Bronchogenic carcinoma among former uranium mine workers at Port Radium, Canada--a pilot study.
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Canada↗
Biomedical subjects
M Grace
Publications and source records attributed to M Grace.
Responses to experimental subarachnoid hemorrhage in the spontaneously breathing primate.
The pathophysiological responses to experimental subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) were investigated in 20 spontaneously breathing cynomolgus monkeys. Four different volumes of fresh autogenous blood were used: 1.0, 1.33, 1.67, and 2.0 cc/kg. Five other animals had injection of 1.67 cc/kg of mock cerebrospinal fluid. Cerebral blood flow (CBF) was measured using the xenon-133 clearance technique. Respiratory rate and tidal volume were monitored by way of a Vertek pneumotach. The reduction of CBF after the SAH became more pronounced with increasing volumes of subarachnoid blood. The CBF remained reduced despite a return to normal of the cerebral perfusion pressure. Increasing SAH volumes were associated with greater abnormalities in the respiratory pattern, consisting of apnea and hyperventilation. These larger volumes were also associated with hypoxemia. Morbidity and mortality increased with increasing volumes of SAH, and are believed to be the result of a combination of decreased CBF, respiratory center disturbances, and pulmonary diffusion defects.
Animals↗
Motivational theory applied to hospital pharmacy practice.
In recent years a great deal of attention has been paid to motivation and job satisfaction among hospital pharmacy practitioners. Institutional pharmacy managers should become more aware of ways in which they can motivate members of their staff. Specifically, Frederick Herzberg's Two-Factor Theory is discussed in reference to its origination, major tenets, and practical applications in institutional pharmacy practice settings. Principally, Herzberg's theory explains needs of workers in terms of extrinsic factors called "hygienes" and intrinsic factors called "motivators." The theory suggests that job satisfaction and dissatisfaction are not opposites but two separate dimensions. According to this theory, an employee will be motivated if the task allows for the following: 1)actual achievement, 2) recognition for achievement, 3) increased responsibility, 4) opportunity for growth (professionally), and 5) chance for advancement. It is concluded that some of these suggested applications can be useful to managers who are faced with low morale among the members of their staff.
Humans↗
Cancer mortality in a human isolate.
Cancer mortality (1965--77) among 12,652 members of an inbred human religious isolate, the Hutterites, was compared with expectations based on mortality rates for the U.S. white population in 1970. Overall, Hutterites had significantly fewer deaths from cancer than expected (P < 0.01), due primarily to fewer lung cancers among males. Smoking is prohibited for this religious group. The most frequent types of cancers were leukemia and cancers of the digestive system, the prostate gland, and the female breast. Preliminary results suggest an association between recessive alleles and childhood leukemia. More stomach and rectal cancers were observed than expected, but differences were generally not significant. Familial aggregates of cancers of the stomach and breast are being investigated. The low frequency of cervical cancer is consistent with current evidence for an association of cervical cancer with early age at first intercourse and promiscuity, neither of which is characteristic of this population.
Canada↗
Ocular melanoma: a population-based study.
During the 10-year period ending December 1976 ocular malignant melanoma developed in 99 patients in Alberta. To investigate the natural history of this disease we reviewed certain clinical and epidemiologic features of these cases. Of all the melanomas during that time 16% occurred in the eye, and of all the ocular malignant diseases 70% were malignant melanomas. The more malignant mixed cell tumours were much more frequent in the women than in the men, while the converse was true of the less malignant spindle cell melanomas. Within each cell type the women survived longer than the men. The actuarial 5-year survival rate of the entire group was 62%. Metastases occurred in 29 of the 99 patients; the liver was the only or initial site in 22 (76%). Our study shows that there has been no improvement in the survival rate of patients with ocular melanoma over the past 10 years. Our therapeutic methods must be improved.
Adult↗
Five-year survival of women with breast cancer in northern Alberta.
Five-year survival rates for all 519 women with breast carcinoma in northern Alberta in 1971 and 1972 were analysed with the use of data from the computerized northern Alberta breast registry and the Alberta cancer registry. The relative 5-year survival was 73%, which is higher than most rates reported from other centres. Lymph node involvement was significant as a prognostic factor, with the relative 5-year survival falling from 92% in the group without lymph node involvement to 58% in the group with three or more involved nodes. The prognosis was also significantly affected by the stage of the disease according to the 1973 TNM classification: the 5-year survival rates ranged from 88% for patients with stage 1 disease to 17% for those with stage IV disease. Women 40 to 59 years of age had a higher survival rate (79%) than those under 40 years (65%) or over 60 years (66%) of age. Analyses by 5-year age groups showed that women 35 to 39 years old had a particularly poor survival rate (59%). Postmenopausal women less than 55 years old had a higher survival rate than did perimenopausal or premenopausal women in the same age group. Further follow-up is indicated to correlate possible high-risk factors with survival.
Adult↗
Cancer of the bladder in Alberta: a urologic audit review.
A review was conducted of 660 cases of cancer of the bladder diagnosed in two periods, 1960--62 and 1968--70. A significant increase in the incidence of bladder cancer in both sexes, paralleling the trends in other parts of North America, was found. During the second period the disease was diagnosed earlier and, once diagnosed, was apparently treated more successfully. Overall 5-year survival rates increased from 57% to 70% for patients with stage O or A disease, but were relatively constant, at about 36%, for patients with stage B1 or B2 disease. The survival rate for patients with stage O or A disease appeared to improve without clearly defined changes in treatment. Prospective randomized treatment trials are needed to properly assess the value of definitive and adjunctive methods of treatment.
Adenocarcinoma↗
Protein synthesis in rabbit reticulocytes: mechanism of protein synthesis inhibition by heme-regulated inhibitor.
Partially purified Met-tRNAf binding factor, eIF-2, was phosphorylated by using heme-regulated inhibitor (HRI). Phosphorylated eIF-2 was freed from HRI by phosphocellulose column chromatography. Analysis by isoelectric focusing showed 100% phosphorylation of the 38,000-dalton subunit of eIF-2. Both eIF-2 and eIF-2(P) formed ternary complexes with Met-tRNAf and GTP with almost the same efficiency, and in both cases the ternary complex formation was drastically inhibited by prior addition of Mg2+. However, whereas the ternary complexes formed with eIF-2 could be stimulated by Co-eIF-2C at 1 mM Mg2+ and dissociated by Co-eIF-2B at 5 mM Mg2+, the ternary complexes formed with eIF-2(P) were unresponsive to both Co-eIF-2B and Co-e-IF-2C. Also, under conditions of eIF-2 phosphorylation, HRI drastically inhibited AUG-dependent Met-tRNAf binding to 40S ribosomes. However, HRI (in the presence of ATP) had no effect on the joining of preformed Met-tRNAf . 40S . AUG complex to the 60S ribosomal subunit to form Met-tRNAf-80S . AUG complex. These studies suggest that HRI inhibits protein synthesis initiation by phosphorylation of the 38,000-dalton subunit of eIF-2. HRI-phosphorylated eIF-2 does not interact with at least two other protein factors, Co-eIF-2B and Co-eIF-2C, and is thus inactive in protein synthesis initiation.
Animals↗
Protein synthesis in rabbit reticulocytes: characteristics of a postribosomal supernatant factor that reverses inhibition of protein synthesis in heme-deficient lysates and inhibition of ternary complex (Met-tRNAfMet.eIF-2.GTP) formation by heme-regulated inhibitor.
During heme deficiency in reticulocyte lysates, a translational inhibitor (heme-regulated inhibitor, HRI) that blocks polypeptide chain initiation is activated. HRI is a protein kinase that specifically phosphorylates the 38,000-dalton subunit of the Met-tRNAfMet binding factor, eIF-2. Phosphorylation of eIF-2 by HRI prevents its interaction with at least two additional factors, resulting in a net reduction in formation of ternary complex (Met-tRNAfMet.eIF-2.GTP) and AUG-dependent transfer of Met-tRNAfMet to 40S ribosomal subunits. A factor (sRF) that reverses protein synthesis inhibition in heme-deficient lysates has been purified from reticulocyte postribosomal supernatant. sRF also reverses the inhibition of ternary complex formation by HRI in a fractionated system. The ternary complex inhibition reversal activity and the protein synthesis inhibition reversal activity cosediment at 12.5 S upon glycerol density gradient centrifugation, and both activities are sensitive to heat or N-ethylmaleimide. Purified sRF does not dephosphorylate eIF-2 whose phosphorylation has been catalyzed by HRI, nor does the sRF prevent the phosphorylation of eIF-2 by HRI in a fractionated system. sRF stimulates ternary complex formation by both phosphorylated and nonphosphorylated eIF-2. These observations suggest that the sensitivity of protein synthesis to phosphorylation of eIF-2 by HRI may be modulated by the concentration and activity of sRF.
Animals↗
Estrogen use and cancer of the uterine corpus in Alberta.
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Aged↗
Oral contraceptives and breast disease in premenopausal Northern Albertan women.
The results of a prospective study on oral contraceptive use and breast disease in northern Alberta are presented. The study groups comprised all women aged 30 to 49 examined in diagnostic breast clinics at the Cross Cancer Institute between 1971 and 1974. Three hundred and one patients had breast cancer, 692 had a subsequent biopsy for a benign breast condition, and 548 had no subsequent biopsy. A tendency for an increased relative risk (RR) of breast cancer in women taking oral contraceptives for periods of 1 to 5 years was evident, with relative risk decreased or unaffected in users of less than 12 months (RR = 0.6) or more than 5 years (RR = 1.0). A slightly increased risk was apparent in patients using oral contraceptives within a year prior to attendance at the clinic (recent users); this increase was emphasized when recent users with a prior biopsy for benign breast disease were analyzed alone (RR = 5.0). In women with a prior breast biopsy, use of oral contraceptives for more than 5 years increased risk of breast cancer nine-fold. Former users who had taken oral contraceptives for less than a year showed a significant reduction in breast cancer risk (RR = 0.3). The risk of benign breast disease was also reduced in former users (RR = 0.6) as well as in long-term users (RR = 0.5).
Adult↗
A double-blind, controlled trial of levamisole in the treatment of recurrent herpes labialis.
A double-blind, controlled trial of levamisole in the prevention and treatment of recurrent cold sores was performed. Forty-eight subjects received levamisole in a dosage of 2.5 mg/kg on two consecutive days each week for six months. The 51 control subjects were given a placebo identical to the drug in appearance. Both groups were given the same instructions. Nineteen subjects receiving levamisole and eight receiving placebo withdrew during the six months of the study. There were no significant differences between the levamisole-treated and control groups in the duration or severity of the lesions during the trial period or in the subjective assessment of drug efficacy by the participants at the end of the trial. Before treatment the frequency of lesions in the levamisole group was higher than in the control group. Only when this factor was taken into account by analysis of covariance did the decreased frequency of lesions during therapy appear significantly lower in the group receiving levamisole than in the placebo group. The difference remained clinically unimpressive. This study does not support earlier suggestions that levamisole, in these doses, is useful in the treatment of recrudescent circumoral herpesvirus infections.
Clinical Trials as Topic↗
Time course of vasospasm in man.
Measurements were made at eight predetermined positions on 627 sets of angiograms from 293 patients with aneurysms. A ratio between the sum of the vessel diameters in the subarachnoid space to the sum in the base of skull and neck was calculated and plotted against time. Vasospasm has its onset in man about Day 3 after subarachnoid hemorrhage, is maximal at Days 6 to 8, and is gone by Day 12. There is a tendency for patients in poor clinical grades to have more vasospasm. The patients with most vasospasm have a significantly higher mortality than those with the least.
Carotid Artery, Internal↗
Relative accuracy of clinical examination and mammography in a breast clinic in Alberta.
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Breast Diseases↗
Senile disciform macular degeneration and smoking.
We studied the smoking habits of 114 patients with senile disciform degeneration of the macula. The mean age at onset of blindness in the first eye was 64 years in those currently smoking; this was significantly less than the mean age in those who had never smoked (71 years). We advise all patients with disciform degeneration to stop smoking.
Age Factors↗
Hydrogen sulfide poisoning: review of 5 years' experience.
The workforce of Alberta, a province rich in fossil fuel, faces an increasing risk of exposure to hydrogen sulfide (H2S). Basic knowledge of the population exposed during the years 1969 to 1973 inclusive was accumulated to identify the immediate medical and management problems. Data were recorded from three sources of records: the Workers' Compensation Board of Alberta, the Alberta Hospital Services Commission and the provincial coroner's office. There were 221 cases of exposure to H2S. The overall mortality was 6%; 5% of victims were dead on arrival at hospital. Admission to hospital was required for 65% of the victims arriving at a hospital emergency room (78% of the 221). Acute problems were coma, dysequilibrium and respiratory insufficiency with pulmonary edema. Increased attention to cardiopulmonary resuscitation at the exposure site and during transportation to hospital is necessary to reduce the mortality from H2S exposure. No long-term adverse effects were apparent in the survivors.
Accidents, Occupational↗
Survival of patients treated for end-stage renal disease by dialysis and transplantation.
The results of treatment in 213 patients with end-stage renal disease who underwent hemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis or transplantation, or a combination, between 1962 and 1975 were analysed. Comparison by censored survival analysis showed significantly better (P less than 0.01) patient survival with the integrated therapy of dialysis and transplantation than with either form of dialysis alone. There was no significant difference in survival of males and females but survival at the extremes of age was poorer. Analysis of survival by major cause of renal failure indicated best survival in patients with congenital renal disease. Graft and patient survival rates at 1 year after the first transplantation were 42% and 69%. The major cause of death in this series was vascular disease but infection was responsible for 50% of deaths after transplantation. While integration of dialysis with transplantation produces best patient survival, this course is possible only when sufficient cadaver kidneys are available.
Adolescent↗
Breast cancer in northern Alberta: pilot study in computerized registration.
Analysis of data from 643 breast cancer patients seen between 1971 and 1973 in northern Alberta was undertaken as a preliminary study leading towards a comprehensive breast registry. Age at first treatment and menopausal status were found to be related significantly to the clinical stage of the disease. Other data reported included age at menarche, lymph node involvement and methods of primary treatment. A decline in use of the radical mastectomy was noted. The comprehensive breast registry, which will be used to identify high-risk groups, assess treatment modalities, test hypotheses and generate ideas, has a high probability of success because of compulsory registration of new cases of breast cancer in Alberta and collection of data by the same four individuals.
Adolescent↗