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McSweeney L, Arnott B, Jones A, Cain G, Jenkins J, Andras A, Adamson A. Challenges and opportunities of remote public involvement and community engagement during a pandemic: refining the MapMe childhood healthy weight intervention. Perspect Public Health 2022; 142:224-230. [PMID: 35766321 PMCID: PMC9284084 DOI: 10.1177/17579139221110015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
AIMS Including parents and other stakeholders in the development of interventions to address the sensitive public health issues such as childhood obesity, through public involvement is critical. However, the Covid-19 pandemic has created a challenge for public involvement and engagement activities (PICE). The aim of this paper is to describe the process and challenges of setting up, maintaining, evaluating, and recording impact of three public and stakeholder groups via remote methods in the context of the MapMe2 study during the Covid-19 pandemic. Parental reaction to result letters received as part of the National Child Measurement Programme (NCMP) informing parents of their child's overweight status is often one of hostility or disbelief. As a result, parents often do not act on these letters to address child overweight. The MapMe2 study is working in collaboration with the NCMP and local authorities, building on previous work (MapMe) and aims to support parents of primary school-aged children to recognise and maintain a healthy weight in their child. The existing MapMe Intervention includes an enhanced NCMP child weight result letter, supplemented with Body Image Scales (BIS), and an intervention website with material to support healthy eating, physical activity, and signposting supporting information. The intervention was to be refined and the evaluation informed with PICE input. METHODS Covid-19 restrictions meant that planned face-to-face PICE methods had to be altered with all recruitment, all correspondence, and activities taking place remotely. A Parent Involvement Panel (PIP), a child panel, and an expert panel were established. Several adaptations were made to accommodate a new way of involving the public in research. RESULTS/CONCLUSIONS Working remotely created many challenges and was a learning experience for all involved. However, an active group was successfully established. Using continuous assessment and evaluation methods, we were able to demonstrate successful involvement and engagement in the refinement of the MapMe2 study. Through the sharing of PICE methods practice, this paper adds to the literature, the value of partnership working.
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Affiliation(s)
- L McSweeney
- Population Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle University, Framlington Place, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - B Arnott
- Population Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - A Jones
- Population Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - G Cain
- Public and Involvement Group Parent Representative
| | - J Jenkins
- Public and Involvement Group Parent Representative
| | - A Andras
- Public and Involvement Group Parent Representative
| | - A Adamson
- Population Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
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Cain G, Pittock LJ, Piper K, Venumbaka MR, Bodoceanu M. Agreement in the reporting of General Practitioner requested musculoskeletal radiographs: Reporting radiographers and consultant radiologists compared with an index radiologist. Radiography (Lond) 2022; 28:288-295. [PMID: 35000869 DOI: 10.1016/j.radi.2021.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2021] [Revised: 12/05/2021] [Accepted: 12/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION This study assessed the inter-observer agreement of reporting radiographers and consultant radiologists compared with an index radiologist when reporting General Practitioner (GP) requested musculoskeletal radiographs. The potential effect of discordant reports on patient management and outcome was also examined. METHODS Three reporting radiographers, three consultant radiologists and an index radiologist reported on a retrospective randomised sample of 219 GP requested musculoskeletal radiographs, in conditions simulating clinical practice. A speciality doctor in radiology compared the observers' reports with the index radiologist report for agreement and assessed whether any discordance between reports was clinically important. RESULTS Overall agreement with the index radiologist was 47.0% (95% CI, 40.5-53.6) and 51.6% (95% CI, 45.0-58.1) for the consultant radiologists and reporting radiographers, respectively. The results for the appendicular and axial skeleton were 48.6% (95% CI, 41.3-55.9) and 40.9% (95% CI, 27.7-55.6) for the radiologists, and 52.6% (95% CI, 45.2-59.8) and 47.7% (95% CI, 33.8-62.1) for the radiographers, respectively. The difference in overall observer agreement between the two professional groups with the index radiologist was not statistically significant (p = 0.34). Discordance with the index radiologist's reports was judged to be clinically important in less than 10% of the observer's reports. CONCLUSION Reporting radiographers and consultant radiologists demonstrate similar levels of concordance with an index radiologist when reporting GP requested musculoskeletal radiographs. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE These findings contribute to the wider evidence base that selected radiographers with appropriate postgraduate education and training are proficient to report on musculoskeletal radiographs, irrespective of referral source.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Cain
- Radiology Department, Colchester Hospital, Turner Road, Colchester CO4 5JL, UK.
| | - L J Pittock
- Faculty of Medicine, Health and Social Care, Canterbury Christ Church University, North Holmes Road, Canterbury CT1 1QU, UK
| | - K Piper
- Faculty of Medicine, Health and Social Care, Canterbury Christ Church University, North Holmes Road, Canterbury CT1 1QU, UK
| | - M R Venumbaka
- Radiology Department, Colchester Hospital, Turner Road, Colchester CO4 5JL, UK
| | - M Bodoceanu
- Radiology Department, Colchester Hospital, Turner Road, Colchester CO4 5JL, UK
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Cain G, Dieumegard P, Frayssinet M, Gayrel J, Glayrouse D, Lebordais C, Micaletti PM, Mullens E, Nadal B, Thibauilt J. Enregistrement du sommeil de deux athlètes à l’occasion de la 8e Nuit européenne des musées à la Cité des sciences et de l’industrie, 13–19 mai 2012. Neurophysiol Clin 2013. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neucli.2013.01.074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
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Darbonne WC, Du X, Dhawan P, Hartley D, Tarrant J, Taylor H, Cain G, Shih LM, Brachmann RK, Phung Q, Weekes CD, LoRusso P, Patnaik A, Xiang H, Ramakrishnan V. Mechanism for platelet reduction in anti-neuropilin-1 (MNRP1685A)–treated phase I patients. J Clin Oncol 2011. [DOI: 10.1200/jco.2011.29.15_suppl.e13598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Mite allergen levels vary enormously between different homes in the same geographical area. No large scale studies of mite levels in Manchester homes has been conducted to identify factors associated with higher levels. OBJECTIVES To quantify exposure to mite allergens and to identify characteristics associated with higher Der p 1 levels in a large sample of homes in Manchester, UK. METHODS Der p 1 was measured in dust from the living room floor, sofa, bedroom floor and mattress in 564 homes. Data on household characteristics were collected by administering a questionnaire. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify household characteristics associated with higher mite allergen levels. RESULTS Der p 1 levels were highest in the mattress (GM 1.19 microg/g, 95% CI 0.98-1.45, P < 0.001). Two-thirds of homes contained Der p 1 levels > 2 microg/g in at least one dust reservoir, and 40.3% contained Der p 1 greater than 10 microg/g. There was a large range in Der p 1 levels between homes (> 10(3)-fold). Damp and condensation were common findings in homes. In the multivariate analyses, factors associated with higher Der p 1 levels in more than one dust reservoir were older homes, older living room carpets, damp, condensation and mixed glazing. Older mattresses were associated with higher mite allergen levels in the mattress where the age of the mattress was recorded. Twenty-four homes contained no detectable mite allergen, six of which reported damp. CONCLUSIONS Mite allergen levels are high enough in two of every three homes to be associated with an increase in the risk of sensitization to mite. Factors such as older homes, carpets and mattresses, damp and condensation are associated with higher mite allergen. However, mite allergen levels are occasionally unpredictably very low in homes with risk factors for high levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Simpson
- North-west Lung Centre, Wythenshawe Hospital, Manchester, UK
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Abstract
Two hybridoma clones, CMYL3 and CMYL30, were generated by immunizing Balb/c mice with excysted oocysts of Cryptosporidium muris. Both clones secreted monoclonal antibodies against an oocyst-wall antigen with apparent molecular mass of 250 kDa (called CM250) from C. muris and C. parvum. The epitope appeared to be periodate-sensitive, suggesting the involvement of a carbohydrate moiety. Immunofluorescence and confocal microscopy on purified oocysts and infected mouse tissues revealed staining confined to the oocyst wall of both Cryptosporidium species. Immunogold labeling further revealed the presence of the CM250 antigen in electron-dense vesicles and cytoplasm of developing macrogametocytes, and ultimately localized to the oocyst wall of mature oocysts. Both antibodies cross-reacted with C. serpentis oocysts but did not recognize the other enteropathogenic protozoans Giardia muris, Eimeria falciformis and E. nischulz. These antibodies may be valuable tools for the analysis of oocyst-wall formation in Cryptosporidium and characterization of the common antigen.
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Affiliation(s)
- J R Yu
- Department of Parasitology, College of Medicine, Konkuk University, Chungju, Korea
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Smillie FI, Elderfield AJ, Patel F, Cain G, Tavenier G, Brutsche M, Craven M, Custovic A, Woodcock A. Lymphoproliferative responses in cord blood and at one year: no evidence for the effect of in utero exposure to dust mite allergens. Clin Exp Allergy 2001; 31:1194-204. [PMID: 11529888 DOI: 10.1046/j.1365-2222.2001.01173.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Maternal allergen exposure beyond the 22nd week of pregnancy may be important in foetal T cell priming. Allergen-specific cord blood mononuclear cell (CBMC) immunoproliferative responses without corresponding bacterial antigen responses (tetanus toxoid), have been suggested as evidence of in utero sensitization. OBJECTIVES To investigate the relationship between lymphoproliferative responses at birth and at 1 year with maternal and 1-year infants house dust mite allergen exposure. METHODS Home visits and dust sampling were performed by the 20th week of pregnancy, immediately after birth, and then at 1 years of age. Der p 1 was assayed using a two-site immunometric ELISA. CBMC immunoproliferative responses (AIM V serum-free medium; 1 x 105 cells/well) were measured for 225 neonates (171 had a high risk of atopy (HR)--both parents skin test positive; 59 had a low risk of atopy (LR) - both parents skin test negative, no history of atopy) by 3H-Thymidine (1microCi/well) incorporation after stimulation in primary culture with phytohaemagglutinin (PHA) (1 microg/mL), house dust mite [HDM] extract (30 microg/mL), immunopurified Der p 1 (30 microg/mL), Tetanus toxoid (TT) (aluma free, 30 Lf/mL) or vehicle. Blood was collected from 144 infants at the age of 1 years and stimulated proliferative responses were assessed using the same procedure. RESULTS PHA-stimulated lymphoproliferative response was significantly lower in HR compared to LR neonates (mean difference 38%, 95% CI 15%-54%; P = 0.003); significantly lower proportion of positive CBMC responses to HDM occurred in LR than in HR neonates (30.4% vs. 46.6%; P = 0.034). There was no relationship between Der p 1 levels in maternal bed and CBMC immunoproliferative responses, despite the 21 000-fold range of maternal Der p 1 exposure. No significant differences in magnitude, or in proportion of positive responses to any stimulant were observed between the neonates at low, medium or high tertile of allergen exposure. Immunoproliferative responses at birth were not predictive of 1-year PBMC responses. There was no relationship between maternal allergen exposure in pregnancy and 1-year PBMC proliferative responses. However, the proportion of positive proliferative responses at 1 years significantly increased with increasing infant Der p 1 exposure at 1 years. CONCLUSION These results indicate that the magnitude of immunoproliferative responses are unrelated to maternal mite allergen exposure and cannot be used as evidence for in utero sensitization to inhalant allergens. The immunoproliferative responses at 1 year seem to shift away from the genetically influenced responses at birth towards responses to specific stimulants which correlate with environmental exposure to those specific stimulants. These data support the concept of sensitization to inhalant allergens occurring in early life, but not in utero.
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Affiliation(s)
- F I Smillie
- North West Lung Centre, Wythenshawe Hospital, Southmoor Road, Manchester M23 9LT, UK
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Cockayne DA, Hamilton SG, Zhu QM, Dunn PM, Zhong Y, Novakovic S, Malmberg AB, Cain G, Berson A, Kassotakis L, Hedley L, Lachnit WG, Burnstock G, McMahon SB, Ford AP. Urinary bladder hyporeflexia and reduced pain-related behaviour in P2X3-deficient mice. Nature 2000; 407:1011-5. [PMID: 11069181 DOI: 10.1038/35039519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 776] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Extracellular ATP is implicated in numerous sensory processes ranging from the response to pain to the regulation of motility in visceral organs. The ATP receptor P2X3 is selectively expressed on small diameter sensory neurons, supporting this hypothesis. Here we show that mice deficient in P2X3 lose the rapidly desensitizing ATP-induced currents in dorsal root ganglion neurons. P2X3 deficiency also causes a reduction in the sustained ATP-induced currents in nodose ganglion neurons. P2X3-null mice have reduced pain-related behaviour in response to injection of ATP and formalin. Significantly, P2X3-null mice exhibit a marked urinary bladder hyporeflexia, characterized by decreased voiding frequency and increased bladder capacity, but normal bladder pressures. Immunohistochemical studies localize P2X3 to nerve fibres innervating the urinary bladder of wild-type mice, and show that loss of P2X3 does not alter sensory neuron innervation density. Thus, P2X3 is critical for peripheral pain responses and afferent pathways controlling urinary bladder volume reflexes. Antagonists to P2X3 may therefore have therapeutic potential in the treatment of disorders of urine storage and voiding such as overactive bladder.
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Affiliation(s)
- D A Cockayne
- The Neurobiology Unit, Roche Bioscience, Palo Alto, California 94304, USA.
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Dykes PC, Cain G. Measuring outcomes in outpatient settings. How one company is using clinical pathways for depression. Behav Healthc Tomorrow 1999; 8:23-6. [PMID: 10747579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/16/2023]
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Various techniques have been tried in an attempt to reduce allergen levels in homes. This study investigated the effect of dry heat on mite, cat, and dog allergens. METHODS Samples (50 mg) of Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus and D. farinae cultures, and of house dust rich in the major cat and dog allergens Fel d 1 and Can f 1 were heated for 5, 10, 15, 30, and 60 min at 60 degrees, 80 degrees, 100 degrees, 120 degrees, and 140 degrees C. Control samples remained at room temperature. Extracts were assayed with the appropriate two-site mono- or mono/polyclonal sandwich ELISA. RESULTS For Der p 1, the breakdown was proportional to temperature and heating time; after 30 min at 120 degrees C, allergen levels were reduced to < 1% of control. Der p 2 was more heat stable, requiring 140 degrees C for 30-60 min to achieve > 99% reduction. D. farinae groups 1 and 2 allergens showed results similar to those obtained with D. pteronyssinus. In contrast, Can f 1 and Fel d 1 were considerably more thermostable, with 50% and 70%, respectively, of allergen remaining after 60 min at 140 degrees C. CONCLUSIONS The effect of dry heat on allergens increased with increasing time and temperature, cat and dog allergens demonstrating greater heat resistance than mite allergens. Dry heating methods may represent an alternative technique for removal of mite allergens; however, the greater stability of Fel d 1 and Can f 1 suggests that this procedure may not be appropriate for pet allergens.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Cain
- North West Lung Centre, Wythenshawe Hospital, Manchester, UK
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Irving JA, Cain G, Howard M, Angus B, Taylor PR, Cattan AR. The role of alternative splicing of the adhesion molecule, CD44, in lymphoid malignancy. J Clin Pathol 1998; 51:776-80. [PMID: 10023342 PMCID: PMC500934 DOI: 10.1136/jcp.51.10.776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
AIM To investigate the expression of CD44 isoforms containing variant exon 6 (v6) in a well characterised cohort of patients with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) and chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL), and to correlate this with phenotype and disease course. METHODS Cryostat sections of OCT embedded diagnostic nodal material from NHL patients and cryopreserved mononuclear preparations from CLL patients were used as sources of RNA. After reverse transcription, PCR was carried out with amplimers positioned at either side of the variant exon insertion site to amplify all possible CD44 isoforms. Those isoforms containing v6 were identified after Southern blotting and hybridisation with a radiolabelled oligonucleotide. RESULTS Of 32 NHL samples analysed, 16 did not express CD44 isoforms containing v6, six expressed an isoform containing exon v6 alone, and 10 expressed v6 long isoforms which contained exon v6 in addition to other variant exons. These data did not correlate with lymphoma classification, disease staging, or the presence or absence of extranodal disease. However, those patients expressing v6 long CD44 isoforms had a worse overall survival than those that did not. The plateau of the survival curves was 50% compared with 82%. No v6 long isoforms were detected in the 21 CLL samples investigated. CONCLUSIONS The expression of v6 long CD44 isoforms is associated with aggressive disease in NHL, independent of grade, stage, or presence of extranodal disease.
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MESH Headings
- Alternative Splicing
- Antigens, Neoplasm/genetics
- Antigens, Neoplasm/metabolism
- Blotting, Southern
- Humans
- Hyaluronan Receptors/genetics
- Hyaluronan Receptors/metabolism
- Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell/genetics
- Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell/metabolism
- Lymphoma, Non-Hodgkin/genetics
- Lymphoma, Non-Hodgkin/metabolism
- Prognosis
- Protein Isoforms/metabolism
- Retrospective Studies
- Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction
- Survival Rate
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Affiliation(s)
- J A Irving
- Department of Haematology, Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK.
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Abstract
We have cloned the cDNA of TBA-1, the Nematode polyprotein allergen (NPA) of Toxocara canis and found it to be most similar to ABA-1, the Ascaris NPA, on the basis of amino acid sequence. We could study the antigenic properties of an E-coli synthesized fusion protein prepared with the cloned gene since no glycosylation site was expected from the deduced amino acid sequence. Although no IgE responses to TBA-1 were detected, recombinant TBA-1 was differently recognized by serum IgG antibodies when the recombinant TBA-1 was directly adsorbed vs when immobilized via a streptavidin linkage on polystyrene microtitre wells. One group of sera recognized TBA-1 directly immobilized while the second only recognized TBA-1 immobilized via streptavidin linkage. The former were from rodents immunized with a Toxocara sp. adult worm extract while the latter were obtained from rodents infected with T. canis larva or immunized with a Anisakis simplex L3 larval extract. These observations suggest that the two in vivo forms of TBA-1 are expressed, but during different stages of the parasite's life cycle.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Yahiro
- Department of Parasitology, School of Medicine, Fukuoka University, 7-45-1, Nanakuma, Jounan-ku, Fukuoka City 814-0180, Japan
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Affiliation(s)
- W Hansel
- Pennington Biomedical Research Center and Department of Animal Science, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA 70808, USA
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Irving JA, Cain G, Parr A, Howard M, Angus B, Cattan AR. OCT embedded sections of pathological specimens as a source of high quality RNA for reverse transcriptase/polymerase chain reaction. J Clin Pathol 1996; 49:258-9. [PMID: 8675742 PMCID: PMC500411 DOI: 10.1136/jcp.49.3.258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
OCT embedded cryostat sections of stored pathological specimens of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma were used to provide RNA. After reverse transcription to produce cDNA, the polymerase chain reaction was performed with primers for standard and variant forms of the CD44 molecule. Using Southern transfer and hybridisation with a probe specific for exon 4 of the CD44 gene, both standard and variant forms were visualised by autoradiography. This method was shown to be applicable to other gene products by using primers specific for the abl and bcr genes. This technique permits retrospective analysis of RNA from small amounts of stored pathological samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- J A Irving
- Department of Haematology, Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle upon Tyne
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Sigal E, Kurihara H, Belloni P, Cain G, Lawn R, Harats D. Targeting gene expression to the vascular wall in transgenic mice using the murine preproendothelin-1 promoter. Atherosclerosis 1995. [DOI: 10.1016/0021-9150(95)96415-o] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Harats D, Kurihara H, Belloni P, Oakley H, Ziober A, Ackley D, Cain G, Kurihara Y, Lawn R, Sigal E. Targeting gene expression to the vascular wall in transgenic mice using the murine preproendothelin-1 promoter. J Clin Invest 1995; 95:1335-44. [PMID: 7883980 PMCID: PMC441473 DOI: 10.1172/jci117784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 102] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
To develop a system for overexpressing genes in the vascular wall, we created transgenic mice using the reporter gene luciferase and the murine preproendothelin-1 promoter. In vitro analysis suggested that the murine 5'-flanking region contained endothelial-specific elements in a 5.9-kb fragment. Five transgenic mice colonies established from independent founders all exhibited the highest level of luciferase activity in the aorta with up to 8,540 light units per microgram of protein. Immunohistochemistry with anti-luciferase antisera revealed high levels of expression in the endothelial cells of both large and small arteries and lower levels of expression in veins and capillaries. Significant expression was also seen in arterial smooth muscle cells and in select epithelial surfaces which is consistent with the known distribution of endothelin-1 in mammals. The further demonstrate the targeting capability of this system, we overexpressed the lipid-peroxidating enzyme, human 15-lipoxygenase, in the vessel wall of transgenic mice. As with luciferase, expression of active enzyme and immunohistochemical localization in vascular cells were documented in transgenic animals. Hence, this new system can be used to direct expression of molecules to the vascular wall for the purpose of examining the biological significance of either overexpression or inhibition of select proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Harats
- Syntex Discovery Research, Palo Alto, California 94303
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Latham JA, Bown N, Cain G, Middleton P, Kernahan J, Windebank K, Reid MM. Molecular heterogeneity of variant Philadelphia translocations in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukaemia. Leukemia 1994; 8:292-4. [PMID: 8309252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
In acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), it is unclear whether variant Philadelphia (Ph) translocations have the same molecular and clinical implications as the classical translocation. Two children with Ph+ ALL with variant translocations are described. One, in whom cytogenetic remission was not achieved, had evidence of translocation of c-abl to chromosome 22, rearrangement of minor breakpoint cluster region (mBCR) and expression of hybrid bcr/abl transcripts. In the other case, no gene rearrangement was found and complete remission was achieved. Variant Ph translocations in childhood ALL are heterogeneous at the molecular level. Molecular studies coupled with observations of clinical outcome are needed in larger numbers of such children to determine whether poor clinical response correlates with bcr/abl involvement and to allow planning of appropriate therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- J A Latham
- Department of Haematology, Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
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Kochin EJ, Gregory CR, Wisner E, Cain G, Gourley IM. Evaluation of a method of ureteroneocystostomy in cats. J Am Vet Med Assoc 1993; 202:257-60. [PMID: 8428831] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Renal transplantation is a successful treatment for terminal renal failure in cats. Ureteral obstruction at the bladder wall or stoma has been a technical complication encountered in approximately 50% of clinical transplants. The small (0.4 mm) diameter of the feline ureter makes standard techniques described for ureteroneocystostomy unsatisfactory for cats. In this study, we used microsurgical techniques to oppose ureteral mucosa to intact bladder mucosa in an attempt to form a stricture-free stoma. In each of 5 anatomically normal cats, 1 ureter was microsurgically implanted in the bladder. Ultrasonographic examination of the kidneys, ureters, and bladder was performed twice weekly for 8 weeks. Excretory urography was performed at postoperative weeks 1, 2, 4, 8, and 12. Biopsy specimens were taken from the kidney on the surgically treated side 4 weeks after surgery. At 12 weeks, the kidney, ureter, and ureterovesical junction from the treated side were removed and submitted for histologic evaluation. At 1 week, all cats had enlargement of the kidney, renal pelvis, and ureteral lumen on the treated side. This enlargement gradually decreased, and by week 8, there was no difference in comparison with the control side. Ureteroneocystostomy that requires tunneling of the ureter through the bladder wall may result in hydroureter and hydronephrosis, which may resolve. Recognition of these changes may prevent unwarranted surgical intervention in cases of suspected obstruction. The technique described in this study has been used in 15 cats receiving renal allografts. None required surgical correction of ureteral obstruction.
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Affiliation(s)
- E J Kochin
- Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis 95616
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Zinkl JG, Cain G, Jain NC, Sousa LM. Haematological response of dogs to canine recombinant granulocyte colony stimulating factor (rcG-CSF). ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 1992. [DOI: 10.1007/bf00426169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
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Abstract
A myeloid leukemic cell line, designated RK9ML-1, was established from a dog with acute radiation-induced monocytic leukemia. Based on cytochemical stains which reacted positively only with nonspecific esterase, morphological and ultrastructural characteristics which indicated the presence of phagocytic vacuoles and lysosomal bodies, and cell surface properties which indicated the presence of Fc receptors, all the findings support that RK9ML-1 is of monocytic lineage. Chromosomal analysis of the cell line indicated the cells to be hypodiploid with acrocentric autosomes characteristic of canine cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Kawakami
- University of California, Davis Laboratory for Energy-Related Research 95616
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Abstract
Requirements for sustained engraftment of fetal liver hematopoietic stem cells were evaluated in 45 dogs. Pretransplant preparative treatment with total-body irradiation, 14.7 Gy, permitted engraftment of DLA-compatible fetal liver cells. Radiation alone was inadequate in DLA-haploidentical or DLA-mismatched transplants; none of 5 dogs had engraftment. Addition of cyclosporine facilitated engraftment. The combination of 14.7 or 16.1 Gy total-body irradiation (TBI) and cyclosporine allowed engraftment in 15 of 19 (78%) dogs receiving DLA-histoincompatible grafts and 11 Gy TBI plus cyclosporine allowed engraftment in 4 of 10 dogs. Restoration of granulopoiesis and thrombopoiesis was rapid; recovery of lymphocytes was relatively delayed, especially in recipients of incompatible fetal liver cells. Cumulative one-year survival was decreased in recipients of incompatible grafts due to early posttransplant infections. These data suggest that fetal liver transplantation is a potential approach in patients who lack an HLA-identical donor for bone marrow transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Cain
- Laboratory for Energy-Related Health Research, University of California, Davis 95616
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22
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Champlin RE, Cain G, Stitzel K, Gale RP. Sustained recovery of hematopoiesis and immunity following transplantation of fetal liver cells in dogs. Thymus 1987; 10:13-8. [PMID: 3324401 DOI: 10.1007/978-94-009-3365-1_3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
We studied the ability of fetal liver cells to reconstitute hematopoiesis and immunity in lethally irradiated dogs. Engraftment and sustained lymphoid and hematopoietic recovery was achieved when the recipients received a preparative regime of high-dose total body irradiation (TBI) alone followed by transplantation of DLA-identical fetal liver. The combination of high-dose TBI and cyclosporine allowed engraftment in DLA-mismatched fetal liver transplants. Typical features of graft-versus-host disease (GvHD) did not occur although autoimmune-like syndromes (myasthenia gravis, immune thrombocytopenia) were observed in some recipients. Hematopoietic recovery was rapid and complete. Recovery of T- and B-lymphocyte function was comparatively delayed, but sufficient to prevent opportunistic infections after the initial 3 months post transplant. These data indicate that cells from a single fetal liver can reconstitute hematopoiesis and immunity in DLA-mismatched recipients and suggest that human fetal liver cell transplantation may be an effective source of stem cells for patients who lack an HLA-identical donor for bone marrow transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- R E Champlin
- Department of Medicine (Hematology/Oncology), UCLA Center for The Health Sciences
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23
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Abstract
The adaptation of the biotin-avidin system for the analysis of membrane pathobiology in Plasmodium falciparum malaria is described. Biotin was linked covalently via the succinimide ester derivative (biotinyl-N-hydroxysuccinimide ester, BNHS) to intact human erythrocytes, prior to inoculation and in vitro cultivation of falciparum parasites. Growth experiments indicated that incubation concentrations of less than 1.0 mg BNHS/1.0 ml erythrocyte packed cell volume could yield biotinylated erythrocytes capable of sustaining parasite growth at levels comparable to control cultures. Using a synthesized [14C]BNHS compound at optimal incubation concentration, it was determined that 1.32 X 10(-4) mmol [14C]BNHS were bound per 1.0 mg of erythrocyte stromal protein. In addition, analysis of [14C]biotinylated red blood cell ghost preparations by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis demonstrated that band 3 (a heterogeneous glycoprotein) was the principal site of membrane labeling. Approximately 77% of total membrane-associated [14C]BNHS was localized to this polypeptide. The unique properties of the specific, ligand-protein interaction of the biotin-avidin complex suggest that the biotinylation procedure described in this report will provide a useful analytical tool in host cell-plasmodial parasite, membrane studies.
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