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Biomedical subjects

J Stafford

Publications and source records attributed to J Stafford.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2002

Comparison of Candida ID medium with sabouraud-chloramphenicol agar for the isolation of yeasts from clinical haematology surveillance specimens.

Candida ID is a new chromogenic medium for the identification of yeasts from clinical specimens. C. albicans produces blue pigmentation, whereas pink pigmentation is produced by C. tropicalis, C lusitaniae, C. guilliermondii and C. kefyr; other Candida species appear white. In this study, 240 clinical samples (throat swabs and stool samples) from haematology patients were inoculated on to Candida ID and Sabouraud-chloramphenicol agar in parallel, yielding a total of 105 yeasts; the media had overall detection rates of 85.7% and 86.7% respectively. The sensitivity of Candida ID for identification of C. albicans by blue pigmentation was 52.9% at 24 h and 94.1% at 48 h. Specificity of the blue pigmentation was 100% at 48 h. Two strains of C. tropicalis were identified, one produced pink pigmentation at 72 h, the other strain did not produce any pigmentation after 5 days. Candida ID was superior in detecting mixtures of yeasts compared with Sabouraud-chloramphenicol agar. Candida ID is a suitable primary isolation medium for yeasts from clinical specimens, providing rapid direct identification of C. albicans and enhanced detection of mixtures.

Agar↗
PubMed2001

Control of hepatic gluconeogenesis through the transcriptional coactivator PGC-1.

Blood glucose levels are maintained by the balance between glucose uptake by peripheral tissues and glucose secretion by the liver. Gluconeogenesis is strongly stimulated during fasting and is aberrantly activated in diabetes mellitus. Here we show that the transcriptional coactivator PGC-1 is strongly induced in liver in fasting mice and in three mouse models of insulin action deficiency: streptozotocin-induced diabetes, ob/ob genotype and liver insulin-receptor knockout. PGC-1 is induced synergistically in primary liver cultures by cyclic AMP and glucocorticoids. Adenoviral-mediated expression of PGC-1 in hepatocytes in culture or in vivo strongly activates an entire programme of key gluconeogenic enzymes, including phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK) and glucose-6-phosphatase, leading to increased glucose output. Full transcriptional activation of the PEPCK promoter requires coactivation of the glucocorticoid receptor and the liver-enriched transcription factor HNF-4alpha (hepatic nuclear factor-4alpha) by PGC-1. These results implicate PGC-1 as a key modulator of hepatic gluconeogenesis and as a central target of the insulin-cAMP axis in liver.

3T3 Cells↗
PubMed2001

The evaluation of a sexual assault risk reduction program: a multisite investigation.

This article summarizes the results of the Ohio University Sexual Assault Risk Reduction Project, which is a program designed to reduce college women's risk for sexual assault. The program was evaluated at 2 separate universities with 762 women. Participants were randomly assigned either to the program or to the no-treatment comparison group, and they completed measures that assessed sexual victimization, dating behaviors, sexual communication, and rape empathy at the pretest and at the 2-month and 6-month follow-ups. At the 2-month follow-up, there were no differences between the groups on any of the outcome measures. However, those women who were moderately victimized during the 2-month follow-up were significantly less likely to be revictimized during the 6-month follow-up period if they participated in the program.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2000

Stages of change for adherence with medication regimens for chronic disease: development and validation of a measure.

BACKGROUND: The stages-of-change (SOC) model has been used to explain and predict how behavior change occurs, but it is new as an approach to understanding why patients fail to take their medications as prescribed. OBJECTIVE: This study validated a 2-item measure of SOC for adherence with medication regimens in 2 groups of patients prescribed pharmacologic therapy for chronic conditions. METHODS: Two cross-sectional studies of attitudes toward medication adherence included the same measure of SOC for medication adherence. One was a sample of 161 HIV-positive patients in the United States, and the other was an international sample of 731 patients with hypertension. The validity of the measure of SOC for medication adherence was examined in both convenience samples using previously validated self-reported measures of adherence (the Medication Adherence Scale and a measure of adherence from the Medical Outcomes Study), and in the HIV sample using electronic monitoring of adherence behavior in 85 patients. RESULTS: Construct validity was demonstrated in both samples by associations between SOC and the previously validated measures of adherence (P < 0.001), and predictive validity was supported by significant associations between SOC for medication adherence and electronically monitored medication-taking behavior during the next 30 days (P < 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: Behavior-change theory suggests that stage-tailored communication strategies are more effective than uniform health-promotion messages. Our results provide a foundation for the development of interventions for medication adherence that are tailored to patients' readiness for change. Our validated 2-item measure of SOC for medication adherence can be used to match communication strategies to individual motivation and readiness for adherence with chronic disease medication regimens.

Anti-HIV Agents↗
PubMed1999

Antiglucocorticoid activity of hepatocyte nuclear factor-6.

Glucocorticoids exert their effects on gene transcription through ubiquitous receptors that bind to regulatory sequences present in many genes. These glucocorticoid receptors are present in all cell types, yet glucocorticoid action is controlled in a tissue-specific way. One mechanism for this control relies on tissue-specific transcriptional activators that bind in the vicinity of the glucocorticoid receptor and are required for receptor action. We now describe a gene-specific and tissue-specific inhibitory mechanism through which glucocorticoid action is repressed by a tissue-restricted transcription factor, hepatocyte nuclear factor-6 (HNF-6). HNF-6 inhibits the glucocorticoid-induced stimulation of two genes coding for enzymes of liver glucose metabolism, namely 6-phosphofructo-2-kinase and phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase. Binding of HNF-6 to DNA is required for inhibition of glucocorticoid receptor activity. In vitro and in vivo experiments suggest that this inhibition is mediated by a direct HNF-6/glucocorticoid receptor interaction involving the amino-terminal domain of HNF-6 and the DNA-binding domain of the receptor. Thus, in addition to its known property of stimulating transcription of liver-expressed genes, HNF-6 can antagonize glucocorticoid-stimulated gene transcription.

Animals↗
PubMed1999

Calculating the risk of batch failure in the manufacture of drug products.

A statistical tool has been developed to estimate the risk of batch failure in commercial production from the results of the development scale-up campaigns. This tool serves to indicate the robustness of the manufacturing procedure and its ability to meet the specifications set. Other uses include assistance in the resetting of specifications in the light of actual scale-up batch manufacturing experience and assessing the impact of changes in specifications proposed by the registration authorities. A template is given that simplifies the calculations required.

Models, Statistical↗
PubMed1998

Relationship between trauma narratives and trauma pathology.

In this study we examined the relationship between posttrauma pathology and the level of articulation (complexity) in rape narratives recounted by victims shortly after the assault. Degree of articulation was operationalized as the reading level of the narrative as determined by a computer program. Shortly after the trauma, reading level was correlated with severity of anxiety but not with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms. Degree of the narrative articulation shortly after the trauma, however, was related to severity of later PTSD. These results are consistent with the hypothesis that the less developed trauma narratives hinder recovery from trauma.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1998

An unusual case of polydactyly of the thumb.

We present an unusual case of polydactyly of the thumb. The patient, despite having a fully developed nail bed, had a duplication at the metacarpophalangeal level consisting of a single bony phalanx. The Wassel classification of polydactyly, which is the most commonly cited classification scheme, does not include this particular anomaly. In addition, there has been no reference to this type of polydactyly in the literature.

Bone Wires↗
PubMed1997

The accuracy of frozen section by tumor weight for ovarian epithelial neoplasms.

This study evaluated the effect ovarian weight has on the accuracy of frozen sections in serous and mucinous ovarian tumors. The study group included 294 patients who had an initial frozen section (189 serous and 105 mucinous tumors) at surgery. The pathology reports were separated into subgroups (benign, borderline, or malignant). Tumors were broken down into three weight categories: < or = 450 g, > 450 to < or = 1360 g, and > 1360 g. In each weight category, accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predicative values were calculated on frozen sections. The mean weight of the ovarian tumors was 1042 g. As the weight increased in serous tumors, the sensitivity fell from 96.2 to 93.8 to 75%, respectively, in each weight category. The same trend was noted with mucinous tumors as sensitivity fell from 91.7 to 87.5 to 66.7%, respectively. With an increase in the size of ovarian tumors, a decrease in the sensitivity of frozen section was observed. With tumors greater than 1360 g, sensitivity was only 69%. Twenty-three percent of ovarian tumors revealing borderline diagnosis at frozen section were malignant on the final pathology report, with the greatest misclassification in > 1360-g mucinous tumors (50%). For patients with large ovarian tumors, consideration should be given to performing staging at the time of the initial laparotomy.

Epithelium↗
PubMed1995

Diurnal variations in the fatty acid composition of milk fat from marginally nourished women.

This investigation was designed to test whether the composition of free fatty acids varied in the milk of a group of marginally nourished women, throughout the day in response to their habitual pattern of eating. Ten fully lactating women, aged 19 - 29 years, weighing 53.3 +/- 7.7 kg, with a mean height of 145.5 +/- 4.5 cm volunteered for the study. They ate two standardized meals a day at 8 and 16 h. Milk samples were pumped out every 4 h, for a period of 24 h, starting at 8:00 A.M. Milk fat was extracted with hexane and the fatty acid content was determined in a gas chromatograph. No changes were noted in the mean diurnal pattern of individual fatty acids throughout the day. Saturated medium-chain (MCFA), and long-chain fatty acids (C16:0, C18:0) were significantly lower and unsaturated long-chain fatty acids (C16:1, C18:1, C18:2) (UFA) were higher than that of reference well nourished women. Analyzed by individual cases, the changes in the sum of UFA were followed by mirror changes in MCFA. Diurnal peaks of total fat were associated with the peak of UFA, whereas troughs of total fat were associated with troughs of UFA but peaks of MCFA. It is suggested that the low total milk fat reported in these women might be the combined result of a limited intake of dietary fat and a limited ability of the mammary tissue to synthesize de novo fatty acid.

Adult↗
PubMed1994

Circadian variation and changes after a meal in volume and lipid production of human milk from rural Mexican women.

This research was designed to evaluate the circadian variation in the lipid content of the milk obtained from 10 lactating Mexican women as well as the effects of a meal eaten by the mother and of previous milk sampling on the milk volume and fat yield. In addition, predictions were made to determine the most appropriate sampling schedule to obtain a milk sample representative of 24-hour production. Every 4 h over a 24-hour period, the contents of the left breast of predominantly breast-feeding volunteers were completely extracted, using an Engell pump, and analysed for lipid content. In a separate experiment, 6 volunteers were sampled hourly from 9.00 to 13.00 h on 2 consecutive days, one after eating breakfast and the second while fasting. Significant circadian variations of volume (p < 0.05) and lipid yield (p < 0.001) were noted, peaking at 8.00-12.00 and 16.00-20.00 h, respectively. No effects of eating breakfast or of the volume and fat content of the preceding pumping on the actual volume or fat yield were found. In this population, sampling at 12.00, 20.00 and 24.00 h is the most representative of the 24-hour lipid yield, tending to overestimate it by 2.59 g/24 h with a predictive range of 97-124%.

Adult↗
PubMed1993

Quality assessment and improvement in group psychotherapy.

OBJECTIVE: The authors sought a practical means of monitoring and evaluating group psychotherapy, using existing clinical resources, for purposes of quality improvement and education on a large general hospital psychiatric service. METHOD: Monitoring indicators were developed which addressed 1) the integration of group psychotherapy into treatment planning and 2) the competence and technique of group psychotherapists. The second indicator was assessed by skilled observers using a newly constructed Group Psychotherapy Rating Scale in direct observation of group psychotherapy sessions. The rating scale was examined for interrater reliability and, as a measure of construct validity, for its ability to distinguish the performance of professional staff therapists from that of trainees. RESULTS: The indicators provided useful monitors of the use and quality of group psychotherapy. The rating scale had satisfactory interrater reliability and construct validity. The immediate constructive educational critique given by the observers of the therapy groups was highly valued by group therapists. CONCLUSIONS: The monitoring and evaluation program proved to be a practical, positive, and inexpensive means of assuring and improving the quality of group psychotherapy in a clinical setting.

Humans↗
PubMed1990

Differentiation of mouse erythroleukemia cells is blocked by late up-regulation of a c-myb transgene.

During chemically induced differentiation of Friend virus-infected mouse erythroleukemia (MEL) cell lines, there is a biphasic down-regulation of the c-myb proto-oncogene. A plasmid containing a murine c-myb cDNA controlled by a mouse metallothionein I promoter was transfected into the C19 MEL cell line. For six transfected clones, it was found that expression of the exogenous c-myb mRNA could be up-regulated by the addition of 120 microM ZnCl2 and that the N,N'-hexamethylenebisacetamide-induced differentiation of these transfectants was inhibited in proportion to the level of exogenous c-myb mRNA expression. By adding or removing ZnCl2 at different times during the induction process, it was possible to show that up-regulation of exogenous c-myb limited to the first 2 days of induction had little or no effect on differentiation. In contrast, continuous expression of exogenous c-myb beginning at any time during the period of induction blocked further differentiation. These results suggest that during HMBA induction of MEL cells, the early down-regulation of c-myb mRNA is not necessary for terminal differentiation, whereas the down-regulation of c-myb at a later time is necessary.

Animals↗
PubMed1990

'I beg to differ': conflict in the interdisciplinary team.

Three cases in which interdisciplinary teams experienced conflict were examined in depth. Disagreement within the team was expressed covertly and overtly. In the face of conflicting perceptions, team members attempted to influence others to agree with them, changed their own recommendations, or tried to find an area of compromise. Team members did not fully address differences across disciplines. Interactions during these cases suggest that team members see themselves primarily as representatives of their own discipline rather than as members of a team. Different values and theoretical perspectives seem to influence divergence of opinion. A need for a common value base, language, and conceptual framework was evident.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1989

Percutaneous (nonsurgical) supported angioplasty in unprotected left main disease and severe left ventricular dysfunction.

A 69-year-old patient with the equivalent of severe, unprotected left main coronary artery disease associated with marked left ventricular dysfunction with ventricular aneurysm who had Class IV angina, underwent supported angioplasty utilizing a total percutaneous approach. The patient tolerated occlusion of his main left coronary artery for a total of 7 minutes without difficulty, during dilatation of left anterior descending and two circumflex lesions. He was discharged the following day, symptom free.

Aged↗
PubMed1989

Interferon-gamma directly affects barrier function of cultured intestinal epithelial monolayers.

Although epithelia, which often are in intimate contact with lymphoid cells, may bear receptors for various cytokines, it is unclear whether cytokines directly effect epithelial function. We examine the effects of the cytokine interferon (IFN) on barrier function of cultured monolayers of the T84 human intestinal epithelial cell line. Gamma IFN, in concentrations and exposures required to show its other biological effects, directly affects such monolayers. Monolayer resistance is substantially diminished by gamma IFN. Such effects were not due to cytotoxicity as judged morphologically and by LDH assays. Solute fluxes and dual Na+-mannitol flux analysis indicate that the resistance decrease is due to an effect of gamma IFN on tight junction permeability. The effects of gamma IFN on monolayer barrier function were not duplicated by the cytokines interleukin 1, interleukin 2, or tumor necrosis factor. We speculate that such products of activation of lymphoid cells might influence barrier function of intestinal, and perhaps other epithelia in disease states.

Cell Line↗