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Biomedical subjects

R Simon

Publications and source records attributed to R Simon.

At least 541 records · Page 30Linked to original sources

Genetic mapping of a wide spectrum nematode resistance gene (Hero) against Globodera rostochiensis in tomato.

The Hero gene confers resistance to a wide spectrum of pathotypes of the potato cyst nematode Globodera rostochiensis. This gene has been introgressed from the wild tomato species Lycopersicon pimpinellifolium into the cultivated tomato. We have used RFLP and RAPD analysis for the targeted search of the L. pimpinellifolium into the cultivated tomato. We have used RFLP and RAPD analysis for the targeted search of the L. pimpinellifolium segment. The resistant line LA 1792 contains a single introgressed segment on chromosome 4, which is characterized by three RFLP markers from the high-density RFLP map of tomato. The map position of the Hero gene in large populations, four additional markers were identified in the introgressed region. After analyzing more than 800 gametes for recombination, we found that one marker is only 0.4 cM away from the Hero gene. YAC clones isolated from a region near the Hero gene indicate that in this area of the genome, the kb/cM ratio is relatively low (<450 kb/cM) and chromosome walking should be feasible in order to isolate this gene.

Animals↗

Percutaneous transluminal therapy of occluded saphenous vein grafts: can the challenge be met with ultrasound thrombolysis?

BACKGROUND: Percutaneous transluminal treatment of a thrombotic vein graft yields poor results. We have previously reported our experience with transluminal percutaneous coronary ultrasound thrombolysis (CUT) in the setting of acute myocardial infarction (AMI). This report describes the first experience with ultrasound thrombolysis in thrombus-rich lesions in saphenous vein grafts (SVGs), most of which were occluded. METHODS AND RESULTS: The patients (n=20) were mostly male (85%), aged 64+/-4 years old. The presenting symptom was AMI in 2 patients (10%) and unstable angina in the rest. Fifteen patients (75%) had totally occluded SVGs. The median age of clots was 6 days (range, 0 to 100 days). The ultrasound thrombolysis device has a 1.6-mm-long tip and fits into a 7F guiding catheter over a 0.014-in guidewire in a "rapid-exchange" system. CUT (41 kHz, 18 W, </=6 minutes) led to device success in 14 (70%) of the patients and residual stenosis of 65+/-28%. Procedural success was obtained in 13 (65%) of the patients, with a final residual stenosis of 5+/-8%. There was a low rate of device-related adverse events: 1 patient (5%) had a non-Q-wave myocardial infarction, and distal embolization was noted in 1 patient (5%). Adjunct PTCA or stenting was used in all patients. There were no serious adverse events during hospitalization. CONCLUSIONS: Ultrasound thrombolysis in thrombus-rich lesions in SVGs offers a very promising therapeutic option.

Angioplasty, Balloon, Coronary↗

High tibial osteotomy and ligament reconstruction in varus angulated, anterior cruciate ligament-deficient knees. A two- to seven-year follow-up study.

We assessed short-term treatment results of younger patients with varus malalignment and chronic anterior cruciate ligament deficiency. Forty-one patients (mean, 32 years; range, 16 to 47) underwent a high tibial osteotomy. Because of giving way symptoms, 14 also had a lateral iliotibial band extraarticular procedure at the time of the osteotomy and 16 had an intraarticular anterior cruciate ligament allograft reconstruction after the osteotomy. All returned for followup (mean, 58 months; range, 23 to 86), which included KT-1000 arthrometer testing and evaluation by our knee rating system. Statistically significant (P < 0.05) improvements were found in the mean overall rating scores for pain, swelling, and giving way. Preoperatively, 30 (73%) had pain with activities of daily living or with any sports activity; 11 (27%) could perform only light sports activities without pain. At followup, 32 patients (78%) had no pain with activities of daily living or light sports. Ten of 15 patients with advanced medial tibiofemoral arthrosis (subchondral bone exposure) had significant improvements in symptoms. Patient satisfaction was high: 88% stated they would undergo the procedure again and 78% felt their knee condition was improved. Patients who had the allograft reconstruction had significantly lower (P < 0.05) anterior-posterior displacements at followup than those who had the extraarticular procedure. We concluded that osteotomy should be performed early in the disease process for younger athletes who experience symptoms with activity. It may be unrealistic, however, to expect continuation of sports beyond light recreational, given the joint arthrosis that is usually present and the high in vivo joint loadings with athletes. Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction should be considered when giving way previously occurred and the patient plans to resume athletics. However, patients with advanced arthrosis can avoid anterior cruciate ligament surgery by reducing athletic activities.

Adolescent↗

The Comprehensive assessment and Referral Evaluation (CARE)--rationale, development and reliability.

The Comprehensive Assessment and Referral Evaluation (CARE) is a new assessment technique which is intended to reliably elicit, record, grade and classify information on the health and social problems of the older person. The CARE is basically a semi-structured interview guide and an inventory of defined ratings. It is designated comprehensive because it covers psychiatric, medical, nutritional, economic and social problems rather than the interests of only one professional discipline. The style, scope and scoring of the CARE makes it suitable for use with both patients and non-patients, and a potentially useful aid in determining whether an elderly person should be referred, and to whom, for a health or social service. The CARE can also be employed in evaluating the effectiveness of that service if given.

Aged↗

Evaluation study of the exploratory visit: an innovative outreach activity of the ILGWU's friendly visiting program.

The exploratory visit to recent retirees, an outreach component of the International Ladies Garment Workers Union Friendly Visiting Program, was evaluated during a ten month period beginning in September 1973. An operations analysis found that need identifying activities of Friendly Vistors by type of service need. A post-test only control group effect study revealed exploratory visits were effective in establishing a link between the program and the retiree although they had no significant impact on the retirees' service needs.

Aged↗

Assessment of the older person in the community.

The Cross-National Geriatric Community study is being conducted by the United States-United Kingdom Cross-National Project. Semi-structured interviews have been completed with over 850 community residents over the age of sixty-five years randomly selected from the metropolitan regions of New York and London. The assessment techniques described in this section may be of interest not only to other research workers conducting geriatric community surveys but also to health professionals concerned with the clinical examination of the older ambulatory patient and the early detection and appropriate referral of the need for health and social services.

Aged↗

177 cardiovascular risk factors, classified in 10 categories, to be considered in the prevention of cardiovascular diseases: an update of the original 1982 article containing 96 risk factors.

The first comprehensive listing of cardiovascular risk factors was presented in this journal in 1982 in the article, "96 Cardiovascular Risk Factors" (by Y. Omura & S. Heller), which was the most extensive list of cardiovascular risk factors written on the subject at that time. Since then, much research has been carried out to identify cardiovascular risk factors; according to the authors' most recent computer search, close to 9,000 articles appeared between 1982 and 1996. Upon initial review of most of the abstracts of these articles, we were surprised to find that the number of cardiovascular risk factors has increased significantly (79 new factors in addition to those we published in 1982). With a few exceptions (7 risk factors are now considered to be questionable), those we listed in 1982 are still valid today, and have been further confirmed with additional data and improved technology. Through reviewing the abstracts of these articles, we found about 177 cardiovascular risk factors, including most of the 96 previously listed. Of the original 96, we have identified those now considered to be questionable, e.g. taking oral contraceptives, which today contain significantly lower doses of estrogen than in the past and are therefore much safer. All 177 cardiovascular risk factors are classified into the following 10 major categories, with the 11th category listing those factors now considered to be questionable: 1) Nutrition-Related Cardiovascular Risk Factors (33 risk factors) 2) Internal Cardiovascular Risk Factors Identifiable by Laboratory Tests: Abnormal Blood & Tissue Chemistry Findings Related to Cardiovascular Diseases (35 risk factors) 3) Drug, Chemical, Hormonal, and Nutritional Supplement Intake (Including Drug-Drug Interaction and Drug-Food Interaction) As Cardiovascular Risk Factors (34 risk factors) 4) Signs and Symptoms Associated With a High Incidence of Cardiovascular Diseases (33 risk factors) 5) Non-Invasively Detectable Abnormal Laboratory Findings Associated With Cardiovascular Diseases (13 risk factors) 6) Hereditary Cardiovascular Risk Factors (5 risk factors) 7) Environmental Cardiovascular Risk Factors, Including Air Pollution, Electromagnetic Fields, Materials that Contact the Body Surface, Poisonous Venoms, and Insertion of Needle into Infected Body Tissue by Acupuncture of Injection (14 risk factors) 8) Socioeconomic and Demographic Cardiovascular Risk Factors (7 risk factors) 9) Cardiovascular Risk Factors Related to Medical Care (2 risk factors) 10) Co-existence of Multiple Cardiovascular Risk Factors (1 risk factor) 11) Factors Previously Regarded As Cardiovascular Risk Factors, But Now in Question (7 risk factors) While a few factors, like hereditary characteristics, age, and sex, generally cannot be changed, most of the cardiovascular risk factors can be controlled by changing one's lifestyle, maintaining proper dietary intake, and correcting any existing abnormalities once each individual's unique constellation of cardiovascular risk factors is recognized. Some factors can be recognized by individuals themselves, but many other factors require physical examinations and laboratory tests by a physician or properly trained paramedical to be recognized. Medical examinations and blood chemistry and other laboratory tests may be necessary to establish baselines and measure changes over time. Once abnormal parameters are identified, periodic examinations should follow with proper corrective measures monitored by a qualified medical professional.

Blood Glucose↗

The prevalence of dental erosion in a United States and a United Kingdom sample of adolescents.

PURPOSE: A high prevalence of tooth surface loss due to erosion is well recognized in the United Kingdom (UK), but not in the United States (US). This could be due to prevalence or perception or a combination of both. The aim of this study was to measure the prevalence of erosion of the upper permanent incisors in US and UK samples of 11-13 year old children. METHODS: Convenience samples of 129 subjects were examined in the US and 125 in the UK by two trained examiners. The palatal and buccal surfaces of the upper permanent incisors were assessed for the presence of erosion. Subjects also completed a questionnaire investigating any association between the presence of erosion and possible etiological factors. RESULTS: The prevalence of erosion was 41% in the US and 37% in the UK samples, this difference was not statistically significant. Similarly no statistically significant difference was found between the sexes. The erosion present was confined to enamel in the vast majority of subjects. The questionnaire did not detect any link between the presence of erosion and possible etiological factors. CONCLUSION: The results of this study suggest that dental erosion is common in both US and UK adolescent populations. There is a need for a larger study to investigate this issue further.

Adolescent↗

Three-point fixation walking spica cast: an alternative to early or immediate casting of femoral shaft fractures in children.

A retrospective review of 28 children treated for middle and proximal femoral shaft fractures was undertaken. Following preliminary traction, a modified pantaloon walking spica, utilizing the principle of total contact and three-point fixation molding, was applied, followed by immediate ambulation. The mean anterior bow was 5 degrees varus/valgus, 6.5 degrees angulation, and 1.2 cm shortening. There were no significant differences in the results when age groups or proximal to mid-shaft fractures were compared. No further shortening or angulation occurred with ambulation. The advantages of early ambulation and better control of proximal shaft fractures are discussed.

Adolescent↗

Analysis and interpretation of response rates for anticancer drugs.

A statistical method for interpreting data on the efficacy of anticancer agents is proposed. Tables were prepared for the retrospective analysis of studies evaluating the activity of anticancer agents against individual tumor types. The number of responding patients and the number of patients entered in the study were used to more objectively and formally determine the future disposition of the drug. Several examples of clinical studies show that use of our tables allows a more satisfactory and reliable classification than is often currently reported.

Antineoplastic Agents↗

Two-stage plans for patient accrual in phase II cancer clinical trials.

This paper considers two-stage patient-accrual plans for phase II trials of anticancer drugs. The purpose is to identify the therapeutic level of drugs as either above or below a reference response rate. Using such a plan, decisions concerning the future disposition of drugs can be made more formally and objectively. The tables used to implement the plan are prepared for a 20% reference response rate, due to its wide acceptance in the design of phase II clinical trials.

Antineoplastic Agents↗

An infant circuit with a water vaporizer warmed by carbon dioxide neutralization.

A pediatric anesthesia system was constructed by connecting the machine end of a modified Mapleson D system to a soda lime canister containing a water vaporizer heated through the reaction of neutralization of the lime by the CO2 emerging from the breathing tube. The vaporizer was placed in line with the fresh-gas delivery tube of the circuit. The humidity output of the system varied from 15 +/- 1 mg H2O/L with a CO2 output of 15 ml/L to 27 +/- 1.5 mg H2O/L with a CO2 output of 60 ml/min. Rebreathing of CO2 was within acceptable limits as long as fresh-gas inflow remained at 5 L/min. The system compares favorably in respect to its humidity output with all other circuits availabe on the market for pediatric anesthesia.

Anesthesiology↗

Longitudinal studies of cellular immunity of patients with osteogenic sarcoma during chemoimmunotherapy.

The cellular immune reactivity of 24 patients with osteogenic sarcoma was studied longitudinally during surgical treatment and subsequent adjuvant chemoimmunotherapy. Cellular immune function was studied using in vitro assays of lymphocyte reactivity to mitogens and nonspecific allogenic antigens. Circulating cells were characterized by the total lymphocyte and wbc counts, determination of E-rosetting populations, and percent of polymorphonuclear leukocytes. Both fresh and cryopreserved lymphocytes were utilized and compared. The preoperative values from these studies offered no useful indication of those patients likely to have disease recurrence. Likewise, longitudinal studies during the course of adjuvant treatment did not predict relapse before other routine clinical studies could identify it. There was no difference in the studied lymphocyte functions and hematologic tests between the group receiving BCG immunotherapy and those not receiving BCG. Our studies indicate that current measures of cellular immune function are of little value in the monitoring of patients with osteogenic sarcoma.

Antineoplastic Agents↗

Physiologic response and toxicity in patients undergoing whole-body hyperthermia for the treatment of cancer.

Seven patients with advanced cancer underwent whole-body hyperthermia using a nylon and vinyl mesh, water-perfused suit. Treatments were given at 41.8 degrees C for 4 hours. Five patients received concomitant cyclophosphamide with hyperthermia. Compared to baseline (37 degrees C) conditions, there was a significant rise in pulse rate (P less than 0.001), a fall in diastolic pressure (P less than 0.02), and an increase in respiratory rate (P less than 0.001). Toxic effects included fatigue, extremity edema, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting, and respiratory depression in a patient with cerebral metastases. Compared to baseline values, there was a significant increase in serum glucose (P less than 0.02) and decreases in serum calcium (P less than 0.01) and phosphorus (P less than 0.01). Significant elevations in serum LDH and SGOT values occurred 24 hours following hyperthermia, suggesting hepatic sensitivity to heat. The methods used to induce whole-body hyperthermia, as described in this paper, are feasible, permit relatively easy access to the patient, and are potentially applicable in diverse hospital settings such as intensive care units, radiation therapy areas, and conventional rooms. The physiologic alterations that were observed and the toxic effects that were documented indicate that careful monitoring of patients is necessary.

Cyclophosphamide↗