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Biomedical subjects

J Hare

Publications and source records attributed to J Hare.

50 records · Page 3Linked to original sources

Comparison of MHC genes among distantly related members of the genus Mus.

The genomic content of class I and class II MHC DNA sequences in a variety of wild mice has been analyzed. The panel of mice includes members of three subgenera of the genus Mus. By genomic hybridization with the use of a variety of DNA probes, both class I and class II DNA sequences appear to be conserved in all of the species examined. However, the number of class I DNA sequences differs among the species. Furthermore, this variation appears to result from differential increases within subsets of class I genes. These data suggest that the class I multigene family is dynamic and changing over short periods of evolutionary time. In contrast, none of the class II genes appears to vary in copy number. More extensive polymorphism was noted amongst the class II beta genes than the alpha genes. Interestingly, the genomic sequence corresponding to E beta 2 is highly conserved, leading to the prediction that it is a genetically functional sequence.

Animals↗

An analysis of the mechanism of 5-hydroxytryptamine-induced vasopressor responses in ganglion-blocked anaesthetized dogs.

5-Hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) administered intravenously (i.v., 1--30 micrograms kg-1) to ganglion-blocked anaesthetized dogs produced dose-related increases in diastolic blood pressure and we have analysed the mechanism involved. Cyproheptadine and methysergide (10--100 micrograms kg-1 i.v.) were potent and specific antagonists of the 5-HT induced rise in blood pressure, while the alpha-adrenoceptor blocking agent phentolamine (0.3--3 mg kg-1 i.v.) also caused dose-related inhibition. Syrosingopine pretreatment converted the vasopressor action of 5-HT to a vasodepressor action and acute bilateral adrenalectomy caused a marked reduction in the 5-HT-induced rise in blood pressure. In two dogs, 5-HT (30 micrograms kg-1 i.v.) markedly increased the venous plasma concentrations of noradrenaline and adrenaline. We concluded that the 5-HT-induced rise in diastolic pressure in the ganglion blocked anaesthetized dog is due largely to the release of catecholamines of which a substantial component is from the adrenal gland. The rise in diastolic blood pressure is specifically blocked by low doses of cyproheptadine and methysergide suggesting that the release of catecholamines is mediated by specific 5-HT receptors located mainly within the adrenal medulla.

Adrenalectomy↗

Adenocarcinoma of the colon presenting as anaemia.

All patients with adenocarcinoma of the colon treated surgically at the Austin Hospital over a five-year period were reviewed to determine the relevance of anaemia in diagnosis. It was found that one-fifth of the patients presented with symptoms of anaemia to the doctor of first contact, and of these, one-third had an unwarranted delay in diagnosis (mean delay 13 months).

Adenocarcinoma↗

Will outpatients complete living wills? A comparison of two interventions.

OBJECTIVE: To test the efficacy of two intervention methods that aimed to increase the percentage of adult clinic patients who completed living wills and placed them on file with their physicians within a four-month period. DESIGN: There were one control and two intervention groups. Surveys were separated by age and gender categories and randomly selected for the final sample. SETTING: The internal medicine outpatient clinic of a large tertiary hospital. PARTICIPANTS: All patients who visited the clinic were asked whether they would be willing to fill out a survey. The final sample included 167 adult patients who comprised three study groups. INTERVENTIONS: The first intervention relied solely on a booklet that described the Minnesota Living Will Act, general information concerning advance directives, and medical interventions that could be considered extraordinary if used for a patient in a terminal condition. The second intervention relied on both the booklet and repeated physician-initiated discussions with the patient about the probable value of a living will. MAIN RESULTS: The booklet/physician intervention was found to be significantly more effective than either the booklet-only intervention or no intervention (p less than 0.05 and 0.01, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: The physician intervention used in this population could be undertaken in any primary care clinic. Time spent in discussion before a crisis may be significantly shorter and qualitatively better than time spent in discussion with families who must make decisions during a crisis.

Adult↗

End-of-life care: an explanation for Wisconsin citizens' attitudes toward legalization of physician-assisted suicide.

The debate concerning the legalization of physician-assisted suicide is ongoing in the United States. In Wisconsin specifically, a bill similar to Oregon's "Death With Dignity Act" was introduced in the 1993-94, 1995-96 and 1997-98 legislative sessions. This study sought to clarify the attitudes of Wisconsin citizens on this topic, as well as to investigate their beliefs and worries concerning end-of-life care. Questionnaires were administered to clinic outpatients, university students and the general public in western Wisconsin. The total sample consisted of 1,368 Wisconsin adults. Less than 10% declined to participate. A majority of respondents (57%) supported the legalization of PAS. Beliefs and worries about end-of-life care reveal that citizens understand they can decline treatment they do not wish. However, only 55% believe that most patients are kept comfortable as they die. Furthermore, respondents are worried that medical technology will be used to prolong their lives against their wishes.

Aged↗

Conflicts of conscience. Hospice and assisted suicide.

Proposals to legalize assisted suicide challenge hospice's identity and integrity. In the wake of Measure 16, Oregon hospice programs must develop practical policies to balance traditional commitments not to hasten death and not to abandon patients with dying patients' legal right to request lethal prescriptions.

Attitude to Death↗