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Biomedical subjects

A Moore

Publications and source records attributed to A Moore.

At least 235 records · Page 13Linked to original sources
PubMed1996

Randomization is important in studies with pain outcomes: systematic review of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation in acute postoperative pain.

We set out to examine the evidence for the importance of randomization of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) in acute postoperative pain. Controlled studies were sought; randomization and analgesic and adverse effect outcomes were summarized. Forty-six reports were identified by searching strategies. Seventeen reports with 786 patients could be regarded unequivocally as randomized controlled trials (RCT) in acute postoperative pain. No meta-analysis was possible. In 15 of 17 RCT, we judged there to be no benefit of TENS compared with placebo. Of the 29 excluded trials, 19 had pain outcomes but were not RCT; in 17 of these 19 TENS studies, the authors concluded that TENS had a positive analgesic effect. No adverse effects were reported. Non-randomized studies overestimated treatment effects.

Acute Disease↗
PubMed1996

Mesenchymal regulation of differentiation of intestinal epithelial cells.

Intestinal epithelial differentiation requires the presence of mesenchyme, but the exact nature of this epithelial-mesenchymal interaction is unknown. The role of humoral and extracellular matrix factors in determining intestinal epithelial differentiation was examined by exposing a nontransformed, immature, rat small-intestinal cell line (IEC-6) to intestinal fibroblast-conditioned media or by growing the cells on matrix deposited by intestinal fibroblasts. Differentiation was assessed morphologically and by induction of the disaccharidase sucrase, which is a marker of intestinal epithelial maturation. When exposed to fetal intestinal fibroblast-conditioned medium or grown on extracellular matrix prepared from fetal intestinal fibroblasts, IEC-6 cells showed a significant increase in sucrase activity. The addition of cortisol to IEC-6 cells cultured on intestinal matrix also led to increased sucrase expression, as measured by enzyme activity and protein and messenger RNA levels. Ultrastructurally, cells cultured on intestinal fibroblast matrix in the presence of cortisol displayed a more differentiated phenotype. In contrast, there was no induction of sucrase activity in cells exposed to lung-conditioned media or grown on lung fibroblast matrix. These studies suggest that both humoral and matrix factors from intestinal mesenchyme are involved in intestinal epithelial differentiation and that these factors appear to be organ specific.

Animals↗
PubMed1996

Testicular germ cell populations in the adult rat after continuous in-vivo testicular infusion of inhibin-A and activin-A.

This study investigated the in-vivo effects of inhibin-A and activin-A on germ cell subpopulations in the adult rat testis. Each animal received a total of 2 micrograms (dose 5 ng/0.5 microliter/h) of activin, inhibin or 0.1% bovine serum albumin (vehicle control) delivered intratesticularly into the left testis via a cannula connected to an abdominal minipump implant. To establish whether the hormones exerted any effect on procarbazine-induced germ cell depletion, a single intraperitoneal dose of this agent was given to a group of the rats 24 h after the start of testicular infusion of activin or inhibin. Rats were killed 14 days later. Inhibin treatment caused a reduction in the number of round spermatids without altering serum FSH levels. In procarbazine-treated rats, infusion of inhibin reduced the number of pachytene spermatocytes and reduced blood FSH levels simultaneously. Infusion of activin had no significant effect on the numbers of germ cells, but reduced the number of dead cells in the seminiferous tubules of procarbazine-treated rats. The data would therefore suggest that the effects of inhibin and activin on the seminiferous epithelium are influenced by the testicular microenvironment, and that they are capable of influencing the growth and survival of germ cells by both FSH- and non FSH-mediated mechanisms. Further experiments are needed to identify the physiological role(s) of inhibin and activin in spermatogenesis.

Activins↗
PubMed1996

Controlled trial of a brief cognitive-behavioural intervention in adolescent patients with depressive disorders.

Fifty-three child and adolescent psychiatric patients with depressive disorders were randomly allocated to brief cognitive-behaviour therapy (CBT) or to a control treatment, relaxation training. Forty-eight patients completed the treatment phase of the trial, which comprised 5-8 treatment sessions. Post-treatment assessments showed a clear advantage of CBT over relaxation on measures of both depression and overall outcome. However, there were no significant differences between the treatments on comorbid anxiety and conduct symptoms. At follow-up, the differences between the groups were reduced, partly because of a high relapse rate in the DTP group and partly because subjects in the relaxation group continued to recover.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1996

Electrophysiological and endocrinological evidence that F-series prostaglandins function as priming pheromones in mature male Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar parr

Previous work has demonstrated that the urine from mature female salmonids contains a priming pheromone that significantly enhances the reproductive physiology of receiving males. The chemical identity of the pheromone(s) has not yet been identified. The present study investigated the possibility that F-type prostaglandins (PGFs) may have a pheromonal role in Atlantic salmon by measuring the olfactory sensitivity of male salmon to PGFs, the effect of waterborne PGFs on male reproductive physiology and the PGF content of mature female urine. Electrophysiological studies demonstrated that the olfactory epithelium of mature male salmon parr was acutely sensitive to PGF1[alpha] and PGF2[alpha], with detection threshold concentrations of 10(-11) mol l-1. The olfactory epithelium was also sensitive to the PGF metabolite 15-ketoPGF2[alpha] (threshold 10(-8) mol l-1), but did not detect a further metabolite, 13,14-dihydro-15-ketoPGF2[alpha]. Sensitivity to both PGF1[alpha] and PGF2[alpha] increased as the reproductive season progressed. Exposure of mature male parr to waterborne PGF1[alpha] and PGF2[alpha] (10(-8) mol l-1) resulted in significant increases in levels of expressible milt and in the plasma concentrations of 17,20ss-dihydroxy-4-pregnen-3-one, testosterone and 11-ketotestosterone. Urine from ovulated female salmon also contained large quantities (18 ng ml-1) of immunoreactive PGFs, whereas urine from mature males and non-ovulated mature females contained significantly smaller amounts (<1 ng ml-1). The results support the theory that PGFs function as priming pheromones in Atlantic salmon and are released in the urine of ovulated female salmon. The involvement of these pheromones in synchronising male-female salmon spawning is discussed.

Journal Article↗
PubMed1995

A trinucleotide deletion together with a base duplication event at codon 439 in the human tyrosinase gene identifies a mutational hotspot.

Molecular analysis of the human tyrosinase gene in two patients suffering from a temperature-sensitive form of albinism has identified a thymine triplet deletion at codon 439 which is accompanied by a duplication of the immediately preceding cytosine residue. This results in a two base pair frame shift leading to premature termination at codon 448, giving a truncated protein. Its relationship to other mutations in tyrosinase and the possible cause are discussed. The temperature-sensitive phenotype is due to the guanine to adenine mutation at codon 422, known to generate a temperature-sensitive enzyme. The CTTT at F439 in tyrosinase is also present at F508 in CFTR, the main mutation causing cystic fibrosis.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1995

Anticonvulsant drugs for management of pain: a systematic review.

OBJECTIVE: To determine effectiveness and adverse effects of anticonvulsant drugs in management of pain. DESIGN: Systematic review of randomised controlled trials of anticonvulsants for acute, chronic, or cancer pain identified by using Medline, by hand searching, by searching reference lists, and by contacting investigators. SUBJECTS: Between 1966 and February 1994, 37 reports were found; 20 reports, of four anticonvulsants, were eligible. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Numbers needed to treat were calculated for effectiveness, adverse effects, and drug related withdrawal from study. RESULTS: The only placebo controlled study in acute pain found no analgesic effect of sodium valproate. For treating trigeminal neuralgia, carbamazepine had a combined number needed to treat of 2.6 for effectiveness, 3.4 for adverse effects, and 24 for severe effects (withdrawal from study). For treating diabetic neuropathy, anticonvulsants had a combined number needed to treat of 2.5 for effectiveness, 3.1 for adverse effects, and 20 for severe effects. For migraine prophylaxis, anticonvulsants had a combined number needed to treat of 1.6 for effectiveness, 2.4 for adverse effects, and 39 for severe effects. Phenytoin had no effect on the irritable bowel syndrome, and carbamazepine had little effect on pain after stroke. Clonazepam was effective in one study for temporomandibular joint dysfunction. No study compared one anticonvulsant with another. CONCLUSIONS: Anticonvulsants were effective for trigeminal neuralgia and diabetic neuropathy and for migraine prophylaxis. Minor adverse effects occurred as often as benefit.

Anticonvulsants↗
PubMed1995

Identification of osteopontin (OPN) mRNA and protein in the rat testis and epididymis, and on sperm.

We have identified a bone cell adhesion molecule, osteopontin, in the rat testis and epididymis by Northern analysis, RT-PCR, Western immunoblot analysis and immunocytochemistry. A polyclonal antibody raised against rat epididymal fluid proteins was used to detect fusion proteins produced by a testis lambda gt11 cDNA library. Sequence analysis of one of four positive cDNA clones, designated as pREP5, revealed identity with the rat osteopontin (OPN) cDNA. The partial cDNA clone pREP5 encompasses 64% of the 1,457 residues reported by Oldberg et al. (1986; Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 83:8819-8823). Immunoblot analysis with a monoclonal antibody against OPN detects the presence of immunoreactive polypeptides in rat testis homogenates as well as in epididymal fluid and sperm extracts. Immunocytochemical localization to the basal and adluminal region of the seminiferous tubule suggests that OPN could be a Sertoli cell product. Indeed, Northern blot analysis of testicular cell preparations demonstrated positive hybridization to Sertoli cell-enriched RNA, but not to RNA isolated from interstitial cell preparations or to isolated germ cell RNA preparations. OPN is also detected in the rat epididymis and on epididymal spermatozoa. This is the first report on the presence of OPN mRNA and protein in rat testis and epididymis and on the presence of OPN on the surface of epididymal spermatozoa. The characterization of this protein in other tissue suggests that OPN could play a role in testicular cell adhesion during spermatogenesis and/or epididymal maturation, although other potential functions in the male reproductive tract are discussed.

Animals↗
PubMed1995

Eperythrozoon infection in young bulls with scrotal and hindlimb edema, a herd outbreak.

Young (9 to 10 mo) Aberdeen-Angus bulls (n = 5) in excellent body condition and pastured with approximately 35 other bulls of similar age on a farm in southeastern Alabama had fever, harsh pulmonary sounds, increased respiratory rate and variable amounts of hindlimb and scrotal edema. Bulls had mild microcytic, normochromic anemia. Numerous eperythrozoon organisms were identified on blood smears. Indirect hemagglutination inhibition test results for Eperythrozoon suis antibodies were negative either because E. suis antigens do not cross react with cattle eperythrozoon organism antibodies or blood was collected before there was sufficient time for seroconversion. Bulls had swelling of the scrotal wall, soft testes, and poor semen quality, characterized by low progressive motility and a high percentage of spermatozoa with primary and secondary abnormalities. Some of these abnormalities may be attributed to the age of the bulls. However, loss of scrotal thermoregulation was a major cause of testicular degeneration leading to poor semen quality. Other bulls in the herd had fever, increased respiratory rate, and swollen hindlimbs or scrotum. Subsequent to administration of oxytetracycline, parasitemia resolved rapidly, and clinical signs gradually abated. Four of five bulls successfully passed breeding soundness examinations six months after initial clinical illness. The remaining bull failed twice due to the presence of testicular inflammation.

Journal Article↗
PubMed1995

Immunization with a soluble recombinant HIV protein entrapped in biodegradable microparticles induces HIV-specific CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes and CD4+ Th1 cells.

One of the major obstacles to the development of successful recombinant vaccines against human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and other intracellular pathogens is the identification of a safe and effective vaccine delivery system for the induction of cell mediated immunity with soluble protein antigens. In this study it was demonstrated that immunization with a recombinant HIV envelop (env) protein entrapped in biodegradable poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLG) microparticles induced consistent HIV-specific CD4+ and CD8+ T-cell responses in mice. Major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I-restricted cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) responses were detected following a single systemic immunization with gp120 entrapped microparticles and when given by the intranasal (i.n.) route induced HIV-specific CD8+ CTL and secretory IgA. Furthermore immunization with gp120 entrapped in microparticles generated CD4+ T cells that secreted moderate to high levels of IFN-gamma. Therefore, PLG microparticles are a safe and effective means of delivering antigen to the appropriate processing site for the generation of class I-restricted CTL, and are also capable of inducing Th1 cells.

Animals↗
PubMed1995

Assessment of five serum marker assays in patients with advanced breast cancer treated with medroxyprogesterone acetate.

This study concerns five different tumour marker assays examined in the context of 94 patients with advanced breast cancer treated in a prospectively randomised trial of different doses of medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA). MPA was administered at doses of 500 or 1000 mg daily and clinical evaluation of patients was carried out according to UICC criteria. Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) was selected as a standard marker, with three assays for MUC1 mucins (epithelial mucin core antigens (EMCA), EMCA2 and BR-MA immunoradiometric assay) differing in antibody specificities for different mucin epitopes. An additional novel assay for soluble cytokeratin was also evaluated as an example of an independent marker with a different nature and biology. Sensitivity of individual assays ranged between 44 (EMCA2) and 69% (cytokeratin) and the use of two assays in combination led to sensitivities as high as 84% (cytokeratin+BR-MA). The proportion of patients found to be assessable by each assay ranged between 51 (EMCA2) and 76% (cytokeratin). Of those patients whose marker changes were assessable, those receiving the higher dose of MPA displayed significant falls in marker levels after 12 weeks of treatment. This effect was not observed in patients receiving 500 mg. The change in cytokeratin levels in patients undergoing high dose MPA therapy proved to be most marked. Using the cytokeratin assay, 91% (of 23 patients) of patients with progressive disease showed at least a 25% rise in serum marker levels. Of these, 66% showed increases before disease progression was detected clinically with a mean lead time of 14 weeks. There was very little difference between the responses of the five tumour marker assays in patients with stable or responding disease, the proportion of these patients with stable or falling tumour marker levels ranging between 58% (CEA) and 77% (EMCA). We conclude that the cytokeratin assay has an application in monitoring response to therapy and predicting tumour progression in advanced breast cancer patients with assessable tumour marker profiles, especially if used in combination with a MUC1 mucin assay.

Adult↗
PubMed1995

Upper limb musculoskeletal disorders in highly repetitive industries: precise anatomical physical findings.

Physical assessment of 146 female workers in highly repetitive jobs found 54% to have evidence of musculoskeletal disorders in the upper limb that are potentially work-related. Many workers had multiple problems, and many were affected bilaterally (33% of workers). Muscle pain and tenderness was the largest problem, both in the neck/shoulder area (31%) as expected and in the forearm/hand musculature (23%), a previously unreported site. Most forearm muscle problems were found on the extensor side. Carpal tunnel syndrome was the most common form of neuritis with 16 people affected (7 people affected bilaterally). De Quervain's tenosynovitis and wrist flexor tendinitis were the most commonly found tendon disorders in the distal forearm (12 people affected for each diagnosis). The results suggest that exposure should be measured bilaterally. They also suggest that muscle tissue is highly vulnerable to overuse. Stressors that affect muscle tissue, such as static loading, should be studied in the forearm as well as in the shoulder.

Adult↗
PubMed1995

Prevention of vomiting after paediatric strabismus surgery: a systematic review using the numbers-needed-to-treat method.

Randomized controlled studies were reviewed to assess the effectiveness and safety of antiemetics used for prophylaxis in paediatric strabismus surgery. Early and late vomiting (6 and 48 h after operation, respectively), and adverse effects were evaluated using the numbers-needed-to-treat method. In 27 reports with information on 2033 children, the mean incidence of early vomiting was 54% and of late vomiting 59%, without prophylaxis. Only three drugs were studied sufficiently for firm conclusions to be drawn. In the best documented regimen (droperidol 75 micrograms kg-1), four children have to be given the drug to prevent one vomiting; of the three others, one may vomit and two would not have vomited anyway; fewer than one child in 100 may have an extrapyramidal reaction and 16 may have minor adverse effects. Metoclopramide 0.15 and 0.25 mg kg-1 was significantly better than control only for early vomiting. Propofol had a high incidence of oculocardiac reflex without conferring any significant antiemetic effect: it should not be used. The benefits of prophylactic antiemetic therapy are not proven.

Antiemetics↗
PubMed1995

"I will manage": promoting continence through community education.

Urinary incontinence affects approximately 10 million Americans, mostly elderly persons in community and institutional settings. Despite the prevalence of UI and an estimated annual total cost of $ 10 billion in the United States alone, most affected persons do not seek help for incontinence. This is chiefly because of embarrassment or because they are not aware that help is available. In this article, we describe a community education and support program for persons with fecal and urinary incontinence. The program is based on the "I Will Manage" model from the Simon Foundation for Continence, founded to "increase public awareness of incontinence, remove social stigma attached to this disability, and provide education to those suffering from incontinence, their families, and the professionals responsible for their care." The program provides a comprehensive and practical framework to promote continence through community education. In this article, we outline the program and provide information we gathered from hosting it.

Adaptation, Psychological↗
PubMed1995

A strategy for identifying candidate sperm antigens for immunocontraception: isolation of human testis cDNA clones using polyclonal antisera directed against hamster acrosomal membrane preparation.

Components of the mammalian sperm acrosome that have been conserved during evolution are probably essential for fertilization and are therefore potential antigens for the development of an immunocontraceptive vaccine. In order to identify such protein components, a series of specific polyclonal antisera were generated by immunizing rabbits with purified acrosomal membrane fractions from hamster epididymal spermatozoa. Antisera were finally selected using immunological and in-vitro fertilization assays, and used to then screen a human testis lambda gt11 cDNA library. As a result of this screening over 70 clones were identified, selected and purified. The cDNAs were amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and the inserts characterized by restriction enzyme digestion and oligonucleotide probing techniques. The functional activity beta-galactosidase fusion proteins expressed by these clones (HA5-2, HA6-2 and HB4-1) inhibited significantly fertilization and reduced spermatozoa binding compared to controls. To date, sequence data has been obtained from HB4-1 (1.75 kb). The first 1132 nucleotides displayed > 96% homology to human testis-specific lactate dehydrogenase (LDH-C4) gene, the product of which is a known candidate antigen for a contraceptive vaccine. This finding suggests that a strategy involving the screening across species for conserved moieties of the mammalian acrosome may be useful for identifying candidate antigens for immunocontraception.

Acrosome↗