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Biomedical subjects

J Bennett

Publications and source records attributed to J Bennett.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources

Removal of UroLume endoprosthesis: experience of the North American Study Group for detrusor-sphincter dyssynergia application.

PURPOSE: We present the experience of the North American UroLume Multicenter Study Group with removal of the UroLume endoprosthesis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 160 neurologically impaired patients were enrolled in the North American UroLume Multicenter Study Group for detrusor external sphincter dyssynergia application. Analysis was performed in 2 groups of patients in which the device was removed during insertion and after implantation, respectively. RESULTS: Device retrieval was required during insertion in 21 patients (13%) mainly due to misplacement or migration in 17. Extraction was done with minimal complications and in all but 2 cases subsequent UroLume implantation was successful. Of 158 men with the device in place 31 (19.6%) required removal. In 34 procedures 44 devices were removed, mainly due to migration. Time from implantation to removal ranged from 4 days to 66 months (mean 22 months). The UroLume was removed en bloc in 20 cases and in parts or wire by wire in 19. The majority of patients had no or minimal complications after extraction. Only 2 patients had serious temporary complications, including bleeding and urethral injury, with no lasting consequences. No malignancy developed as a result of UroLume insertion. CONCLUSIONS: While there is a potential for urethral injury and bleeding, UroLume endoprosthesis removal is largely a simple procedure with minimal complications and consequences.

Humans↗

The role of P-glycoprotein in determining the oral absorption and clearance of the NK2 antagonist, UK-224,671.

UK-224,671 has been shown to exhibit low oral bioavailability in vivo due to poor absorption from the GI tract. The purpose of this study was to investigate the underlying reason for this observation. In Caco-2 cell flux experiments, the absorptive (A to B) flux of UK-224,671 was low, consistent with poor in vivo absorption. However, flux in the B to A direction was significantly greater, suggesting that UK-224,671 can permeate the membrane of the gut wall cell. Such a Caco-2 cell flux is indicative of transporter mediated efflux, possibly by P-glycoprotein. In P-glycoprotein knockout mice, the oral bioavailability of UK-224,671 was 22%, representing a significant increase over the P-glycoprotein expressing wild type mice (<2%). However, in the knockout mice absorption was still incomplete, suggesting that both P-glycoprotein mediated efflux and poor membrane permeation combine to limit the oral absorption of UK-224,671 in wild type mice. Lack of P-glycoprotein expression had no effect on the clearance of UK-224,671 in mice, which suggests that uptake from the blood into the excretory cell is mediated by a transporter other than P-glycoprotein. Bile duct cannulated rat experiments show that approximately 20% of the clearance of UK-224,671 occurs by direct secretion across the gut wall into the faeces. This clearance pathway requires UK-224,671 to cross both the basolateral and apical membranes of the gut wall cell. P-glycoprotein is likely to be involved in the passage of the compound across the apical membrane as has been observed for other P-glycoprotein substrates.

ATP Binding Cassette Transporter, Subfamily B, Mem↗

Identification of novel serine proteinase gene transcripts in the midguts of two tropical insect pests, Scirpophaga incertulas (Wk.) and Helicoverpa armigera (Hb.).

We have used RT PCR and 3'RACE to identify diverse serine proteinase genes expressed in the midguts of the rice yellow stem borer (Scirpophaga incertulas) and Asian corn borer (Helicoverpa armigera). The RT-PCR primers encoded the conserved regions around the active site histidine57 and serine195 of Drosophila melanogaster alpha trypsin, including aspartate189 of the specificity pocket. These primers amplified three transcripts (SiP1-3) from midguts of S. incertulas, and two transcripts (HaP1-2) from midguts of H. armigera. The five RT PCR products were sequenced to permit design of gene-specific forward primers for use with anchored oligo dT primers in 3'RACE. Sequencing of the 3'RACE products indicated that SiP1, SiP2 and HaP1 encoded trypsin-like serine proteinases, while HaP2 encoded a chymotrypsin-like serine proteinases. The SiP3 transcript proved to be an abundant 960 nt mRNA encoding a trypsin-like protein in which the active site serine195 was replaced by aspartate. The possible functions of this unusual protein are discussed.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Recruitment experience in the first phase of the African American Hereditary Prostate Cancer (AAHPC) study.

The African American Hereditary Prostate Cancer (AAHPC) Study is an ongoing multicenter genetic linkage study organized by Howard University and the National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI), with support from the Office for Research on Minority Health and the National Cancer Institute. The goals of the study are to: (i) look for evidence of involvement of chromosome 1q24-25 (HPC1) in African American men with hereditary prostate cancer (HPC) and (ii) conduct a genome-wide search for other loci associated with HPC in African American men. To accomplish these goals, a network has been established including Howard University, the NHGRI, and six Collaborative Recruitment Centers (CRCs). The CRCs are responsible for the identification and enrollment of 100 African American families. To date, 43 families have been enrolled. Recruitment strategies have included mass media campaigns, physician referrals, community health-fairs/prostate cancer screenings, support groups, tumor registries, as well as visits to churches, barber shops, and universities. By far, the most productive recruitment mechanisms have been physician referrals and tumor registries, yielding a total of 35 (81%) families. Approximately 41% (n = 3400) of probands initially contacted by phone or mail expressed interest in participating; the families of 2% of these met the eligibility criteria, and 75% of those families have been enrolled in the study, indicating a 0.5% recruitment yield (ratio of participants to contacts). As the first large-scale genetic linkage study of African Americans, on a common disease, the challenges and successes of the recruitment process for the AAHPC Study should serve to inform future efforts to involve this population in similar studies.

Black or African American↗

Mutation of a nuclear receptor gene, NR2E3, causes enhanced S cone syndrome, a disorder of retinal cell fate.

Hereditary human retinal degenerative diseases usually affect the mature photoreceptor topography by reducing the number of cells through apoptosis, resulting in loss of visual function. Only one inherited retinal disease, the enhanced S-cone syndrome (ESCS), manifests a gain in function of photoreceptors. ESCS is an autosomal recessive retinopathy in which patients have an increased sensitivity to blue light; perception of blue light is mediated by what is normally the least populous cone photoreceptor subtype, the S (short wavelength, blue) cones. People with ESCS also suffer visual loss, with night blindness occurring from early in life, varying degrees of L (long, red)- and M (middle, green)-cone vision, and retinal degeneration. The altered ratio of S- to L/M-cone photoreceptor sensitivity in ESCS may be due to abnormal cone cell fate determination during retinal development. In 94% of a cohort of ESCS probands we found mutations in NR2E3 (also known as PNR), which encodes a retinal nuclear receptor recently discovered to be a ligand-dependent transcription factor. Expression of NR2E3 was limited to the outer nuclear layer of the human retina. Our results suggest that NR2E3 has a role in determining photoreceptor phenotype during human retinogenesis.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Isolation of shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) from foods using EHEC agar.

Enterohaemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC) agar was evaluated for its ability to recover one isolate of each of three serotypes (O157:H7, O26 and O113:H21) of shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) from raw mince, pasteurized milk and salami after enrichment. The method detected around one colony-forming unit (cfu) in 25 ml in milk, but was less sensitive with salami, requiring 10-1000 cfu 25 g-1 (depending on serotype) for detection. In raw minced beef any enterohaemolysin-producing colonies were outnumbered by other colonies and only one of 12 enrichments yielded the inoculum serotype. Additional tests were conducted on 15 retail meat products. One 25-g sample of each product was processed as purchased, while another was inoculated with 157-185 cfu of a cocktail of E. coli O157, O113 and O26 cultures. Recovery was easily achieved with cooked meat products and salami. Recovery from raw minced meat was again difficult, but sometimes possible. Testing more suspect colonies than were tested in this study would presumably increase the sensitivity of the method.

Animals↗

Synovial chondromatosis of the temporomandibular joint: varying presentation in 4 cases.

Synovial chondromatosis is a rare condition in which cartilage is formed in the synovial membrane of a joint. The manifestations of this benign neoplastic process can mimic many common temporomandibular joint and parotid diseases. Four cases of synovial chondromatosis are presented. In each case, atypical presentation, coexisting joint disease, or both caused diagnostic confusion. The histories and physical examinations were initially consistent with more common joint diseases in each case. Imaging provided some insight into diagnosis and was a definitive indication for surgical treatment. Treatment by subtotal synovectomy and by removal of chondromatous nodules were undertaken in each case. No patient in our series has had recurrence of disease or symptoms after surgical treatment.

Adult↗

HPA-1, 3, 5 genotyping to establish a typed platelet donor panel.

Platelet antigen typing of blood donors is not routinely performed. Usually, ABO-matched platelets are transfused. In situations where the recipient has a human platelet-associated (HPA) antibody resulting in refractoriness to platelet transfusions, post-transfusion purpura or neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia, HPA-typed platelets may be required. Having a panel of HPA-typed donors would be helpful. This study utilised PCR-RFLP and PCR-SSP methods to determine the HPA-1, 3, 5 genotypes of 1,000 blood donors to establish a panel of HPA homozygous donors who could donate platelets for patients with anti-HPA-antibodies. The study demonstrates the HPA genotype frequencies in a Western Australian blood donor population and has identified donors who are homozygous for the "aa" and "bb" genotypes for HPA-1, 3 and 5. The Australian Red Cross Blood Service-NW Region can now use these data to develop a panel of HPA-1, 3 and 5 "aa" and "bb" homozygous platelet donors, which can be accessed for patients with HPA antibodies requiring platelet transfusion.

Antigens, Human Platelet↗

The long-term survival of lower second primary molars in subjects with agenesis of the premolars.

This study investigated 41 subjects, 13 male and 28 female, with agenesis of one or both lower second premolars, and with retained lower second primary molars. Intra-oral radiographs of 59 primary teeth were examined to judge the resorption of the mesial and distal roots, and were measured to record infra-occlusion of the primary teeth and tipping of the adjacent permanent teeth. The study commenced at 11-12 years of age. The mean age at the last measurement was 20 years 6 months (SD 3.62, range 13.6-31.8 years). During the observation period, only two of the 59 primary teeth were exfoliated. Five were extracted, two of which were replaced by upper third molar transplants. Beyond the age of 20 years no teeth were lost. Root resorption varied widely between individuals, but was slow. There was no typical pattern for development of infra-occlusion. Mean infra-occlusion was 0.47 mm (SD 1.13) at 11-12 years, increasing by less than 1.0 to 1.43 mm (SD 1.13) at age 17-18 years. At age 19-20 years, 55 per cent of teeth showed infra-occlusion between 0.5 and 4.5 mm, but 45 per cent showed no infra-occlusion. The space between the first molar and first premolar was a mean of 10.35 mm (SD 0.76) at age 10-12 years compared with the mean width of the second primary molar of 10.53 mm (SD 0.51). The space reduced by less than 0.5 mm to 9.95 mm (SD 1.50) at age 17-18 years. If primary molars are present at 20 years of age they appear to have a good prognosis for long-term survival.

Adolescent↗

Systemic effects of formoterol and salmeterol: a dose-response comparison in healthy subjects.

BACKGROUND: The main adverse effects of inhaled long acting beta(2) agonists relate to their systemic activity. The systemic effects seen over eight hours after inhalation of three doses of salmeterol and formoterol were therefore compared in normal subjects. METHODS: A double blind, randomised, crossover study was carried out in 16 healthy subjects who inhaled formoterol 24, 48 and 96 microg (via Turbuhaler((R))), salmeterol 100, 200 and 400 microg (via Diskhaler((R))), or placebo on separate days. Heart rate, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and plasma potassium and glucose concentrations were measured for eight hours following each drug and mean values were used to plot the time course of change after each dose. Mean maximum (or minimum) absolute values were used to construct dose-response curves to calculate the relative dose potency of the two drugs. Lunch was taken after the four hour readings and, since this caused additional changes to the main outcome measures, data from the first four hours are also presented in a post hoc analysis. RESULTS: Both salmeterol and formoterol caused an early dose dependent increase in heart rate and glucose concentrations and a fall in diastolic blood pressure and plasma potassium concentration; formoterol also caused an early increase in systolic blood pressure. The cardiovascular effects occurred more rapidly than the metabolic effects and the response to formoterol was faster than that of salmeterol, apart from the glycaemic response. The effects of salmeterol were slightly more prolonged than those of formoterol, although some dose related effects were apparent at eight hours with both drugs. The relative dose potency for formoterol compared with salmeterol at four and eight hours for the different end points excluding systolic blood pressure ranged from 1.6 to 7.0 after adjusting for baseline values. Relative dose potencies (95% CI) for maximum heart rate and plasma potassium concentrations were 4.1 (3.0 to 5.6) and 5.8 (4.1 to 8.6) over four hours and 2.4 (1.2 to 3.8) and 3.0 (1.2 to 5.7) over eight hours. CONCLUSIONS: Formoterol and salmeterol cause dose related changes in heart rate, diastolic blood pressure, and plasma glucose and potassium concentrations. Formoterol has a more rapid onset for most end points whereas salmeterol has slightly more prolonged activity. Both drugs have a relatively modest therapeutic window. The relative dose potencies of the two drugs for the main end points were similar to the fourfold difference in recommended doses. Some differences in the pharmacological profile of the two drugs emerged and are as yet unexplained.

Adolescent↗

Point-of-care testing: inspection preparedness.

Point-of-care testing (POCT) in the operating room has changed dramatically since the implementation of the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA '88), which became effective in September 1992. With the implementation of CLIA '88, the Health Care Financing Administration (HCFA) mandated that human specimen testing 'for the purpose of diagnosis, prevention, or treatment of any disease or impairment of, or the assessment of the health of human beings', must be performed by a certified laboratory or testing site. To attain and maintain accreditation, the need for more stringent and comprehensive documentation has become imperative. The Joint Commission for the Accreditation of Hospitals (JCAHO), the College of American Pathologists (CAPS), HCFA, and state regulatory agencies require data such as staff credentialling, staff training/competency, procedure manuals, quality control logs, quality assurance/corrective action plans, correlation studies, proficiency testing results, and equipment maintenance logs to assure specimens are analyzed in a reliable manner by competent personnel so as not to jeopardize the safety and well being of the patient. Developing a comprehensive, ongoing survey readiness plan that includes a pre-survey checklist of all the documentation required and having this documentation in order and up to date well in advance of the survey will greatly enhance the probability of a successful survey conducted by the various regulatory agencies.

Accreditation↗

A survey of World Wide Web use in middle-aged and older adults.

We conducted a survey to document World Wide Web use patterns in middle-aged (ages 40-59), young-old (ages 60-74), and old-old adults (ages 75-92). We conducted this survey of 550 adults 40 years old and over in southeastern Michigan, and the overall response rate was approximately 71%. The results suggested that (a) there are distinct age and demographic differences in individuals who use the Web; (b) middle-aged and older Web users are similar in their use patterns; (c) the two primary predictors for not using the Web are lack of access to a computer and lack of knowledge about the Web; (d) old-old adults have the least interest in using the Web compared with middle-aged and young-old adults; and (e) the primary content areas in learning how to use the Web are learning how to use electronic mail and accessing health information and information about traveling for pleasure. This research may serve as a preliminary attempt to ascertain the issues that must be faced in order to increase use of the World Wide Web in middle-aged and older adults.

Adult↗

Effect of plant age, larval age, and fertilizer treatment on resistance of a cry1Ab-transformed aromatic rice to lepidopterous stem borers and foliage feeders.

The resistance of vegetative, booting, and flowering stage plants of a variety of an aromatic rice, Oryza sativa L., transformed with a Bacillus thuringiensis Berliner cry1Ab gene under control of the maize phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase (PEPC) promoter was evaluated against four lepidopterous rice pests--the stem borers Chilo suppressalis (Walker) (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) and Scirpophaga incertulas (Walker) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae), and the foliage feeders Cnaphalocrocis medinalis Guenée (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) and Naranga aenescens Moore (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae). Plants of the cry1Ab-transformed line (no. 827) were more resistant to young larvae of S. incertulas, C. suppressalis, and C. medinalis than control plants at the vegetative stage but not at the flowering stage. Survival of 10-d-old stem borer larvae did not differ on cry1Ab plants and control plants at either the vegetative or flowering stage, but the development of 10-d-old C. suppressalis larvae was retarded on the vegetative stage cry1Ab plants. Immunological analysis also showed an apparent decline in Cry1Ab titer in leaf blades and leaf sheaths at the reproductive stage. In experiments comparing three fertilizer treatments (NPK, PK, and none), there was a significant interaction between fertilizer treatment and variety on larval survival only in whole-plant assays at booting stage with C. suppressalis. On cry1Ab plants, larval survival did not differ significantly among the three fertilizer levels, whereas on control plants survival was highest with the NPK treatment. cry1Ab plants tested at the sixth and seventh generations after transformation were more resistant than control plants to N. aenescens and C. suppressalis, respectively, suggesting that gene silencing will not occur in line 827. The results of the experiments are discussed in terms of resistance management for B. thuringiensis toxins in rice.

Animals↗

Biodiversity of Asian rice gall midge (Orseolia oryzae Wood Mason) from five countries examined by AFLP analysis.

Amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) analysis was used to assess the biodiversity of one of the most important dipteran pests of cereals, the Asian rice gall midge (Orseolia oryzae Wood Mason). Larvae and pupae were collected at 15 locations in five Asian countries and preserved in 95% ethanol for storage, shipment, and DNA extraction using cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB). Although only approximately 1 microg of DNA was extracted from a single pupa or larva, the use of several AFLP primers in various combinations meant that this amount of DNA was sufficient to allow many DNA fingerprints to be made per individual. Fingerprints were sufficiently reproducible, especially during selective amplification, to allow the genetic diversity within a field population to be characterized. Extraction of DNA from a pool of 20 insects yielded AFLP fingerprints in which variation among individuals was sacrificed in favor of detecting differences among populations. For each location, pooled DNA was amplified with three primer pairs. A total of 261 distinct AFLP bands were identified for the 45 fingerprints. Cluster analysis, performed by the unweighted pair-group method (UPGMA), separated the populations into two distinct groups. Group I included two populations from Guangdong province of southern China and one each from Laos and Imphal in northeastern India, while group II was comprised of eleven populations from elsewhere in India (Assam, Orissa, Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, and Kerala) and from Nepal and Sri Lanka. AFLP analysis provided insight into the origins of gall midge biotypes. In 1992, the prevailing biotype in Imphal changed from Indian biotype 3 to a new biotype 3M. Our data show that biotype 3M belongs to group I and did not arise by a recent mutation from biotype 3, which belongs to group II. By contrast, Indian biotypes 2 and 4 are likely to have diverged through recent mutation and selection, as are Chinese biotypes 1 and 4. The almost simultaneous emergence of new biotypes in Kerala and Sri Lanka during 1985-1988 was most probably coincidental, because these biotypes are not closely related. AFLP fingerprints were also able to detect sexual dimorphism in the DNA of adult gall midges and to distinguish gall midge from its major parasite Platygaster oryzae.

Animals↗