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Biomedical subjects

A Miller

Publications and source records attributed to A Miller.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed2004

Improving athletes' perspectives of sport psychology consultation: a controlled evaluation of two interview methods.

Although investigations have consistently demonstrated the effectiveness of sport psychology interventions, these methods have been underutilized by athletes. In this study, 124 athletes completed the athletes' Attitudes Toward Seeking Sport Psychology Consultation Questionnaire (ATSSPCQ) and were subsequently randomly assigned to receive one of the two semistructured interview formats. One interview focused on discussing the athlete's experiences in sports, and the other focused on delineating sport psychology and its potential benefits to the athlete. Upon being interviewed, athletes were readministered the ATSSPCQ. Discussing sport psychology and its personal benefits was more effective in enhancing athletes' perception of need for sport psychology than discussing sport experiences. However, neither interview format enhanced athletes' perceptions of openness to discuss personal issues with a sport psychology consultant and tolerance of stigma associated with sport psychology consultation. Indeed, participants who received the discussion of sports intervention reported a significant decrease in personal openness to discuss personal issues relevant to sports psychology from pre- to postintervention. Intervention effects were similar for male and female athletes. Study implications and future directions are discussed in light of these results.

Adult↗
PubMed2003

Pulmonary involvement in type 1 Gaucher disease: functional and exercise findings in patients with and without clinical interstitial lung disease.

Pulmonary disease is a well-known complication of Type 1 Gaucher disease (GD), although its incidence is not well established and its severity varies. The purpose of this study was to determine the frequency and extent of pulmonary involvement in patients with GD. Pulmonary involvement was assessed by history, physical examination and chest radiograph in 150 consecutive patients with Type 1 GD presenting at a specialized center for genetic diseases. Five patients were noted to have clinical evidence of pulmonary involvement. Full pulmonary function tests were performed in these five patients and in an additional 13 patients randomly selected from the remaining 145. Many of the 18 patients also underwent radionuclide body imaging with 67 Gallium citrate and 111Indium-tagged leucocyte scans, as well as incremental cardiorespiratory exercise tests. Lung biopsies were available in two patients with lung disease, and a second examination of lung tissue was performed in one of these two patients post-mortem. Clinical lung disease was detected in five patients. All five had dyspnea, diffuse infiltrates, restrictive impairment and low single breath CO diffusing capacity (DLCOSB). Two of these patients underwent exercise testing and showed abnormalities consistent with lung disease (ventilatory limitation, excessive ventilation and increased dead space) as well as decreased VO2 max. and anaerobic threshold (AT). In contrast, in the other 13 patients, physical examination, chest radiographs and pulmonary function were normal (except for a low DLCOSB in one patient). Responses on exercise testing (performed in six of the 13 patients) were consistent with a circulatory impairment (decreased VO2 max. and AT). Our study found that <5% of patients with Type 1 GD have clinical interstitial lung disease. In addition, we found that some patients, without evident lung involvement, may experience limitations in physical exertion and are easily fatigued; this is attributable to impaired circulation.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2003

Measurement of mechanical strain on mandibular surface with mastication robot: influence of muscle loading direction and magnitude.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the mechanical effects of mastication on the mandible, we developed computational controlled mastication robot system with human dry skull and analyzed the strain distribution on the mandibular bone surface. DESIGN: In the mastication robot, the mandible was suspended by eight wires, which simulated masticatory muscles. A non-linear spring damper generated viscoelastic properties, and tension sensors for simulation of jaw reflection to avoid unusual biting force were applied as a biological feedback mechanism. By using this robot system, various patterns of muscle loading (change of wire direction and magnitude) were performed. RESULTS: From the results, significant differences in the amount of principal strain and its distribution were demonstrated in each condition (ANOVA, post hoc test, and p < 0.05). The value of maximum principal strain ranged from 79.66 x 10(-6) [at anterior border of ramus (Buccal side), 128 N] to -1.42 x 10(-6) [at foramen mentale (Buccal side), 32 N]. CONCLUSION: These results suggested that the muscle loading generated the mechanical strain on the mandibular bone surface and it was affected by the changes in loading direction and magnitude.

Analysis of Variance↗
PubMed2003

A three-dimensional evaluation of the upper airway in adolescents.

The link between the facial growth and airway function has been a subject of controversy in orthodontics for many years. This study investigates how well lateral cephalometric headfilms depict three-dimensional upper airway structures. Subjects are 11 normal adolescent children, ages 7-16 years old. Airway information over the same anatomic area in the nasopharynx is compared between lateral cephalometric headfilms and three-dimensional cone beam computed tomography (CT) scans. Intra-subject proportion of airway volume to area shows moderate variability. CT airway volume shows more variability than corresponding headfilm airway area.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2003

Acute renal failure requiring dialysis after allogeneic blood and marrow transplantation identifies very poor prognosis patients.

We examined the incidence, risk factors and associated mortality of acute renal failure requiring dialysis (Renal Bearman Grade [BG] 3) in a 3-year cohort of 97 consecutive allogeneic blood and marrow transplantation (alloBMT) patients. In all, 20 (21%) developed Renal BG3 (all died by day +132) and 77 (79%) developed renal insufficiency (Renal BG1-2). Renal BG3 was a contributing or primary cause of death in 18 (90%) patients who continued to require dialysis at time of death. The two Renal BG3 patients whose deaths were not related to renal failure died on day +103 of hemorrhage and day +132 of underlying disease. By univariate analysis, age, unrelated donor, veno-occlusive disease (VOD) and grade III-IV acute graft-versus-host disease with hepatic involvement were significantly associated with Renal BG3. The multivariate model of time to Renal BG3 determined only a prior diagnosis of severe acute GVHD (RR=4.1, 95% CI 1.6-10.3, P=0.003) and VOD (RR=9.1, 95% CI 3.5-23.7, P<0.001) as significant independent predictors. Renal BG3 is generally considered a conditioning regimen-related toxicity. This study demonstrates that Renal BG3 is most commonly a complication of hepatic co-morbidities after allogeneic blood and marrow transplantation and identifies patients with a very poor prognosis.

Acute Kidney Injury↗
PubMed2003

[Adhesive molecules as immunologic markers of activity of multiple sclerosis].

The correlations between concentrations of the adhesive circulating molecules cICAM-1 and cVCAM-1 in the peripheral blood of patients with relapses-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) in different clinical phases and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) activity are presented. The patients in clinically active phase with Gd-enhancing lesions had elevated blood levels of cICAM-1. However, 5 patients without Gd-enhancing lesions exhibited elevated cICAM-1 and cVCAM-1 levels in active phase comparing to those in remission stage that indicate a high level of sensibility of these immunologic parameters.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2002

Current and future benefits from the use of GM technology in food production.

For the current generation of genetically modified (GM) crops the improvement of agronomic traits (e.g. herbicide tolerance, insect resistance) has been a major objective. The lack of obvious and direct benefits for the consumer has been a main point of criticism. Future trends will increasingly encompass the modification of quality traits, such as the improvement of sensory and especially nutritional properties. Some of the ongoing developments try to meet the desire of consumers for 'healthy' or 'high-tech' foods in developed countries. Others are intended to assist in adjusting the nutritional status of foods to the needs of consumers in developing countries. Considering the increasing world population and the limited amount of arable land, GM technology may also become a valuable tool to ensure food security. The major prerequisite for the applicability of the technique is the safety of the resulting products. The increasing complexity of modifications intended might require adjustments and improvements of the strategies applied to the safety assessment of GM foods. Present research activities try to meet these new challenges.

Adaptation, Physiological↗
PubMed2002

A chylous rupture.

Explore the source record for details and available documents.

Accidental Falls↗
PubMed2001

Phase I study of twice-weekly gemcitabine and concurrent thoracic radiation for patients with locally advanced non-small-cell lung cancer.

PURPOSE: To determine the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) and dose-limiting toxicity of twice-weekly gemcitabine and concurrent thoracic radiation in patients with Stage IIIa/IIIb non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). METHODS AND MATERIALS: Seventeen patients with histologically confirmed Stage IIIa and IIIb NSCLC were studied. Gemcitabine was administered via a 30-min i.v. infusion twice weekly for 6 weeks concurrent with 60 Gy of thoracic radiation. Gemcitabine, starting at a twice-weekly dose of 10 mg/m2 (20 mg/m2/week), was escalated in 10-15 mg/m2 increments in successive cohorts of 3 to 6 patients until dose-limiting toxicity was observed. RESULTS: Of the 17 patients entered, 16 were evaluable for toxicity. The dose-limiting toxicity at 50 mg/m2 given twice weekly (100 mg/m2/week) was Grade 3 pneumonitis observed in 1 patient, Grade 3 pulmonary fibrosis in a second patient, and Grade 4 esophagitis observed in two additional patients. Twice-weekly gemcitabine at a dose of 35 mg/m2 was determined to be the MTD. The overall response rate for the 16 evaluable patients was 88%. The median survival for the entire group is 16.0 months. CONCLUSIONS: The MTD of twice-weekly gemcitabine is 35 mg/m2 (70 mg/m2/week) given with thoracic radiation. A Phase II study within the Cancer and Leukemia Group B to ascertain the potential efficacy of this treatment regimen is in development.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

Asymmetric synthesis of BB-3497--a potent peptide deformylase inhibitor.

By screening a library of metalloenzyme inhibitors, the N-formyl-hydroxylamine derivative BB-3497 was identified as a potent inhibitor of Escherichia coli peptide deformylase with antibacterial activity both in vitro and in vivo. The homochiral synthesis of BB-3497, involving a novel asymmetric Michael addition reaction is described.

Amidohydrolases↗
PubMed2001

Respiratory syncytial virus predisposes mice to augmented allergic airway responses via IL-13-mediated mechanisms.

The development of severe childhood asthma may be influenced by several factors including environmental and infectious stimuli. The causal relationship between infectious viral responses, such as respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and severe asthma during early childhood is unclear. In these studies, the ability for an initial RSV infection to exacerbate and promote a more severe asthmatic-type response was investigated by combining established murine models of disease. We examined the ability of RSV to induce exacerbation of allergic disease over a relatively long period, leading to development of severe airway responses including airway inflammation and hyperreactivity. The preferential production of IL-13 during a primary RSV infection appears to play a critical role for the exacerbation of cockroach allergen-induced disease. The depletion of IL-13 during RSV infections inhibited the exacerbation and acceleration of severe allergen-induced airway hyperreactivity. This was indicated by decreases in airway hyperreactivity and changes in lung chemokine production. These data suggest that the airway responses during asthma can be greatly affected by a previous RSV infection, even when infection occurs before allergen sensitization. Overall, infection of the airways with RSV can induce an IL-13-dependent change in airway function and promotes an environment that contributes to the development of severe allergic asthmatic responses.

Allergens↗
PubMed2001

Protein disulfide isomerase and sulfhydryl-dependent pathways in platelet activation.

The inhibition of blood platelet aggregation and secretion was studied using covalent thiol reagents, maleimides, or mercuribenzoates, or using inhibitors of protein disulfide isomerase (PDI), bacitracin or antibodies to PDI. As expected, both types of inhibitors were effective against stimulation by normal physiologic stimuli. On the other hand, when stimulation was initiated with the peptide LSARLAF, that specifically activates the integrin alphaIIbbeta3 (the fibrinogen receptor), the PDI inhibitors were without effect. LSARLAF-induced aggregation was, however, inhibited by the sulfhydryl reagents. To further investigate the role of sulfhydryl-containing proteins and alphaIIbbeta3, platelets were labeled with membrane-impermeant sulfhydryl reagents. Nine bands were found labeled on gel electrophoresis. Two of the labeled bands were identified as alphaIIb and beta3. The conclusions are that while PDI is required for platelet aggregation and secretion, an additional sulfhydryl-dependent step or protein is also required. This latter reaction occurs at the level of alphaIIbbeta3. In distinction to most literature reports, at least a subpopulation of alphaIIbbeta3 contains free sulfhydryl groups, consistent with the possibility that it is a substrate for PDI or part of the sulfhydryl-dependent response.

Blood Platelets↗
PubMed2001

Evidence that SecB enhances the activity of SecA.

In Escherichia coli, SecA is a critical component of the protein transport machinery which powers the translocation process by hydrolyzing ATP and recognizing signal peptides which are the earmark of secretory proteins. In contrast, SecB is utilized by only a subset of preproteins to prevent their premature folding and chaperone them to membrane-bound SecA. Using purified components and synthetic signal peptides, we have studied the interaction of SecB with SecA and with SecA-signal peptide complexes in vitro. Using a chemical cross-linking approach, we find that the formation of SecA-SecB complexes is accompanied by a decrease in the level of cross-linking of SecA dimers, suggesting that SecB induces a conformational change in SecA. Furthermore, functional signal peptides, but not dysfunctional ones, promote the formation of SecA-SecB complexes. SecB is also shown to directly enhance the ATPase activity of SecA in a concentration-dependent and saturable manner. To determine the biological consequence of this finding, the influence of SecB on the signal peptide-stimulated SecA/lipid ATPase was studied using synthetic peptides of varying hydrophobicity. Interestingly, the presence of SecB can sufficiently boost the response of signal peptides with moderate hydrophobicity such that it is comparable to the activity generated by a more hydrophobic peptide in the absence of SecB. The results suggest that SecB directly enhances the activity of SecA and provide a biochemical basis for the enhanced transport efficiency of preproteins in the presence of SecB in vivo.

Adenosine Triphosphatases↗
PubMed2001

Spontaneous mutations in the CsrRS two-component regulatory system of Streptococcus pyogenes result in enhanced virulence in a murine model of skin and soft tissue infection.

CsrS/CsrR is a 2-component system in Streptococcus pyogenes that negatively regulates hyaluronic capsule and several exotoxins. To detect spontaneous mutations in csrRS, mucoid and large colony variants of M1 strain MGAS166 were isolated from experimental murine skin infections. By use of complementation with a csrRS(+) plasmid, relevant mutations were also detected in 7 of 12 human clinical isolates. The presence of spontaneous mutants in mouse infection was associated with larger, more necrotic lesions. Most spontaneous changes in CsrR resulted from single amino acid substitutions, whereas most csrS mutations were frameshift or nonsense mutations. In 2 instances, IS1548 insertions were found in csrS. Experimental inoculation of mixtures of wild-type (wt) and csrRS(-) bacteria yielded larger, more necrotic lesions than did either strain at twice the inoculum, which suggests that these variants may exhibit pathogenic synergy. Spontaneous emergence of csrRS(-) mutants in vivo enhances the virulence of wt bacteria and increases severity of murine skin infection.

Amino Acid Substitution↗
PubMed2001

A physical map of the human genome.

The human genome is by far the largest genome to be sequenced, and its size and complexity present many challenges for sequence assembly. The International Human Genome Sequencing Consortium constructed a map of the whole genome to enable the selection of clones for sequencing and for the accurate assembly of the genome sequence. Here we report the construction of the whole-genome bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) map and its integration with previous landmark maps and information from mapping efforts focused on specific chromosomal regions. We also describe the integration of sequence data with the map.

Chromosomes, Artificial, Bacterial↗