Nucleotide sequence of an ABA-induced tomato gene that is expressed in wilted vegetative organs and developing seeds.
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Abscisic Acid↗
Biomedical subjects
A Cohen
Publications and source records attributed to A Cohen.
Prognosis for schizophrenia in the Third World: a reevaluation of cross-cultural research.
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Attitude to Health↗
Risk factors for small-for-gestational-age birth in a preterm population.
OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to discovery any distinct risk factors for small-for-gestational-age birth among premature infants. STUDY DESIGN: Demographic and obstetric risk factors were compared for 136 small-for-gestational-age prematures and 636 appropriate-for-gestational-age premature infants. RESULTS: Three significant risk factors for growth retardation among premature infants were found: black maternal race (odds ratio 2.2; 95% confidence interval (1.4 to 3.5); maternal toxemia (odds ratio 3.2; 95% confidence interval 1.7 to 6.1); and either low maternal weight gain (odds ratio 4.0; 95% confidence interval 1.8 to 8.8) or missing information on maternal weight gain, which could be a marker for late or no prenatal care (odds ratio 4.9; 95% confidence interval 1.9 to 12.6). Maternal smoking rates were similar in the small- and appropriate-for-gestational-age groups (42% and 43%, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Toxemia, weight gain, and race are likely risk factors for small-for-gestational-age birth in both preterm and term populations; within the already high-risk domain of prematurity, maternal smoking did not appear to confer added risk for small-for-gestational-age birth.
Black or African American↗
Interleukin 6 induces myeloid differentiation of a human biphenotypic leukemic cell line.
The human leukemic cell line B1, is characterized by a specific 4;11 chromosomal translocation, immature myeloid/pre-B biphenotypic features, expression of multiple cytokine receptors and IL-1-dependent autocrine growth regulation [Cohen et al. (1991) Blood 78, 94]. Exposure of B1 cells to low concentrations of IL-6 abolished the leukemic cells ability to form colonies in semi-solid medium and slowed down their proliferation rate in suspension. Associated with these changes in growth characteristics, the B1 cells differentiated along the myeloid lineage as judged by the induction of the myeloid-specific surface antigens CD33, CD13 and CD11b, as well as histochemical and morphological changes characteristic of myeloid cells. The induction of differentiation was specific to IL-6 since none of the other cytokines which inhibited B1 cell growth (IL-7, gamma IFN and TNF alpha) were able to induce myeloid or lymphoid differentiation in these cells. The IL-6-induced differentiation was completed over a two week period and was essentially irreversible. Together with the phenotypic changes, IL-6 induced the expression of the protein tyrosine phosphatase (CD45) which may be associated with altered growth observed in IL-6-treated cells. Induction of terminal differentiation of leukemic cells by recombinant bioregulators has therapeutic implications and merits further study.
Bone Marrow↗
The human T cell receptor gamma genes are transcribed from TATA-less promoters containing a conserved heptamer sequence.
We have used the anchored polymerase chain reaction (A-PCR) to clone and compare the 5' upstream regions of the human T cell receptor gamma (TRG) genes. Whereas little homology was found among subgroups I, II, III and IV, sequence alignment of TRG subgroup I members revealed a high degree of homology in the 5' sequences. A conserved heptamer sequence (CTGCAGG), which was found upstream from the translation initiation site of all TRG genes in our analysis. Determination of the transcription initiation site located the conserved heptamer 65 base pairs upstream from the cap sites of V5. No TATA box or other cis-acting promoter sequences could be identified in any of the human TRG upstream sequences.
Base Sequence↗
Experimental model of lead nephropathy. II. Effect of removal from lead exposure and chelation treatment with dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA).
Male Sprague-Dawley rats were exposed to high-dose (0.5%) lead acetate for periods ranging from 1 to 9 months; then lead exposure was discontinued, and animals were sacrificed after 12 months. Controls were pair-fed. Two additional groups of low-dose (0.01%) and high-dose (0.5%) rats were exposed to lead for 6 months, then lead was discontinued and the rats were treated with three 5-day courses of 0.5% DMSA (dimercaptosuccinic acid) over the next 6 months. Controls were rats exposed to lead for 6 months, then removed from exposure for 6 months without receiving DMSA. Low-dose lead-treated rats showed no significant pathological changes with or without DMSA treatment, but exhibited a significant increase in GFR after DMSA. High-dose lead-treated animals showed no functional or pathological changes when lead exposure was discontinued after 1 month. However, when duration of exposure was 6 or 9 months, GFR was decreased and serum creatinine and urea nitrogen were increased as compared to controls. Tubulointerstitial disease was severe. Administration of DMSA resulted in an improvement in GFR and a decrease in albuminuria, together with a reduction in size and number of nuclear inclusion bodies in proximal tubules. However, tubulointerstitial scarring was only minimally reduced. It may be concluded that, except for brief initial exposure, discontinuation of high-dose lead exposure fails to reverse lead-induced renal damage. Treatment with the chelator, DMSA, improves renal function but has less effect on pathological alterations. As GFR improved after DMSA treatment in both low-dose and high-dose lead-treated rats, irrespective of the degree of pathological alterations, it may be concluded that the DMSA effect is most likely mediated by hemodynamic changes.
Acetylglucosaminidase↗
Asymmetry in visual search for targets defined by differences in movement speed.
Perception of motion speed was investigated with the visual search paradigm, using human Ss. When searching for a fast target among slow distractors, reaction time was minimally affected as the number of distractors was increased. In contrast, reaction time to detect a slow target among fast distractors was slow and linearly related to the number of distractors. The effect cannot be attributed to differences in temporal frequency, discriminability, or one type of representation that might result from spatiotemporal filtering. An alternative hypothesis that can account for the asymmetry is that speed detectors operate as high-pass filters in the velocity domain. This hypothesis is in agreement with results obtained in psychophysical studies on motion adaptation as well as data from single-cell recordings in nonhuman species.
Acceleration↗
Epoetin enhances erythropoiesis in normal men undergoing repeated phlebotomies.
Epoetin may enhance autologous blood donation, but efficacy and dose response have not been established. This multicenter, double-blind trial compared intravenous placebo (n = 23) with epoetin beta, 250 U/kg (n = 23), 500 U/kg (n = 19), and 1000 U/kg (n = 22), administered three times weekly for 26 days. Normal men (age, 28 +/- 7 years; mean +/- SD) received phlebotomies up to three times weekly as long as the hemoglobin remained greater than or equal to 12 gm/dl. Subjects treated with epoetin donated 32% more units of blood (p less than 0.05) compared with placebo. A dose response was not observed. Platelet counts increased with epoetin compared with placebo, but platelet function and bleeding time did not change. Prothrombin times increased and partial thromboplastin times decreased with both epoetin and placebo. The supernatant of packed red blood cells collected after multiple phlebotomies and stored 42 days had slightly lower glucose concentrations and pH after therapy with epoetin. Blood pressure did not change with epoetin or placebo. These findings support the efficacy and safety of epoetin for enhancing the erythropoietic response of normal subjects during intensive phlebotomy.
Adolescent↗
Restriction-stimulated homologous recombination of plasmids by the RecE pathway of Escherichia coli.
To test the double-strand break (DSB) repair model in recombination by the RecE pathway of Escherichia coli, we constructed chimeric phages that allow restriction-mediated release of linear plasmid substrates of the bioluminescence recombination assay in infected EcoRI+ cells. Kinetics of DSB repair and expression of recombination products were followed by Southern hybridization and by the bioluminescence recombination assay, respectively. Plasmid recombinants were analyzed with restriction endonucleases. Our results indicate that a DSB can induce more than one type of RecE-mediated recombination. A DSB within the homology induced intermolecular recombination that followed the rules of the DSB repair model: (1) Recombination was enhanced by in vivo restriction. (2) Repair of the break depended on homologous sequences on the resident plasmid. (3) Break-repair was frequently associated with conversion of alleles that were cis to the break. (4) Conversion frequency decreased as the distance from the break increased. (5) Some clones contained a mixture of plasmid recombinants as expected by replication of a heteroduplex in the primary recombinant. The rules of the DSB repair model were not followed when recombination was induced by a DSB outside the homology. Both the cut and the uncut substrates were recipients in conversion events. Recombination events were associated with deletions that spanned the break site, but these deletions did not reach the homology. We propose that a break outside the homology may stimulate a RecE-mediated recombination pathway that does not involve direct participation of DNA ends in the homologous pairing reaction.
Blotting, Southern↗
Clinical decision making for discharge planning in a changing psychiatric environment.
This article reviews the clinical decision-making process involved in planning for continuity of care following discharge from inpatient psychiatric services. The decision-making frame of reference requires the identification of the players in the process, parameters of their roles, performance expectations, and boundaries of rights and obligations; clear definition of objectives; collection of data and analysis of its relevancy; and study of possible alternatives, with evaluations of their consequences. The authors present an approach to clinical decision making that includes an analysis of modalities and practice skills and a critical review of practice in a psychiatric setting that emphasizes the role of the family; the importance of continuity of care; and the need to engage the patient, family, and care systems within briefer time frames.
Adult↗
Porokeratotic eccrine ostial and dermal duct nevus. An abnormally keratinizing epidermal invagination or a dilated, porokeratotically plugged acrosyringium and dermal duct?
Porokeratotic eccrine ostial and dermal duct nevus (PEODDN) has been said to represent a widely dilated, keratin-plugged acrosyringium and dermal duct. We have observed in a case of congenital PEODDN a normal-appearing, acrosyringium-like duct that traverses vertically the entire length of the parakeratotic column. Also, in its lower course, it stained positively for carcinoembryonic antigen, while the inner borders of the invagination from which the parakeratotic column arose stained negatively. This leads us to suggest that the epithelial structure in PEODDN is an abnormally keratinizing epidermal invagination through which an acrosyringium-like duct traverses, rather than an abnormally dilated, parakeratotically plugged acrosyringium and dermal duct.
Adult↗
A clinical evaluation of the 'Rapitrach'. A bedside percutaneous tracheostomy technique.
A number of percutaneous tracheostomy devices are now available commercially. We report a preliminary clinical study of the use of the 'Rapitrach' kit (Fresenius, Runcorn, Cheshire, UK). Twenty critically ill adult patients underwent tracheostomy using the kit. Nineteen of the procedures were carried out at the bedside in the intensive therapy unit. Correct tube placement was achieved in all cases.
Adult↗
Gastrointestinal blood loss after non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Measurement by selective determination of faecal porphyrins.
1. A method for the detection of gastrointestinal blood loss based upon the selective measurement of faecal porphyrins was tested in two studies in healthy volunteers. 2. In the first study subjects (n = 6) received intragastric autologous blood (saline, 2 and 6 ml as a single dose) resulting in a dose dependent increase in faecal porphyrins. 3. In a subsequent placebo controlled cross over study in 12 subjects acetylsalicylic acid (ASA), nabumetone (a new NSAID) or placebo were administered for 5 days with a washout period of 9 days. They were no dietary restrictions. 4. All faeces were collected during the treatment period and both the full faecal homogenate and a random faecal sample were analyzed for deutero- and pemptoporphyrin content by h.p.l.c. Additionally a benzidine reaction was performed. 5. There was a highly significant correlation (r = 0.95) between the values obtained from random samples and the full homogenate. ASA increased the faecal porphyrin excretion (P less than 0.001) compared with placebo in contrast to nabumetone. Complaints of dyspepsia were most common after ASA. 6. Measurement of faecal porphyrins is useful for monitoring NSAID induced upper gastrointestinal blood loss and lacks some of the practical constraints of other methods.
Adult↗
Central role of tumour necrosis factor, GM-CSF, and interleukin 1 in the pathogenesis of juvenile chronic myelogenous leukaemia.
In previous studies on patients with juvenile chronic myelogenous leukaemia (JCML), we found excessive proliferation of malignant monocyte-macrophage elements in the absence of exogenous growth factor, and impaired growth of normal haematopoietic progenitors. In the current study, six newly-diagnosed JCML patients were investigated to characterize the disease further. In co-cultures, JCML cell culture supernatant as well as patient plasma obtained at diagnosis produced a striking reduction in numbers of control marrow BFU-E, CFU-GM, CFU-Meg and CFU-GEMM colonies. Monoclonal anti-tumour necrosis factor alpha neutralizing antibodies (anti-TNF-alpha Ab) abolished these inhibitory properties. In sharp contrast, JCML supernatants exerted a marked growth-promoting effect on autologous JCML cells cultured in clonogenic assays. Anti-TNF-alpha Ab and anti-granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor neutralizing antibodies (anti-GM-CSF Ab) both reversed the stimulating effect. Recombinant GM-CSF and recombinant TNF alpha produced a profound increase in JCML colonies when tested individually and anti-GM-CSF Ab reversed the TNF-alpha effect. Expression studies of TNF-alpha and TNF-alpha receptor genes of cultured JCML cells demonstrated mRNAs for both. Further, TNF-alpha activity was assayed in a wide variety of cell culture supernatants and in normal and patients' plasma, and only the JCML specimens showed increased TNF-alpha values. Recombinant interleukin-1 alpha (IL-1 alpha) also stimulated JCML colony growth, but polyclonal anti-IL-1 neutralizing antibodies did not suppress JCML colony numbers nor did it reverse the effects of TNF-alpha or GM-CSF. The evidence indicated that the JCML monokine which inhibits normal haematopoiesis is TNF-alpha and that the endogenously-produced TNF-alpha and GM-CSF from JCML cells play an important role in the pathogenesis of the disease by acting as autocrine growth factors. IL-1 alpha also stimulates JCML cell proliferation as an accessory factor and augments the effect of GM-CSF, TNF-alpha or both.
Base Sequence↗
Total leukocyte and neutrophil count changes associated with antenatal betamethasone administration in premature infants.
The white blood cell counts of 84 premature infants were included in a retrospective study of 45 infants treated antenatally with betamethasone and 39 non-treated infants. A significant increase in neutrophil and immature neutrophil forms was found in the treated group when the drug was administered to the mother close to delivery. This effect lasted for three days. Afterwards, although the counts were not significantly high compared to the control group, their physiological decrease was delayed. This study indicates that the known stimulating effect of steroids on total leukocyte and neutrophil counts in adult humans and fetal lambs, also occurs in premature infants. This fact supports recent reports which propose the antenatal maternal administration of betamethasone as a cause of leukemoid reaction or leukocytosis after birth.
Betamethasone↗
Relationship between neonatal behavior and subsequent temperament.
The validity of the neonatal behavioral assessment scale in predicting later infant temperament is of theoretical and clinical importance. The scale was administered to 47 full-term healthy neonates. Of these, 40 were followed and the infant characteristics questionnaire was given at four months of age. Significant correlations were revealed between the neonatal assessment items from the clusters of orientation and motor maturity and the temperament factors "fussy-difficult" and "unpredictable". Items from the cluster of autonomic stability correlated with the temperament factor "unadaptable." These correlations possibly indicate that perceived temperament does reflect intrinsic infant qualities.
Adaptation, Physiological↗
Growth in patients with isolated gonadotrophin deficiency.
The growth pattern of 66 patients (50 males, 16 females) with isolated gonadotrophin deficiency (IGnD), who had reached their final height with epiphyseal closure, was evaluated. For the purpose of analysis the males were divided into two groups according to age at referral: group 1 less than 16 years (n = 23) and group 2 greater than or equal to 16 years (n = 27). Sex hormone treatment was initiated at a mean (SD) chronological age of 15.8 (1.3) and 18.6 (1.2) years in groups 1 and 2 in the males and at 15.3 (1.3) years in the females. The duration of treatment (until epiphyseal closure) in the males was 3.9 (1.5) years in group 1 and 2.1 (1.0) years in group 2 and 2.8 (1.3) years in the females. There was no significant difference between the mean final height in groups 1 and 2, but it was significantly higher than the mean parental height (mean height SD score (HtSDS): 0.1 (1.1) v -0.8 (0.9)) and they were significantly correlated. For females the mean HtSDS compared with parental height was 0.4 (1.5) v -0.6 (1.2). It is concluded that the timing of induction of puberty by sex hormones in males and females with IGnD has no significant effect on final height provided that moderate doses are used. Furthermore final height was significantly correlated to mid-parental height.
Adolescent↗
Transesophageal echocardiographic detection of aortic arch disease in patients with cerebral infarction.
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Ulcerated plaques in the aortic arch are frequent autopsy findings in patients with cerebral infarctions, particularly those of unknown cause. It has been suggested that they could be a source of cerebral emboli. Using transesophageal echocardiography, we prospectively studied 12 consecutive patients with cerebral infarction of undetermined cause after noninvasive workup to evaluate the frequency of aortic plaques or mural thrombi that could embolize in cerebral arteries. SUMMARY OF REVIEW: Six patients (50%) had an intraluminal echogenic mass of the aortic arch, mainly located at the junction of the ascending aorta and arch. This material was pedunculated (in one patient) or broad based (in five patients) with a markedly irregular surface and intraluminal extension from 3 to 15 mm. In addition, we found cholesterol emboli in two of the four patients who underwent quadriceps biopsy. CONCLUSIONS: These results show that transesophageal echocardiography has capabilities in detecting such lesions and point to the aortic arch as a possible source of cerebral emboli in patients with cerebral infarction of unknown cause.
Aged↗