Search PubMed⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

A Jones

Publications and source records attributed to A Jones.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources
PubMed2005

The relationship between bullying and self-worth in children with movement coordination problems.

BACKGROUND: Past research has indicated that there is a negative relationship between victimization and self-worth. Furthermore, children with movement problems such as developmental coordination disorder (DCD) are considered at risk of both victimization and low self-worth. AIMS: This study investigated the relationship between peer-victimization and self-worth in a group of children with DCD and control children. SAMPLE: Forty-three children aged 7-11 years were identified as at risk of DCD, and were matched on age and gender with 43 control children. METHOD: Children were individually assessed using the Multi-dimensional peer victimization scale (MPVS; Mynard & Joseph, 2000) to assess the degree and type of bullying, and the self perception profile for children (SPPC; Harter, 1985) to determine self-worth. RESULTS: The two groups did not differ significantly on mean reported self-worth or mean peer-victimization. The relationship between these two measures, however, differed across group and gender. Peer victimization and self-worth were negatively correlated only for the children at risk of DCD. Furthermore, peer victimization accounted for a greater and statistically significant proportion of the variance in the self-worth of girls at risk of DCD compared with boys. This effect of peer-victimization on self-worth in girls with DCD was uniquely attributed to the effects of verbal victimization. CONCLUSIONS: Although children with and without motor coordination problems reported equivalent amounts of victimization, there were differences in the impact of that bullying. Specifically, self-worth was negatively affected by bullying for the girls with DCD. Teachers and parents should not only focus on the amount of bullying a child receives, but should also be aware of how bullying impacts differently on self-worth across groups.

Aggression↗
PubMed2004

Auditory sensory gating deficit and cortical thickness in schizophrenia.

Both an EEG P50 sensory gating deficit and abnormalities of the temporal lobe structure are considered characteristic of schizophrenia. The standard P50 sensory gating measure does not foster differential assessment of left- and right-hemisphere contributions, but its analogous MEG M50 component may be used to measure gating of distinct auditory source dipoles localizing to left- and right-hemisphere primary auditory cortex. The present study sought to determine how sensory gating ratio may relate to cortical thickness at the site of the auditory dipole localization. A standard auditory paired-click paradigm was used during MEG for patients (n=22) and normal controls (n=11). Sensory gating ratios were determined by measuring the strength of the 50 ms response to the second click divided by that of the first click (S2/S1). Cortical thickness was assessed by two reliable raters using 3D sMRI. Results showed that: (1) patients had a P50 and left M50 sensory gating deficit relative to controls; (2) cortex in both hemispheres was thicker in the control group; (3) in schizophrenia, poorer left-hemisphere M50 sensory gating correlated with thinner left-hemisphere auditory cortical thickness; and (4) poorer right-hemisphere M50 auditory sensory gating ratio correlated with thinner right-hemisphere auditory cortical thickness in patients. The MEG-assessed hemisphere-specific auditory sensory gating ratio may be driven by this structural abnormality in auditory cortex.

Acoustic Stimulation↗
PubMed2004

Mortality of globally threatened Sarus cranes Grus antigon from monocrotophos poisoning in India.

Globally threatened Sarus cranes Grus antigon are resident at Keoladeo National Park World Heritage site and the surrounding area near Bharatpur, Western Rajasthan, India. In winter, they are joined by c. 200 wintering common cranes Grus grus. On 23 November 2000, 15 Sarus cranes and three common cranes were found dead in a field adjacent to the park, where wheat seed had been sown the previous day. Chemical analyses of seed samples from the field and the cranes' alimentary tract contents identified residues of the organophosphate insecticide monocrotophos. Monocrotophos concentrations of 0.8 and 1.8 ppm were found in wheat samples, and 0.2-0.74 ppm (x=0.33) in the alimentary tract contents of five of the seven cranes examined. No other organophosphate or organochlorine pesticides were detected. We conclude that the cranes died from monocrotophos poisoning after eating treated seed. We discuss similar incidents of avian mortality, and recommend that measures be taken to reduce these.

Animal Feed↗
PubMed2004

Trends in postoperative radiotherapy delay and the effect on survival in breast cancer patients treated with conservation surgery.

The adequate timing of adjuvant radiotherapy (RT) in breast cancer has become a subject of increasing interest in recent years. A population-based study was undertaken to determine the influence of demographic and clinical factors on the postoperative RT delay in patients treated with breast-conserving surgery (BCS) and to assess the impact of delay on survival. In total, 7800 breast cancer patients treated with BCS and adjuvant RT between 1986 and 1998 in Yorkshire were included in the study. The median interval between surgery and the start of RT (S-RT interval) was 8 weeks (7 weeks for chemotherapy negative and 11 for chemotherapy positive patients). This interval increased substantially over time from 5 weeks during 1986-1988, irrespective of patients' chemotherapy status, to 10 and 17 weeks among chemotherapy negative and chemotherapy positive patients, respectively, in 1997-1998. The S-RT interval was also significantly influenced by travel time to RT centre, year and at which RT centre patient had the treatment (P<0.001). Overall, 5-year survival was 82%. Patients with S-RT intervals longer than 9 weeks had a trend towards an increased relative risk of death. This reached a statistical significance at 20-26 weeks (RR 1.49, 95% CI (1.16-1.92)). The findings of our study suggest that delaying the initiation of RT for 20-26 weeks after surgery is associated with decreased survival in patients treated with conservation surgery.

Adult↗
PubMed2004

Does paracetamol (acetaminophen) reduce the pain of osteoarthritis? A meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the best available evidence for efficacy of paracetamol (acetaminophen) in the treatment of osteoarthritis (OA). DESIGN: Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials (RCTs). DATA SOURCES: Medline, Embase, Scientific Citation Index, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, and conference abstracts in the past 2 years from the British Society for Rheumatology, the European League Against Rheumatism, the American College of Rheumatology, and the Osteoarthritis Research Society International. SUBJECTS: 10 RCTs including 1712 patients with either symptomatic OA of the knee (6 trials) or hip/knee (3 trials) or multiple joints (1 trial). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: (a). effect size (ES) for pain, stiffness, and functional scores from baseline to end point; (b). rate ratio (RR) and number needed to treat for clinical response rate and patient preference for treatment. RESULTS: Paracetamol was effective in relieving pain due to OA (ES = 0.21, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.02 to 0.41). Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) were better than paracetamol for pain relief (ES = 0.20, 95% CI 0.10 to 0.30). Clinical response rate was higher with NSAIDs than with paracetamol (RR = 1.24, 95% CI 1.08 to 1.41), and the number of patients who preferred NSAIDs was more than twice the number of those preferring paracetamol (RR = 2.46, 95% CI 1.51 to 4.12). NSAIDs were associated with more frequent gastrointestinal discomfort than paracetamol (RR = 1.35, 95% CI 1.05 to 1.75). CONCLUSION: Paracetamol is an effective agent for pain relief due to OA. Although safer, it is less effective than NSAIDs. For safety reasons paracetamol should be the first line treatment, with NSAIDs reserved for those who do not respond.

Acetaminophen↗
PubMed2004

A cancer research (UK) randomized phase II study of idoxifene in patients with locally advanced/metastatic breast cancer resistant to tamoxifen.

Idoxifene is a novel selective oestrogen receptor modulator (SERM) which had greater binding affinity for the oestrogen receptor (ER) and reduced agonist activity compared with tamoxifen in preclinical studies. In a randomized phase II trial in 56 postmenopausal patients with progressive locally advanced/metastatic breast cancer we assessed whether idoxifene showed evidence of activity compared with an increased 40 mg/day dose of tamoxifen in patients who had previously demonstrated resistance to the standard 20 mg/day dose of tamoxifen. Of 47 patients eligible for response (25 idoxifene, 22 tamoxifen), two partial responses and two disease stabilizations (SD) for >6 months were seen with idoxifene (overall clinical benefit rate 16%, 95% CI 4.5-36.1%). The median duration of clinical benefit was 9.8 months. In contrast, no objective responses were seen with the increased 40 mg/day dose of tamoxifen, although two patients had SD for 7 and 14 months (clinical benefit rate 9%, 95% CI 1.1-29.2%). Idoxifene was well tolerated and the reported possible drug-related toxicities were similar in frequency to those with tamoxifen (hot flushes 13% vs 15%, mild nausea 20% vs 15%). Endocrine and lipid analysis in both groups showed a similar significant fall in serum follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone after 4 weeks, together with a significant rise in sex hormone binding globulin levels and 11% reduction in serum cholesterol levels. In conclusion, while idoxifene was associated with only modest evidence of clinical activity in patients with tamoxifen-resistant breast cancer, its toxicity profile and effects on endocrine/lipid parameters were similar to those of tamoxifen.

Adult↗
PubMed2004

Positive expiratory pressure physiotherapy for airway clearance in people with cystic fibrosis.

BACKGROUND: Chest physiotherapy is widely prescribed to assist the clearance of airway secretions in people with cystic fibrosis (CF). Positive expiratory pressure (PEP) devices provide constant back pressure to the airways during expiration. This may improve clearance by building up gas behind mucus via collateral ventilation. Given the widespread use of PEP devices, there is a need to determine the evidence for their effect. OBJECTIVES: To determine the effectiveness and acceptability of PEP devices compared to other forms of physiotherapy as a means of improving mucus clearance and other outcomes in people with CF. SEARCH STRATEGY: We searched the Cochrane Cystic Fibrosis and Genetic Disorders Group trials register comprising of references identified from comprehensive electronic database searches and handsearching of relevant journals and abstract books of conference proceedings. The electronic database CINAHL was also searched from 1982 to 2001. Most recent search of the Group's register: November 2003. SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomised controlled trials in which PEP was compared with any other form of physiotherapy in people with CF. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two reviewers independently applied the inclusion and exclusion criteria to publications and assessed the quality of the included studies. MAIN RESULTS: Thirty-three studies were identified and twenty studies involving 429 participants met review inclusion criteria. Most included studies had low scores on a scale of study quality. Sixteen of these studies involving 257 participants were cross-over in design. Data were not published in sufficient detail in these studies to perform meta-analysis.Forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) was the most frequently measured outcome. Single interventions or series of treatments continued for up to one month demonstrated no significant difference in effect between PEP and other methods of airway clearance on FEV1. Long-term studies had equivocal or conflicting results regarding the effect on FEV1. Patient preference was reported in nine studies. In all studies with an intervention period of at least one month, measures of patient preference were in favour of PEP. The results for the remaining outcome measures were not examined or reported in sufficient detail to provide any high level evidence. REVIEWER'S CONCLUSIONS: There was no clear evidence that PEP was a more or less effective intervention overall than other forms of physiotherapy. There was limited evidence that PEP was preferred by participants compared to other techniques but this finding is from studies of low quality.

Cystic Fibrosis↗
PubMed2004

The -344T>C promoter variant of the gene for aldosterone synthase (CYP11B2) is not associated with cardiovascular risk in a prospective study of UK healthy men.

INTRODUCTION: The tissue renin-angiotensin system is implicated in the pathogenesis of coronary artery disease (CAD). As locally synthesised aldosterone is a potential mediator of CAD, we have sought an association of the -344T>C variant of the aldosterone synthase (CYP11B2) gene with CAD events. METHODS: Subjects comprised of the Second Northwick Park Heart Study (NPHSII), a prospective study of unrelated, healthy middle-aged Caucasian males. CAD events were recorded in 2490 subjects, and defined as a sudden cardiac death, myocardial infarction or coronary artery revascularisation procedure. Mean follow-up was 10.8 years. Aldosterone synthase genotype was determined in 2490 subjects. Power calculation suggests that we have 80% power (at a significance level of 0.05) to detect a difference in hazard ratio (HR) between homozygote groups of 0.45. RESULTS: One hundred and eighty-seven CAD events were recorded in 2490 subjects. In the group overall, CAD events were independent of genotype with adjusted hazard ratios being 1.00 versus 1.25 versus 0.80 for TT versus TC versus CC genotypes, respectively, P = 0.07. Genotype interactions with smoking and blood pressure were sought. Whilst CAD events were independent of genotype amongst non-smokers, CC genotype in smokers was associated with a reduced risk HR 2.02 versus 2.28 versus 0.82 for TT versus TC versus CC genotypes, P = 0.05 (HR for TT + TC versus CC were 1.77 versus 0.67, P = 0.02). This apparent interaction remained after adjustment for conventional risk factors. No such interaction was found with blood pressure. CONCLUSIONS: Aldosterone synthase genotype is unrelated to overall CAD events risk. A possible interaction with smoking requires confirmation.

Analysis of Variance↗
PubMed2004

Abolition of zolpidem sensitivity in mice with a point mutation in the GABAA receptor gamma2 subunit.

Agonists of the allosteric benzodiazepine site of GABAA receptors bind at the interface of the alpha and gamma subunits. Here, we tested the in vivo contribution of the gamma2 subunit to the actions of zolpidem, an alpha1 subunit selective benzodiazepine agonist, by generating mice with a phenylalanine (F) to isoleucine (I) substitution at position 77 in the gamma2 subunit. The gamma2F77I mutation has no major effect on the expression of GABAA receptor subunits in the cerebellum. The potency of zolpidem, but not that of flurazepam, for the inhibition of [3H]flunitrazepam binding to cerebellar membranes is greatly reduced in gamma2I77/I77 mice. Zolpidem (1 microM) increased both the amplitude and decay of miniature inhibitory postsynaptic currents (mIPSCs) in Purkinje cells of control C57BL/6 (34% and 92%, respectively) and gamma2F77/F77 (20% and 84%) mice, but not in those of gamma2F77I mice. Zolpidem tartrate had no effect on exploratory activity (staircase test) or motor performance (rotarod test) in gamma2I77/I77 mice at doses up to 30 mg/kg (i.p.) that strongly sedated or impaired the control mice. Flurazepam was equally effective in enhancing mIPSCs and disrupting performance in the rotarod test in control and gamma2I77/I77 mice. These results show that the effect of zolpidem, but not flurazepam, is selectively eliminated in the brain by the gamma2F77I point mutation.

Amino Acid Substitution↗
PubMed2004

Added thermogenic and satiety effects of a mixed nutrient vs a sugar-only beverage.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the effects of a sugar-only (SO) beverage vs one containing a mixed-nutrient (MN) composition on energy expenditure and feelings of hunger and satiety. HYPOTHESIS: A beverage containing a mixed macronutrient composition will lead to greater thermic effect of food and feelings of fullness than an isocaloric beverage containing only sugar. RESEARCH METHODS AND PROCEDURES: Adults were randomly assigned to receive a 2510 kJ (600 kcal) SO liquid formula followed by an isovolumic, isoenergetic, MN liquid formula with an energy distribution of 17% protein, 67% carbohydrates as sucrose and corn syrup solids, and 16% fat, or vice versa, in a crossover design. The carbohydrate source in the two beverages was identical: 1:1 ratio of sucrose and corn syrup solids (25 dextrose equivalents). The thermic response was calculated as the 7 h deviation from resting metabolic rate (RMR). Subjects provided hunger/satiety ratings and other related information by visual analog scales at regular intervals throughout the study period. RESULTS: In all, 20 subjects completed the protocol; one was removed from the thermic effect analysis due to discrepant RMRs. Following beverage ingestion, SO and MN liquid meals produced 7 h thermic effects of (X+/-s.e.m.) 274.1+/-27.6 kJ (65.5+/-6.6 kcal) and 372.0+/-33.9 kJ (88.9+/-8.1 kcal), respectively, resulting in a significant (P<0.01) difference between meals (Delta=97.9+/-35.1 kJ [23.4+/-8.4 kcal]). Analysis of satiety ratings using area under the curve analysis showed greater feelings of satiety (P<0.05) with MN compared to SO consumption. Also, subjects felt that they could eat less (P<0.05) after consumption of the MN vs SO beverage. DISCUSSION: In comparison to MN beverages, SO beverages are associated with a relatively high-energy retention without accompanying subjective hunger/fullness compensations, suggesting a basis for their role in long-term unintentional weight gain in healthy adults.

Adult↗
PubMed2004

Differential growth rates of the cerebellum and posterior fossa assessed by post mortem magnetic resonance imaging of the fetus: implications for the pathogenesis of the chiari 2 deformity.

PURPOSE: To evaluate post mortem magnetic resonance imaging of the fetus to provide data on the rate of growth of the cerebellum, bony posterior fossa, supratentorial bony compartment and cerebrum. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twenty fetuses subsequently shown to have normal brain and spines on autopsy were studied using MRI post mortem. MRI from 20 normal pediatric brain examinations in children aged 6 years or younger were studied for comparison. Post mortem MRI was performed using a high-resolution fast spin echo technique providing T2 weighted images. The area of the cerebellar vermis, posterior fossa, supratentorial skull cavity and cerebral hemispheres was measured in the sagittal plane in all cases. These measurements were compared over the age ranges studied. RESULTS: We have shown that there are differences in the rate of growth and the apparent commencement of growth between the structures under study. The cerebellum appeared to start its significant growth at 16.5 weeks with a rate of 16 mm2/week throughout pregnancy, while the cerebral hemisphere appeared to commence significant growth at 13 weeks at a rate of 184 mm2/week throughout pregnancy. This is in contrast to the bony posterior fossa, whose growth paralleled the supratentorial bony compartment at all ages studied. CONCLUSION: We interpret our findings as showing relatively late commencement of cerebellar growth compared to the cerebral hemispheres, whereas the growth of the bony posterior fossa appears to be in advance and independent of cerebellar growth. Our results support the hypothesis that posterior fossa development depends on raised hydrostatic pressure in the CSF containing structures of the posterior fossa. When this mechanism fails, as in some cases of myelomeningocoele, a small posterior fossa is formed which characterizes the Chiari 2 malformation.

Arnold-Chiari Malformation↗
PubMed2004

Extraperitoneal laparoscopic pyeloplasty for primary and secondary ureteropelvic junction obstruction.

PURPOSE: Greater experience with urological laparoscopy has lead to increasing interest in its use for reconstructive surgery, such as pyeloplasty. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 124 cases of laparoscopic pyeloplasty were performed, of which 11 followed failed primary treatment done elsewhere, namely balloon dilation (3), endopyelotomy (3); open pyeloplasty (3), endopyelotomy plus balloon dilation (1) and open pyeloplasty plus balloon dilation (1). Nine patients had renal calculi. A 4 port, balloon dissecting, extraperitoneal laparoscopic approach was used in all except 1 patient, who had a horseshoe kidney, necessitating a transperitoneal approach. RESULTS: Operative time was 29 minutes longer in the secondary pyeloplasty group compared to primary cases (173.3 vs 144.0 minutes) but the conversion rate (0% vs 1.6%) and duration of postoperative hospitalization (2.8 nights each) were no greater. The complication rate was 3.6% and 9.1%, respectively. The success rate was 98.2% and 90.9% (p = 0.63) at a mean followup of 20.2 and 19.7 months, respectively. In the 9 patients with renal calculi a total of 18 calculi (94.7%) were successfully removed and the ureter was transposed medial to a crossing vessel in 50.0%. Trainee operating did not significantly prolong the procedure vs no training (162.0 vs 143.9 minutes, p = 0.06). CONCLUSIONS: Extraperitoneal laparoscopic dismembered pyeloplasty is capable of addressing all causes of ureteropelvic junction obstruction with excellent functional results and low morbidity, and with an operative time similar to that of open pyeloplasty. Secondary laparoscopic pyeloplasty does not increase hospitalization, conversion or complication rates.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2004

Prevalence of SAP gene defects in male patients diagnosed with common variable immunodeficiency.

The molecular basis of common variable immunodeficiency (CVID) is undefined, and diagnosis requires exclusion of other diseases including X-linked lymphoproliferative disease (XLP). This rare disorder of immunedysregulation presents typically after Epstein-Barr virus infection and results from defects in the SAP (SLAM associated protein) gene. SAP mutations have been found in a few patients diagnosed previously as CVID, suggesting that XLP may mimic CVID, but no large-scale analysis of CVID patients has been undertaken. We therefore analysed 60 male CVID and hypogammaglobulinaemic patients for abnormalities in SAP protein expression and for mutations in the SAP gene. In this study only one individual, who was found later to have an X-linked family history, was found to have a genomic mutation leading to abnormal SAP cDNA and protein expression. These results demonstrate that SAP defects are rarely observed in CVID patients. We suggest that routine screening of SAP may only be necessary in patients with other suggestive clinical features.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2004

The molecular cell biology of head and neck cancer with clinical applications. Section 1: Fundamental biology and the basis of cancer.

This article addresses the subject of the fundamental workings of the cell. The essential mechanisms that underlie life are discussed and explained as succinctly as intelligibility will allow and the basic principles of molecular and cell biology detailed. In preparing this article I have made reference not only to standard works but also to the most recent research. In the article I attempt to provide both the surgical and medical head and neck oncologist with the basic insights into fundamental oncology necessary to understand and treat the clinical conditions that are head and neck cancer. In addition I hope it will facilitate the understanding of the various evolving novel treatment strategies.

Apoptosis↗
PubMed2004

Perceptions on the standardization of psychiatric work: development of a care pathway.

Policy development and practice for hospital care has shifted towards a more deterministic approach. Crucial within this development is the assumption that interventions can be standardized to fit within the confines of a practice framework. A system to deliver standardized approaches to care is a care pathway. A research study was carried out to determine how care could be standardized to fit within a care pathway for people diagnosed with schizophrenia. A range of interviews with the multidisciplinary team and observations of the working group process was the data collection technique. Analysis was driven by emergent themes across the data set. Clinicians expressed divergent views on the nature of standardized care for people with schizophrenia. Respondents also offered a deeper understanding of standardized care by arguing for a sense of flexibility to be built into care systems. Findings from this study have implications for the introduction of NICE core standards for people with schizophrenia. For example, clinicians may be so opposed to such structures as to work against them. By understanding different views on standardized care, it may ultimately support their introduction into practice.

Attitude of Health Personnel↗
PubMed2004

Autosomal dominant B-cell immunodeficiency, distal limb anomalies and urogenital malformations (BILU syndrome) - report of a second family.

A family with an unusual combination of B-cell immunodeficiency, distal limb abnormalities, genitourinary malformations, and mild dysmorphic features has recently been described. Here, we report a second family with similar features, which also shows autosomal dominant inheritance. In affected individuals from both families, sequence analysis of candidate gene HOXA13 did not identify a mutation, and there was no evidence of a microdeletion involving either HOXA13 or the HOXA cluster as a whole. We further delineate the phenotype of this condition in females and add weight to the observation that this is a true syndromic association.

Adult↗