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PubMed2000

An interactive CD-ROM for nutrition screening and counseling.

OBJECTIVES: The goal of this project was to develop an interactive CD-ROM for nutrition screening and counseling, designed to produce dietary behavior change in fat and fruit and vegetable intake. METHODS: The design was based on principles of relevance to the learner, readiness for change, feedback, individualization, facilitation of skills, and goal setting. It was tested in community settings such as libraries, senior centers, and Women, Infants, and Children clinics. RESULTS: Nearly 80% of the respondents (n = 284), including numerous low-income persons, reported learning something new about nutrition and health or their own dietary habits. More than 50% of those recontacted 2 to 4 weeks later had put some of their dietary goals into practice. CONCLUSIONS: This program is useful for dietary screening, feedback, skill building, and motivation in settings in which in-person counseling by nutrition professionals is not feasible.

Adult↗
PubMed1996

Prk, a cytokine-inducible human protein serine/threonine kinase whose expression appears to be down-regulated in lung carcinomas.

We have cloned and characterized a putative protein serine/threonine kinase termed prk through a combination of polymerase chain reaction and conventional cDNA library screening approaches. There are apparently two distinct domains within prk protein deduced from its nucleotide sequences. The amino-terminal portion has the feature of the catalytic domain of a serine/threonine kinase and shows strong homology to mouse fnk and other polo family kinases including mouse snk, human and murine plk, Drosophila polo, and yeast Cdc5. The carboxyl-terminal portion, presumably the regulatory domain, shares extensive homology to mouse fnk. Northern blotting analyses reveal that prk expression is restricted to a very limited number of tissues with placenta, ovaries, and lung containing detectable amounts of prk mRNA. prk mRNA expression is also detected at a low level in the megakaryocytic cell line Dami, MO7e, and three brain glioma cell lines. In addition, refeeding of serum-deprived MO7e, Dami, and K562 cells of hematopoietic origin and GMOO637D of lung fibroblasts rapidly activates prk mRNA expression with its peak induction around 2 h after serum addition. prk gene activation by the serum requires no new protein synthesis. The recombinant cytokines such as interleukin-3 and thrombopoietin also activate prk mRNA expression in MO7e cells. Furthermore, a survey of RNAs isolated from the tumor and the uninvolved tissues from 18 lung cancer patients reveals that prk mRNA expression is significantly down-regulated in tumor tissues. Southern blotting analysis indicates that the prk gene is present in a single copy in the genome of tumors and normal cells. Taken together, these results suggest that prk expression may be restricted to proliferating cells and involved in the regulation of cell cycle progression. The molecular cloning of prk cDNA will facilitate the study of its biological role as well as its potential role in tumorigenesis.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1987

Identification and characterization of mRNAs regulated by nerve growth factor in PC12 cells.

Differential screening of cDNA libraries was used to detect and prepare probes for mRNAs that are regulated in PC12 rat pheochromocytoma cells by long-term (2-week) treatment with nerve growth factor (NGF). In response to NGF, PC12 cells change from a chromaffin cell-like to a sympathetic-neuron-like phenotype. Thus, one aim of this study was to identify NGF-regulated mRNAs that may be associated with the attainment of neuronal properties. Eight NGF-regulated mRNAs are described. Five of these increase 3- to 10-fold and three decrease 2- to 10-fold after long-term NGF exposure. Each mRNA was characterized with respect to the time course of the NGF response, regulation by agents other than NGF, and rat tissue distribution. Partial sequences of the cDNAs were used to search for homologies to known sequences. Homology analysis revealed that one mRNA (increased 10-fold) encodes the peptide thymosin beta 4 and a second mRNA (decreased 2-fold) encodes tyrosine hydroxylase. Another of the increased mRNAs was very abundant in sympathetic ganglia, barely detectable in brain and adrenals, and undetectable in all other tissues surveyed. One of the decreased mRNAs, by contrast, was very abundant in the adrenals and nearly absent in the sympathetic ganglia. With the exception of fibroblast growth factor, which is the only other agent known to mimic the differentiating effects of NGF on PC12 cells, none of the treatments tested (epidermal growth factor, insulin, dibutyryl cyclic AMP, dexamethasone, phorbol ester, and depolarization) reproduced the regulation observed with NGF. These and additional findings suggest that the NGF-regulated mRNAs may play roles in the establishment of the neuronal phenotype and that the probes described here will be useful to study the mechanism of action of NGF and the development and differentiation of neurons.

Animals↗
PubMed2006

Home and community literacy experiences of individuals with Down syndrome.

This exploratory survey was conducted to gain a detailed understanding of the home and community literacy experiences of children, adolescents and adults with Down syndrome. The data were collected from 224 parents/guardians across Canada who were asked to indicate literacy goals and priorities for their children with Down syndrome, the literacy resources they and their children utilised at home and in the community, perceived barriers to their children's literacy attainment, and solutions for alleviating the barriers. The results were analysed according to age when appropriate, in order to better understand the course of literacy development. Overall, the number of respondents who indicated their children with Down syndrome could read and write appeared to be consistent with previously published estimates, including the number reporting advanced reading levels. The wide range of reading and writing materials observed in use at home appeared to be greater than the range of materials actually used by children with Down syndrome. Relatively few of the parents who read storybooks to their children reported asking higher-level questions, suggesting that some parents might benefit from support in this activity. Many respondents reported using the library, and many expressed concerns about the quality and scarcity of literacy programs. The results are discussed with regard to their implications for how parents, caregivers, teachers, and program providers can encourage literacy development in persons with Down syndrome, and suggestions for future research.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2001

Drug interactions between oral contraceptives and antibiotics.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the evidence on possible drug interactions between antibiotics and oral contraceptives (OCs) that may lead to OC failure. DATA SOURCES: MEDLINE and Lexis/Nexis Medical Library searches for 1966-1999 using the key word "oral contraceptives," cross-indexed with the terms "antibiotics," "adverse effects," and "pregnancy," and MEDLINE search using the additional MeSH term "drug interactions." No language restrictions were used. METHODS OF STUDY SELECTION: A total of 167 articles were retrieved for analysis. Another 32 articles were identified by review of the references cited in these publications. Articles were selected based on their ability to provide information on the relationship between antibiotic therapy and OC efficacy in otherwise compliant users (defined as women with unplanned pregnancies who reported compliance with their OC regimen). Additionally, studies that either directly measured the effects of antibiotics on the pharmacokinetics of OC components, or that analyzed the effects of antibiotics on measures of ovulation in OC users were accepted. TABULATION, INTEGRATION, AND RESULTS: At least 30 cases have been reported of pregnancies occurring in women taking OCs and antibiotics, particularly rifampin. Approximately 20% of pregnant women reporting to family planning or abortion clinics reported concomitant OC and antibiotic use. Information from adverse event reporting databases generally mirrors the types of information gleaned from these case reports and clinical surveys and accounts for approximately one-third of reported cases. Retrospective surveys, primarily from dermatology-based practices, also have reported 24 pregnancies in OC users who concomitantly received therapy with antibiotics, most commonly tetracyclines and penicillins. Apparent OC failure rates in clinical surveys were within the usual range expected for patterns of typical use. In pooled results obtained from relatively small populations, oral antibiotics, with the exception of rifampin, have not significantly affected the pharmacokinetics of ethinyl estradiol, levonorgestrel, and norethindrone or reduced the serum concentrations of gonadotropins. However, individual patients have been identified who experienced significant decreases in the plasma concentration of these components of OCs and who appeared to ovulate. CONCLUSION: Rifampin impairs the effectiveness of OCs. Pharmacokinetic studies of other antibiotics have not shown any systematic interaction between antibiotics and OC steroids. However, individual patients do show large decreases in the plasma concentrations of ethinyl estradiol when they take certain other antibiotics, notably tetracycline and penicillin derivatives. Because it is not possible to identify these women in advance, a cautious approach is advised.

Anti-Bacterial Agents↗
PubMed2002

Student nurse satisfaction levels with their courses: Part II--effects of academic variables.

The degree of student satisfaction with their educational experiences is an important dimension in the assessment of institutional effectiveness. All nursing education teams are currently working on ways to improve the quality of their educational provision and increase the satisfaction of their students. This is the second of a two-part article on the factors that influence student satisfaction with their courses. Part I examined how the four demographic features of gender, disability, ethnicity and age influenced student satisfaction and their performance on nursing modules. This paper complements Part I by examining the effects of three educational factors (academic level of the module, mode of study, and the qualification aim) on the accomplishment and satisfaction levels of 460 students attending multidisciplinary health care modules at the School of Health Care, Oxford Brookes University, 2000/2001. The study found that in contrast to Level 1 students, Level 3 participants felt the need for modules to stimulate more interest, that module teams be more skilled and knowledgeable and that library resources be more abundant. The findings also suggested that part-time students required significantly more attention than full-time participants in terms of the need for smaller seminar groups that would facilitate contributions and decrease inhibitions among students, and were more concerned with the utility and relevance of their learning in relation to their chosen professions. Diploma participants had the highest satisfaction followed by the BA and then the BSc students. The findings raise issues which are of interest to academic staff and nursing students, and the implications for nurse education and curriculum design are discussed within the context of student nurse satisfaction and quality issues of learning and teaching in higher education.

Adult↗
PubMed2005

Studying health information from a distance: refining an e-learning case study in the crucible of student evaluation.

PURPOSE: To present a formative evaluation of the impact of a multimedia case study as a component of a masters course in health informatics delivered by distance learning. SETTING/PARTICIPANTS/RESOURCES: First and second year health informatics students undertaking four core modules of a masters programme at the University of Sheffield. METHODOLOGY: Individual qualitative user surveys and interviews. RESULTS/OUTCOMES: Formative evaluation has played a significant role in refining the case study through its text-based, intermediate and CD-ROM based stages. Feedback from students has resulted in clarification of case study tasks, clearer definition of teaching roles and a revised approach to assessment. At the same time it has highlighted the importance of ongoing revision and maintenance in keeping the scenarios realistic and current. DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION: The multimedia case study has met many of its original aims in providing greater cohesion for core modules and encouraging greater levels of interaction and multidisciplinary collaboration.

Computer-Assisted Instruction↗
PubMed2005

Identity and ecophysiology of uncultured actinobacterial polyphosphate-accumulating organisms in full-scale enhanced biological phosphorus removal plants.

Microautoradiography combined with fluorescence in situ hybridization (MAR-FISH) was used to screen for potential polyphosphate-accumulating organisms (PAO) in a full-scale enhanced biological phosphorus removal (EBPR) plant. The results showed that, in addition to uncultured Rhodocyclus-related PAO, two morphotypes hybridizing with gene probes for the gram-positive Actinobacteria were also actively involved in uptake of orthophosphate (Pi). Clone library analysis and further investigations by MAR-FISH using two new oligonucleotide probes revealed that both morphotypes, cocci in clusters of tetrads and short rods in clumps, were relatively closely related to the genus Tetrasphaera within the family Intrasporangiaceae of the Actinobacteria (93 to 98% similarity in their 16S rRNA genes). FISH analysis of the community biomass in the treatment plant investigated showed that the short rods (targeted by probe Actino-658) were the most abundant (12% of all Bacteria hybridizing with general bacterial probes), while the cocci in tetrads (targeted by probe Actino-221) made up 7%. Both morphotypes took up P(i) aerobically only if, in a previous anaerobic phase, they had taken up organic matter from wastewater or a mixture of amino acids. They could not take up short-chain fatty acids (e.g., acetate), glucose, or ethanol under anaerobic or aerobic conditions. The storage compound produced during the anaerobic period was not polyhydroxyalkanoates, as for Rhodocyclus-related PAO, and its identity is still unknown. Growth and uptake of Pi took place in the presence of oxygen and nitrate but not nitrite, indicating a lack of denitrifying ability. A survey of the occurrence of these actinobacterial PAO in 10 full-scale EBPR plants revealed that both morphotypes were widely present, and in several plants more abundant than the Rhodocyclus-related PAO, thus playing a very important role in the EBPR process.

Actinobacteria↗
PubMed2003

Contributions of liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry to "highlights" of biomedical research.

Combined chromatographic and mass spectrometric techniques and in particular liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) have been contributing in a decisive way to the progress of life sciences in general. Thus, the number of document entries in the US National Library of Medicine (MEDLINE) for articles dealing with LC-MS was 738 in 1991 and 2285 in 2001, with a total of 13 147 for the whole 10-year period, an increase of 310%. From these figures, we can ascertain that the total usage of combined LC-MS techniques is of the order of 40% relative to all of the MS publications collected in MEDLINE for the same period. However, from the perspective of real advances in medicine, it becomes difficult to identify what is outstanding in this field. The aim of this review was not to provide another LC-MS review, but an overview of the current status of the presence, visibility and impact of combined LC-MS techniques in biomedical research. The idea being to spot "highlight" literature contributions with the potential to become in the short or medium term real assets in a doctor's daily medical practice. In other words, after several truly remarkable technical achievements reported within the past decade, are we any closer to making LC-MS a useful and practical diagnostic tool for molecular diagnostics and personalized medicine? To approach this question, a literature survey was carried out to define: (i) the presence of LC-MS in the biomedical literature (MEDLINE) and its weight relative to the whole field of biological and biomedical mass spectrometry; (ii) the role of LC-MS in recent milestone biomedical contributions; and (iii) the present and future role of new LC-MS technology in medical diagnosis.

Biomedical Research↗
PubMed2000

Molecular characterization of human tensin.

Tensin is a focal-adhesion molecule that binds to actin filaments and interacts with phosphotyrosine-containing proteins. To analyse tensin's function in mammals, we have cloned tensin cDNAs from human and cow. The isolated approx. 7.7-kb human cDNA contains an open reading frame encoding 1735 amino acid residues. The amino acid sequence of human tensin shares 60% identity with chicken tensin, and contains all the structural features described previously in chicken tensin. This includes the actin-binding domains, the Src homology domain 2, and the region similar to a tumour suppressor, PTEN. Two major differences between human and chicken tensin are (i) the lack of the first 54 residues present in chicken tensin, and (ii) the addition of 34- and 38-residue inserts in human and bovine tensin. In addition, our interspecies sequencing data have uncovered the presence of a glutamine/CAG repeat that appears to have expanded in the course of evolution. Northern-blot analysis reveals a 10-kb message in most of the human tissues examined. An additional 9-kb message is detected in heart and skeletal muscles. The molecular mass predicted from the human cDNA is 185 kDa, although both endogenous and recombinant human tensin migrate as 220-kDa proteins on SDS/PAGE. The discrepancy is due to the unusually low electrophoretic mobility of the central region of the tensin polypeptide (residues 306-981). A survey of human prostate and breast cancer cell lines by Western-blot analysis shows a lack of tensin expression in most cancer cell lines, whereas these lines express considerable amounts of focal-adhesion molecules such as talin and focal-adhesion kinase. Finally, tensin is rapidly cleaved by a focal-adhesion protease, calpain II. Incubation of cells with a calpain inhibitor, MDL, prevented tensin cleavage and induced morphological change in these cells, suggesting that cleavage of tensin and other focal-adhesion constituents by calpain disrupts maintenance of normal cell shape.

3T3 Cells↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Quality assessment of randomized controlled trials of oral implants.

The aim of this study was to assess the quality of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) concerned with the effectiveness of oral implants and to create a trial register. A multilayered search strategy was used to identify all RCTs published by the end of 1999 in any language. The Cochrane Oral Health Group specialist register, PubMed, and personal libraries were searched. Seventy-four RCTs were identified. Forty-three articles, not presenting the same patient material, were independently assessed by 3 researchers using a specially designed form. A statistician assessed all trials for the appropriateness of statistics. The quality of each study was assessed on 7 items, including 3 key domains. Randomization and concealment allocation procedures were not described in 30 articles (70%). Reasons for withdrawals were not given in 10 reports (23%). No attempt at blinding was reported in 31 studies (72%). The quality of RCTs of oral implants is generally poor and needs to be improved.

Databases, Bibliographic↗
PubMed2001

Microsatellite-containing genes from the channel catfish brain: evidence of trinucleotide repeat expansion in the coding region of nucleotide excision repair gene RAD23B.

Expansion of trinucleotide repeats within genes is well known to cause pathological conditions in humans. Here we report a large number of genes containing simple sequence repeats (SSR) from the brain of channel catfish, of which a homologue of the RAD23B gene was found to include (CCA) trinucleotide repeats within its coding region. Because of the importance of the RAD23B gene in the nucleotide excision repair (NER) system, the catfish RAD23B locus was further characterized. The (ACC) repeats encode a polythreonine (T) tract within the catfish RAD23B gene that is absent from the previously cloned human and mouse genes. A survey of the allele variation at the locus indicated the existence of variable microsatellite repeats in the NER RAD23B gene, suggesting that the trinucleotide repeats are expanding or shrinking. The majority of individuals harbor 10 (ACC) repeats within the RAD23B gene, but alleles with 8 and 11 repeats were also detected. The (ACC) repeats are limited to only channel catfish and the closely related blue catfish, but are absent from flathead catfish and the cloned human and mouse genes, suggesting that the microsatellite invasion into the RAD23B gene is a recent event in evolution.

Alleles↗
PubMed1993

Subunit III (Psa-F) of photosystem I reaction center of the C4 dicotyledon Flaveria trinervia.

An immunological survey of C3, C4 and C3-C4-intermediate Flaveria species showed that subunit III (PsaF) of the photosystem I reaction center (PSI-RC) is present in all these species. This was confirmed by the isolation of the gene encoding the PSI-RC subunit III (PsaF) from Flaveria trinervia, the first psaF gene to be isolated from a C4 plant. The deduced amino acid sequence showed a high degree of similarity to the corresponding protein of spinach which is a C3 species. A region of 17 hydrophobic amino acids in the C-terminal part of the F. trinervia protein was found to be especially conserved in all PsaF proteins studied so far (cyanobacteria and Chlamydomonas).

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed2002

Potential microbiological hazards in the production of refined paper products for food applications.

This study sought to investigate the significance of raw materials (starch-based glues, raw material papers) at different microbiologically critical stages in the manufacturing process of refined paper products. The study examined the occurrence of microorganisms in the process and in end-product samples. Microbiological surveys verified that the production and use of pasteurized starch-based glue was the most important factor threatening the process hygiene and product safety. Subsequently, the production and use of starch-based glue was changed, and a follow-up programme targeting the microbiological quality of glue was developed as part of a hygiene and safety management system. A total of 33 spore-forming bacterial and 15 enterobacterial isolates were ribotyped, and 22 and 10 different ribogroups (ribotypes), respectively, were generated. These isolates from starch-based glue, raw material paper and end products were atypical and, thus, in many cases physiological, chemotaxonomic (FAME) and molecular (partial 16S rDNA) results did not correspond. The most common spore-forming bacteria (55% of the isolates) were Paenibacillus sp. and within this genus several new species were also proposed. The most common enterobacteria (87%) were Enterobacter cloacae and Citrobacter freundii belonging to bacteria in hazard group 2, or species closely related to them. It was demonstrated that the same spore-forming bacteria (ribotypes) were present in both the glue samples and the end products (45% of isolates). All RiboPrint patterns were saved at the VTT identification library for future use.

Adhesives↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Nursing students respond to a computer assignment.

Computer-generated information is becoming increasingly important in nursing. Nursing schools are faced with the need to ensure that students have basic informatics skills and rudimentary computer literacy. This article describes the introduction of an assignment using electronic communication skills within a teaching-learning course in a baccalaureate program. The assignment was designed to introduce the students to several tasks that would be useful to them in their studies as well as in their care of clients. Students learned to send electronic mail, post to a class list, use search engines, access libraries, and critique web pages. They developed increased confidence and skill, advancing from informed user to proficient user status as identified by Ronald & Skiba. The students' appraisal of the assignment in terms of value to their nursing education and their nursing careers indicated that they recognized the value of these skills for their professional nursing lives. Activities were monitored for content and technical glitches. Lessons learned are highlighted, and "Inbox overload" is identified. The authors found that nursing curricula can be designed to meet the challenge of fostering computer literacy. The assignment could be easily adapted for continuing education or other professional education endeavors.

Attitude to Computers↗
PubMed2003

Diversity of ascomycete laccase gene sequences in a southeastern US salt marsh.

The diversity of ascomycete laccase sequences was surveyed in a southeastern US salt marsh using a degenerate primer set designed around copper binding sites conserved in fungal laccases. This gene was targeted for diversity analysis because of its potential function in lignin degradation in the salt marsh ecosystem and because few studies have assessed functional gene diversity in natural fungal communities. Laccase sequences were amplified from genomic DNA extracted from 24 isolates (representing 10 ascomycete species) cultured from decaying blades of Spartina alterniflora, and from DNA extracted directly from the decaying blades. Among the ascomycete isolates, 21 yielded a PCR product of expected size (900 bp) that was tentatively identified as laccase based on sequence similarities to previously published laccase sequences from related organisms. Overall, 13 distinct sequence types, containing 39 distinct sequences, were identified among the isolates, with several species yielding multiple distinct laccase types. PCR amplifications from early and late decay blades of S. alterniflora yielded seven laccase types. Of these, five were composed of sequences >96% similar at the amino acid level to sequences from three cultured ascomycetes previously found to be dominant members of the fungal communities on decaying S. alterniflora blades. Two of the laccase types from the natural-decay clone library were novel and did not match any of the sequences obtained from the cultured ascomycetes. The 39 distinct sequences and 15 distinct laccase sequence types retrieved from the S. alterniflora decay system demonstrate high sequence diversity of this functional gene in a natural fungal community.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed2002

Real-time, evidence-based medicine instruction: a randomized controlled trial in a neonatal intensive care unit.

PURPOSE: The study assesses potential for improving residents' evidence-based medicine searching skills in MEDLINE through real-time librarian instruction. SUBJECTS: Ten residents on a rotation in a neonatal intensive care unit participated. METHODOLOGY: Residents were randomized into an instruction and a non-instruction group. Residents generated questions from rounds and searched MEDLINE for answers. Data were collected through observation, search strategy analysis, and surveys. Librarians observed searches and collected data on questions, searching skills, search problems, and the test group's instruction topics. Participants performed standardized searches before, after, and six-months after intervention and were scored using a search strategy analysis tool (1 representing highest score and 5 representing lowest score). Residents completed pre- and post-intervention surveys to measure opinions about MEDLINE and search satisfaction. RESULTS: Post-intervention, the test group formulated better questions, used limits more effectively, and reported greater confidence in using MEDLINE. The control group expressed less satisfaction with retrieval and demonstrated more errors when limiting. The test and control groups had the following average search scores respectively: 3.0 and 3.5 (pre-intervention), 3.3 and 3.4 (post-intervention), and 2.0 and 3.8 (six-month post-intervention). CONCLUSION: Data suggest that measurable learning outcomes were achieved. Residents receiving instruction improved and retained searching skills six-months after intervention.

Adult↗
PubMed2006

High-resolution global genomic survey of 178 gliomas reveals novel regions of copy number alteration and allelic imbalances.

Primary brain tumors are the fourth leading cause of cancer mortality in adults under the age of 54 years and the leading cause of cancer mortality in children in the United States. Therapy for the most common type of primary brain tumors, gliomas, remains suboptimal. The development of new and more effective treatments will likely require a better understanding of the biology of these tumors. Here, we show that use of the high-density 100K single-nucleotide polymorphism arrays in a large number of primary tumor samples allows for a much higher resolution survey of the glioma genome than has been previously reported in any tumor type. We not only confirmed alterations in genomic areas previously reported to be affected in gliomas, but we also refined the location of those sites and uncovered multiple, previously unknown regions that are affected by copy number alterations (amplifications, homozygous and heterozygous deletions) as well as allelic imbalances (loss of heterozygosity/gene conversions). The wealth of genomic data produced may allow for the development of a more rational molecular classification of gliomas and serve as an important starting point in the search for new molecular therapeutic targets.

Alleles↗