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Biomedical subjects

D Goldenberg

Publications and source records attributed to D Goldenberg.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources

Severe laryngeal injury caused by blunt trauma to the neck: a case report.

Acute blunt laryngeal trauma can be a life-threatening event and often poses a difficult airway management problem. Patients may be unable to supply important anemnestic facts because of aphonia or intubation as a result of their injury. Therefore the immediate recognition and appropriate initial assessment and treatment are vital for a successful outcome. The first step is assuring an appropriate airway, either by careful intubation or temporary tracheotomy. An assessment of potential vascular and oesophageal injuries must be undertaken. The use of computerized tomography (CT) with contrast material is especially useful in identifying and localizing the damage caused by blunt neck injuries. Laryngeal fractures, air in the soft tissues and the extravasation of contrast material in the neck are all helpful in assessing the injuries before surgical intervention. Immediate initial surgery is aimed at stabilizing the cartilaginous framework and repairing the mucosa. We present a case of severe laryngeal injury caused by blunt trauma to the neck; our evaluation, treatment and the outcome.

Accidents, Occupational↗

The abundant latency-associated transcripts of herpes simplex virus type 1 are bound to polyribosomes in cultured neuronal cells and during latent infection in mouse trigeminal ganglia.

During herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) latency, limited viral transcription takes place. This transcription has been linked to the ability of the HSV-1 genome to reactivate and consists of abundant 2.0- and 1.5-kb collinear latency-associated transcripts (LATs), spanned by minor hybridizing RNA (mLAT). The 1.5-kb LAT is derived from the 2.0-kb LAT by splicing, and both transcripts contain two large overlapping open reading frames. The molecular action mechanisms of the latency-associated gene expression are unknown, and no HSV-1 latency-encoded proteins have been convincingly demonstrated. We have cloned the entire latency-associated transcriptionally active HSV-1 DNA fragment (10.4 kb) under control of a constitutive promoter and generated a neuronal cell line (NA4) stably transfected with the viral LAT's region. NA4 cells produced the 2.0- and the 1.5-kb LATs. Northern blotting and reverse transcription-PCR analysis of RNA from NA4 cells and from trigeminal ganglia of mice latently infected with HSV-1 revealed that the two abundant LAT species were present in the polyribosomal RNA fractions. After addition of EDTA, which causes dissociation of mRNA-ribosome complexes, both LATs could be detected only in subpolyribosomal, but not in polyribosomal fractions. These results show that (i) HSV-1 LATs are bound to polyribosomes during latency in vivo, as well as in neuronal cells in vitro, and therefore might be translated, and that (ii) the NA4 cell line is a suitable tool with which to look for HSV-1 latency-encoded gene products.

Animals↗

A randomized, double-blind crossover trial of fluoxetine and amitriptyline in the treatment of fibromyalgia.

OBJECTIVE: To study the effect of fluoxetine (FL) and amitriptyline (AM), alone and in combination, in patients with fibromyalgia (FM). METHODS: Nineteen patients with FM completed a randomized, double-blind crossover study, which consisted of 4 6-week trials of FL (20 mg), AM (25 mg), a combination of FL and AM, or placebo. Patients were evaluated on the first and last day of each trial period. Outcome measures included a tender point score, the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ), the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) scale, and visual analog scales (VAS) for global well-being (1 completed by the physician and 1 by the patient), pain, sleep trouble, fatigue, and feeling refreshed upon awakening. RESULTS: Both FL and AM were associated with significantly improved scores on the FIQ and on the VAS for pain, global well-being, and sleep disturbances. When combined, the 2 treatments worked better than either medication alone. Similar, but nonsignificant, improvement occurred in the BDI scale, the physician global VAS, and the VAS for fatigue and feeling refreshed upon awakening. Trends were less clear for the tender point score. CONCLUSION: Both FL and AM are effective treatments for FM, and they work better in combination than either medication alone.

Adolescent↗

Differential mRNA stability of the cspA gene in the cold-shock response of Escherichia coli.

Exposure of bacterial cells to temperature changes induces the synthesis of a set proteins. We investigated the control of expression of the cspA gene, coding for the major cold-shock protein of Escherichia coli. This protein was shown to be transiently induced upon shift to low temperature. We demonstrated that the cspA mRNA is extremely unstable at 37 degrees C with a half-life of approx. 10 s. Upon shift to 15 degrees C cspA mRNA becomes highly stable. This mRNA stability is transient and is lost once the cells are adapted to the low temperature. Transcription fusions of lacZ containing part or most of the cspA gene do not show the rapid degradation at high temperature. Our results suggest that mRNA stability plays a major role in the control of the cspA gene. The expression of cspA is also regulated, to a smaller extent, by the relative increase in transcription after transfer to low temperature. A model by which cspA mRNA is regulated in response to temperature shift is discussed.

Bacterial Proteins↗

A large variety of alternatively spliced and differentially expressed mRNAs are encoded by the human acute myeloid leukemia gene AML1.

The human chromosome 21 acute myeloid leukemia gene AML1 is frequently rearranged in the leukemia-associated translocations t(8;21) and t(3;21), generating fused proteins containing the amino-terminal part of AML1. In normal blood cells, five size classes (2-8 kb) of AML1 mRNAs have been previously observed. We isolated seven cDNAs corresponding to various AML1 mRNAs. Sequencing revealed that their size differences were mainly due to alternatively spliced 5' and 3' untranslated regions, some of which were vast, exceeding 1.5 kb (5') and 4.3 kb (3'). These untranslated regions contain sequences known to control mRNA translation and stability and seem to modulate AML1 mRNA stability. Further heterogeneity was found in the coding region due to the presence of alternatively spliced stop codon-containing exons. The latter led to production of polypeptides that were smaller than the full-length AML1 protein; they lacked the trans-activation domains but maintained DNA binding and heterodimerization ability. The size of these truncated products was similar to the AML1 segment in the fused t(8;21) and t(3;21) proteins. In thymus, only one mRNA species of 6 kb was detected. Using in situ hybridization, we showed that its expression was confined to the cortical region of the organ. The 6-kb mRNA was also prominent in cultured peripheral blood T cells, and its expression was markedly reduced upon mitogenic activation by phorbol myristate acetate (TPA) plus concanavalin A (ConA). These results and the presence of multiple coding regions flanked by long complex untranslated regions, suggest that AML1 expression is regulated at different levels by several control mechanisms generating the large variety of mRNAs and protein products.

Alternative Splicing↗

Functional health status and instrumental activities of daily living performance in noninstitutionalized elderly people.

The purpose of this descriptive correlational study was to examine the relationship between functional health status and the performance of instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) in a group of noninstitutionalized elderly people. A convenience sample of 47 subjects who were 70 years of age or older participated by completing three questionnaires: the Health Status Questionnaire, the Multidimensional Functional Assessment IADL Scale and a demographic questionnaire. Lawton's (1985) theoretical model of person-environment interaction provided the conceptual framework for the study. Three functional status variables reached statistical significance (0.001) with IADL performance: social functioning (r = -0.6045); health perception (r = -0.6984); and physical functioning (r = -0.6635) suggesting that these are important indicators of overall health status, and that a decline in each could contribute to increased IADL dependency. The IADLs of housekeeping, shopping, and transportation correlated significantly (0.001) with functional health status, implying that, as health declines in elderly people, they may require more assistance with IADLs, in order to remain more independent in the community. The results have implications for nursing administrators and nursing educators with regard to developing health promotion strategies related to independence of elderly people, community health and social policy.

Activities of Daily Living↗

Residents' perspectives of their first 2 weeks in a long-term care facility.

This study investigated residents' perspectives of their first 2 weeks in a long-term care facility (LTCF). Twelve residents were interviewed to determine their experiences during the first 2 weeks, their needs, priorities and expectations, and their views about how relocation from home could be facilitated. The constant comparative method of qualitative analysis (Glaser & Strauss, 1967) was used. Qualitative analysis of the audiotaped interviews revealed four main categories: emotional reactions, transition activities, reflecting on their situation, and connecting with a personal philosophy. Residents' responses indicated that if they had actively participated in the decision to be admitted, the adjustments to the LTCF was easier. Connecting with a personal philosophy was also a significant factor. Nursing implications include recognition of the importance of preparing residents for admission, involving them in the decision, and listening to their perspectives throughout the relocation experience.

Adaptation, Psychological↗

Structure and function of the Pseudomonas putida integration host factor.

Integration host factor (IHF) is a DNA-binding and -bending protein that has been found in a number of gram-negative bacteria. Here we describe the cloning, sequencing, and functional analysis of the genes coding for the two subunits of IHF from Pseudomonas putida. Both the ihfA and ihfB genes of P. putida code for 100-amino-acid-residue polypeptides that are 1 and 6 residues longer than the Escherichia coli IHF subunits, respectively. The P. putida ihfA and ihfB genes can effectively complement E. coli ihf mutants, suggesting that the P. putida IHF subunits can form functional heterodimers with the IHF subunits of E. coli. Analysis of the amino acid differences between the E. coli and P. putida protein sequences suggests that in the evolution of IHF, amino acid changes were mainly restricted to the N-terminal domains and to the extreme C termini. These changes do not interfere with dimer formation or with DNA recognition. We constructed a P. putida mutant strain carrying an ihfA gene knockout and demonstrated that IHF is essential for the expression of the P(U) promoter of the xyl operon of the upper pathway of toluene degradation. It was further shown that the ihfA P. putida mutant strain carrying the TOL plasmid was defective in the degradation of the aromatic model compound benzyl alcohol, proving the unique role of IHF in xyl operon promoter regulation.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Assessment of knowledge gains in proactive training for postvention.

This paper describes the development of a knowledge measure for the evaluation of a proactive training program for suicide postvention and analyses of its psychometric properties. The 25-item true-false knowledge test was administered before and after each of 12 training sessions; a total of 205 school personnel participated in the training and evaluation. Participants showed significant improvement in overall test scores and on several individual items following the training. Analyses suggested that the measure has construct validity, and that it taps a single underlying dimension. Strengths and weaknesses of the measure, and measurement issues in program evaluation are discussed.

Adaptation, Psychological↗

Enhanced activity of the bacteriophage lambda PL promoter at low temperature.

The response of the early phage lambda PL promoter to temperature was investigated. Experiments with lacZ reporter gene fusions demonstrated that the activity of the phage lambda PL promoter is inversely dependent on temperature. The bacterial DNA-binding protein integration host factor (IHF) further enhances lambda PL promoter activity at low temperature, although no apparent changes in the cellular level of IHF protein were observed at the different temperatures. IHF protein binds DNA in vitro more avidly at low temperatures. In vitro transcription assays further revealed that the temperature response of PL is the result of an intrinsic property of the promoter as well as its activation by IHF.

Bacterial Proteins↗

Strategies for school-based response to loss: proactive training and postvention consultation.

The suicide of a student or staff member is one of the most difficult crisis confronting a high school. This article describes the first year of a school-based postvention program to train and consult with crisis personnel in a structured response to this crisis. Responding to Loss (RTL) is one program offered by Community Action for Youth Survival, a project of the Ronald McDonald Children's Charities. Serving a contiguous three county urban area, this program integrates public health, epidemiological, psychiatric, and prevention paradigms to provide a comprehensive approach to the aftermath of adolescent suicide. RTL provides an interdisciplinary model for comprehensive, school-based postvention programs based on the guidelines developed by the Centers for Disease Control and national and local psychological autopsy data. It highlights the significance of responding to increased rates of suicide in minority youth, suicide witnessed by peers, and suicide victims who have dropped out of school. Organizational issues, such as systematic school entry, development of a computerized school database, proactive training, and collaboration with the offices of medical examiners and coroners, are described. Initial evaluation data from year 1 indicate significant gains in participants' knowledge and skills, as well as a high rate of consumer satisfaction.

Adolescent↗

Preceptors' perceptions of benefits, rewards, supports and commitment to the preceptor role.

The purpose of this descriptive correlational study was to examine the relationships among preceptors' perceptions of benefits, rewards, supports and commitment to the preceptor role. A convenience sample of 59 nurse preceptors in a 400-bed urban teaching hospital participated by completing a four-part questionnaire: the Preceptor's Perception of Benefits and Rewards Scale, the Preceptor's Perception of Support Scale, the Commitment to the Preceptor Role Scale, and a demographic questionnaire. Kanter's (1977) model 'Structural Determinants of Behaviour in Organizations' provided the conceptual framework for the study. Three study correlations reached statistical significance, suggesting that commitment to the preceptor role is positively associated with: (a) preceptors' perception of benefits and rewards, (b) preceptors' perception of support, and (c) the number of preceptor experiences. The results have implications for nursing administrators and nursing educators to ensure that adequate benefits, rewards and supports are available to preceptors. Recommendations for developing more effective preceptor programmes are proposed.

Adult↗

The effect of a senior preceptorship on the adaptive competencies of community college nursing students.

A pre-post design was used to examine the effect of a senior preceptorship experience on the adaptive competencies, environmental press perceptions and learning styles of 55 third-year community college nursing students. Kolb's experiential learning theory provided the framework for the study. Subjects rated their concrete and abstract competencies and the importance of divergent and convergent competencies significantly higher following the preceptorship. They also felt that the preceptorship experience contributed significantly more to their competency development than their weekly clinical experiences during the year. Contrary to expectations, administration of the Learning Style Inventory LSI-1976 and LSI-1985 produced inconsistent classifications of subjects' learning styles. Implications for nursing are described.

Adaptation, Psychological↗

Enhanced activity of the bacteriophage lambda PL promoter at low temperature.

We found that the activity of the phage lambda PL promoter is inversely dependent on temperature. Both in vivo and in vitro transcription assays revealed that the rather unique temperature response of PL is a sum of an intrinsic property of the promoter and its activation by integration host factor. We also found that at low temperature, phage lambda can lysogenize efficiently but cannot complete the lytic cycle. We hypothesize that by sensing the low environmental temperature the PL promoter plays a role in determining the direction of phage lambda development.

Bacterial Proteins↗

Involvement of IHF protein in expression of the Ps promoter of the Pseudomonas putida TOL plasmid.

Regulation of the xyl gene operons of the Pseudomonas putida TOL plasmid is mediated by the products of the downstream clustered and divergently oriented xylR and xylS regulatory genes. The xylR-xylS intergenic region contains the xylR and xylS promoters Pr and Ps, respectively. A binding site for the XylR activator protein is located upstream of Ps and overlapping Pr. DNase I footprint experiments showed that one of these sites, which overlaps the recognition site for XylR activator, as well as an AT-rich region comprising the Ps promoter consensus were protected by integration host factor (IHF). IHF was found to act negatively in the in vivo activation of the Ps promoter, since the activity of a Ps promoter::lacZ fusion was elevated in an Escherichia coli mutant lacking IHF. In contrast, no alteration in the synthesis of XylR protein in the E. coli IHF-deficient mutant was detected.

Bacterial Proteins↗

Community health nurses' HIV care behavior.

The purpose of this study was to examine community health nurses' attitudes, subjective norms, and intentions to care for patients who are HIV positive using the theory of reasoned action. One hundred and forty-five participants completed a questionnaire developed according to guidelines described by Ajzen and Fishbein (1980). Consistent with the theory, nurses' attitudes and subjective norms were found to be significant predictors of intentions to care for persons who are HIV positive (R2 = .15). Personal beliefs found to discriminate between intenders and nonintenders were those related to possible consequences for self, family, and friends, but not to job-related consequences. In addition, qualitative data showed persistent concerns about occupational risk for contracting AIDS. Based on the results of this research, it is recommended that nurse educators in both clinical and academic settings target specific educational and training interventions to include transmission, prevention, and exploration of feelings, attitudes, beliefs, and behavioral intentions about HIV-related topics. Further theory-based research and testing of interventions to change community health nurses' attitudes and beliefs about HIV disease are advocated.

Adult↗