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Biomedical subjects

C North

Publications and source records attributed to C North.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2000

Diagnosis of posttraumatic stress disorder with the MMPI: PK scale scores in somatization disorder.

Clinic patients with diagnoses of either major depression or somatization disorder were given the MMPI. Women with somatization disorder had high scores on Keane's MMPI scale (PK) for posttraumatic stress disorder. Following the procedure for the MMPI-2 (46 of the 49 PK items and MMPI-2 norms), 59% of the women with somatization disorder and 21% of the women with major depression would have T scores > or = 65 on the MMPI-2 scale although none of them were known to have developed psychiatric disorder after exposure to a life threatening event. The PK scale has little use in the differential diagnosis of women patients with somatization disorder.

Diagnosis, Differential↗
PubMed1999

Anorexia nervosa, psychopathology, and outcome.

OBJECTIVE: To examine for specificity of Eating Disorders Inventory (EDI) ratings and differences in self-reported cognitions and clinical outcome between adolescent cases of anorexia nervosa (AN) with and without comorbid depression. METHOD: Thirty-five subjects with AN and matched psychiatric and community controls received the EDI and a structured diagnostic interview. AN subjects were followed up at 1 and 2 years using the EDI and a semistructured interview to assess outcome. RESULTS: Subjects with AN and those with other psychiatric disorders scored similarly on the EDI. Differences between AN cases and community controls were marked for comorbid cases but rare for noncomorbid cases. Comorbid AN cases had an equally good outcome compared to those with AN alone. DISCUSSION: Abnormal cognitions reported in the EDI are much greater in those cases with comorbid depression, but neither the presence of depression nor high EDI scores appears to adversely affect prognosis.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1999

Difficulties in family functioning and adolescent anorexia nervosa.

BACKGROUND: Difficulties in family functioning are often evident when an adolescent has anorexia nervosa, and the possible causative or contributory role of such difficulties in the illness is unclear. AIMS: To elucidate the relationship between severity of anorexia nervosa and difficulties in family functioning and whether clinical improvement results in diminution of self-rated family difficulties. METHOD: Thirty-five adolescents with anorexia nervosa and their mothers completed the Family Assessment Device (FAD) while clinicians administered the McMaster's Structured Interview of Family Functioning (McSIFF). Severity of anorexia nervosa was rated at baseline and at one year follow-up using the Morgan-Russell Schedule. RESULTS: Clinicians and patients were more critical of the families' functioning than parents. There was an inverse association between the extent of family difficulties and severity of anorexia nervosa. Over time subjects improved clinically but this was not matched by improvement in family functioning. CONCLUSIONS: Difficulties in family functioning do not appear to be directly associated with severity of anorexia nervosa nor do these difficulties reduce with clinical improvement, in the short term.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1999

A prospective study of long-term health outcomes among Oklahoma City bombing survivors.

A follow-up study was conducted to identify long-term physical and emotional outcomes among Oklahoma City bombing survivors. Baseline data were gathered by the Oklahoma State Department of Health in 1995. Follow-up data were gathered by telephone interviews of survivors from 1-1/2 to 3 years after the bombing. The frequency of medical diagnoses, symptoms, medical cost, physical and social life changes, and services utilized since the bombing were assessed. A total of 494 persons were interviewed, 92 percent had been physically injured in the bombing. Seventy-nine percent of persons interviewed rated their general health status as "good," "very good," or "excellent." Overall, one-fourth to one-third of survivors reported being newly diagnosed with audiologic changes, anxiety, and depression since the bombing. One-third of persons reported preexisting medical conditions that had worsened since the bombing including depression (26%) and asthma/bronchitis (22%). The most frequently reported posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms were "being jumpy or easily startled" and "recurring distressful thoughts of the bombing." The most frequently utilized medical services were psychological counseling (63%) and audiology services (48%). Total costs were estimated of $ 5.7 million. Overall, persons who had been hospitalized with bombing injuries reported higher rates of diagnoses, symptoms, and services utilization. These findings suggest that a large proportion of survivors of a terrorist bombing, especially those seriously injured, will experience long-term physical and/or emotional outcomes and increased need for treatment for bombing-related medical conditions. All survivors should be carefully assessed over time for auditory damage, depression, anxiety, and posttraumatic stress disorder.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1998

A review of a psychiatry-nephrology liaison service.

A review was carried out of the work of a liaison psychiatry service to a paediatric nephrology team over a 4 year period. Elements of the service included a monthly meeting between psychiatry staff and all disciplines in the nephrology team, direct referrals for assessment and treatment by the psychiatry team, and 'telephone advice'. Direct assessments of 38 cases were made; 20 had 2 or more follow-up appointments. Three methods of audit are presented: a review of psychiatric diagnosis with comparison of patients with chronic renal failure and those with other disorders associated with the renal tract, outcome and interventions, costing of intervention in two cases, and a 'consumer satisfaction' questionnaire to nephrology team members. Those responding to the questionnaire (13/21) valued the liaison service. Their comments particularly endorsed the monthly liaison meeting which provided an opportunity to review critically the management of long term and challenging cases.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1997

Discovery of prototype peptidomimetic agonists at the human melanocortin receptors MC1R and MC4R.

[Nle4, DPhe7]-alpha-MSH (NDP-MSH), a highly potent analogue of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH), possesses nanomolar efficacies at all the melanocortin receptor subtypes except the MC2R. Evaluation of the melanocortin "message" sequence of [Nle4, DPhe7]-alpha-MSH was performed on the human melanocortin receptor subtypes designated hMC1, hMC3R, hMC4R, and hMC5R. Tetrapeptides and tripeptides were stereochemically modified to explore topochemical preferences at these receptors and to identify lead peptides possessing agonist activity and subtype selectivity. Four peptides were discovered to only bind to the hMC1 and hMC4 receptor subtypes. The tetrapeptide Ac-His-DPhe-Arg-Trp-NH2 (1) possessed 0.6 microM binding affinity at the hMC1R, 1.2 microM binding affinity at the hMC4R, and agonist activity at both receptors. The tripeptides Ac-DPhe-Arg-Trp-NH2 (6) and Ac-DPhe-Arg-DTrp-NH2 (7) possessed 2.0 and 9.1 microM binding affinities, respectively, only at the hMC4R, and both compounds effected agonist activity. The tetrapeptide Ac-His-Phe-Arg-DTrp-NH2 (4) possessed 6.3 microM affinity and full agonist activity at the hMC1R, while only binding 7% at the hMC3R, 36% at the hMC4R, and 11% at the hMC5R at a maximal concentration of 10 microM. These data demonstrate that the His-Phe-Arg-Trp message sequence of the melanocortin peptides does not bind and stimulate each melanocortin receptor in a similar fashion, as previously hypothesized. Additionally, this study identified the simplest structural agonists for the hMC1R and hMC4R receptors reported to date.

Adrenocorticotropic Hormone↗
PubMed1997

Contrasting membrane localization and behavior of halogenated cyclobutanes that follow or violate the Meyer-Overton hypothesis of general anesthetic potency.

The membrane localization and properties of two halogenated cyclobutanes were examined using 2H and 19F NMR. The common predictors of potency indicate that these two compounds will have anesthetic activity; however, 1,2-dichlorohexafluorocyclobutane (c(CCIFCCIFCF2CF2)) is not an effective anesthetic, whereas 1-chloro-1,2,2-trifluorocyclobutane (c(CCIFCF2CH2CH2)) is an effective general anesthetic. Using 2H NMR, the effect of these compounds on the acyl chain packing in palmitoyl (d31) oleoylphosphatidylcholine membranes was examined. The addition of the anesthetic c(CCIFCF2CH2CH2) results in small increases in the segmental order near the headgroup, whereas segments deeper in the bilayer show decreases in order. These results are consistent with those obtained previously for halothane, isoflurane, and enflurane. On the addition of the nonanesthetic c(CCIFCCIFCF2CF2), the segmental order in vitually unchanged, except for a slightly changed order near the segents 10-12 of the palmitoyl chains. These results, and the 19F chemical shifts, indicate that the anesthetic c(CCIFCF2CH2CH2) exhibits a preference for the membrane interface, as do the other general anesthetics, whereas the nonanesthetic c(CCIFCIFCF2CF2) resides within the membrane hydrocarbon core. The compound c(CCIFCCIFCF2CF2) and other nonanesthetic halocarbons have lower molecular dipole moments compared to effective anesthetic halocarbons, which may account for their altered distribution within the membrane. These data strongly suggest that preferential localization of a halocarbon within the membrane interface is a predictor of anesthetic potency. Furthermore, the data indicate that the properties and forces in the membrane interface deserve consideration as mediators of anesthetic activity.

Anesthetics↗
PubMed1997

One-year status of homeless mentally ill clients who completed a transitional residential program.

Of 228 homeless, severely persistently mentally ill clients admitted within a 5 1/2 year period to a transitional residential program, 179 (79%) remained in contact with staff for at least one year post-discharge. Housing was maintained by 141 (78%) of the clients for at least one year. Entitlements increased from admission, to discharge, to one year post-discharge. Clients maintaining contact for at least one year post-discharge were likely to have participated in two or more day treatment programs during residence. Success of the Program may be partly attributed to the staff's vigilance in maintaining post-discharge client contact.

Adult↗
PubMed1997

Side effects of CHOP in the treatment of non-hodgkin's lymphoma.

Cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine (Oncovin), and prednisolone (CHOP) has for many years been the standard chemotherapeutic regimen for patients with aggressive non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Published data for side effects experienced by patients undergoing CHOP chemotherapy in the treatment of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma are limited and inconsistent. No broad descriptive work appears to have been carried out. This study aimed to describe the range of problems experienced by patients receiving CHOP and to estimate incidence and severity of side effects over the treatment period. Data were collected at each treatment cycle via a 75-item self-report questionnaire, with severity of each side effect graded on a 5-point scale. The instrument has previously been shown to be reliable and valid. Nineteen participants received 99 cycles of CHOP and returned 74 questionnaires (response rate = 75%). Patients reported a total of 80 side effects. Alopecia was the most common problem, with all patients experiencing some hair loss by cycle 3. Fatigue was the second most common side effect (incidence = 77%) and taste change the third (incidence = 74%). Patients judged postchemotherapy nausea to be the "most troublesome" problem, followed by fatigue, taste change, constipation, and difficulty sleeping. Both nausea and fatigue were most problematic in the first part of the treatment course. These results indicate that patients receiving CHOP experience a wide range of problems, many of which merit further investigation.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1997

Identification of a conserved family of Meis1-related homeobox genes.

Meis1 locus was isolated as a common site of viral integration involved in myeloid leukemia in BXH-2 mice. Meis1 encodes a novel homeobox protein belonging to the TALE (three amino acid loop extension) family of homeodomain-containing proteins. The homeodomain of Meis1 is the only known motif within the entire 390-amino-acid protein. Southern blot analyses using the Meis1 homeodomain as a probe revealed the existence family of Meis1-related genes (Mrgs) in several diverged species. In addition, the 3' untranslated region (UTR) Meis1 was remarkably conserved in evolution. To gain a further understanding of the role Meis1 plays in leukemia and development, as well as to identify conserved regions of the protein that might reveal function, we cloned and characterized Mrgs from the mouse and human genomes. We report the sequence of Mrg1 and MRG2 as well as their chromosomal locations in murine and human genomes. Both Mrgs share a high degree of sequence identity with the protein coding region of Meis1. We have also cloned the Xenopus laevis ortholog of (XMeis1). Sequence comparison of the murine and Xenopus clones reveals that Meis1 is highly conserved throughout its coding sequence as well as the 3' UTR. Finally, comparison of Meis1 and the closely related Mrgs to known homeoproteins suggests that Meis1 represents a new subfamily of TALE homeobox genes.

Animals↗
PubMed1997

Family functioning and life events in the outcome of adolescent anorexia nervosa.

BACKGROUND: This study investigates the outcome of anorexia nervosa in adolescents in relation to precipitating life events and changes in family functioning over time. METHOD: Thirty-five adolescents with anorexia nervosa and their mothers were administered measures of life events and family functioning at initial assessment and 1 and 2 year follow-up, when outcome was also assessed. RESULTS: Fifty-five per cent of patients had a good outcome. Patients from initially well-functioning families or those with precipitating life events improved more in the first year, than those with dysfunctional families or without events. Subjects perceived a deterioration in family functioning at 1 year follow-up but an improvement at 2 years. Mothers reported no changes. CONCLUSIONS: Approximately half of a series of early onset cases of anorexia nervosa can be expected to recover by 2 years. Healthy family functioning and presence of a precipitating life event predict good short-term outcome. The relationships between subjects' perceptions of family functioning and their recovery from anorexia nervosa is discussed.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1996

Truncation studies of alpha-melanotropin peptides identify tripeptide analogues exhibiting prolonged agonist bioactivity.

Truncation studies of alpha-melanotropin peptides identify tripeptide analogues exhibiting prolonged agonist bioactivity: PEPTIDES 17(6) 995-1002, 1996.-Systematic analysis of fragment derivatives of the superpotent alpha-MSH analogue. Ac-Ser.Tyr-Ser-Nle4-Glu- His-DPhe7-Arg-Trp-Gly-Lys-Pro-Val-NH2(NDP-MSH), led to the discovery of tripeptide agonists possessing prolonged bioactivity in the frog skin assay. Of particular significance to this discovery was Ac-DPhe-Arg-DTrp-NH2, which was the most potent tripeptide in this series exhibiting sustained melanotropic activity. Different pharmacophore models appear to exist that are dependent on the substructure and stereochemistry of the MSH(6-9) "active site." The tripeptides Ac-DPhe-Arg-Trp-NH2, Ac-DPhe-Arg-DTrp-NH2, and Ac-DPhe-DArg-Trp-NH2 stereo-chemical combinations require only Phe7-Xaa8-Trp9, whereas Ac-DPhe-DArg-DTrp-NH2, Ac-Phe-Arg-DTrp-NH2, and Ac-Phe-Arg-Trp-NH2 additionally require His4 for minimal biological activity. Ac-DPhe-Arg-DTrp-NH2 represents a novel prototype lead for the development of MSH-based peptidomimetic agonists.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1995

Components of an effective transitional residential program for homeless mentally ill clients.

UNLABELLED: Review of clinical records of 228 former clients of a Transitional Residential PROGRAM for severely, persistently mental ill homeless persons was conducted to examine PROGRAM results for completers and noncompleters. Of the 228 clients, 110 (48.3%) completed the PROGRAM: they became psychiatrically stabilized, found secure housing, and began receiving disability pensions. Completers participated in significantly more activities than noncompleters. Psychiatric diagnosis was unrelated to successful PROGRAM completion. Individuals who left against advice had significantly fewer previous hospitalizations.

Activities of Daily Living↗
PubMed1995

Family functioning in adolescent anorexia nervosa.

BACKGROUND: Difficulties in family functioning have been noted since early descriptions of anorexia nervosa and may be of importance aetiologically. Previous studies have a number of methodological problems. METHOD: Thirty-five anorexic adolescents were age/sex matched with psychiatric and community controls. A diagnostic interview and a questionnaire, the Family Assessment Device (FAD) were administered to control subjects and their mothers. Anorexic families only received the McMaster Structured Interview of Family Functioning. RESULTS: Multivariate analyses of FAD scores showed pathological ratings for psychiatric control but not anorexic families, compared with community controls. By contrast objective ratings revealed marked dysfunction in anorexic families (greater in the purging subgroup). CONCLUSION: Family functioning in anorexic families is normal by self-report but not by an objective measure. Anorexic families in the purging subgroup appear most dysfunctional.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1995

Posture in patients with shoulder overuse injuries and healthy individuals.

Assessment of posture is an integral component of patient evaluation with shoulder overuse injuries. However, the professional literature contains relatively few studies that have assessed the relationship between posture, function, and injury. The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship and differences in postural variables within and between subjects with overuse injuries to the shoulder of healthy subjects. Thirty patient subjects and 30 healthy subjects matched for age and gender were recruited. Scapular protraction and rotation, forward head position, midthoracic curvature, and passive humeral elevation in the plane of the scapula were measured randomly in standing. All measurement techniques were standardized and validated. Intrarater and interrater reliability for all clinical measures were established before data collection. Forward head position was significantly greater (p < .001) in the patient group than the healthy group; humeral elevation was significantly greater (p < .001) in the healthy group than in the patient group and in the uninvolved shoulders (p < .01) than the involved shoulders within the patient group. Scapular protraction, rotation, midthoracic curvature, and scapular symmetry were not significantly different between groups. Scapula protraction and rotation were significantly related (p < .05) in the patient group. No other postural variables were related. Conclusions regarding the influence of posture to shoulder injury are inconclusive based on several confounding variables that may have affected the outcome.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1994

Prevalence of human T cell lymphotropic virus type II in American Indian populations of the southwestern United States.

We investigated the seroprevalence of human T cell lymphotropic virus type II (HTLV-II) using a screening enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and immunoblot confirmation among the predominant tribes (Pueblo and Athapaskan) served by two large Indian Health Service facilities in New Mexico. Among persons being treated for sexually transmitted diseases, eight (3.2%) of 250 were seropositive for HTLV II, compared with eight (2.1%) of 385 women attending prenatal clinics. In a survey of unselected patients at one of the facilities, 15 (3.4%) of 446 were seropositive. Of 31 seropositive subjects, 25 were infected with HTLV-II and six infections could not be typed. Sera from nine (29%) of the 31 infected subjects had absorbance values less than the manufacturer's cutoff in the ELISA. Both Pueblo and Athapaskan groups had similar overall seroprevalences, but women tended to have a slightly higher seroprevalence than men, and seroprevalence tended to increase with age. These data show that HTLV-II infection is present among diverse groups of American Indians in the southwestern United States. Present ELISA screening tests, such as those used in this study, lack sensitivity to HTLV-II infection unless a reduced absorbance cutoff is used.

Adolescent↗