Separating the men from the boys: masculinity, psychosexual development, and sex crime in the United States, 1930s-1960s.
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Adult↗
Biomedical subjects
S Robertson
Publications and source records attributed to S Robertson.
Is there a case in favour of predictive genetic testing in young children?
Genetic testing has brought the ability to predict the onset of diseases many years before symptoms appear and the use of such predictive testing is now widespread. The medical fraternity has met the application of this practice to children with caution. The justification for their predominantly prohibitive stance has revolved around the lack of a readily identifiable medical benefit in the face of potential psychological harms to the child. We argue that predictive testing can have important psychosocial benefits and that the interests of the child have been construed too narrowly. Proponents of a prohibitive stance also argue that testing in childhood breaches the child's future right to make the same decision as an autonomous adult and to maintain this information as confidential. We argue that predictive genetic testing of children is not necessarily a violation of the child's future autonomy. Indeed, in some cases, such testing may facilitate the development of autonomy in the maturing child. We argue that parents are generally best placed to judge what is in their own child's overall interests, and that parental request for testing after appropriate genetic counselling should be respected unless there is clear evidence that the child will be harmed in an overall sense as a result of testing.
Adolescent↗
Regulation of hemangioblast development.
The in vitro differentiation of embryonic stem (ES) cells provides a powerful approach for studying the earliest events involved in the commitment of the hematopoietic and endothelial lineages. Using this model system, we have identified a precursor with the potential to generate both primitive and definitive hematopoietic cells as well as cells with endothelial characteristics. The developmental potential of this precursor suggests that it represents the in vitro equivalent of the hemangioblast, a common stem cell for both lineages. ES cells deficient for the transcription factor scl/tal-1 are unable to generate hemangioblasts, while those deficient for Runx1 generate reduced numbers of these precursors. These findings indicate that both genes play pivotal roles at the earliest stages of hematopoietic and endothelial development. In addition, they highlight the strength of this model system in studying the function of genes in embryonic development.
Animals↗
Feline Pit2 functions as a receptor for subgroup B feline leukemia viruses.
Different subgroups of feline leukemia virus (FeLV) use different host cell receptors for entry. Subgroup A FeLV (FeLV-A) is the virus that is transmitted from cat to cat, suggesting that cells expressing the FeLV-A receptor are important targets at the earliest stages of infection. FeLV-B evolves from FeLV-A in the infected cat through acquisition of cellular sequences that are related to the FeLV envelope gene. FeLV-Bs have been shown to infect cells using the Pit1 receptor, and some variants can infect cells at a lower efficiency using Pit2. Because these observations were made using receptor proteins of human or rodent origin, the role that Pit1 and Pit2 may play in FeLV-B replication in the cat is unclear. In this study, the feline Pit receptors were cloned and tested for their ability to act as receptors for different FeLV-Bs. Some FeLV-Bs infected cells expressing feline Pit2 and feline Pit1 with equal high efficiency. Variable region A (VRA) in the putative receptor-binding domain (RBD) was a critical determinant for both feline Pit1 and feline Pit2 binding, although other domains in the RBD appear to influence how efficiently the FeLV-B surface unit can bind to feline Pit2 and promote entry via this receptor. An arginine residue at position 73 in VRA was found to be important for envelope binding to feline Pit2 but not feline Pit1. Interestingly, this arginine is not found in endogenous FeLV sequences or in recombinant viruses recovered from feline cells infected with FeLV-A. Thus, while FeLV-Bs that are able to use feline Pit2 can evolve by recombination with endogenous sequences, a subsequent point mutation during reverse transcription may be needed to generate a virus that can efficiently enter the cells using the feline Pit2 as its receptor. These studies suggest that cells expressing the feline Pit2 protein are likely to be targets for FeLV-B infection in the cat.
Amino Acid Sequence↗
Epidermolysis bullosa with congenital pyloric atresia: novel mutations in the beta 4 integrin gene (ITGB4) and genotype/phenotype correlations.
Epidermolysis bullosa with pyloric atresia (EB-PA: OMIM 226730), also known as Carmi syndrome, is a rare autosomal recessive genodermatosis that manifests with neonatal mucocutaneous fragility associated with congenital pyloric atresia. The disease is frequently lethal within the first year, but nonlethal cases have been reported. Mutations in the genes encoding subunit polypeptides of the alpha 6 beta 4 integrin (ITGA6 and ITGB4) have been demonstrated in EB-PA patients. To extend the repertoire of mutations and to identify genotype-phenotype correlations, we examined seven new EB-PA families, four with lethal and three with nonlethal disease variants. DNA from patients was screened for mutations using heteroduplex analysis followed by nucleotide sequencing of PCR products spanning all beta 4 integrin-coding sequences. Mutation analysis disclosed 12 distinct mutations, 11 of them novel. Four mutations predicted a premature termination codon as a result of nonsense mutations or small out-of-frame insertions or deletions, whereas seven were missense mutations. This brings the total number of distinct ITGB4 mutations to 33. The mutation database indicates that premature termination codons are associated predominantly with the lethal EB-PA variants, whereas missense mutations are more prevalent in nonlethal forms. However, the consequences of the missense mutations are position dependent, and substitutions of highly conserved amino acids may have lethal consequences. In general, indirect immunofluorescence studies of affected skin revealed negative staining for beta 4 integrin in lethal cases and positive, but attenuated, staining in nonlethal cases and correlated with clinical phenotype. The data on specific mutations in EB-PA patients allows prenatal testing and preimplantation genetic diagnosis in families at risk.
Amino Acid Sequence↗
The efficacy of oro-facial and articulation exercises in dysarthria following stroke.
Although there are many accounts of appropriate oro-facial and articulation exercises and treatment hierarchies for clients with dysarthria following stroke, there is little evidence relating to the efficacy of such therapy and little or no information indicating either the extent or the frequency with which these exercises should be practiced for optimum effect. This study investigates the efficacy of such traditional therapy for eight clients. A clinic-based therapy programme and an exercise routine for home practice was agreed by a group of speech and language therapists. The results indicate not only the value of the therapy but also a realistic and viable programme for clients to carry out at home.
Aged↗
Haemodialysis in a rural area: a demanding form of treatment.
OBJECTIVE: To determine distances travelled and time spent waiting for transport among hospital haemodialysis patients living in a rural area. DESIGN: Cross sectional survey comparing the subregional dialysis unit in south west Scotland with 12 of the other 13 Scottish Adult Renal Units. SUBJECTS: Forty three Dumfries and Galloway patients and 935 other Scottish patients receiving hospital haemodialysis in November 1999. RESULTS: At the time of the survey 8/43 (19%) Dumfries patients travelled in excess of 100 miles per dialysis day (15,000 miles per year) solely for the purpose of dialysis, compared to 20/935 (2%) elsewhere in Scotland (p < 0.001). Twenty seven (63%) Dumfries and 594 (64%) patients in other Scottish Units relied on hospital car, Patient Transport Service bus or ambulance for the journey home after treatment. Dumfries patients who travelled by Patient Transport Service or hospital ambulance had to wait twice as long before they left the renal unit as patients using a dedicated hospital car or private car. CONCLUSION: Haemodialysis in a rural area has every reason to be considered a demanding form of treatment. Greater promotion of home based treatment would improve the quality of life for many of these patients, while dedicated hospital cars would reduce 'car to needle time' for those who remain on hospital haemodialysis.
Appointments and Schedules↗
Postradiotherapy prostate biopsies: what do they really mean? Results for 498 patients.
PURPOSE: Postradiotherapy (RT) prostate biopsies are prone to problems in interpretation. False negatives due to sampling error, false positives due to delayed tumor regression, and indeterminate biopsies showing radiation effect in residual tumor of uncertain viability are common occurrences. METHODS AND MATERIALS: A cohort of 498 men treated with conventional RT from 06/87-10/96 were followed prospectively with systematic transrectal ultrasound (TRUS)-guided post-RT prostate biopsies, starting 12-18 months after RT. If there was residual tumor but further decline in serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA), biopsies were repeated every 6-12 months. Patients with negative biopsies were rebiopsied at 36 months. Residual tumor was evaluated for RT effect and proliferation markers. The 498 men had 978 biopsies. Median time of the first biopsy (n = 498) was 13 months, biopsy #2 (n = 342) 28 months, biopsy #3 (n = 110) 36 months, biopsy #4 (n = 28) 44 months, and biopsy #5 (n = 4) 55 months. Median follow-up is 54 months (range 13-131). One hundred seventy-five patients (34%) had prior hormonal therapy for a median of 5 months (range 1-60). RESULTS: Clinical stage distribution was T1b: 46; T1c: 50; T2a: 115; T2b/c: 170; T3: 108; T4: 11; Tx: 1. Distribution by Gleason score was: 28% Gleason score 2-4; 42%: 5-6; 18%: 7; and 12%: 8-10. Seventy-one men have died, 26 of prostate cancer and 45 of other causes. Actuarial failure-free survival by T stage at 5 years is T1b: 78%; T1c: 76%; T2a: 60%; T2b/c: 55%; T3: 30%; and T4: 0%. Actuarial freedom from local failure at 5 years is T1b: 83%; T1c: 88%; T2a: 72%; T2b/c: 66%; T3: 58%; and T4: 0%. The proportion of indeterminate biopsies decreases with time, being 33% for biopsy 1, 24% for biopsy 2, 18% for biopsy 3, and 7% for biopsy 4. Thirty percent of indeterminate biopsies resolved to NED status, regardless of the degree of RT effect, 18% progressed to local failure, and 34% remained as biopsy failures with indeterminate status within the time frame of this report. Positive staining for proliferation markers was associated with both subsequent local failure and also any type of failure. In multivariate analysis, only PSA nadir (p = 0.0002) and biopsy status at 24-36 months (p = 0. 0005) were independent predictors of outcome. CONCLUSIONS: Post-RT prostate biopsies are not a gold standard of treatment efficacy, but are an independent predictor of outcome. Positive immunohistochemical staining for markers of cellular proliferation is associated with subsequent local failure. Indeterminate biopsies, even when showing marked RT effect, cannot be considered negative.
Adult↗
Photoelectric charging of dust particles in vacuum.
Photoelectric charging measurements are presented of dust grains in vacuum for isolated grains and for grains near a photoemissive surface. Isolated grains reach a positive-equilibrium floating potential, dependent upon the work function of the particle, which causes the emitted electrons to be returned. Grains dropped past a photoemitting surface reach a negative floating potential for which the sum of the emitted and collected currents is zero. The particles tested are 90-106 microm in diameter and are composed of Zn, Cu, graphite, and glass.
Journal Article↗
Experimental measurement of neoclassical mobility in an annular malmberg-penning trap
An annular Malmberg-Penning trap confining a non-neutral plasma of electrons has been operated with an azimuthal magnetic field to create drifts orthogonal to the magnetic flux surfaces. An applied electric field and collisions with added helium drive transport by electric mobility. The measured confinement times have the expected neoclassical magnetic-field dependence, are approximately 0.8 of the value based upon the neoclassical mobility, and differ from the classical value by more than a factor of 3 at the highest value of azimuthal field.
Journal Article↗
Drosophila p53 is a structural and functional homolog of the tumor suppressor p53.
The importance of p53 in carcinogenesis stems from its central role in inducing cell cycle arrest or apoptosis in response to cellular stresses. We have identified a Drosophila homolog of p53 ("Dmp53"). Like mammalian p53, Dmp53 binds specifically to human p53 binding sites, and overexpression of Dmp53 induces apoptosis. Importantly, inhibition of Dmp53 function renders cells resistant to X ray-induced apoptosis, suggesting that Dmp53 is required for the apoptotic response to DNA damage. Unlike mammalian p53, Dmp53 appears unable to induce a G1 cell cycle block when overexpressed, and inhibition of Dmp53 activity does not affect X ray-induced cell cycle arrest. These data reveal an ancestral proapoptotic function for p53 and identify Drosophila as an ideal model system for elucidating the p53 apoptotic pathway(s) induced by DNA damage.
Amino Acid Sequence↗
Plesiomonas shigelloides--an uncommon cause of diarrhoea in cats?
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Animals↗
Inhibition of IL-12 production in human monocyte-derived macrophages by TNF.
IL-12 is a pivotal cytokine that links the innate and adaptive immune responses. TNF-alpha also plays a key role in orchestrating inflammation and immunity. The reciprocal influence of these two inflammatory mediators on each other may have significant impact on the cytokine balance that shapes the type and extent of immune responses. To investigate the relationship between TNF-alpha and IL-12 production, we analyzed the effects of exposure of human monocyte-derived macrophages to TNF-alpha on LPS- or Staphylococcus aureus-induced IL-12 production in the presence or absence of IFN-gamma. TNF-alpha is a potent inhibitor of IL-12 p40 and p70 secretion from human macrophages induced by LPS or S. aureus. IL-10 is not responsible for the TNF-alpha-mediated inhibition of IL-12. TNF-alpha selectively inhibits IL-12 p40 steady-state mRNA, but not those of IL-12 p35, IL-1alpha, IL-1beta, or IL-6. Nuclear run-on analysis identified this specific inhibitory effect at the transcriptional level for IL-12 p40 without down-regulation of the IL-12 p35 gene. The major transcriptional factors identified to be involved in the regulation of IL-12 p40 gene expression by LPS and IFN-gamma, i.e., c-Rel, NF-kappaB p50 and p65, IFN regulatory factor-1, and ets-2, were not affected by TNF-alpha when examined by nuclear translocation and DNA binding. These data demonstrate a selective negative regulation on IL-12 by TNF-alpha, identifying a direct negative feedback mechanism for inflammation-induced suppression of IL-12 gene expression.
Biological Transport↗
The development of competency standards for specialist critical care nurses.
In defining the contemporary role of the specialist nurse it is necessary to challenge the concept of nursing as merely a combination of skills and knowledge. Nursing must be demonstrated and defined in the context of client care and include the broader notions of professional development and competence. This qualitative study sought to identify the competency standards for nurse specialists in critical care and to articulate the differences between entry-to-practice standards and the advanced practice of specialist nurses. Over 800 hours of specialist critical care nursing practice were observed and grouped into 'domains' or major themes of specialist practice using a constant comparison qualitative technique. These domains were further refined to describe attributes of the registered nurses which resulted in effective and/or superior performance (competency standards) and to provide examples of performance (performance criteria) which met the defined standard. Constant comparison of the emerging domains, competency standards and performance criteria to observations of specialist critical care practice, ensured the results provided a true reflection of the specialist nursing role. Data analysis resulted in 20 competency standards grouped into six domains: professional practice, reflective practice, enabling, clinical problem solving, teamwork, and leadership. Each of these domains is comprised of between two and seven competency standards. Each standard is further divided into component parts or 'elements' and the elements are illustrated with performance criteria. The competency standards are currently being used in several Australian critical care educational programmes and are the foundation for an emerging critical care credentialling process. They have been viewed with interest by a variety of non-critical care specialty groups and may form a common precursor from which further specialist nursing practice assessment will evolve.
Australia↗
Numerical model for collisions in the drift approximation that reproduces classical and neoclassical transport
A numerical method is described for including collisions in the drift approximation in a way that reproduces diffusion of the guiding center and of the drift orbit center. For untrapped particles, the method gives transport that agrees with classical values for mobility and diffusivity both parallel and perpendicular to the magnetic field. For trapped particles, the method correctly reproduces the neoclassical mobility and diffusivity. The model has been applied to the annular Penning trap in which a non-neutral plasma of electrons in a helical magnetic field makes collisions with neutral gas. The model shows that the transport makes a transition from neoclassical to classical values as the collision frequency goes from less than to greater than the axial bounce frequency.
Journal Article↗
7,8-Diphenyl-9-dimethylsulfido-10,11-mu-hydro-7, 8-dicarba-nido-undecaborane(9).
In the title compound, C(16)H(25)B(9)S, there are two crystallographically independent molecules, and the conformations of the phenyl and SMe(2) substituents indicate some intramolecular steric crowding. The bridging H atom is asymmetrically disposed. The title compound is a precursor to a crowded vertex-labelled nido carborane ligand important in establishing the mechanism of isomerization of icosahedral heteroboranes.
Journal Article↗
Expression of a homeobox gene (SIX5) in borderline ovarian tumours.
AIMS: To assess the expression of SIX5 (a homeobox gene) mRNA in surface coelomic epithelium, endocervical epithelium, Fallopian tube epithelium, and benign, borderline, and malignant epithelial ovarian tumours. METHODS: 10 normal premenopausal ovaries, 10 normal Fallopian tubes, 10 normal cervices, 10 normal postmenopausal ovaries, 10 benign epithelial ovarian tumours, 10 malignant epithelial ovarian tumours, and 40 borderline epithelial ovarian tumours were studied retrospectively. The tissues had been fixed in formalin and embedded in paraffin wax. The tumours had previously been typed into mucinous, serous, or mixed tumours and assigned to the borderline category according to the FIGO/WHO criteria. Expression was assessed by in situ binding of SIX5 specific sense and antisense riboprobes. Hybridization of the riboprobes was detected using a standard immunohistochemical technique and the results correlated with expression in the normal epithelium of the endocervix, Fallopian tube, surface coelomic epithelium, and ovarian tumours. RESULTS: Expression of SIX5 mRNA was demonstrated in normal Fallopian tube epithelium and normal endocervical epithelium. SIX5 mRNA was not detected in normal ovarian epithelial tissue at any of the times studied during the menstrual cycle. Expression of SIX5 was not shown in benign epithelial ovarian tumours or in any of the malignant epithelial ovarian tumours. In 31 of 37 borderline epithelial ovarian tumours (84%), SIX5 expression was found in the epithelial cells. CONCLUSIONS: SIX5 expression is present in the normal epithelium throughout most of the female reproductive tract, suggesting it may have a role in maintaining epithelial differentiation in these tissues. SIX5 expression appears to be restricted to borderline epithelial ovarian tumours and may be a marker of epithelial differentiation in these tumours; thus borderline ovarian tumours may not be part of a continuum of disease between benign and malignant epithelial ovarian tumours. Further investigation of expression of SIX5 may clarify the molecular processes that promote differentiation of the ovarian surface epithelium.
Cystadenoma, Mucinous↗
The quantitative measurement of autoantibodies to thyroglobulin and thyroid peroxidase by automated microparticle based immunoassays in Hashimoto's disease, Graves' disease and a follow-up study on postpartum thyroid disease.
The aim of this study was to investigate the association between various autoimmune thyroid diseases and the presence of anti-TPO and anti-Tg antibodies using two novel automated microparticle based immunoassays developed for the AxSYM analyzer. Serum samples from 65 individuals with Hashimoto's Disease, 38 with Graves' Disease and 80 UK blood donors were assayed. In addition, samples were taken from 50 women known to be positive for TPO antibodies, for up to 24 weeks following delivery. Precision for both assays ranges from 5.7-9.1% CV, while analytical sensitivity was determined to be 1.0 IU/ml for Anti-Tg and 0.3 IU/ml for Anti-TPO. The Anti-TPO test showed positive results in 86% of Hashimoto's Disease and 87% of Graves' Disease. The figures obtained for Anti-Tg were 58% and 73% respectively. Specificity was 94% with Anti-TPO and 99% with Anti-Tg. The postpartum women were divided into 2 groups, group A remained symptomless while group B developed thyroid dysfunction. Within the 2 groups, medians calculated at each time point were compared between and within groups using the Mann-Whitney Rank Sum Test or the Kruskal-Wallis One Way ANOVA on Ranks. Anti-TPO baseline levels (week 6) were statistically different between both groups (median 36 vs. 167 IU/ml, p = 0.002). In group A, the median values increased from 36 to 87 IU/ml within the observation period, although the difference was not statistically significant. In group B, antibody titres showed a statistically significant increase from 168 IU/ml (week 6) up to 676 IU/ml after 20 weeks (p < 0.001). Anti-Tg baseline levels were not statistically different between the two groups. In group A, the median values did not change significantly over time (range: 47-86 IU/ml) whereas antibody titres in group B showed a statistically significant increase from 79 IU/ml (week 6) to 276 IU/ml after 24 weeks (p = 0.002). Results obtained indicate that these assays provide useful tools for the quantitative determination of autoantibodies in both primary diagnosis as shown with the Hashimoto's disease and Graves' disease samples and patient follow-up as demonstrated with the postpartum samples. The automation and high precision of the assays make them perfectly suited to routine diagnostic use.
Autoanalysis↗