Biomedical subjects

B Thomas

Publications and source records attributed to B Thomas.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

PubMed2000

Region-specific attenuation of a trypsin-like protease in substantia nigra following dopaminergic neurotoxicity by 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2, 3,6-tetrahydropyridine.

We analysed apoptosis, caspase-1 and -3, and trypsin-like protease activity in the nigrostriatal pathway during 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3, 6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP)-induced neurotoxicity. MPTP injected (30 mg/kg, i.p., twice, 16 h apart) mice were sacrificed on 1, 2 and 7 days. DNA extracted from nucleus caudatus putamen (NCP) and substantia nigra (SN) was subjected to agarose gel electrophoresis. Typical apoptotic-like DNA cleavage was absent in SN or NCP after this dose of MPTP. A trypsin-like protease activity was significantly decreased in SN and not in NCP. While caspase-3 activity in the whole brain was increased significantly, caspase-1 activity was unaffected. Striatal dopamine content was decreased to 75% by 7 days. The absence of typical DNA 'ladder' when there was severe striatal dopamine depletion suggests that in vivo MPTP-mediated dopaminergic neurotoxicity may not involve apoptotic cell death, and explains why in mice MPTP-induced dopamine depletion is transient. The region-specific decrease in trypsin-like protease activity and absence of caspase-3 activation in SN signify the importance of trypsin-like protease in the regulation of apoptosis in MPTP-neurotoxicity in mice.

1-Methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine↗

PubMed2000

Neuroprotection by sodium salicylate against 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3, 6-tetrahydropyridine-induced neurotoxicity.

The potent dopaminergic neurotoxin 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3, 6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) is known to produce hydroxyl radicals (OH) in vitro and in vivo. Salicylate (SA) can hydroxylate itself to form 2,3- and 2,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid (DHBA) by utilizing OH. In the present study we investigated the OH scavenging action and neuroprotective effects, if any, of SA in mice treated with MPTP (30 mg/kg i.p. twice, 16 h apart). MPTP treatment resulted in in vivo generation of OH and nigral neuronal insult as evidenced by dopamine depletion in nucleus caudatus putamen (NCP). This also caused significant decrease in glutathione in substantia nigra (SN) and NCP. SA administration alone in mice did not affect total monoamine oxidase (MAO) or MAO-B activities of the mitochondrial fraction or the crude enzyme preparation from SN or NCP. Pre-treatment of these animals with SA (25-100 mg/kg, i.p.) resulted in dose-dependent production of 2,3- and 2,5-DHBA in NCP. SA administration prior to or following MPTP blocked the neurotoxin-induced behavioural dysfunction as well as glutathione and dopamine depletion on the 7th day indicating its potent neuroprotective action. The present study suggests that SA acts as a free radical scavenger in the brain and indicates its strength as a valuable neuroprotectant.

1-Methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine↗

PubMed2000

In vivo hydroxyl radical generation in the striatum following systemic administration of 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine in mice.

We investigated the in vivo hydroxyl radical (OH) generation in the striatum of mice following intraperitoneal (i.p.) administration of 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP). This resulted in a time (1.5-6.5 h) and dose dependent (0-45 mg/kg) increase in the content of 2,3-dihydroxybenzoic acid (DHBA), a reliable indicator of OH adduct of salicylate, as measured by HPLC and electrochemical detector. Severe depletion of dopamine (DA: 65%), glutathione (50%), and increase (170%) in catalase activity were observed by 7 days. The present study for the first time provides direct evidence for the generation of OH in brain following systemic administration of MPTP and suggests involvement of oxidative stress in the neurotoxic action of MPTP.

1-Methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine↗

PubMed2000

Immortalized human adult articular chondrocytes maintain cartilage-specific phenotype and responses to interleukin-1beta.

OBJECTIVE: To develop a reproducible immortalized human chondrocyte culture model for studying the regulation of chondrocyte functions relevant to arthritic diseases in adult humans. METHODS: Primary adult articular chondrocytes were immortalized with a retrovirus expressing a temperature-sensitive mutant of SV40-large T antigen (tsTAg). The established tsT/AC62 chondrocyte cell line was examined in monolayer and alginate culture systems. The levels of messenger RNA (mRNA) encoding cartilage matrix proteins and interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta)-inducible mRNA were analyzed by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction. Matrix protein synthesis was analyzed by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of 35S-sulfate-labeled proteoglycans and Western blotting of type II collagen and aggrecan. Type II collagen (COL2A1)-luciferase reporter gene expression was analyzed by transient transfection. Phosphorylated stress-activated protein kinase/c-Jun N-terminal kinase (SAPK/JNK), p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK), and activating transcription factor 2 (ATF-2) were detected by Western blotting. RESULTS: The tsT/AC62 cells expressed TAg at the permissive temperature (32degrees C), and the loss of TAg at 37 degrees C and 39 degrees C correlated with decreased cell proliferation. Cells in alginate culture deposited abundant alcian blue-stainable matrix and continued to proliferate at 32 degrees C. Preferential retention of aggrecan was observed in the cell-associated matrix, while biglycan and decorin were secreted into the medium of monolayer and alginate cultures. The levels of COL2A1 and aggrecan mRNA were increased after transfer from monolayer to alginate culture at 32 degrees C. Treatment with IL-1beta decreased COL2A1 and aggrecan mRNA levels and increased the levels of matrix metalloproteinases 1, 3, and 13 mRNA, as well as those of cyclooxygenase 2, type I collagen, and secretory phospholipase A2 type IIA mRNA, but not those of inducible nitric oxide synthase mRNA. IL-1beta also stimulated phosphorylation of p38 MAPK, SAPK/JNK, and ATF-2. The p38 MAPK-selective inhibitor, SB203580, partially reversed IL-1beta-induced inhibition of COL2A1 mRNA levels and COL2A1-luciferase reporter gene expression. CONCLUSION: The tsT/AC62 cells provide a reproducible model that mimics the adult articular chondrocyte phenotype, particularly in alginate culture, and demonstrates characteristic responses to IL-1beta. These studies also show, for the first time, that p38 MAPK is one of the signals required for IL-1beta-induced inhibition of COL2A1 gene expression. Availability of this model will permit identification of signals that regulate cytokine responses, and will also provide rational strategies for targeting these pathways.

Adult↗

PubMed2000

New ways of determining structural groups in brown coals and their bioconversion products by FT IR spectroscopy.

New methods of determining the structural groups -COOH and -CH2- have been developed. The investigation of carboxyl groups is possible both after derivatization with p-fluorophenacylbromide and by quantitative interpretation of the Fourier transform infrared (FT IR) spectra. There exists a linear relationship between the results of these two methods that is generally valid for the analysis of all brown coal components. The maximum extinction coefficient of the symmetric stretching vibration band of the CH2 groups has been determined using model substances. This allows quantification of this structural group directly from the FT IR spectrum. The results agree with the contents of methylene groups as determined by 13C-cross polarization-magic angle spinning nuclear magnetic resonance (13C CPMAS NMR) spectroscopy. Using these methods, the COOH and CH2 groups contained in brown coals of the North Rhine region and in their bioconversion products have been quantified.

Biodegradation, Environmental↗

PubMed2000

Inducing protective antibodies against ring-infected erythrocyte surface peptide antigen of Plasmodium falciparum using immunostimulating complex (ISCOMs) delivery.

In the present study, synthetic peptides (EENVEHDA)2 [(oc)2] and (DDEHVEEPTVA)2 [(un)2] of ring-infected erythrocyte surface antigen (RESA) of Plasmodlium filciparum were linked with palmitic acid and entrapped in immunostimulating complexes (ISCOMs). The immunogenicity of the peptide(s) and mixture of peptides were studied in mice with different genetic background. Peptide(s) entrapped in ISCOMs using a low-dose immunization strategy generated high-titer as well as high-affinity antibodies. Interestingly, no genetic restriction of the immune response was observed in any of the strains studied. The IgG subclass pattern with the peptide(s) showed predominately IgG2a/2b isotypes, while with the mixed peptide formulation, (un)2-specific IgG isotype pattern showed induction of both IgG1 and IgG2a/2b isotypes. These cytophilic antibodies inhibited the ring as well as schizont stage and total parasite growth during in vitro merozoite reinvasion inhibition study. In the mixed peptide preparation, the same pattern of immune response was achieved as that of individual peptide(s) using ISCOMs delivery. Therefore, the entrapment of otherwise poorly immunogenic synthetic peptides in ISCOMs resulted in increased immunogenicity followed by strong secondary response and can be adopted for developing subunit immunogen formulation against malarial parasite.

Alum Compounds↗

PubMed2000

Effects of serotoninergic drugs on tremor induced by physostigmine in rats.

We investigated the effects of various serotoninergic drugs and serotonin (5-HT) depletion on physostigmine-induced visible tremor in rats. Physostigmine (0.25-1.5 mg/kg) caused dose-dependent tremor, initiated at 3-5 min (latency decreases as dose increases) and lasted for 30-35 min. Serotonin agonists, 8-hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino) tetralin (2.5 mg/kg) and buspirone (5 mg/kg) augmented the tremor response caused by physostigmine. The 5-HT(1)/5-HT(2) receptor antagonist, metergoline (1 mg/kg), and 5-HT(2) blocker, cyproheptadine (10 mg/kg) significantly decreased the duration (40%) as well as intensity (45-50%) of physostigmine-tremor. The 5-HT(2a)/5-HT(2c) antagonist ritanserin (5 mg/kg) significantly reduced the duration (60%) without affecting the intensity of the tremor. In 5-HT depleted rats (p-chlorophenylalanine; 300 mg/kg, for 3 days), physostigmine failed to produce tremor. Interestingly, in these animals, administration of a non-specific 5-HT agonist, 5-methoxy-N,N-dimethyl tryptamine, caused high intensity tremor. These results suggest that presence of 5-HT at the pre-synaptic terminals is needed for the tremor response by physostigmine and the response is greatly mediated via post-synaptic 5-HT receptors. The overall data indicated a direct involvement of central 5-HT system in the cholinergic tremor induced by physostigmine.

Animals↗

PubMed2000

Arachidonic and docosahexaenoic acids are strongly associated in maternal and neonatal blood.

BACKGROUND: The red cell membrane fatty acid composition has frequently been used as an index of essential fatty acid (EFA) nutrition. After birth there is a decline in plasma arachidonic acid (AA) and docosahexaenoic (DHA) acids in babies fed on conventional formula which contains only the parent linoleic and alpha-linolenic acids. In human studies, the red cell phosphoglyceride composition appears to be more constant than that of plasma. In infants fed fish oil without AA, the AA proportions fall in the plasma but much less so in the red cells. This result might be considered to mean that there is no need for preformed AA. On the other hand, in a study where the levels of AA fell there was reduction of infant growth. Indeed, where cell membrane composition does change there is often an associated alteration in physiological functions of membranes. We therefore felt it worth investigating the balance between AA and DHA in a physiological situation where plasma levels are known to change, namely in pregnancy. PURPOSE: The aim of the study was to investigate a relationship between blood phosphoglyceride AA and DHA in pregnant women and neonates. SUBJECTS: Health pregnant women from London, England (n=193) and their term babies (n=45); healthy pregnant women from Seoul, South Korea (n=40) and their term babies (n=40); and preterm neonates (n=72) from London. METHOD: Blood samples were taken from British and Korean pregnant women during the third trimester, and from term and preterm babies at birth. These samples were taken for routine monitoring purposes in Korea and were a part of a study on pregnancy outcome for which ethical permission was granted from the East London and The City Health Authority and Lambeth, Southwark and Lewisham Health Authority. Approval was also obtained from the Ethical Committee of the Asan Medical Centre, Seoul, South Korea. RESULTS: AA and DHA correlated in plasma choline phosphoglycerides (CPG) of the British mothers (r=0.52 P<0.0001). The correlation coefficients and significance were much stronger in the red cell CPG and even more so in the term and preterm infant red cell CPGs ( r=0.75, 0.80 and 0.88, respectively). Similarly, AA and DHA correlated in red cell CPGs of the Korean women and their term babies. There was also a significant relationship between the two fatty acids in red cell ethanolamine phosphoglycerides in the mothers and their babies. Both linoleic (LA) and alpha-linolenic acids (ALA) were inversely associated with AA and DHA in some of the phosphoglyceride fractions of the mothers and babies. CONCLUSIONS: Although AA and DHA have different primary dietary origins, there were significant relationships between AA and DHA in the phosphoglycerides of the red cell membrane. This finding seems surprising if the red cell composition is determined by diet. These results suggest a physiological mechanism which attempts to maintain an appropriate balance between AA and DHA. It is plausible that there is an optimum balance between AA and DHA for membrane stability, deformability, enzyme and receptor function. SPONSORSHIP: The British Diabetic Association, March of Dimes Birth Defects Foundation and The Christopher H.R. Reeves Charitable Trust. European Journal of Clinical Nutrition (2000) 54, 50-56

Adult↗

PubMed2000

Phytochrome A resets the circadian clock and delays tuber formation under long days in potato.

Transgenic potatoes (Solanum tuberosum) with either increased (sense transformants) or reduced (antisense transformants) phytochrome A (phyA) levels were used, in combination with specific light treatments, to investigate the involvement of phyA in the perception of signals that entrain the circadian clock. Far-red or far-red plus red light treatments given during the night reset the circadian rhythm of leaf movements in wild-type plants and phyA over-expressors, but had little effect in phyA under-expressors. Far-red light was also able to reset the rhythm of leaf movement in wild-type Arabidopsis thaliana but was not effective in mutants without phyA. Blue light was necessary to reset the rhythm in phyA-deficient potato plants. Resetting of the rhythm by far-red plus red light was only slightly affected in transgenic plants with reduced levels of phytochrome B. The production of tubers was delayed by day extensions with far-red plus red light, but this effect was reduced in transgenic lines deficient in phyA. We conclude that phyA is involved in resetting the circadian clock controlling leaf movements and in photoperiod sensing in light-grown potato plants.

Arabidopsis Proteins↗

PubMed2000

Critical role of C/EBPdelta and C/EBPbeta factors in the stimulation of the cyclooxygenase-2 gene transcription by interleukin-1beta in articular chondrocytes.

The activity of the [-831; +103] promoter of the human cyclooxygenase-2 gene in cultured rabbit chondrocytes is stimulated 2.9 +/- 0.3-fold by interleukin-1beta and this stimulation depends on [-132; -124] C/EBP binding-and [-223; -214] NF-kappaB binding-sites. The C/EBPbeta and C/EBPdelta factors bind to the [-132; -124] sequence. The [-61; -53] sequence is also recognized by C/EBPbeta and C/EBPdelta as well as USF. Mutation of the whole [-61; -53] sequence abolished the stimulation of transcription but single mutations of the C/EBP or USF site did not alter the activity of the promoter, suggesting that the factors bound to the proximal [-61; -53] sequence interact with different members of the general transcription machinery. The [-223; -214] site binds only the p50/p50 homodimer and a non-rel-related protein, but not the transcriptionally active heterodimer p50/p65. The p50/p50 homodimer could interact with the C/EBP family members bound to the [-132; -124] sequence for full stimulation of the COX-2 transcription by interleukin-1beta in chondrocytes. By contrast, the [-448; -449] sequence binds with a low affinity both the p50/p50 homodimeric and p50/p65 heterodimeric forms of NF-kappaB but has no role in the regulation of the human COX-2 promoter in chondrocytes.

Animals↗

PubMed2000

Developing a programme-review process for a baccalaureate nursing programme in Jordan.

Programme review is one way of monitoring the quality of a programme of study and promoting the growth of nursing education. The Faculty of Nursing at the Jordan University of Science and Technology (JUST) demonstrated its professional maturity by participating in an international collaborative project with the University of Windsor in Canada, to review its baccalaureate programmes. This article outlines the rationale for undertaking a programme review and discusses key principles for inclusion in the development of such a process. It highlights some strategies for success, and suggests ways in which programmes can benefit from reviews and evaluations. This process has the potential to be used as a prototype for future reviews.

Education, Nursing, Baccalaureate↗

PubMed2000

The hemodynamic and adrenergic effects of perioperative dexmedetomidine infusion after vascular surgery.

UNLABELLED: We tested dexmedetomidine, an alpha(2) agonist that decreases heart rate, blood pressure, and plasma norepinephrine concentration, for its ability to attenuate stress responses during emergence from anesthesia after major vascular operations. Patients scheduled for vascular surgery received either dexmedetomidine (n = 22) or placebo (n = 19) IV beginning 20 min before the induction of anesthesia and continuing until 48 h after the end of surgery. All patients received standardized anesthesia. Heart rate and arterial blood pressure were kept within predetermined limits by varying anesthetic level and using vasoactive medications. Heart rate, arterial blood pressure, and inhaled anesthetic concentration were monitored continuously; additional measurements included plasma and urine catecholamines. During emergence from anesthesia, heart rate was slower with dexmedetomidine (73 +/- 11 bpm) than placebo (83 +/- 20 bpm) (P = 0.006), and the percentage of time the heart rate was within the predetermined hemodynamic limits was more frequent with dexmedetomidine (P < 0.05). Plasma norepinephrine levels increased only in the placebo group and were significantly lower for the dexmedetomidine group during the immediate postoperative period (P = 0.0002). We conclude that dexmedetomidine attenuates increases in heart rate and plasma norepinephrine concentrations during emergence from anesthesia. IMPLICATIONS: The alpha(2) agonist, dexmedetomidine, attenuates increases in heart rate and plasma norepinephrine concentrations during emergence from anesthesia in vascular surgery patients.

Adrenergic alpha-Agonists↗

PubMed2000

Regulation of transcript levels of a potato gibberellin 20-oxidase gene by light and phytochrome B.

Up to three gibberellin (GA) 20-oxidase genes have now been cloned from several species including Arabidopsis, bean (Phaseolus vulgaris), and potato (Solanum tuberosum). In each case the GA 20-oxidase genes exhibit different patterns of tissue expression. We have performed extensive northern analysis on one of the potato GA 20-oxidase genes (StGA20ox1), which is the only one that shows significant transcript levels in leaves. We show that levels of StGA20ox1 transcript are elevated in transgenic antisense plants that have reduced levels of phytochrome B (PHYB) compared with wild-type plants, implicating PHYB in the control of GA biosynthesis. We show that StGA20ox1 transcript levels vary in leaves of different age throughout the plant and cycle throughout the day, furthermore they are up-regulated by light and down-regulated in the dark. The degree of the response to the light-on signal is similar in potato plants deficient in phytochrome A or PHYB and wild-type plants. The induction of StGA20ox1 by blue light raises the possibility that a blue light receptor may be involved in the control of this gene by light.

Antisense Elements (Genetics)↗

PubMed2000

Prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis in young men in north west London.

BACKGROUND: Chlamydia trachomatis is the most common, treatable, bacterial sexually transmitted infection in England and Wales. Among men, chlamydial infection is an important cause of non-gonococcal urethritis, epididymitis, and proctitis. The case for wider screening among women has been accepted by an expert advisory group. In the absence of estimates of the prevalence of infection in men, its potential impact at the population level is difficult to assess. OBJECTIVE: To estimate the prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis in young men in clinic and community based samples in north west London. METHOD: Cross sectional survey in healthcare centres and general practices in north west London. 1002 males aged 18-35 years, living in north west London, were recruited by staff in occupational health departments, general practices, student health services, and a "well man" clinic and by postal recruitment in four GP practices. The men were tested for C trachomatis using the ligase chain reaction assay on urine samples. The main outcome measure was prevalence of C trachomatis infection in men aged 18-35 years. RESULTS: The overall response rate was 51%. Prevalence of confirmed infection was 1.9% (95% CI: 1.14% to 2.96%) in all men. Best estimated minimum prevalence of infection was 1% (95% CI: 0.58% to 1.50%). Estimated prevalence was highest among men aged over 30 years. CONCLUSIONS: The estimated prevalence among men is commensurate with that described for female populations in London. The results suggest that recruitment of men to screening programmes would be difficult. However, a higher proportion of chlamydial infection may be detected in men than in women by existing approaches to control through genitourinary medicine clinic based case finding and contact tracing. Screening of young women and the contact tracing of the male partners of positive females may be an efficient approach to improving chlamydia control.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2000

Epithelial Dlx-2 homeogene expression and cementogenesis.

The Dlx-2 (distal-less gene) homeoprotein transcription factor controls early tooth development but has not been studied during the late stages of biomineralization. Transgenic mice containing a Dlx-2/LacZ reporter construct were used to map the Dlx-2 expression pattern in cementoblasts, the dental cells most closely related to bone cells and therefore suggested to be uniquely positioned osteoblasts. During initial root formation, marked expression of Dlx-2 was evident in molar and incisor root epithelium, whereas dental papilla and follicle were negative. Dlx-2 was expressed in this epithelium from the apical loop to the area of its disruption. During acellular cementum formation in both incisors and molars, Dlx-2 expression was observed in the majority of differentiated cementoblasts from the apical region to the erupting zones. During cellular cementum formation, the presence of which characterizes growth-limited molars, Dlx-2 expression was restricted to the innermost cementoblasts and entrapped cementocytes. These data further support the hypothesis of a complex origin and fate of cementum-forming cells, as previously suggested by the expression patterns of a set of mesenchymal and epithelial markers, notably ameloblastin as shown here. Dlx-2 expression might constitute a landmark of cementoblast subpopulations of epithelial origin. (J Histochem Cytochem 48:277-283, 2000)

Aging↗

PubMed2000

Biomineralization, life-time of odontogenic cells and differential expression of the two homeobox genes MSX-1 and DLX-2 in transgenic mice.

Msx and Dlx homeobox genes encode for transcription factors that control early morphogenesis. More specifically, Msx-1, Msx-2, and Dlx-2 homeobox genes contribute to the initial patterning of the dentition. The present study is devoted to the potential role of those homeobox genes during the late formation of mineralized tissues, using the rodent incisor as an experimental system. The continuously erupting mandibular incisor allows (1) the coinvestigation of the whole sequences of amelogenesis and dentinogenesis, aligned along the main dental axis in a single sample in situ and (2) the differential characterization of transcripts generated by epithelial and ectomesenchymal odontogenic cells. Northern blot experiments on microdissected cells showed the continuing expression of Msx-2 and Dlx-2 in the later stages of dental biomineralization, differentially in epithelial and ectomesenchymal compartments. Transgenic mice produced with LacZ reporter constructs for Dlx-2 and Msx-1 were used to detect different components of the gene expression patterns with the sensitive beta-galactosidase histoenzymology. The results show a prominent epithelial involvement of Dlx-2, with stage-specific variations in the cells involved in enamel formation. Quantitative analyses identified specific modulations of Dlx-2 expression in ameloblasts depending on the anatomical sites of the incisor, showing more specifically an inverse linear relationship between the Dlx-2 promoter activity level and enamel thickness. This investigation extends the role of homeoproteins to postmitotic stages, which would control secretory cell activity, in a site-specific manner as shown here for Dlx-2.

Animals↗

PubMed2000

Screening for acute myocardial injury: creatine kinase is comparable to myoglobin.

During the last decade, there have been many studies comparing myoglobin and the troponins to creatine kinase MB. Myoglobin was introduced as an early marker, but most studies have not directly compared it to total creatine kinase in any detail. We retrospectively (9/98-5/99) examined 1772 paired samples from 1572 patients drawn in the emergency department to assess the optimum decision limits, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive values (PPV), and negative predicitve value (NPV) for creatine kinase and myoglobin in predicting acute myocardial injury. Of the admitted patients, 114 had acute myocardial injury, 166 had angina and 89 had non-cardiac chest pain; 1203 patients were discharged. Initially low creatine kinase (<100 IU/l; minimum 19 IU/l) and myoglobin (<100 microg/l; minimum 9.5 microg/l) results were identified in 63.5% and 88.3% of patients, respectively, emphasizing the importance of serial sampling. Receiver operator characteristic analysis demonstrated optimum decision limits at 100 IU/l and 70 microg/l, respectively. These levels were associated with sensitivity/specificity/PPV/NPV of 66/66/13/96 for creatine kinase and 54/85/22/96 for myoglobin. We conclude that both tests are comparable for initial screening of patients with chest pain in the emergency department. Since creatine kinase is faster, cheaper, and more widely available, it is the test of choice for our institution.

Creatine Kinase↗

PubMed2000

Working women identify influences and obstacles to breast health practices.

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVES: To identify factors contributing to participation in breast screening in working women to drive health education planning and implementation. DESIGN: Survey. SETTING: Automotive plants in southern Canada. SAMPLE: Union and nonunion women working in the plants. METHODS: Survey using "Health Care Practices: A Worksite Survey," modified for Canadian population. MAIN RESEARCH VARIABLES: Age, education, breast health practices, influences on decision to participate in breast screening, and physician gender. FINDINGS: Differences were noted among three age groups (under 30 years, 30-49 years, 50 years or older) in terms of influences and perceived barriers to the different modalities of breast screening. For clinical breast exams, women preferred an expert in breast health, regardless of whether the professional was a physician or a nurse. In all groups, the physician was noted as being very influential; however, perceptions of encouragement from the physician varied across the age groups. Perceptions of barriers to breast screening differed among the age groups and between women with male physicians and those with female physicians. Coworkers were identified as being a strong influence in the older group, whereas friends and family were identified as being more influential in the younger groups. CONCLUSIONS: Health promotion and education strategies may need to be stratified for different age groups. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE: Breast health education may need to be seen as an ongoing educational process, with the target groups being both the women and the primary healthcare professionals. The worksite has strong potential as a setting for health promotion activities.

Adolescent↗