Search PubMed⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

J Grossman

Publications and source records attributed to J Grossman.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Nutritional assessment of the lung transplant patient: body mass index as a predictor of 90-day mortality following transplantation.

BACKGROUND: It is well documented that malnourished and/or obese surgical patients have increased morbidity and mortality post-operatively. Only a few studies investigating the effect of nutritional status on mortality are available pertaining to the transplant population. Since limited data are available on the nutritional status and its effects on mortality in the lung transplant population, we sought to ascertain whether there is an association between mortality and preoperative nutritional status. METHODS: We examined mortality during the first 3 months after transplantation. Patients were grouped by body mass index (BMI) categories as < 17 kg/m(2), 17 to < 20 kg/m(2), 20 to 25 kg/m(2) (reference group), > 25 to 27 kg/m(2), and > 27 kg/m(2). Additional risk factors retrieved from the pre-transplant records included age, gender, diagnosis, energy requirements, protein requirements, protein and caloric intake, and weight history. Logistic regression for univariate and multivariate analysis for mortality used recipient age, gender, disease category, pre-transplant cytomegalovirus (CMV) serology, transplant type (single or bilateral), and donor age, gender, and CMV serology. RESULTS: The likelihood estimates or odds ratios (ORs) of the risk of death within 90 days of lung transplantation for the BMI categories compared to the reference group were 3.7 for BMI < 17 kg/m(2) (p = 0.085), 1.6 for BMI < 17 to 20 kg/m(2) (p = 0.455), 3.5 for BMI > 25 to 27 kg/m(2) (p = 0.069), and 5.0 for BMI > 27 kg/m(2) (p = 0.003). CONCLUSIONS: In patients with a pre-transplant BMI < 17 kg/m(2) or > 25 kg/m(2) the risk of dying within 90 days post-transplant was increased. In patients with a pre-transplant BMI of > 27 kg/m(2) the risk was significantly higher in than the reference group.

Adult↗

Alcohol stimulates estrogen receptor signaling in human breast cancer cell lines.

Epidemiological studies suggest that moderate alcohol consumption increases the risk of breast cancer, and that alcohol combined with estrogen replacement therapy may synergistically enhance the risk. However, the mechanism(s) of alcohol-induced mammary cancer is unknown. In human breast cancer cell lines, we found that ethanol (EtOH) caused a dose-dependent increase of up to 10- to 15-fold in the transcriptional activity of the liganded estrogen receptor (ER-alpha), but did not activate the nonliganded receptor. Significant stimulation of ER-alpha activity was observed at EtOH concentrations comparable with or less than blood alcohol levels associated with intoxication and at doses below the threshold for in vitro cytotoxicity. These findings may be explained, in part, by an EtOH-induced down-regulation of the expression of BRCA1, a potent inhibitor of ER-alpha activity, and, in part, by a modest increase in the ER-alpha levels. Our findings suggest that inactivation of BRCA1 and increased estrogen-responsiveness might contribute to alcohol-induced breast cancer.

BRCA1 Protein↗

Oral montelukast compared with inhaled salmeterol to prevent exercise-induced bronchoconstriction. A randomized, double-blind trial. Exercise Study Group.

BACKGROUND: Montelukast, an oral, once-daily leukotriene receptor antagonist, provides protection against exercise-induced bronchoconstriction. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of 8 weeks of therapy with salmeterol aerosol or montelukast on exercise-induced bronchoconstriction in adults with asthma. DESIGN: 8-week multicenter, randomized, double-blind study. SETTING: 17 asthma treatment centers in the United States. PATIENTS: 191 adults with asthma who had documented exercise-induced bronchoconstriction. INTERVENTION: Qualified patients were randomly assigned to double-blind treatment with montelukast (10 mg once in the evening) or salmeterol (50 microg [2 puffs] twice daily). MEASUREMENTS: Changes in pre-exercise and postexercise challenge values; percentage inhibition in the maximal percentage decrease in FEV1; the area above the FEV1-time curve; and time to recovery of FEV1 at days 1 to 3, week 4, and week 8 of treatment. RESULTS: By day 3, similar and statistically significant reductions in maximal percentage decrease in FEV1 were seen with both therapies. Sustained improvement occurred in the montelukast group at weeks 4 and 8; at these time points, the bronchoprotective effect of salmeterol decreased significantly. At week 8, the percentage inhibition in the maximal percentage decrease in FEV1 was 57.2% in the montelukast group and 33.0% in the salmeterol group (P = 0.002). By week 8, 67% of patients receiving montelukast and 46% of patients receiving salmeterol had a maximal percentage decrease in FEV1 of less than 20%. CONCLUSIONS: The bronchoprotective effect of montelukast was maintained throughout 8 weeks of study. In contrast, significant loss of bronchoprotection at weeks 4 and 8 was seen with salmeterol. Long-term administration of montelukast provided consistent inhibition of exercise-induced bronchoconstriction at the end of the 8-week dosing interval without tolerance.

Acetates↗

Inhaled mometasone furoate reduces oral prednisone requirements while improving respiratory function and health-related quality of life in patients with severe persistent asthma.

BACKGROUND: Inhaled corticosteroid therapy in severe persistent asthma has been shown to reduce or eliminate oral corticosteroid (OCS) use while retaining effective asthma control. OBJECTIVE: We sought to evaluate the ability of mometasone furoate (MF) delivered by means of dry powder inhaler to reduce daily oral prednisone requirements in OCS-dependent patients with severe persistent asthma. METHODS: We performed a 12-week, double-blind, placebocontrolled trial (21 centers, 132 patients) comparing 2 doses of MF (400 and 800 microg administered twice daily) with placebo, followed by a 9-month open-label phase in which 128 patients received treatment with MF. RESULTS: At the endpoint of the double-blind trial, MF 400 and 800 mg twice daily reduced daily OCS requirements by 46.0% and 23.9%, respectively, whereas placebo increased OCS requirements by 164.4% (P <.01). Oral steroids were eliminated in 40%, 37%, and 0% of patients in the MF 400 and 800 mg twice daily and placebo groups, respectively. Pulmonary function and quality of life significantly increased for MF-treated patients. Further reductions in OCS requirements were achieved with long-term MF treatment in the open-label phase. CONCLUSION: MF inhaled orally as a dry powder is an effective alternative to systemic corticosteroids in patients with severe persistent asthma.

Administration, Inhalation↗

A dose-ranging study of mometasone furoate aqueous nasal spray in children with seasonal allergic rhinitis.

BACKGROUND: The efficacy and safety of mometasone furoate aqueous nasal spray (MFNS; Nasonex) 200 microg once daily for the treatment and prophylaxis of seasonal allergic rhinitis (SAR) and treatment of perennial rhinitis have been demonstrated in adults. However, the dose response of MFNS in pediatric patients has not yet been characterized. OBJECTIVE: This study was conducted to determine the dose-response relationship of 3 different doses of MFNS in a pediatric population. METHODS: This was a multicenter, double-blind, active- and placebo-controlled study of 679 children 6 to 11 years of age with histories of SAR and documented positive skin test responses. Patients were randomized to one of the following treatment groups for 4 weeks: MFNS 25 microgram once daily, MFNS 100 microgram once daily, MFNS 200 microgram once daily, beclomethasone dipropionate 84 microgram twice daily (168 microgram/day), or placebo. Physician evaluations were performed at days 4, 8, 15, and 29, and patient evaluations were analyzed for days 1 to 15 and 16 to 29. RESULTS: The mean reduction from baseline in physician-evaluated total nasal symptom scores at day 8 (the primary efficacy variable) was significantly greater in the MFNS and beclomethasone dipropionate groups than in the placebo group (P </=.02). No significant differences were observed among the 3 MFNS groups. However, as treatment continued, symptoms in patients treated with MFNS 100 or 200 microgram once daily continued to improve, whereas those treated with MFNS 25 microgram once daily demonstrated little further improvement. By day 29, MFNS 100 and 200 microgram once daily both were significantly more effective than MFNS 25 microgram once daily in relieving symptoms of SAR, but MFNS 200 microgram provided no additional benefit over MFNS 100 microgram. All doses of MFNS were well tolerated, and cosyntropin stimulation tests performed before and after treatment found no evidence of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis suppression. CONCLUSION: These results indicate that the most appropriate therapeutic dosage of MFNS in the treatment of SAR in children 6 to 11 years of age is 100 microgram once daily. In addition, MFNS at doses up to 200 microgram once daily for 4 weeks was well tolerated and had no detectable effects on hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis function.

Administration, Intranasal↗

Rapid onset of control with budesonide Turbuhaler in patients with mild-to-moderate asthma.

BACKGROUND: Budesonide (Pulmicort) is an inhaled corticosteroid with high topical potency but low systemic activity. Turbuhaler is a novel breath-actuated, multi-dose, dry-powder inhaler. OBJECTIVES: This study was conducted to determine the efficacy and safety of two different dose regimens of budesonide Turbuhaler, compared with placebo, in adult patients with mild-to-moderate asthma not well-controlled with bronchodilator therapy. METHODS: This double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, parallel-group, multicenter study compared the efficacy and safety of 200 microg and 400 microg of budesonide, administered twice daily via Turbuhaler, with placebo, in 273 adult patients (aged 19 to 70 years) with mild-to-moderate asthma (FEV1 67% of predicted normal), not well-controlled with bronchodilator therapy. Efficacy was assessed by pulmonary function tests and patient assessments of asthma symptom control. Safety was assessed in terms of adverse events, laboratory evaluations, and physical examinations. RESULTS: Two hundred and 400 microg of budesonide bid were significantly more effective than placebo at improving morning PEF (mean differences from placebo of 43.63 L/min and 40.10 L/min, respectively; P < .001) and FEV1 (mean differences from placebo of 0.44 L, and 0.50 L, respectively; P < .001) over the 12-week treatment period. Onset of action as assessed by morning PEF was within two days. Basal and stimulated plasma cortisol concentrations were not significantly affected by budesonide treatment compared with placebo. CONCLUSIONS: Treatment of adults suffering from mild-to-moderate asthma with budesonide Turbuhaler is well tolerated and results in a rapid onset of asthma control which is maintained over time.

Administration, Inhalation↗

A six-month, placebo-controlled comparison of the safety and efficacy of salmeterol or beclomethasone for persistent asthma.

BACKGROUND: There is a paucity of data comparing the long-term safety and efficacy of long-acting inhaled beta2-agonists versus low-dose inhaled corticosteroids in the treatment of asthma. OBJECTIVE: To compare the safety and efficacy of salmeterol xinafoate, beclomethasone dipropionate (BDP), and placebo over a 6-month treatment period in patients with persistent asthma. METHODS: Salmeterol (42 microg twice daily), BDP (84 microg four times daily), or placebo was administered via metered-dose inhaler to 386 adolescent and adult inhaled corticosteroid-naive patients in a randomized, double-blind, double-dummy, parallel-group study. Eligible patients demonstrated a forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) from 65% to 90% of predicted values. Pulmonary function, symptom control, frequency of asthma exacerbations, bronchial hyperresponsiveness (BHR) to methacholine challenge, and adverse events were assessed. RESULTS: There were few statistically significant differences between the two active treatments over 6 months of therapy. Asthma symptoms and lung function were significantly improved with both salmeterol and BDP compared with placebo (changes from baseline in FEV1 of 0.28 L (SE = 0.04) and 0.23 L (SE = 0.04), respectively, compared with 0.08 L (SE = 0.04); P < or = .014). There were no significant differences among the treatment groups with respect to the distribution of asthma exacerbations over time. Both salmeterol and BDP significantly reduced BHR compared with placebo (P < or = .033; changes from baseline of 1.29 (SE = 0.26) and 1.42 (SE = 0.24) doubling doses at 6 months, respectively, compared with 0.24 (SE = 0.29) doubling dose for placebo). No rebound effect in BHR was seen upon cessation of any of the three treatment regimens. There were no clinically important differences in the safety profiles among the three treatments. CONCLUSIONS: Both salmeterol and BDP are effective and well-tolerated when administered for 6 months to inhaled corticosteroid-naive patients with persistent asthma.

Adolescent↗

Ipratropium bromide nasal spray 0.03% and beclomethasone nasal spray alone and in combination for the treatment of rhinorrhea in perennial rhinitis.

BACKGROUND: Perennial rhinitis is a common condition that affects up to 10% to 20% of the population. Multiple agents are frequently administered since no single agent provides complete relief. Studies assessing the benefit/risk of combined therapy are important especially for newly approved agents such as ipratropium bromide nasal spray 0.03%, a topical anticholinergic agent, approved specifically for the treatment of rhinorrhea in allergic and non-allergic perennial rhinitis. OBJECTIVE: To compare the efficacy and safety of the combined use of ipratropium bromide nasal spray 0.03% (42 microg per nostril tid) and beclomethasone dipropionate nasal spray (84 microg per nostril bid) against that of either active agent alone for the treatment of rhinorrhea. DESIGN: Multicenter, 6-week, double-blind, randomized active- and placebo-controlled, parallel trial. SETTING: Allergist and general practitioner clinical practices. PATIENTS: Five hundred thirty-three patients with perennial rhinitis (279 allergic and 274 non-allergic), 8 to 75 years of age, who had at least a mild degree of severity of rhinorrhea for a minimum of 2 hours per day during the 1 week screening period as well as congestion or sneezing also of at least mild severity. INTERVENTION: Either (1) ipratropium bromide nasal spray 0.03% (42 microg per nostril tid) plus beclomethasone dipropionate nasal spray (84 microg per nostril bid), (2) ipratropium bromide nasal spray 0.03% (42 microg per nostril tid) alone, (3) beclomethasone dipropionate nasal spray (84 microg per nostril bid) alone, or (4) vehicle [matching placebo nasal spray for the ipratropium bromide (2 sprays per nostril tid)] or beclomethasone dipropionate (2 sprays per nostril bid). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Severity and duration of rhinorrhea, and patient and physician global assessment of control of rhinorrhea. RESULTS: Ipratropium bromide nasal spray plus beclomethasone nasal spray was more effective than either active agent alone or vehicle in reducing the average severity and duration of rhinorrhea during 4 weeks of treatment. The advantage of ipratropium bromide plus beclomethasone nasal spray was evident by the first day of combined treatment and continued throughout the 2-week treatment period. Ipratropium bromide nasal spray had a faster onset of action during the first week of treatment and reduced the duration of rhinorrhea more than beclomethasone. Beclomethasone nasal spray was more effective in reducing the severity of congestion and sneezing than ipratropium. In patients who had not responded well to a nasal steroid prior to participation in the study based on a questionnaire administered at screening, ipratropium bromide was as effective in the steroid non-responders as steroid responders, whereas beclomethasone was more effective in steroid responders. Combined active therapy was well tolerated with no increase in adverse events over that seen previously with ipratropium bromide or beclomethasone nasal spray alone. CONCLUSIONS: The combined use of ipratropium bromide nasal spray with beclomethasone dipropionate nasal spray is more effective than either active agent for the treatment of rhinorrhea, and does not result in a potentiation of adverse drug reactions. Ipratropium bromide nasal spray 0.03% alone should be considered in patients for whom rhinorrhea is the primary symptom, and its use in combination with a nasal steroid should be considered in patients where rhinorrhea is one of the predominant symptoms, or in patients with rhinorrhea not fully responsive to other therapy.

Administration, Inhalation↗

Long-term safety and efficacy of zafirlukast in the treatment of asthma: interim results of an open-label extension trial.

BACKGROUND: Current guidelines recommend anti-leukotriene agents as alternative treatments for mild persistent asthma; however, information on their long-term safety and efficacy is needed. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate long-term safety and efficacy of and compliance with oral zafirlukast (Z; 20 mg BID) during the first 39 weeks of ongoing, multicenter, open-label extension (OLE) of a previously reported 13-week, randomized (2:1), double-blind (DB), placebo (P)-controlled trial in mild-to-moderate asthmatic patients treated previously with beta2-agonists alone. METHODS: Patients (12 to 76 years; FEV1 > or = 55% predicted) elected to enter OLE after completing the DB trial. Safety evaluated by adverse events (AEs), laboratory tests, and physical and electrocardiographic examinations. Efficacy assessed by spirometry measurements [FEV1, FEV1 % predicted, personal-best (post-bronchodilator) FEV1] and treatment failure rates. Compliance was calculated as percentage of treatment dispensed. After a visit at OLE week 3 (week 16), patients had visits every 12 weeks. RESULTS: A total of 443 patients (nz-->z = 310, np-->z = 133) entered the OLE. Results through the OLE period showed that 80% of patients overall reported AEs. Of patients randomized to Z and P during DB period, 68% and 67%, respectively, reported AEs during quarter I (Q1); percentage of Z-treated patients reporting AEs during the OLE ranged from 66% (Q2) to 44% (Q4). Review by quarters showed occurrence of AEs in Z-treated groups (Q2-4) was similar to that in P group (Q1). Compared with baseline (week 0), modest yet significant improvements (P < or = .02) in all spirometry measurements were noted in Z --> Z and P --> Z groups at OLE week 3, with sustained effects noted during OLE period. Treatment failure rates during OLE ranged from 7.2% (Q2) to 3.3% (Q4). Mean compliance ranged from 98% (OLE week 3) to 95% (OLE week 39). CONCLUSIONS: Long-term treatment with zafirlukast was safe and well tolerated in asthmatic patients. Sustained efficacy and asthma control and good compliance were observed over extended treatment period. Results demonstrate long-term safety and effectiveness of and compliance with this anti-leukotriene agent.

Adolescent↗

Clinical comparability of albuterol delivered by the breath-actuated inhaler (Spiros) and albuterol by MDI in patients with asthma.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: This study compares the efficacy and safety of one and two actuations of albuterol sulfate powder delivered via a breath-actuated, effort-assisted, investigational inhaler (Spiros, Dura Pharmaceuticals, Inc) and albuterol delivered via a conventional propellant-driven metered dose inhaler (Ventolin, Glaxo, Inc). DESIGN: Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, 5-way crossover study. PARTICIPANTS: Sixty patients with mild-to-moderate asthma (FEV1 59% predicted) were enrolled and 44 completed the study. MEASUREMENTS AND RESULTS: FEV1 values over 6 hours were analyzed by ANCOVA and the Finney relative potency model. The relative potency of the inhalers (albuterol MDI: albuterol DPI) was 1.132 (90% CI, 0.680 to 2.252) indicating 1.132 actuations of albuterol MDI provided the same bronchodilation as one actuation of albuterol DPI. ANCOVA analyses further indicated that there were no significant differences between the two delivery systems with respect to FEV1, FVC, FEF25-75%, or PEF. Both inhalers had similar effects on serum potassium levels, QTc interval, blood pressure, and heart rate. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with mild-to-moderate asthma in this study, the albuterol DPI was determined to be therapeutically comparable to albuterol MDI in the delivery of one and two actuations of albuterol.

Administration, Inhalation↗

Suicide and violence prevention: parent education in the emergency department.

OBJECTIVE: To determine prospectively whether parental receipt of injury prevention education is associated with new action limiting access to lethal means and if so, what action was taken for which means. METHOD: Prospective follow-up of 103 adults whose children made an emergency department visit for mental health assessment or treatment. Record review assessed whether hospital staff provided injury prevention education. Logistic regression was used to determine the likelihood of new caretaker action limiting access to the following potentially lethal means: firearms, alcohol, prescription medications, and over-the-counter medications. RESULTS: Significant associations were found between exposure to injury prevention education and action to limit access (adjusted odds ratio = 3.6, 95% confidence interval = 1.1-12.1, p = .04). Five of 8 adults whose households contained firearms took new action to limit access after injury prevention education, whereas none of the 7 firearm-owning families who did not receive injury prevention education took new action to limit firearm access. Similar patterns were seen for other means. Adults more often chose to lock up rather than dispose of lethal means. CONCLUSIONS: Injury prevention education should be provided to parents during child/adolescent emergency department mental health-related visits. Potential for violence prevention is real because parents do take new action to limit access to lethal means when means restriction education is provided.

Adolescent↗

Identification of a de novo glycine substitution in the type VII collagen gene in a proband with mild dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa.

The dystrophic forms of epidermolysis bullosa result from different types and combinations of mutations in the type VII collagen gene (COL7A1). We describe a novel glycine substitution arising as a de novo mutation in a proband with a clinically mild form of dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa and no family history of any blistering disease. This report underscores the predominance of glycine substitutions in the dominantly inherited forms of dystrophic form epidermolysis bullosa, and heightens our awareness of unusual modes of inheritance. This information is critical for accurate genetic counseling and determination of recurrence risk in families with dystrophic EB.

Base Sequence↗

Bayesian analysis.

Explore the source record for details and available documents.

Bayes Theorem↗

Nonmuscle tropomyosin-4 requires coexpression with other low molecular weight isoforms for binding to thin filaments in cardiomyocytes.

Vertebrate tropomyosins (TMs) are expressed from four genes, and at least 18 distinct isoforms are generated via a complex pattern of alternative RNA splicing and alternative promoters. The functional significance of this isoform diversity is largely unknown and it remains to be determined whether specific isoforms are required for assembly and integration into distinct actin-containing structures. The ability of nonmuscle (TM-1, -2, -3, -4, -5(NM1), -5a or -5b) and striated muscle (skeletal muscle (&agr;)-TM) isoforms to incorporate into actin filaments of neonatal rat cardiomyocytes (NRCs) was studied using expression plasmids containing TM-fusions with GFP (green fluorescent protein) as well as with VSV- or HA-epitope tags. All isoforms, except of fibroblast TM-4, were able to incorporate into the I-band of NRCs. When TM-4 was co-transfected with other low molecular weight (LMW) isoforms of TM (TM-5, TM-5a and TM-5b), it was able to incorporate into sarcomeres of NRCs. This result was not obtained when TM-4 was co-transfected with high molecular weight (HMW) TMs (TM-1, TM-2 or skeletal muscle (&agr;)-TM). These data demonstrate that the ability of TM-4 to bind to actin filaments can be specifically influenced by its interaction with other LMW TM isoforms. In addition, cells that incorporated the muscle or nonmuscle GFP-TMs into their sarcomeres continued to beat and exhibited sarcomeric contraction. These studies provide the first in vivo demonstration of synergistic effects between TM isoforms for binding to actin filaments. These results have important implications in understanding actin filament dynamics in nonmuscle cell systems, especially during development and in transformed cells, where alterations in the ratio of different LMW isoforms might lead to changes in their interactions with actin filaments. Furthermore, these studies demonstrate that GFP-TM can be used to study thin-filament dynamics in muscle cells and actin filament dynamics in nonmuscle cells.

Actins↗

A mixed picture on the ground: researchers look at integration efforts nationwide.

Integration initiatives nationwide have not developed as easily and profitably as many had expected even a few years ago. But experiences with integration continue to vary quite widely across individual markets and regions U.S. One research organization that has spent years looking at the phenomenon offers its insights into what is going on regionally and nationally, and why.

Capitation Fee↗

Alterations in heart failure of cyclic AMP-dependent inotropic and lusitropic properties of cardiac and skeletal muscle.

A central working hypothesis in our laboratory is that deficient cellular cyclic AMP concentrations may be responsible, at least in part, for striated muscle dysfunction, both cardiac and skeletal, in heart failure. These results suggest that therapy aimed at restoring cyclic AMP to normal levels may be effective with regard to improving systolic and diastolic function in the heart and may decrease the development of fatigue in skeletal muscle of patients with failure. The use of cyclic AMP-dependent drugs in clinical practice has been limited by side effects associated with raising total cellular content of this cyclic nucleotide. However, evidence suggesting that separate pools of cyclic AMP may exist within the cell raises the possibility that those pools associated with excitation/contraction coupling could serve as more specific therapeutic targets.

Animals↗

Continuing competence in the health professions.

The health professions are confronted with external pressures to assure the public of the continuing competence of health care providers and internal pressures for self-regulation. This article describes the forces driving continuing competence, the difficulty defining the scope of professional competencies for experienced practitioners, the difficulty creating valid measures to evaluate continuing competence, and the need for shared responsibility and collaboration among regulatory boards, professional associations, and specialty certification programs. The article presents findings from the Study of Professions, which was based on literature review, document review, and telephone interviews with key informants from 13 regulated health professions.

Certification↗