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Biomedical subjects

J Gale

Publications and source records attributed to J Gale.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2006

Effects of a 5-HT(4) receptor agonist on oesophageal function and gastro-oesophageal reflux: studies using combined impedance-manometry and combined impedance-pH.

BACKGROUND: 5-HT(4) receptor agonists are used as promotility agents of the stomach, small and large intestine. There is limited information on the influence of 5-HT(4) receptor agonists on oesophageal function and gastro-oesophageal reflux. AIM: To evaluate the effects of tegaserod, a 5-HT(4) agonist on oesophageal function using impedance-manometry and postprandial reflux using impedance-pH monitoring. METHODS: Twenty healthy volunteers were enrolled in a double-blind randomized three-period crossover placebo-controlled study. Impedance-manometry and impedance-pH monitoring after a refluxogenic meal were performed at baseline and after 2 days of dosing with tegaserod 6 mg b.d. or placebo. Multichannel intraluminal impedance-EM recorded pressure and bolus transit data during standardized swallows. Multichannel intraluminal impedance-pH monitoring recorded the number of 2-h postprandial acid and non-acid reflux episodes. RESULTS: We found no significant difference in distal oesophageal amplitude when subjects received placebo (median 94.5; range: 53-243 mmHg) or tegaserod (93.6; 43-216 mmHg). Bolus transit time was similar during dosing with placebo (7.1; 5.3-9.4 s) and tegaserod (7.2; 5.9-11.1 s). We observed similar numbers of acid and non-acid reflux episodes during dosing with placebo (5; 0-15 and 3; 0-18, respectively) and tegaserod (2; 0-11 and 4; 0-19, respectively). CONCLUSION: Tegaserod, a 5-HT(4) receptor agonist does not change oesophageal motility and gastro-oesophageal reflux parameters in healthy volunteers.

Adult↗
PubMed2006

Mechano-electrical transduction: new insights into old ideas.

The gating-spring theory of hair cell mechanotransduction channel activation was first postulated over twenty years ago. The basic tenets of this hypothesis have been reaffirmed in hair cells from both auditory and vestibular systems and across species. In fact, the basic findings have been reproduced in every hair cell type tested. A great deal of information regarding the structural, mechanical, molecular and biophysical properties of the sensory hair bundle and the mechanotransducer channel has accumulated over the past twenty years. The goal of this review is to investigate new data, using the gating spring hypothesis as the framework for discussion. Mechanisms of channel gating are presented in reference to the need for a molecular gating spring or for tethering to the intra- or extracellular compartments. Dynamics of the sensory hair bundle and the presence of motor proteins are discussed in reference to passive contributions of the hair bundle to gating compliance. And finally, the molecular identity of the channel is discussed in reference to known intrinsic properties of the native transducer channel.

Animals↗
PubMed2004

Plants and altitude--revisited.

The importance of modelling and the integration of all environmental factors as they change with time is emphasized in relation to the evaluation of plant response to altitude.

Altitude↗
PubMed2002

Management of spinal cord and cauda equina compression secondary to epidural metastatic disease in adults with malignant germ cell tumours.

AIM: To review the management and clinical outcome of 10 patients, presenting to a single centre with symptoms and signs of spinal cord or cauda equina compression secondary to epidural metastatic disease from a testicular germ cell cancer. METHODS: Clinical data regarding presenting history, physical examination, staging investigations, treatment and clinical outcome were retrospectively obtained from patient records. RESULTS: Eight patients exhibited neurological deficits at the time of initial presentation of germ cell cancer or as a first manifestation of relapse following dog leg irradiation. Four of these cases were managed with chemotherapy alone, with excellent neurological recovery, whilst four underwent decompressive laminectomy--in three cases prior to referral and in one case after commencing chemotherapy. Five of the eight patients relapsed. Four required further chemotherapy (high dose in two cases). The remaining patient underwent thoracic surgery, with resection of teratoma differentiated. Six of the eight patients are currently alive and disease free. Two patients had chemorefractory disease and died, though one was treated in the pre-cisplatin era. Two patients presented with cord compression as a feature of disease relapse following chemotherapy, and were managed with radiotherapy alone in an attempt to achieve local disease control and limit neurological dysfunction. However, both subsequently died with progressive disease. CONCLUSION: Epidural spinal cord or cauda equina compression is a rare complication of metastatic germ cell cancer, which can be successfully managed in chemo-naive patients with good neurological outcome.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2001

A randomized trial of a group cognitive intervention for preventing depression in adolescent offspring of depressed parents.

BACKGROUND: Adolescent offspring of depressed parents are at high risk for development of depression. Cognitive restructuring therapy holds promise for preventing progression to depressive episodes. METHODS: A randomized, controlled trial was conducted to prevent depressive episodes in at-risk offspring (aged 13-18 years) of adults treated for depression in a health maintenance organization (HMO). Potential adult cases were found by reviewing the HMO pharmacy records for dispensation of antidepressant medication and the mental health appointment system. Medical charts were reviewed for a depression diagnosis. Recruitment letters signed by treating physicians were mailed to adults. Eligible offspring had subdiagnostic depressive symptoms insufficient to meet full DSM-III-R criteria for affective disorder and/or a past mood disorder. These youth were randomized to usual HMO care (n = 49) or usual care plus a 15-session group cognitive therapy prevention program (n = 45). RESULTS: We detected significant treatment-by-time (program) effects for the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (P=.005) and the Global Assessment of Functioning scores (P =.04). Survival analysis of incident major depressive episodes during a median 15-month follow-up found a significant advantage (P =.003) for the experimental condition (9.3% cumulative major depression incidence) compared with the usual-care control condition (28.8%). CONCLUSION: A brief, group cognitive therapy prevention program can reduce the risk for depression in the adolescent offspring of parents with a history of depression.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2001

The high oxygen atmosphere toward the end-Cretaceous; a possible contributing factor to the K/T boundary extinctions and to the emergence of C(4) species.

Angiosperm plants were grown under either the present day 21 kPa O(2) atmosphere or 28 kPa, as estimated for the end-Cretaceous (100-65 MyBP). CO(2) was held at different levels, within the 24-60 Pa range, as also estimated for the same period. In C(3) Xanthium strumarium and Atriplex prostrata, leaf area and net photosynthesis per unit leaf area, were reduced by the high O(2), while the whole-plant respiration/photosynthesis ratio increased. The high O(2) effects were strongest under 24 Pa, but still significant under 60 Pa CO(2). Growth was reduced by high O(2) in these C(3) species, but not in Flaveria sp., whether C(3), C(4), or intermediary grown under light intensities <350 micromol m(-2) s(-1) PPF. Photosynthesis of C(3) Flaveria sp. was reduced by high O(2), but only at light intensities >350 micromol m(-2) s(-1) PPF. It is concluded that the high O(2) atmosphere at the end-Cretaceous would have reduced growth of at least some of the vegetation, thus adversely affecting dependent fauna. The weakened biota would have been predisposed to the consequences of volcanism and the K/T boundary bolide impact. Conversely, photosynthesis and growth of C(4) Zea mays and Atriplex halimus were little affected by high, 28 kPa, O(2). This suggests an environmental driver for the evolution of C(4) physiology.

Atmosphere↗
PubMed2000

The cochlea.

Explore the source record for details and available documents.

Adaptation, Physiological↗
PubMed2000

Cognitive behaviour therapy: teaching a client the ABC model--the first step towards the process of change.

Research suggests that clients need to be made aware of the relationship between thinking and emotional and behavioural reactions at the start of the therapeutic work. This paper looks at the clinical processes of educating the client about this relationship in a seven-step ABC model. Rationales for each of the seven steps are given. The model illustrates the process of generating alternative beliefs in relation to a negative event and shows consequences of holding helpful and unhelpful beliefs.

Affective Symptoms↗
PubMed2000

Enteropathy-type intestinal T-cell lymphoma: clinical features and treatment of 31 patients in a single center.

PURPOSE: We report the clinical features and treatment of 31 patients with a diagnosis of enteropathy-type intestinal T-cell lymphoma treated at the Wessex Regional Medical Oncology Unit in Southampton between 1979 and 1996 (23 men, eight women). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients were identified from our lymphoma database. Details of history, physical examination, staging investigations, treatment, and outcome were taken from patient records. RESULTS: Twelve patients (35%) had a documented clinical history of adult-onset celiac disease, and a further three had histologic features consistent with celiac disease in resected areas of the small bowel not infiltrated with lymphoma. After diagnosis, 24 (77%) of the 31 patients were treated with chemotherapy; the remaining seven had surgical treatment alone. More than half were unable to complete their planned chemotherapy courses, often because of poor nutritional status; 12 patients required enteral or parenteral feeding. A response to initial chemotherapy was observed in 14 patients (complete response, n = 10; partial response, n = 4). Observed complications of treatment were gastrointestinal bleeding, small-bowel perforation, and the development of enterocolic fistulae. Relapses occurred 1 to 60 months from diagnosis in 79% of those who responded to initial therapy. Of the total 31 patients, 26 (84%) have died, all from progressive disease or from complications of the disease and/or its treatment. The actuarial 1- and 5-year survival rates are 38.7% and 19.7%, respectively, with 1- and 5-year failure-free survival rates of 19.4% and 3.2%, respectively. CONCLUSION: The prognosis for these patients is poor. This, in part, reflects late diagnosis and poor performance status at the time of presentation. The role of salvage treatments and high-dose chemotherapy at relapse is not clear. However, it is encouraging that there are five long-term survivors in our patient population.

Actuarial Analysis↗
PubMed1999

The pharmacological properties of the novel selective 5-HT3 receptor antagonist, alosetron, and its effects on normal and perturbed small intestinal transit in the fasted rat.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the pharmacological properties of the novel, selective 5-HT3 receptor antagonist, alosetron, and its effects on transit time in both the normal and perturbed small intestine of the rat. Alosetron concentration-dependently inhibited radioligand binding in membranes containing rat and human 5-HT3 receptors with estimated pKi values of 9.8 (n = 3) and 9.4 (n = 6), respectively. In selectivity studies alosetron had little or no significant affinity for any of the many other receptors and ion channels studied. Alosetron potently antagonized the depolarization produced by 5-HT in the rat vagus nerve (estimated pKB value of 9.8, n = 25). In anaesthetized rats, i. v. administration of alosetron inhibited 2-methyl-5-HT induced bradycardia (Bezold Jarisch index) at 1 and 3 microg kg-1, with an agonist dose ratio of approximately 3.0 at 1.0 microg kg-1, = 3-5). Alosetron administered via the duodenum also inhibited this reflex, with duration of action that was significantly longer than that seen with ondansetron (120-60 min, respectively, n = 6). Alosetron had no significant effect on normal small intestinal propulsion in the rat, but fully reversed the increase in intestinal propulsion (96%, n = 3) produced by egg albumin challenge. Alosetron is a highly selective 5-HT3 antagonist which normalizes perturbed small intestinal propulsion. Previous clinical data in IBS patients together with the transit data provide a good rationale for further studies with alosetron in IBS patients.

Adrenergic alpha-Agonists↗
PubMed1994

An evaluation of vital registers as sources of data for infant mortality rates in Cameroon.

BACKGROUND: Infant mortality rates have been widely used as indicators of health status and the availability, utilization and effectiveness of health services. Two principal sources of data for infant mortality rates are vital registers and censuses. This study was designed to evaluate the accuracy of vital registers as sources of data for infant mortality rates in Cameroon. METHODS: A household census of births and infant deaths that occurred in Buea Subdivision between 1 November 1991 and 31 October 1992 was conducted to determine the proportion that were registered and the reasons why the remainder were not registered. RESULTS: The registration coverage was found to be 62% for births and 4% for infant deaths. The most frequently reported reasons for not registering births were lack of money, lack of time and a complicated registration procedure. For infant deaths the reasons were lack of knowledge and no perceived benefits. CONCLUSIONS: Vital registers of birth and death are not an accurate source of data for infant mortality rates in Cameroon. Motivation for birth and death registration appear to be dependent on the perceived benefits. A mechanism of registration that uses medical institutions may substantially increase registration coverage for births and infant deaths.

Birth Certificates↗
PubMed1993

Intestinal metaplasia in stilboestrol-induced vaginal adenosis.

We present an unusual case of vaginal adenosis with progressive intestinal metaplasia, previously undescribed, in a female patient exposed to stilboestrol in utero. Argentaffin cells were present within these areas, a feature not previously reported in benign vaginal adenosis. The development of the intestinal metaplasia coincided with the onset of a vaginal discharge so severe that, after 7 years, a vaginal resection was performed. Intestinal-type glands have been described in the cervix and ovary, almost invariably associated with malignancy. The possible role of intestinal metaplasia in the development of enteric-type neoplasms of the vagina is discussed.

Adult↗
PubMed1989

The use of maleimidocaproyloxysuccinimide to prepare malarial peptide carrier immunogens. Immunogenicity of the linking region.

Malarial peptides synthesized with an added N terminal cysteine were conjugated to purified diphtheria toxoid (DT) protein using the bifunctional reagent maleimidocaproyloxysuccinimide (MCS). The molar ratio of peptide to carrier was determined by subtractive sulphydryl titration and confirmed by sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS) electrophoresis. For enzyme-linked immunoabsorbent (ELISA) analysis of sera from animals immunized with the DT conjugates, peptides were conjugated to bovine serum albumin (BSA) using MCS as well as a glutaraldehyde based coupling procedure. Western blotting analysis shows that both DT and BSA adducts were recognized by monoclonal antibodies (Mabs) directed against the peptide epitopes in the native sequences. Animals immunized with the DT-peptide conjugates produced antibodies to the coupling reagent (MCS) as well as diphtheria toxoid and peptide specific antibodies. This MCS specificity could be largely abolished by pre-incubation of sera with a soluble MCS homologue, a thiosuccinimidocaproylamide (TSC).

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1989

Carbon balance and productivity of Lemna gibba, a candidate plant for CELSS.

The photosynthesis and productivity of Lemna gibba were studied with a view to its use in Controlled Ecological Life Support Systems (CELSS). Photosynthesis of L. gibba floating on the nutrient solution could be driven by light coming from either above or below. Light from below was about 75% as effective as from above when the stand was sparse, but much less so with dense stands. High rates of photosynthesis (ca. 800 nanomoles CO2 g dry weight (DW)-1 s-1) were measured at 750 micromoles m-2 s-1 PPF and 1500 micromoles mol-1 CO2. This was attained at densities up to 660 g fresh weight (FW) m-2 with young cultures. After a few days growth under these conditions, and at higher densities, the rate of photosynthesis dropped to less than 25% of the initial value. This drop was only partly alleviated by thinning the stand or by introducing a short dark period at high temperature (26 degrees C). Despite the drop in the rate of photosynthesis, maximum yields were obtained in batch cultures grown under continuous light, constant temperature and high [CO2]. Plant protein content was less than reported for field grown Lemna. When the plants were harvested daily, maintaining a stand density of 600 g FW m-2, yields of 18 g DW m-2 d-1 were obtained. The total dry weight of L. gibba included 40% soluble material (sugars and amino acids), 15% protein, 5% starch, 5% ash and 35% cellulose and other polymers. We conclude that a CELSS system could be designed around stacked, alternate layers of transparent Lemna trays and lamps. This would allow for 7 tiers per meter height. Based on present data from single layers, the yield of such a system is calculated to be 135 g DW m-3 d-1 of a 100% edible, protein-rich food.

Carbon↗
PubMed1989

Cross-reactivity of antibody against an epitope of the Plasmodium falciparum second merozoite surface antigen.

Monoclonal antibodies directed against the 51 kD merozoite surface antigen of Plasmodium falciparum also bind to other antigens within the infected cell. The sizes of these cross-reacting antigens have been characterized. Immunofluorescence due to the reaction of one of the monoclonal antibodies with these cross-reacting antigens was localized in the intra-erythrocytic parasite and in granules in the infected red cell cytoplasm. This immunofluorescence could be distinguished from the merozoite surface antigen in parasite lines with a variant serotype of the merozoite surface antigen which fails to react with the monoclonal antibodies. It was found that the in-vitro growth inhibition caused by the presence of one of the monoclonal antibodies, 8G10/48, was dependent on the expression of the corresponding serotype of merozoite surface antigen, a finding consistent with the inhibitory effect of this antibody being primarily directed against the merozoite surface antigen and not the cross-reacting antigens. Analysis of the frequency at which epitopes occur suggests that such cross-reacting proteins will be commonly seen in malaria, without the need to postulate a selective advantage for such cross-reacting specificities.

Animals↗
PubMed1989

[Reduction of renal reperfusion damage following warm ischemia by allopurinol and superoxide dismutase].

Preserved organs are damaged not only by the ischemic injury due to lack of oxygen. The reperfusion injury mediated by oxygen free radicals is an important factor in the postischemic organ failure. The prevention of free radical-induced reperfusion injury with allopurinol (AP) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) is shown in a warm ischemia kidney model. Rats were treated with allopurinol (40 mg/kg i.v.) one hour, or with SOD (20,000 IU/kg i.v.) one minute before reperfusion after a period of 35 minutes of warm ischemia. Allopurinol and SOD reduced significantly the postischemic kidney failure with a less important increase of creatinine. Creatinine levels on day three in the control group: 517 +/- 87 mumol/ml, in the SOD-group: 206 +/- 105 mumol/ml, and in the AP-group: 163 +/- 81 mumol/ml (anal. of variance: p = 0.0001). AP has a wide therapeutic range. We feel, that it is important to confirm the prevention of reperfusion injury by allopurinol prophylaxis clinically.

Allopurinol↗
PubMed1988

Sexual abuse in young children: its clinical presentation and characteristic patterns.

A retrospective record survey was performed using all child clients aged less than 7 years seen at a community mental health center during the period 1982-1984. The total number of 202 children fell into three groups: sexually abused (n = 37), physically abused (n = 35), and nonabused clinical children (n = 130). These groups were compared in order to learn more about sexual abuse in young children. Family background of both abused groups were similar to each other but differed from the nonabused group in having more factors related to family stress than the nonabused group. Clinical presentations of all the children overlapped a great deal symptomatically; however, the sexually abused children had a statistically significant higher frequency of inappropriate sexual behavior than the other two groups. Several characteristics of the abusive patterns suffered by the two abuse groups differed at or near statistical significance: sexually abused children were more often victimized in single acts by nonrelated child perpetrators than were physically abused children.

Adaptation, Psychological↗