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Biomedical subjects

B J Williams

Publications and source records attributed to B J Williams.

141 records · Page 8Linked to original sources
PubMedDate not supplied

Detection of eIF4E gene amplification in breast cancer by competitive PCR.

BACKGROUND: Initiation factor eIF4E binds to mRNA as the initial step for protein translation. Overexpression of the eIF4E oncoprotein has been found in breast cancer but not in benign breast tissue. The objective of this study is to determine if eIF4E oncoprotein overexpression is associated with eIF4E gene amplification in breast cancer using Western blots and competitive polymerase chain reaction (PCR). METHODS: Unknown concentrations of DNA extracted from breast specimens were amplified by PCR using a set of primers spanning intron 2/exon 3 of the eIF4E gene. In the same PCR tube, an internal control consisting of a known concentration of an eIF4E DNA template with 20-base pair (bp) deletion was used as the competitive reference standard (CRS) for competitive PCR. Gel electrophoresis of the PCR products was performed and the bands quantified by densitometry. eIF4E gene amplification was then determined relative to a nonamplified gene (gastrin). Using an anti-eIF4E rabbit antibody, Western blots were performed on benign and malignant breast specimens. Quantification was accomplished by developing blots with a color assay using nitro blue tetrazolium (NBT) and 5-bromo-4-chloro-3-indolyl phosphate (BCIP), scanned and analyzed by densitometry. RESULTS: Twenty-two breast specimens (14 cancer, 8 control) from patients were examined for eIF4E gene amplification and oncoprotein expression. In all fourteen specimens from stage I-III breast cancer patients, eIF4E overexpression was detected at 3- to 30-fold ( 16.71 +/- 7.83) elevations. Similarly, all 14 specimens demonstrated eIF4E gene amplification by competitive PCR (3.69 +/- 1.27). In the eight benign breast specimens examined, all were negative for eIF4E overexpression and gene amplification. CONCLUSIONS: Overexpression of eIF4E was associated with eIF4E gene amplification in breast cancer specimens. No overexpression or gene amplification was detected in benign breast tissues. eIF4E gene amplification may be one mechanism for eIF4E oncoprotein overexpression.

Animals↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Stress management at the worksite for hypertension: compliance, cost-benefit, health care and hypertension-related variables.

The blood pressure-lowering effects of a group stress management program conducted with hypertensive employees at the worksite were assessed and replicated. Both systolic (SBP) and diastolic (DBP) blood pressure were significantly reduced from a baseline period to the end of a 10-week stress management training period (Group T1, N = 22). A control Group, T2 (N = 18), showed no significant SBP and DBP reduction over a comparable time period. When Group T2 was then given stress management training, the resulting SBP and DBP reductions were significant. When BP was recorded 3 years later, there were significant reductions for both SBP and DBP. Thirty percent of the subjects who had a medication regimen responded with BP judged to be a clinically significant reduction. The frequency of relaxation practice and the amount of BP reduction achieved during relaxation practice were significantly correlated with BP reduction after the stress management program. It was also found that the stress management program lowered health care costs and increased health supportive behavior.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Modified orthodontic treatment goals in a patient with multiple complicating factors.

This paper reviews orthodontic care in patients who are in nontraditional categories. Specific orthodontic management of a patient who had severe hemophilia, seropositivity for anti-HIV Ab, and Hepatitis B surface antigen is reviewed. The importance of defining acceptable treatment goals in these patients is of paramount importance.

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Illustrations that illuminate CQI.

Quality improvement professionals provide training in basic continuous quality improvement (CQI) concepts. In planning a training program, it is worthwhile to consider how material can be presented so that it will be remembered. Activities that allow adult learners to participate will increase their understanding and retention. Simple, effective illustrations can be used to promote interest, focus attention on the material, and make it more memorable.

Administrative Personnel↗
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Recurrent and persistent urinary tract infections in dogs: 383 cases (1969-1995).

Laboratory records of bacterial urine cultures from 383 dogs with recurrent or persistent urinary tract infections (UTI) diagnosed at the University of California Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital (VMTH) between 1969 and 1995 were reviewed retrospectively to characterize the bacteria involved and their association with age, gender, and breed of dogs affected. Sixty-eight breeds and a mixed-breed group were represented. Escherichia coli was the most common isolate, although mixed-bacterial infections were seen in 58% of the female and 55% of the male dogs. Recurrent and persistent UTI were most prevalent in middle-aged to older German shepherd dogs, miniature/toy poodles, and Labrador retrievers, with no apparent sex predilection. Criteria fitting recurrent and persistent UTI were present in 0.3% of all dogs seen at the VMTH during this 26-year period.

Animals↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Behavioral response to induced conflict in families with a hypertensive father.

To clarify the possible environmental mediation of familial aggregation of blood pressure (BP), we examined whether the behavior of family members differed between families with a hypertensive (n = 16) or a normotensive (n = 15) father. Three-member families consisting of a father, mother, and a boy or girl aged 8-13 years were videotaped as they interacted under standard conditions calling for disagreement or conflict. Their BPs were recorded before and after interactions. The videotaped material was reliably coded into behavioral categories by independent observers. The aggregate of all three members of families with hypertensive fathers, as well as normotensive mothers and the children in these families, showed significantly more negative nonverbal behavior than their counterparts in families with normotensive fathers.

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

The relationship of sleep problems and sleep-associated feeding to nursing caries.

The purpose of this study was to examine the role of sleep problems in the etiology of nursing caries. Two-hundred mothers of children (104 with nursing caries and 96 caries free) from ages 2 to 4.5 years were surveyed to determine whether difficulty with child sleep and ensuing sleep-associated feeding might be related to the presence of nursing caries. Differences were noted between these two groups regarding: average number of nights the child slept through the night (P < 0.001); total hours of sleep per night (P < 0.05); frequency of night waking episodes (P < 0.01); feeding on demand upon waking (P < 0.01); using a bottle to assist with falling asleep at night (P < 0.001); and feeding in association with nap time (P < 0.001). Differences also were noted in regard to average age of weaning (P < 0.001). Our findings suggest that sleep problems among young children are a behavioral risk factor for night-time bottle use and early childhood caries.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Diagnosis and treatment of dental caries-related emergencies in a children's hospital.

A comprehensive review of 362 caries-related emergency visits presenting to a children's hospital was completed to investigate aspects of care which have not been previously reported. Areas of interest included patient characteristics such as age and whether the emergency visit was the first contact with a dentist, association of the emergency visit with a nursing bottle habit, diagnoses, treatment provided, and behavior management techniques used at the emergency visit. The emergency appointment was the first contact with a dentist for 27% of all patients and for 52% of children 3.5 years and younger. Patient visits related to nursing caries totaled 19% and these patients had a disproportionately high share of all primary tooth diagnoses. Nursing caries patients accounted for 48% of patients requiring papoose restraint and were the majority of patients receiving multiple extractions. Papoose restraint was used most often for young patients needing extraction who presented during clinic hours and were treated by an attending dentist. Maxillary first and second primary molars were implicated in a high number of cellulitis patients (57%) yet represented only 23% of primary tooth diagnoses.

Abscess↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Diagnosis and treatment of dental trauma in a children's hospital.

A comprehensive review of 487 emergency dental trauma visits seen at a children's hospital during a 3-year period was performed to investigate aspects of trauma care that have not been previously reported. Patient characteristics, diagnoses, and injury treatment were analyzed. General patient characteristics and diagnoses were consistent with other studies. Young children were often injured in falls within the home whereas older children were often injured in sports and activities outside the home. The emergency visit was the first contact with the dentist for 80% of children 3.5 years old and younger. Maxillary incisors accounted for 84% of primary tooth injuries: examination and extraction were common treatments. Maxillary incisors accounted for 87% of permanent tooth injuries: bandage restorations and splint placement were frequent treatments. An assistive restraint device was used most often for children 4 years and younger who required extractions. The restraint was used more frequently during clinic hours with support staff present than after hours with a sole provider. Hospital facilities were not essential for treatment of the patients in this study.

Accidental Falls↗