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Biomedical subjects

B Williams

Publications and source records attributed to B Williams.

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

Sequence, genomic structure, and chromosomal assignment of human DOC-2.

DOC-2 is a human gene originally identified as a 767-bp cDNA fragment isolated from normal ovarian epithelial cells by differential display against ovarian carcinoma cells. We have now determined the complete cDNA sequence of the 3.2-kb DOC-2 transcript and localized the gene to chromosome 5. A 12.5-kb genomic fragment at the 5'-end of DOC-2 has also been sequenced, revealing the intron-exon structure of the first eight exons (788 bases) of the DOC-2 gene. Translation of the DOC-2 cDNA predicts a hydrophobic protein of 770 amino acid residues with a molecular weight of 82.5 kDa. Comparison of the DNA and amino acid sequences of DOC-2 to publicly accessible sequence databases revealed 83% identify to p96, a murine protein of similar size, thought to be a mitogen-responsive phosphoprotein. In addition, about 45% identity was observed between the first 140 N-terminal residues of DOC-2 and the Caenorhabditas elegans M110.5 and Drosophila melanogaster Dab genes.

Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing↗
PubMed1996

Fissure sealants: a 4-year clinical trial comparing an experimental glass polyalkenoate cement with a bis glycidyl methacrylate resin used as fissure sealants.

The 4-year results of a fissure sealant trial are reported. Glass polyalkenoate and bis GMA sealant were applied to 590 first permanent molar teeth using a half mouth study design in a group of 228 6-8-year-old children. Similar cariostasis was observed for the two materials at the end of 4 years despite marked differences in retention. Polyalkenoate cements probably should be regarded as 'fluoride depot' materials rather than fissure sealants when used in this context.

Bisphenol A-Glycidyl Methacrylate↗
PubMed1996

Isolation of a gene (DLG3) encoding a second member of the discs-large family on chromosome 17q12-q21.

The discs-large family is a collection of proteins that have a common structural organization and are thought to be involved in signal transduction and mediating protein-protein interactions at the cytoplasmic surface of the cell membrane. The defining member of this group of proteins is the gene product of the Drosophila lethal (1) discs large (dlg) 1 locus, which was originally identified by the analysis of recessive lethal mutants. Germline mutations in dlg result in loss of apical-basolateral polarity, disruption of normal cell-cell adhesion, and neoplastic overgrowth of the imaginal disc epithelium. We have isolated and characterized a novel human gene, DLG3, that encodes a new member of the discs-large family of proteins. The putative DLG3 gene product has a molecular weight of 66 kDa and contains a discs-large homologous region, a src oncogene homology motif 3, and a domain with homology to guanylate kinase. The DLG3 gene is located on chromosome 17, in the same segment, 17q12-q21, as the related gene, DLG2. The products of the DLG2 and DLG3 genes show 36% identity and 58% similarity to each other, and both show nearly 60% sequence similarity to p55, an erythroid phosphoprotein that is a component of the red cell membrane. We suggest that p55, DLG2, and DLG3 are closely related members of a gene family, whose protein products have a common structural organization and probably a similar function.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1996

The Generalized Self-Efficacy Scale in people with arthritis.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the comprehensibility, reliability, and validity of a trait measure, the Generalized Self-Efficacy Scale (GSES), among people with arthritis. The scale is designed to measure perceived coping ability across a wide range of demanding situations. METHODS: Four studies were conducted. Study 1 tested the comprehensibility of the GSES. Studies 2, 3, and 4 tested the reliability and validity of the modified scale. Data were collected through self-administered questionnaires. Reliability and structure of the GSES were examined using standard item analysis, internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha), test-retest reliability, and factor analyses. Concurrent and predictive validity were examined in relation to demographic, physical, psychological, and social dimensions. RESULTS: The GSES assessed a unitary concept. Higher generalized self-efficacy was associated with greater psychological well-being, both cross-sectionally and longitudinally. The GSES was independent of age and physical health status. CONCLUSIONS: The GSES is a reliable and valid measure for use among community-based samples of people with arthritis and may be a useful indicator of general adaptational outcomes.

Adaptation, Psychological↗
PubMed1996

Orthodontic management of patients with hematologic malignancies.

More than 50% of pediatric malignancies are leukemias or lymphomas. Oral changes associated with these conditions include: gingival oozing, petechiae, hematomas, ulcerations, gingival pain, gingival hypertrophy, mucosal pallor, pharyngitis, and lymphadenopathy. Current medical management for patients with hematologic malignancies includes chemotherapy, radiation, surgery, bone marrow transplantation or a combination of these modalities. Nearly 60% of patients diagnosed today with malignancy will be long-term survivors. Patients undergoing orthodontic treatment when a diagnosis of malignancy is made are best served by expedient removal of orthodontic appliances and delivery of retainers. After a patient has completed all cancer therapy and has at least a 2-year event-free survival, orthodontic treatment can be restarted.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1996

Preoperative anesthesia and postoperative considerations in laser resurfacing.

This article details patient selection, preoperative preparation, and postoperative considerations for conducting UltraPulse (Coherent Medical, Palo Alto, CA) CO2 laser resurfacing. The authors share their more than 3 years experience with more than 1,000 patients to help physicians perform this technique, choose optimal treatment parameters, and select appropriate patients for treatment. Methods to decrease postlaser adverse sequelae are discussed. Particular emphasis is placed on the minimization of postoperative infections. An extensive section on anesthesia techniques is also provided.

Anesthesia↗
PubMed1996

Human Rh monoclonal antibodies: assessment of functional activity by chemiluminescence and RhD antibody quantitation.

In vitro cellular assays have been described which are capable of evaluating the interactions between sensitised red cells and monocyte or K cells. The chemiluminescence assay (CL) has several advantages over other cellular assays used to assess functional activity. The CL assay unlike the ADCC assays does not require the use of radioisotopes and therefore can be easily integrated into the work of a Reference Serology laboratory. The CL assay is an objective test and not labour intensive which is the main criticism of the monocyte monolayer assay. Seventy-four monoclonal anti-Ds and 29 other Rh specificities have been evaluated by a CL assay. The use of the chemiluminescent response produced by erythrophagocytosis of sensitised red cells has been shown to correlate well with the in vivo response to red cells sensitized with polyclonal IgG antibodies. This study aimed at investigating whether the CL assay could identify and differentiate monoclonal antibodies that are capable of eliciting a response from human monocytes. Poor correlation was obtained between the CL assay results and anti-D quantitation (r = 0.236). The chemiluminescence assay discriminated between anti-D's with high quantitation levels but low predicted functional activity and anti-Ds of low quantitation levels which produced elevated CL responses. Only 3 of the 29 non-Rh D specificities tested produced a response in the CL assay emphasising the importance of specificity in the functional activity of monoclonal antibodies. The demonstration of significant differences in the functional capabilities of monoclonal antibodies has important implications for reviewing the possible use of monoclonal anti-D preparations for Rh immune prophylaxis and highlights the requirement for factors other than the antibody concentration to be examined.

Antibodies↗
PubMed1996

A critical appraisal of pediculated omental graft transposition in progressive spinal cord failure.

A critical review of patients who had pediculated omental grafting for progressive spinal cord failure was performed in order to assess the impact of this procedure on the natural history of the spinal cord function after spinal cord injury. Ten patients were reviewed; all had complete or partial paraplegia. Mean age at injury was 29.1 years. There was an average interval of 9.7 years between injury and onset of progressive worsening of symptoms, and 5.6 years between onset of such symptoms and diagnosis. Average follow-up was 24.5 months. Five patients underwent omental grafting as primary surgical treatment whereas the other five had earlier procedures. One patient died on the postoperative period. Significant morbidity was also observed. All the surviving patients were asked to score themselves by answering a questionnaire exploring the effect of surgery in limb function and performance on activities of daily living. Only two patients improved following the procedure. Two others remained unchanged, while the remaining six continued to deteriorate. There was no difference in clinical outcome between the primary surgery group and the ones that had had previous procedures. Delayed omental grafting done as tried in this clinic did not seem to improve the prognosis of the injured cord and was associated with significant morbidity.

Adult↗
PubMed1996

Listeria monocytogenes meningitis complicated by symptomatic spinal subarachnoid cysts.

We report the case of a man who developed signs of compression of the spinal cord in the dorsal region over a year after treatment of Listeria monocytogenes meningitis. He proved to have mild hydrocephalus and a number of subarachnoid pouches compressing the upper dorsal cord. Insertion of a ventriculo-peritoneal shunt caused clinical improvement. We believe that this was caused by relief of tension in the spinal cysts rather than any reduction in ventricular size.

Arachnoid Cysts↗
PubMed1996

Management and outcome of posttraumatic syringomyelia.

Traumatic paraplegia is the most common cause of nonhindbrain-related syringomyelia. Fifty-seven patients with a mean age of 34.3 years at presentation were treated at the Midland Centre for Neurosurgery and Neurology between 1973 and 1993. A variety of treatment strategies have been used over the years, including syringosubarachnoid and syringopleural shunts, spinal cord transection, and pedicled omental graft transposition. More recently decompressive laminectomy, subarachnoid space reconstruction and formation of surgical meningocele have been used. A total of 81 operations were performed in these patients, 69 of them at the Syringomyelia Clinic. Combinations of strategies were often chosen; the use of one strategy such as drainage did not preclude another such as transection or augmentation of the cerebrospinal fluid pathways. The overall postoperative complication rate was 12%. Problems specific to the operation type included dislodged, blocked, and infected drains (10 patients). Acute gastric dilation was seen following pedicled omental graft (one patient). At 6 years only 49% of the drains inserted still functioned. A higher than expected rate of cervical spondylotic myelopathy has been noted. Two patients developed Charcot's joints. Thirty-six patients were asked to score themselves with regard to limb function and performance of daily living activities and 30% reported improvement, particularly ion arm function. Since the use of magnetic resonance imaging has become widespread, it has become apparent that decompressive laminectomy with subarachnoid space reconstruction is effective in controlling the syrinx cavity. In complete paraplegia, spinal cord transection is an effective alternative. Pedicled omental grafting was associated with poor outcome and an increased complication rate and has been abandoned.

Activities of Daily Living↗
PubMed1995

Virucidal short wavelength ultraviolet light treatment of plasma and factor VIII concentrate: protection of proteins by antioxidants.

The use of solvent/detergent mixtures and various forms of heat treatment to inactivate viruses has become widespread in the preparation of blood derivatives. Because viruses that lack lipid envelopes and/or are heat resistant, eg, hepatitis A virus (HAV) or parvovirus B19 may be present, the use of two methods of virus elimination that operate by different mechanisms has been advocated. We now report on short wavelength ultraviolet light (UVC) irradiation for virus inactivation and enhancement of its compatibility with proteins by quenchers of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Treatment of an antihemophilic factor (AHF) concentrate or whole plasma with 0.1 J/cm2 inactivated 10(5) to > or = 10(6) infectious doses (ID) of encephalomyocarditis virus (EMCV), HAV, bacteriophage M13, vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV), and porcine parvovirus. However, the recovery of factor VIII was 30% or lower on treatment of an AHF concentrate and 60% on treatment of plasma. Factor VIII recovery could be increased with little or no effect on virus kill by addition of rutin, a flavonoid known to quench both type I and type II ROS. On treatment of plasma in the presence of rutin, the recovery of several other coagulation factors was also enhanced by rutin addition and typically exceeded 75%. Electrophoretic analysis of treated AHF concentrate confirmed the advantage of rutin presence; UVC irradiation of plasma did not cause discernible changes in electrophoretic banding patterns, even in the absence of rutin. We conclude that addition of UVC treatment to existing processes used in the manufacture of blood derivatives will provide an added margin of safety, especially for nonenveloped or heat-stable viruses.

Animals↗