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Biomedical subjects

S A Taylor

Publications and source records attributed to S A Taylor.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources
PubMed1997

Patient satisfaction and service quality in the formation of customers' future purchase intentions in competitive health service settings.

The following study provides evidence that the relationship between quality perceptions and satisfaction judgements in the formation of future purchase intentions may be very different in health service settings relative to other service settings. The study investigates Taylor and Baker's (1994) assertion that satisfaction judgements moderate the quality-->purchase intention relationship by testing the research model in both for-profit and not-for-profit hospital settings. The results of this study first support the growing view that satisfaction judgements are more closely related to outcome behaviors than quality perceptions in hospital settings. The results further support the assertion that the formation of important consumer outcomes, such as future purchase intentions, appears to be different for health services. Thus, health service managers are cautioned to empirically test models in the literature specific to their own competitive setting. The managerial and research implications of the reported study are presented and discussed.

Choice Behavior↗
PubMed1996

Isolation of pepsin-resistant laminin fragments from human placenta: effect on epithelial cells cultured from the kidneys of patients with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD).

Laminin isolated from human placenta was subjected to prolonged pepsin digestion. Seven peptide fragments (designated N1 to N7) were separated by ion-exchange chromatography and gel filtration and characterised by SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and immunoblotting. The molecular size of the laminin fragments varied from approx. 900,000 (N1) to 28,000 (N7). Epithelial cells obtained from normal kidneys and patients with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) were cultured. The incorporation of [3H]thymidine was measured over 96 h to determine the effect of the addition of the different fragments and whole laminin from EHS tumour to the cells. The rate of growth of both normal and polycystic cells was increased in the presence of the laminin fragments but this effect was more pronounced in the ADPKD cells.

Cell Division↗
PubMed1996

Evaluation of topotecan in patients with recurrent for metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck. A phase II Southwest Oncology Group study.

Twenty-nine patients with persistent, recurrent and/or metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck were treated daily for five days at three-week intervals with topotecan 1.5 mg/m2. Four patients received prior chemotherapy, 23 prior surgery and 29 prior radiation therapy. Of the 29 eligible patients, 8 patients were not evaluable for response and were assumed to be non-responders. Of the remaining 21 evaluable patients, there were zero responses (0%, 95% confidence interval [0,.12]). The most common toxicities were myelosuppression, dyspnea and malaise/fatigue/lethargy. Topotecan has limited activity in advanced head and neck cancer with this dose and schedule.

Adult↗
PubMed1996

Multiple source localization using genetic algorithms.

We present a new procedure for localizing simultaneously active multiple brain sources that overlap in both space and time on EEG recordings. The source localization technique was based on a spatio-temporal model and a genetic algorithm search routine. The method was successfully applied to the localization of two dipole sources from several sets of simulated potentials with various signal-to-noise ratios (SNR). The different SNR values resembled evoked responses and epileptic spikes as commonly seen in the laboratory. Results of the simulation studies yielded localization accuracy ranging from 0.01 to 0.07 cm with an SNR of 10; from 0.02 to 0.26 cm with an SNR of 5; and from 0.06 to 0.73 cm when the SNR was equal to 2. Additionally, two sets of simulations were based on the dipole arrangements and time activities of data obtained during electrical stimulation of the median nerve in human subjects. These studies yielded localization accuracy within 0.1 cm. We also studied the localization accuracy of the algorithm using a physical model incorporating potential measurements of two current dipoles embedded in a sphere. In this situation the algorithm was successful in localizing the two simultaneously active sources to within 0.07-0.15 cm.

Algorithms↗
PubMed1996

Development and validation of new screening tests for nephrotoxic effects.

Within the framework of an European Commission-funded project, groups of industrial workers exposed to heavy metals (cadmium, mercury and lead) or solvents were studied together with corresponding control groups. Eighty-one measurements were carried out on urine and serum samples and the scientific results together with individual questionnaire information were entered into a central database. Data obtained was assessed centrally and individually in subsidiary studies. The measurable contributions were assessed either singly or in combination, of smoking, gender, metal exposure and site, to nephrotoxicity. The potential value of each test as an indicator of nephrotoxicity was then assessed on the basis of sensitivity and specificity. A number of new tests including prostaglandins and for extracellular matrix components were investigated as well as established tests for renal damage and dysfunction. The data obtained from this comprehensive study emphasises the value of noninvasive biomarkers for the early detection of nephrotoxicity due to environmental toxins. The urinary profile varied with the type of environmental/occupational toxin. By careful selection of a small panel of markers they can be used to indicate the presence of renal damage, the principal region affected, and to monitor the progress of disease and damage. Biomarkers were also used to confirm and tentatively establish safe exposure levels to nephrotoxins.

Biomarkers↗
PubMed1995

Factor VIII gene inversions in severe hemophilia A: results of an international consortium study.

Twenty-two molecular diagnostic laboratories from 14 countries participated in a consortium study to estimate the impact of Factor VIII gene inversions in severe hemophilia A. A total of 2,093 patients with severe hemophilia A were studied; of those, 740 (35%) had a type 1 (distal) factor VIII inversion, and 140 (7%) showed a type 2 (proximal) inversion. In 25 cases, the molecular analysis showed additional abnormal or polymorphic patterns. Ninety-eight percent of 532 mothers of patients with inversions were carriers of the abnormal factor VIII gene; when only mothers of nonfamilial cases were studied, 9 de novo inversions in maternal germ cells were observed among 225 cases (approximately 1 de novo maternal origin of the inversion in 25 mothers of sporadic cases). When the maternal grandparental origin was examined, the inversions occurred de novo in male germ cells in 69 cases and female germ cells in 1 case. The presence of factor VIII inversions is not a major predisposing factor for the development of factor VIII inhibitors; however, slightly more patients with severe hemophilia A and factor VIII inversions develop inhibitors (130 of 642 [20%]) than patients with severe hemophilia A without inversions (131 of 821 [16%]).

Blotting, Southern↗
PubMed1995

The assay of laminin fragments in serum and urine as an indicator of renal damage induced by toxins.

An ELISA procedure for the assay of laminin fragments in serum and urine is described. Samples from solvent-exposed workers and diabetic patients were studied. In cohorts exposed to perchloroethylene serum and urine laminin fragments were elevated but the urinary N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminidase (NAG) was unaffected. The data indicate that the urinary assay may be more specific for renal damage than the serum method. Differences in the excretion of NAG and urinary laminin fragments were observed in the diabetic groups suggesting that the excretion of these two components reflects different stages of severity of the disease.

Acetylglucosaminidase↗
PubMed1995

Severe haemophilia A in a female resulting from two de novo factor VIII mutations.

A 2-year-old girl is described with severe haemophilia A (factor VIII: C < 0.01 units/ml). Both of her parents were phenotypically normal. Cytogenetic analysis on the proband demonstrated an interstitial X chromosome deletion encompassing Xq26-q28. Molecular studies with several polymorphic markers close to and within the factor VIII gene showed that the proband had inherited only the paternal factor VIII gene, indicating that the X chromosome deletion had occurred de novo in the maternal germ line. Further study of the factor VIII gene inherited by the proband from her father showed the presence of a de novo gene inversion mutation (a type 1, distal pattern inversion). Neither parent showed any evidence of the factor VIII inversion in their somatic DNA. The severe haemophilia A documented in this girl is therefore the result of two de novo mutations affecting the factor VIII gene, a maternally derived X chromosome deletion and a paternal factor VIII inversion mutation.

Blotting, Southern↗
PubMed1994

Direct detection of a common inversion mutation in the genetic diagnosis of severe hemophilia A.

Two recent reports suggest that approximately 50% of the cases of severe hemophilia A (factor VIII:C < 0.01 U/mL) may be caused by a gross rearrangement of the factor VIII gene. The mutation involves genomic sequence from exon 1 to within intron 22 of the gene in an inversion event. This rearrangement can be detected on a Southern blot using a probe that is complementary to sequence from within intron 22. In this report, we describe the analysis of 71 severe hemophilia A patients for the presence of this mutation. Thirty-two of the patients (45%) showed evidence of the rearrangement, a figure that confirms the initial reports on 28 patients. Five different patterns of rearrangement have been noted, although two of these patterns (pattern 1 [70%] and pattern 2 [16%]) account for the majority of cases. The other patterns of rearrangement appear to be confined to individual families and may represent the result of additional sequence variation within the region of the genome to which the proximal 22 exons of factor VIII are translocated. Analysis of this patient population for the factor VIII inversion mutation has been extremely useful in a molecular diagnostic sense. In 23 of the cases studied (72%), the affected individual was the only documented hemophiliac in the family and, thus, previous linkage analysis had been limited to the provision of exclusion testing only. In conclusion, it appears that testing for the factor VIII inversion mutation will be positive in approximately 45% of severe hemophiliacs and as such should constitute the initial stage in the genetic testing protocol for these patients' families.

Chromosome Inversion↗
PubMed1994

Phase II trial of dimethyltriazenoimidazole carboxamide in patients with metastatic carcinoid. A Southwest Oncology Group study.

BACKGROUND: The use of chemotherapy in patients with metastatic carcinoid tumors has been of limited value, and investigation of new agents is necessary. Previous reports have suggested that dimethyltriazenoimidazole carboxamide (DTIC) may have antitumor activity. METHODS: A Phase II trial to investigate the clinical response rate to DTIC in patients with metastatic carcinoid tumors was performed. DTIC was administered at low (650 mg/m2) or high (850 mg/m2) doses every 28 days. RESULTS: Sixty-three patients were entered into the study, and 56 were evaluable for toxicity and response. Toxicity was moderate, with the most common side effect being nausea and vomiting (88%). Nine patients (16%; 95% confidence interval, 8-28%) had partial responses, 5 of 25 receiving 850 mg/m2 and 4 of 31 receiving 650 mg/m2 of DTIC. Median survival time of all patients was 20 months. CONCLUSIONS: DTIC has minimal activity in patients with metastatic carcinoid tumors.

Adult↗
PubMed1994

Phase II trial of menogaril in metastatic adenocarcinoma of the prostate. A Southwest Oncology Group study.

Menogaril, a semisynthetic anthracycline antibiotic, was administered to patients with metastatic adenocarcinoma of the prostate. Forty-five patients with measurable disease and 45 patients with evaluable disease received 150-200 mg/m2 over 1 hour every 28 days. There were three partial responses (PR) among 87 patients evaluable for response. Myelosuppression was dose limiting. There were two deaths related to leukepenia. Other toxicities included phlebitis, alopecia, nausea and vomiting. One patient developed acute nonlymphocytic leukemia. Menogaril at these doses and schedule is toxic and has no significant antitumor activity in metastatic adenocarcinoma of the prostate.

Adenocarcinoma↗
PubMed1994

New agents in the treatment of primary brain tumors.

A review of single agent trials of cytotoxic agents in adults with high grade gliomas is presented. The rationale for testing these agents in patients with brain tumors was variable and is discussed. The criteria to evaluate responses were also variable ranging from subjective evaluation of clinical improvement with a stable radiographic assessment to the same objective response criteria utilized for solid tumors. Trials of agents specifically designed for brain tumors such as AZQ and spiromustine have been disappointing. There are encouraging results being seen in early trials of newer agents which await confirmation in larger trials but which hold promise for improving the disappointing results seen so far with chemotherapy in primary brain tumors.

Antineoplastic Agents↗
PubMed1994

Multiplex analysis of two intragenic microsatellite repeat polymorphisms in the genetic diagnosis of haemophilia A.

Use of molecular genetic studies for carrier detection and prenatal diagnosis of haemophilia A will be informative in approximately 75% of kindreds with a prior history of the disorder if previously reported bi-allelic intragenic polymorphisms are used. In this study we report the use of two multi-allelic, microsatellite repeat polymorphisms within the factor VIII gene in genetic testing for this disease. These two, dinucleotide repeat, polymorphisms have been analysed using a multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) protocol, and results can be available within 3 d of receipt of samples. At the intron 13 polymorphic locus we have confirmed the original observation of eight alleles, whilst at the intron 22 locus, in contrast to a preliminary report of this polymorphism, we have seen five alleles. We have analysed 32 families (174 subjects) with the two microsatellite repeat markers and have found that using these two polymorphisms alone, 81% of families are informative for linkage analysis. The intron 13 repeat was informative in 22/31 families tested (71%) and the intron 22 polymorphism was informative in 12/17 families (71%). We have also found that in 11/32 families tested (34%) the microsatellite repeats were the only informative intragenic markers. In view of these observations, we believe that the most effective strategy for initiating haemophilia A genetic testing is to combine the multiplex PCR analysis of the intron 13 and 22 dinucleotide repeats with the PCR analysis of the intron 18 BclI marker. In our population this protocol provided informative results in approximately 88% of families and results can be available within 3 d of receiving the samples for testing.

Alleles↗
PubMed1994

Modulating influence of barley on the altered metabolism of glucose and of basement membranes in the diabetic rat.

A study was conducted to explore the effects of different sources of dietary carbohydrate on the altered metabolism of basement membrane proteins (type IV collagen and laminin) that occurs in the streptozotocin-diabetic rat. The substitution of barley for sucrose reduced the elevated plasma concentration of 7-S collagen and of laminin P2, peptide fragments that retain antigenicity of the parent proteins. Similar effects were noted in the liver and kidney content of these peptides. It is suggested that the beneficial property of barley is due to its high content of chromium, as has been demonstrated in the study of glucose metabolism.

Animals↗
PubMed1994

Modeling patient satisfaction and service quality.

The authors attempt to clarify and extend the conceptualization and measurement of consumer satisfaction and service quality in health services. Although the two constructs serve as cornerstones in the design and implementation of health care marketing strategies, a literature review suggests that satisfaction and service quality are currently difficult to distinguish--both conceptually and operationally--in health care settings. The findings from two studies conducted by the authors to distinguish the nature of these two important constructs within a health care marketing context reveal that a nonrecursive relationship between service quality and patient satisfaction may account for much of the conflicting evidence in the literature.

Data Collection↗
PubMed1994

Distinguishing service quality from patient satisfaction in developing health care marketing strategies.

The marketing function in health care is increasingly becoming strategic in nature. The quality of care provided and the level of patient satisfaction are emerging as the core of many marketing strategies in health services as a means to achieve a distinctive competency in ever-more competitive markets. Therefore, it is not surprising that few issues have generated more discussion in both practitioner and research circles. Nonetheless, according to the health services literature, service quality and patient satisfaction have confounded many, the outcome of which may be an inability of health care managers to effectively derive, implement, and control marketing strategies. This article identifies emerging literature that assists in overcoming these limitations.

Data Collection↗