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Biomedical subjects

W Hunter

Publications and source records attributed to W Hunter.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2004

Violence against women in India: evidence from rural Maharashtra, India.

INTRODUCTION: In recent years violence against women has emerged as an important social problem in India. It has attracted the attention of a wide spectrum of agencies, from healthcare providers to law enforcement authorities. This study attempted to determine the characteristics and the magnitude of physical and psychological violence against women in rural Maharashtra, central India. METHODS: The study initially undertook focus group activities. This was followed by the formulation of the survey instrument in English, which focused on partner violence and child disciplinary practices. After pre-testing the instrument in 25 households, the actual study was conducted by trained interviewers in five randomly selected villages of rural Maharashtra. The study included 500 households (sample size = 500 women, eligible if they had at least one child less than 18 years of age). RESULTS: The results revealed that of the women interviewed, almost one-third (30.4%) had no formal education and the women's husbands were better educated. More than half the women lived in one-room dwellings and were at or above the clinical cut-off point for depression on the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D). 38% of the women were verbally insulted by their husband with a median of 11 times in past 6 months. Almost half the women said they had been slapped, hit, kicked or beaten by their husbands at some time. 24% of the women reported having been kicked by their husbands at some point during their married life, and 44% were reportedly kicked during pregnancy. 12% were specifically threatened by their husbands with having kerosene oil poured on them to set them on fire. 30% of the physically assaulted victims required medical care. CONCLUSIONS: Considering the prevalence of domestic violence, health-care providers should screen for domestic violence in routine practice. In addition, protocols should be developed for referral of abused women to appropriate community resources. In the present Indian rural setting, solutions to domestic violence must be found within the social structure of the family and the community.

Journal Article↗
PubMed2001

Tamoxifen as systemic treatment of advanced breast cancer during pregnancy--case report and literature review.

BACKGROUND: When patients with metastatic breast cancer become pregnant, management is complicated by the potential harms of drug treatment to the fetus and by the potential effects of the pregnancy on the cancer. Chemotherapy is considered optimal systemic anti-cancer therapy from the second trimester, while tamoxifen has been considered inappropriate due to concerns over possible teratogenesis and lack of efficacy. CASE: We report a patient who became pregnant concurrent with the identification of metastatic breast cancer and who elected to continue her pregnancy with tamoxifen as sole systemic anti-cancer therapy. The pregnancy was difficult, but a normal child was delivered and the mother responded to subsequent hormone manipulation. The putative teratogenic effects of tamoxifen and the mechanisms underlying tamoxifen resistance in this setting are discussed. CONCLUSIONS: The use of tamoxifen in pregnancy is complex, but is not necessarily associated with fetal harm and may be considered a therapeutic option in selected cases.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

Intrapericardial paclitaxel delivery inhibits neointimal proliferation and promotes arterial enlargement after porcine coronary overstretch.

BACKGROUND: Catheter-based intrapericardial (IPC) delivery of therapeutic agents has recently been demonstrated. Paclitaxel is known to inhibit vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation. This study examined the effect of IPC instillation of paclitaxel on neointimal proliferation after balloon overstretch of porcine coronary arteries. METHODS AND RESULTS: Overstretch injury of coronary arteries was followed by IPC administration of micellar paclitaxel at low dose (LD, 10 mg; n=6) or high dose (HD, 50 mg; n=7) or of control micelles (50 mg, n=5). Animals were euthanized 28 days after balloon dilation. Arterial injury indices were no different among the groups. The neointimal area, maximal intimal thickness, and adventitial thickness were significantly reduced in both LD (0.47+/-0.04 mm(2), 0.43+/-0.03 mm, and 0.35+/-0.02 mm, respectively) and HD (0.51+/-0.06 mm(2), 0.42+/-0.03 mm, and 0. 38+/-0.03 mm, respectively) paclitaxel groups compared with the control group (0.79+/-0.07 mm(2), 0.56+/-0.02 mm, and 0.47+/-0.02 mm, respectively; P:<0.001). Meanwhile, the vessel circumference measured at the external elastic lamina of paclitaxel-treated vessels was significantly larger than the control circumference. Apoptotic cells were found in the neointima. The apoptotic cell percentage was not different between the control (1.72%) and LD (2. 31%) groups but was higher in the HD group (7.07%, P:<0.0001 versus control and LD groups). Immunostaining for matrix metalloproteinase-2 revealed concurrent reduction in the HD group compared with the control and LD groups. CONCLUSIONS: IPC space delivery of a single dose of paclitaxel significantly reduces vessel narrowing in this balloon-overstretch model. This effect is mediated by reduction of neointimal mass as well as positive vascular remodeling.

Angioplasty, Balloon, Coronary↗
PubMed2000

Isolation and purification of functional total RNA from woody branches and needles of Sitka and white spruce.

The isolation of intact, functional RNA from conifer spp. is not easy, especially from those tissues that are heavily lignified and characterized by a low number of living cells. An efficient procedure for isolating RNA from combined wood and bark tissues of conifers was developed based on a protocol optimized for the extraction of RNA from pollen and one for the isolation of RNA from woody stems. This protocol does not involve the use of phenol, and no ultracentrifugation was required. In addition, the protocol overcame the problems of RNA degradation and low yield due to oxidation by polyphenolics and co-precipitation with polysaccharides, both of which are abundant components in conifer bark tissues. The isolated RNA was of high quality and undegraded as gauged by spectrophotometric readings and electrophoresis in denaturing agarose gels. Quality was further assessed through the subsequent use of the RNA in reverse transcription and RT-PCR, indicating that it could be used for a number of downstream purposes including Northern blot hybridization and cDNA library construction. Using this modified protocol, 80-150 micrograms of RNA was routinely obtained from 1 g of fresh material. This protocol was also used for the isolation of RNA from needles of spruce spp., from which 750-950 micrograms RNA per gram of starting material could routinely be obtained.

Base Sequence↗
PubMed2000

The simultaneous presentation of sarcoidosis and common variable immune deficiency.

Sarcoidosis and common variable immune deficiency can rarely present simultaneously in the same individual. We describe a child who presented with both disorders. The diagnosis of sarcoidosis was delayed because of the atypical appearances of the liver biopsy. She failed to respond to intravenous immunoglobulin but improved once cyclosporin and corticosteroids were added to her treatment regimen. It is important that the co-existence of both disorders is recognised so that treatment with a combination of intravenous immunoglobulin and immunosuppression can be in instituted to treat both the immune deficiency as well as the granulomatous disorder. As illustrated here, patients may fail to respond if either modality is used alone.

Child, Preschool↗
PubMed1999

Human granulocytic ehrlichiosis in Northern California: two case descriptions with genetic analysis of the Ehrlichiae.

We report two cases of human granulocytic ehrlichiosis (HGE) that occurred in northern California in summer 1998. Patients had fever, malaise, and myalgia, reported tick bites, had moderate thrombocytopenia, and had normal or slightly elevated liver enzyme activities. Ehrlichial inclusions were observed in the blood of one patient, and HGE-agent DNA was amplified by PCR from both patients. Genetically, the strains resembled horse isolates from northern California. The close spatial and temporal proximity of the two new cases may be due to a nidus of infection in the area or heightened surveillance by local physicians.

Animals↗
PubMed1998

The antineoplastic ether lipid, s-phosphonate, selectively induces apoptosis in human leukemic cells and exhibits antiangiogenic and apoptotic activity on the chorioallantoic membrane of the chick embryo.

INTRODUCTION: We investigated the cytotoxic and antiangiogenic activity of the ether lipid, 2'-(trimethylammonio)ethyl 4-(hexadecyloxy)-3(S)-methoxybutane-phosphonate (termed s-phosphonate). METHOD: Cytotoxicity was determined using an XTT bioassay. Apoptosis was measured by either DNA fragmentation or immunolabelling techniques. Angiogenesis was measured using the in vivo chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) of the chick embryo. RESULTS: S-phosphonate was selectively cytotoxic towards the human leukemic cell lines, HL-60 and AML-14, whereas leukemic K-562 cells and the murine mast cell line, MC-9, were resistant to this agent at concentrations as high as 50 microM. This selectivity resulted from the induction of apoptosis (or programmed cell death) by s-phosphonate in HL-60 and AML-14 cells but not in resistant K-562 or MC-9 cells. S-phosphonate induced localized antiangiogenic effects and membrane thinning in the CAM. This concentration-dependent antiangiogenic effect was associated with apoptosis in the CAM as measured by DNA fragmentation in extracted CAM tissue. The localized areas of membrane thinning and antiangiogenesis on the CAM caused by s-phosphonate were also the only areas of the membrane in which apoptosis occurred. CONCLUSION: We conclude that s-phosphonate selectively induces apoptosis in human leukemic cells and exhibits antiangiogenic and apoptotic activity on the CAM.

Animals↗
PubMed1998

Development and validation of an evaluation tool for multimedia resources in health education.

The last decade saw a rapid increase in the use of multimedia in health education. Easy availability, accessibility, low cost of technological resources and the expanding body of research on the role of multimedia in student learning, among others, have all contributed to this increase in usage. Since one of the roles of educators is to assess and select learning resources based on curriculum goals and student needs, the development of standardized methods for multimedia evaluation becomes vital. To the learner, it is important for reviews of the quality of the resource to be readily available. An evaluation too was developed based on the recognition of this need. The validity of the tool was tested using experts in technology and education. Reliability was determined using faculty and students who reviewed the same software, using the tool. In addition, graduate students reviewed two versions of a nursing program, of varying quality. The results indicate that the tool is reliable and valid. It is envisaged that this tool can be utilized by health educators for evaluating multimedia resources and setting up a much needed clearinghouse for health education resources.

CD-ROM↗
PubMed1998

On the behavioral characteristics of loud-music listening.

To provide insight into the behavioral characteristics of people who listen excessively to loud music, the 32-item Northeastern Excessive Music Listening Survey was developed and administered to 90 subjects. Results indicate that 8 of the 90 subjects scored within a range that would suggest the presence of a maladaptive pattern of music-listening behavior similar to that exhibited by substance abusers. Implications for further research and models of treatment are discussed.

Adult↗
PubMed1996

Expression of p53 in conjunctival melanocytic nevi. An immunohistochemical study.

The objective of this study was to evaluate conjunctival nevi for p53 gene mutations. We studied 11 conjunctival nevi by immunohistochemistry with the DO7 monoclonal p53 antibody as well as the cell proliferation marker, MIB1. Of the 11 cases, 2 were negative, 2 had less than 1%, and 7 had more than 2% p53 immunopositive nuclei with no direct correlation with MIB1 positivity. Our results suggest altered expression of p53 in conjunctival nevi.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗
PubMed1993

Malignant acanthosis nigricans. A case report.

PURPOSE: The authors present a case of malignant acanthosis nigricans that has two unusual aspects. The first is involvement of the lid margins with confluent papillomata, causing severe visual impairment, and the second is the association with lung malignancy. METHODS: A 65-year-old Portuguese man presented with decreased vision, papillomatous lid lesions, pruritus, and progressive thickening of the skin of his face, neck, axillae, and inguinal creases. A diagnosis of acanthosis nigricans was made after skin biopsy. Systemic investigations showed a suprahilar mass, and biopsy was positive for squamous cell carcinoma of the lung. RESULTS: The patient underwent excision of papillomata from all four lid margins, and this was repeated 1 year later. He also completed a course of palliative radiotherapy. CONCLUSION: Malignant acanthosis nigricans is rarely associated with lung neoplasms, being more commonly a manifestation of intra-abdominal malignancies. Of note in this case is the extensive ocular involvement and visual impairment.

Acanthosis Nigricans↗
PubMed1991

The effect of self-administered faecal occult blood tests on compliance with screening for colorectal cancer: results of a survey of those invited.

To determine the relative importance of health beliefs and the characteristics of different methods of faecal occult blood screening in predicting acceptance of the test a self completed questionnaire was offered to 590 patients registered with a practice in an Oxfordshire market town. The patients were an age-sex stratified random sample of those who had been offered screening as part of a trial in which one of three different faecal occult blood screening tests, two of which were self-reported, had been offered. The overall adjusted response rate was 70.1%. Those who complied with the test had more positive attitudes to the implications of a positive test, to treatment and to the value of screening in general. The experience of a close relative or friend with bowel cancer was associated with an increased likelihood of compliance [odds ratio = 15.2 (9.4-24.3)]. Three were marked differences between the tests in the proportions of patients finding them 'messy' or 'disgusting' (Haemoccult 72.0%, Coloscreen 48.0%, Early Detector 55.4% chi 2 Haemoccult vs. self-reported = 5.05 P less than 0.05), and the odds of finding the procedure disgusting were significantly higher among patients who did not complete the test [odds ratio 6.9 (3.1-15.5)].

Attitude to Health↗
PubMed1989

The effect of halothane, enflurane, and isoflurane on the dynamic stiffness of rabbit papillary muscle.

The authors examined the effect of halothane, enflurane, and isoflurane on the dynamic stiffness of rabbit papillary muscles in Ba2+ contracture. Ca2+ was replaced by Ba2+ in order to constantly activate myofibrils. The dynamic stiffness of the contractured muscle was examined by exposing the muscle to sinusoidal length perturbations at frequencies of 0.05-30 Hz under two concentrations of anesthetic, approximately 0.5, and 1.5-2 mM, and at two Ba2+ concentrations, 0.5 and 1.5-2 mM. The anesthetics had no effect on the frequency (fmin) at which minimum stiffness occurred, but markedly decreased the stiffness modulus at high frequencies (Khi). The decrease in Khi was significant for all anesthetics at the P less than 0.05 level. Increasing the Ba2+ concentration from 0.5 to 1.5-2 mM in the presence of 0.5 mM of anesthetic resulted in a return of Khi to control levels. The authors conclude that halothane, enflurane, and isoflurane did not alter actin-myosin ATPase kinetics, because fmin was unchanged, but decreased the number of crossbridge interactions, because Khi was significantly decreased by all three anesthetics.

Animals↗