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Biomedical subjects

E Owen

Publications and source records attributed to E Owen.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed1996

Responses to supplementation in white Fulani cattle under agro-pastoral management in northern Nigeria. 1. Phosphorus.

Using on-farm supplementation trials with a P rich block (Phos) and a salt block (Salt), deficiency of P in White Fulani cattle in Nigeria was investigated. There was some evidence, significant in some locations but nonsignificant overall, that P supplemented dams produced heavier calves and supported greater calf growth. Dam mean weight gains, 9 to 1 months pre-partum were 6.9 kg/month on Phos (s.d. = 5.0, n = 50) and 3.8 kg/month on Salt (s.d. = 4.7 n = 54) (P > 0.05). Overall least squares means of calf weights at 12 months were 105.2 kg (n = 29, s.e. 9.3) on Phos and 91.5 kg (n = 37, s.e. 6.3) on Salt (P > 0.05). In animals below 2 years of age, mortalities were 6.8% on Phos and 13.6% on Salt (n = 179, Chi-square P < 0.01). No response to supplementation was observed in older and non-pregnant cattle.

Aging↗
PubMed1995

Osteoporosis in rheumatoid arthritis. A monozygotic co-twin control study.

OBJECTIVE: To quantify the magnitude and distribution of osteoporosis in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). METHODS: Bone mineral density (BMD) was measured by dual x-ray absorptiometry, in a monozygotic co-twin control study. RESULTS: BMD was reduced at most skeletal sites in the twin with RA compared with the co-twin (lumbar spine 4.6%, femoral neck 9.7%, total body 5.7%). Differences in lean soft tissue (5.6% for total body) correlated with differences in BMD between twins at multiple sites. CONCLUSION: Osteoporosis in RA is generalized and may be related to loss of mobility or muscle mass associated with the disease.

Arthritis, Rheumatoid↗
PubMed1994

Isolation of four major subunits from Clostridium thermocellum cellulosome and their synergism in the hydrolysis of crystalline cellulose.

The cellulosome of Clostridium thermocellum, purified by affinity chromatography, was dissociated under mild conditions and separated by SDS-PAGE. Two major p-nitrophenylcellobiosidases (PNPCases I and II) corresponding to the S5 (103 kDa) and S8 (78 kDa) subunits and one major carboxymethylcellulase (CMCase) coinciding with the S11 (60.5 kDa) subunit were isolated and characterized using carboxymethylcellulose (CMC), H3PO4-swollen cellulose and cello-oligosaccharides. Both PNPCases showed little effect on the viscosity of CMC and released twice as much total sugar as reducing sugar from H3PO4-swollen cellulose. The CMCase released ten times more total sugar than reducing sugar from H3PO4-swollen cellulose and reduced the viscosity of CMC rapidly. None of these enzymes was active on cellotriose. Both PNPCases released cellobiose from cellotetraose, and cellobiose and cellotriose from cellopentaose. In contrast, CMCase was active only on cellopentaose and released mainly glucose. Use of MeUmb(Glc)n revealed that both PNPCases cleaved preferentially either the second or fourth linkage from the non-reducing end while the CMCase was specific for the internal glycosidic bonds. Thus, the PNPCases and CMCase behaved as typical exo- and endoglucanases, respectively. When tested individually, all three enzymes degraded Avicel only to a small extent. A 1.5-2.0-fold increase in sugar release was observed when CMCase was combined with either PNPCase I, II or both. Combining S1 with either PNPCase II or CMCase resulted in fourfold synergism in the hydrolysis of Avicel. Synergism was sevenfold when all three enzymes were combined with S1.

Bacterial Proteins↗
PubMed1992

Achieving better patency rates and neoendothelialization in 1-millimeter polytetrafluoroethylene grafts by varying fibril length and wall thickness.

This study evaluates the effects of different fibril lengths and wall thicknesses on patency and neoendothelialization in 1 mm inner diameter polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE; Gore-Tex) grafts and highlights the importance of longer fibril lengths and matching wall thicknesses. Fibril lengths tested were 30, 60, and 90 microns. The grafts had a wall thickness ranging from 0.18 to 0.34 mm. Ninety-six grafts were implanted in the infrarenal aorta of Wistar rats. Grafts were harvested at various intervals and examined macroscopically, by light microscopy, and by scanning electron microscopy. Both the highest patency rates and the best grades of neoendothelialization were observed in the 90 microns fibril length grafts, while the lowest of both were seen in the 30 microns fibril length grafts. From this study we conclude that 90 microns fibril length PTFE can be considered a valid micrograft for bridging arterial defects in microvascular reconstructive procedures.

Animals↗
PubMed1992

Listeria monocytogenes causing endovascular infection.

Listeria monocytogenes is an uncommon cause of mycotic aneurysms, endocarditis, and other endovascular infections. When they occur, these infections usually involve patients with relatively normal host defenses, but with abnormal vascular intima or cardiac valves. We have reported a Listeria monocytogenes infection at the site of a posttraumatic aortic aneurysm.

Aged↗
PubMed1992

[Microsurgical vaso-vasostomy: a reliable method of vasectomy reversal].

An original microsurgical technique has been used since 1971 to reverse the vasectomies of 2,110 men. Both sides were anastomosed if possible using a meticulous two layered technique with further reinforcing sutures to prevent strain on the join. Other important points include testing the fluid emerging from the testicular end, checking patency of the prostatic end and insisting on good scrotal support in the recovery phase, particularly the important first few days. The series returned a 95% baby rate, with a return of sperm to the ejaculate in 93% of cases.

Adult↗
PubMed1989

Development of smallholder dairy units in Malaysia.

In experiments conducted over a four-year period the effect of pasture type (Setaria sphacelata and a Brachiaria decumbens/Leucaena leucocephala mixture), management system (rotational grazing and cut and carry) and level of concentrate supplement (0, 4 and 6 kg fresh weight/cow per day) on milk production in smallholder dairy units was examined. All units were 1 ha in size and stocked with five Sahiwal X Friesian cows. Milk yields/ha were higher from rotational grazing and the brachiaria/leucaena pasture when compared with the cut and carry system and the setaria pasture respectively. In subsequent experiments smallholder units were based on brachiaria/leucaena and rotational grazing. A supplement of 4 kg fresh weight of concentrate (11 MJ/kg DM and 150 g/kg DM CP) increased milk yield/ha from 7,760 to 13,045 kg while in a third trial milk yield/ha was further increased from 14,148 to 16,760 kg when concentrate level was raised from 4 to 6 kg fresh weight/day. The results indicate that smallholder dairy units in Malaysia could be economically viable and competitive with other agricultural enterprises such as rubber and oil palm.

Animal Feed↗
PubMed1989

Timed oocyte collection in an assisted conception programme using GnRH analogue.

Three-hundred-and-twenty-five patients on an assisted conception programme underwent 378 cycles of oocyte retrieval (OPU) following ovarian stimulation using a GnRH analogue and human menopausal gonadotrophins (HMG), a regimen which allows programmed cycles and delayed oocyte retrieval. Eighteen cycles were excluded (failed OPU in three and failure of fertilization in 15). In 360 cycles, patients completed their treatment with either in-vitro fertilization/embryo transfer (IVF/ET) (116) or gamete intra-Fallopian transfer (GIFT) (244), of which 241 took place at the normal time and 119 were delayed for 24 h or more to avoid weekend operating. The overall pregnancy rate per OPU was 29.5%, with the IVF group being 24.1% and the GIFT group being 32.8%. In the group of patients in whom OPU was delayed, the pregnancy rate was significantly higher in each sub-group than in the corresponding non-delayed sub-group (overall, 37.0 versus 25.7%; IVF/ET, 38.5 versus 16.9%; GIFT, 36.3 versus 31.1%). There was a significantly higher number of oocytes collected, gametes/embryos transferred in the group whose OPU had been delayed. In patients receiving GnRH analogue and HMG for ovarian stimulation, delaying oocyte retrieval is not harmful, may result in an improved outcome and allows OPU to be performed on routine operating lists. This facility, together with the improved pregnancy rates associated with this protocol of ovarian stimulation should improve the cost-effectiveness of assisted conception programmes.

Adult↗
PubMed1989

The effects of method of presenting health plan information on HMO enrollment by Medicaid beneficiaries.

Marketing strategies are critical for enhancing HMO enrollments among Medicaid beneficiaries when they are provided a choice of health plans. This study examined one component of marketing HMOs--the method of communicating the HMO's attributes. The purpose of the analysis was to determine if characteristics of Medicaid beneficiaries who enroll in HMOs vary by method of communicating information about health plan options. Data were analyzed from the marketing component of California's Prepaid Health Research, Evaluation, and Demonstration (PHRED) project. Five communication methods are examined in the article: brochure, film, county eligibility worker presentation, state representative presentation, and HMO representative presentation. The analysis reveals that each communication method is most effective with a different type of beneficiary. No single consumer characteristic is related to HMO enrollment across all five methods, although lack of a private physician and dissatisfaction with a current provider are associated with choice in four methods. Film is the best method for attracting persons who have an ongoing relationship with a provider.

Adult↗
PubMed1988

Incorporation of grass silage, whole cereal grains, cassava and cottonseed meal into diets of rabbits kept in a simulated tropical environment.

The growth and feed conversion of rabbits fed either grass silage or whole grains and supplementary pelleted concentrate of cassava/cottonseed diets were investigated. Poor quality grass silage (pH 4.9) was almost completely rejected by young rabbits initially fed either 17.8 g or 35.5 g DM/day of a supplementary concentrate. Rabbits on the lower level of concentrate provision lost 0.35 g liveweight per day. Rabbits initially weighing 1.77 kg fed complete pelleted diets containing 667 g/kg maize or 667 g/kg sorghum showed improved daily liveweight gains (22.6 g) over rabbits fed whole grains and pelleted supplements (19.4 g) in an experiment lasting 40 days. In a second experiment there were no significant effects of pelleting or type of cereal on liveweight gain or feed conversion ratio. Pelleting significantly improved crude protein digestibility of diets whilst maize diets were superior in DM, organic matter and crude protein digestibilities. The inclusion of cottonseed meal containing 700 mg/kg free gossypol in diets at levels of 150 and 300 g/kg did not affect growth rate or feed conversion in rabbits weighing 0.92 kg initially. These diets contained up to 364 g/kg cassava suggesting that this ingredient can be used in rabbit diets as an energy source in replacement for whole grains.

Animal Feed↗
PubMed1988

Rapidly progressive destructive arthropathy of the shoulder--a viewpoint on pathogenesis.

Two cases of rapidly progressive destructive shoulder arthropathy are described. Both patients were elderly women with generalized osteoarthropathy who had used forearm crutches for walking. Their shoulder disease was characterized by large, relatively painless effusions, low numbers of infiltrating leukocytes, biopsy evidence of mild inflammation, and radiological evidence of severe joint damage. Case 1 developed persistent drainage from a joint sinus, eventually necessitating arthrodesis. This complication has not previously been described in this condition. Hydroxyapatite crystals were demonstrated in the joint fluid in both cases but their pathological role is uncertain. We suggest that bearing weight through the upper limbs may hasten the development of degenerative arthritis in the shoulder, possibly by contributing to mechanical disruption of the rotator cuff.

Acute Disease↗
PubMed1985

AIDS and surgery.

Explore the source record for details and available documents.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗
PubMed1984

Reversal of female sterilization. Review of 252 microsurgical salpingo-salpingostomies.

Over a 10-year period from December 1972, the reversal of routine surgical sterilizations in 252 women resulted in a high rate of subsequent full-term pregnancies. The ages of these women ranged from 22 to 40 years (average, 32.5 years), and the parity ranged from 0 to 4 (average, 2.1 children). A meticulous microsurgical approach was employed for all tubal reconstructive operations. Pregnancy usually occurred within 12 months of the reconstruction (75%), but, occasionally, it occurred within the first two months (8%). In the group of 68 women, in whom the previous sterilization procedure had affected only the isthmial section of the fallopian tube, a remarkable full-term pregnancy rate of 93% was achieved. It is, therefore, recommended that all sterilization procedures in women should be performed in the mid-isthmic portion of the tube, because reversals of sterilizations in this area have the best chance of success.

Adult↗
PubMed1984

Vasectomy reversal. Review of 475 microsurgical vasovasostomies.

Over a 10-year period, routine vasectomies were reversed, and a very high rate of return of patency and potency was obtained in a series of 475 patients. The patients who presented for the reversal of vasectomy were, on average, about 33 years of age and had undergone vasectomy five years previously. An original, meticulous, microsurgical technique enabled the return of sperms to the ejaculate in over 90% of patients; the subsequent pregnancy rate in their spouses was over 82% in the first two years after the operation. The reversal of routine vasectomies which have been performed in the mid-scrotal area, at least 3 cm away from the epididymis, has the best chance of success; damage to the epididymis may preclude the reconstructive procedure.

Adult↗
PubMed1981

The cyclopropane fatty acid of trypanosomatids.

Cis-9,10-Methyleneoctadecanoic acid, one of a group of cyclopropane fatty acids commonly found in bacteria but not in eukaryotic cells, has been identified in the phosphatidylethanolamines of 27 isolates representing 5 genera of trypanosomatid flagellates (Crithidia, Leptomonas, Herpetomonas, Phytomonas, Leishmania). Its presence did not appear to be associated with endosymbiotic or other microbiol associates. It was absent from 12 isolates of the genera Blastocrithidia, Endotrypanum and Trypanosoma.

Animals↗