Search PubMed⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

S Lewis

Publications and source records attributed to S Lewis.

At least 181 records · Page 10Linked to original sources
PubMed1998

Standardized measurement of major immunoglobulin class (IgG, IgA, and IgM) antibodies to beta2glycoprotein I in patients with antiphospholipid syndrome.

Patients with the antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) have autoantibodies directed against epitopes on beta2 glycoprotein I (beta2GPI). We describe herein the performance characteristics of standardized enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) for anti-beta2GPI of the three major immunoglobulin classes: IgG, IgA, and IgM. All three assays generated highly linear standard curves (5 points, r > or = 0.993 for each); precision was excellent both intra-assay and run-to-run, with coefficients of variation (CV) ranging from 2.3% to 6.6%. Values for IgG anti-beta2GPI correlated strongly with those obtained by an earlier method (r = 0.80, P< 0.0001). A study group consisting of 203 healthy subjects was used to generate percentile-based reference intervals for all three classes of anti-beta2GPI. APS subjects' anti-beta2GPI were found to differ significantly (P <0.0001 for each) from those of the control population. All three assays correlated well with beta2GPI-dependent anticardiolipin antibody (aCL) measurements; IgG: r = 0.94 (P <0.0001), for IgA: r = 0.82 (P<0.001) and for IgM: r = 0.84 (P<0.0001). We suggest that these ELISAs may provide valuable standardized measurements of IgG, IgA, and IgM anti-P2GPI.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1997

Investigation of a possible interaction between ciprofloxacin and cyclosporine in renal transplant patients.

BACKGROUND: Bacterial infection is a common complication during the first few months after renal transplantation. Ciprofloxacin, a fluoroquinolone broad-spectrum antibiotic, is used frequently in treating infections in the early posttransplant period. Evidence from in vitro studies has suggested that ciprofloxacin can antagonize the cyclosporine (CsA)-dependent inhibition of interleukin-2 production. Such an effect in renal transplant patients could antagonize the immunosuppressive activity of CsA and lead to rejection of the graft. METHODS: To investigate the possibility of a pharmacodynamic interaction between ciprofloxacin and CsA, we conducted a case-control study in 42 patients who had received a kidney transplant and who were prescribed ciprofloxacin in the first 1-6 months after transplantation and in their matched controls (two per case) who did not receive ciprofloxacin during the study period. RESULTS: There was a twofold greater incidence (P=0.008) of ciprofloxacin use at 1-3 months (65%) than was observed at 4-7 months (35%) after transplantation. The proportion of cases experiencing at least one episode of biopsy-proven rejection 1-3 months posttransplant (45%) was significantly greater (P=0.004) than that of controls (19%). Furthermore, there was a marked increase (P<0.001) in the incidence of rejection temporally associated with ciprofloxacin use among cases (29%) compared with that experienced by the controls (2%). CONCLUSIONS: The possibility that ciprofloxacin increases rejection rates in renal transplant patients may be of clinical importance and therefore warrants further investigation.

Anti-Infective Agents↗
PubMed1997

Investigation into the increase in hay fever and eczema at age 16 observed between the 1958 and 1970 British birth cohorts.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether changes in certain perinatal and social factors explain the increased prevalence of hay fever and eczema among British adolescents between 1974 and 1986. DESIGN: Two prospective birth cohort studies. SETTING: England, Wales, and Scotland. SUBJECTS: 11,195 children born 3-9 March 1958 and 9387 born 5-11 April 1970. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Parental reports of eczematous rashes and of hay fever or allergic rhinitis in the previous 12 months at age 16. RESULTS: The prevalence of the conditions over the 12 month period increased between 1974 and 1986 from 3.1% to 6.4% (prevalence ratio 2.04 (95% confidence interval 1.79 to 2.32)) for eczema and from 12.0% to 23.3% (prevalence ratio 1.93 (1.82 to 2.06)) for hay fever. Both conditions were more commonly reported among children of higher birth order and those who were breast fed for longer than 1 month. Eczema was more commonly reported among girls and hay fever among boys. The prevalence of hay fever decreased sharply between social classes I and V, increased with maternal age up to the early 30s, and was lower in children whose mothers smoked during pregnancy. Neither condition varied significantly with birth weight. When adjusted for these factors, the relative odds of hay fever (1986 v 1974) increased from 2.23 (2.05 to 2.43) to 2.40 (2.19 to 2.63). Similarly, the relative odds of eczema rose from 2.02 (1.73 to 2.36) to 2.14 (1.81 to 2.52). CONCLUSIONS: Taken together, changes between cohorts in sex, birth weight, birth order, maternal age, breast feeding, maternal smoking during pregnancy, and father's social class at birth did not seem to explain any of the observed rise in the prevalence of hay fever and eczema. However, correlates of these factors which have changed over time may still underlie recent increases in allergic disease.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1997

Respiratory questionnaire responses: how they change with time.

AIM: Responses to respiratory questionnaires are often used to identify individuals with asthma symptoms and may also be used to identify asymptomatic individuals. This study investigates the repeat responses over four years to such a questionnaire in a population of adult New Zealanders. METHODS: Seven hundred and twenty three asthmatics were sent two almost identical questionnaires in three areas of New Zealand, separated by approximately four years. All of them had answered yes to at least one of the three questions under study in the first survey. RESULTS: Following the second asthma questionnaire only 487 (67.4%) answered yes to at least one of the survey questions. Similarly, 51.1% of those who had reported having nocturnal shortness of breath in the first survey did so in the second survey, 69.9% of those who reported having had an asthma attack in the first survey did so in the second survey, and finally 74.8% of those who reported using asthma medication in the first survey did so in the second survey. CONCLUSION: Even in a previously identified symptomatic asthmatic group, a large proportion did not report respiratory symptoms and asthma medication use four years later. This implies that the true prevalence pool of susceptibles is likely to be far greater than is identified in surveys of the 12-month period prevalence of asthma symptoms. This has implications not only for the design of epidemiological studies (e.g., it poses problems for the selection of a control group of non-asthmatics in prevalence case-control studies), but also for the planning of health services and educational programmes for people with asthma.

Adult↗
PubMed1997

Geographical variation in the prevalence of asthma symptoms in New Zealand.

AIMS: To examine geographical variations in the prevalence of asthma symptoms in a random population sample of New Zealand adults aged 20-44 years. METHODS: A one page asthma symptom questionnaire was sent to 31470 people aged 20-44 years. The questionnaire asked about respiratory symptoms, asthma attacks and asthma treatment. Those who had not responded after two reminder postcards were followed with a telephone call where possible. RESULTS: A response rate of 82% (25664) was achieved. The 12 month period prevalence of asthma (defined as woken by shortness of breath, or an attack of asthma in the past year, or current asthma medication) was 15.2% overall, but was higher in females (17.0%) than in males (13.2%); the prevalence was 22.1% in Maori, 20.6% in Pacific Islanders and 14.3% in non Polynesians. In North Island electorates, the highest age and ethinicity standardised prevalences were found in some of the electorates in the Auckland and Wellington urban regions although prevalence was also high in some rural electorates including Raglan (18.0%), Horowhenua (18.4%) and Wairarapa (18.4%); the lowest prevalences were found in other rural electorates including King Country (5.5%), Matamata (10.1%) and Rotorua (10.3%). In South Island electorates, the highest prevalences were found in some electorates in the Christchurch and Dunedin urban areas, and the lowest prevalences were again found in rural electorates including Clutha (11.3%), Rangiora (9.5%) and Wallace (9.4%). CONCLUSIONS: This study confirms the previously reported high frequency of asthma symptoms in New Zealand adults, with higher symptom prevalence in Maori and in women. It shows significant urban/rural differences, as well as marked differences in prevalence between various rural areas. The reasons for these patterns are unclear and require further study.

Adult↗
PubMed1997

Inhibition of Bax channel-forming activity by Bcl-2.

Proteins of the Bcl-2 family are intracellular membrane-associated proteins that regulate programmed cell death (apoptosis) either positively or negatively by as yet unknown mechanisms. Bax, a pro-apoptotic member of the Bcl-2 family, was shown to form channels in lipid membranes. Bax triggered the release of liposome-encapsulated carboxyfluorescein at both neutral and acidic pH. At physiological pH, release could be blocked by Bcl-2. Bcl-2, in contrast, triggered carboxyfluorescein release at acidic pH only. In planar lipid bilayers, Bax formed pH- and voltage-dependent ion-conducting channels. Thus, the pro-apoptotic effects of Bax may be elicited through an intrinsic pore-forming activity that can be antagonized by Bcl-2.

Animals↗
PubMed1997

Prevalence of wheeze and asthma and relation to atopy in urban and rural Ethiopia.

BACKGROUND: Asthma and allergy in developing countries may be associated with adoption of an urbanised "western" lifestyle. We compared the rates of asthma symptoms and atopy in urban populations in Jimma, southwest Ethiopia, at an early stage of economic development with those among the population of remote, rural, subsistence areas, and assessed the potential role of environmental aetiological factors leading to the differences. METHODS: Information on wheeze of 12 months' duration, diagnosed asthma, and cough for 3 months of the year was gathered by questionnaire in random household samples of 9844 people from urban Jimma and of 3032 from rural areas. Atopy was defined by allergen skin-test response to Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus and mixed threshings measured in a one-in-four subsample of those aged 5 years and older from both groups. FINDINGS: All respiratory symptoms were rare in children and were significantly less common overall in the rural than in urban group (wheeze odds ratio 0.31 [95% CI 0.22-0.43], p < 0.0001). Asthma was reported by 351 (3.6%) of the urban group, with a median reported duration of 8.5 years (IQR 4-17 years) that was unrelated to age. Atopy was a strong risk factor for asthma in urban Jimma. In the rural areas, skin sensitivity to mixed threshings was only slightly less common than in urban Jimma (0.67 [0.40-1.12], p = 0.13), whereas sensitivity to D pteronyssinus was significantly more common (3.24 [2.40-4.38], p < 0.0001), and since none of the 119 atopic individuals in the rural area reported wheeze or asthma, atopy was possibly associated with a reduction in the risk of disease among this group. Wheeze or D pteronyssinus sensitivity were positively associated with housing style, bedding materials, and use of malathion insecticide, but no single factor accounted for the urban-rural differences. INTERPRETATION: Wheeze and asthma are especially rare in rural subsistence areas, and atopy may be associated with a reduced prevalence of these symptoms in this environment. In urban Jimma, self-reported asthma seemed to emerge as a clinical problem about 10 years before our study began, which is consistent with an effect of new environmental exposures. The factor or factors leading to the increase in asthma and allergy have not been identified, although exposures related to general changes in the domestic environment are likely to be involved.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1997

Effect of long-term treatment with salmeterol on asthma control: a double blind, randomised crossover study.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the effect of adding salmeterol 50 micrograms twice daily for six months to current treatment in subjects with asthma who control their inhaled corticosteroid dose according to a management plan. DESIGN: A double blind, randomised crossover study. SETTING: Nottingham. SUBJECTS: 101 subjects with mild or moderate asthma taking at least 200 micrograms twice daily of beclomethasone dipropionate or budesonide. INTERVENTIONS: Salmeterol 50 micrograms twice daily and placebo for six months each, with a one month washout. Subjects adjusted inhaled steroid dose according to guidelines. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Reduction in inhaled steroid use, exacerbations of asthma, and use of oral steroids. RESULTS: Data were available for 87 subjects. When compared with placebo salmeterol treatment was associated with a 17% reduction in inhaled steroid use (95% confidence interval 12% to 22%) with no significant difference in the number of subjects who had an exacerbation (placebo 25%, salmeterol 16%) or use of oral steroids. For secondary end points salmeterol treatment was associated with higher morning and evening peak expiratory flow and forced expiratory volume in one second; a reduction in symptoms, bronchodilator use and airway responsiveness to methacholine; and no effect on serum potassium concentration, 24 hour heart rate, or the final forced expiratory volume in one second achieved during a salbutamol dose-response study. CONCLUSIONS: In subjects who adjusted their inhaled steroid treatment according to guidelines the addition of salmeterol 50 micrograms twice daily was associated with a reduction in inhaled steroid use and improved lung function and symptom control.

Administration, Inhalation↗
PubMed1997

Under the volcano: fire, ash and asthma?

AIMS: To investigate the prevalence of respiratory symptoms in known asthmatics, following exposure to airborne volcanic ash particles caused by the eruptions of Mount Ruapehu, New Zealand, commencing September 1995. METHOD: A one page postal questionnaire was sent to 1392 previously identified asthmatics 2 months after the first major eruption. RESULTS: Two hundred and thirty seven subjects had moved from the area, died or gone overseas since the original contact 4 years previously; therefore the target population was 1155 subjects of whom 361 lived in the exposed area and 794 in the nonexposed areas. The response rates were 246 (68.1%) in the exposed group and 477 (60.1%) in the nonexposed group making a total of 723 individuals. The prevalence of nocturnal shortness of breath in the last two months was 29.3% in the exposed group and 24.7% in the nonexposed (OR = 1.26, 95% CI; 0.83-1.78). Similarly 30.9% of the exposed group had an asthma attack in the last 2 months compared to 31.9% of the nonexposed group (OR = 0.96, 95% CI; 0.69-1.33). Finally, 48.4% of the exposed group used asthma medication in the 2 months following the eruption in comparison to 53% of the nonexposed group (OR = 0.83, 95%, CI; 0.61-1.12). CONCLUSIONS: The study showed no association between living in an area exposed to volcanic ash particles and either asthma symptoms or the use of asthma medication. There was a small but nonsignificant increase in nocturnal shortness of breath in the exposed group.

Acute Disease↗
PubMed1997

House dust mite allergen levels in public places in New Zealand.

BACKGROUND: House dust mite allergens are a risk factor for asthma in New Zealand, and levels in domestic dwellings have been found to be high compared with levels in most other countries. Studies in other countries have demonstrated lower levels of Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus allergens in public places compared with levels in domestic dwellings. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to measure reservoir Der p 1 levels in public places in New Zealand and to examine determinants of these levels. METHODS: Reservoir dust was obtained in the two centers (Christchurch and Wellington) from hotels, hospitals, rest homes, churches, primary schools, childcare centers, cinemas, bank head offices, and airplanes; samples were also obtained from ski lodges. Single measurements of temperature and relative humidity were taken with thermohygrometers and an average humidity over 2 weeks was estimated with use of waxed wooden sticks. Information was collected on building construction, type of heating, and frequency of cleaning. Der p 1 levels (micrograms per gram of fine dust) for floor (n = 202), bed (n = 65), and seat (n = 24) samples in public places were expressed as geometric means (95% confidence intervals). RESULTS: Der p 1 levels in public places were significantly lower than domestic levels in both Wellington and Christchurch. Both floor and bed levels were higher in hotels than in other public places. After controlling for potential confounders, floor Der p 1 levels were higher with carpeted floors (p < 0.0001) and lower with recent cleaning (p = 0.02) and bed Der p 1 levels were higher with timber wall construction (p = 0.03). Other building, heating, or cleaning characteristics did not show significant association with allergen levels. CONCLUSION: Der p 1 levels were much lower in public places than in domestic dwellings with floor levels primarily affected by floor covering.

Allergens↗
PubMed1997

Cat allergen (Fel d 1) levels on school children's clothing and in primary school classrooms in Wellington, New Zealand.

BACKGROUND: New Zealand has a high prevalence of the major allergic diseases including asthma, rhinitis, and eczema, and cat ownership is common, with more than 50% of homes containing a cat. OBJECTIVE: The study was designed to examine the levels of cat allergen (Fel d 1) in the primary school environment, both on floors and on children's clothing. METHODS: We collected and analyzed dust samples from 11 school classrooms and from 202 children's garments using vacuum sampling and two-site monoclonal antibody ELISA, respectively. Environmental variables were identified by questionnaire. RESULTS: The geometric mean level of Fel d 1 in classrooms was 2.61 micro/gm (95% confidence interval, 1.28 to 3.84); however, seven classrooms had a floor sample with Fel d 1 greater than 8 microg/m2. Carpeted floor levels at 2.21 microg/gm (1.28 to 3.84) were considerably higher than those on uncarpeted floors, at 0.33 microg/gm (0.1 to 1.14). Floor levels and pupil cat ownership rates were positively correlated (r2 = 0.93, p = 0.0003). Children from homes with cats carried allergen on their clothes (mean Fel d 1, 6.10 microg per garment compared with non-cat owners (0.72 microg per garment). Wool and polyester garments contained more Fel d 1 than cotton clothing. Girls' clothing had significantly higher levels of allergen than did that of boys, even after controlling for cat status and fabric differences. CONCLUSIONS: Carpeting should be discouraged in environments such as schools and child care centers, where children spend considerable time. Transport of Fel d 1 on clothing from the domestic to the school environment is a major source of classroom cat allergen.

Adult↗
PubMed1997

The Maudsley Family Study. I: Structural brain changes on magnetic resonance imaging in familial schizophrenia.

1. The authors investigated the prevalence of qualitatively rated structural brain abnormalities in schizophrenic probands and their first-degree relatives from families multiply affected with schizophrenia. 2. Magnetic resonance imaging was used to evaluate brain morphology in 33 schizophrenic probands, 54 of their non-schizophrenic first-degree relatives (including 11 presumed obligate carriers) and 37 unrelated control subjects. Structural images were examined by a neuroradiologist who was blind to diagnostic and family status. 3. 52% of the schizophrenic subjects were rated as showing abnormalities compared with 27% of presumed obligate carriers, 16% of their non-schizophrenic relatives and 11% of unrelated controls. 4. Brain abnormalities were more frequent in schizophrenic subjects from multiplex families than in their first-degree relatives and controls. Abnormalities were also found in unaffected relatives particularly those who appear to be transmitting the disorder.

Adult↗
PubMed1997

Etiologic heterogeneity of the psychoses: is there a dopamine psychosis?

The distribution of drug-free plasma homovanillic acid (pHVA) concentrations was studied in a sample of psychotic patients, some of whom were selected for good prognostic features. Baseline pHVA was bimodally distributed, suggesting two different patient populations. The high-pHVA patients showed periods of better functioning and/or fewer symptoms 5 years before admission (p < .05) and had a more rapid (p < .05) and complete (p < .001) subacute neuroleptic response than lower-pHVA psychotics. High-pHVA psychotics did not differ in other aspects of demographics or clinical presentation from lower-pHVA psychotics. Compared to the general population, there were more psychotics in the families of high-pHVA patients (p < .005). Rapid antipsychotic response by high-pHVA psychotics is consistent with blockade of the effects of excess synaptic dopamine at D2 receptors for these patients. Results are discussed in the context of the syndromic heterogeneity of the psychoses.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1997

Further follow-up of New Zealand participants in United Kingdom atmospheric nuclear weapons tests in the Pacific.

We previously reported a study of deaths and cancer incidence in Royal New Zealand (RNZ) Navy personnel who participated in atmospheric nuclear weapons tests conducted by the United Kingdom in the Pacific in 1957-58. The study involved 528 men known to have participated in the tests, and a control group of 1,504 men who were in the RNZ Navy during the same period but were not involved in the tests. The original follow-up was carried out for the period 1957-87 with an observed increase in risk of leukemia and other hematologic cancers, but little or no increase of non-hematologic cancers or non-cancer deaths in test participants. Follow-up now has been extended for the period 1988-92. For the total follow-up period, there were 97 deaths in test participants and 256 deaths in controls, a relative risk (RR) of 1.1 (90 percent confidence interval [CI] = 0.9-1.3). The RR of death from causes other than cancer was 1.0 (CI = 0.8-1.3), whereas the RR of cancer death was 1.2 (CI = 0.8-1.7) and that of cancer incidence was 1.0 (CI = 0.8-1.4). For cancers other than hematologic malignancies, the RR was 1.0 (CI = 0.7-1.5) for mortality, and 1.0 (CI = 0.7-1.3) for incidence. However, there were eight deaths from hematologic cancers in test participants (RR = 3.8, CI = 1.4-10.8), including four leukemias (RR = 5.6, CI = 1.0-41.7). The RR for incidence of hematologic cancers was 1.9 (CI = 0.8-4.3), and that for leukemia was 5.6 (CI = 1.0-41.6). We concluded that the evidence is still consistent with the hypothesis that some leukemias and other hematologic cancers may have resulted from participation in the nuclear weapons test program, but the further follow-up strengthens the evidence that there is no increased risk for non-hematologic cancers or for causes of death other than cancer in the test participants.

Confidence Intervals↗
PubMed1997

Screening for depression among acutely ill geriatric inpatients with a short Geriatric Depression Scale.

BACKGROUND: Depression is not uncommon among acutely ill geriatric inpatients. METHOD: The performances of shorter versions of the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) in screening for depression among acutely ill geriatric inpatients were examined. RESULTS: A cut-off of 2/3 gives the best sensitivity (88%) and specificity (75%) for the 10-item version (GDS10). A cut-off of 0/1 gives the best sensitivity (72%) and specificity (90%) for the 4-item version (GDS4). A positive response to item 6 ("Do you often feel helpless?") on the GDS10 gave a sensitivity of 76% and specificity of 75%. Patients found the GDS10 tolerable and acceptable. CONCLUSION: Both shorter versions of the GDS may be utilized in screening for depression among acutely ill geriatric inpatients.

Aged↗
PubMed1997

Determinants of house dust mite allergen in homes in Wellington, New Zealand.

OBJECTIVES: To measure levels of the major Dermatophagoidespteronyssinus allergen (Der p 1) in homes in Wellington, New Zealand, and to examine factors which affect these levels. METHODS: As part of a study of risk factors for asthma among 474 8-10-year-old children, standard procedures were used to collect reservoir dust and to measure Der p 1 levels on the living room floor and child's bedroom floor and bedding. Der p 1 levels were analysed both as geometric mean microg/g of fine dust and as microg/m2. Questionnaires collected information about factors which might influence these levels, and an average relative humidity in the bed and on the bedroom floor was also measured. RESULTS: Similar geometric mean levels of Der p 1 were found at each floor site - 25.5 microg/g (95% CI: 22.8-28.5) in the living room and 26.4 microg/g (95% CI: 23.7-29.3) on the child's bedroom floor. The geometric mean level of Der p 1 in the child's bed was 46.6 microg/g (95% CI: 42.3-51.3). After controlling for possible confounders, geometric mean living room and bedroom floor Der p 1 levels were significantly higher in households with older carpet than households with no carpets or newer carpets, and higher in the autumn. Households with three or more children had higher levels of Der p 1 than households with fewer children. Bedding levels were significantly higher in beds with kapok or inner sprung mattresses, or wool underlays and at relative humidities above the mean (51%). CONCLUSION: The very high levels of house dust mite allergen (Der p 1) found in Wellington are likely to be due to a variety of life-style and climatic factors. However, the type and age of floor covering appears to be the single most important factor.

Allergens↗
PubMed1997

Palindrome resolution and recombination in the mammalian germ line.

Genetic instability is promoted by unusual sequence arrangements and DNA structures. Hairpin DNA structures can form from palindromes and from triplet repeats, and they are also intermediates in V(D)J recombination. We have measured the genetic stability of a large palindrome which has the potential to form a one-stranded hairpin or a two-stranded cruciform structure and have analyzed recombinants at the molecular level. A palindrome of 15.3 kb introduced as a transgene was found to be transmitted at a normal Mendelian ratio in mice, in striking contrast to the profound instability of large palindromes in prokaryotic systems. In a significant number of progeny mice, however, the palindromic transgene is rearranged; between 15 and 56% of progeny contain rearrangements. Rearrangements within the palindromic repeat occur both by illegitimate and homologous, reciprocal recombination. Gene conversion within the transgene locus, as quantitated by a novel sperm fluorescence assay, is also elevated. Illegitimate events often take the form of an asymmetric deletion that eliminates the central symmetry of the palindrome. Such asymmetric transgene deletions, including those that maintain one complete half of the palindromic repeat, are stabilized so that they cannot undergo further illegitimate rearrangements, and they also exhibit reduced levels of gene conversion. By contrast, transgene rearrangements that maintain the central symmetry continue to be unstable. Based on the observed events, we propose that one mechanism promoting the instability of the palindrome may involve breaks generated at the hairpin structure by a hairpin-nicking activity, as previously detected in somatic cells. Because mammalian cells are capable of efficiently repairing chromosome breaks through nonhomologous processes, the resealing of such breaks introduces a stabilizing asymmetry at the center of the palindrome. We propose that the ability of mammalian cells to eliminate the perfect symmetry in a palindromic sequence may be an important DNA repair pathway, with implications regarding the metabolism of palindromic repeats, the mutability of quasipalindromic triplet repeats, and the early steps in gene amplification events.

Animals↗