A rapid test for Salmonella in stools, not requiring refrigeration.
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Clinical Enzyme Tests↗
Biomedical subjects
J Collins
Publications and source records attributed to J Collins.
Precise and nearly-precise excision of the symmetrical inverted repeats of Tn5; common features of recA-independent deletion events in Escherichia coli.
The transposon Tn5 contains a unique central region bordered by 1.5-kb inverted repeats. The in vitro deletion of the centre of Tn5, with a restriction endonuclease (XhoI) which cuts within the inverted repeats leads to the production of a palindrome on subsequent ligation. This palindromic region is unstable on subsequent transformation into Escherichia coli (Collins, 1981). Precise excision of the Tn5 region plus one copy of the bracketing 9-bp direct repeat occurred in about one-third of the transformants. The rest of the transformants contain only remnants of the inverted repeat. Sequence analysis indicated that deletion had occurred between short direct repeats. The precise excision of these "nearly precise" excision products continued with high frequency and was found to be affected by mutations that interfere with the normal precise excision of transposons. In a recB, sbcB host precise excision was markedly reduced. A common mechanism is proposed for all recA-independent deletions occurring in E. coli.
Bacterial Proteins↗
Psychopathology following cardioverter defibrillator implantation.
Previous reports have found elevated rates of psychopathology in recipients of implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs). Thirty-five consecutive ICD recipients were assessed by using the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-III-R and a semistructured questionnaire; assessments were performed within 3 days of ICD implantation (Time 1) and again 9-18 months later (Time 2). At the initial assessment, alcohol dependence in remission was the most common diagnosis, followed by mood disorders. Two cases of depression were found at follow-up assessment, but those subjects had either a lifetime history of major depression or some depressive symptoms at Time 1. No new cases of anxiety disorders were seen at Time 2. It appears that ICD recipients have rates similar to the general population at the time of implantation, and the risk for new psychopathology is largely confined to those with a lifetime history of psychopathology.
Adaptation, Psychological↗
A comparison of rural and urban Emergency Medical System (EMS) personnel: a Texas study.
INTRODUCTION: In treating accident victims, actions by the Emergency Medical Personnel (EMP) at the scene may be the difference between life or death, full recovery or permanent disability. Development of selected profiles based on locale of services, tenure, and paramedic certification will provide valuable insight into the diversity within the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) profession. Not only will these profiles enable administrators to improve their recruitment, training, and retention of the emergency medical workforce, it potentially could enhance the quality of health care in the community. POPULATION: Emergency medical personnel attending a statewide conference in Texas in late 1996 (n = 425). HYPOTHESES: 1) There is no difference between the profiles of urban and rural EMP; 2) There is no difference between the profiles of urban EMP with < 9 years of experience and those with > or = 9 years of experience; 3) There is no differences between the profiles of rural EMP with < 9 years of experience and those with > or = 9 years of experience. 4) There is no difference between the profiles of urban EMP with paramedic certification and those without certification; and 5) There is no difference between the profiles of rural EMP with paramedic certification and those without certification. METHODS: EMP attending the conference completed 425 survey instruments measuring five demographic features, five work-related features, and two psychological features. Survey instruments were included in each registrant's conference package. Completed surveys were deposited anonymously in labeled receptacles throughout the statewide conference site. Data collection ceased at the end of the conference. Discriminant analysis identified distinct profiles for the urban and rural EMP. RESULTS: The urban EMP, more than rural subjects, was younger (mean = 36 years), more likely to be compensated 100% for their services, had a higher level of education (mean = 13.8 years), and reported a lower level of burnout. Urban EMP with < 9 years of experience tended to be younger, male, married, and reported less burnout. Urban paramedics were more likely to be compensated 100% for their services, and had achieved a higher level of education. The rural EMP with < 9 years of experience were less likely to be paramedic, reported lower burnout scores, and was younger. The rural EMP without paramedic certification was more likely to be a volunteer, and have had fewer years of service. CONCLUSIONS: In Texas, locale of service (urban or rural), length of tenure as an EMP (> or = 9 years), and paramedic certification appear to be significant factors that define the EMP population in Texas.
Adult↗
Activation of a transposable element in the germ line but not the soma of Caenorhabditis elegans.
The genetic activity of transposable elements is tightly controlled in many species. Transposons that are relatively quiescent under certain circumstances can excise or transpose at greatly increased rates under other circumstances. For example, 'genomic shock' can activate quiescent maize transposons, 'cytotype' and tissue-specific splicing regulate Drosophila P factors, copy number controls Tn5 transposition in bacteria, and developmental timing affects the production of transposon-like intracisternal A-particles in mouse embryos. The Caenorhabditis elegans transposable element Tc1 is subject to both strain-specific and tissue-specific control. Multiple copies of Tc1 are present in the genome of all C. elegans strains collected from nature. However, these elements are genetically active in only certain isolates. For example, in C. elegans variety Bristol transposition and excision of Tc1 are undetectable, but in variety Bergerac transposition and excision are frequent. Moreover, in variety Bergerac, Tc1 is about 1,000-fold more active in somatic cells than in germ cells. We have investigated the genetic basis for the germ/soma regulation of Tc1 activity. We have isolated mutants that exhibit increased frequencies of Tc1 excision in the germ line. The frequencies of Tc1 excision in the soma are unaltered in these mutants. These mutants also exhibit high frequencies of Tc1 germ-line transposition, and this results in a mutator phenotype. Nearly all mutator-induced mutations are caused by insertion of Tc1.
Animals↗
Insulin-like growth factor-1 inscribes a gene expression profile for angiogenic factors and cancer progression in breast epithelial cells.
Activation of the insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor (IGF-1R) by IGF-1 is associated with the risk and progression of many types of cancer, although despite this it remains unclear how activated IGF-1R contributes to cancer progression. In this study, gene expression changes elicited by IGF-1 were profiled in breast epithelial cells. We noted that many genes are functionally linked to cancer progression and angiogenesis. To validate some of the changes observed, the RNA and/or protein was confirmed for c-fos, cytochrome P450 1A1, cytochrome P450 1B1, interleukin-1 beta, fas ligand, vascular endothelial growth factor, and urokinase plasminogen activator. Nuclear proteins were also temporally monitored to address how gene expression changes were regulated. We found that IGF-1 stimulated the nuclear translocation of phosphorylated AKT, hypoxic-inducible factor-1 alpha, and phosphorylated cAMP-responsive element-binding protein, which correlated with temporal changes in gene expression. Next, the promoter regions of IGF-1-regulated genes were searched in silico. The promoters of genes that clustered together had similar regulatory regions. In summary, IGF-1 inscribes a gene expression profile relevant to cancer progression, and this study provides insight into the mechanism(s) whereby some of these changes occur.
Blotting, Western↗
Cardiovascular disease and combined oral contraceptives: reviewing the evidence and balancing the risks.
Cardiovascular risks have been a concern since combined oral contraceptives (OCs) were first introduced. In the past four years new, mostly reassuring information on the safety of modern, low oestrogen dose OCs has become available. However, in 1995 the new information showed higher venous thromboembolism (VTE) risk for OCs containing desogestrel and gestodene compared with levonorgestrel- or norethindrone-containing OCs. The controversial responses by national authorities, their scientific and public health merits were hotly debated and many considered the differences in risk small and resulted from bias and/or confounding. We discuss these arguments and conclude they lack empirical support or cannot account for the 2-fold increased risk. The risk of ischaemic stroke and myocardial infarction (MI) associated with low oestrogen dose OCs are very small in women without cardiovascular risk factors, while increased risk of haemorrhagic stroke is confined to women >35 years of age. Applying the most recent risks to models of OC-attributable events and deaths, OC-attributable mortality in women <35 years is estimated to be <3 per million users annually, rising to about 10 per million users annually among smokers. In the context of external cause mortality (about 90 per million women of reproductive age annually in the UK) such risks appear small. Over the age of 35 years, OC-attributable mortality is a more important concern, particularly among smokers. In the absence of any appreciable OC-attributable mortality in young healthy women, the additional VTE risk for third compared with second generation OCs should be considered when women choose which OC to use.
Brain Ischemia↗
Hormonal contraception without estrogens.
The long-term clinical effects of ethinyl estradiol and the impact on environmental safety of the alkylated estrogen components used in combined contraceptive pills remain the subject of debate. The development of improved methods for the use of progestogen-only contraception would represent a viable and desirable option. Several progestogen compounds are not alkylated, and these can be delivered through a variety of routes. Some of the progestogen-only methods are well established in clinical use. Estimates for both perfect and typical effectiveness are less than one pregnancy per 100 woman-years with oral, injectable, implantable and intrauterine methods. In practice, with the oral progestogen-only method, perfect and typical effectiveness range from three to five pregnancies per 100 woman-years. The main side effect with all progestogen-only methods is unpredictable vaginal bleeding during the first months of use, and this may lead to discontinuation. Nevertheless, continuation of use is more frequent if patients are well informed of this side effect before treatment begins. No cardiovascular- and cancer-related side effects have been proven.
Contraception↗
Building on solid foundations: the third editor-in-chief of Human Reproduction Update takes office.
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Animals↗
An electron microscopic investigation of time-related changes in the intestine of neonatal mice infected with murine rotavirus.
Seven-day-old mice were infected orally with murine rotavirus (EDIM) and regions of the gut examined at 24 h intervals up to 7 days by electron microscopy. Structural changes were correlated with data on viral antigen production, thymidine kinase activity, and clinical signs of diarrhea. No pathological changes were detected in the colon. Infection and structural damage were confined to the small intestine, with middle regions showing the most pronounced changes. Constriction of villus bases, edema of the lamina propria, and vacuolation of enterocytes occurred at 24 h postinfection (PI), i.e., before evidence of major virus replication. Transient villus atrophy occurred at 48 h PI. Recovery of villus length was evident by 72 h PI accompanied by evidence of marked enterocyte replication at villus bases. Many enterocytes were damaged with little evidence for the presence of virus particles. By 96 h PI, villi had almost recovered from infection although some enterocytes were still damaged; no virus particles were detected in these cells. A second phase of villus damage and edema of the lamina propria occurred at 120 h PI; the pathology resembled that at 24-48 h PI. By 144 to 168 h PI, recovery of the mucosa from infection was virtually complete. We suggest that many of the pathological features following rotavirus infection result from rotavirus-induced ischemia of villi and that diarrhea results from malabsorption of fluid by damaged villi and hypersecretion of ions released from increased numbers of dividing cells at villus-crypt borders.
Animals↗
Intestinal enzyme profiles in normal and rotavirus-infected mice.
To investigate further the pathophysiology of rotavirus-induced diarrhea, changes in specific activities of eight relevant intestinal enzymes [alkaline phosphatase, thymidine kinase, lactase, maltase, sucrase, Na+,K+-adenosine triphosphatase (ATPase), adenylate and guanylate cyclases] were measured following infection of suckling mice with murine rotavirus (epizootic diarrhea of infant mouse strain) and compared with age-matched control mice. The concentration of lactose within the lumen of the gastrointestinal tract during infection was also measured. During the course of infection, activities of alkaline phosphatase and lactase decreased, whilst the activity of thymidine kinase increased. Precocious maturation profiles of sucrase and maltase enzymes were observed. No significant changes were detected in the activities of Na+,K+-ATPase or the adenylate and guanylate cyclases. These results are discussed in relation to existing and novel hypotheses on the pathogenesis of rotavirus-induced diarrhea.
Alkaline Phosphatase↗
Behavioral characteristics of epilepsy patients compared with normal controls.
Using neuropsychological testing procedures, we measured the behavioral characteristics of patients with epilepsy unaffected by anticonvulsant drugs and compared these results with control subjects matched for age, sex, and education. In a nationwide VA Cooperative study, 622 patients with well-defined seizure types were given a selected battery of neuropsychological tests prior to and at 1 month after initiation of drug therapy. Seventy-four control subjects were administered the same test battery under standardized conditions at the same VA testing centers. All tests of controls were also repeated 1 month later. The patients with epilepsy scored significantly and consistently below the level of the control subjects on all but three behavioral measures. Differences reaching statistical significance were found on tests of motor function (Finger Tapping, Pegboard, Color Naming), cognitive-attention (Digit Symbol, Discriminative Reaction Time, Word Fluency), and subtests of the Profile of Mood Status (tension, depression, vigor, and confusion). These data provide a profile of behavioral characteristics of unmedicated patients with epilepsy.
Adolescent↗
Acute, life-threatening complications of lung transplantation.
Acute, life-threatening complications of lung transplantation are common in all reported series. The clinical courses and images of 70 patients who underwent heart-lung (n = 5), bilateral sequential lung (n = 31), or single-lung (n = 38) transplantation were retrospectively reviewed. Sixty-five acute, life-threatening complications occurred in 26 patients (37%) within 3 months after transplantation. Nine deaths occurred as a result of these complications for a mortality rate due to acute complications of 13%. The deaths were a result of bleeding (n = 4), sepsis (n = 2), severe acute rejection and adult respiratory distress syndrome (n = 1), multiorgan failure (n = 1), and diffuse alveolar damage and respiratory failure (n = 1), a distribution of causes similar to those in other reported series. Specific diagnoses that can be made with imaging include hemothorax, lung torsion, pneumomediastinum, pulmonary embolism, pneumothorax, bronchial anastomotic dehiscence, lung collapse, paralysis of the diaphragm, and sternal dehiscence.
Acute Disease↗
Radiographic and CT findings of blunt chest trauma: aortic injuries and looking beyond them.
Increasingly, helical CT is being used to screen trauma patients for aortic injury. Most aortic injuries visible at CT occur at or near the level of the ligamentum arteriosus; these injuries manifest as mediastinal hematoma, aortic contour deformity, intimal flaps, intraluminal debris, pseudoaneurysm, and pseudocoarctation. In the process of searching for aortic injury, however, the radiologist should not overlook other serious and more common thoracic injuries. Tracheobronchial tears appear at CT and radiography with persistent pneumothorax, subcutaneous emphysema, "fallen lung" sign, and malposition of endotracheal tube. The ruptured diaphragm, which tears more often on the left, appears asymmetric, irregular, or discontinuous, with herniation of bowel or viscera into the chest. In esophageal rupture, CT and radiography demonstrate left pneumothorax, pneumomediastinum, subcutaneous emphysema, and pleural effusion and atelectasis on the left. CT is better than trauma radiography for depicting fractures of the thoracic vertebral bodies and ribs, as well as for revealing pulmonary contusions and lacerations. CT is also useful for demonstrating unsuspected injuries caused by seat belts. Observation of these injuries should prompt a search for other serious internal organ injuries.
Aorta, Thoracic↗
Imaging of cardiac transplantation complications.
Common complications of cardiac transplantation include infection, rejection, accelerated coronary artery atherosclerosis, and lymphoproliferative disease. The authors reviewed radiographic and computed tomographic (CT) features of cardiac transplantation and its complications in a series of 232 patients (with 89 complications and 49 deaths). Normal postoperative findings in the first few weeks after surgery included enlarged cardiac silhouette, pneumomediastinum, pneumothorax, pneumopericardium, subcutaneous emphysema, and mediastinal widening. Infection was the most common complication, with pneumonia being the leading infectious condition (28 cases, with Aspergillus [n = 11] and cytomegalovirus [n = 10] being the most common pathogens) and the cause of death in seven cases. Although many cases of pulmonary infections occur in the first 3-4 months after surgery, in this series several cases developed up to 3 years afterward. Radiographic signs of acute rejection were nonspecific in the eight patients affected who died, and endomyocardial biopsy was used to confirm the suspected diagnosis. Accelerated atherosclerosis occurred in 13 patients between 10 months and 6.5 years after transplantation and led to death in eight. Lymphoproliferative disorders, which range from benign lymphoid hyperplasia to malignant lymphoma and which are the third leading cause of death beyond the immediate perioperative period in heart transplant recipients, developed in four patients who later died. Other complications related to endomyocardial biopsy and cardiothoracic surgery (i.e., pneumothorax, hemothorax, pneumomediastinum, mediastinitis, aortic dissection, aortic pseudoaneurysm, and pulmonary embolism) occurred in 31 cases and were diagnosed with radiography and CT.
Heart Transplantation↗
Renal dysfunction in a 38-year-old man with hepatic failure.
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Acute Kidney Injury↗
Statewide collaborative planning: benefits and challenges.
This article shares some of the past and present collaborative experiences of Kentucky providers in statewide planning for nursing continuing education (CE). Some of the ingredients for successful statewide planning, as well as the barriers, will be discussed.
Communication↗
Crossborder care. Interview by Alison Moore.
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Attitude of Health Personnel↗