Biomedical subjects

E Moore

Publications and source records attributed to E Moore.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

PubMed2000

The effects of pregnancy and smooth muscle contractility on cervical distensibility in the rat.

OBJECTIVE: We sought to compare distensibility of the isolated rat cervix from nonpregnant rats (n = 6), rats at midgestation (n = 5), and rats at term gestation (n = 4). STUDY DESIGN: The cervix was excised, and one cervical channel was cannulated from both ends and positioned in the organ chamber for perfusion-superfusion by a peristaltic pump at an intraluminal pressure of 30 mm Hg for 30 minutes. After the equilibration period, perfusion was stopped, the outlet was closed, and the cervix was inflated with a syringe pump. The volume was increased at a rate of 3.33 microL/s until intraluminal pressure reached approximately 120 mm Hg. The outlet was then opened, and the cervix was perfused at 30 mm Hg of intraluminal pressure for another 30 minutes. The volume-pressure relationships were obtained 3 times without any agent present and in the presence of 60-mmol/L potassium chloride or 10(-4)-mol/L 3-morpholinosydnonimine hydrochloride (also known as SIN-1). RESULTS: The volume-pressure relationship was shifted to the right during progression of pregnancy, demonstrating increased compliance of the cervix. The nonspecific depolarizing agent potassium chloride or the nitric oxide donor 3-morpholinosydnonimine did not affect volume-pressure relationships in cervices from nonpregnant rats, rats at midgestation, or rats at term gestation. CONCLUSION: The volume-pressure relationship in the isolated cannulated rat cervix reflects the resistance of the organ to increased intraluminal pressure. The compliance of the cervix is increased as pregnancy progresses, demonstrating decreased resistance to stretch. Activation or inhibition of cervical smooth muscle does not contribute to the physical properties of the cervix, which controls compliance-resistance.

Animals↗

PubMed2000

In vitro activity of four fluoroquinolones against clinical isolates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa determined by the E test.

Ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, ofloxacin, and trovafloxacin were tested by the E-test against 100 clinical isolates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Ciprofloxacin was the most active of the tested agents with 82% of isolates having a MIC </=1 mg/l (range: 0.094->8). Levofloxacin and trovafloxacin had nearly identical potency: 75% and 76% of the isolates were inhibited by </=2 mg/l of these agents, respectively (range: 0.125->8 for levofloxacin; 0.19->8 for trovafloxacin). Ofloxacin was the least active of the four quinolones, with 43% of the isolates having a MIC >2 mg/l. All isolates resistant to ciprofloxacin were also resistant to the other agents, i.e. resistance to ciprofloxacin predicted resistance to all the quinolones tested in every case. This data demonstrates that fluoroquinolones are active agents against P. aeruginosa. In vitro susceptibility testing, however, is crucial to assess the resistance pattern in any specific location and for each individual agent.

Anti-Infective Agents↗

PubMed2000

Direct compression tablets containing a series of four beta-cyclodextrin complexes formed by neutralizing an acidic drug.

A series of four beta-cyclodextrin complexes (called products) was formed by neutralizing an acidic drug to study the effect of drug solubility on complex formation and the dissolution performance from direct compression tablets. Four solid products were prepared by neutralizing the drug in 0.05, 0.10, 0.20, and 0.30 M tromethamine solutions with a constant 0.09 M beta-cyclodextrin concentration, filtering the solutions, and removing the water through evaporation with heat and vacuum. The four products contained drug and water in a distinct relationship, thus suggesting a complex formation that was dependent on the tromethamine concentration. Infrared, powder X-ray diffraction, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), phase solubility, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) techniques revealed distinct differences among the four products, suggesting three of the four products were complexes, and one product was either a weak complex or a physical mixture. Ultraviolet (UV) analysis showed no evidence of complex formation. Phase solubility results showed one product had a slight increase in drug solubility, and three products had no increase in drug solubility with increasing beta-cyclodextrin concentration. The lack of a solubility increase suggests insoluble complex formation. Drug dissolution in water was improved significantly in all tablets containing either a product or a physical mixture when compared to the pure drug. The products prepared with the two highest concentrations of tromethamine showed a dissolution performance that was superior to all other formulations. Enthalpy measurements by DSC were a good indicator of dissolution performance for tablets containing the four products. Drug dissolution through salt formation in the absence of beta-cyclodextrin showed the drug-salt dissolution varied from better to worse when compared to the dissolution profiles of the four products. The varying dissolution performance was attributed to the formation of distinct beta-cyclodextrin complexes with varing solubilities.

Cyclodextrins↗

PubMed1999

Brain insulin receptors and spatial memory. Correlated changes in gene expression, tyrosine phosphorylation, and signaling molecules in the hippocampus of water maze trained rats.

Evidence accumulated from clinical and basic research has indirectly implicated the insulin receptor (IR) in brain cognitive functions, including learning and memory (Wickelgren, I. (1998) Science 280, 517-519). The present study investigates correlative changes in IR expression, phosphorylation, and associated signaling molecules in the rat hippocampus following water maze training. Although the distribution of IR protein matched that of IR mRNA in most forebrain regions, a dissociation of the IR mRNA and protein expression patterns was found in the cerebellar cortex. After training, IR mRNA in the CA1 and dentate gyrus of the hippocampus was up-regulated, and there was increased accumulation of IR protein in the hippocampal crude synaptic membrane fraction. In the CA1 pyramidal neurons, changes in the distribution pattern of IR in particular cellular compartments, such as the nucleus and dendritic regions, was observed only in trained animals. Although IR showed a low level of in vivo tyrosine phosphorylation, an insulin-stimulated increase of in vitro Tyr phosphorylation of IR was detected in trained animals, suggesting that learning may induce IR functional changes, such as enhanced receptor sensitivity. Furthermore, a training-induced co-immunoprecipitation of IR with Shc-66 was detected, along with changes in in vivo Tyr phosphorylation of Shc and mitogen-activated protein kinase, as well as accumulation of Shc-66, Shc-52, and Grb-2 in hippocampal synaptic membrane fractions following training. These findings suggest that IR may participate in memory processing through activation of its receptor Tyr kinase activity, and they suggest possible engagement of Shc/Grb-2/Ras/mitogen-activated protein kinase cascades.

3T3 Cells↗

PubMed1999

Widespread chromosomal abnormalities in high-grade ductal carcinoma in situ of the breast. Comparative genomic hybridization study of pure high-grade DCIS.

For a variety of technical reasons it is rarely possible to study cytogenetic abnormalities in ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) using traditional techniques. However, by combining molecular biology and computerized image analysis it is possible to carry out cytogenetic analyses on formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue, using comparative genomic hybridization (CGH). The purpose of this study was to identify the prevalence of chromosomal amplifications and deletions in high-grade DCIS and to look specifically for unique or consistent abnormalities in this pre-invasive cancer. Twenty-three cases of asymptomatic, non-palpable, screen-detected, high-grade DCIS were examined using CGH on tumour cells obtained from histology slides. All cases showed chromosomal abnormalities. A wide variety of amplifications and deletions were spread across the genome. The most frequent changes were gains of chromosomes 17 (13 of 23), 16p (13 of 23), and 20q (9 of 23) and amplifications of 11q13 (22 of 23), 12q 24.1-24.2 (12 of 23), 6p21.3 (11 of 23), and 1q31-qter (6 of 23). The most frequent deletions were on 13q 21.3-q33 (7 of 23), 9p21 (4 of 23), and 6q16.1 (4 of 23). These findings indicate that high-grade DCIS is, from a cytogenetic viewpoint, an advanced lesion. There was no absolutely consistent finding in every case, but amplification of 11q13 was found in 22 of the 23 cases. The precise significance of this is unknown at present. This region of chromosome 11q harbours a number of known oncogenes, including cyclin D1 andINT2. It is likely that many of these findings are the result of accumulated chromosomal abnormalities, reflecting an unstable genome in established malignancy.

Breast Neoplasms↗

PubMed1999

Quality control for functional magnetic resonance imaging using automated data analysis and Shewhart charting.

A data acquisition and analysis protocol for quality control (QC) of functional magnetic resonance imaging studies is presented. Two sets of data are acquired, single-timepoint data for measurement of signal-to-ghost and signal-to-noise ratios, and multiple-timepoint data for measurement of short-term drift. Since manual data analysis can be time consuming and an impediment to regular QC, an automated data processing scheme is presented. The use of automated Shewhart charting is proposed to identify significant changes in each parameter over the long term. The protocol has successfully identified system faults and deteriorations undetected by conventional QC.

Artifacts↗

PubMed1999

Artefact on MRA following aneurysm clipping: an in vitro study and prospective comparison with conventional angiography.

Using both an experimental model and clinical cases, we looked at the artefact produced by Aesculap titanium-alloy aneurysm clips on MRA. Experimentally, the volume affected by artefact was 50 % less when the clip was imaged lying parallel to the main ferromagnetic field than when lying perpendicular to it. Clinically, MRA was prospectively compared with digital subtraction angiography (DSA) in nine patients who had undergone aneurysm clipping. One patient with a non-diagnostic MRA due to movement artefact was excluded. In all other cases there was an area of signal loss surrounding the clips, obscuring the immediately adjacent vessel segments. There was good demonstration of the adjacent bifurcations in five cases and the contralateral circulation was seen well in all patients. In three cases in which the adjacent bifurcations were not seen, considerable vasospasm was suggested by MRA and confirmed with DSA. In one patient an unclipped contralateral ophthalmic artery aneurysm was identified using both modalities. In this series there were no adverse events relating to clips in either static or time-varying magnetic fields.

Adult↗

PubMed1999

Characterization and radiation resistance of new isolates of Rubrobacter radiotolerans and Rubrobacter xylanophilus.

In this study we characterized new strains of the slightly thermophilic species Rubrobacter radiotolerans and the thermophilic species Rubrobacter xylanophilus, both of which were previously represented only by the type strains isolated, respectively, from Japan and the United Kingdom. The new isolates were recovered from two hot springs in central Portugal after gamma irradiation of water and biofilm samples. We assessed biochemical characteristics, performed DNA-DNA hybridization, and carried out 16S rDNA sequence analysis to demonstrate that the new Rubrobacter isolates belong to the species R. radiotolerans and R. xylanophilus. We also show for the first time that the strains of R. xylanophilus and other strains of R. radiotolerans are extremely gamma radiation resistant.

Arthrobacter↗

PubMed1999

A comparison of calcaneus ultrasound and dual X-ray absorptiometry in healthy North American youths and young adults.

Quantitative ultrasound is the newest noninvasive method to be accepted for assessing bone mineral in adults. Heel ultrasound measurements correlate with bone density measurements by dual X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) and predict fracture risk in adults. Far less is known about the value of calcaneus ultrasound (CUS) in children. We determine spine, femoral neck, and whole-body bone mineral by DXA and heel bone mass by CUS in 125 youths (69 females, 56 males) ages 9-25 yr. CUS and DXA measurements of bone mass increased with age and pubertal development during adolescence in a parallel fashion. Among females, Tanner stage was a stronger predictor than age for all CUS and DXA measurements, and among males, pubertal stage was a stronger predictor for spine bone mineral apparent density (BMAD) and femoral bone mineral density (BMD). CUS measurements correlated moderately well with DXA measurements of the spine, femoral neck, and whole-body BMD and spine BMAD (r = 0.23-0.58, p < 0. 008). CUS warrants further study as a tool for assessing bone mineral acquisition in children.

Absorptiometry, Photon↗

PubMed1999

Effects of radiation on a model of malignant glioma invasion.

We sought to characterize the effects of radiation alone and in combination with BCNU and dexamethasone on malignant glioma invasion. A model of malignant glioma invasion into a gel matrix of collagen type I was used to characterize response to radiation treatment for four malignant glioma cell lines (C6, U251, U373, A172) and nine primary human glioblastoma explants. A radiation dose dependent inhibition of invasion was noted for the C6 astrocytoma cell line but not the other cell lines or explants. Addition of BCNU and dexamethasone to radiation produced additional inhibition of invasion among the cell lines and explants but could not suppress invasion entirely.

Antineoplastic Agents, Alkylating↗

PubMed1999

Systemic sclerosis (scleroderma) in two iron ore mines.

Six males with systemic sclerosis were observed in the work forces of two iron ore mines. The usual spectrum of clinical features encountered in systemic sclerosis patients were present. Histologic examination of pulmonary tissue was performed on three of the cases and showed features of both silicosis and scleroderma but to different degrees and stages of development. Exposure to high levels of silica-containing dusts had occurred in all six cases.

Adult↗

PubMed1999

3-nitroadipate, a metabolic intermediate for mineralization of 2, 4-dinitrophenol by a new strain of a Rhodococcus species.

The bacterial strain RB1 has been isolated by enrichment cultivation with 2,4-dinitrophenol as the sole nitrogen, carbon, and energy source and characterized, on the basis of 16S rRNA gene sequence comparison, as a Rhodococcus species closely related to Rhodococcus opacus. Rhodococcus sp. strain RB1 degrades 2,4-dinitrophenol, releasing the two nitro groups from the compound as nitrite. The release of nitro groups from 2,4-dinitrophenol occurs in two steps. First, the 2-nitro group is removed as nitrite, with the production of an aliphatic nitro compound identified by 1H nuclear magnetic resonance and mass spectrometry as 3-nitroadipate. Then, this metabolic derivative is further metabolized, releasing its nitro group as nitrite. Full nitrite assimilation upon reduction to ammonia requires that an additional carbon source be supplied to the medium.

2,4-Dinitrophenol↗

PubMed1999

The measurement of expressed emotion in relationships between staff and service users: the use of short speech samples.

OBJECTIVES: Research on expressed emotion (EE) has demonstrated a remarkable consistency across cultures and over time; the psychosocial climate in relationships is important in determining the course of problems in mental health. The rating of EE might be described as the least accessible aspect of this literature to those who have not undertaken a training course. The purpose of this study was twofold: first, to obtain EE ratings for staff-patient relationships via interview and speech sample methods, in order to estimate the validity of the shorter method (the Five-Minute-Speech-Sample, FMSS); second, to examine the generalizability of the FMSS rating method to raters who were not previously trained to rate EE. DESIGN AND METHOD: Staff (N = 15) working in a day hospital service for people with enduring mental health problems were interviewed about their work with at least one patient (N = 32), and also asked to provide an FMSS on each relationship. Ratings of FMSS-EE were subsequently compared with the Camberwell Family Interview-EE ratings. Following an hour-long training period, the FMSS-EE ratings of five postgraduate students were then compared with those of a criterion rater. RESULTS: Correspondence between the two measures of EE was found to be good, with overall agreement achieved in 89.7% of cases. Raters with very limited training in the concept and rating of EE were accurate in identifying the overall rating of the relationship in question, but less accurate in identifying specific critical comments. CONCLUSION: The FMSS technique can be used reliably to identify negative relationships even by raters given very limited training. Clinical and research applications are suggested.

Adult↗

PubMed1999

HIV/AIDS.

Explore the source record for details and available documents.

Black or African American↗

PubMed1998

Evidence for genetic linkage to alcohol dependence on chromosomes 4 and 11 from an autosome-wide scan in an American Indian population.

To identify specific genes affecting vulnerability or resistance, we performed a whole-autosomal genome scan for genetic linkage to alcohol dependence in a Southwestern American Indian tribe. Genotypes at 517 autosomal microsatellite loci and clinical evaluations were available for 152 subjects belonging to extended pedigrees and forming 172 sib-pairs. Highly suggestive evidence for linkage emerged for two genomic regions using two- and multipoint sib-pair regression methods; both regions harbored neurogenetic candidate genes. The best evidence is seen with D11S1984 (nominal P = 0.00007, lod approximately equal to 3.1) on chromosome 11p, in close proximity to the DRD4 dopamine receptor and tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) genes. Good evidence is seen with D4S3242 (nominal P = 0.0002, lod approximately equal to 2.8) on chromosome 4p, near the beta1 GABA receptor gene. Interestingly, three loci in the alcohol dehydrogenase gene cluster on chromosome 4q showed evidence for linkage with two-point analyses, but not multipoint analysis.

Adult↗

PubMed1998

Clinical utility of CA125 levels in predicting laparoscopically confirmed salpingitis in patients with clinically diagnosed pelvic inflammatory disease.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to determine the utility of serum CA125 determinations in diagnosing acute salpingitis. METHODS: CA125 levels were determined for 34 women with the clinical diagnosis of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). Acute salpingitis was confirmed laparoscopically in 28 women (82.3%). RESULTS: Twenty patients (71.4%) with laparoscopically confirmed acute salpingitis had CA125 levels greater than 7.5 units, compared with no patients (0/6) with laparoscopically normal tubes (P = 0.002). The degree of elevation of CA125 levels correlated with the severity of tubal inflammation noted at laparoscopy. All patients with levels above 16 units had laparoscopically severe salpingitis. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that while CA125 levels above 7.5 units may modestly improve the ability of the clinical diagnosis of PID to accurately reflect visually confirmed acute salpingitis, limitations of the test make its clinical utility questionable.

Adult↗

PubMed1998

Serial precision of metabolite peak area ratios and water referenced metabolite peak areas in proton MR spectroscopy of the human brain.

The precision of cerebral proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) measurements is critical both in the clinical setting and for research purposes. Marshall et al. have recently concluded that "disappointing in vivo repeatability...is likely to limit" the ability of MRS to detect modest changes. We present here a comprehensive study of the precision of short- and long-term metabolite peak area ratios and water referenced metabolite peak areas for long echo time point resolved spectroscopy (PRESS) spectra (repetition time (TR) = 2000 ms, echo time (TE) = 136 ms) acquired from the occipital lobes of normal volunteers and a phantom using a conventional whole body 1.5 T MR system and conventional acquisition and analysis protocols. Short-term in vitro precision determined by five repeat scans on five occasions was excellent as measured by a mean coefficient of variation (NAA/Cho = 1.3%, NAA/Cr + PCr = 1.0%, Cho/Cr + PCr = 1.6%, NAA/H2O = 0.5%, Cho/H2O = 1.2%, Cr + PCr/H2O = 0.8%). Long term in vitro precision using 100 spectra acquired over 2 years was also very good (NAA/Cho = 2.7%, NAA/Cr + PCr = 1.4%, Cho/Cr + PCr = 2.2%, NAA/H2O = 1.5%, Cho/H2O = 2.4%, Cr + PCr/H2O = 1.5%). Short-term in vivo precision determined by five repeat scans in a single scanning session on eight subjects was also excellent (NAA/Cho = 5.2%, NAA/Cr + PCr = 3.0%, Cho/Cr + PCr = 6.6%, NAA/H2O = 1.4%, Cho/H2O = 4.9%, Cr + PCr/H2O = 2.7%) and only worsened slightly for long-term in vivo precision determined by five repeat scans on eight subjects over 3 months (NAA/Cho = 5.2%, NAA/Cr + PCr = 4.8%, Cho/Cr + PCr = 7.7%, NAA/H2O = 2.5%, Cho/H2O = 6.4%, Cr + PCr/H2O = 3.8%). We attribute the excellent precision reported here to the use of highly automated techniques for voxel shimming, water suppression and peak area measurements. These results allow us to repudiate Marshall's assertion regarding disappointing repeatability of in vivo MRS.

Adult↗

PubMed1998

Nursing perspectives in meningococcal disease.

Meningococcal sepsis is a potentially life threatening disease. Recent advances have led towards increased emphasis being placed on early identification and prompt aggressive management of these patients. This article outlines the disease pathology, describing a case study to illustrate the management and nursing care of a child with meningococcal sepsis. Current therapies are also discussed.

Critical Care↗