Biomedical subjects

E Henry

Publications and source records attributed to E Henry.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2007

Hematological abnormalities during the first week of life among neonates with Down syndrome: data from a multihospital healthcare system.

Various hematological abnormalities have been reported among neonates with Down syndrome. Thrombocytosis, thrombocytopenia, polycythemia, neutrophilia, transient myeloproliferative disorder (TMD), and congenital leukemia have all been reported. The two largest case series previously reported involved 63 and 31 cases. To acquire hematological data from a larger case series, we obtained all CBCs done during the first week after birth on all neonates with Down syndrome cared for in an Intermountain Healthcare (IHC) hospital with a date of birth between January 1, 2001 and December 31, 2005. During this period, 145,522 live births were recorded at 18 hospitals. Down syndrome was recognized in 226 (1 in 644). One hundred fifty-eight (70%) of these had one or more CBCs obtained before the seventh day (144 hr). Neonates who did versus did not have a CBC in the first week had a similar gestational age, birth weight, percentage who were LGA and SGA, and length of stay. Neutrophilia was the most common hematological abnormality detected, with 80% of absolute neutrophil counts above the upper limit of normal for age. Six percent (9/158) had blasts identified on the blood film and three, where this was persistent, were referred to the pediatric hematology service for further evaluation. The next most commonly detected abnormality was thrombocytopenia, with 66% of platelet counts <150,000/microl, and with 6% of counts <50,000/microl. The mean platelet volume did not correlate with the platelet count, but tended to run slightly large (9.2 +/- 1.3 fl), with 24% of values above 10 fl. Only one had a platelet transfusion. Polycythemia was the next most common hematological abnormality detected, with 33% of hematocrit values above 65% or hemoglobin concentrations above 22 g/dl. Six had a reduction transfusion. One patient had significant anemia (hematocrit <15%) and received an erythrocyte transfusion. One had neutropenia associated with an infection after bowel surgery. Neutrophilia, thrombocytopenia, and polycythemia were the most common hematological abnormalities observed among neonates with Down syndrome. Anemia, thrombocytosis, and neutropenia were not more common than among neonates who do not have Down syndrome. Hematological abnormalities were so common in this group that it seems reasonable to recommend that one or more CBCs be obtained on all neonates with Down syndrome.

Blood Cell Count↗

PubMed2006

Low blood neutrophil concentrations among extremely low birth weight neonates: data from a multihospital health-care system.

OBJECTIVE: A blood neutrophil concentration < 1000/microl has been reported to occur in about 8% of neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) patients, at some time during their hospital stay. However, the incidence of this finding among extremely low birth weight (ELBW) neonates (< 1000 g birth weight) is not known. Using data from four NICU's in one health-care system, we sought to estimate the incidence, timing, causes, severity and duration of neutrophil counts < 1000/microl among ELBW neonates. We also tabulated the treatments used for this condition and associations with mortality. METHODS: We performed an historic cohort analysis of all ELBW neonates born during the 36-month period, 1 July 2002 to 30 June 2005, cared for in the four Intermountain Healthcare level III NICU's. RESULTS: Three hundred and thirty-eight ELBW neonates were the subjects of the analysis. Complete blood cell counts (CBCs) were obtained in all (range, 1 to 123 CBCs/patient). Thirty-eight percent (128/338) had one or more neutrophil counts < 1000/microl. In 57% the low neutrophil count persisted for < 24 h; in 43% it persisted for 1 to 7.5 days. Most of the cases (74%) were detected during the first 3 days of life. Twenty-two percent of cases were not detected until after the first week. Low neutrophil counts were more common among the smallest patients, with a 63% incidence in those < or = 500 g, 44% in those 501 to 600 g and 34% in those 801 to 999 g. When low neutrophil counts were recognized during the first 3 days of life, the patients were typically either small for gestational age (SGA; weight < 10th percentile for gestational age) or born after pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH) (68%), or had early-onset bacterial infection (6%). When recognized after the first 3 days, the patients typically had necrotizing enterocolitis (31%) or a nosocomial bacterial infection (19%). Alloimmune mechanisms were not tested for in any of the cases. No cause for the low counts was identified among 35% of the neutropenic patients. Intravenous immunoglobulins was administered to 28% of cases, and 100% of these were given according to our written guidelines. Recombinant granulocyte-colony stimulating factor was administered to 13% of cases, and 69% of these were given according to guidelines. Neither the presence of low neutrophil counts nor the severity (lowest recorded count) correlated with mortality rate, except in proven early-onset sepsis. CONCLUSIONS: We observed low neutrophil counts among ELBW neonates at a rate five times that reported in the general NICU population. Most cases were present in the first days of life and occurred in SGA neonates or those with PIH. In over 1/3, no cause was discovered. We maintain that more consistency is needed in evaluating and treating neutropenia among ELBW neonates.

Cohort Studies↗

PubMed2006

Pattern of daily weights among low birth weight neonates in the neonatal intensive care unit: data from a multihospital health-care system.

OBJECTIVES: We sought to generate a contemporary postnatal weight grid for low birth weight (LBW, <2500 g) neonates using actual data, not mathematically derived idealized weight curves. To do this, we collected electronic data from all neonatal intensive care units (NICU) patients weighing 400-2600 g at birth, during 30 consecutive months (January 2003-June 2005) in all four NICU's within a single health system, Intermountain Health Care (IHC). METHODS: A deidentified limited data set was collected from electronic IHC records. Data were limited to the birth weights and all subsequent daily weights, until discharge, death, or transfer to a non-IHC facility. Lines were drawn connecting the exact daily means of body weight for patients in 200 g birth weight groupings, ranging from 400 to 2600 g. We assessed differences in growth patterns predicted by this grid vs three previously published NICU longitudinal weight grids. RESULTS: All recorded weights were electronically extracted for 1813 consecutive patients with dates of birth from January 1, 2003 through June 30, 2005. The daily weights of each patient totaled over 48,000 individual data points. The new grid differed from previously published grids, in that the new grid showed; (1) no predicted postnatal weight loss among neonates in categories<900 g birth weight, (2) less initial weight loss among neonates 900-2500 g, (3) fewer days to regain birth weight among neonates<or=2000 g, and (4) fewer days to gain 100 and 300 g above birth weight in neonates<or=1500 g. SPECULATION: For charting serial weights of LBW neonates in the NICU the new grid may be a useful standard.

Body Weight↗

PubMed2006

Thrombocytopenia among extremely low birth weight neonates: data from a multihospital healthcare system.

OBJECTIVES: Thrombocytopenia is common in neonatal intensive care units (NICU), with 18 to 35% of patients developing this problem before hospital discharge. It might be even more common among extremely low birth weight neonates (ELBW, < or = 1000 g birth weight). However, little is known about thrombocytopenia in the ELBW population. We sought to determine the incidence, timing, causes, platelet transfusions given, and outcomes of thrombocytopenia among ELBW neonates. STUDY DESIGN: We performed a cohort analysis of all 284 ELBW neonates born during 2003 and 2004 cared for in any of the Intermountain Healthcare level III NICUs. RESULTS: Multiple platelet counts were obtained in all 284 (range, 4 to 441 platelet counts/patient). Of the 284, 208 (73%) had one or more platelet counts < or =150 000/microl. Most were detected during the first days of life; 80% were detected during the first week and only 20% were detected thereafter. Thrombcytopenia was more common among the smallest patients; 85% incidence among those < or =800 g, 60% among those 801 to 900 g, and 53% among those 901 to 1000 g. Platelet transfusions were given to 129 of the 208 thrombocytopenic neonates. More than 90% were given prophylactically (the patient was not bleeding). The mortality rate among those that received platelet transfusions was twice that of those that received no platelet transfusions (P < 0.01). In 48% of cases, the cause of the thrombocytopenia went undiagnosed. The most common explanations were being small for gestational age or delivered to a hypertensive mother, DIC, bacterial infection, fungal infection, and necrotizing enterocolitis, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: We observed thrombocytopenia among ELBW neonates at a rate more than twice that reported among the general NICU population. Much remains to be discovered about the etiology and best treatments of thrombocytopenia among ELBW neonates.

Cohort Studies↗

PubMed2005

Enhanced endothelium derived hyperpolarising factor activity in resistance arteries from normal pressure glaucoma patients: implications for vascular function in the eye.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Endothelial cell dysfunction in the ocular circulation may contribute to normal pressure glaucoma (NPG). This study aimed to investigate the contributions made by endothelium derived relaxing factors to relaxation of (1) subcutaneous resistance arteries from patients with NPG, and (2) porcine ciliary arteries. METHODS: Human gluteal resistance arteries were isolated from seven patients with NPG and matched controls. Human and porcine arteries produced endothelium dependent relaxation when exposed to acetylcholine (ACh) (10(-9)-3 x 10(-5)M) or bradykinin (10(-10)-3 x 10(-6)M). Pharmacological agents were used to inhibit the nitric oxide pathway (l-arginine analogues, soluble guanylate cyclase inhibitor), endothelium derived hyperpolarising factor (EDHF) activity (potassium channel antagonists), and prostaglandin synthesis (cyclo-oxygenase inhibitors). RESULTS: In all arteries, endothelium dependent relaxation was attenuated by nitric oxide (NO) inhibition or potassium channel blockade, but not by cyclo-oxygenase inhibition. Inhibition of ACh mediated relaxation by potassium channel antagonists was greater (p<0.05) in patients with NPG (Emax, 55.4% (SD 8.16%) relaxation, n = 4) than controls (Emax, 81.8% (6.0%), n = 5). In contrast, combined inhibition of NO synthase (NOS) and cyclo-oxygenase produced similar inhibition of ACh mediated relaxation in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: The enhanced contribution of EDHF to ACh mediated relaxation in systemic resistance arteries from NPG patients may contribute to the maintained endothelium mediated relaxation in these vessels. EDHF also contributes significantly to bradykinin mediated relaxation in porcine ocular ciliary arteries. Therefore, similar changes in the balance of relaxing factors in the ocular circulation could influence the response of the eye to vascular endothelial dysfunction in NPG.

Acetylcholine↗

PubMed2005

Clinicians taking pictures--a survey of current practice in emergency departments and proposed recommendations of best practice.

The primary objective of this survey was to establish current practice in emergency departments in the UK. Variation in obtaining consent, how image collection is achieved, and the images stored were considered to be important outcomes. An initial postal questionnaire followed by phone survey posed questions about practical and procedural issues when capturing clinical images in emergency departments in the UK. Altogether, 117 departments replied out of 150 surveyed. Only 21 departments have a written policy permitting medico-legal case photography. A total of 53 do take clinical photographs where no policy exists, seven of which actively take assault/domestic violence images, only four of which document consent. All departments with photographic facilities take images for clinical/teaching purposes. Thirty two of those without a policy attach the photograph to the clinical notes and so may be potentially called upon for medico-legal proceedings if relevant, which raises issues of adequate consent procedures, storage, and confidentiality. This is particularly pertinent with the increasing use of digital photography and image manipulation. A large variation in current practice has been identified in relation to a number of issues surrounding clinical image handling in emergency departments. Subsequently, recommendations for best practice have been proposed to protect both the patient and the clinician with regards to all forms of photography in the emergency department setting.

Emergency Service, Hospital↗

PubMed2004

Generation of a double shock driven by laser.

The feasibility and reliability of a multiple laser shock generation to study the equation of state surface off the principal Hugoniot curve and to approach an isentropic compression has been demonstrated. The technique is based on the use of a double laser pulse. A strong shock was generated in iron targets precompressed by a first weak shock. The effect of precompression was studied. The experiment was performed at the Laboratoire pour l'Utilisation des Lasers Intenses laboratory.

Journal Article↗

PubMed2004

Observation of laser driven supercritical radiative shock precursors.

We present a supercritical radiative shock experiment performed with the LULI nanosecond laser facility. Using targets filled with xenon gas at low pressure, the propagation of a strong shock with a radiative precursor is evidenced. The main measured shock quantities (electronic density and propagation velocity) are shown to be in good agreement with theory and numerical simulations.

Journal Article↗

PubMed2004

Studies of acid exposure immediately above the gastro-oesophageal squamocolumnar junction: evidence of short segment reflux.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Oesophageal pH is conventionally recorded from a point 5 cm above the lower oesophageal sphincter. However, the mucosal changes of reflux oesophagitis and intestinal metaplasia tend to affect the segment of oesophagus distal to this and close to the squamocolumnar junction. This study set out to investigate oesophageal acid exposure of squamous mucosa close to the squamocolumnar junction. METHODS: Dual channel 24 hour pH monitoring was carried out in 11 patients with endoscopy negative dyspepsia and no evidence of gastro-oesophageal reflux by conventional oesophageal pH metry. Oesophageal pH was recorded from electrodes positioned 5 mm and 55 mm proximal to the squamocolumnar junction. A novel technique was developed using metal clips to secure the pH catheter to the oesophageal mucosa and maintain these electrode positions. Oesophageal manometry indicated that the distal electrode was within the high pressure zone of the lower oesophageal sphincter. RESULTS: We found that 24 hour oesophageal acid exposure (per cent time pH <4) was greater 5 mm above the squamocolumnar junction compared with the conventional position 5 cm more proximal (11.7% v 1.8%; p<0.001). The greater acid exposure at the distal versus the conventional site was apparent in both the upright (12.7% v 2.3%) and supine (10.5% v 1.3%) positions, as well as during preprandial (14.2% v 1.6%) and postprandial (21.8% v 2.8%) periods (p<0.001 for each). The number of reflux events recorded close to the squamocolumnar junction was also higher than at the conventional position (168 v 33; p<0.001). There was no correlation between acid exposure at the two sites. CONCLUSIONS: The squamous mucosa of the most distal oesophagus is exposed to substantial acidic reflux, even in patients without evidence of conventional reflux disease. This short segment reflux may explain the high incidence of metaplasia and neoplasia at the gastro-oesophageal junction.

Adult↗

PubMed2003

[Cherubism: the value of imaging and preoperative embolization].

Cherubism is a benign, hereditary, autosomal dominant disease, with variable penetrance and expressivity. It presents as a characteristic indolent deformity of the lower half of the face, associated with multicystic bone tumors. The definitive diagnosis is established by pathology. Radiology contributes greatly to its diagnosis (CT or MRI scan), and preoperative arterial embolization can provide valuable help to the surgeon when excision of this hemorrhagic lesion is necessary. The present article presents a case showing the advantage of this type of devascularization prior to surgery, not previously described in the literature.

Cherubism↗

PubMed2002

Randomised trial of endoscopy with testing for Helicobacter pylori compared with non-invasive H pylori testing alone in the management of dyspepsia.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the efficacy of non-invasive testing for Helicobacter pylori with that of endoscopy (plus H pylori testing) in the management of patients referred for endoscopic investigation of upper gastrointestinal symptoms. DESIGN: Randomised controlled trial with follow up at 12 months. SETTING: Hospital gastroenterology unit. PARTICIPANTS: 708 patients aged under 55 referred for endoscopic investigation of dyspepsia, randomised to non-invasive breath test for H pylori or endoscopy plus H pylori testing. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Glasgow dyspepsia severity score at one year. Use of medical resources, patient oriented outcomes, and safety were also assessed. RESULTS: In 586 patients followed up at 12 months the mean change in dyspepsia score was 4.8 in the non-invasive H pylori test group and 4.6 in the endoscopy group (95% confidence interval for difference -0.7 to 0.5, P=0.69). Only 8.2% of patients followed up who were randomised to breath test alone were referred for subsequent endoscopy. The use of non-endoscopic resources was similar in the two groups. Reassurance value, concern about missed pathology, overall patient satisfaction, and quality of life were similar in the two groups. The patients found the non-invasive breath test procedure less uncomfortable and distressing than endoscopy with or without sedation. No potentially serious pathology requiring treatment other than eradication of H pylori was missed. CONCLUSION: In this patient group, non-invasive testing for H pylori is as effective and safe as endoscopy and less uncomfortable and distressing for the patient. Non-invasive H pylori testing should be the preferred mode of investigation.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2002

Dietary nitrate generates potentially mutagenic concentrations of nitric oxide at the gastroesophageal junction.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Twenty-five percent of absorbed dietary nitrate is re-secreted in saliva, and 30% of this is reduced to nitrite by buccal bacteria. When saliva is swallowed, the acidic gastric juice reduces the nitrite to nitric oxide. The aim of this study was to examine the anatomic distribution of nitric oxide generation within the lumen of the upper gastrointestinal tract under basal conditions and after ingesting nitrate equivalent to that in salad portion. METHODS: Using custom-made sensors, the dissolved luminal nitric oxide concentration and pH were measured at 1-cm increments for 2 minutes throughout the length of the stomach and distal esophagus in 15 Helicobacter pylori-negative healthy volunteers with and without ingestion of 2 mmol potassium nitrate. Serum nitrate and saliva nitrite concentrations were also monitored. RESULTS: The nitrate ingestion increased mean (range) serum nitrate from 30 micromol/L (18-49) to 95 micromol/L (32-152), mean salivary nitrite from 36 micromol/L (19-153) to 252 micromol/L (32-600), and mean peak luminal nitric oxide concentration from 4.7 micromol/L (1.4-7.8) to 23.2 micromol/L (2.1-50) (P < 0.05 for each). After nitrate, the peak nitric oxide concentration occurred in 11 of the 15 (73%) subjects within 1 cm distal to the gastroesophageal pH step-up point. The mean nitric oxide concentration over the 1-cm segment immediately distal to the gastroesophageal pH step-up after nitrate was 7.5 micromol/L (range, 0.5-30.7) and was significantly higher than at all other sites. Nitric oxide concentrations greater than 50 micromol/L were observed at the precise location where neutral esophageal pH fell to acidic gastric pH. CONCLUSIONS: Luminal generation of nitric oxide from dietary nitrate via salivary nitrite is maximal at the gastroesophageal junction and cardia. The high concentrations of nitric oxide generated may contribute to the high incidence of mutagenesis and neoplasia at this site.

Adult↗

PubMed2002

[Shoulder fusion for sequelae secondary to brachial plexus palsy].

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: We examined clinical and radiological outcome in fifteen patients who underwent shoulder fusion after brachial plexus palsy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This retrospective analysis included 15 patients who underwent shoulder fusion between 1981 and 1997 for the treatment of sequelae secondary to brachial plexus palsy. There were 13 men and two women, mean age 24.6 years (range 18-33 years). The right shoulder was fused in nine cases and the dominant shoulder in ten. There was one obstetric paralysis and one paralysis secondary to a cervical neurinoma. Eleven patients were motorcycle accident victims and two were automobile accident victims. The patients were installed in the lateral supine position with 30 degrees antepulsion and 60 degrees abduction, measured from the axillary axis of the scapula, and internal rotation. All patients had internal fixation by plate through a posterior approach. The same observer examined all the patients at last follow-up. Clinical and radiological findings were recorded and the position of the arthodesis was analyzed. RESULTS: There was one case of delaved fusion and one case of late humeral fracture. The arthrodesis position was abduction 52 degrees, internal rotation 20 degrees, flexion 20 degrees (means). Hand-mouth and hand-pocket movements were possible for all patients. Seven had no pain. Active motion was: 48 degrees abduction, 46 degrees antepulsion, 40 degrees internal rotation, 4.6 degrees external rotation, 23 degrees retropulsion. For 13 patients, mean lifting force was 5.2 kg.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2002

[An asymptomatic aneurysm of the popliteal artery treated with endoprosthesis].

Stent-graft is considered as a possible alternative to traditional surgery in the correction of popliteal aneurysms but only a few cases have been reported and these are difficult to compare. This new case highlights the feasibility and problems of an endovascular approach. The size of the stent was determined on the basis of preliminary arterial scanning and a measurement guide wire. Strong recommendations to the patient to avoid posture-related kinking of the artery and/or the stent (during occupation-related or other activities) could prevent delayed thrombosis of the stent. The lifetime of the stent can be prolonged by a simple radiosurgical clearance procedure.

Aneurysm↗

PubMed1999

Peripheral endothelial dysfunction in normal pressure glaucoma.

PURPOSE: To assess vascular endothelial function in patients with normal pressure glaucoma using forearm blood flow responses to intra-arterial infusions of endothelial-dependent and -independent vasoactive agents. METHODS: Eight patients with newly diagnosed and untreated normal pressure glaucoma and eight healthy age- and sex-matched control volunteers underwent measurement of forearm blood flow using venous occlusion plethysmography. Blood flow was assessed in response to incremental doses of sodium nitroprusside (an endothelial-independent vasodilator), acetylcholine (an endothelial-dependent vasodilator) and the vasoconstrictor N(G)-monomethyl-L-arginine (an inhibitor of nitric oxide synthase). RESULTS: Sodium nitroprusside caused a dose-related increase in forearm blood flow in patients and controls. Glaucoma patients appeared to have an increased vasodilatory response, but this was not significant (P = 0.23). Acetylcholine also induced vasodilatation in both groups, but the response was significantly reduced in the glaucoma group (P = 0.04). N(G)-monomethyl-L-arginine induced a similar degree of vasoconstriction in both groups (P = 0.76). CONCLUSIONS: This study has shown an impairment of peripheral endothelium-mediated vasodilatation in normal pressure glaucoma. These findings would support the concept of a generalized vascular endothelial dysfunction in patients with this condition.

Acetylcholine↗

PubMed1996

A kinetic mechanism for nicotinic acetylcholine receptors based on multiple allosteric transitions.

Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors are transmembrane oligomeric proteins that mediate interconversions between open and closed channel states under the control of neurotransmitters. Fast in vitro chemical kinetics and in vivo electrophysiological recordings are consistent with the following multi-step scheme. Upon binding of agonists, receptor molecules in the closed but activatable resting state (the Basal state, B) undergo rapid transitions to states of higher affinities with either open channels (the Active state, A) or closed channels (the initial Inactivatable and fully Desensitized states, I and D). In order to represent the functional properties of such receptors, we have developed a kinetic model that links conformational interconversion rates to agonist binding and extends the general principles of the Monod-Wyman-Changeux model of allosteric transitions. The crucial assumption is that the linkage is controlled by the position of the interconversion transition states on a hypothetical linear reaction coordinate. Application of the model to the peripheral nicotine acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) accounts for the main properties of ligand-gating, including single-channel events, and several new relationships are predicted. Kinetic simulations reveal errors inherent in using the dose-response analysis, but justify its application under defined conditions. The model predicts that (in order to overcome the intrinsic stability of the B state and to produce the appropriate cooperativity) channel activation is driven by an A state with a Kd in the 50 nM range, hence some 140-fold stronger than the apparent affinity of the open state deduced previously. According to the model, recovery from the desensitized states may occur via rapid transit through the A state with minimal channel opening, thus without necessarily undergoing a distinct recovery pathway, as assumed in the standard 'cycle' model. Transitions to the desensitized states by low concentration 'pre-pulses' are predicted to occur without significant channel opening, but equilibrium values of IC50 can be obtained only with long pre-pulse times. Predictions are also made concerning allosteric effectors and their possible role in coincidence detection. In terms of future developments, the analysis presented here provides a physical basis for constructing more biologically realistic models of synaptic modulation that may be applied to artificial neural networks.

Allosteric Site↗

PubMed1995

Synthesis and structure-activity relationships of stilbene retinoid analogs substituted with heteroaromatic carboxylic acids.

Retinoids elicit biological responses by activating a series of nuclear receptors. Six retinoid receptors belonging to two families are currently known: retinoic acid receptors (RAR alpha,beta,and gamma) and retinoid X receptors (RXR alpha,beta,and gamma). Stilbene retinoid analogs of retinoic acid (RA), such as (E)-4-[2-(5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-5,5,8,8-tetramethyl-2-naphthalenyl)prope n-1- yl]benzoic acid (TTNPB, 1) and (E)-4-[2-(5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-3,5,5,8,8-pentamethyl-2-naphthalenyl)pro pen-1- yl]benzoic acid (3-methyl-TTNPB, 2), display differential RAR and RXR activities, depending on the substituent at C3 of the naphthalene ring. We report here structural modifications of the benzoate moiety of 2 that result in analogs with greater RXR selectivity as well as those with pan-agonist (activate both RAR and RXR receptors) activities, analyze the structural features that impart receptor selectivity, and describe a stereoselective method for the synthesis of these analogs. The biological activities associated with the RAR and RXR receptors were examined by testing representative examples with different receptor activation profiles for their ability to induce tissue transglutaminase (Tgase) activity in a human promyelocytic leukemia cell line (HL-60 cdm-1) and to inhibit tumor-promoter-induced ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) activity in hairless mouse skin. These results suggest that RAR agonists and RXR agonists may have different therapeutic applications. Finally, we show that RXR agonists are significantly reduced in teratogenic potency relative to RAR agonists and may therefore have significant advantages in clinical practice.

Abnormalities, Drug-Induced↗

PubMed1995

Public understanding of medical screening.

AIM: To estimate the extent of public understanding of mass screening for disease and of the benefits and limitations of screening. METHODS: Telephone interviews were conducted with a national sample of 835 Australians. RESULTS: Of total respondents, 68% claimed to have heard of screening tests, but only 21% correctly understood that screening tests are for asymptomatic people. This understanding was related to education. The most frequently named tests were mammography (51%) and Pap tests (33%), and for all age groups these were mentioned by more women than men. Around 27% of respondents thought that the Pap test would detect 95% or more of case, 45% thought the test would detect 90% or more, while 60% of respondents thought the test would detect 80% or more of cases. Around 29% of respondents thought that mammography would detect 95% or more of cases, 49% thought the test would detect 90% or more, while 65% of respondents thought the test would detect 80% or more of cases. Of all respondents, 33% favoured compensation when cases were "missed" by screening provided people were warned beforehand, 58% were not in favour, and 9% were unsure. CONCLUSIONS: There are misconceptions among the public concerning the purpose of screening and the accuracy of screening tests. However, most people accept that some cases of disease will be missed by screening and that if people are adequately informed beforehand compensation should not automatically follow for those whose disease is missed.

Adolescent↗