Serum lipids in essential hyperlipidaemia.
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Adult↗
Biomedical subjects
P Harris
Publications and source records attributed to P Harris.
THE EFFECT OF ACETYLCHOLINE UPON RESPIRATORY GAS EXCHANGE IN MITRAL STENOSIS.
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Journal Article↗
GTP-independent stimulation of rabbit heart adenylate cyclase by isoproterenol at physiological ATP concentrations.
Isoproterenol increased the activity of the adenylate cyclase of rabbit heart sarcolemmal membranes in the absence of added GTP. ATP, the ATP-regenerating system, and the sarcolemmal membrane preparation were eliminated as possible sources of contaminating GTP. Isoproterenol-stimulation increased as ATP was raised. At 0.5 mM ATP, isoproterenol increased activity by 19% whereas at 5 mM ATP isoproterenol increased activity by 121%. There was no change in basal activity between 0.5 and 5 mM ATP. Stimulation by Gpp(NH)p and NaF increased slightly between 0.5 and 5 mM ATP; stimulation by KCl was unaffected. GTP does not activate cyclase d. GTP does not activate cyclase to the same extent as Gpp(NH)p even though the two act at the same site on Ns (the stimulatory guanine nucleotide-binding protein). GTP decreased cyclase activation by Gpp(NH)p in a concentration-dependent fashion when the two were added to the assay simultaneously. Increasing ATP from 0.5 to 5 mM did not reduce activation by Gpp(NH)p when both were added simultaneously to the assay. This suggests that ATP does not interact with the same site as Gpp(NH)p. ATP gamma S, an analogue of ATP which irreversibly thiophosphorylates proteins, did not irreversibly support activation by isoproterenol. The effect of ATP in supporting isoproterenol stimulation is not, therefore, thought to be due to phosphorylation of a protein.
Adenosine Triphosphate↗
Equine thyroid function tests: a preliminary investigation.
A similar and significant (P less than 0.001) increase in plasma thyroxine (T4) concentration was seen in seven clinically normal thoroughbred horses 2 h after the intravenous administration of either 2.5 iu or 5 iu of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) with a peak response around 4 h after administration. The intravenous administration of 0.2, 0.5 or 1 mg thyrotrophin releasing hormone (TRH) resulted in a significant (P less than 0.01) increase in T4 concentration in three groups of animals; six thoroughbreds in full work, five thoroughbreds at rest and four ponies at rest. The peak response was recorded at 3 or 4 h after administration. A significant difference between the groups in the degree of response to TRH was only found between the thoroughbreds in work and those at rest with 1 mg TRH (P less than 0.05). When two additional ponies were investigated in a similar way, a reduced response to TRH was observed: a pregnant mare had a similar response to 5 iu TSH as the thoroughbreds; the other pony also showed a lowered response to TSH. In a group of 2- or 3-year-old thoroughbreds in training no difference in the T4 response 4 h after intravenous administration of 0.5 mg TRH could be determined, according to the month, age, sex or work intensity. Although resting T4 concentrations did not differ significantly between animals believed to be suffering from the equine rhabdomyolysis syndrome (ERS) and those suffering from a variety of other conditions, some ERS sufferers may have a lowered response to TRH.
Animals↗
Effect of allopurinol on the formation of reactive oxygen species during intense exercise in the horse.
Allopurinol was administered to six horses in a cross-over study to determine the relative contribution of xanthine oxidase (XO) activity to the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the horse during intense exercise. Exercise increased the mean (SEM) plasma lipid hydroperioxide concentration to a maximum of 492.7 (33.4) microM within one minute of exercise completion and maximum levels of both oxidised glutathione (GSSG) in haemolysates of red blood cells and the glutathione redox ratio (GRR) occurred 20 minutes after exercise (87.2 [12.2] microM and 8.9 [0.9] per cent, respectively). Allopurinol significantly reduced lipid hydroperoxides, GSSG and the GRR at the corresponding maximal times after exercise measured during control exercise (217.5 [32.1] microM. 63.8 [8.6] microM and 6.8 [0.7] per cent, respectively). Significantly higher levels of hypoxanthine and xanthine were measured after exercise in the plasma of horses that received allopurinol than in control horses, although uric acid levels remained constant. In control horses, plasma uric acid concentrations increased after exercise to a maximum 20 minutes after exercise of 28.1 (2.6) microM, significantly higher than in horses given allopurinol (9.6 [1.3] microM). The results show that the inhibition of XO by allopurinol leads to a decrease in the formation of ROS during exercise, and thus a reduction in oxidative stress.
Allopurinol↗
Development of noninvasive and quantitative methodologies for the assessment of chronic ulcers and scars in humans.
Chronic ulcers are a significant and common cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. They disrupt the epidermis and dermis, resulting in a loss of barrier function. Keloids and hypertrophic scars (benign cutaneous tumors) represent an abnormal healing response. These fibroproliferative disorders are characterized by an overabundance of collagen and accumulation of extracellular matrix due to an imbalance between synthesis and degradation, culminating in excessive scarring. The objectives of this study were to evaluate and compare noninvasive biophysical methods for the measurement of outstanding quantitative parameters of scars and chronic ulcers, and to establish correlations between the parameters measured and the results of conventional subjective clinical evaluations. The development of new technologies, based on ultrasonography and laser Doppler, makes possible new dermatological evaluation methods. Fifteen patients (6 females and 9 males) with 15 chronic ulcers (4 diabetic ulcers, 10 venous ulcers and 1 pressure ulcer) and 30 patients (19 females and 11 males) with 30 scars (25 hypertrophic and 5 keloids) were included in this study. Clinical evaluation was performed by a dermatologist, an aesthetic surgeon and an endocrinologist. Biophysical measurements were used to assess local blood flow by laser Doppler flowmetry (Moor DRT4), thickness and echogenicity by high frequency ultrasonography (20 MHz, Dermascan C) and ulcer linear dimensions by image analysis. Our results show that blood flow within the ulcers and scars was higher than within normal skin. Also, skin thickness of chronic ulcers was decreased when compared to normal skin; the thickness of hypertrophic scars, but not of keloids, was increased in comparison to normal skin, and presented the possibility of measuring wound and scar surfaces with precision. In summary, this pilot study established the feasibility of measuring various biophysical parameters and adapted their potential utility to research on wounds.
Adult↗
Abnormal expression of genes associated with development and inflammation in the heart of mouse maternal phenylketonuria offspring.
This study describes gene expression in the fetus hearts obtained from mouse model for phenylketonuria. These hearts have cardiovascular disease (CVD). Therefore genes involved in CVD were examined. Several genes associated with heart development and inflammation were found to be altered. In order to investigate whether the abnormal gene expression alters transcription and translation, the levels of troponin mRNA and protein were determined. One step real time RT-PCR showed a reduction in cardiac troponin I, troponin T2 and ryanodine receptor 2. Determination of troponin I and T protein levels showed reduced levels of these proteins. Our results suggest that altered gene expression affects protein production. These changes are likely involved in the cardiovascular defects seen in the mouse.
Animals↗
Comparing no-touch and tympanic thermometer temperature recordings.
Temperature is a vital sign which can be measured using various types of clinical thermometers. Pulmonary artery temperature is considered the 'gold standard', but this measurement is not usually clinically practical. There is currently no consensus for optimal alternative site or equipment. This research compares 178 simultaneous measurements from 5 clinical areas, using two types of thermometers: tympanic and no-touch temporal. No-touch thermometers were all set to oral equivalent. Tympanic thermometers were adjusted to either oral (n=105) or core (n=73) equivalent. Maximum acceptable difference was identified as 1oC. Two data sets (oral/core; oral/oral) were analysed using Bland-Altman method on Excel programmes, comparing all thermometers and separating oral and core-equivalent tympanics. The two thermometers were found not to be equivalent. As a simple comparison between two thermometers, this research cannot identify which thermometer is more accurate.
Bias↗
[Relation between patient's subjective complaints and family reports in patients with Alzheimer's type dementia].
INTRODUCTION: Reduced ability to remember facts and events of everyday life is a common complaint in the elderly and is also the first sign of Alzheimer's disease (AD). The present research was designed to study the interrelationship between severity of memory complaints (MC), informant report, and performance in memory tests. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Seventy three (73) patients (41 age associated memory impairment (AAMI), and 32 Alzheimer's disease) and 30 normal controls were studied using the Subjective Memory Questionnaire (modified version), an objective memory battery and the Hamilton depression scale. RESULTS: Age Associated Memory Impairment subjects reported more severe MC (p< 0.001). No relationship was found between severity of MC and age, sex or educational level. Patient's MC didn't correlate with objective memory battery. A strong correlation was found with Hamilton depression score. Caregiver memory reports correlated with objective memory performances. CONCLUSION: Depressive features in AAMI and anosognosia in dementia patients would explain these results. These data suggest that informant report is the best predictor of patient's memory performance.
Aged↗
[Prefrontal cortex in memory and attention processes].
INTRODUCTION: The role of the prefrontal cortex still remains poorly understood. Only after 1970, the functions of the frontal lobes have been conceptualized from different points of view (behaviorism, cognitivism). DEVELOPMENT: Recently,different parallel circuits connecting discrete cortical and subcortical regions of the frontal lobes have been described. Three of these circuits are the most relevant to understanding of behavior: the dorsolateral prefrontal circuit, that mediates executive behavior; the orbitofrontal prefrontal circuit, mediating social behavior, and the medial frontal circuit, involved in motivation. Damage to the frontal cortex impairs planning, problem solving, reasoning, concept formation, temporal ordering of stimuli, estimation, attention, memory search, maintaining information in working memory, associative learning,certain forms of skilled motor activities, image generation and manipulation of the spatial properties of a stimulus, metacognitive thinking, and social cognition. Several theories have been proposed to explain the functions of the prefrontal cortex. Currently,the most influential cognitive models are: the Norman and Shallice supervisory attentional system, involved in non-routine selection; the Baddeley working memory model with the central executive as a supervisory controlling system, in which impairment leads to a 'dysexecutive syndrome'; and the Grafman's model of managerial knowledge units, stored as macrostructured information in the frontal cortex. CONCLUSION: The prefrontal cortex is essential for attentional control, manipulation of stored knowledge and modulation of complex actions, cognition, emotion and behavior.
Animals↗
Junior doctors, prescribing resources and the Australian Medicines Handbook.
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Drug Prescriptions↗
[A shortened form of the Spanish Boston naming test: a useful tool for the diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease].
INTRODUCTION: The Boston Naming Test (BNT) is the most frequently used test of confrontation naming. Due to its length, several abbreviated forms have been proposed. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to develop a short form for the Spanish version of the BNT that could detect early semantic changes in Alzheimer s disease (AD). PATIENTS AND METHODS: One hundred and three patients with diagnosis of probable AD (NINCDS ADRDA criteria), with GDS< 5 and 143 normal subjects, matched for age and education, were studied. Subjects with <4 years of education were excluded. No subject had any history of neurological of psychiatric disorders or alcohol abuse. All participants underwent a comprehensive neuropsychological assessment which included the 60 item Spanish version of the BNT. The sensibility and specificity of each item and demographic effect s variability were calculated (ANOVA). Those 12 figures with the highest sensibility and specificity which showed no significant educational or age variation were administered to all participants. The Spearman correlation coefficient was used. RESULTS: Mean score for the control group was 11 (standard deviation: 1.16). No significant effects for age (r= 0.14574) or education (r= 0.101293) were found. The sensibility and specificity for correctly diagnosing AD was 85% and 94% respectively, similar to the longest version. CONCLUSION: This 12 item version of the BNT can be a useful instrument for a rapid screening of AD, as it is as sensible and specific as the 60 item version, and it is not influenced by age or education.
Aged↗
[Screening for mild cognitive impairment: usefulness of the 7-Minute Screen Test].
INTRODUCTION: The <<7- Minute Screen>> is a neurocognitive screening test for the detection of Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients in primary care settings. It consists of 4 brief subtests (orientation, memory, visuoconstruction and verbal fluency) and provides a broader neuropsychological profile than other widely used screening tests, The aim of the present study was to study the usefulness of this screening test for the detection of Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI). METHODS: Thirty-two patients with probable AD (NINCDS-ADRDA criteria), 25 patients with MCI, and 35 healthy control subjects, matched for age and education, underwent a comprehensive neuropsychological battery and the Rio-de-la-Plata version of the 7-Minute Screen. RESULTS. This test showed 93 % sensitivity and 97% specificity in detecting mild-moderate Alzheimer's disease MMSE<24), but it exhibited a substantially decreased sensitivity (28 %) in its ability to detect MCI in AD (MMSE >2 4 ). CONCLUSION: The screening batteries do not replace a m o re compre h e n s i ve neuro psychological assessment. Th ey are useful in detecting patients with mild dementia, but caution must be the rule when considering a diagnosis of MCI.
Aged↗
Top of the team.
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Community Health Nursing↗
[Primary progressive aphasia: its clinical variability: an analysis of 15 cases].
INTRODUCTION: Primary progressive aphasia (PPA) represents a clinical syndrome linked to multiple degenerative diseases. The diagnosis of PPA is made when language is the only area of salient and progressive dysfunction for at least the first two years of the disease. AIM: To evaluate the neuropsychological, neuropsychiatric and language characteristics of the PPA. PATIENTS AND METHODS: 15 patients with PPA underwent language, neuropsychological and neuropsychiatric evaluation, magnetic resonance imaging, computerized tomography and single photon emission computerized tomography. RESULTS: We observed a clear distinction between the oral expression patterns; the patients were classificated by type of aphasia. The most common sign of PPA was a word finding deficit, also known as anomia. Seven aphasia type Broca, four sensorial transcortical aphasia, two aphasia type Wernicke and two anomic aphasia were found in our patients. Depression, apathy, anxiety and irritability were the most prevalent neuropsychiatric sign. CONCLUSIONS: PPA is a language-based syndrome, that include fluent (normal articulation, flow and number of words per utterance) and nonfluent form of aphasia. It has been considered a cognitive term, however, PPA is associated with high prevalence of psychiatric manifestations. More research it will be necessary to evaluate the prognostic value of them. The slow and progressive deterioration of language provides an interesting model to understand the mechanisms and biological bases involved in the linguistic process.
Aged↗
Stress. Burn-out at senior level.
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Burnout, Professional↗