains were outliers of the consensus 'animal biotype A group', as was the type strain, which was clearly atypical in conventional tests and PMS. Colonial and microscopic characters showed good discrimination between the major consensus groups. However, only haemagglutination and the API-ZYM leucine arylamidase of the biochemical tests discriminated well between these groups. The 'animal biotype A group' clearly corresponds to F. necrophorum subsp. necrophorum, but synonymy of F. necrophorum subsp. funduliforme with the group of human strains was less certain. The latter subspecies was described solely on the basis of animal strains, all of biotype B, but each of four animal biotype B strains in this study was an outlier of the 'human strain group' in one or more of the characterisation approaches. Strains of F. necrophorum causing human infection were clearly distinct from the biotype A strains commonly found in animal infection. This has implications for the validity of animal models of human necrobacillosis. In view of these differences, it would be useful to have a validated designation for strains causing human infection. However, it would be premature to assume that the definition of F. necrophorum subsp. funduliforme encompasses the human strains in the absence of confirmatory DNA-homology and 16S rRNA-sequencing studies.

Animals↗
PubMed1995

A rapid test for the presumptive identification of Clostridium perfringens.

A novel rapid method for the identification of colonies of Clostridium perfringens (key iD Lab M Ltd. Bury, UK) was evaluated. The method consists of a test strip containing substrates for pre-formed enzymes selected for optimum differentiation of C. perfringens from other clostridia. One hundred and forty-six strains of clostridia were tested using the key iD strip. The strip successfully confirmed the identity of all 73 strains of C. perfringens tested, and differentiated these from 73 strains of 20 other clostridial species. C. absonum and C. baratii, spedes which are very similar to C. perfringens, could also be differentiated by this method. The key iD strip is recommended for laboratories as a rapid alternative to more conventional tests for presumptive identification of C. perfringens.

Journal Article↗
PubMed1994

Comparison of natural with clomiphene citrate-stimulated cycles in in vitro fertilization: a prospective, randomized trial.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the outcome of natural with clomiphene citrate (CC)-stimulated cycles in IVF. DESIGN: Prospective, randomized study. SETTING: Tertiary referral center for assisted conception. SUBJECTS: Thirty patients randomized to receive either no treatment (n = 14) or CC, 100 mg, from days 2 to 6 (n = 16). INTERVENTIONS: Daily ultrasound (US) scan and measurements of serum LH and E2. Ovarian morphology was assessed on baseline US scan. Human chorionic gonadotrophin was administered when the mean diameter of the dominant follicle reached 17 mm. Transvaginal US-directed oocyte recovery was performed 35 hours later. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The number of patients reaching oocyte recovery; numbers of oocytes collected, fertilized and embryos transferred; and clinical pregnancy and multiple pregnancy rates (PRs) were recorded. RESULTS: Ten cycles in the natural cycle group were abandoned before oocyte recovery compared with none in the CC group. There were significantly more follicles > 14 mm (2.4 +/- 0.3 [SE] compared with 0.9 +/- 0.2) and higher peak levels of E2 (375 +/- 67 pg/mL (1,378 +/- 247 pmol/L) compared with 204 +/- 17 pg/mL (748 +/- 61 pmol/L)) in those receiving CC compared with those receiving no drug. All 16 patients treated with CC had oocyte retrieval (mean, 1.8 +/- 0.3 oocytes) compared with only 4 in the natural cycle group (1 oocyte each). The oocyte recovery rate was 95%. Two patients conceived in the CC group (PR per ET, 18%) compared with none in the natural cycle group. Patients with polycystic ovaries developed more large follicles than those with normal ovaries. No patient developed ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome. CONCLUSIONS: Patients undergoing natural cycle IVF are more likely to have abandoned cycles, produce fewer follicles and oocytes, and are less likely to reach ET than patients treated with CC alone. Clomiphene citrate should be considered for use in the context of a conventionally organised IVF-ET program if a mild degree of ovarian stimulation is desired.

Adult↗
PubMed1994

Primer residues deposited by handguns.

There is much anecdotal information being disseminated, even offered in expert witness testimony, concerning the deposit of primer residues on the hands of persons in front of the muzzle of handguns. We present data for 9 mm and 380 Auto pistols and for a 38 caliber revolver depicting the procedure for obtaining wipings taken from targets representing the hands of a gunshot victim. These wipings from pork tissue were then analyzed for the primer residue metals antimony, barium, and lead. The data show that the two primary metals, antimony and barium, are deposited on the targets out to 4 feet for the pistols and out to three feet for the 38-caliber revolver. Testing will continue in actual cases with the gun and ammunition involved in the shooting.

Animals↗
PubMed1993

Propionibacterium propionicum and infections of the lacrimal apparatus.

Analysis of the clinical details associated with 26 referred isolates of Propionibacterium propionicum revealed the marked propensity of this anaerobe to be involved with infections of the lacrimal apparatus; 18 (69%) of the 26 referred isolates were from cases of canaliculitis in which this organism was regarded as the significant pathogen. Further analysis of data showed a significant correlation with the sex of the patient. Of the 18 cases of canaliculitis, the sex of the patient was reported in 16; 14 (88%) of these 16 patients were females (P < .005). The age of 13 of the 18 patients with canaliculitis was known (mean, 61.6 years; range, < 1-80 years); it appears from these cases that P. propionicum lacrimal infections are more common in later life. None of the referred isolates were identified as Actinomyces species. Despite the fact that infection of the lacrimal apparatus is known as ocular actinomycosis, it appears that P. propionicum is more frequently associated with the condition than are true Actinomyces species.

Actinomyces↗
PubMed1992

Transmission of feline immunodeficiency virus from infected queens to kittens.

This study demonstrates the transmission of feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) from infected queens to kittens in two separate litters. Queen 1 was infected by intravenous administration of FIV at 22 days prior to parturition. Two out of three kittens from the litter were found to be viremic at 10 weeks of age as detected by culture isolation and polymerase chain reaction detection of FIV DNA in peripheral blood mononuclear leukocytes. The third kitten remained aviremic through 40 weeks of age. Queen 2 was infected by subcutaneous administration of FIV 2 days prior to parturition. This litter also had two out of three kittens infected with FIV; however, viremia was not detected in one of the kittens until 21 weeks of age. Culture isolation was found to be superior to polymerase chain reaction for the early detection of FIV, and viremia was found to precede seroconversion by up to 4 weeks. Although all infected kittens have remained healthy, depressed CD4:CD8 lymphocyte ratios suggest that clinical disease may develop. This study suggests that FIV infection in cats may be a useful model system for the study of HIV transmission from mothers to infants.

Animals↗
PubMed1991

Neurotic nucleus and test anxiety.

Undergraduate university students (N = 103) participated in a study of the relationship between test anxiety and the variables of trait anxiety, self-esteem, locus of control, mental ability, and gender. Results indicated bivariate associations between total test anxiety and the other measures except for mental ability. Further analyses revealed independent relationships between the "worry" component of test anxiety and the variables of trait anxiety, internality, chance, and mental ability. We also found independent associations between the "emotionality" aspect of test anxiety and the measures of trait anxiety and chance.

Adult↗
PubMed1989

Relation between plasma norepinephrine and response to medical therapy in men with congestive heart failure secondary to coronary artery disease or idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy.

This study examines the relation between the change in clinical status and the change in plasma norepinephrine concentration in patients with congestive heart failure (CHF) receiving standard medical therapy. Hemodynamic measurements in 11 patients with CHF (ejection fraction 19 +/- 4%) were obtained before and immediately after the administration of digoxin and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors. Patients were then followed for 1 year. Clinical status was determined using the Boston Clinical Heart Failure scoring system. Of the 11 patients, 6 demonstrated significant clinical improvement after therapy, based on the Boston score, over a 1-year period. Five patients did not respond to therapy: 4 died and the remaining patient had worsening CHF. There was no difference between responders and nonresponders in either baseline hemodynamics or acute response to the administration of digoxin and an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor. In the patients who improved, plasma norepinephrine decreased from 706 +/- 235 to 545 +/- 223 pg/ml (p = 0.08) after 1 year of medical therapy. In patients whose CHF worsened or who died, plasma norepinephrine increased from 715 +/- 275 at baseline to 1,237 +/- 671 pg/ml at their last measurement (p = 0.06). Although at baseline the plasma norepinephrine levels were similar in both groups of patients, a significant difference between responders and nonresponders was observed at final follow-up (p less than 0.002). Change in plasma norepinephrine correlated with change in CHF score (r = 0.79, p less than 0.004). Thus, in patients with CHF, serial measurements of plasma norepinephrine correlate with changes in clinical status.

Adult↗
PubMed1989

Comparative hemodynamic and neurohormonal effects of intravenous captopril and digoxin and their combinations in patients with severe heart failure.

The effects of intravenous captopril and intravenous digoxin given separately and in combination on rest and exercise hemodynamics were studied in 16 patients with severe heart failure and sinus rhythm. When given separately, both captopril and digoxin decreased the pulmonary capillary wedge pressure by, respectively, 24% (p = 0.003) and 34% (p = 0.004) and systemic vascular resistance by 23% (p = 0.09) and 20% (p = 0.03). Only digoxin increased cardiac index by 23% (p = 0.03) and stroke work index by 52% (p = 0.01). During maximal exercise, captopril alone decreased systemic vascular resistance by 28% (p = 0.0002) and increased cardiac index by 33% (p = 0.02). Digoxin alone decreased pulmonary capillary wedge pressure by 11% (p = 0.04) and increased stroke work index by 44% (p = 0.01). The combination of captopril and digoxin resulted in a decrease in pulmonary capillary wedge pressure and systemic vascular resistance and an increase in cardiac index and stroke work index both at rest and during exercise that was greater than values observed with either drug given alone. Cardiac index response to the combination of captopril and digoxin correlated with baseline serum aldosterone concentration (r = 0.81, p less than 0.001) and plasma renin activity (r = 0.74, p less than 0.0002). A significant decrease in norepinephrine concentration was noted after digoxin was administered alone or added to captopril. These findings demonstrate that in patients with severe heart failure, the acute administration of captopril and digoxin has an independent salutary hemodynamic effect. The combination of these agents, however, has an adjunctive effect on cardiac function at rest and during exercise.

Adult↗
PubMed1987

A bacteriological examination of breast pumps.

In an investigation of the source of an outbreak of Serratia marcescens infection in a special care baby unit, several breast pumps used in the hospital and community were examined. The epidemic strain was isolated from two pumps and other Gram-negative organisms, Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus faecalis were isolated from seven. The findings indicate that breast pumps may be a potential source of contamination of the user, her breast milk, infant and environment. Our recommendations regarding the use of breast pumps are presented.

Bacterial Infections↗
PubMed1985

Failure of scalp hypothermia to prevent hair loss when cyclophosphamide is added to doxorubicin and vincristine.

Scalp hypothermia can prevent alopecia caused by low doses of doxorubicin alone or in simple combinations. The technique was used in 60 patients with breast cancer (24 receiving adjuvant therapy; 36 with advanced recurrent disease) receiving chemotherapy with iv doxorubicin (40 mg/m2) and vincristine (1.4 mg/m2) on Day 1 together with oral cyclophosphamide (200 mg/m2) on Days 2-5. The patients' desire to continue scalp hypothermia, reflecting their perception of benefit, and an objective assessment of hair retention were the study end points. The mean number of cycles of chemotherapy given (6.1 in patients receiving adjuvant therapy; 3.8 in those with advanced disease) exceeded the number of cycles with hypothermia (2.1 in patients receiving adjuvant therapy; 1.6 in those with advanced disease); no patients retained enough hair to encourage them to continue scalp hypothermia throughout chemotherapy. All patients were rated as having poor hair retention. Scalp hypothermia is ineffective when used with combinations of drugs, each causing alopecia, or with high doses of doxorubicin.

Alopecia↗