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Biomedical subjects

P Barr

Publications and source records attributed to P Barr.

31 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

Conserved repetitive epitope recognized by CD4+ clones from a malaria-immunized volunteer.

T cell clones obtained from a human volunteer immunized with Plasmodium falciparum sporozoites specifically recognized the native circumsporozoite (CS) antigen expressed on P. falciparum sporozoites, as well as bacteria- and yeast-derived recombinant falciparum CS proteins. The response of these CD4+ CD8- cells was species-specific, since the clones did not proliferate or secrete gamma interferon when challenged with sporozoites or recombinant CS proteins of other human, simian, or rodent malarias. The epitope recognized by the sporozoite-specific human T cell clones mapped to the 5' repeat region of the CS protein and was contained in the NANPNVDPNANP sequence.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Cholinergic regulation of female sexual behavior in rats demonstrated by manipulation of endogenous acetylcholine.

Infusions of the cholinesterase inhibitor, eserine, into the lateral ventricle of the brain facilitated lordosis in ovariectomized, estrogen primed female rats. Lordosis was also facilitated by infusions of 5 or 10 micrograms acetylcholine when this was accompanied by a low dose of eserine. Systemic treatment with the muscarinic antagonist, atropine (2 mg), completely blocked the facilitative effects of eserine and acetylcholine. In female rats made highly receptive by treatment with estrogen and progesterone, lordosis was inhibited by infusion of scopolamine into the lateral ventricles. These results agree with previous findings that sexual receptivity is regulated in part by endogenous cholinergic activity.

Acetylcholine↗

Exchange lists: revised 1986.

A committee composed of members of The American Dietetic Association and the American Diabetes Association has revised Exchange List for Meal Planning. Changes were made, as deemed necessary, on the basis of nutritional recommendations for persons with diabetes as understood in 1986. Major changes include rewriting the text to make it more useful in the education of persons with diabetes; changing the order of the exchange lists to emphasize a high-carbohydrate, high-fiber diet, as well as to better reflect the order of foods in menu planning; adding symbols to foods high in fiber and sodium; changing nutritive values for the starch/bread and fruit lists; adding lists of combination foods, free foods, and foods recommended only for occasional use; developing a data base; and initiating a plan for field testing and evaluation. The committee also developed a simplified meal planning tool, Healthy Food Choices, to be used for initial or "survival" level education. In poster format, foods are grouped by calories into six food groups. Approximate portion sizes of commonly used foods are listed. Blank lines are provided for the nutrition counselor to write in a suggested menu or meal plan for the client. Because the booklet does not use the word "diabetes" specifically, it is appropriate as a general teaching tool.

Diabetes Mellitus↗

Dynamic process captured on a single image: an approach to screening for abnormal superior vena caval flow.

A strategy for displaying and archiving dynamic quantitative data from scintigraphic imaging is described and applied to diagnosing obstructed thoracic veins. A prospective series of 25 patients with concurrent radiographic contrast and tracer venograms along with 49 controls showed a 33% sensitivity, comparable to previously published data. The use of first harmonic Fourier analysis enhanced the screening value of the test by identifying all abnormals. Moreover, this format captured the dynamic physiologic data on a single photograph. This technique is readily available to nearly any nuclear imaging laboratory equipped with a gamma camera and a computer.

Computers↗

Effect of a walking aid on disability, oxygenation, and breathlessness in patients with chronic airflow limitation.

PURPOSE: This study assessed the effect of a wheeled walking aid on disability, oxygenation, and breathlessness in patients with severe disability secondary to chronic irreversible airflow limitation. METHODS: Eleven subjects with chronic irreversible airflow limitation, mean forced expired volume in 1 second (FEV1) 0.71 L +/- .33 L, were studied. Subjects performed four 6-minute walk tests, two on each of two study days, twice unaided and twice with the assistance of a wheeled walking aid. A randomized cross-over design was used. All subjects were oriented to 6-minute walk tests, use of bronchodilators was controlled, and standard encouragement was given during each walk test. Outcome measures were the distance walked in 6 minutes, change in oxyhemoglobin saturation during the walk, and breathlessness using a modified Borg Scale. RESULTS: The use of a wheeled walker resulted in a significant increase in 6-minute walking distance, a significant reduction in hypoxemia with walking and a significant reduction in breathlessness during the walk test. CONCLUSIONS: The use of a wheeled walker resulted in significant decreases in disability, hypoxemia, and breathlessness during a 6-minute walk test. By reducing disability and breathlessness, a wheeled walker may improve quality of life in individuals with severe impairment in lung function.

Aged↗

Comparison of the Psychosocial Adjustment to Illness Scale-Self Report and clinical judgment in patients with chronic lung disease.

BACKGROUND: The study assessed the value of the Psychosocial Adjustment to Illness Scale-Self Report (PAIS-SR) in determining the psychosocial impact of impairment and disability in patients with chronic irreversible airflow limitation. METHODS: Fifty-six consecutive patients admitted to respiratory rehabilitation were studied. Psychosocial adjustment was measured with the PAIS-SR and was judged separately by two health-care workers on the rehabilitation team. Agreement between the PAIS-SR and the health-care workers was determined using the Kappa statistic. RESULTS: Four subjects did not complete the questionnaire. The data from 52 subjects were analyzed. The mean forced expired volume in one second (FEV1) was 1.2 +/- 0.4 L. The mean age was 66.4 +/- 9.0 years. There was good agreement between the individual assessment of each health-care worker (P < 0.001). There was good agreement between the score on the PAIS-SR and the clinical assessment by each of the health-care workers (P < 0.001). However, there were 10 subjects who identified severe adjustment difficulties that were not recognized by the health-care professionals. CONCLUSION: Although there was agreement between the PAIS-SR and clinical judgment in assessing the psychosocial impact impairment and disability in chronic airflow limitation, the PAIS-SR may identify individuals with adjustment difficulties not recognized by members of the health-care team. The results support the routine use of objective measures to assess the psychosocial impact of chronic airflow limitation.

Activities of Daily Living↗