Search PubMed⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

C Cantor

Publications and source records attributed to C Cantor.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

DNA sequencing and genotyping by transcriptional synthesis of chain-terminated RNA ladders and MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry.

Sets of RNA ladders can be synthesized by transcription of a bacteriophage-encoded RNA polymerase using 3'-deoxynucleotides as chain terminators. These ladders can be used for sequencing of DNA. Using a nicked form of phage SP6 RNA polymerase in this study substantially enhanced yields of transcriptional sequencing ladders. Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) of chain-terminated RNA ladders allowed DNA sequence determination of up to 56 nt. It is also demonstrated that A-->G and C-->T variations in heterozygous and homozygous samples can be unambiguously identified by the mass spectrometric analysis. As a step towards single-tube sequencing reactions, alpha-thiotriphosphate nucleotide analogs were used to overcome problems caused by chain terminator-independent, premature termination and by the small mass difference between natural pyrimidine nucleotides.

Base Sequence↗

The epidemiology of suicide and attempted suicide among young Australians.

OBJECTIVE: This paper summarises a report to the NHMRC the objectives of which were to review research into the epidemiology of youth suicide in Australia and identify gaps in research. METHOD: Literature searches were conducted. A limited amount of new data analysis was included to shed light on reliability issues of official Australian suicide data. RESULTS: The review examined suicide data systems, including issues to do with coroners, the Australian Bureau of Statistics and alternative systems. The epidemiological areas reviewed included: all ages, youth, age and gender, geographical, socioeconomic, marital, indigenous, migrants, suicides in custody and gay and lesbian suicides. CONCLUSION: While much is known about the epidemiology of youth suicide, much remains to be clarified. Study of indigenous issues is perhaps the most neglected area; study of family issues may be potentially be the most productive.

Adolescent↗

Controlling the environment to prevent suicide: international perspectives.

BACKGROUND: Suicide and suicidal behaviour are multifaceted events requiring complex solutions. Controlling the environment is a neglected solution, despite strong support for this approach from the World Health Organization (WHO). METHOD: To discuss this approach from a global view, this review is written by authors from various cultures: American, Australian, Canadian, Chinese, Cuban, Dutch, Indian, Irish, Japanese, Lithuanian, Native North American, Russian, and South African. RESULTS: We examine gun control to illustrate the environmental control approach; however, the worldwide diversity of suicide methods calls for diverse responses. Further, controlling the environment encompasses more than restricting the means of suicide, which we illustrate with examples of toned-down media reports and restricted medicine availability. CONCLUSIONS: Controlling the environment may be a viable strategy for preventing suicide, although research shows that few clinicians implement such approaches.

Cross-Cultural Comparison↗

Streptavidin-based containment systems for genetically engineered microorganisms.

The use of genetically modified microorganisms for environmental remediation continues to be debated. Conditional lethal systems with tightly regulated gene expression can be used to contain released microorganisms and ameliorate some of the concerns about horizontal gene transfer. We have described streptavidin-based suicide systems to address these concerns and evaluated their function in Pseudomonas putida containing the TOL plasmid for aromatic hydrocarbon metabolism. Tight regulation of expression of a truncated streptavidin gene was required to avoid premature production of the toxic protein. Streptavidin expression was induced by the absence of 3-methyl benzoate (hydrocarbon substrate) which resulted in the elimination of 99.9% of the bacterial culture within eight hours. Low mutant escape rates at 10(-7) per cell per generation were also realized.

Bacteria↗

"Pseudo-conduction block" in vasculitic neuropathy.

The predominant electrophysiologic feature of vasculitic mononeuropathy multiplex is axonal loss. Electrophysiologic findings interpreted as conduction block have, however, also been reported to occur in neuropathy secondary to necrotizing vasculitis. We report 3 patients with mononeuropathy multiplex and biopsy proven vasculitis in whom eight nerves met criteria for conduction block. In each circumstance, serial study demonstrated conversion of the electrophysiologic findings to those most consistent with severe axonal loss. "Conduction block" in vasculitic mononeuropathy multiplex is secondary to focal axonal conduction failure presumably related to infarctive axonal injury. The term conduction block should be used with caution in this disorder and only if serial studies demonstrate findings consistent with this electrophysiologic diagnosis.

Aged↗

Involvement of alcohol in murder suicides.

The blood alcohol levels present post mortem for all murder-suicides identified via the Queensland Suicide Register were compared with those of a sample of suicides matched on age, sex and method. No differences in the levels of alcohol were found.

Alcohol-Related Disorders↗

Kava and alcohol.

Explore the source record for details and available documents.

Alcohol Drinking↗