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Biomedical subjects

Robert Taylor

Publications and source records attributed to Robert Taylor.

18 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2006

Heritability of bipolar EEG spectra in a large sib-pair population.

The additive genetic heritability of both monopolar and bipolar EEG spectral power in a sample of 305 non-twin sibships comprising 690 individuals (age range 7-65) was estimated in order to investigate their regional variation. The heritabilities of the bipolar EEG spectral power ranged from 0.10 to 0.63 in 38 electrode-pairs, and those of monopolar power ranged from 0.23 to 0.68 in 19 electrodes in six frequency bands from theta to high beta. The bipolar data shows significantly greater topographic variation compared to that of the monopolar data. The mean of bivariate genetic correlations were consistently lower for the bipolar data and the coefficients of variation consistently higher when compared to those of the monopolar data for each of the frequency bands. The results from the bipolar derivations are in greater accord with genetic findings in brain anatomy and show the possibility of multiple genetic sources for the phenotypic variability of EEG activity.

Alpha Rhythm↗
PubMed2006

Randomized clinical evaluation of self-screening for anal cancer precursors in men who have sex with men.

BACKGROUND: Self-collection of anorectal swab specimens could greatly facilitate the completion of prerequisite studies and future implementation of anal cancer screening among men who have sex with men (MSM). We therefore compared self- versus clinician- collection procedures with respect to specimen adequacy for cytological evaluation, concordance of paired cytological results, and concordance of cytological with biopsy results. METHODS: Paired self- and clinician- collected anorectal Dacron swabs for liquid-based (Thin Prep) cytological evaluation were collected in random sequence from a mostly HIV-1 seronegative cohort of young MSM in Vancouver. Slides were reviewed by one cytopathologist. Presence of any cytological abnormality (atypical squamous cells of uncertain significance, ASCUS, or above) prompted referral for high-resolution anoscopy and possible biopsy. RESULTS: Among 222 patient-clinician specimen pairs, most were adequate for cytological evaluation, though self-collected specimens were less likely to be so (83% versus 92%, McNemar's test p < 0.001). Cytological abnormalities, noted in 47 (21%) of self-collected and 47 (21%) of clinician-collected specimens (with fair agreement, kappa = 0.414) included, respectively: ASCUS (5%, 5%), and low-grade (13%, 13%) and high-grade (3%, 3%) squamous intraepithelial lesions. Among 12 men with biopsy-confirmed high-grade neoplasia, most had abnormal cytological results (including 6 patient and 9 clinician swabs) but few (2 patient and 1 clinician swab) were high-grade. CONCLUSION: Self-collection of anorectal swab specimens for cytologic screening in research and possibly clinical settings appears feasible, particularly if specimen adequacy can be further improved. The severity of biopsy-confirmed anorectal disease is seriously underestimated by cytological screening, regardless of collector.

Journal Article↗
PubMed2006

Essential and non-essential elements in eight tissue types from subsistence-hunted bowhead whale: nutritional and toxicological assessment.

OBJECTIVES: To assess essential/non-essential elements in bowhead whale. STUDY DESIGN: Analyzes of tissues for key elements and comparing them to published food guidelines. METHODS: Using national and international guidelines calculate percent (%) "Recommended Daily Allowance" of essential elements in 100 g portion of bowhead tissues. For non-essential elements, determine maximal tissue consumption based on average element concentrations and provisional tolerable weekly intake; and minimal risk level. RESULTS: Liver and kidney are rich in essential/non-essential elements and have the greatest concentration of cadmium (Cd) among tissues studied, while mercury (Hg), lead (Pb) and arsenic (As) are relatively low. Kidney of bowhead whale is consumed in very limited amounts (limited tissue mass compared to muscle and maktak); liver is consumed rarely. Other tissues, except blubber, are excellent sources of many essential elements, without the abundance of liver and kidney Cd. CONCLUSIONS: Renal Cd concentrations are most restrictive for consumption on a tissue mass basis. Better understanding of Cd bioavailability, food processing, and actual consumption rates and patterns, are critical to providing improved guidance. Compared to store-bought meat, bowhead whale had comparable concentrations of elements in the tissues studied, with a few noted differences. The occasional blubber substitute, Crisco, was nearly devoid of trace element content.

Adipose Tissue↗
PubMed2005

Rehabilitation and conditioning of sporting dogs.

Owners and trainers exercise sporting dogs to increase their fitness and optimize their conditioning and performance. Training is designed to in-crease strength, endurance, and agility and is sport-specific. Sporting dogs are susceptible to specific musculoskeletal injuries. The rehabilitation of sporting dogs after these injuries follows specific principles during the acute, subacute, and reconditioning periods.

Animals↗
PubMed2005

Logistics of companion animal rehabilitation.

Setting up rehabilitation services presents several challenges to the veterinary practitioner. Members of the rehabilitation team need to have a solid knowledge base of acute and chronic orthopedic and neurologic disorders and a knowledge of rehabilitation principles and applications. The working environment has to be adapted to patients with limited mobility, specific equipment and supplies are to be used, and a fee structure should be implemented. This article reviews these logistic aspects of companion animal rehabilitation.

Animals↗
PubMed2004

Endometrial endothelial cell steroid receptor expression and steroid effects on gene expression.

Controversy exists regarding the expression of specific steroid receptor proteins and mRNA in human microvascular endometrial endothelial cells (HEECs). Thus, we studied steroid receptor expression in early passaged HEEC cultures and freshly isolated HEECs. Analysis of estrogen receptor (ER) and progesterone receptor (PR) mRNA levels was carried out with real-time quantitative RT-PCR, and the repertoire of genes activated by their respective steroid ligands was assessed by mRNA microarray analyses of 18,400 genes and expressed sequence tags. We observed that cultured and freshly isolated HEECs each express ER-beta mRNA but not ER-alpha. In addition, PR mRNA was also detectable in both HEEC sources. Microarray analysis demonstrated that treatment of HEEC cultures with either estradiol or medroxyprogesterone acetate produced differential effects on a wide variety of genes, and cluster analysis demonstrated that many of the genes are involved in intracellular signaling and enzymatic pathways. Thus, quantitative RT-PCR and microarray analyses demonstrate that HEECs express ER-beta and PR mRNA and that gene expression by HEECs is differentially regulated by treatment with estrogen or progestin.

Cells, Cultured↗
PubMed2004

Toxicological evaluation and metal bioavailability in pregnant rats following exposure to clay minerals in the diet.

Silicate clays are frequently added to animal feeds to bind and reduce the bioavailability of mycotoxins in the gastrointestinal tract. However, the bioavailability of trace metals in these clay feed additives has not been thoroughly investigated. Clays that act nonselectively may interact with nutrients, minerals, and other feedborne chemicals to pose significant hidden risks. In this study, a calcium montmorillonite clay (Novasil Plus, NSP) commonly used as an enterosorbent for aflatoxins and a sodium montmorillonite clay (Swy-2) (Source Clay Minerals Repository, Columbia, MO) were examined. Clays were supplemented in the balanced diet of Sprague-Dawley rats during pregnancy at a level of 2% (w/w). Evaluations of toxicity were performed on gestation d 16 and included maternal body weights, maternal feed intakes, litter weights, and embryonic resorptions. Liver, kidneys, tibia, brain, uterus, pooled placentas, and pooled embryonic mass were collected and weighed. Tissues were lyophilized and neutron activation analysis (NAA) was performed. Elements considered by NAA included Al, Ba, Br, Ca, Ce, Co, Cr, Cs, Cu, Dy, Eu, Fe, Hf, K, La, Lu, Mg, Mn, Na, Nd, Ni, Rb, S, Sb, Sc, Se, Sm, Sr, Ta, Tb, Te, Th, Ti, Tl, U, V, Yb, Zn, and Zr. Inductively coupled plasma-mass spectroscopy further confirmed that Al was below detection limits (<0.5 ppm) in the brain. Animals supplemented with either NSP or Swy-2 were similar to controls with respect to toxicity evaluations and metal analysis, with the exception of decreased brain Rb following clay supplementation. Overall, the results of this study suggest that neither NSP nor Swy-2, at relatively high dietary concentrations, influences mineral uptake or utilization in the pregnant rat.

Animal Feed↗
PubMed2004

Genetic differentiation of poly I:C from B:9-23 peptide induced experimental autoimmune diabetes.

Type 1 diabetes is an immune-mediated disease, in which T cells of the adaptive immune system mediate beta cell destruction. Recently the innate immune system has been linked to etiopathogenesis of several autoimmune diseases including type 1 diabetes, as innate effector cells (e.g. dendritic cells, monocytes/macrophages and NK cells) can prime and promote or regulate (auto)immune responses. We have previously developed an experimental autoimmune diabetes (EAD) model with insulin peptide B:9-23 immunization in transgenic H-2(d)mice expressing the costimulatory molecule B7.1 in their islets (under the Rat Insulin Promotor, RIP). We compared the induction of diabetes with polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid (Poly I:C), a mimic of double stranded viral RNA versus insulin B:9-23 peptide in mice following backcrossing of the B7.1 transgene on to BALB/c mice from original B7.1 C57Bl/6 mice. We find that diabetes induction by Poly I:C is C57Bl/6 associated, whereas B:9-23 peptide induced diabetes and induction of insulin autoantibodies (IAA) are dependent on BALB/c genes. This B:9-23 peptide induced diabetes is consistent with MHC class II H-2(d)being necessary for the response to this peptide. Of note Poly I:C induction of diabetes was lost while B:9-23 induction was retained with backcrossing to BALB/c mice. Interaction of genes and environment (antigenic epitope and viral mimic) can be important in the pathogenesis of immune mediated diabetes and activation of the innate immune system (e.g. Poly I:C) may be one key determinant.

Animals↗
PubMed2002

Novel piperidinium and pyridinium agents as water-soluble acetylcholinesterase inhibitors for the reversal of neuromuscular blockade.

A series of piperidinium and pyridinium agents containing a common structural fragment of 5,6-dimethoxybenzothiophene have been synthesised as water-soluble acetylcholinesterase inhibitors. Several compounds, for example 42 (AChE IC(50) 0.03 microM) have been found to reverse the neuromuscular blockade induced by vecuronium bromide in vitro and in vivo. Coupled with their high water solubility (up to 30-60 mg/mL), these compounds are potentially useful as intravenous reversal agents of neuromuscular blocking agents in surgical anaesthesia.

Acetylcholinesterase↗
PubMed2002

T cell receptor gamma-chain gene polymerase chain reaction to diagnose central nervous system involvement by cutaneous T cell lymphoma.

The authors describe a patient who was suspected of having cutaneous T cell lymphoma involvement of the brain despite repeatedly negative cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) cytology, inconclusive flow cytometry, and no discrete lesion for brain biopsy. The diagnosis was made by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis that showed a monoclonal T cell receptor gamma-chain gene rearrangement in the CSF, identically sized to that present in a skin biopsy specimen. Thus, PCR could be used early and routinely to diagnose central nervous system spread of T cell lymphomas, because of its potentially superior sensitivity and specificity to CSF cytology.

Aged↗
PubMed2002

Enzyme-based therapy for autism spectrum disorders -- is it worth another look?

Autism is a developmental disease usually manifesting within the first three years of life. To date, no causative agent has been found. Similarly, treatment options have been limited. Of the treatment options available, a number of them have been nutritionally based in an attempt to address one or more of the theories regarding the etiology of the disease. An example would be enzyme therapy for the digestion of purported offending neuroactive peptides collectively known as exorphins. This paper discusses the exorphin theory of autism and subsequent treatment with dietary enzyme therapy. Novel data are presented in support of the theory that enzymes play a critical role in autism. Forty-six patients between the ages of 5 and 31 were selected for inclusion in the study based on a diagnosis placing them in the category of the autism spectrum disorders (ASD). The diets were supplemented with a novel dietary enzyme formulation, ENZYMAID, for a period of 12 weeks. Progress was tracked according to the Symptom Outcome Survey (SOS) (1) form method of symptom charting and presented in a table for further analysis. The novel enzyme formula, ENZYMAID, beneficially and safely affected all 13 of the parameters measured. Improvements ranged from 50-90%, depending on the parameter measured. Enzyme therapy to treat ASD may indeed a viable option in treatment protocols. These results indicate that further controlled studies are warranted.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2000

Pentoxifylline, Ciprofloxacin and Dexamethasone Improve the Ineffective Hematopoiesis in Myelodysplastic Syndrome Patients; Malignancy.

Twenty-five patients with a diagnosis of myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) were randomized to either begin therapy with pentoxifylline, ciprofloxacin and dexamethasone (PCD) immediately (10 patients) or after a 12 week observation period (control arm, 15 patients). PCD was administered with the goal of suppressing cytokine-induced excessive intramedullary apoptosis of hematopoietic cells. No marked fluctuations of blood counts were noted during the period of observation. Twenty-two patients completed at least 12 weeks of therapy: 18/22 showed some type of hematologic response, 9/18 showing an improvement in absolute neutrophil count only (p = < 0.001) and 9/18 showing multi-lineage responses. No unique category of MDS responded better, however 19/25 patients had refractory anemia (RA)/RA with ringed sideroblasts. The median time to response was 6 weeks and 3/18 responding patients maintained their responses beyond a year. We conclude that hematologic improvement in response to PCD therapy supports the validity of this unique anti-cytokine approach. Future trials should combine PCD therapy with established approaches (growth factors/chemotherapy) and also should focus on identifying more effective ways of suppressing the pro-apoptotic cytokines in MDS.

Journal Article↗
PubMed1998

Superhumans.

Explore the source record for details and available documents.

Animals↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Arthroscopic biceps brachii tenotomy as a treatment for canine bicipital tenosynovitis.

Five dogs of varying breeds, ranging from 4 to 8 years in age, were presented with clinical signs consistent with bicipital tenosynovitis. After failure of conservative treatment, each dog underwent shoulder arthroscopy. Following examination of the scapular humeral joint, the bicipital tendon was severed with a bipolar radiofrequency electrosurgical system. The arthroscopic procedure resulted in a good to excellent outcome for all five dogs.

Animals↗