Biomedical subjects

K Hughes

Publications and source records attributed to K Hughes.

151 records · Page 9Linked to original sources

PubMedDate not supplied

Calcium regulation of basic helix-loop-helix transcription factors.

The basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) family of transcription factors is essential for numerous developmental and growth control processes. The regulation of bHLH proteins occurs at many levels, including tissue specific expression, differential oligomerization and DNA binding specificities, interaction with negatively acting HLH proteins and post-translational modifications. This review focuses on what is emerging as another level of bHLH protein regulation, calcium regulation through interaction with Ca2+ loaded calmodulin and S-100 proteins. The mechanism and implications of these Ca2+ regulated interactions are discussed.

Animals↗

PubMedDate not supplied

1,3-Butadiene: exposure estimation, hazard characterization, and exposure-response analysis.

1,3-Butadiene has been assessed as a Priority Substance under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act. The general population in Canada is exposed to 1,3-butadiene primarily through ambient air. Inhaled 1,3-butadiene is carcinogenic in both mice and rats, inducing tumors at multiple sites at all concentrations tested in all identified studies. In addition, 1,3-butadiene is genotoxic in both somatic and germ cells of rodents. It also induces adverse effects in the reproductive organs of female mice at relatively low concentrations. The greater sensitivity in mice than in rats to induction of these effects by 1,3-butadiene is likely related to species differences in metabolism to active epoxide metabolites. Exposure to 1,3-butadiene in the occupational environment has been associated with the induction of leukemia; there is also some limited evidence that 1,3-butadiene is genotoxic in exposed workers. Therefore, in view of the weight of evidence of available epidemiological and toxicological data, 1,3-butadiene is considered highly likely to be carcinogenic, and likely to be genotoxic, in humans. Estimates of the potency of butadiene to induce cancer have been derived on the basis of both epidemiological investigation and bioassays in mice and rats. Potencies to induce ovarian effects have been estimated on the basis of studies in mice. Uncertainties have been delineated, and, while there are clear species differences in metabolism, estimates of potency to induce effects are considered justifiably conservative in view of the likely variability in metabolism across the population related to genetic polymorphism for enzymes for the critical metabolic pathway.

Animals↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Would general practitioners support a population-based colorectal cancer screening programme of faecal-occult blood testing?

BACKGROUND: The success of a population-based screening for colorectal cancer (CRC) is determined to a large extent by general practitioner (GP) attitudes, beliefs and support. The extent to which GPs support population-based CRC screening remains unclear. AIMS: To assess the knowledge, attitudes and practices of GPs in relation to CRC screening, and to identify the determinants of GP support for population-based faecal-occult blood testing (FOBT). METHODS: A cross-sectional postal survey was conducted with a random sample of 692 GPs in Queensland, -Australia. We assessed GP knowledge, attitudes and practices concerning CRC screening in relation to their stance on population-based FOBT screening. RESULTS: Although the response rate was low (41%), participants were representative of Queensland GPs in general. Of 284 participating GPs, 143 (50.5%) indicated that they would support a population-based FOBT screening programme, 42 (14.8%) would not and 98 (34.6%) were unsure. Belief in FOBT test efficacy (P <0.001), possession of CRC guidelines (P <0.05) and belief in earlier stage detection (P <0.05) were major determinants of support for population-based FOBT screening. No significant association was observed for doctor's sex, location of practice, age, year completed medical training, membership of a Division of General Practice, number of weekly consultations, number of patients investigated for CRC per month, size of practice, own family history of CRC, interest in further information on CRC screening or treatment, and current use of FOBT with asymptomatic patients aged > or =40 years. CONCLUSIONS: GP support for FOBT population-based screening appears to have increased over recent years. The knowledge and attitudes/beliefs of GPs are key determinants of their support.

Adult↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Quality and marketing issues in nursing education.

Two important issues in nursing education are quality and marketing. These issues both complement and support each other. The aim of this article is to highlight the concepts of quality and marketing as a valuable partnership in nursing education, a partnership that is capable of improving the quality of education provision and potentially of increasing student numbers. Major themes include an analysis of the reluctance by institutions to implement marketing strategies, the image of the institution, and customer satisfaction. The article concludes by suggesting that nurse educators need to know who their customers are, who they could be, and what those customers want and need, in order to run successful and valued courses.

Education, Nursing, Baccalaureate↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Effects of nightlife activilty on health.

This article aims to increase understanding of nightlife health and the potential for nurses to reduce some of the negative health consequences associated with nightlife activity.

Alcohol Drinking↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Black cohosh: efficacy, safety, and use in clinical and preclinical applications.

Actaea racemosa L (formerly Cimicifuga racemosa [L] Nutt) (Ranunculaceae), commonly known as black cohosh, is an herb native to Eastern North America. Black cohosh has a history of traditional use among Native Americans for the treatment of a variety of disorders, including various conditions unique to women such as amenorrhea and menopause. Contemporary uses of black cohosh are primarily geared toward the treatment of symptoms of menopause, such as hot flashes, and menopausal anxiety and depression. Extracts also have been shown to be useful for younger women suffering hormonal deficits following ovariectomy or hysterectomy, as well as for juvenile menstrual disorders. A number of clinical studies using Remifemin, a standardized extract, have demonstrated efficacy for the alleviation of menopausal complaints. The safety profile of black cohosh is positive, with low toxicity, few and mild side effects, and good tolerability. In European phytotherapy, Remifemin is commonly prescribed as an effective alternative to hormone replacement therapy for menopause.

Cimicifuga↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Efficacy, safety, and use of ginkgo biloba in clinical and preclinical applications.

Ginkgo biloba is a dioecious tree with a history of use in traditional Chinese medicine. Although the seeds are most commonly employed in traditional Chinese medicine, in recent years standardized extracts of the leaves have been widely sold as a phytomedicine in Europe and as a dietary supplement in the United States. The primary active constituents of the leaves include flavonoid glycosides and unique diterpenes known as ginkgolides; the latter are potent inhibitors of platelet activating factor. Clinical studies have shown that ginkgo extracts exhibit therapeutic activity in a variety of disorders including Alzheimer's disease, failing memory, age-related dementias, poor cerebral and ocular blood flow, congestive symptoms of premenstrual syndrome, and the prevention of altitude sickness. Due in part to its potent antioxidant properties and ability to enhance peripheral and cerebral circulation, ginkgo's primary application lies in the treatment of cerebrovascular dysfunctions and peripheral vascular disorders.

Antioxidants↗