Analgesic effects of sweet solutions and pacifiers in term neonates. Measures of chest pain must be validated in young children.
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
Humans↗
Biomedical subjects
R Rogers
Publications and source records attributed to R Rogers.
Bone marrow in polycythemia vera, chronic myelocytic leukemia, and myelofibrosis has an increased vascularity.
Several studies have emphasized the significance of neoangiogenesis for tumor growth and progression, but few have focused on malignant hematological disorders. We studied vascular density and architecture in bone marrow samples of patients with chronic myeloproliferative disease (MPD). Vascular structures were immunostained (for von Willebrand factor/FVIII-RAG, CD 31/PECAM or Ulex europeus I for vessels and for vascular endothelial growth factor, VEGF) in samples from patients with polycythemia vera (PV) (n = 7), chronic myelocytic leukemia (CML) (n = 9), and myelofibrosis (MF) (n = 6) when diagnosed and were compared with normal bone marrow specimens (n = 9). We observed that the mean (+/- SD) vessel count per high-power microscopy field (HPF) was 5.3 (+/- 2.1) in normal bone marrow, 5.9 (+/- 2.1) in PV, 10.8 (+/- 3.2) in CML, and 14.4 (+/- 5.5) in MF (P < 0.001 for CMP and MF versus controls). Confocal microscopy, including three-dimensional reconstructions of the blood vessel architecture, confirmed this increased vessel density and revealed tortuous vessel architecture and increased branching in the MPD, particularly in CML and MF. Furthermore, the number of VEGF-positive bone marrow cells was increased in CML and, particularly, in MF. Numbers of VEGF-positive cells and vessels per HPF correlated significantly (r = 0.41; P = 0. 037). Thus the myeloproliferative diseases PV, CML, and MF exhibit neoangiogenesis that is related to diagnosis.
Aged↗
Decreased neural crest stem cell expansion is responsible for the conotruncal heart defects within the splotch (Sp(2H))/Pax3 mouse mutant.
OBJECTIVE: Several mouse models of cardiac neural crest cell (NCC)-associated conotruncal heart defects exist, but the specific cellular and molecular defects within cardiac NCC morphogenesis remain largely unknown. Our objective was to investigate the underlying mechanisms resulting in outflow tract defects and why insufficient cardiac NCC reach the heart of the Splotch (Sp(2H)) mouse mutant embryo. METHODS: For this study we used in vitro cell culture techniques, in vivo mouse-chick chimeras, BrdU cell proliferation labeling, TUNEL labeling to visualize apoptosis and the molecular markers AP-2, Wnt-1 and Wnt-3a to characterize NCC morphogenesis in vivo. RESULTS: Expression of the NCC marker AP-2 revealed an extensive reduction in migratory NCC, however the rates of cell proliferation and apoptosis were unaffected, and do not account for the Sp(2H) NCC-associated heart defects. Further expression analysis revealed that Wnt-1, but not Wnt-3a, is expressed at decreased levels within Sp(2H) and that the cardiac NCC fail to undergo normal NC stem cell proliferative expansion prior to migration while still in the neural folds. However, when placed into a wild-type matrix or a tissue culture environment, the Sp(2H) cardiac NCC could migrate normally. Additionally, this reduced population of Sp(2H) NC stem cells do migrate properly within the Sp(2H) environment, as observed by neurofilament expression and cardiac innervation. CONCLUSIONS: Taken together, all these data indicate that the Sp(2H) defect is intrinsic to the NC stem cells themselves and that there is a decrease in the number of pre-migratory cardiac NCC that form. It appears that this decrease in NCC number is the primary defect that ultimately leads to a lack of a cardiac NCC-derived Sp(2H) outflow tract septum.
Animals↗
The MCMI-III and the Daubert standard: separating rhetoric from reality.
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
Forensic Psychiatry↗
The uncritical acceptance of risk assessment in forensic practice.
Forensic psychologists are frequently asked to conduction evaluations of risk assessment. While risk assessment has considerable merit, recent applications to forensic psychology raise concerns about whether these evaluations are thorough and balanced. Forensic adult risk-assessment models stress risk factors, and deemphasize or disregard entirely the other side of the equation: protective factors. Mediating and moderating effects must also be considered. Moreover, base-rate estimates may produce erroneous results if applied imprudently to forensic samples without regard to their unstable prevalence rates or the far-reaching effects of settings, referral questions, and evaluation procedures. Psychologists are offered a preliminary list of relevant issues for evaluating the merits of risk assessment in their forensic practices.
Crime↗
A prospective randomized-controlled trial of ventricular fibrillation detection time in a DDDR ventricular defibrillator. Ventak AV II DR Study Investigators.
Implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) with dual chamber and dual chamber rate responsive pacing may offer hemodynamic advantages for some ICD patients. Separate ICDs and DDDR pacemakers can result in device to device interactions, inappropriate shocks, and underdetection of ventricular fibrillation (VF). The objectives of this study were to compare the VF detection times between the Ventak AV II DR and the Ventak AV during high rate DDDR and DDD pacing and to test the safety of dynamic ventricular refractory period shortening. Patients receiving an ICD were randomized in a paired comparison to pacing at 150 beats/min (DDD pacing) or 175 beats/min (DDDR pacing) during ICD threshold testing to create a "worst case scenario" for VF detection. The VF detection rate was set to 180 beats/min, and VF was induced during high rate pacing with alternating current. The device was then allowed to detect and treat VF. The induction was repeated for each patient at each programmed setting so that all patients were tested at both programmed settings. Paired analysis was performed. Patient characteristics were a mean age of 69 +/- 11 years, 78% were men, coronary artery disease was present in 85%, and a mean left ventricular ejection fraction of 0.34 +/- 0.11. Fifty-two episodes of VF were induced in 26 patients. Despite the high pacing rate, all VF episodes were appropriately detected. The mean VF detection time was 2.4 +/- 1.0 seconds during DDD pacing and 2.9 +/- 1.9 seconds during DDDR pacing (P = NS). DDD and DDDR programming resulted in appropriate detection of all episodes of VF with similar detection times despite the "worst case scenario" tested. Delays in detection may be seen with long programmed ventricular refractory periods which shorten the VF sensing window and may be avoided with dynamic ventricular refractory period shortening.
Aged↗
The most abundant glycoprotein of amebic cyst walls (Jacob) is a lectin with five Cys-rich, chitin-binding domains.
The infectious stage of amebae is the chitin-walled cyst, which is resistant to stomach acids. In this study an extraordinarily abundant, encystation-specific glycoprotein (Jacob) was identified on two-dimensional protein gels of cyst walls purified from Entamoeba invadens. Jacob, which was acidic and had an apparent molecular mass of approximately 100 kDa, contained sugars that bound to concanavalin A and ricin. The jacob gene encoded a 45-kDa protein with a ladder-like series of five Cys-rich domains. These Cys-rich domains were reminiscent of but not homologous to the Cys-rich chitin-binding domains of insect chitinases and peritrophic matrix proteins that surround the food bolus in the insect gut. Jacob bound purified chitin and chitin remaining in sodium dodecyl sulfate-treated cyst walls. Conversely, the E. histolytica plasma membrane Gal/GalNAc lectin bound sugars of intact cyst walls and purified Jacob. In the presence of galactose, E. invadens formed wall-less cysts, which were quadranucleate and contained Jacob and chitinase (another encystation-specific protein) in secretory vesicles. A galactose lectin was found to be present on the surface of wall-less cysts, which phagocytosed bacteria and mucin-coated beads. These results suggest that the E. invadens cyst wall forms when the plasma membrane galactose lectin binds sugars on Jacob, which in turn binds chitin via its five chitin-binding domains.
Amino Acid Sequence↗
The Entamoeba histolytica mitochondrion-derived organelle (crypton) contains double-stranded DNA and appears to be bound by a double membrane.
Amebae have an Hsp60-associated, mitochondrion-derived organelle (crypton). In this study, the crypton was stained with multiple DNA-binding fluorochromes and a monoclonal anti-double-stranded DNA antibody. Transmission microscopy of partially purified cryptons revealed organelles bound by a double membrane.
Animals↗
The psychopathy checklist--screening version: an examination of criteria and subcriteria in three forensic samples.
The development and refinement of psychopathy represent a critical issue in clinical and forensic practice. During the last decade, important advances in the operationalization of psychopathy were achieved, primarily through the development of the Psychopathy Checklist (PCL) and its subsequent versions (PCL-R and PCL:SV). PCL ratings are based primarily on item descriptions or subcriteria. The current study serves to break new ground as the first systematic investigation of PCL:SV subcriteria by addressing their psychometric properties and exploring their construct and criterion-related validation. Previously unanalyzed data from three samples were integrated: female offenders, male forensic patients, and male adolescent offenders. Results largely support the use of subcriteria as homogeneous components of criteria and provide strong initial evidence of their construct validity. Results are less conclusive regarding criterion-related validity. For female offenders, they suggested the potential value of specific PCL:SV subcriteria for predicting verbal aggression. Confirmatory factor analysis provided encouraging results on the applicability of the standard two-factor model of psychopathy. However, a first-order principal axis factoring suggested further refinements in our understanding of psychopathy.
Adolescent↗
Docetaxel for patients with paclitaxel-resistant Müllerian carcinoma.
PURPOSE: To determine the efficacy and toxicity of docetaxel in patients with müllerian carcinoma resistant to paclitaxel. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Thirty-two patients with epithelial ovarian cancer, fallopian tube cancer, or primary peritoneal cancer who failed paclitaxel-based chemotherapy received either 100 or 75 mg/m(2) of docetaxel every 3 weeks. Resistance to paclitaxel was defined as either progression of disease during treatment, failure to achieve regression of disease after at least four courses, or rapid recurrence (within 6 months) after completion of therapy. RESULTS: Eighteen patients were treated on a formal protocol and fourteen with the commercially available docetaxel. Thirty were assessable for response. Toxicities were thoroughly evaluated in the 18 patients on protocol. Twenty-seven patients (85%) had epithelial ovarian cancer. The overall response rate was 23% (one complete and six partial responses), with a median survival time of 44 weeks (9.5 months). Nine patients had stable disease and 14 progressive disease. Among 19 patients who progressed during prior paclitaxel treatment, two (11%) responded to docetaxel, compared with five (45%) of 11 patients in other paclitaxel-resistance categories. The responders had a median taxane-free interval (ie, the time between the last paclitaxel and first docetaxel treatment) of 73 weeks, compared with 19 weeks for the nonresponder group. Toxic effects were as expected. CONCLUSION: Docetaxel is an active chemotherapeutic agent in patients with müllerian carcinoma previously treated with paclitaxel-based chemotherapy, especially in the patients who had a long taxane-free interval after a previous short response to paclitaxel.
Adult↗
The mental state at the time of the offense measure: its validation and admissibility under Daubert.
Melton et al. (Melton GB, Petrila J, Poythress NG, Slobogin C: Psychological Evaluations for the Courts (ed 2). New York: Guilford, 1997) recently advocated the use of the Mental State at the Time of the Offense (MSE-Offense) measure not only as a screen for insanity evaluations but also as the sole measure in "obvious" cases of insanity. Given this recommendation for expanding the role of the MSE-Offense, the current authors have evaluated the available data based on its construction and validation. We found fundamental flaws in its development and grave shortcomings in its validation. Based on these limitations, we conclude that the MSE-Offense is unacceptable under the Daubert standard (Daubert v. Merrell Dow Pharmaceuticals, Inc., U.S. 113 S. Ct. 2786 (1993)) for either the screening or determination of criminal responsibility.
Crime↗
Predictions of violent and total infractions among institutionalized male juvenile offenders.
Forensic practitioners in settings with institutionalized adolescent offenders are frequently responsible for the accurate classification of problematic and potentially violent youths. Methods of assessment often include traditional tests, such as the MMPI and MMPI-A, and interview-based determinations of psychopathy. In a study of residential male adolescent offenders, the MMPI-A and the Screening Version of the Psychopathy Checklist (PCL:SV) were used to predict total, violent, self-injurious, and nonviolent infractions in a treatment-oriented facility for delinquents. In predicting the overall number of infractions, the MMPI-A was superior to the PCL:SV. Psychopaths manifested a significantly higher rate of violent infractions than nonpsychopaths. Finally, ethnic differences raise serious concerns about the generalizability of the PCL:SV; differences were found in the relationship between psychopathy and infractions based on ethnicity.
Adolescent↗
Roles for the winged helix transcription factors MF1 and MFH1 in cardiovascular development revealed by nonallelic noncomplementation of null alleles.
The murine Mf1 and Mfh1 genes have overlapping patterns of expression in the embryo and encode forkhead/winged helix transcription factors with virtually identical DNA binding domains. Previous studies have shown that Mfh1 null mutants have severe cardiovascular defects, including interruptions and coarctations of the aortic arch and ventricular septal defects (Iida et al., Development 124, 4627-4638, 1997). Here, we show that Mf1(lacZ) homozygous null mutants also have a similar spectrum of cardiovascular abnormalities. Moreover, most embryos doubly heterozygous for Mfh1(tm1) and Mf1(lacZ) die before birth with interruptions and coarctations of the aortic arch, dysgenesis of the aortic and pulmonary valves, ventricular septal defects, and other cardiac anomalies. This nonallelic noncomplementation and the similar patterns of expression of the two genes in the mesenchyme and endothelial cells of the branchial arches, outflow tract, and heart suggest that Mf1 and Mfh1 play interactive roles in the morphogenesis of the cardiovascular system. Implications for the development of human congenital heart defects are discussed.
Alleles↗
Abnormal skeletogenesis occurs coincident with increased apoptosis in the Splotch (Sp2H) mutant: putative roles for Pax3 and PDGFRalpha in rib patterning.
Although the importance of the transcription factor Pax3 has been identified in many embryological processes including neural crest cell migration, neural tube closure, and limb muscle formation, its role in proper formation of the ribs has not been well characterized. We have used the Splotch mouse which has a mutation in the Pax3 gene to determine what role Pax3 may play in rib morphogenesis. Homozygous Splotch embryos collected from days 13.5 to 16.5 of gestation displayed severe rib abnormalities including fusions at both the proximal and distal regions. Given its expression in the dermomyotome, we sought to determine when Pax3 expression in the Splotch mutant initially becomes abnormal and which rib segment progenitors may be affected. Prior to somite differentiation at 9.5 dpc (days post coitum), Pax3 is normally expressed in the somites; after differentiation, however, Pax3 expression is diminished in Splotch embryos. We also determined that significantly increased levels of apoptosis occur in the thoracic region by 11.0 dpc relative to wild-type littermates. Because Patch mouse mutants which fail to express PDGF alpha-receptor also have rib abnormalities, we sought to determine whether Pax3 may influence the expression of this receptor. By in situ hybridization, we determined that initially the expression of PDGFRalpha is normal in Splotch mutants at 10.0 dpc, but decreases by 12.5 dpc in the thoracic somite region, suggesting that Pax3 may act upstream of PDGFRalpha. Taken together, our results show that Pax3 expression is important for normal rib development and that increased apoptosis occurs in the thoracic muscles. We suggest that Pax3 may influence the expression of PDGFRalpha, and that the reduced and/or deficient thoracic muscles may contribute to the resulting rib abnormalities.
Animals↗
The R-CRAS and insanity evaluations: a re-examination of construct validity. Rogers Criminal Responsibility Assessment Scales.
Insanity evaluations are characterized by continued professional debate and the paucity of empirical research. To address the latter, the construct validity of the Rogers Criminal Responsibility Assessment Scales (R-CRAS; Rogers, 1984) was examined via an extensive re-analysis of 413 insanity cases. A series of six separate discriminant analyses was examined to address major components of insanity evaluations. These analyses yielded highly discriminating patterns (M hit rates of 94.3%) and accounted for substantial proportion of the variance (M=63.7%). In general, predicted relationships between individual variables and the discriminant functions were supported. We also addressed the usefulness of the R-CRAS additional variables for the assessment of insanity. We found that these variables contributed substantially to the determination of criminal responsibility. Finally, we pose important and polemical issues for forensic experts conducting evaluations of criminal responsibility.
Crime↗
Epidural analgesia and active management of labor: effects on length of labor and mode of delivery.
OBJECTIVE: To determine whether cervical dilatation at the time of placement of patient-requested epidural affects cesarean rates or lengths of labors in actively managed parturients. METHODS: The charts of 255 women randomized to active management of labor (n = 125) or control protocols (n = 130) were reviewed and stratified to early epidural placement (up to 4 cm cervical dilatation) versus late placement (more than 4 cm). RESULTS: Women with early epidural placement had shorter labors than those with late placement (11.6 +/- 4.6 versus 13.2 +/- 5.6 hours; P = .02). Active management reduced the length of labor compared with controls regardless of epidural timing, with a reduction of 1.4 hours in early epidural placement (10.9 +/- 4.7 versus 12.3 +/- 4.3 hours; P = .04) and 3.6 hours in those with later placement (11.0 +/- 3.6 versus 14.6 +/- 6.2 hours; P = .004). Cesarean rates did not vary significantly (early 14.5% versus late 7.9%; P = .21). Early epidural placement did not lengthen the second stage of labor or increase operative vaginal delivery rates. CONCLUSION: Early epidural placement did not affect lengths of labor or cesarean rates and was actually associated with shorter labor compared with late epidural placement. Women managed actively in labor, regardless of timing of epidural placement, had shorter labors than controls.
Adult↗
Validation of the Millon Clinical Multiaxial Inventory for Axis II disorders: does it meet the Daubert standard?
Relevant to forensic practice, the Supreme Court in Daubert v. Merrell Dow Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (1993) established the boundaries for the admissibility of scientific evidence that take into account its trustworthiness as assessed via evidentiary reliability. In conducting forensic evaluations, psychologists and other mental health professionals must be able to offer valid diagnoses, including Axis II disorders. The most widely available measure of personality disorders is the Million Clinical Multiaxial Inventory (MCMI) and its subsequent revisions (MCMI-II and MCMI-III). We address the critical question, "Do the MCMI-II and MCMI-III meet the requirements of Daubert?" Fundamental problems in the scientific validity and error rates for MCMI-III appear to preclude its admissibility under Daubert for the assessment of Axis II disorders. We address the construct validity for the MCMI and MCMI-II via a meta-analysis of 33 studies. The resulting multitrait-multimethod approach allowed us to address their convergent and discriminant validity through method effects (Marsh, 1990). With reference to Daubert, the results suggest a circumscribed use for the MCMI-II with good evidence of construct validity for Avoidant, Schizotypal, and Borderline personality disorders.
Expert Testimony↗
Chitinase secretion by encysting Entamoeba invadens and transfected Entamoeba histolytica trophozoites: localization of secretory vesicles, endoplasmic reticulum, and Golgi apparatus.
Entamoeba histolytica, the protozoan parasite that phagocytoses bacteria and host cells, has a vesicle/vacuole-filled cytosol like that of macrophages. In contrast, the infectious cyst form has four nuclei and a chitin wall. Here, anti-chitinase antibodies identified hundreds of small secretory vesicles in encysting E. invadens parasites and in E. histolytica trophozoites overexpressing chitinase under an actin gene promoter. Abundant small secretory vesicles were also identified with antibodies to the surface antigen Ariel and with a fluorescent substrate of cysteine proteinases. Removal of an N-terminal signal sequence directed chitinase to the cytosol. Addition of a C-terminal KDEL peptide, identified on amebic BiP, retained chitinase in a putative endoplasmic reticulum, which was composed of a few vesicles of mixed sizes. A putative Golgi apparatus, which was Brefeldin A sensitive and composed of a few large, perinuclear vesicles, was identified with antibodies to ADP-ribosylating factor and to epsilon-COP. We conclude that the amebic secretory pathway is similar to those of other eukaryotic cells, even if its appearance is somewhat different.
ADP-Ribosylation Factors↗