Texas Medical Center

About: Texas Medical Center is a healthcare organization based out in Houston, Texas, United States. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Cancer. The organization has 2845 authors who have published 2394 publications receiving 79426 citations.

Virulence factors of Escherichia coli isolated from female reproductive tract infections and neonatal sepsis.

Abstract: Objective: The presence of enterobacteria such as Escherichia coli in the vagina of normal women is not synonymous with infection. However, vaginal E. coli may also cause symptomatic infections. We examined bacterial virulenceproperties that may promote symptomatic female reproductive tract infections (RTI) and neonatal sepsis.

Management of fractures of the talus: body and head regions.

Abstract: Talar head and body injuries are not recognized easily and can create significant long-term disability when missed. Careful investigation of any injury about the ankle requires clinical and radiographic examination. A CT scan is extremely helpful in diagnosing and treating these injuries. Displaced fractures require open reduction of the major joint surfaces and internal fixation. Prolonged nonweight bearing and immobilization is the norm. Despite aggressive management, complications that involve avascular necrosis and posttraumatic arthritis to the subtalar and ankle joints occur frequently.

Gene profiling and signaling pathways of Candida albicans keratitis.

Abstract: Purpose To compare the global gene expression patterns in uninfected and fungus-infected mouse corneas at the onset of Candida albicans keratitis. Methods Fungal keratitis was generated by scarifying the corneal epithelium of BALB/c mice followed by topical inoculation with Candida albicans. Corneal infection was allowed to progress for one day, and total RNA was then extracted from excised corneas. Microarray was performed to detect 45,102 murine genes and processed to identify genetic regulation of signaling pathways. Selected genes encoding interleukins (IL), chemokine ligands, and other cytokines were confirmed by quantitative real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Results Compared to mock-inoculated control eyes, genetic microarray analysis of Candida albicans keratitis showed that 3,977 genes (8.8%) changed at least twofold and 1,672 genes (3.7%) changed at least fourfold. Hierarchical clustering identified that upregulated genes affected immune and inflammatory responses, intercellular signaling, and cellular proliferation. Pathways having more than 20% of their genes significantly upregulated signaled leukocyte extravasation, increased interleukin production, and affected toll-like receptors. Upregulated transcript levels for IL-1beta and IL-6 were confirmed by real-time RT-PCR. Conclusions Host gene expression during the initial stage of Candida albicans keratitis involves pathways contributing to acute inflammation mediated by interleukins and other signals of leukocyte recruitment. This murine study confirms the involvement of innate immunity in the cornea during the initiation of Candida albicans keratitis.