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Biomedical subjects

J Larkin

Publications and source records attributed to J Larkin.

32 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed1990

The beta-tubulin gene family in Zea mays: two differentially expressed beta-tubulin genes.

Maize beta-tubulins are encoded by a large multigene family with at least nine members, as determined by Southern blot analysis. Two expressed genes, represented by the beta 1 genomic clone and the beta 2 cDNA clone, were examined in this study. The two genes encode beta-tubulins which show 94% sequence identity at the amino acid level. Maize beta 1 transcript levels were highest in seedling root tip and tissue culture cells, which are both rapidly dividing tissues. No transcripts were detected in non-dividing leaf tissue. In contrast, beta 2 transcripts were present at relatively high levels in tissue culture cells and at lower levels in seedling root tip and leaf tissue. The electrophoretic mobility of the beta 2 polypeptide was examined in relation to the constellation of beta-tubulin polypeptides on two-dimensional gel western blots of a maize pollen total protein extract. No evidence for post-translational modification of the beta-tubulin polypeptides was found in pollen.

Base Sequence↗
PubMed1990

Human T-cell lymphotropic virus-type I.

HTLV-I is a retrovirus now identified as the etiologic agent of two diverse disease processes: ATLL, an aggressive T-cell malignancy; and TSP/HAM, a chronic progressive myelopathy. Transmission can occur horizontally through blood transfusions, IV drug abuse and sexual intercourse. Vertical transmission may also occur. Available diagnostic modalities are serologic in nature and include the EIA and the more specific confirmatory assays WIB and RIPA. These studies are thus far suboptimal in terms of sensitivity and specificity, and await refinement. DNA amplification by the polymerase chain reaction seems to hold the most immediate diagnostic promise for the future. AZT apparently is not useful clinically, and current treatment is only palliative in nature. The diverse diseases caused by HTLV-I underscore the insidious nature of the Retroviridae family. These subtle cell-associated pathogens will undoubtedly be shown to play a significant role in other disease processes of uncertain etiology.

HTLV-I Infections↗
PubMed1987

Factors influencing one's ability to adapt to chronic illness.

The disease course in chronic illness may be subtle and accompanied by irreversible changes that have to be managed. Once the immediacy of the illness has been dealt with, the patient may face a future full of uncertainties related to illness recurrence, further disease progression, and perhaps even death. Thus the long-term implications of chronic illness necessitate multiple accommodations on the part of the patient, the family, and society. To aid in one's ability to deal with a chronic illness such factors as care, technology, family relationships, developmental level, cultural values and beliefs, communication, and economics need to be considered. An understanding of how each of these factors affects chronic illness can facilitate the appropriate development and initiation of options for adaptation to the illness.

Adaptation, Psychological↗
PubMed1983

The dexamethasone suppression test as a predictor of antidepressant response.

There is some evidence to suggest that dexamethasone suppression test (DST) results obtained prior to treatment for depression might aid in selecting the proper type of antidepressant medication. Forty endogenously depressed outpatients were evaluated with the DST and 12 (30%) were identified as nonsuppressors. All patients were then treated with desipramine (150-350 mg/day). Plasma concentrations of desipramine were monitored to assure that therapeutic levels were achieved. At 5 weeks of treatment, patients were characterized as treatment responders or nonresponders on the basis of change in Hamilton Depression Scale scores.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1980

DALE--a system for developing computer-aided biomedical experiments.

The implementation of new computer-aided biomedical experiments usually requires a high level of computing expertise and a significant amount of time. Acquiring this knowledge and devoting the necessary time may result in the inefficient use of a researcher's own particular skills. A number of software aids for laboratory experimentation have been developed, but it is considered that none adequately satisfies the user's requirements. DALE (direct access to laboratory equipment) has been designed as a user-oriented software system, and consists of a menu-based interactive subsystem, with which experiments are defined, and a table-driven interpreter to execute the experiment. Little computing knowledge or development time is required to implement new experiments, and experience has indicated that DALE is a useful tool for biomedical experimentation.

Computers↗
PubMed1980

An analysis of the performance of a variable venturi-type oxygen mask.

The theoretical performance of the Hudson Multivent mask is considered. A method is described of determining the flow-weighted mean inspired oxygen concentration produced by the mask. Using this method, it was found that the inspired oxygen concentration was predictable only at the 24% setting using the recommended flow rates, but that increasing the supplied-oxygen flow rates above the recommended levels resulted in the return of predictable function. At settings above 30% predictable function was found to be unlikely, whatever the supplied oxygen flow rate. Recommendations are made regarding the use of this device.

Humans↗
PubMed1976

Ventilatory abnormalities in hospital admissions.

The incidence of unrecognised ventilatory impairment was investigated in a group of 531 routine hospital admissions who had been considered to be free of significant respiratory disease. Using spirometric tests of FEV 1, FVC and FEV 1/FVC percent before and after sympathomimetic bronchodilator, it was found that 42 percent of these patients had abnormal ventilatory tests, and 47 percent were considered to have obstructive lung disease. Routine use of screening respiratory function tests would be useful in the assessment and management of general medical and surgical hospital admissions.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1976

Multiple sequential femoral tibial grafting for severe ischemia.

For the past decade a common procedure used to salvage severely ischemic limbs has been autogenous vein bypass grafting to the distal popliteal artery or, if the popliteal trifurcation is occluded, to one of the tibial-peroneal branches. Reported limb salvage rate and long-term graft function varies considerably but in most series is low. To increase graft flow and to decrease resistance in femoral-poplitical-tibial grafts and thereby to perfuse the ischemic foot more effectively, we have employed multiple sequential anastomoses of a single vein graft to distal branches--a technique similar to that used occasionally in aortocoronary bypass grafting. The autogenous vein graft alone, or in combination with bovine heterograft, has been used in six patients with gangrenous toes or far advanced ischemia and in one patient with severe claudication. Multiple anastomoses below the knee were carried out in each patient. Anastomosis has been to a blind popliteal segment, then to a tibial or peroneal in four patients, to both tibials in another two patients, and to both tibials and the peroneal in one patient. Flow rates measured on the operating table clearly demonstrated a significant increase in flow through the graft with each additional anastomosis. There has been a greater response to surgery with return of pulses, warmth of the foot, and rapid healing as compared with previous patients having single femoral-tibial anastomoses. One failure occurred acutely from a technical problem early in the series; one failed at 3 months in a patient with pancreatic cancer and another patient died 2 weeks after operation of a myocardial infarct.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Priorities in management of trauma victims.

Good results of the emergency management of trauma victims depend on recognition of serious injuries and rapid, effective treatment as well as anticipation and prevention of complications. The most spectacular injury is not always the most urgent and life-threatening. Based on priorities of management, care is recommended to improve mortality and morbidity statistics. Suggestions for effective treatment of rapidly lethal lesions and preparations for transporting seriously injured patients are also outlined.

Brain Injuries↗