Home parenteral nutrition: a transatlantic view.
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Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗
Biomedical subjects
L Howard
Publications and source records attributed to L Howard.
Firmness and phytochemical losses in pasteurized yellow banana peppers (Capsicum annuum) as affected by calcium chloride and storage.
The effect of calcium chloride brine treatment on firmness and retention of phytochemicals in pastuerized yellow banana peppers was studied. Shear force values declined during processing and storage, but CaCl(2) treatment resulted in greater firmness retention. Processing reduced ascorbic acid content by 63%, and after 124 days, <10% of ascorbic acid remained. Quercetin and luteolin contents declined 45% during processing, but levels stabilized during storage. Capsaicinoid content was stable during processing and storage. CaCl(2) treatment did not affect ascorbic acid, flavonoid, or capsaicinoid retention during pasteurization and storage. Retention of phytochemicals appeared to be related to their solubility and structural properties.
Calcium Chloride↗
Carotene, tocopherol, and ascorbate contents in subspecies of Brassica oleracea.
Cruciferous vegetables contain high levels of vitamins that can act as antioxidants, compounds that may protect against several degenerative diseases. The edible portions of 50 broccoli and 13 cabbage, kale, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts accessions were assayed to determine variation in alpha-carotene, beta-carotene, alpha-tocopherol, gamma-tocopherol, and ascorbate contents within and between subspecies of Brassica oleracea. Ascorbate content was estimated in fresh samples using HPLC. Tissues for carotene and tocopherol analysis were lyophilized prior to extraction. Carotene and tocopherol concentrations were simultaneously measured using a reverse phase HPLC system. Results indicate that there is substantial variation both within and between subspecies. Kale had the highest levels of vitamins, followed by broccoli and Brussels sprouts with intermediate levels and then by cabbage and cauliflower, with comparatively low concentrations. Variability in vitamin content among the broccoli accessions suggests that potential health benefits that accrue with consumption are genotype dependent.
Antioxidants↗
Mechanisms of attention in touch.
A series of experiments demonstrated the role of higher level cognitive processes, such as attention, in tactile perception. The first series of experiments demonstrated that automatic orienting to a tactile stimulus resulted in inhibition of subsequent stimuli at that body site--inhibition of return (IOR). A possible explanation suggests that inhibition of saccades to a body site can cause the inhibition of subsequent stimuli presented to that same site. In contrast, when the subjects strategically oriented attention to the stimulus, the processing of subsequent stimuli at that body site was facilitated. In both of these experiments the skin received exactly the same test stimuli, (100 Hz sine wave presented for 50 ms), but very different effects were observed depending upon attentional strategy. Experimental manipulations showed that this cannot be due to a peripheral masking of the receptors after cue presentation to the target. Rather the results may be explained centrally by cognitive, particularly attentional mechanisms. Cross-modal interactions suggest that tactile processes are facilitated when vision is oriented to the body site receiving stimulation. Possible explanations come from recent findings of spatiotopic maps of different sensory modalities in the superior colliculus of the midbrain and in the parietal lobe. These are integrated with motor systems that control saccades and head orientation towards sensory inputs. Excitatory links among these maps could be the source of the observed facilitation effects.
Adolescent↗
Cbfa2 is required for the formation of intra-aortic hematopoietic clusters.
Cbfa2 (AML1) encodes the DNA-binding subunit of a transcription factor in the small family of core-binding factors (CBFs). Cbfa2 is required for the differentiation of all definitive hematopoietic cells, but not for primitive erythropoiesis. Here we show that Cbfa2 is expressed in definitive hematopoietic progenitor cells, and in endothelial cells in sites from which these hematopoietic cells are thought to emerge. Endothelial cells expressing Cbfa2 are in the yolk sac, the vitelline and umbilical arteries, and in the ventral aspect of the dorsal aorta in the aorta/genital ridge/mesonephros (AGM) region. Endothelial cells lining the dorsal aspect of the aorta, and elsewhere in the embryo, do not express Cbfa2. Cbfa2 appears to be required for maintenance of Cbfa2 expression in the endothelium, and for the formation of intra-aortic hematopoietic clusters from the endothelium.
Animals↗
Evaluation of a new fiberoptic catheter for monitoring jugular venous oxygen saturation
OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate three modified, fiberoptic, oxygen saturation catheters as monitors of jugular venous oxygen saturation (SjvO2). METHODS: Three modified fiberoptic catheters, designated Catheters 1, 2, and 3, were evaluated. After preinsertion calibration, the catheters were inserted in the dominant jugular vein of patients with severe head injuries. The catheter reading for SjvO2 was compared with the SjvO2 value measured in a blood sample drawn through the catheter, at intervals up to 72 hours. RESULTS: Catheter 3 (a modified version of the pediatric Swan-Ganz catheter) showed significantly better performance than the other two catheters. Both the initial calibration of the catheter and the calibration with time were significantly better for Catheter 3 than for the other two catheters tested. The Catheter 3 value for SjvO2 was more than 4% different from the co-oximeter value in only 6% of the 4-hour calibration checks, compared with 26% and 29% for Catheters 1 and 2, respectively. CONCLUSION: Catheter 3, which is now being marketed as the Opticath P540-H catheter, represents a significant improvement in performance and may make SjvO2 monitoring in the intensive care unit more practical.
Journal Article↗
Gene-mutation assays in lambda lacZ transgenic mice: comparison of lacZ with endogenous genes in splenocytes and small intestinal epithelium.
Comparison of results derived from transgenic animal gene-mutation assays with those from mutation analyses in endogenous genes is an important step in the validation of the former. We have used lambda lacZ transgenic mice to study alkylation-induced mutagenesis in vivo in (a) lacZ and hprt in spleen cells, and (b) lacZ and Dlb-I in small intestine from lambda lacZ+/0/Dlb-Ia/b mice. Induction of mutations by ethyl- and methylnitrosourea (ENU, MNU) and ethyl methanesulphonate (EMS) was investigated at 7 weeks after a single i.p. dose of each of these chemicals. In the small intestine, treatment with various dosages of ENU (10-150 mg/kg) resulted in a linear dose-response in both lacZ and Dlb-I. MNU (30 mg/kg) was also mutagenic in lacZ and Dlb-I, while EMS (250 mg/kg) did not significantly induce mutations in either gene. In spleen, ENU gave a linear dose-related response in both lacZ and hprt, MNU induced mutation sin both lacZ and hprt, and EMS was only positive for lacZ. No differences in response were observed between single and split-dose treatment with ENU (1 x 50 or 5 x 10 mg/kg with a 1- or 7-day interval), both in spleen and small intestine, except for lacZ in small intestine, where the single high dose gave a significantly higher induction than the split dose with the 7-day interval. The overall results suggest that mutagenic effects of fractionated doses are generally additive. In most cases, the induction factor (ratio treated over controls) for mutations in lacZ was lower than that for hprt and Dlb-I, presumably due to a higher background in lacZ and/or a lower mutability of lacZ. The general concordance between the data for lacZ and the endogenous genes indicates that lambda lacZ transgenic mice are a suitable model to study induction of gene mutations in vivo.
Alkylating Agents↗
The biomechanical properties of fascia lata grafts: a preliminary study.
The mechanical properties of fascia lata in the form of a sheet and as a tubulised structure have been determined. The stiffness of the sheet was 3.3 +/- 0.58 N/mm and the stiffness of the tube was 6.2 +/- 1.06 N/mm. The ultimate tensile strength of the tube was 35.7 +/- 14.1 N.
Biomechanical Phenomena↗
Clinical evaluation of the LeMaire anterior cruciate [correction of concrete] ligament lateral substitution procedure. A quality audit of the Leicester modification.
The results of a modified LeMaire anterior cruciate [corrected] ligament (ACL) lateral substitution procedure have been assessed using a variety of methods. Of the patients, 87.5 per cent obtained a satisfactory result 3-4 years after the operation. The post-operative morbidity was relatively minor.
Adult↗
The effect of knee flexion angle on knee stiffness values obtained using the Leicester arthrometer.
Knee stiffness was measured in 20 patients with a unilateral ACL-deficiency at 0 degree, 20 degrees and 65 degrees of knee flexion, respectively. The reduction in stiffness when the ACL deficient knee was compared with the normal contralateral knee was 46, 39 and 39%. The differences between these values were not statistically significant. The data raise the possibility that the angle at which instrumented measurement is made may not be critical provided the deficient knee is compared with the normal knee at the same angle.
Adult↗
The effects of tamoxifen on endometrial insulin-like growth factor-1 expression.
OBJECTIVE: To determine whether modulation of insulin-like growth factor-1 and insulin-like growth factor-binding protein-1 expression underlies the uterotropic effects associated with tamoxifen therapy in postmenopausal breast cancer patients. METHODS: Using immunohistochemical techniques, we analyzed 37 endometrial specimens from biopsies (n = 18) or hysterectomies (n = 19) for Ki-67, insulin-like growth factor-1, and insulin-like growth factor-binding protein-1 expression. Specifically, five secretory- and three proliferative-phase endometrial specimens were used as controls; 20 specimens (including two endometrial adenocarcinomas) were analyzed from postmenopausal breast cancer patients treated with tamoxifen (20 mg/day) for at least 6 months; and nine endometrial adenocarcinoma specimens from patients not treated with tamoxifen were studied. Intensity of immunostaining was quantified using digitized imaging techniques. RESULTS: Insulin-like growth factor-1 and insulin-like growth factor-1-binding protein-1 were found to be expressed in normal and neoplastic endometrium of all patients, regardless of tamoxifen treatment. However, insulin-like growth factor-1 expression varied cyclically in histologically normal endometrium, was reduced in undifferentiated endometrial tumors, and was upregulated in tamoxifen-treated specimens. Insulin-like growth factor-binding protein-1 immunostaining did not vary during the menstrual cycle, but it was reduced significantly in benign tamoxifen-exposed tissue and endometrial adenocarcinomas, regardless of degree of differentiation or tamoxifen exposure. No correlation was found between the expression of insulin-like growth factor-1 and insulin-like growth factor-binding protein-1 and the proliferative indices of the tissues examined. CONCLUSION: The expression of insulin-like growth factor-1 and insulin-like growth factor-binding protein-1 in the uterus supports an autocrine and/or paracrine role for these proteins in endometrial physiology. Although further studies are needed, our investigation suggests that altered expression of insulin-like growth factor-1 and insulin-like growth factor-binding protein-1 may contribute to the uterotropic effects of tamoxifen.
Adenocarcinoma↗
Communication skills for optometrists.
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Communication↗
Home parenteral nutrition. 25 years later.
After 25 years, there is enough clinical outcome experience to determine appropriate use of home parenteral nutrition in different disease states and age groups. Information regarding how to avoid complications and how patients and families can find necessary psychosocial support is provided in this article. Currently, small bowel transplantation is not a safer choice, unless there is severe liver disease caused by home parenteral nutrition or lack of central intervenous access.
Gastrointestinal Diseases↗
Effects of antibodies to transferrin and alpha 2-HS glycoprotein on in vitro sperm motion: implications in infertility associated with endometriosis.
PROBLEM: Women with endometriosis have antibodies to endometrial transferrin and alpha 2-HS glycoprotein in their serum and peritoneal fluid. The objective of this study was to determine whether antibodies to transferrin and alpha 2-HS glycoprotein adversely affect sperm motility and survival. METHOD OF STUDY: Spermatozoa obtained from normal fertile donors and washed free of seminal plasma were incubated with the medium (control), 1:2 and 1:100 dilutions of antitransferrin, 1:4, 1:8 and 1:100 dilutions of anti-alpha 2-HS glycoprotein, and a 1:2 dilution of antialbumin antiserum (negative control). Sperm motion characteristics in 10 microliters aliquots were evaluated at 30 min, 1 hr, 2 hr, 4 hr, and 24 hr using computerized sperm motion analysis. A paired t-test was done to analyze the effects of the various antibodies on sperm motion characteristics. RESULTS: Antibodies to albumin failed to adversely affect sperm motility in general or the several sperm motion characteristics in particular. In contrast, antibodies to transferrin at the dilution of 1:2 adversely affected the percentage of motile and rapid spermatozoa, progressive and path velocities, straightness, linearity, track speed, and anterior-lateral head displacement (P < 0.001) at all the time intervals, whereas a 1:100 dilution of this antiserum adversely affected these parameters only at 24 hr. Elongation and beat cross-frequency were significantly affected at 4 and 24 hr by a 1:2 dilution of antitransferrin antiserum. The effects of anti-alpha 2-HS glycoprotein were more pronounced than those of antitransferrin, but they were similar. Dilutions of 1:4 and 1:8 were effective at all time intervals, whereas a 1:100 dilution was effective in reducing the track speed and the percentage of rapid cells at 24 hr (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Antibodies to endometrial transferrin and alpha 2-HS glycoprotein present in the peritoneal fluid, and possibly in the oviductal fluid, of patients with endometriosis may adversely affect postcoital sperm motility and sperm survival.
Antibodies↗
Schizophrenia and safety of parenting of infants: a report from a U.K. mother and baby service.
We discuss clinical issues associated with parenting in mothers with severe mental illness, in particular the safety of parenting and risk to infants. We also examine some of the implications for a young child of having as primary carer a mother who suffers from a chronic and severe mental illness. Types of clinical presentation, and assessment and management are described, with illustrative case examples.
Adult↗
Quantitative immunolocalization of a P29 protein (GRA7), a new antigen of toxoplasma gondii.
Ultrastructural localization of a P29 protein of Toxoplasma gondii was examined on thin sections by an immunogold technique using a P29 antigen-specific monoclonal antibody (5-241-178). Immunolocalization of the P29 protein in extracellular tachyzoites demonstrated that this antigen was present in the dense granules. Thus, we have identified this P29 antigen as the seventh protein (GRA7) to be localized to the dense granules of T. gondii. P29 immunolocalization in intracellular tachyzoites demonstrated association of this antigen with the parasite membrane complex, tubular elements of the intravacuolar network, and with the parasitophorous vacuolar membrane. Our immunolabeling data suggest trafficking of the P29 (GRA7) antigen from the dense granule via the intravacuolar network to the parasitophorous vacuolar membrane on invasion of the tachyzoite into the host cell. (J Histochem Cytochem 46:1411-1421, 1998)
Animals↗
Impact factors of psychiatric journals. The British Journal of Psychiatry now has the highest impact factor of all psychiatric journals outside the USA.
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Bibliometrics↗
Peer review and editorial decision-making.
INTRODUCTION: This paper describes and analyses the editor's decision-making process at the British Journal of Psychiatry (BJP), and investigates the association between reviewers' assessments and editorial decisions. METHOD: Four hundred consecutive manuscripts submitted over a six-month period to the BJP were examined prospectively for assessors' comments and editorial decisions on acceptance or rejection. Interrater reliability of assessments was calculated and a logistic regression analysis investigated the effect of the rank allocated by assessors and the comprehensiveness of the assessments on the editor's decision. RESULTS: The editor sent 248/400 (62%) manuscripts to assessors for peer review. Kappa for reliability of assessors rankings was 0.1 indicating poor interrater reliability. Assessors agreed best on whether to reject a paper. A ranking of five (indicating rejection) had the greatest association with editor's rejection (P < 0.001, odds ratio 0.079), and the mean ranking of assessments was also significantly associated with editorial acceptance or rejection (P = 0.004, odds ratio 0.24). CONCLUSION: Assessors and editors tend to agree on what is clearly not acceptable for publication but there is less agreement on what is suitable.
Decision Making↗