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J Ness

Publications and source records attributed to J Ness.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2000

First Light Measurements of Capella with the Low-Energy Transmission Grating Spectrometer aboard the Chandra X-Ray Observatory.

We present the first X-ray spectrum obtained by the Low-Energy Transmission Grating Spectrometer (LETGS) aboard the Chandra X-Ray Observatory. The spectrum is of Capella and covers a wavelength range of 5-175 Å (2.5-0.07 keV). The measured wavelength resolution, which is in good agreement with ground calibration, is Deltalambda approximately 0.06 Å (FWHM). Although in-flight calibration of the LETGS is in progress, the high spectral resolution and unique wavelength coverage of the LETGS are well demonstrated by the results from Capella, a coronal source rich in spectral emission lines. While the primary purpose of this Letter is to demonstrate the spectroscopic potential of the LETGS, we also briefly present some preliminary astrophysical results. We discuss plasma parameters derived from line ratios in narrow spectral bands, such as the electron density diagnostics of the He-like triplets of carbon, nitrogen, and oxygen, as well as resonance scattering of the strong Fe xvii line at 15.014 Å.

Journal Article↗
PubMed2000

Complementary and alternative medicine in the management of pain, dyspnea, and nausea and vomiting near the end of life. A systematic review.

To review the evidence for efficacy of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) modalities in treating pain, dyspnea, and nausea and vomiting in patients near the end of life, original articles were evaluated following a search through MEDLINE, CancerLIT, AIDSLINE, PsycLIT, CINAHL, and Social Work Abstracts databases. Search terms included alternative medicine, palliative care, pain, dyspnea, and nausea. Two independent reviewers extracted data, including study design, subjects, sample size, age, response rate, CAM modality, and outcomes. The efficacy of a CAM modality was evaluated in 21 studies of symptomatic adult patients with incurable conditions. Of these, only 12 were directly accessed via literature searching. Eleven were randomized controlled trials, two were non-randomized controlled trials, and eight were case series. Acupuncture, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, supportive group therapy, self-hypnosis, and massage therapy may provide pain relief in cancer pain or in dying patients. Relaxation/imagery can improve oral mucositis pain. Patients with severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease may benefit from the use of acupuncture, acupressure, and muscle relaxation with breathing retraining to relieve dyspnea. Because of publication bias, trials on CAM modalities may not be found on routine literature searches. Despite the paucity of controlled trials, there are data to support the use of some CAM modalities in terminally ill patients. This review generated evidence-based recommendations and identified areas for future research.

Complementary Therapies↗
PubMed2000

Risk factors for coronary artery disease in old persons in an academic hospital-based geriatrics practice.

BACKGROUND: Risk factors for coronary artery disease (CAD) in old men and women include age, cigarette smoking, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, and obesity. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the association of risk factors with prevalence of CAD. METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis of charts for all old persons seen during the period from 1 January 1998 through 15 June 1999 at an academic hospital-based geriatric practice to investigate associations of risk factors with prevalence of CAD among old persons. We studied 467 men, mean age 80 +/- 8 years, and 1444 women, mean age 81 +/- 8 years. RESULTS: CAD was present in 201 of 467 men (43%) and in 473 of 1444 women (33%; P < 0.0001). Risk factors for CAD according to univariate analysis were age (P < 0.0001 for women), cigarette smoking (P < 0.0001 for men and women), hypertension (P < 0.0001 for men and women), diabetes mellitus (P < 0.0001 for men and women), obesity (P < 0.0001 for men and women), and serum levels of total cholesterol (P < 0.0001 for men and P = 0.0001 for women), low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol (P < 0.0001 for men and P = 0.001 for women), and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol (inverse association; P = 0.0001 for men and women). Stepwise logistic regression analysis showed that significant independent risk factors for CAD were cigarette smoking (odds ratio 6.7 for men), hypertension (odds ratios 3.3 for men and 2.7 for women), and serum levels of HDL cholesterol (odds ratio 0.83 for men and women) and LDL cholesterol (odds ratios 1.10 for men and 1.09 for women). CONCLUSIONS: Significant independent risk associations with prevalence of CAD among old persons were found for cigarette smoking by men, hypertension in men and women, and serum levels of HDL cholesterol (inverse association) in men and women, and of LDL cholesterol in men and women.

Age Factors↗
PubMed2000

Risk factors for ischemic stroke in older persons in an academic hospital based geriatrics practice.

We performed a retrospective analysis of charts investigating risk factors for ischemic stroke in 467 men (mean age 80±8 years) and 1444 women (mean age 81±8 years) seen in an academic geriatrics practice. Ischemic stroke was present in 126 of 467 men (27%) and in 296 of 1444 women (20%) (p=0.003). Stepwise logistic regression analysis showed that significant independent risk factors for ischemic stroke were age (p=0.005 in men and 0.010 in women, odds ratio=1.04 in men and 1.03 in women); cigarette smoking (p=0.006, odds ratio=1.7 in women); hypertension (p<0.001 in men and women, odds ratio=4.6 in men and 3.9 in women); diabetes mellitus (p=0.018 in men and <0.001 in women, odds ratio=1.9 in men and 2.0 in women); serum low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (p<0.001 in men and women, odds ratio=1.02 in men and 1.01 in women); and serum high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (p<0.001, odds ratio=0.97 in women). Significant independent risk factors for ischemic stroke in both sexes were: age, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and serum low-density cholesterol; and in older women: cigarette smoking and serum high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (inverse association). (c) 2000 by CHF, Inc.

Journal Article↗
PubMed2000

Prevalence of coronary artery disease, ischemic stroke, and symptomatic peripheral arterial disease and of associated risk factors in older men and women with and without diabetes mellitus.

The authors performed a retrospective analysis of the prevalence of coronary artery disease, ischemic stroke, and symptomatic peripheral arterial disease and of associated risk factors in 99 men (mean age 79±8 years) with diabetes mellitus vs. 368 men (mean age 81±8 years) without diabetes mellitus, and in 260 women (mean age 80±8 years) with diabetes mellitus vs. 1184 women (mean age 81±8 years) without diabetes mellitus. All patients were seen in an academic outpatient geriatrics practice. Diabetic men had a higher prevalence of coronary artery disease, ischemic stroke, and symptomatic peripheral arterial disease (p<0.0001); a higher prevalence of smoking (p=0.023), hypertension (p<0.0001), and obesity (p=0.0007); higher levels of serum total and low density lipoprotein cholesterol (p<0.0001) and triglycerides (p=0.003); and lower levels of serum high density lipoprotein cholesterol (p=0.0001) than men without diabetes mellitus. Diabetic women had a higher prevalence of coronary artery disease, ischemic stroke, and symptomatic peripheral arterial disease (p<0.0001); a higher prevalence of hypertension and obesity (p<0.0001); higher levels of serum total and low density lipoprotein cholesterol (p=0.0001) and triglycerides (p=0.005); and lower levels of serum high density lipoprotein cholesterol (p=0.0001) than women without diabetes mellitus. (c) 2000 by CHF, Inc.

Journal Article↗
PubMed2000

Risk factors for symptomatic peripheral arterial disease in older persons in an academic hospital-based geriatrics practice.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate risk factors for symptomatic peripheral arterial disease (PAD) in older persons. DESIGN: A retrospective analysis of charts from all older persons seen from January 1, 1998, through June 15, 1999, at an academic, hospital-based geriatrics practice. SETTING: An academic, hospital-based geriatrics practice staffed by fellows in a geriatrics training program and full-time faculty geriatricians. PATIENTS: A total of 467 men, mean age 80 +/- 8 years, and 1444 women, mean age 81 +/- 8 years, were included in the study. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Symptomatic PAD was present in 93 of 467 men (20%) and in 191 of 1444 women (13%) (P = .001). Significant risk factors for symptomatic PAD by univariate analysis were: age (P = .021 in women); cigarette smoking, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, serum total cholesterol, serum high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol (inverse association), and serum low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol (P < .001 in men and women); obesity (P = .013 in men and .002 in women); and serum triglycerides (P = .027 in women). Significant independent risk factors for symptomatic PAD by stepwise logistic regression analysis were: age (odds ratio = 1.052 in men and 1.025 in women); cigarette smoking (odds ratio = 2.552 in men and 4.634 in women); hypertension (odds ratio = 2.196 in men and 2.777 in women); diabetes mellitus (odds ratio = 6.054 in men and 3.594 in women); serum HDL cholesterol (odds ratio = .948 in men and .965 in women); and serum LDL cholesterol (odds ratio = 1.019 in men and women). CONCLUSIONS: Significant independent risk factors for symptomatic PAD in older men and women were age, cigarette smoking, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, serum HDL cholesterol (inverse association), and serum LDL cholesterol.

Academic Medical Centers↗
PubMed1999

Prevalence of coronary artery disease, ischemic stroke, peripheral arterial disease, and coronary revascularization in older African-Americans, Asians, Hispanics, whites, men, and women.

The prevalence of coronary artery disease and of peripheral arterial disease was similar in older African-Americans, Asians, Hispanics, and whites, and the prevalence of ischemic stroke was lower in older whites than in older African-Americans and Hispanics. The prevalence of coronary revascularization in older persons with coronary artery disease was lower in African-Americans than in whites and Hispanics and was lower in women than in men.

Black or African American↗
PubMed1999

Fate of rigid fixation in pediatric craniofacial surgery.

The advantages of rigid fixation in adult craniofacial surgery are well documented, and implanted hardware is not routinely removed unless specifically indicated. There is a tendency, however, to remove hardware in children because of concerns with growth restriction, plate migration, and the lack of information on the fate of miniplates when used in pediatric craniofacial surgery. It has been our practice during the past decade not to remove hardware in children unless specifically indicated. Our study included a total of 121 procedures in 96 children, with an average age of 3.9 years and an average follow-up of 5 years. We placed 375 titanium plates and 1944 screws from 3 manufacturers. Complications encountered in children with titanium plates were as follows: 5 cases of delayed growth and 1 instance of restricted growth, 4 screw migrations (none intracranial), 9 palpable plates causing pain, 3 fluid accumulations over plates, 2 cases of meningitis, and 8 instances of plate and screw removal from the above complications. Twenty-two of 96 patients (23%) had a total of 27 complications from 121 procedures (22%). There were 6 cases in which pain precipitated removal of hardware, 1 case of an excessively mobile plate, and 1 case of documented growth restriction requiring removal; therefore our overall reoperation rate for plate removal was 8%, with no intracranial plate or screw migration.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1999

Diabetes mellitus in older African-Americans, Hispanics, and whites in an academic hospital-based geriatrics practice.

BACKGROUND: Diabetes mellitus is a risk factor for target-organ damage/clinical cardiovascular disease in older persons. DESIGN: A retrospective analysis was performed of charts from all older persons (506 men and 1497 women, mean age 80 +/- 8 years) seen during the period from 1 January 1998 to October 1998 at an academic hospital-based geriatrics practice, to investigate the prevalence of diabetes mellitus, and the prevalence, in patients with diabetes, of target-organ damage/clinical cardiovascular disease, hypertension, hypertension or dyslipidaemia, obesity, the drugs used to treat diabetes, and poor glycaemic control. RESULTS: Diabetes mellitus occurred in 127 of 1150 whites (11%), in 93 of 444 African-Americans (21%), in 111 of 381 Hispanics (29%), and in four of 28 Asians (14%) (P < 0.001 comparing Hispanics with whites and comparing African-Americans with whites; P < 0.01 comparing Hispanics with African-Americans). Of 335 patients with diabetes, 146 (44%) had coronary disease, 94 (28%) had stroke or transient cerebral ischaemic attack, 86 (26%) had peripheral arterial disease, 65 (19%) had heart failure, 107 (32%) had nephropathy, 71 (21%) had retinopathy, 47 (14%) had neuropathy, 284 (85%) had target-organ damage/clinical cardiovascular disease, 252 (75%) had hypertension, 300 (90%) had hypertension or dyslipidaemia, and 152 (45%) had obesity. The prevalence of stroke or transient cerebral ischaemic attack was greater in older African-Americans with diabetes mellitus than in older whites with diabetes mellitus (P < 0.02). The prevalence of diabetic nephropathy and of target-organ damage/clinical cardiovascular disease was greater in older African-Americans with diabetes mellitus than in older whites (P < 0.02) and Hispanics (P < 0.05) with diabetes mellitus. Increased concentrations of glycosylated haemoglobin (> 7%) occurred in 28 of 86 African-Americans (33%), in 69 of 104 Hispanics (66%), and in 23 of 118 whites (19%) (P < 0.001 comparing Hispanics with whites and comparing Hispanics with African-Americans; P < 0.05 comparing African-Americans with whites). CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of diabetes mellitus in 2003 older persons seen in an academic hospital-based geriatrics practice was 17% and was greater in Hispanics than in whites or African-Americans, and greater in African-Americans than in whites. The prevalence of target-organ damage/clinical cardiovascular disease was 85% in 335 older patients with diabetes. The prevalence of stroke or transient cerebral ischaemic attack was greater in older African-Americans with diabetes mellitus than in older whites with the disorder. The prevalence of diabetic nephropathy and of target-organ damage/clinical cardiovascular disease was greater in older African-Americans with diabetes mellitus than in older whites and Hispanics with diabetes mellitus. The prevalence of poor glycaemic control was greater in Hispanics than in whites or African-Americans and greater in African-Americans than in whites.

Black or African American↗
PubMed1999

Drug treatment of hypertension in older persons in an academic hospital-based geriatrics practice.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the prevalence of hypertension in older persons, the prevalence of the different antihypertensive drugs used to treat hypertension, the prevalence of the different antihypertensive drugs used to treat hypertension in persons with prior myocardial infarction (MI) or congestive heart failure (CHF), and the prevalence of lowering the blood pressure to <140/90 mm Hg with therapy. DESIGN: A retrospective analysis of charts from all older patients seen from December 1, 1997, through August 31, 1998, at an academic, hospital-based geriatrics practice was performed to investigate the prevalence of hypertension in older persons, the prevalence of different antihypertensive drugs used to treat hypertension, the prevalence of different antihypertensive drugs used to treat hypertension in persons with prior MI or CHF, and the prevalence of lowering the blood pressure to <140/90 mm Hg with therapy. SETTING: An academic hospital-based geriatrics practice staffed by fellows in a geriatrics training program and fulltime faculty geriatricians. PATIENTS: A total of 459 men and 1360 women, mean age 80 +/- 8 years (range 59 to 101 years), were included in the study. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Hypertension was present in 1051 of the 1819 persons in the study (58%). Target organ damage, clinical cardiovascular disease, or diabetes mellitus was present in 738 (70%) of these 1051 persons. Of the 1051 persons with hypertension, 520 (49%) were treated with diuretics, 297 (28%) with beta-blockers, 445 (42%) with angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, 171 (16%) with calcium channel blockers, and 13 (1%) with other antihypertensive drugs; 41 (4%) received no antihypertensive therapy. The last blood pressure recorded on the chart was <140/90 mm Hg for 735 of the 1051 persons (70%) with hypertension. Of 306 persons with hypertension and prior MI, 182 (59%) were treated with beta-blockers, 146 (48%) with ACE inhibitors, 96 (31%) with diuretics, and 29 (9%) with calcium channel blockers. Of 103 persons with hypertension and CHF, 103 (100%) were treated with diuretics, 94 (91%) with ACE inhibitors, 22 (21%) with beta-blockers, and 3 (3%) with calcium channel blockers. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of hypertension in the 1819 older persons seen in an academic, hospital-based geriatrics practice was 58%. Educational efforts led to increased use of diuretics and beta-blockers and decreased use of calcium channel blockers in treating hypertension. The last blood pressure recorded on the chart was <140/90 mm Hg in 70% of older persons with hypertension in the study.

Aged↗
PubMed1999

Prevalence of coexistence of coronary artery disease, ischemic stroke, and peripheral arterial disease in older persons, mean age 80 years, in an academic hospital-based geriatrics practice.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the prevalence of coronary artery disease (CAD), ischemic stroke, and peripheral arterial disease (PAD), alone and in combination, in older persons. DESIGN: A retrospective analysis of charts from all older persons seen from April 1, 1998, through December 31, 1998, at an academic hospital-based geriatrics practice. SETTING: An academic hospital-based geriatrics practice staffed by fellows in a geriatrics training program and full-time faculty geriatricians. PATIENTS: A total of 474 men and 1328 women, mean age 80 +/- 9 years (range 60 to 102 years) were included in the study. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Of 1802 persons studied, 612 (34%) had CAD, 351 (19%) had ischemic stroke, 236 (13%) had PAD, and 816 (45%) had either CAD, stroke, or PAD. Three hundred twenty-eight (18%) of the 1802 persons had CAD alone, 128 (7%) had stroke alone, 50 (3%) had PAD alone, 123 (7%) had CAD + stroke and no PAD, 86 (5%) had CAD + PAD and no stroke, 25 (1%) had PAD + stroke and no CAD, 75 (4%) had CAD + stroke + PAD, and 986 (55%) had no CAD, PAD, or stroke. If CAD was present, coexistent PAD was present in 26% and coexistent stroke in 32% of persons studied. If stroke was present, coexistent CAD was present in 56% and coexistent PAD in 28%. If PAD was present, coexistent CAD was present in 68% and coexistent stroke in 42% of persons studied. CONCLUSIONS: These data showed that if CAD was present, ischemic stroke was also present in 32% and PAD in 26% of the population. If ischemic stroke was present, CAD was also present in 56% and PAD in 28% of the population. If PAD was present, CAD was also present in 68% and ischemic stroke in 42% of the population.

Aged↗
PubMed1999

Alternative medicine: what the data say about common herbal therapies.

An increasing number of Americans are turning to complementary and alternative medicine to help manage or prevent the onset of chronic disease, improve cognitive function, boost overall general well-being, and increase longevity. Some of the more widely-used herbal preparations designed to help accomplish these objectives include St. John's wort, ginkgo biloba, echinacea, garlic, and ginger. In general, the clinical trial data on these preparations is in the embryonic stages, whereas the popularity of these compounds is fueled in part by anecdotal evidence. Given the embrace by Americans--especially older persons--of these alternative remedies, knowledge of their uses and potential side effects can help the primary care physician better collaborate on a course of care that makes effective use of the best treatments, both traditional and alternative.

Aged↗
PubMed1994

The assessment of the HO. scavenging action of therapeutic agents.

A new method is reported for the assessment of the HO. scavenging action of therapeutic agents. It is based on the photolysis of zinc oxide and has a detection limit of 3.3%. The scavenging order of the compounds tested was penicillamine > rentiapril > ascorbic acid > cysteine > glutathione > thiomalic acid > N-acetylcysteine > myocrysin > methionine. None were as effective as DMSO. It is argued that these compounds can have an in vivo protective effect where HO. is produced from oxidant producing cells, thus limiting radical induced damage.

Azo Compounds↗
PubMed1991

Specific identification and subcellular localization of three calmodulin-binding proteins in the rat gonadotrope: spectrin, caldesmon, and calcineurin.

In an effort to characterize the second messenger system for LH release, we have previously identified five calmodulin-binding proteins in rat gonadotropes of Mr greater than 205,000, 200,000, 135,000, 60,000, and 52,000. In the present study, we have used a calmodulin overlayer assay combined with Western blotting to determine the molecular identity of three calmodulin-binding proteins in rat gonadotropes: the alpha subunit of spectrin (Mr greater than 205,000), caldesmon (Mr 84,000), and the alpha subunit of calcineurin (Mr 60,000). The Mr greater than 205,000 and Mr 60,000 components or rat pituitary which bind calmodulin are immunoreactive with spectrin and calcineurin antisera, respectively. Rat pituitary also contains an Mr 84,000 component, which is immunoreactive with polyclonal sera and monoclonal antibody raised to chicken gizzard caldesmon (Mr 150,000). Like caldesmon from other sources, the Mr 84,000 component remains soluble after heat treatment and preferentially binds either filamentous actin or calmodulin, depending on the Ca2+ concentration. The three calmodulin-binding proteins were localized specifically in gonadotropes using indirect immunofluorescence microscopy or by Western-blotting cell fractions enriched for gonadotropes. After differential centrifugation of pituitary homogenate, spectrin immunoreactivity was found associated with the nuclear and secretory granule fractions, whereas caldesmon immunoreactivity was seen in the cytosolic fraction and calcineurin in the cytosolic and nuclear fractions. Although the precise role for these proteins remains unknown, the apparent requirement for calmodulin and the small number of calmodulin-binding proteins in the gonadotrope suggest their involvement in mediating GnRH actions.

Animals↗
PubMed1990

Transducer manometry and the effect of body position on anal canal pressures.

Anal canal manometry is performed conventionally with balloons, sleeves, perfused or nonperfused open-tipped catheters, or with multiport probes. The authors constructed a new manometer with four transducers embedded in a probe (15 mm outside diameter) and oriented radially, 90 degrees apart. The transducer probe was validated in 27 healthy volunteers by comparing its performance to that of a standard four-port perfused manometer and then used to measure anal canal and rectal pressures in body positions more physiologic (standing, sitting) than that usually employed (left lateral) for such measurements. Both devices measured similar anal canal resting pressure in the left lateral position (mid canal, 58 +/- 3 mm Hg perfused vs. 62 +/- 4 mm Hg transducer; P greater than 0.05). The transducer probe, however, recorded higher squeeze pressures (mid canal, 100 +/- 6 mm Hg perfused vs. 143 +/- 14 mm Hg transducer; P less than 0.05). The transducer probe detected higher intrarectal and resting anal canal pressures when subjects were standing or sitting, compared with the left lateral position (rectum, 3 +/- 1 mm Hg left lateral; 17 +/- 2 mm Hg standing; 20 +/- 1 mm Hg sitting; P less than 0.05; mid anal canal, 57 +/- 3 mm Hg left lateral; 86 +/- 4 mm Hg standing; 81 +/- 5 mm Hg sitting, P less than 0.05). The rise in resting anal canal pressure was uniform circumferentially. Neither anal canal length nor squeeze pressure changed with change in position. The authors concluded that 1) transducer manometry recorded similar resting but higher squeeze pressures compared with perfused manometry; 2) transducer manometry recorded the same radial variation in anal canal resting and squeeze pressures as that recorded by the perfused manometer; and 3) standing and sitting caused a four-fold rise in intrarectal pressure, which was associated with a concomitant rise in resting anal canal pressure.

Adult↗
PubMed1990

Identification of a unique biological tumor marker in human breast cyst fluid and breast cancer tissue.

Breast cyst fluid from 35 women was stratified into risk groups based on personal and family history of breast cancer. Mitogenic activity in breast cyst fluid of women at highest risk to develop breast cancer was significantly higher than the activity in the lowest-risk group. There was a direct dose-dependent relationship between mitogenic activity and increased risk of developing breast cancer. Size-exclusion chromatography showed that breast cyst fluid from women at highest risk contained two peaks of growth factor activity: less than 6 kilodaltons (kd), identified as human EGF (epidermal growth factor), and 6 to 18 kd. Moderate-risk group samples demonstrated only the single less than 6 kd peak, whereas the lowest-risk group had insignificant growth-promoting activity. Breast cancer tissue analyzed in a similar manner revealed a predominant 6- to 14-kd peak of mitogenic activity demonstrating the same acid- and heat-stability found in breast cyst fluid.

Biomarkers, Tumor↗