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Biomedical subjects

J Fraser

Publications and source records attributed to J Fraser.

At least 73 records · Page 4Linked to original sources
PubMed1996

Pilot study of continuation cognitive-behavioral therapy for major depression in adolescent psychiatric patients.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether continuation of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT-C) could prevent relapse in adolescent psychiatric patients who had remitted from major depressive disorder (MDD). METHOD: Seventeen patients who continued to have CBT-C for 6 months after remission from MDD were compared with a historical control group of 12 cases who had no further treatment after remission. RESULTS: Only 1 of the 17 cases who continued with CBT-C dropped out. The cumulative relapse risk during CBT-C was significantly lower (0.2) than it had been in the historical control group (0.5). CONCLUSIONS: CBT-C warrants further investigation in a randomized, controlled trial.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy↗
PubMed1996

Evaluation of a child health program to prevent and treat anaemia in Arnhemland.

Iron deficiency anaemia is a common condition in rural Aboriginal children. Poor nutrition and helminth infections are the common causes of this morbidity. This study aims to evaluate the impact of annual single dose mebendazole 300-500 mg (albendazole unavailable) in preventing anaemia and the impact of iron and mebendazole in treating anaemia in a population of remote Aboriginal children in Arnhemland.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1996

Optimized standby rate reduces the ventricular rate variability in pacemaker patients with atrial fibrillation.

Patients with chronic atrial fibrillation (AF) and symptomatic bradycardia often receive ventricular-based pacemakers. However, many of these patients continue to have symptoms of palpitations, which may be due to ventricular rate variability. It has previously been shown that continuous ventricular pacing during AF has a stabilizing effect on the ventricular rate. Hence, a study was initiated to determine whether a patient-specific optimal ventricular standby rate that reduces the ventricular rate variability, without over-pacing, could be predicted. A ventricular rate stabilization (VRS) pacing algorithm that increases the pacing rate until instability is reduced below a threshold was developed. The VRS algorithm was utilized to determine a patient-specific standby rate in 15 patients with chronic AF, intact AV nodal conduction, and implanted pacemakers. The computer algorithm controlled a pacemaker programmer to automatically change the pacemaker's ventricular pacing rate via telemetry. Patients were studied for 15 minutes with VRS and for 15 minutes with 50 ppm fixed rate pacing (control). The results were as follows: (1) VRS versus control = P < 0.05; (2) mean ventricular pacing rate (ppm): 77 +/- 13 versus 50 +/- 0; (3) mean ventricular rate (beats/min): 82 +/- 13 versus 79 +/- 12; (4) ventricular rate coefficient of variation (%): 11 +/- 1 versus 22 +/- 5; (5) percent pacing: 75 +/- 8 versus 6 +/- 8; (6) percent of RR intervals less than minimum pacing interval eliminated: 58 +/- 12; (8) regression analysis: mean VRS pacing rate (beats/min) = 0.96 x mean control ventricular rate + 2.3, r2 = 0.85. We concluded that: (1) a moderate increase in the ventricular pacing rate was required to substantially stabilize the ventricular rate; (2) the resulting mean ventricular rate increased marginally; (3) a majority of RR cycles less than each patient's minimum pacing interval were eliminated; and (4) there was a linear relationship between the mean ventricular rate during control and the optimal ventricular pacing rate. Thus, a ventricular pacing rate close to the mean ventricular rate during control consistently reduced the ventricular variability. Although pacing at an increased ventricular standby rate reduces variability at rest, the optimal solution would likely be an adaptive rate algorithm that changes the ventricular standby rate as the mean intrinsic rate varies.

Aged↗
PubMed1996

Management of intracardiac device recalls: a consensus conference. Participants of the Consensus Conference. North American Society of Cardiac Pacing and Electrophysiology (NASPE)

The incidence of cardiac device recalls seems to be increasing, in part due to increasing complexity, but also due to greater public awareness and regulatory overview. Manufacturers are responsible for postmarket surveillance of their implanted products; evidence for poor performance is usually evaluated by a Physician Advisory Committee (PAC) and unacceptable failure rates or modes prompt the issuance of a recall. A Consensus Conference was held March 6, 1995, in Toronto, Ontario, to discuss the management of cardiac device recalls after the provincial Ministry of Health issued unique guidelines regarding a recent lead problem. Various stakeholders expressed their views and concerns: the federal regulatory body, the provincial Ministry of Health and hospital association, manufacturers, hospital legal counsel, patient and media advocates, and physicians from the United Kingdom, the United States, and Canada. Specific recommendations included: the establishment of a National (or regional) Pacemaker (device/lead) Registry interposed between the manufacturer and the federal authority; the creation of a Recall Task Force (RTF) to deal with specific problems distinct from the manufacturers' PAC; emphasis on patient responsibility for obtaining regular follow-up and maintaining contact by a pacemaker passport system as exists in Europe; and the fair assignment of costs involved in a recall with specific emphasis on appropriate compensation for physicians and clinic personnel.

Defibrillators, Implantable↗
PubMed1996

Management of intracardiac device recalls: a consensus conference.

The incidence of cardiac device recalls seems to be increasing, due in part to increasing complexity, but also to greater public awareness and regulatory overview. Manufacturers are responsible for postmarket surveillance of their implanted products; evidence for poor performance is usually evaluated by a physician advisory committee, and unacceptable failure rates or modes prompt the issuance of a recall. A consensus conference was held March 6, 1995 in Toronto, Ontario to discuss the management of cardiac device recalls after the provincial Ministry of Health issued unique guidelines regarding a recent lead problem. Various stakeholders expressed their views and concerns: the federal regulatory body, the provincial Ministry of Health and hospital association, manufacturers, hospital legal counsel, patient and media advocates and physicians from the United Kingdom, the United States and Canada. Specific recommendations included the establishment of a national (or regional) pacemaker (device/lead) registry interposed between the manufacturer and the federal authority; the creation of a recall task force to deal with specific problems distinct from the manufacturers' physician advisory committee; emphasis on patient responsibility for obtaining regular follow-up and maintaining contact by a pacemaker passport system as exists in Europe; and the fair assignment of costs involved in a recall with specific emphasis on appropriate compensation for physicians and clinic personnel.

Algorithms↗
PubMed1995

Sequence of the bphD gene encoding 2-hydroxy-6-oxo-(phenyl/chlorophenyl)hexa-2,4-dienoic acid (HOP/cPDA) hydrolase involved in the biphenyl/polychlorinated biphenyl degradation pathway in Comamonas testosteroni: evidence suggesting involvement of Ser112 in catalytic activity.

The nucleotide sequence of bphD, encoding 2-hydroxy-6-oxo-(phenyl/chlorophenyl)hexa-2,4-dienoic acid hydrolase involved in the biphenyl/polychlorinated biphenyl degradation pathway of Comamonas testosteroni strain B-356, was determined. Comparison of the deduced amino-acid sequence with published sequences led to the identification of a 'lipase box', containing a consensus pentapeptide sequence GlyXaaSerXaaGly. This suggested that the mechanism of action of this enzyme may involve an Asp-Ser-His catalytic triad similar to that of classical lipases and serine hydrolases. Further biochemical and genetic evidence for the active-site involvement of Ser112 was obtained by showing that a semipurified enzyme was inhibited by PMSF, a classic inhibitor of serine hydrolases, and by site-directed Ser112-->Ala mutagenesis.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1995

Enhanced transcription of metallothionein genes in rat kidney: effect of uninephrectomy and compensatory renal growth.

Metallothioneins (MTs) have been implicated in the intracellular regulation of essential metals in eukaryotic cells, and increased expression of MT genes has been demonstrated during the growth and proliferation of cells. To explore the expression of MT in somatic cells undergoing growth (hypertrophy) in the kidney in situ, we measured the rates of transcription of the genes for MT-1 and MT-2, measured the levels of mRNA for MT-1 and MT-2, and measured the concentration of MT-1 and MT-2 protein in samples of renal (and hepatic) tissue from uninephrectomized (NPX) and sham-operated (SO) rats 15 days after surgery. The rates of transcription of the genes for MT-1 and MT-2 were found to be enhanced significantly in the remnant renal mass, particularly in the cortex and outer stripe of the outer medulla, and in the liver, after uninephrectomy and after 15 days allowing for compensatory renal growth. Increased accumulation of mRNA for MT-1 and MT-2 also occurred in the cortex and outer stripe of the outer medulla of the remnant kidney and in the liver in the NPX rats. Increased concentration of MT-1 and MT-2 protein (measured by radioimmunoassay), at the level of the whole kidney, renal cortex, and liver, was another feature detected in rats after uninephrectomy and 15 days of compensatory renal growth. These findings indicate that compensatory renal growth in response to uninephrectomy is associated with the induction of the expression of MT genes in the renal cortex and outer stripe of the outer medulla, as well as in the liver.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adaptation, Physiological↗
PubMed1995

Information technology improving health care delivery in Arnhemland.

This paper will outline the modification of an existing medical records system called Health Planner to meet the needs of three health services servicing communities and outstations in Arnhemland. Improved continuity of care and program planning has resulted from computerisation.

Australia↗
PubMed1995

Support groups for couples waiting to adopt.

Most couples who adopt have been through years of unsuccessful infertility treatment and a rigorous selection procedure by an adoption agency. Adoptions of healthy babies are rare nowadays and couples benefit from a parenthood education and support group where they can meet others in the same position. Couples want professionals to appreciate the special nature of the adopters' position and the long, demanding process they have been through. Don't assume that couples who receive an adopted baby will not need your time or help because (i) they must be competent if they have passed the adoption agency's selection procedures and (ii) they have not been through labor and childbirth. Adoptive couples want you to understand that they are first time parents of a baby with short, turbulent history whom they have received often literally a few days' notice. Sensitive support from midwives, health visitors and practice nurses both before and after the baby arrives is usually needed and appreciated. Adoption of a normal healthy baby is an increasingly rare event in the UK. Only about 1,000 babies under one year old are available for adoption each year, in contrast to about 16,000 in the late 1960s. A couple chosen to receive a particular baby cannot believe their good luck, knowing the huge number of couples still waiting. A happy ending surely-but is it?

Adoption↗
PubMed1994

Characterization and expression of a gene encoding serine tRNA5 from Escherichia coli.

The genes for translational components frequently are located together on the Escherichia coli genome. We have reported previously that the gene for a serine tRNA lies directly downstream from infA, the gene encoding initiation factor IF1. Here we characterize this tRNA gene, named serW. The serW gene expresses a minor form of serine tRNA(GGA) which recognizes the most frequently used serine codons, UCC and UCU. Two promoters were identified by S1 nuclease mapping: P1, which lies about 72 bp upstream from the structural gene; and P2, which lies about 35 bp upstream. Expression from P1 and P2 is comparable under conditions of rapid growth. The P2 promoter is followed by a GC-rich element characteristic of promoters regulated by ppGpp. A putative hairpin structure followed by a stretch of U residues about 25 nucleotides following the mature tRNA sequence resembles a rho-independent termination signal. The upstream gene, infA, is followed by a transcriptional terminator, but S1 mapping shows considerable readthrough. This serW expression appears to rely both on its own promoters and on promoters further upstream. The downstream gene, encoding an unidentified protein of about 100 kDa, is expressed in the opposite orientation and also is followed by a termination signal. Therefore serW is expressed both as a monocistronic gene and in combination with infA.

Base Sequence↗
PubMed1993

Male cancer mortality by occupation: 1973-86.

AIM: To identify male occupational groups with increased risk of death from cancer in 1973-86. METHOD: Age and social class standardised mortality ratios were calculated for males 15-64 years for all cancers combined and for site specific cancers by occupational group. RESULTS: In general, higher socio-economic groups had a lower all cancer mortality and lower socio-economic groups a higher mortality. After standardisation for age and social class, mortality ratios were increased for lung cancer in bricklayers and carpenters (SMR = 125; 95% CI: 110-141), machine tool operators (SMR = 218; 95% CI: 131-342), and welders (SMR = 140; 95% CI: 120-161), with the first group also having an increased risk for pleural mesothelioma (SMR = 222; 95% CI: 70-522). Malignant melanoma risk was increased in clerical workers (SMR = 147; 95% CI: 106-199) and not in outdoor occupations. Colon cancer mortality risk was increased in managers (SMR = 125; 95% CI: 104-148), and woodworkers (SMR = 147; 95% CI: 115-186). Stomach cancer mortality risk was raised for machine tool operators (SMR = 357; 95% CI: 128-782). Painters had an increased ratio for multiple myeloma (SMR = 352; 95% CI: 140-729) and machine tool operators an increase for leukaemia (SMR = 172; 95% CI: 45-446). CONCLUSIONS: The use of routinely collected data to examine cancer mortality by occupation is a useful method to identify groups with increased risks and provide information for hypothesis generation. Further research may be warranted to investigate lung and digestive cancers in woodworkers and machine tool operators, and cancer of the haemopoietic and lymphatic systems in painters and machine tool operators.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1993

Psychophysiological effects of back massage on elderly institutionalized patients.

An experimental design was used to measure the effects of back massage on anxiety levels of elderly residents in a long-term care institution. Twenty-one residents, 17 females and four males, participated in the study. Subjects were randomly assigned to three groups which received 'back massage with normal conversation', 'conversation only' and 'no intervention' respectively. The dependent variable, anxiety, was measured prior to back massage, immediately following, and 10 minutes later, on four consecutive evenings. The Spielberger Self-Evaluation Questionnaire (STAI), electromyographic recordings, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure (DBP) and heart rate were used as measures of anxiety. Analysis of variance was used to examine differences in group mean scores over the pre-test to post-test, post-test to delayed time interval, and pre-test to delayed time intervals, Scheffé comparisons being made where indicated. With the exception of mean DBP which showed no change from pre-test to post-test and HR which increased from post-test to delayed time interval, there was a statistically insignificant decrease in mean scores on all variables in the back massage group from pre-test to post-test and from post-test to delayed time interval. There was a statistically significant difference in the mean anxiety (STAI) score between the back massage group and the no intervention group. The difference between the back massage group and the conversation only group approached statistical significance.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Aged↗
PubMed1992

Wilms' tumour in New Zealand 1960-1986.

Between 1960 and 1986, 177 cases of Wilms' tumour were reported to the New Zealand National Cancer Registry. There was an equal sex distribution and 93.2% of patients were in the paediatric age group with a mean age of 3.4 years. The mean symptom interval was 2.0 months and the majority of patients presented with localised disease, although the incidence of advanced disease was greater than that reported from other series. The 5-year survival rate for all cases was 52.5%. Data were divided into patients presenting before and after the publication of the first National Wilms' Tumour Study (NWTS) in the United States in 1976. In patients presenting after 1976 the diagnosis was based on histology in 100%, compared to 58.6% in patients before 1977. Treatment was considered curative in a greater proportion of the post-1976 group. Treatment modalities reflected the recommendations of the NWTS and the 5-year survival rate of this group was 78.3%, this being similar to that reported from the NWTS. Multivariate analysis showed patient age, symptom interval, tumour stage and treatment (pre- and post-NWTS) to be independent predictors of survival.

Adolescent↗