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Biomedical subjects

L Moore

Publications and source records attributed to L Moore.

At least 91 records · Page 5Linked to original sources

Circulating methemoglobin and nitrite/nitrate concentrations as indicators of nitric oxide overproduction in critically ill children with septic shock.

OBJECTIVES: To examine the relationship between circulating methemoglobin and nitrite/nitrate concentrations and to compare these markers of nitric oxide overproduction with clinical variables in children diagnosed with septic shock. DESIGN: Prospective, controlled, clinical study. SETTING: Pediatric intensive care unit and outpatient clinic in a children's hospital. PATIENTS: Twenty-two children diagnosed with septic shock and ten age-matched healthy control patients. INTERVENTIONS: Patients diagnosed with septic shock had blood specimens taken on study entry and every 6 hrs for 72 hrs for methemoglobin and nitrite/nitrate determinations. Single blood specimens were obtained from controls. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Circulating methemoglobin and nitrite/nitrate concentrations were significantly higher in children diagnosed with septic shock in comparison with healthy control children (p = .01 and .05, respectively). Peak nitrite/nitrate concentrations correlated with serum creatinine (r2 = .19; p = .04) and were inversely correlated with arterial pH (r2 = .28; p = .01) and urine output (r2 = .21; p = .03) when analyzed by log-linear regression. There were no significant relationships between methemoglobin and nitrite/nitrate or between methemoglobin and any other clinical variable. CONCLUSIONS: Circulating methemoglobin and nitrite/nitrate concentrations are increased in children diagnosed with septic shock. Plasma nitrite/nitrate values correlate with selected clinical variables in these children. Circulating methemoglobin measurements are not superior to plasma nitrite/nitrate concentrations as an indicator of endogenous overproduction of nitric oxide in children diagnosed with septic shock. A need remains to develop markers of endogenous nitric oxide activity that have greater accuracy and reliability.

Adolescent↗

A case of mosaic trisomy 2 diagnosed at amniocentesis in an abnormal fetus and confirmed in multiple fetal tissues.

Pseudomosaicism for trisomy 2 is a relatively common finding at amniocentesis. However, genuine trisomy 2 mosaicism is extremely rare. As a result, very few cases have been described and little information is available with which to counsel the parents of an affected fetus. We describe a case of mosaic trisomy 2 diagnosed at amniocentesis in a fetus with multiple anomalies on ultrasound scan. Following termination of pregnancy, the fetus was found to have mild dysmorphic features, together with an absent gall bladder, cystic left kidney, a 13th left rib and mild unilateral talipes. The presence of trisomy 2 cells was confirmed by both standard cytogenetic analysis and fluorescent in-situ hybridisation techniques in multiple fetal tissues, as well as in the cord and placenta.

Abortion, Induced↗

A family of cyclin-like proteins that interact with the Pho85 cyclin-dependent kinase.

In budding yeast, entry into the mitotic cell cycle, or Start, requires the Cdc28 cyclin-dependent kinase (Cdk) and one of its three associated G1 cyclins, Cln1, Cln2, or Cln3. In addition, two other G1 cyclins, Pcl1 and Pcl2, associate with a second Cdk, Pho85, to contribute to Start. Although Pho85 is not essential for viability, Pcl1,2-Pho85 kinase complexes become essential for Start in the absence of Cln1,2-Cdc28 kinases. In addition, Pho85 interacts with a third cyclin, Pho80, to regulate acid phosphatase gene expression. Other cellular roles for Pho85 cyclin-Cdk complexes are suggested by the multiple phenotypes associated with deletion of PHO85, in addition to Start defects and deregulated acid phosphatase gene expression. Strains with pho80, pcl1, and pcl2 deletions show only a subset of the pho85 mutant phenotypes, suggesting the existence of additional Pho85 cyclins (Pcls). We used two-hybrid screening and database searching to identify seven additional cyclin-related genes that may interact with Pho85. We found that all of the new genes encode proteins that interacted with Pho85 in an affinity chromatography assay. One of these genes, CLG1, was previously suggested to encode a cyclin, based on the protein's sequence homology to Pcl1 and Pcl2. We have named the other genes PCL5, PCL6, PCL7, PCL8, PCL9, and PCL10. On the basis of sequence similarities, the PCLs can be divided into two subfamilies: the Pcl1,2-like subfamily and the Pho80-like subfamily. We found that deletion of members of the Pcl1,2 class of genes resulted in pronounced morphological abnormalities. In addition, we found that expression of one member of the Pcl1,2 subfamily, PCL9, is cell cycle regulated and is decreased in cells arrested in G1 by pheromone treatment. Our studies suggest that Pho85 associates with multiple cyclins and that subsets of cyclins may direct Pho85 to perform distinct roles in cell growth and division.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Intratracheal instillation of a novel NO/nucleophile adduct selectively reduces pulmonary hypertension.

We examined the pulmonary and systemic hemodynamic effects of administering soluble nitric oxide (NO) donor compounds (NO/nucleophile adducts, i.e., NONOates) directly into the trachea of animals with experimentally induced pulmonary hypertension. Steady-state pulmonary hypertension was created by using the thromboxane agonist U-46619. Yorkshire pigs were randomly assigned to one of four groups: group 1, intratracheal saline (control; n = 8); group 2, intratracheal sodium nitroprusside (n = 6); group 3, intratracheal ethylputreanine NONOate (n = 6); and group 4, intratracheal 2-(dimethylamino)-ethylputreanine NONOate (DMAEP/NO; n = 6). Pulmonary and systemic hemodynamics were monitored after drug instillation. Group 4 had significant reductions in pulmonary vascular resistance index (PVRI) at all time points compared with steady state and compared with group 1 (P < 0.05), whereas systemic vascular resistance index did not change. The mean change in mean pulmonary arterial pressure in group 4 was -33.1 +/- 1.2% compared with +6.4 +/- 1.3% in group 1 (P < 0.001), and the mean change in mean arterial pressure was -9.3 +/- 0.7% compared with a control value of -0.9 +/- 0.5% (P < 0.05). Groups 2 and 3 had significant decreases in both PVRI and systemic vascular resistance index compared with steady state and with group 1. In conclusion, intratracheal instillation of a polar-charged tertiary amine NONOate DMAEP/NO results in the selective reduction of PVRI. Intermittent intratracheal instillation of selective NONOates may be an alternative to continuously inhaled NO in the treatment of pulmonary hypertension.

Amino Acids, Diamino↗

Prophylactic antibiotic project.

This project evaluated the use of prophylactic antibiotics within two hours prior to selected surgical procedures. Even with knee arthroplasty, for which there is essentially universal agreement on the need for prophylactic antibiotics, there is room for improvement in antibiotic delivery. This is true both in the percent of patients receiving antibiotics and the timeliness of administration. Although there is some difference of opinion about the advisability of prophylactic antibiotics for certain procedures, the preponderance of recent literature advocates its use and this is a quality indicator evaluated by JCAHO.

Antibiotic Prophylaxis↗

Cooperative Cardiovascular Project.

This national project evaluated elements of care for patients admitted for acute myocardial infarction. Opportunities for improving processes of care, especially in the use and timing of aspirin and thrombolytics, were identified. Additional data regarding other quality indicators is available. It is hoped that this data can be used to help create or incorporate changes in existing AMI protocols, ultimately improving care and outcomes for these patients.

Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal↗

Pneumonia I and Pneumonia II Projects.

The need for timely and efficient treatment is assuming even greater significance, with pneumonia discharges increasing from 5,862 in 1992 to 7,870 in 1994. These two projects, involving a total of 13 hospitals, evaluated the timeliness of antibiotic administration for pneumonia patients. Baseline data revealed opportunities for improving process of care at all hospitals. After implementation of improvement plans, the majority of hospitals increased the percentage of patients receiving antibiotics within four hours of admission. This evaluation of the antibiotic delivery system can also be adapted to other diagnoses and medications.

Anti-Bacterial Agents↗

Recovery times from subarachnoid blocks using bupivacaine hydrochloride and tetracaine hydrochloride with and without epinephrine.

This retrospective study examined the length of time patients spent in the postanesthesia care unit (PACU) recovering from a subarachnoid block with either bupivacaine hydrochloride or tetracaine hydrochloride with and without epinephrine after total knee replacement surgery or total hip replacement surgery. One hundred subjects' charts were reviewed with 50 subjects receiving a subarachnoid block with bupivacaine (25 had epinephrine added to the bupivacaine) and 50 subjects receiving a subarachnoid block with tetracaine (25 had epinephrine added to the tetracaine). There were no statistical differences among the groups with respect to age, height, weight, dose of local anesthetic, and length of surgical procedure. Patient who received tetracaine stayed longer in the PACU (64.44 minutes) and took longer to bend their knees (73.17 minutes), flex their hips (99.65 minutes), and have return of sensation (68.88 minutes), compared to those who had received bupivacaine (P < .05). When epinephrine was added to the local anesthetic, it prolonged the time until the return of knee flexion, hip flexion, and sensation by 66.82, 87.65, and 76.77 minutes respectively (P < .05).

Anesthetics, Local↗

Germ plasm assembly and germ cell migration in Drosophila.

Many aspects of germ cell behavior, migration, and gonad formation are shared between vertebrate and invertebrate species. For example, a specialized germ plasm has been observed in many species including Caenorhabditis elegans and Xenopus. Furthermore, the fact that Vasa marks germ cells in many species suggests that even certain molecular aspects of germ cells may be common between different organisms. In most organisms, germ cells initially form at a location away from their target mesodermal tissues and have to migrate to reach the mesoderm. Further genetic studies will reveal the extent to which molecular aspects of germ cell migration and gonad formation are conserved.

Animals↗

Eradication treatment for Helicobacter pylori in general practice.

AIMS: To identify patients with a past history of peptic ulcer and to treat Helicobacter pylori infection if confirmed. METHODS: Patient records from 6.5 full-time equivalent general practitioners were reviewed to record prescribing of H2-receptor antagonists in the last year and to review previous upper gastrointestinal investigations. RESULTS: Two hundred and sixty-seven patients had used H2-receptor antagonists in the previous year. The indications for use were peptic ulcer 25%, reflux 21%, empiric treatment for dyspepsia 39% and dyspepsia with a normal investigation 15%. Short-term prescribing was common (52% of patients treated for 1-2 months only) and of these patients 50% had undiagnosed dyspepsia. The most common indication for long-term prescribing (6 months or more) was peptic ulcer (46%). The records of 96 patients with peptic ulcer were identified; 50 were traced and considered for recall and a 13C urea breath test for Helicobacter pylori. Thirty-eight patients agreed to a breath test; 23 were positive (60.5%). Follow up breath test was negative following eradication treatment in 16 of 22 treated patients (73%). CONCLUSION: Patients with peptic ulcer disease can be recalled using general practice case notes and treated with antibiotic treatment. The majority of H2-receptor antagonist use is for indications other than peptic ulcer disease.

Aged↗

An audit of low dose triple therapy for eradication of Helicobacter pylori.

AIMS: Standard triple therapy remains the recommended first line treatment for Helicobacter pylori in New Zealand. The real eradication rate achieved in busy hospital clinics may be different from data obtained from clinical trials outside of New Zealand. METHODS: One hundred and thirty patients with proven H pylori infection (by at least two tests) were treated with low dose triple therapy (DeNol 1 qid, tetracycline 250 mg qid and metronidazole 200 mg qid for 2 weeks; dosing with meals and at night); 83 were given a standard prescription for triple therapy (dispensed in bottles) and 47 were given a medication pack with times of dosing clearly marked. Eradication was proven by a negative 13C urea breath test at least 4 weeks after finishing treatment. RESULTS: Follow up urea breath test was obtained in 120 patients (92%). The eradication rate for separate bottles was 79% and for the medication pack 76%. Compliance was estimated to be greater than 90% in 92% of patients who attended for followup. H pylori culture and sensitivity results were available for 41 patients. Overall rate of metronidazole resistance was 32%. The eradication rate for metronidazole sensitive strains was 89% and for resistant strains 46%. Mild side effects were reported in 10% and moderate side effects in 10%. No patient stopped treatment because of side effects. There was no effect of age, ethnicity, smoking, alcohol intake, pretreatment with H2-antagonists or endoscopic diagnoses on eradication rates. CONCLUSION: The low dose triple therapy has an acceptable real eradication rate. The most important determinant of success was metronidazole resistance. The eradication rate was not improved by using medication packs.

Adult↗

Abnormalities of the intra-abdominal fetal umbilical vein: reports of four cases and a review of the literature.

Anomalies of the fetal umbilical vessels are rare, excepting single umbilical arteries which occur in 0.2-1.0% of pregnancies. Abnormalities of the intra-abdominal umbilical vein may be categorized into three main groups: (1) the ductus venosus is patient but the right umbilical vein persists; (2) the ductus venosus is not patent, and there is extrahepatic continuation of the umbilical vein; and (3) the umbilical vein takes a normal course but is abnormally dilated. We describe cases of each of these types of anomaly, including the first report of prenatal diagnosis of insertion of the umbilical vein into the iliac vein, and review the literature on this subject.

Adolescent↗

Dehydration deaths in infants and young children.

Dehydration in developed countries is an uncommon but important mechanism resulting in the death of infants and children. The clinicopathological features of a series of 37 fatal dehydration cases autopsied at the Adelaide Children's Hospital over a 33-year period (1961-1993) are presented. Causative factors for dehydration included gastroenteritis (21 cases), gastroenteritis with high environmental temperature (one case), high environmental temperatures (six cases), neglect/failure to thrive (four cases), mental retardation/chromosomal abnormality (three cases), congenital adrenal hyperplasia (one case), and unsuspected cystic fibrosis (one case). The mean age at death was 11.4 months (range 2 weeks to 6.25 years; median 6 months; 95% confidence interval 6 months to 1 year and 4 months; male-to-female ratio, 19:18). Sixteen of the 22 cases of fatal gastroenteritis (73%) occurred during the fall/winter months (March to August). There were a total of seven aboriginal or part aboriginal children in the group (19%). Children with mental retardation were at higher risk of dehydration, and previously unsuspected cases of child abuse/neglect also presented with lethal dehydration. Vitreous humor electrolyte levels and immunoassay for rotavirus were useful diagnostic adjuncts.

Child↗

Case for active physician involvement in US practice.

PURPOSE: To assess the benefit of active physician involvement in ultrasound (US) examinations. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Concordance of findings by technologists and physicians was assessed prospectively for examinations of 1,510 consecutive patients who underwent US during regular working hours. RESULTS: Overall concordance was generally good (74%). However, in cases in which a major or minor new diagnosis was made from the US scan, concordance rates were substantially lower (36% and 32%, respectively). Agreement varied with the type of examination. The discordance rate for obstetric examinations (17%) was only half that for abdominal and pelvic examinations (31%). Concordance improved with increasing years of experience of the technologist. CONCLUSION: An active role of physicians in the overall conduct of US examinations is essential to optimize provision of a complete, accurate report.

Diagnostic Errors↗

Battling burnout.

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Burnout, Professional↗