High-efficiency deleter mice show that FLPe is an alternative to Cre-loxP.
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Amino Acid Substitution↗
Biomedical subjects
J Kasper
Publications and source records attributed to J Kasper.
Vasorelaxing properties of carteolol in isolated porcine ciliary arteries.
INTRODUCTION: Carteolol is a topical beta-blocker used in ophthalmology to decrease the intraocular pressure. This study investigates the vasoactive effect of carteolol in isolated porcine ciliary processes. MATERIAL AND METHODS: With a myograph system isometric force measurements, quiescent vessels or vessels either precontracted with endothelin-1 (0.03 microM) or the thromboxane A2 analog U 46619 (0.3 microM) were exposed, in cumulative manner, to increasing concentrations of carteolol (10 microM-3 mM). Vessels that had a functional endothelium were compared with vessels that had a non functional endothelium (intentionally and mechanically damaged). RESULTS: In quiescent vessels carteolol did not induce contractions. In contrast, in precontracted arteries, carteolol evoked marked relaxations which were endothelium-independent. CONCLUSIONS: In vitro, carteolol has a marked vasorelaxing effect on porcine ciliary arteries, however the clinical relevance of this observation for the care of glaucoma patients requires further evaluation.
Adrenergic beta-Antagonists↗
The UDHR and the physician's role.
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Global Health↗
Black/white differences in the relationship between MMSE scores and disability: the Women's Health and Aging Study.
The purpose of this article is to examine Black/White differences among older women in the relationship between physical functional difficulties and variations in cognitive status, measured within the low to high normal range of the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). We studied 3,585 women with MMSE scores of 18 and above from a population-based random sample of 3,841 community-dwelling women aged 65 and older living in East Baltimore, Maryland. Trained interviewers administered the MMSE and obtained information on demographics, medical conditions, and functional difficulties. Prevalence of any functional difficulty was 43.3% in Whites and 48.5% in Blacks, who were 25% of the study sample. After adjusting for age and education, a significant trend for increasing functional difficulty with decreasing MMSE scores was found in White women but not in Black women. Since no explanation for these racial differences could be identified, these findings suggest that the MMSE may not be a valid predictor of functional difficulty in Black women who score > or = 18 on the instrument.
Black or African American↗
Constant hierarchic patterns of physical functioning across seven populations in five countries.
This research was aimed at identifying critical steps in the decline in physical function that often parallels aging. Six basic and nine instrumental activities of daily living (ADLs) were classified into four domains of disability characterized by specific underlying physical impairment. The hierarchical order of this classification was verified in two random samples representative of the older home-dwelling population. The concordance level of disability and results of performance-based measures of physical function were also tested. Finally, the cross-cultural reliability of the model was verified in seven population-based samples of older persons living in five European countries. In older persons the disabling process follows a general pattern of progression based on a typical sequence of impairments.
Activities of Daily Living↗
[In Process Citation]
The therapy of AMI is aimed at the prevention of death, minimalization of discomfort caused by the disease and the reduction of the infarction focus (as soon and as markedly as possible) since the success of this step links with the later short-term as well as the long-term prognoses of the patient. (Tab. 2, Ref. 15.)
Journal Article↗
Departures from linearity in the relationship between measures of muscular strength and physical performance of the lower extremities: the Women's Health and Aging Study.
BACKGROUND: Sarcopenia, an age-related reduction in muscular mass and strength, may cause a decline in physical functioning and subsequent loss of autonomy. It has been suggested that strength is associated with lower extremity function mainly in the lower portion of the range of strength. Identifying the threshold under which strength is most critical to function may help in targeting groups who may benefit most from exercise interventions. METHODS: The study uses data from the Women's Health and Aging Study. The study population, recruited by screening a population-based sample aged 65 years and older, comprised 1,002 women who represent the one-third most disabled women without severe cognitive impairment living in the community. Knee extensor and hip flexor strength were assessed using a hand-held dynamometer. Lower extremity performance was evaluated using tests of walking, standing balance, and rising from a chair. RESULTS: Among women tested for strength (n = 892), those who could walk (97%), do the side-by-side stand (87%), or complete 5 chair stands (74%) had significantly greater strength. Walking speed was linearly associated with knee extensor strength over the entire range of strength, but its association with hip strength was limited to values below 15 kg. Time for five chair stands was associated with knee extensor and hip flexor strength below 10 and 15 kg, respectively, and no significant association was detected above these values. Stronger women were more likely to hold balance for 10 sec in the side-by-side, semi-tandem, and tandem positions. The percentage of the variance in performance explained by strength alone was always lower than 20%. CONCLUSIONS: In this population, which does not include the strongest older women, there is a departure from linearity in the relationship between muscular strength and some measures of lower extremity performance.
Aged↗
[Cardiogenic shock in acute myocardial infarct].
Based on clinical records (three years) the authors assessed the characteristics of patients with cardiogenic shock during myocardial infarction (48 of 270 patients with infarctions, i.e. 18%). The mortality of these patients was 77%. The incidence of cardiogenic shock evidently rose with age in both sexes and amounted to as much as 35% in the most advanced age groups. Other "risk factors" for the development of shock were arterial hypertension and diabetes. By dividing patients with myocardial infarction and cardiogenic shock into first infarctions (55%) and re-infarctions (45%) it was found that other risk factors for the development of cardiogenic shock are anterior localization of the infarction in first infarctions, and in re-infarctions it is in particular the number of previous infarctions (as they increase the size of the infarction focus). The authors point out that it is essential to pay increased attention to patients with acute infarction to prevent the development of cardiogenic shock (attempt thrombolytic treatment, treatment focused on prevention of ischaemia and arrhythmias). Apply also during its treatment thrombolysis or possibly PTCA.
Adult↗
Consumer-directed models of personal care: lessons from Medicaid.
"Consumer-directed" models of financing and services delivery are compared with models that emphasize professional control and accountability within the context of Medicaid-financed personal care services (PCS). The Medicaid PCS benefit finances aide or attendant services for low-income persons with functional disabilities to assist them with daily living tasks. Consumer-directed modes of service provision permit service recipients themselves to have greater choice and control over all aspects of service provision. Client surveys in three states found that clients were most satisfied with the program elements of Medicaid PCS services that gave them more choice and control. Case studies of how Medicaid PCS programs in particular states are administered indicate that the use of aides who are independent providers, unattached to a home health or home care agency, is a critical aspect of consumer direction. By itself, however, this factor does not guarantee consumer direction because other Medicaid PCS rules and regulations may restrict client choice and control.
Aged↗
The functional role of the ELR motif in CXC chemokine-mediated angiogenesis.
In this study, we demonstrate that the CXC family of chemokines displays disparate angiogenic activity depending upon the presence or absence of the ELR motif. CXC chemokines containing the ELR motif (ELR-CXC chemokines) were found to be potent angiogenic factors, inducing both in vitro endothelial chemotaxis and in vivo corneal neovascularization. In contrast, the CXC chemokines lacking the ELR motif, platelet factor 4, interferon gamma-inducible protein 10, and monokine induced by gamma-interferon, not only failed to induce significant in vitro endothelial cell chemotaxis or in vivo corneal neovascularization but were found to be potent angiostatic factors in the presence of either ELR-CXC chemokines or the unrelated angiogenic factor, basic fibroblast growth factor. Additionally, mutant interleukin-8 proteins lacking the ELR motif demonstrated potent angiostatic effects in the presence of either ELR-CXC chemokines or basic fibroblast growth factor. In contrast, a mutant of monokine induced by gamma-interferon containing the ELR motif was found to induce in vivo angiogenic activity. These findings suggest a functional role of the ELR motif in determining the angiogenic or angiostatic potential of CXC chemokines, supporting the hypothesis that the net biological balance between angiogenic and angiostatic CXC chemokines may play an important role in regulating overall angiogenesis.
Amino Acid Sequence↗
The structure of informal care: are there differences by race?
This study investigated whether there are race differences in the structure of informal caregiving networks. Data on 3,793 functionally impaired persons age 65 and over from the 1989 National Long-Term Care Survey were analyzed. The size of the total caregiver network and the unpaid network did not differ by race, but the likelihood of there being a non-immediate family member among unpaid caregivers was higher among disabled older blacks. These findings raise questions about whether race differences in nursing home utilization and paid long-term care services, documented in other studies, can be explained by differences in caregiving arrangements.
Activities of Daily Living↗
Growth inhibition and apoptosis of RL human B lymphoma cells by vitamin E succinate and retinoic acid: role for transforming growth factor beta.
Vitamin E succinate (VES) and all-trans-retinoic acid (RA) were determined to be growth inhibitory for B lymphoma cells in vitro. RL, an Epstein-Barr virus-negative human cell line, was growth suppressed 87% with VES (5 micrograms/ml) and 58% with RA (10(-6) M); both agents blocked the cells in G1 of the cell cycle. The antiproliferative effect of VES seems to be independent of its potential antioxidant property because both fat- and water-soluble antioxidants were found to have no effect on RL cell proliferation. VES and RA increased IgM antibody concentrations in cell supernatants 5.8- and 9.9-fold, respectively. DNA fragmentation and flow cytometry studies showed VES- and RA-induced apoptosis in RL cells. VES- and RA-treated RL cells gradually underwent apoptosis over time with maximal induction occurring at days 6 and 5 of culture, respectively. A role for transforming growth factor beta in VES- and RA-mediated RL growth suppression is indicated by increased ligand and type II receptor protein expression. Furthermore, neutralizing antibodies to transforming growth factor beta 1 partially blocked the growth suppressive action of both VES and RA, thus suggesting that a TGF-beta autocrine negative loop was involved in VES and RA suppression of RL cell growth.
Antibodies, Neoplasm↗
The contribution of osteoarthritis to disability: preliminary data from the Women's Health and Aging Study.
Our objective was to examine the relationship of a self-reported physician diagnosis of arthritis with disability in elderly community dwelling women. Data from a representative sample of 1541 women aged 65 and above were analyzed to determine the prevalence and associations of a self-reported physician diagnosis of arthritis with other chronic conditions and difficulty performing physical activities. A history of physician diagnosed arthritis was reported by 902 (58.5%) women. Women with arthritis were significantly more likely to report fair or poor perceived health, as well as a physician diagnosis of angina, myocardial infarction, hypertension, diabetes, stroke, lung disease, and hearing and vision problems. After adjustment for age, race, education, marital status, and comorbid/geriatric conditions, arthritis was significantly associated with difficulty in the following 13 activities: raising arms, lifting < or = 10 pounds, walking 2-3 blocks, bathing or showering, climbing 10 steps, grasping, getting in or out of a bed or chair, dressing, using the toilet, preparing meals, doing personal shopping, heavy and light housework. We conclude that physician diagnosed arthritis is a common problem among elderly community dwelling women and is associated with difficulties in physical activity.
Activities of Daily Living↗
Response of commissural and other upper cervical ventral horn neurons to vestibular stimuli in vertical planes.
1. To study their contribution to the vestibulocollic reflex, we have studied, in decerebrate paralyzed cats, the effect of sinusoidal vestibular stimulation in multiple vertical planes on the spontaneous activity of neurons in the C3 ventral horn. Antidromic microstimulation was used to identify 17/42 neurons as commissural; 10 of these were confirmed to have a projection to the contralateral ventral horn. 2. Dynamics of the responses of spontaneously firing neurons were studied with 0.05-1 Hz sinusoidal stimuli delivered near the plane of rotation that produced maximal modulation of neuron activity (response vector orientation). On the basis of their responses, we classified 38 neurons as receiving otolith, semicircular canal, or otolith + canal input. All three response types were found among commissure and nonantidromic neurons. 3. Two-thirds of neuron response vector orientations pointed contralaterally. They were either near the anterior or posterior canal planes or in the roll quadrant. In the case of neurons with input from canals, the latter indicates convergence from the vertical canals on the same side. There were almost no vectors in the pitch quadrants. The distribution of response vector orientations resembles that seen in the vestibular nuclei and pontomedullary reticular formation, suggesting that commissural neurons may not make a new contribution to spatial processing in the vertical vestibulocollic reflex. 4. It is presumed that commissural neurons are premotor. If so, some have the properties to be in the pathway between the contralateral utricle and neck motoneurons. More generally, their actions could modify the effectiveness of vestibulospinal and reticulospinal fibers that have similar spatial properties and make synapses with neck motoneurons.
4-Aminopyridine↗
[Generalized epileptic seizures in treatment with clozapine. Incidence, types, prognosis and recommendations with reference to therapeutic strategies].
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Anticonvulsants↗
Myoclonic seizures followed by grand mal seizures during clozapine treatment.
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Adult↗
[Thrombolytic therapy of acute myocardial infarct].
In the period of two years the authors treated at the coronary care unit 146 patients inflicted by the acute myocardial infarction (AMI). In 15 of them (13 men, 2 women, 13 times Q and twice non-Q, 5 times anterior, 10 times inferior) they performed intravenous thrombolytic treatment by use of streptokinase. The success rate of the thrombolytic therapy was evaluated by noninvasive markers: 1.) rapid withdrawal of chest pain, 2.) rapid (in 6 hours) and essential improvement of ST segment elevation and 3.) presence of reperfusion arrhythmias (in 6 hours). The authors detected insufficient medicinal conciousness among their health district population as regard to their response after the AMI origin (absolute majority of patients delayed their arrival). Minor complications due to therapy (allergy and minor local hemorrhage) occurred in 4 patients. Nobody died. Only those cases were considered as being successful, in which all three success rate markers were present. This condition was fulfilled in 8 patients (i.e. in 53% of cases) and with minor insufficiencies in further two patients (which would increase the percentage of the success rate to 67%). This success rate of the thrombolytic therapy ranges within the limits given by literature. In five patients the authors evaluated the behaviour of the left ventricular asynergy (its range and index) prior to and following the thrombolytic therapy and this examination they consider to be appropriate for observance of the thrombolytic therapy success rate in patients with AMI. (Tab. 3, Ref. 20.).
Adult↗
[Hypereosinophilia syndrome].
The authors of the submitted paper describe the diagnosis, course and treatment of hypereosinophilic syndrome in a 36-year-old female patient with marked affection of the right ventricle: endomyocardial fibrosis with parietal thrombi obliterating the cavity of the right ventricle. The clinical picture was dominated by rapid progression of severe cardiac decompensation with a fatal outcome.
Adult↗