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Biomedical subjects

C Henderson

Publications and source records attributed to C Henderson.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

Women's experiences of hospital admission.

The primary aim of this study was to examine women's experiences of inpatient psychiatric services. A secondary aim was to use the emerging themes in service planning and to develop an evaluation tool. Focus groups and individual interviews with women in receipt of psychiatric services in Croydon were used. The findings suggest continuity with both negative and positive aspects of institutional care described before the policy of community care was introduced. The attempts to 'normalize' institutional care by desegregating wards appear rather to have compounded problems faced by women. Women were clear about what they felt they wanted and needed. Women are dissatisfied about many aspects of care aside from the problems associated specifically with mixed sex wards. This suggests that sexual segregation of wards alone is a necessary but an insufficient measure to improve inpatient care. The findings can inform development of a women-only service in Croydon and of a tool to evaluate it.

Female↗

Energy dependence of particle multiplicities in central Au+Au collisions.

We present the first measurement of the pseudorapidity density of primary charged particles in Au+Au collisions at root square[s(NN)] = 200 GeV. For the 6% most central collisions, we obtain dN(ch)/d(eta)/(/eta/<1) = 650+/-35(syst). Compared to collisions at root square[s(NN)] = 130 GeV, the highest energy studied previously, an increase by a factor of 1.14+/-0.05 at 90% confidence level, is found. The energy dependence of the pseudorapidity density is discussed in comparison with data from proton-induced collisions and theoretical predictions.

Journal Article↗

Charged-particle pseudorapidity density distributions from Au+Au collisions at sqrt[s(NN)]=130 GeV.

The charged-particle pseudorapidity density dN(ch)/d eta has been measured for Au+Au collisions at sqrt[s(NN)] = 130 GeV at RHIC, using the PHOBOS apparatus. The total number of charged particles produced for the 3% most-central Au+Au collisions for /eta/<or=5.4 is found to be 4200+/-470. The evolution of dN(ch)/d eta with centrality is discussed, and compared to model calculations and to data from proton-induced collisions. The data show an enhancement in charged-particle production at midrapidity, while in the fragmentation regions, the results are consistent with expectations from pp and pA scattering.

Journal Article↗

Ratios of charged antiparticles-to-particles near mid-rapidity in Au + Au collisions at sqrt[s(NN)]=130 GeV.

We have measured the ratios of antiparticles to particles for charged pions, kaons, and protons near mid-rapidity in central Au+Au collisions at sqrt[s(NN)] = 130 GeV. We observe / = 1.00+/-0.01(stat)+/-0.02(syst), / = 0.91+/-0.07(stat)+/-0.06(syst), and / = 0.60+/-0.04(stat)+/-0.06(syst). The / and / ratios give a consistent estimate of the baryo-chemical potential mu(B) of 45 MeV, a factor of 5-6 smaller than in central Pb+Pb collisions at sqrt[s(NN)] = 17.2 GeV.

Journal Article↗

Caspase-2-induced apoptosis is dependent on caspase-9, but its processing during UV- or tumor necrosis factor-dependent cell death requires caspase-3.

Mammalian caspases are a family of cysteine proteases that plays a critical role in apoptosis. We have analyzed caspase-2 processing in human cell lines containing defined mutations in caspase-3 and caspase-9. Here we demonstrate that caspase-2 processing, during cell death induced by UV irradiation, depends both on caspase-9 and caspase-3 activity, while, during TNF-alpha-dependent apoptosis, capase-2 processing is independent of caspase-9 but still requires caspase-3. In vitro procaspase-2 is the preferred caspase cleaved by caspase-3, while caspase-7 cleaves procaspase-2 with reduced efficiency. We have also demonstrated that caspase-2-mediated apoptosis requires caspase-9 and that cells co-expressing caspase-2 and a dominant negative form of caspase-9 are impaired in activating a normal apoptotic response and release cytochrome c into the cytoplasm. Our findings suggest a role played by caspase-2 as a regulator of the mitochondrial integrity and open questions on the mechanisms responsible for its activation during cell death.

Amino Acid Substitution↗

Hemodynamic comparison of second- and third-generation stented bioprostheses in aortic valve replacement.

BACKGROUND: The hemodynamic performance of aortic replacement prostheses is of extreme importance. There is renewed interest in hemodynamics because of the influence of prosthesis-patient mismatch on left ventricular mass regression and the potential influence on survival. METHODS: The hemodynamic performance of the second-generation Carpentier-Edwards supraannular porcine and pericardial (Perimount) bioprostheses and the third-generation Medtronic Mosaic porcine bioprosthesis were compared for mean gradient and effective orifice area index. The effective orifice area index of at least 0.85 cm2/M2 was considered as lack of prosthesis-patient mismatch. The study group included included 53 patients with Carpentier-Edwards supraannular porcine, 48 with pericardial, and 98 with Medtronic Mosaic porcine bioprostheses. RESULTS: The mean gradients were not different between the prostheses by prosthesis size. The Medtronic Mosaic was not provided in size 19. The mean gradients for the prostheses, except in the very large sizes, were all double-digit values. The effective orifice area index was not different between the prostheses but there was a trend toward prosthesis-patient mismatch in smaller size prostheses. CONCLUSIONS: There was no apparent hemodynamic advantage between porcine and pericardial bioprostheses in the aortic position.

Aortic Valve↗

Comparison of methods of bag and mask ventilation for neonatal resuscitation.

BACKGROUND: There are a variety of manual bagging devices used for neonatal resuscitation. To our knowledge, there has been no comparison of the ability of different operators to utilize such devices for the delivery of predetermined inspiratory and end-expiratory pressures. In addition, the use of prolonged inflation may be of benefit for infants who require bag and mask ventilation, and there has been no evaluation of the ability of a variety of operators to reliably deliver such breaths using currently available equipment. METHODS: We utilized a neonatal manikin (Laerdal Armonk, NY) with a functional larynx and lungs, and a clear cushioned mask (Owens-BriGam, Morganton, NC). We studied a latex-free disposable anesthesia type bag (Model 5126 Vital Signs, Totawa, NJ), a Jackson-Rees (JR) type anesthesia bag (Model E191 Anesthesia Associates, San Marcos, CA) fitted with a Norman elbow and a flow-control tail-piece (Dupaco, Oceanside, CA), and the Neopuff (Fisher and Paykel, Auckland, New Zealand), an FDA approved mechanical device that is flow-controlled and pressure-limited, specifically designed to facilitate neonatal resuscitation. The ventilating pressures were continuously recorded throughout the process. We evaluated neonatal nurses, neonatal nurse practitioners, neonatal staff and fellows, pediatric residents and neonatal respiratory therapists. RESULTS: The peak inspiratory pressure (PIP) was significantly different between operators using either anesthesia bag, P<0.001. Similar results were found for positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) with a significant difference among the operator groups, P<0.001. All the differences in post hoc analysis were between the therapists and the other groups, P<0.05. Therapists produced significantly higher pressures than the other groups for both PIP and PEEP (P<0.001). The PIP was similar for all groups using the Neopuff device. The PIP and PEEP delivered by the Neopuff differed from the other two devices independent of the operators (P<0.05). On post hoc analysis, there was a significant difference between the disposable anesthesia bag and Neopuff for both PIP and PEEP for the therapists, whereas among the non-therapists, there was a difference in PIP with the JR device producing a greater PIP (26.6+/-3.8 cmH(2)O) compared with the Neopuff and disposable anesthesia bag (24.8+/-1.1 cmH(2)O, 24.8+/-4.3 cmH(2)O). The level of PEEP was significantly different among all three devices for the non-therapists (1.3+/-1.6 cmH(2)O, Disposable; 2.9+/-1.2 cmH(2)O, JR; 4.7+/-0.5 cmH(2)O, Neopuff; P<0.05). Only the therapists were able to consistently deliver PEEP with the anesthesia bags, whereas all operators could generate the target PEEP with the Neopuff (P<0.05). We compared the pressure delivered during the first second to the pressure delivered during the fifth second during prolonged 5-s inflations. The absolute differences between the first and fifth second for the Neopuff versus the anesthesia bags were significantly different with a median of 7.1 cmH(2)O for the anesthesia bags compared with 0.2 cmH(2)O for the Neopuff, P<0.001, reflecting the difficulty in obtaining and maintaining the target inflation pressures. CONCLUSIONS: Our experience suggests that the Neopuff, a purpose-built neonatal resuscitator ventilator, facilitates the delivery of the desired airway pressures while maximizing the operators ability to obtain and maintain a patent airway, and facilitates the delivery of prolonged inflations. Further research is required to determine the clinical benefit of end-expiratory pressure and prolonged inflations in neonatal resuscitation.

Analysis of Variance↗

Working toward a portable tele-ophthalmic system for use in maximum-security prisons: a pilot study.

The medical care of prisoners is a difficult and often costly process. Basic medical needs are serviced by prison medical officers. However, specialized care often means transport to specialist centers with the attendant cost and safety. We examined portable ophthalmic equipment in a prison environment to screen 11 prisoners who were scheduled for specialist ophthalmic assessment. Medical and ophthalmic histories were documented, visual acuity was tested, digital images were taken of the external eye and retina, and intraocular pressures taken. The data were sent via modem to a specialist ophthalmologist, and the reports were dictated via e-mail at the end of each session. Of the 11 patients who were scheduled to travel for ophthalmic assessment, only 2 were still required to travel to a specialist ophthalmic center. This pilot study showed that there were considerable cost savings to be made by this screening process with the attendant increase in community safety. The prototype equipment requires refinement by further experimentation, but showed the potential as an adjunct to current examination and assessment techniques when applied to a prison population.

Adult↗

Phosphorylation and rapid relocalization of 53BP1 to nuclear foci upon DNA damage.

53BP1 is a human BRCT protein that was originally identified as a p53-interacting protein by the Saccharomyces cerevisiae two-hybrid screen. Although the carboxyl-terminal BRCT domain shows similarity to Crb2, a DNA damage checkpoint protein in fission yeast, there is no evidence so far that implicates 53BP1 in the checkpoint. We have identified a Xenopus homologue of 53BP1 (XL53BP1). XL53BP1 is associated with chromatin and, in some cells, localized to a few large foci under normal conditions. Gamma-ray irradiation induces increased numbers of the nuclear foci in a dose-dependent manner. The damage-induced 53BP1 foci appear rapidly (in 30 min) after irradiation, and de novo protein synthesis is not required for this response. In human cells, 53BP1 foci colocalize with Mrel1 foci at later stages of the postirradiation period. XL53BP1 is hyperphosphorylated after X-ray irradiation, and inhibitors of ATM-related kinases delay the relocalization and reduce the phosphorylation of XL53BP1 in response to X-irradiation. In AT cells, which lack ATM kinase, the irradiation-induced responses of 53BP1 are similarly affected. These results suggest a role for 53BP1 in the DNA damage response and/or checkpoint control which may involve signaling of damage to p53.

Androstadienes↗

Online eye care in prisons in Western Australia.

In prisons, prison medical officers provide general medical care. However, if specialist care is needed then the prisoner is transported to a specialist medical centre. This is a costly procedure and prison escapes occur during transportation. We have tested our Internet-based eye care system in prisons in Western Australia. Medical and ophthalmic history, visual acuity and intraocular pressure were stored in a browser-based multimedia database. Digital images of the retina and the external eye were recorded and transmitted to a central server. Based on the medical data and the digital images, the specialist ophthalmologist could provide a diagnosis within 24 h. Eleven patients (mean age 48, range 30-82 years) were reviewed during two separate visits to a maximum-security prison in Western Australia. Our main aim was to train prison medical officers and nurses to operate the portable ophthalmic imaging instruments and to use the Internet-based eye care system. The outcome of the pilot study indicated that considerable savings could be made in transport costs and the security risk could be reduced. The Ministry of Justice in Western Australia has decided to implement telemedicine services to provide regular ophthalmic consultation to its prisons.

Adult↗

Charged-particle multiplicity near midrapidity in central Au+Au collisions at sqrt[SNN]=56 and 130 GeV.

We present the first measurement of pseudorapidity densities of primary charged particles near midrapidity in Au+Au collisions at sqrt[s(NN)] = 56 and 130 GeV. For the most central collisions, we find the charged-particle pseudorapidity density to be dN/deta|(|eta|<1) = 408+/-12(stat)+/-30(syst) at 56 GeV and 555+/-12(stat)+/-35(syst) at 130 GeV, values that are higher than any previously observed in nuclear collisions. Compared to proton-antiproton collisions, our data show an increase in the pseudorapidity density per participant by more than 40% at the higher energy.

Journal Article↗

c-Abl is required for development and optimal cell proliferation in the context of p53 deficiency.

The c-Abl tyrosine kinase and the p53 tumor suppressor protein interact functionally and biochemically in cellular genotoxic stress response pathways and are implicated as downstream mediators of ATM (ataxia-telangiectasia mutated). This fact led us to study genetic interactions in vivo between c-Abl and p53 by examining the phenotype of mice and cells deficient in both proteins. c-Abl-null mice show high neonatal mortality and decreased B lymphocytes, whereas p53-null mice are prone to tumor development. Surprisingly, mice doubly deficient in both c-Abl and p53 are not viable, suggesting that c-Abl and p53 together contribute to an essential function required for normal development. Fibroblasts lacking both c-Abl and p53 were similar to fibroblasts deficient in p53 alone, showing loss of the G(1)/S cell-cycle checkpoint and similar clonogenic survival after ionizing radiation. Fibroblasts deficient in both c-Abl and p53 show reduced growth in culture, as manifested by reduction in the rate of proliferation, saturation density, and colony formation, compared with fibroblasts lacking p53 alone. This defect could be restored by reconstitution of c-Abl expression. Taken together, these results indicate that the ATM phenotype cannot be explained solely by loss of c-Abl and p53 and that c-Abl contributes to enhanced proliferation of p53-deficient cells. Inhibition of c-Abl function may be a therapeutic strategy to target p53-deficient cells selectively.

Abnormalities, Multiple↗

Patient held clinical information for people with psychotic illnesses.

BACKGROUND: It is important to seek cost-effective methods of improving the care and outcome of those with serious mental illnesses. Patient-held records, where the person with the illness holds all or some personal information relating to the course and care of their illness, are now the norm in some clinical settings. Their value for those with serious mental illnesses is unknown. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effects of personalised and accessible patient-held clinical information for people with a diagnosis of psychotic illness. SEARCH STRATEGY: Electronic searches of AMED (1980-1998), Biological Abstracts (1985-1998), British Nursing Index (1994-1998), CAB (1973-1999), CINAHL (1982-1999), The Cochrane Controlled Trials Register (Issue 1, 1999), EMBASE (1980-1999), HEALTHSTAR (1990-1999), HMIC (King's Fund Database 1979-1998 & HELMIS 1984-1998), MEDLINE (1966-1999), PsycLIT (1887-1999), Royal College of Nursing Database (1985-1996), SIGLE (1990-1998), Sociological Abstracts (1963-1998) and the Internet (http://www. controlled-trials.com/) were undertaken. This was supplemented by personal contact with the Executive Board of the European Network for Mental Health Service Evaluation. SELECTION CRITERIA: The inclusion criteria were that studies should: i. be randomised or quasi-randomised trials; ii. have involved adults with a diagnosis of a psychotic illness; and iii. compare any personalised and accessible clinical information held by the patient beyond standard care to standard information routinely held such as appointment cards and generic information on diagnosis, treatment or services available. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Study selection and data extraction was reliability undertaken. Analysis was not possible. MAIN RESULTS: Not one study met the inclusion criteria for the review. One study (Stafford 1997) was found on the use of client held records for people with long term mental illness but the participants had not been randomised. Two important randomised studies (Lester 1999, Papageorgiou 1999) are ongoing. REVIEWER'S CONCLUSIONS: There is a gap in the evidence regarding patient-held, personalised, accessible clinical information for people with psychotic illnesses. It cannot be assumed that patient-held information is beneficial or cost-effective without evidence from well planned, conducted and reported randomised trials.

Adult↗

The hemodynamic effects of prolonged respiratory alkalosis in anesthetized newborn piglets.

OBJECTIVE: To test the hypothesis that prolonged alkalosis decreases cardiac output and, furthermore, exacerbates hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction, as respiratory alkalosis is frequently induced as a therapy for persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn despite a lack of controlled evidence of improved outcomes. Potential adverse effects of prolonged alkalosis have been demonstrated. METHOD: Two groups (control, n = 6, and hypocapnic alkalosis, n = 6) of 1-3 day old fentanyl-anesthetized, vecuronium-paralyzed piglets were instrumented to measure cardiac index (CI) and mean systemic (MAP) and pulmonary (PAP) arterial pressures. Baseline values were recorded. Alveolar hypoxia was then induced to achieve an arterial oxygen saturation of between 50 and 60% for 15 min. Respiratory alkalosis was then induced, by increasing ventilation to achieve a pH between 7.55-7.60, and was continued for 240 min. Inspired carbon dioxide was used with hyperventilation in the control group to maintain pressure of arterial carbon dioxide (PaCO2) at 35-45 mmHg and pH of 7.35-7.45. Hypoxia was induced again at 15 and 240 min. Pulmonary and systemic vascular resistances (PVR and SVR) were calculated. RESULTS: Prolonged alkalosis led to a significant and progressive fall in mean MAP from 61 (SD 7) mmHg at the start of the study falling to 50 (SD 6.9, p = 0.043), with no effect on CI. Calculated SVR decreased (0.45 SD 0.03 vs 0.36 SD 0.05). There were no statistically significant changes in any of the variables in the control group. Neither acute nor prolonged respiratory alkalosis had a significant effect on hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction. CONCLUSIONS: Prolonged hyperventilation leads to systemic hypotension, however it does not exacerbate hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction.

Alkalosis, Respiratory↗

Primary central nervous system lymphoma and subcutaneous metastases.

Primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) is a rare disease with a poor prognosis. It usually remains confined to central nervous system (CNS). Reports of metastases outside of the CNS are rare. We report a patient with well-documented PCNSL who responded to treatment, but subsequently developed a histologically confirmed subcutaneous metastasis to the left leg without local failure.

Antimetabolites, Antineoplastic↗

Phylogenetic relationships of butyrate-producing bacteria from the human gut.

Butyrate is a preferred energy source for colonic epithelial cells and is thought to play an important role in maintaining colonic health in humans. In order to investigate the diversity and stability of butyrate-producing organisms of the colonic flora, anaerobic butyrate-producing bacteria were isolated from freshly voided human fecal samples from three healthy individuals: an infant, an adult omnivore, and an adult vegetarian. A second isolation was performed on the same three individuals 1 year later. Of a total of 313 bacterial isolates, 74 produced more than 2 mM butyrate in vitro. Butyrate-producing isolates were grouped by 16S ribosomal DNA (rDNA) PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis. The results indicate very little overlap between the predominant ribotypes of the three subjects; furthermore, the flora of each individual changed significantly between the two isolations. Complete sequences of 16S rDNAs were determined for 24 representative strains and subjected to phylogenetic analysis. Eighty percent of the butyrate-producing isolates fell within the XIVa cluster of gram-positive bacteria as defined by M. D. Collins et al. (Int. J. Syst. Bacteriol. 44:812-826, 1994) and A. Willems et al. (Int. J. Syst. Bacteriol. 46:195-199, 1996), with the most abundant group (10 of 24 or 42%) clustering with Eubacterium rectale, Eubacterium ramulus, and Roseburia cecicola. Fifty percent of the butyrate-producing isolates were net acetate consumers during growth, suggesting that they employ the butyryl coenzyme A-acetyl coenzyme A transferase pathway for butyrate production. In contrast, only 1% of the 239 non-butyrate-producing isolates consumed acetate.

Adult↗

Manipulation of the phenotype of immortalised rat hepatocytes by different culture configurations and by dimethyl sulphoxide.

The liver-specific phenotype of immortalised rat hepatocytes is not irretrievably lost as they age in culture but can be manipulated by modifying the culture environment. Testosterone metabolism was used to investigate the profile of cytochrome P450 isoenzymes present in two immortalised cell lines, P9 and LQC, and in primary cultures of rat hepatocytes, cultured on collagen films, gels and double gel cultures (sandwich configuration). The extent of testosterone metabolism, and the range of metabolites produced, was increased in immortalised cells by the presence of collagen as a substratum film or gel but survival was poorer and the range of metabolites was reduced in sandwich culture. In contrast, testosterone metabolism was retained in primary hepatocytes in sandwich cultures at a higher level than in collagen film or gel cultures. Expression of alpha class glutathione-S-transferases (GSTs) increased and that of GSTP1 decreased (changes which indicate a recovery of normal liver GST phenotype) when the medium of immortalised cell cultures was supplemented with dimethyl sulphoxide (DMSO). DMSO also improved ethoxyresorufin O-deethylation (EROD) and testosterone metabolism in immortalised cells. It also markedly inhibited proliferation, DNA, RNA and protein synthesis. Maximal testosterone metabolism was observed in immortalised cells cultured on collagen gels in the presence of 1% (v/v) DMSO. Development of a protocol for treating immortalised liver cells cultured on collagen gels with DMSO to switch between proliferation and differentiation may provide a convenient system expressing the xenobiotic metabolising enzymes required for in vitro toxicity testing.

Animals↗