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Biomedical subjects

J L Turner

Publications and source records attributed to J L Turner.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

Relationships among nutritional status, disease progression, and survival in HIV infection.

This investigation retrospectively studied relationships between survival in human immunodeficiency virus-seropositive outpatients receiving recent therapies (n = 77) and two markers of nutritional status, serum albumin and percent of usual body weight. Subjects were observed for an average of 186 +/- 8 days; 19% died within the study period. Kaplan-Meier curves and Cox regressions showed that older subjects who had lower CD4 counts, lower albumin levels, or had lost more weight demonstrated poorer survival. Albumin levels and weight loss were related to CD4 counts. The relative risk of death for subjects with low albumin levels (< 3.5 g/dl) was 3.6 times greater (p < 0.021, with 95% confidence limits [95%CL] of 1.2-10.9) than that for subjects with normal albumin levels (> or = 3.5 g/dl), even after controlling for age and CD4 counts. Similarly, after controlling for CD4 counts and age, subjects whose baseline body weights were < 90% of their usual weight had a greater relative death risk (8.3 times greater, p < 0.002, 95% CL 2.3-34.1) than those who had lost less. Survivors and nonsurvivors who had similar CD4 counts differed significantly in albumin levels (p < 0.05). Thus, nutritional status influences survival independent of CD4 counts.

Adult↗

Multicentric osseous lymphoma with spinal extradural involvement in a dog.

Multicentric osseous lymphoma involving the ribs and multiple vertebrae was observed in a 7-year-old Siberian Husky. Extradural spinal cord compression was treated by surgical decompressive hemilaminectomy of L1-2 without noticeable improvement of signs neurologic dysfunction. However, palliation of signs of pain was noticed after irradiation in conjunction with chemotherapy and surgical decompression.

Animals↗

Acute pancreatitis as a common complication of 2',3'-dideoxyinosine therapy in the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome.

Acute pancreatitis is observed in patients with the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) (4-22%), and is reported with increasing frequency as a complication of therapy in human immunodeficiency virus-spectrum disease. The cause is multifactorial (virus, neoplasm, drugs), and the natural history generally mild and uncomplicated. 2',3'-Dideoxyinosine (ddI) is an experimental antiretroviral agent implicated as a cause of acute pancreatitis in a small number (0.9-2%) of patients. To better define this relationship, we conducted a retrospective analysis of a prospective clinical trial involving 51 homosexual males with AIDS treated with ddI (10-12 mg/kg/day) and reported on the incidence and natural history of pancreatitis. Clinical pancreatitis (symptoms, elevated serum amylase, and lipase and, in most cases, abnormal radiographic studies of the pancreas) was observed in 12 patients (23.5%). Asymptomatic elevations of amylase and lipase were identified in 10 additional patients (39.2%). The onset of pancreatitis was consistently delayed in both groups (overall mean 14.1 +/- 1.2 wk, 98% confidence interval). Ten of 12 symptomatic patients required hospitalization (mean length of stay, 9.4 days); two of 12 progressed to fulminant pancreatitis and died. Two patients with asymptomatic pancreatitis which occurred after starting ddI were rechallenged; severe symptomatic pancreatitis developed shortly after drug reinstitution. In each case, complete recovery followed discontinuation of the drug. We conclude that 1) The incidence (62.7%) and severity of pancreatitis in patients with AIDS receiving ddI therapy are significantly greater than expected, 2) the onset is predictably delayed about 14 wk, 3) ddI should be added to the list of drugs that cause acute pancreatitis, and 4) careful sequential monitoring of pancreatic function and early identification of potential "risk factors" for pancreatitis in AIDS patients treated with ddI may be essential in avoiding this serious complication.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗

Pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, and therapeutic use of meclofenamate sodium.

Meclofenamic acid is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) approved for use in arthritis (osteo and rheumatoid), analgesia (mild to moderate pain), dysmenorrhea, and heavy menstrual blood loss (menorrhagia). At least three different biochemical effects have been defined for meclofenamic acid. It is a potent inhibitor of the enzyme cyclooxygenase, thereby inhibiting the production of prostaglandins. It also inhibits the release of 5-HETE and LTB4 from human neutrophils stimulated with calcium ionophore and antagonizes the response of tissues to certain prostaglandins. These mechanisms may explain in part the pharmacological profile and clinical effectiveness of this compound. The rapid onset of activity of meclofenamic acid and its duration of action may be the result of its pharmacokinetic profile. Sodium meclofenamate is completely bioavailable from capsules relative to an oral suspension dosage form. Maximum meclofenamic acid plasma concentrations are achieved in 0.5-2 h following doses of capsules. Meclofenamic acid is extensively metabolized. One of the metabolites, metabolite 1, is approximately 20% as active as the parent compound in inhibiting cyclooxygenase activity in vitro. This metabolite accumulates in plasma during repeated dosing. It is possible that this metabolite may contribute to at least some of the activity observed following administration of sodium meclofenamate.

Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal↗

Disseminated Pneumocystis carinii infection with hepatic involvement in a patient with the acquired immune deficiency syndrome.

Extrapulmonary infection with Pneumocystis carinii (P. carinii) in AIDS patients is uncommon, and is often described only at postmortem examination. Although most antemortem cases involve spread to the bone marrow or spleen, P. carinii involvement of other organs has only recently been described. Despite the frequency of liver enzyme abnormalities in AIDS patients with a history of P. carinii pneumonia, P. carinii has been observed only rarely in the liver. We present a well-documented case of P. carinii involving the liver in an AIDS patient with P. carinii pneumonia and progressive liver enzyme abnormalities. We suggest that P. carinii infection should be considered in the differential diagnosis of AIDS-related liver disease.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗

Double-blind comparison of meclofenamate sodium with codeine and placebo for the pain of episiotomy.

Meclofenamate sodium, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agent, was compared at two dose levels (100 mg and 200 mg) with codeine (60 mg) and placebo in a double-blind, randomized study of 218 women after normal vaginal delivery. The purpose was to determine the analgesic efficacy and safety of meclofenamate sodium for the short-term treatment of acute episiotomy pain. Meclofenamate sodium was significantly better than placebo in most measures of pain relief and reduction of pain intensity. The 100-mg dose of meclofenamate sodium was significantly better than codeine in relieving pain. Adverse experiences with the study medications were minimal (6.4%). Patients receiving codeine reported more side effects than did those receiving either dose of meclofenamate sodium. Meclofenamate sodium is a safe, effective analgesic for acute episiotomy pain.

Adolescent↗

Comparison of meclofenamate sodium with codeine and placebo for the treatment of episiotomy pain.

Meclofenamate sodium, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug with proven analgesic effects, was compared at two dose levels (200 mg and 100 mg) with codeine (60 mg) and placebo in a double-blind, randomized study of 327 women experiencing episiotomy pain after normal delivery. Meclofenamate sodium at either dose was significantly better than codeine or placebo in reducing pain intensity and increasing pain relief, and it had a longer duration of action. Adverse effects were minimal, and their frequency did not differ significantly among treatment groups. Meclofenamate sodium appears to be as safe as and more effective than codeine for the management of episiotomy pain.

Adolescent↗

Comparison of meclofenamate sodium with buffered aspirin and placebo for the relief of postoperative dental pain.

The analgesic effect of meclofenamate sodium at two dose levels (100 mg and 200 mg) was compared with the effects of buffered aspirin (600 mg) and placebo in a double-blind, randomized study of 105 dental outpatients with acute pain following third-molar extraction. Meclofenamate sodium at either dose level was significantly superior to both buffered aspirin and placebo, resulting in significantly greater relief of pain. All four treatments were well tolerated, and side effects were minimal. Meclofenamate sodium is a safe, highly effective analgesic for the relief of acute pain.

Adolescent↗

Deceased loved ones in the dreams of mentally retarded adults.

Dream reports were collected over a 10-year period as part of an ethnographic study of mentally retarded employees in a sheltered workshop. Deceased loved ones, usually parents or other family members, figured prominently as characters in many of these dreams. Dreams about the dead were often recurring and elicited salient emotional reactions from the dreamers. The various forms that these dreams take and their characteristic thematic content were described for 154 dreams by 60 dreamers. Some of the percepts and feelings that reflect the dreamers' understanding of their dreams were also noted. Findings reveal that the dream life of retarded adults is much more rich and diverse than previous studies suggest. Clinical implications and the occurrence of similar dreams among nonretarded persons were discussed.

Adult↗

Association of hydrophobic substances with hemin. Characterization of the reverse type I binding spectrum and its relationship to cytochrome P-450.

When hydrophobic compounds were added to a solution of protoferriheme, a a reverse type I spectral change was produced when observed by difference spectroscopy. The spectrum had a peak at 422 nm and a trough at 387 nm, and the characteristics were dependent on the pH of the sample. An association constant for the complex could be determined and was also found to be pH sensitive, with the association constant dropping to zero at values below pH 7.0 and above pH 8.5. The determination of the delta Absmax for the ethylbenzene-hemin complex at various hemin concentrations indicates monomeric heme to be the species responsible for binding the hydrocarbon with the concomitant generation of the reverse type I spectral change.

Alcohols↗

Control of pain with meclofenamate sodium following removal of an impacted molar.

The analgesic effectiveness of meclofenamate sodium (Meclomen) at two dose levels, 200 mg and 100 mg, was compared with the effectiveness of a placebo and aspirin, 600 mg, in a double-blind study of 174 adult outpatients who had undergone removal of impacted third molars. When compared with the placebo, meclofenamate sodium at either dose level produced a significantly greater reduction in pain intensity, greater pain relief, fewer withdrawals for inefficacy, greater percentage of patients who considered their medication effective, and greater percentage of patients considered by the investigator to have received drug-attributable benefits. In comparison with aspirin, 600 mg, meclofenamate sodium at either 200 mg or 100 mg produced significantly greater reduction in pain intensity and greater pain relief. The other measures of efficacy showed no significant differences between the two drugs. Side effects were minimal in all treatment groups. Meclofenamate sodium appears to be a safe and effective analgesic for the control of pain.

Adolescent↗

Self-concept measurement in mentally retarded adults: a micro-analysis of response styles.

The Piers-Harris Self-Concept Scale and the Coopersmith Self-Esteem Inventory were administered orally to 46 mentally retarded adults employed in a sheltered workshop. In-depth analysis of transcripts of the taped testing sessions revealed that the majority of the item responses were ambiguous and not readily scorable within the standardized procedures. Characterization of the problematic response patterns indicated assorted qualifications, contradictory assertions, and responses which had little relevance to the item content. Of those factors that might account for these ambiguous responses, it appears that social desirability, acquiescence, personal agendas, recipient design errors, and lack of item comprehension are among the most salient.

Adult↗

Comparison of meclofenamate sodium with buffered aspirin and placebo in the treatment of postsurgical dental pain.

The efficacy of meclofenamate sodium (Meclomen) at two different doses was compared with that of buffered aspirin and placebo in the control of postsurgical pain in a double-blind, randomized study of 205 patients. Meclofenamate sodium, 200 mg, was significantly better than meclofenamate sodium, 100 mg, in some efficacy parameters. Both doses of meclofenamate sodium were superior to buffered aspirin in most parameters of efficacy, and more effective than placebo in every parameter.

Acetaminophen↗

Transition from adolescence to adulthood: perspectives of mentally retarded individuals and their families.

From ethnographic fieldnotes and life history interviews, basic descriptive data were presented that depict the adolescent life stage as it was recounted by 25 mildly retarded individuals and their parents. Patterns of adolescent adjustment are described in terms of the issues and concerns that preoccupied the retarded adolescents, the problem behavior exhibited by these young persons, and what parents did about their children's problems. Comparison of adolescent adjustment patterns and current adult status revealed that the central concerns of adolescence remain problems for only some mildly retarded adults. The majority regard normative achievements as most salient to their self-identity and well-being.

Adaptation, Psychological↗