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1.
Can Commun Dis Rep ; 45(78): 171-176, 2019 Jul 04.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-31355823

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The Echinococcus species, including E. multilocularis and E. canadensis, are tapeworms that primarily infect canids such as dogs, foxes and coyotes, but which can also infect humans. In humans, E. multilocularis can cause alveolar echinococcosis; a serious condition that mimics metastatic malignancy and has a poor prognosis. It is known that coyotes in rural Manitoba are infected with Echinococcus species, but it is not known if coyotes in peri-urban areas are also infected. OBJECTIVES: To document and map Echinococcus species in wild canids and domestic dogs in Winnipeg, Manitoba (Canada). METHODS: There were 169 fecal samples collected between April 18 and June 1, 2018. These included 44 samples of domestic dog feces, 122 of coyote scat, one of fox scat and two of coyote colonic tissue specimens. Samples were frozen (-80°C) for at least 72 hours to inactivate tapeworm ova. Polymerase chain reaction analyses of E. multilocularis and E. canadensis were performed on all frozen samples. RESULTS: Echinococcus multilocularis-positive samples were detected in nine (10.6%) of 85 locations, with one positive sample in a suburban Winnipeg dog park and two positive samples in a popular provincial park. No dog samples were positive for E. multilocularis; one sample was positive for E. canadensis. In contrast, nine coyote samples (7.3%) were positive for E. multilocularis and eight samples (6.5%) were positive for E. canadensis. The one fox sample was positive for each. Overall, six samples (3.6%) were positive for both infections. CONCLUSION: This is the first confirmation of the presence of E. multilocularis in coyote feces in the metropolitan area of Winnipeg, Manitoba. In light of the risk this could pose to domestic dogs and human health, periodic surveillance that maps the distribution of this tapeworm could inform the need for additional public health actions.

2.
Can Commun Dis Rep ; 44(1): 29-34, 2018 Jan 04.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-29770096

ABSTRACT

The goal of this document was to provide Canadian laboratories with a framework for consistent reporting and monitoring of multidrug resistant organisms (MDRO) and extensively drug resistant organisms (XDRO) for common gram-negative pathogens. This is the final edition of the interim recommendations, which were modified after one year of broad consultative review. This edition represents a consensus of peer-reviewed information and was co-authored by the Canadian Public Health Laboratory Network and the Canadian Association of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases. There are two main recommendations. The first recommendation provides standardized definitions for MDRO and XDRO for gram-negative organisms in clinical specimens. These definitions were limited to antibiotics that are commonly tested clinically and, to reduce ambiguity, resistance (rather than non-susceptibility) was used to calculate drug resistance status. The second recommendation identifies the use of standardized laboratory reporting of organisms identified as MDRO or XDRO. Through the broad consultation, which included public health and infection prevention and control colleagues, these definitions are ready to be applied for policy development. Both authoring organizations intend to review these recommendations regularly as antibiotic resistance testing evolves in Canada.

3.
Constr Build Mater ; 157: 1024-1031, 2017 Dec 30.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-29887674

ABSTRACT

The viscoelastic/viscoplastic behavior of cement paste may occur due to intrinsic calcium silicate hydrate (C-S-H) viscoelasticity/viscoplasticity and cement grain dissolution during the hydration process. A numerical model that combines a microstructure model and a finite element calculation model has been developed to predict the time-dependent behavior of cementitious materials based on these two mechanisms, while incorporating C-S-H intrinsic aging. The simulation results from the model suggest that when considering C-S-H aging, the time-dependent properties of C-S-H are capable of generating the aging effect of cement paste, and can become a significant mechanism leading to the overall relaxation of cement paste.

4.
Can Commun Dis Rep ; 42(2): 45-49, 2016 Feb 04.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-29770003

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The city of Winnipeg has experienced a surge of infectious syphilis cases since the fall of 2012, concentrated among men who have sex with men (MSM) and who use social media technologies-including phone applications-to meet sexual contacts. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the acceptability, cost and effectiveness of a campaign promoting syphilis testing on popular websites and applications used by MSM in the Winnipeg Health Region (WHR). METHODS: The Winnipeg Regional Health Authority developed a campaign in March 2014 highlighting the syphilis outbreak and the importance of seeking testing. Over one month, advertisements appeared on four web-platforms: Grindr, Facebook, Squirt and the Gay Ad Network. When clicked, ads would direct the user to an information website. Acceptability was assessed using the number of 'clicks' elicited by advertisements on each platform. The cost of each platform's run of advertisements was compared to the number clicks elicited to produce a cost-per-click ratio for each platform. Effectiveness was assessed by comparing the number of syphilis tests ordered for male residents of the Winnipeg Health Region in the seven-week period before and after the campaign, as well as to the same time periods in 2012 and 2013. RESULTS: Out of 800,000 appearances purchased, the advertisements elicited 2,166 clicks, suggesting good acceptability. Grindr and Squirt advertisements had a better cost-per-click ratio than Facebook or the Gay Ad Network. There was no significant difference in testing before (2,049 tests) versus after (2,025 tests) the campaign and these findings were similar to testing trends in 2012 and 2013. CONCLUSION: Although this web-based campaign showed good acceptability and low cost, it did not appear to increase syphilis testing. This may be due to a poor campaign design; it also suggests that an education campaign alone may be insufficient to change behaviour.

6.
J Perinatol ; 35(11): 941-8, 2015 Nov.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-26313054

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To implement feeding guidelines to reduce advancement time and the incidence of parenteral nutrition-associated liver disease (PNALD) among intestinal surgical infants requiring parenteral nutrition (PN). STUDY DESIGN: Feeding guidelines with higher initial enteral nutrition (EN) volume and specific advancement criteria were implemented for surgical infants aged <6 months. Preimplementation and postimplementation outcomes were compared. RESULTS: There were 57 preimplementation and 33 postimplementation infants. The initial EN volume improved from 10 to 20 ml kg(-1) day(-1) (P<0.001). Time to reach 50% of goal calories from EN decreased by a median of 6 days (P=0.012) without a change in necrotizing enterocolitis incidence after resuming feeding. PNALD incidence decreased from 70% to 48% (P=0.046), and median peak direct bilirubin (DB) decreased from 5.6 to 2.3 mg dl(-1) (P=0.011). CONCLUSION: Feeding guideline implementation with higher initial feeding volume was well tolerated and resulted in faster achievement of 50% goal EN calories. PNALD incidence and peak DB were reduced.


Subject(s)
Digestive System Abnormalities/diagnosis , Digestive System Abnormalities/surgery , Enteral Nutrition/adverse effects , Enteral Nutrition/methods , Liver Diseases/prevention & control , Practice Guidelines as Topic , Academic Medical Centers , Female , Follow-Up Studies , Humans , Infant , Infant Care/methods , Infant Care/standards , Infant, Newborn , Infant, Premature , Intensive Care Units, Neonatal , Liver Diseases/etiology , Male , Nutrition Therapy/methods , Nutrition Therapy/standards , Nutritional Requirements , Postoperative Care/methods , Treatment Outcome , Weight Gain/physiology
7.
J Athl Train ; 45(1): 67-74, 2010.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-20064051

ABSTRACT

CONTEXT: Excessive fat mass clearly has adverse effects on metabolic processes that can ultimately lead to the development of chronic disease. Early identification of high-risk status may facilitate referral for definitive diagnostic tests and implementation of interventions to reduce cardiometabolic risk. OBJECTIVE: To document the prevalence of metabolic syndrome among collegiate football players and to develop a clinical prediction rule that does not require blood analysis to identify players who may possess a high level of cardiometabolic risk. DESIGN: Cross-sectional cohort study. SETTING: University athletic training research laboratory. PATIENTS OR OTHER PARTICIPANTS: Sixty-two National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I Football Championship Subdivision football players (age = 19.9 +/- 1.2 years, height = 182.6 +/- 6.1 cm, mass = 97.4 +/- 18.3 kg). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Anthropometric characteristics associated with body fat, isokinetic quadriceps strength, and biometric indicators associated with metabolic syndrome were measured. Participants were classified as high risk or low risk for future development of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. RESULTS: The prevalence of metabolic syndrome in the cohort was 19% (12 of 62), and 79% (49 of 62) of the players exceeded the threshold for 1 or more of its 5 components. A 4-factor clinical prediction rule that classified individuals on the basis of waist circumference, blood pressure, quadriceps strength, and ethnic category had 92% sensitivity (95% confidence interval = 65%, 99%) and 76% specificity (95% confidence interval = 63%, 86%) for discrimination of high-risk or low-risk status. CONCLUSIONS: The risk for developing type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease appears to be exceptionally high among collegiate football players. A lack of race-specific criteria for the diagnosis of metabolic syndrome almost certainly contributes to an underestimation of the true level of cardiometabolic risk for African American collegiate football players.


Subject(s)
Abdominal Fat , Cardiovascular Diseases/diagnosis , Football , Metabolic Syndrome/diagnosis , Overweight/complications , Universities , Cardiovascular Diseases/epidemiology , Cardiovascular Diseases/etiology , Cohort Studies , Cross-Sectional Studies , Humans , Insulin Resistance , Logistic Models , Male , Metabolic Syndrome/epidemiology , Metabolic Syndrome/etiology , Obesity/complications , ROC Curve , Risk Assessment , Risk Factors , United States/epidemiology , Young Adult
8.
Clin Oncol (R Coll Radiol) ; 18(6): 474-9, 2006 Aug.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-16909971

ABSTRACT

AIMS: To assess the treatment outcomes and toxicity of conformal high dose rate (HDR) brachytherapy boost as a means of radiation dose escalation in patients with localised prostate cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between December 1998 and July 2004, 65 consecutive patients with localised prostate cancer (magnetic resonance imaging-staged T1-3 N0 M0) were treated with external beam radiation therapy (EBRT) followed by two fractions of HDR iridium-192 brachytherapy. The patients selected this treatment modality in preference to entering an ongoing randomised phase 3 trial. Any pre-treatment serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) and Gleason score were included. The primary end point was biochemical disease-free progression. Late treatment-related morbidity was graded according to the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group and the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer criteria. RESULTS: The median patient age was 67.3 years (range 47.9-80). Sixty patients (92.3%) had intermediate- to high-risk disease defined by clinical stage, presenting PSA and Gleason score/World Health Organisation (WHO) grade. With a median follow-up of 3.5 years (range 0.6-5.8), two patients had died of metastatic disease and another four patients had PSA relapse, giving a 3-year actuarial biochemical disease-free progression of 90.8%. Three patients (4.6%) had acute grade 3 genitourinary toxicity, in the form of urinary retention. Late grade 3 and 4 genitourinary toxicities occurred in four patients (6.2%) and one patient (1.5%), respectively. No late gastrointestinal toxicities were observed. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that the combined modality of conformal HDR brachytherapy and EBRT is a feasible treatment modality with acceptable acute and late toxicities, comparable with those of EBRT alone. It offers an attractive conformal treatment modality with the potential of further dose escalation in the treatment of localised prostate cancer.


Subject(s)
Brachytherapy/methods , Iridium Radioisotopes/therapeutic use , Prostatic Neoplasms/radiotherapy , Radiotherapy, Conformal/methods , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Brachytherapy/adverse effects , Combined Modality Therapy , Dose-Response Relationship, Radiation , Feasibility Studies , Follow-Up Studies , Humans , Iridium Radioisotopes/adverse effects , Male , Middle Aged , Neoplasm Staging , Prostatic Neoplasms/diagnostic imaging , Radiotherapy Dosage , Radiotherapy, Conformal/adverse effects , Recurrence , Sensitivity and Specificity , Tomography, X-Ray Computed , Treatment Outcome
9.
J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry ; 71(5): 607-10, 2001 Nov.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-11606670

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: Impaired proprioception has been previously reported in patients with Parkinson's disease. It was hypothesised that dopaminergic medications transiently depress proprioception, with amplification of adventitious movements as a result. This study tested for effects on proprioception of dopaminergic drugs, and for associations between such effects and drug induced dyskinesias. METHODS: In 17 patients with Parkinson's disease, arm proprioception was tested in the practically defined "off" state, and retested 1 hour after taking levodopa or dopamine agonist. Testing consisted of side to side comparison of elbow angle, matching the contralateral elbow angle, and spatial recall of an unrestrained arm. RESULTS: Proprioception deteriorated as hypothesised, reaching significance by one tailed t test for each of the three tasks. The relative deterioration (and the 95% lower confidence bound for estimated deterioration) was 31% (4%) for side to side elbow comparison, was 27% (11%) for accuracy in matching the contralateral elbow angle, and was 11% (0%) for spatial recall. Dyskinetic (n=6) and non-dyskinetic (n=11) patients did not differ significantly in these effects on proprioception. Control subjects (n=6) and untreated parkinsonian subjects (n=5) did not significantly differ from the parkinsonian patients in the off state. CONCLUSIONS: Administration of levodopa and dopamine agonists were associated with a modest acute suppression in central responsiveness to joint position. It is speculated that compensatory exaggerated movement could account in part for the phenomenon of drug induced dyskinesias.


Subject(s)
Dopamine Agonists/adverse effects , Levodopa/adverse effects , Parkinson Disease/physiopathology , Somatosensory Disorders/chemically induced , Acute Disease , Adult , Aged , Dopamine Agonists/administration & dosage , Drug Administration Schedule , Female , Humans , Levodopa/administration & dosage , Male , Middle Aged , Severity of Illness Index , Somatosensory Disorders/diagnosis
10.
J Am Osteopath Assoc ; 101(2): 92-4, 2001 Feb.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-11293375

ABSTRACT

While it would appear that denture surfaces alone become colonized by microorganisms, this study showed that the porosity of denture material allows for contamination throughout the entire denture. Further, the numerous opportunistic and pathogenic microorganisms found in this study were unexpected and are known to produce not only substantial oral infections, but also systemic diseases.


Subject(s)
Dental Prosthesis/microbiology , Dentures , Fungi/isolation & purification , Gram-Negative Bacteria/isolation & purification , Gram-Positive Bacteria/isolation & purification , Bacterial Infections/epidemiology , Bacterial Infections/microbiology , Colony Count, Microbial , Contraindications , Female , Humans , Male , Recurrence , Risk Assessment , Sensitivity and Specificity , Stomatitis/microbiology
11.
Sex Transm Dis ; 28(1): 4-10, 2001 Jan.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-11196044

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: High rates of unprotected intercourse and illegal drug use have been reported among homeless adolescents. As a transient population with the potential to act as disease vectors from one location to another, incidence and prevalence of sexually transmitted infections in this population are of particular concern. GOAL: To assess a homeless adolescent population for incidence and prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis, herpes simplex virus type 2, hepatitis B virus, hepatitis C virus, HIV, and psychosocial correlates of the acquisition of sexually transmitted infections. STUDY DESIGN: Longitudinal with assessments at baseline, 3 months, and 6 months (n = 536; 319 males and 217 females). RESULTS: Baseline prevalence of C trachomatis was 4.17% for males and 6.30% for females. Prevalence of herpes simplex virus type 2 was 5.73% for males and 12.50% for females. Hepatitis B virus and hepatitis C virus prevalences were 3.60% and 5.0%, respectively. HIV seroprevalence was 0.3%. The incidence of sexually transmitted infections was significantly higher among females than among males (16.7% versus 9.8%) and was associated with inconsistent condom use and, for females, number of partners and sex with older partners. Incident hepatitis B virus and hepatitis C virus infection rates were 3.44% and 6.61%, respectively; both were associated with injection drug use. CONCLUSIONS: Among females, the incidence of herpes simplex virus type 2 (> 25%) and C trachomatis (12%) was relatively high. Inconsistent condom use was the primary factor associated with a significantly greater risk of incident sexually transmitted infections. This was especially true for females with multiple partners. Homeless adolescents also are at high risk for hepatitis B virus and hepatitis C virus infection, primarily associated with self-reported injection drug use.


Subject(s)
Adolescent Behavior , Chlamydia Infections/epidemiology , Hepatitis, Viral, Human/epidemiology , Herpes Genitalis/epidemiology , Homeless Youth , Sexually Transmitted Diseases/epidemiology , Adolescent , Adult , Age Factors , Condoms/statistics & numerical data , Female , HIV Infections/epidemiology , Humans , Incidence , Longitudinal Studies , Male , Northwestern United States/epidemiology , Prevalence , Risk Factors , Sex Factors , Sexual Behavior , Sexual Partners , Sexually Transmitted Diseases/transmission , Substance-Related Disorders
12.
Compend Contin Educ Dent ; 22(12): 1093-6, 1098, 1100-2 passim; quiz 1108, 2001 Dec.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-11887672

ABSTRACT

The purpose of this clinical study was to test the effectiveness of three methods of decontamination on complete dentures. Dentures worn by patients for varying lengths of time were handled aseptically and treated with three different treatment modalities. The dentures were touched and sectioned and then retouched to a variety of microbiological media. The quantity of microbial growth was recorded and predominating microorganisms were identified using standard microbiological techniques. System A was found to consistently decontaminate and sanitize dentures worn by patients. System B and System C showed variable reduction of microorganisms. An unexpected spectrum of both pathogenic and opportunistic microorganisms was found in the dentures examined, including a wide range of gram-negative bacteria, gram-positive bacteria, and yeasts. A wide range of microorganisms must be considered when treating either oral or systemic diseases in denture wearers. Denture hygiene and decontamination are critical to the prevention of oral and systemic disease transmission. The dentures of ill patients must be considered as possible sources of pathogenic microorganisms.


Subject(s)
Decontamination/methods , Denture Cleansers , Denture, Complete/microbiology , Analysis of Variance , Bacteria, Aerobic/drug effects , Bacteria, Aerobic/isolation & purification , Bacteria, Aerobic/radiation effects , Borates , Colony Count, Microbial , Dental Disinfectants/pharmacology , Humans , Microwaves , Sulfates
13.
Protein Sci ; 9(9): 1791-800, 2000 Sep.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-11045624

ABSTRACT

Elongation factor Tu (EF-Tu) promotes the binding of aminoacyl-tRNA (aa-tRNA) to the acceptor site of the ribosome. During the elongation cycle, EF-Tu interacts with guanine nucleotides, aa-tRNA and its nucleotide exchange factor (EF-Ts). Quantitative determination of the equilibrium dissociation constants that govern the interactions of mammalian mitochondrial EF-Tu (EF-Tu(mt)) with guanine nucleotides was the focus of the work reported here. Equilibrium dialysis with [3H]GDP was used to measure the equilibrium dissociation constant of the EF-Tu(mt) x GDP complex (K(GDP) = 1.0 +/- 0.1 microM). Competition of GTP with a fluorescent derivative of GDP (mantGDP) for binding to EF-Tu(mt) was used to measure the dissociation constant of the EF-Tu(mt) x GTP complex (K(GTP) = 18 +/- 9 microM). The analysis of these data required information on the dissociation constant of the EF-Tu(mt) x mantGDP complex (K(mGDP) = 2.0 +/- 0.5 microM), which was measured by equilibrium dialysis. Both K(GDP) and K(GTP) for EF-Tu(mt) are quite different (about two orders of magnitude higher) than the dissociation constants of the corresponding complexes formed by Escherichia coli EF-Tu. The forward and reverse rate constants for the association and dissociation of the EF-Tu(mt) x GDP complex were determined using the change in the fluorescence of mantGDP upon interaction with EF-Tu(mt). These values are in agreement with a simple equilibrium binding interaction between EF-Tu(mt) and GDP. The results obtained are discussed in terms of the recently described crystal structure of the EF-Tu(mt) x GDP complex.


Subject(s)
Guanine Nucleotides/metabolism , Peptide Elongation Factor Tu/metabolism , Animals , Guanine Nucleotides/chemistry , Models, Molecular , Molecular Structure , Peptide Elongation Factor Tu/chemistry , Protein Binding
14.
J Biol Chem ; 275(27): 20308-14, 2000 Jul 07.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-10801827

ABSTRACT

Elongation factor (EF) Tu promotes the binding of aminoacyl-tRNA (aa-tRNA) to the acceptor site of the ribosome. This process requires the formation of a ternary complex (EF-Tu.GTP.aa-tRNA). EF-Tu is released from the ribosome as an EF-Tu.GDP complex. Exchange of GDP for GTP is carried out through the formation of a complex with EF-Ts (EF-Tu.Ts). Mammalian mitochondrial EF-Tu (EF-Tu(mt)) differs from the corresponding prokaryotic factors in having a much lower affinity for guanine nucleotides. To further understand the EF-Tu(mt) subcycle, the dissociation constants for the release of aa-tRNA from the ternary complex (K(tRNA)) and for the dissociation of the EF-Tu.Ts(mt) complex (K(Ts)) were investigated. The equilibrium dissociation constant for the ternary complex was 18 +/- 4 nm, which is close to that observed in the prokaryotic system. The kinetic dissociation rate constant for the ternary complex was 7.3 x 10(-)(4) s(-)(1), which is essentially equivalent to that observed for the ternary complex in Escherichia coli. The binding of EF-Tu(mt) to EF-Ts(mt) is mutually exclusive with the formation of the ternary complex. K(Ts) was determined by quantifying the effects of increasing concentrations of EF-Ts(mt) on the amount of ternary complex formed with EF-Tu(mt). The value obtained for K(Ts) (5.5 +/- 1.3 nm) is comparable to the value of K(tRNA).


Subject(s)
Mitochondria, Liver/metabolism , Peptide Elongation Factor Tu/metabolism , Peptide Elongation Factors/metabolism , RNA, Transfer, Phe/metabolism , Animals , Binding, Competitive , Cattle , Escherichia coli/metabolism , Guanine Nucleotides/metabolism , Kinetics , Polyamines , Protein Biosynthesis , Protein Conformation , RNA-Binding Proteins/metabolism , Ribosomes/metabolism
15.
Br J Cancer ; 82(5): 1111-6, 2000 Mar.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-10737395

ABSTRACT

We report a new method of estimating the completeness of cancer registration, in which the proportions of unregistered patients are derived from the time distributions of three probabilities, each of which can be directly estimated from the registry's own data--the probabilities of survival, of registration of the cancer during the patient's life, and of the mention of cancer on the death certificate of a cancer patient who dies. This method allows completeness to be assessed routinely by factors such as age, sex, geographical area and tumour type.


Subject(s)
Neoplasms , Registries/standards , Death Certificates , Demography , Humans , Neoplasms/epidemiology , Neoplasms/mortality , Probability , Survival Analysis
16.
Biochim Biophys Acta ; 1490(3): 245-58, 2000 Feb 29.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-10684970

ABSTRACT

A cDNA clone encoding the human mitochondrial leucyl-tRNA synthetase (mtLeuRS) has been identified from the EST databases. Analysis of the protein encoded by this cDNA indicates that the protein is 903 amino acids in length and contains a mitochondrial signal sequence that is predicted to encompass the first 21 amino acids. Sequence analysis shows that this protein contains the characteristic motifs of class I aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases and regions of high homology to other mitochondrial and bacterial LeuRS proteins. The mature form of this protein has been cloned and expressed in Escherichia coli. Gel filtration indicates that human mtLeuRS is active in a monomeric state, with an apparent molecular mass of 101 kDa. The human mtLeuRS is capable of aminoacylating E. coli tRNA(Leu). Its activity is inhibited at high levels of either monovalent or divalent cations. K(M) and k(cat) values for ATP:PP(i) exchange and for the aminoacylation reaction have been determined.


Subject(s)
Leucine-tRNA Ligase/genetics , Mitochondria/enzymology , Adenosine Triphosphate/chemistry , Amino Acid Sequence , Biological Evolution , Chromatography, Gel , Cloning, Molecular , DNA, Complementary/chemistry , DNA, Complementary/genetics , Enzyme Activation , Escherichia coli/genetics , Escherichia coli/metabolism , Humans , Kinetics , Leucine-tRNA Ligase/chemistry , Leucine-tRNA Ligase/classification , Molecular Sequence Data , Molecular Weight , RNA, Messenger/chemistry , RNA, Messenger/genetics , RNA, Transfer/chemistry , Sequence Alignment , Sequence Homology , Species Specificity
17.
Biochim Biophys Acta ; 1446(1-2): 102-14, 1999 Jul 07.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-10395923

ABSTRACT

Escherichia coli elongation factor (EF-Tu) and the corresponding mammalian mitochondrial factor, EF-Tumt, show distinct differences in their affinities for guanine nucleotides and in their interactions with elongation factor Ts (EF-Ts) and mitochondrial tRNAs. To investigate the roles of the three domains of EF-Tu in these differences, six chimeric proteins were prepared in which the three domains were systematically switched. E. coli EF-Tu binds GDP much more tightly than EF-Tumt. This difference does not reside in domain I alone but is regulated by interactions with domains II and III. All the chimeric proteins formed ternary complexes with GTP and aminoacyl-tRNA although some had an increased or decreased activity in this assay. The activity of E. coli EF-Tu but not of EF-Tumt is stimulated by E. coli EF-Ts. The presence of any one of the domains of EF-Tumt in the prokaryotic factor reduced its interaction with E. coli EF-Ts 2-3-fold. In contrast, the presence of any of the three domains of E. coli EF-Tu in EF-Tumt allowed the mitochondrial factor to interact with bacterial EF-Ts. This observation indicates that even domain II which is not in contact with EF-Ts plays an important role in the nucleotide exchange reaction. EF-Tsmt interacts with all of the chimeras produced. However, with the exception of domain III exchanges, it inhibits the activities of the chimeras indicating that it could not be productively released to allow formation of the ternary complex. The unique ability of EF-Tumt to promote binding of mitochondrial Phe-tRNAPhe to the A-site of the ribosome resides in domains I and II. These studies indicate that the interactions of EF-Tu with its ligands is a complex process involving cross-talk between all three domains.


Subject(s)
Guanine Nucleotides/metabolism , Mitochondria/metabolism , Peptide Elongation Factors/genetics , RNA, Transfer, Amino Acyl/metabolism , Ribosomes/metabolism , Animals , Escherichia coli , Mammals , Models, Molecular , Peptide Elongation Factor Tu/chemistry , Peptide Elongation Factor Tu/genetics , Peptide Elongation Factor Tu/metabolism , Peptide Elongation Factors/chemistry , Peptide Elongation Factors/metabolism , Recombinant Fusion Proteins/genetics
18.
J Mol Biol ; 288(4): 567-77, 1999 May 14.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-10329163

ABSTRACT

Human mitochondrial phenylalanyl-tRNA synthetase (mtPheRS) has been identified from the human EST database. Using consensus sequences derived from conserved regions of the alpha and beta-subunits from bacterial PheRS, two partially sequenced cDNA clones were identified. Unexpectedly, sequence analysis indicated that one of these clones was a truncated form of the other. Detailed analysis indicates that unlike the (alphabeta)2 structure of the prokaryotic and eukaryotic cytoplasmic forms of PheRS, the human mtPheRS consists of a single polypeptide chain. This protein has been cloned and expressed in Escherichia coli. Gel filtration and analytical velocity sedimentation centrifugation indicate that the human mtPheRS is active in a monomeric form. The N-terminal 314 amino acid residues appear to be analogous to the alpha-subunit of the prokaryotic PheRS, while the C-terminal 100 amino acid residues correspond to a region of the beta-subunit known to interact with the anticodon of tRNAPhe. Comparisons with the sequences of PheRS from yeast and Drosophila mitochondria indicate they are 42 % and 51 % identical with the human mtPheRS, respectively. Sequence analysis confirms the presence of motifs characteristic of class II aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases. KM and kcat values for ATP:PPi exchange and for the aminoacylation reaction carried out by human mtPheRS have been determined. Evolutionary origins of this small monomeric human mtPheRS are unknown, however, implications are that this enzyme is a result of the simplification of the more complex (alphabeta)2 bacterial PheRS in which specific functional regions were retained.


Subject(s)
Mitochondria/enzymology , Phenylalanine-tRNA Ligase/genetics , Adenosine Triphosphate/metabolism , Amino Acid Sequence , Chromatography, Gel , DNA, Complementary , Humans , Models, Molecular , Molecular Sequence Data , Phenylalanine-tRNA Ligase/chemistry , Phenylalanine-tRNA Ligase/metabolism , Sequence Homology, Amino Acid , Thermus/enzymology , Ultracentrifugation
19.
Int J Pharm Compd ; 3(6): 490-2, 1999.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-23985820

ABSTRACT

The use of a new suspending agent is investigated. Calamine lotion, USP contains bentonite magma as a suspending agent. In this study, bentonite magma was partially or completely replaced with a new suspending agent called tahini. Tahini is sesame paste composed of crushed sesame seeds in sesame oil. It is frequently used in middle eastern food as a thickening and suspending agent. Calamine lotion was prepared, generally, according to the USP method. The formula contained 40% v/v magma. Tahini was added instead of bentonite magma by replacing 100%, 99%, 90%, 75%, 50% and 25% of the magma. The sedimentation volume and the degree of flocculation were calculated for the resulting preparations. Rheological characteristics of bentonite- and tahini-containing lotions were also determined. Sedimentation volume showed 0.723 and 0.851 (p=0.05) for the lotions containing 100% bentonite and 100% tahini, respectively. The degree of flocculation was 2.00 and 2.35 (p=0.05) for the 100% bentonite and 100% tahini lotions, respectively. The rheograms of all the suspensions showed pseudoplastic flow. Overall, the use of tahini in calamine lotion has improved the physical stability of the formula.

20.
Sex Transm Dis ; 25(5): 225-8, 1998 May.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-9587171

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis genital infection in the United States population is unknown. Using a new urine test for C. trachomatis, we conducted a pilot survey as part of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey III (NHANES III). GOAL: To determine whether the prevalence of chlamydial infection in a convenience sample of NHANES participants was high enough to justify testing for C. trachomatis in a national survey. STUDY DESIGN: NHANES III, conducted from 1988 to 1994, was based on a stratified multistage probability sample of the United States population. Non-Hispanic blacks and Mexican-Americans were oversampled. Using the ligase chain reaction assay for C. trachomatis, we tested urine from participants 12 to 39 years of age from 10 of the 89 sites of NHANES III. The prevalence of infection was calculated by racial or ethnic group. RESULTS: We tested 1,144 study participants, of whom 65% were female, 30% were non-Hispanic blacks, and 30% were Mexican-American. Prevalence was higher for non-Hispanic blacks (7%) than for Mexican-Americans (3%) and non-Hispanic whites (2%). Prevalence was higher for women than men in non-Hispanic blacks (7% vs. 6%), Mexican-Americans (5% vs. 2%), and non-Hispanic whites (2% vs. 1%). In 15- to 19-year-old women, prevalence was 13% in non-Hispanic blacks, 11% in Mexican-Americans, and 5% in non-Hispanic whites. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of C. trachomatis genital infection was high enough to suggest that a reliable national prevalence estimate could be obtained in a national probability sample survey.


Subject(s)
Chlamydia Infections/epidemiology , Chlamydia trachomatis , Genital Diseases, Female/epidemiology , Genital Diseases, Male/epidemiology , Adolescent , Adult , Child , Female , Humans , Male , Pilot Projects , Prevalence , United States
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