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PubMed2001

Chromosome numbers in Chihuahuan Desert Cactaceae. III. Trans-Pecos Texas.

Chromosome numbers are reported for 112 collections of Cactaceae, including 102 collections of Opuntia. Reports are presented for 33 species in five genera and a total of 36 taxa. Two specimens were sterile. Emphasis was given to the documentation of intraspecific ploidy-level consistencies and differences, because of the current poor state of knowledge about the populational integrity of chromosome numbers in Trans-Pecos cacti and because information about ploidy levels is taxonomically significant particularly in certain genera of Cactaceae. First reports are presented for six taxa, including Opuntia aureispina (2n = 11 II), O. tortispina (2n = 33 II), and Ancistrocactus tobuschii (2n = 11 II). Chromosome numbers are now known for all but one or two of the ∼104 currently recognized cactus taxa in Trans-Pecos Texas.

Journal Article↗
PubMed2001

Sediment quality assessment survey and toxicity identification evaluation studies in Lavaca Bay, Texas, a marine Superfund site.

A sediment quality assessment survey was conducted in Lavaca Bay, Texas, in proximity to a marine Superfund National Priority List (NPL) site. Previous studies at this site had focused primarily on the degree and extent of mercury contamination. The purpose of this survey was to determine the potential ecotoxicological impacts of contaminants, using sensitive sediment toxicity tests in conjunction with a comprehensive chemical analysis of the sediments. In addition, phase I toxicity identification evaluation (TIE) studies were conducted at several of the more toxic sites. Sea urchin (Arbacia punctulata) fertilization and embryological development tests with sediment pore water were employed to assess the toxicity of the sediments. Elevated levels of mercury were found in a number of samples as much as 10-20 times that of background. Six stations had total polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) concentration above the probable effect level (PEL) guideline value, and some stations had concentrations as much as 1000 times above background levels. Eighteen of the 24 stations exhibited toxicity in one of the toxicity tests, while 14 stations were toxic in both tests. A number of stations within the fish closure area exceeded 8-16 of the PEl guidelines. Both aeration and the C18 column treatments were effective in reducing toxicity from the pore water of the two stations included in the TIE. This information, in conjunction with the fact that two of the four stations with the highest mercury concentrations were not toxic, suggests that the toxicity observed in this study is primarily due to organics, probably PAHs, and not mercury. We recommend that these other contaminants of concern be considered in any remedial actions that are planned for this NPL site and that impacts on the ecosystem, as well as human health issues, also be considered.

Animals↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Performance-Based instrument to assess functional capacity in dementia: The Texas Functional Living Scale.

OBJECTIVE: The Texas Functional Living Scale (TFLS) is a new performance-based measure of functional abilities with an emphasis on instrumental activities of daily living skills that is brief and weighted toward cognitive tasks. The purpose of this study was to examine its psychometric properties and clinical utility in patients with Alzheimer disease (AD) and normal elderly individuals. BACKGROUND: Measures of daily functional capacities used in patients with dementia often rely upon informant-based behavioral ratings or lengthy assessments of instrumental activities of daily living. Few existing quantitative tools emphasize performance-based cognitively-oriented tasks designed for patients with AD, although there is a need for such measures. METHOD: Twenty-two AD patients and 21 healthy controls were administered the TFLS and a measure of global cognitive status (Mini-Mental State Examination). Additionally, informant-based ratings of daily living skills (Blessed Dementia Rating Scale) and emotional and behavioral status (Consortium to Establish a Registry for Alzheimer's Disease Behavior Rating Scale for Dementia) were obtained from caregivers of the AD patients. All subjects were re-evaluated approximately 1 month later using the same instruments. RESULTS: The TFLS showed a strong correlation with the Mini-Mental State Examination (r = 0.92). At 1 month, test-retest reliability was high, and TFLS subscale scores were highly correlated (r > 0.90 for most) with the total score. The TFLS was moderately correlated with informant ratings of functional skills as assessed with the Blessed Dementia Rating Scale but was unrelated to emotional and behavioral symptoms as assessed with the Consortium to Establish a Registry for Alzheimer's Disease Behavior Rating Scale for Dementia. CONCLUSIONS: The TFLS showed evidence of good reliability, internal consistency, and convergent and discriminant validity with several popular measures of global cognitive status and behavioral functioning. It is a brief and easily administered performance-based measure of daily functional capabilities that is sensitive to level of cognitive impairment and seems applicable in patients with varying degrees of dementia.

Activities of Daily Living↗
PubMed2001

Factors in prison suicide: one year study in Texas.

UNLABELLED: The goal of the study was to examine psychopathology and stressors suffered by suicide victims, and to describe the characteristics of the suicides in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice between June of 1996 to June of 1997. Data on 25 completed suicides were collected from the records department. RESULTS: The authors identified 60% of the suicide victims with a history of psychiatric disorders. Seventy-six percent had been diagnosed with psychiatric disorders while incarcerated. The most frequent psychiatric disorders were mood disorders (64%), psychotic disorders (44%), personality disorders (56%), and comorbidity with a history of presentencing alcohol and drug abuse was common. Most of the victims experienced chronic and/or acute stressors of acute trauma, disrupted relationship, sentence hearing, and/or medical condition. We concluded that important factors associated with increased risk of prison suicide include psychiatric disorders, comorbid substance abuse, a history of suicide attempt, and chronic and/or acute stressors.

Adult↗
PubMed2002

Relationship between lysosomal membrane destabilization and chemical body burden in eastern oysters (Crassostrea virginica) from Galveston Bay, Texas, USA.

Lysosomal destabilization was measured by using hemocytes of eastern oysters (Crassostrea virginica) collected along a chemical concentration gradient in Galveston Bay, Texas, USA. Results of the lysosomal response were compared to concentrations of organic compounds and trace elements in oyster tissue. Concentrations (on a dry-wt basis) ranged from 288 to 2,390 ng/g for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), 38 to 877 ng Sn/g for tri-n-butyltin (TBT), 60 to 562 ng/g for polyclorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and 7 to 71 ng/g for total DDT. Trace element concentrations (on a dry-wt basis) ranged from 1.1 to 4.0 microg/g for Cd, 105 to 229 microg/g for Cu, 212 to 868 microg/g for Al, and 1,200 to 8,180 microg/g for Zn. The percentage of destabilized lysosomes ranged from 34 to 81%. A significant positive correlation (p < 0.05) was observed between lysosomal destabilization and body burden of organic compounds (PAHs, PCBs, TBT, and chlorinated pesticides). No significant correlation was found between metal concentrations and lysosomal destabilization. Based on lysosomal destabilization, the study sites in Galveston Bay can be placed in one of three groups: healthy (Hanna Reef and Confederate Bay), moderately damaged (Offats Bayou and Todd's Dump), and highly damaged (Yacht Club and Ship Channel). Lysosomal destabilization that is consistent with toxic chemical body burdens supports previous observations that lysosomal membranes are damaged by toxic chemicals and indicates that this method can serve as an early screening tool to assess overall ecosystem health by using oysters.

Animals↗
PubMed2002

Surgical treatment of coronary artery anomalies: report of a 37 1/2-year experience at the Texas Heart Institute.

The surgical treatment of coronary artery anomalies continues to evolve. The most common coronary artery anomalies requiring surgical intervention include coronary artery fistulae, anomalous pulmonary origins of the coronary arteries, and anomalous aortic origins of the coronary arteries. The choice of surgical intervention for each type of coronary anomaly depends on several anatomic, physiologic, and patient-dependent variables. As surgical techniques have progressed, outcomes have continued to improve, however, controversy still exists about many aspects of the proper management of patients who have these coronary artery anomalies. We reviewed the surgical treatment of 178 patients who underwent surgery for the above-mentioned types of coronary artery anomalies at the Texas Heart Institute from December 1963 through June 2001. On the basis of this experience, we discuss historical aspects of the early treatment of these anomalies and describe their present-day management.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1984

Cardiac transplantation: current results at the Texas heart institute.

The first series of cardiac transplants at the Texas Heart Institute began in May of 1968 but was discontinued because of the complications of infection and rejection. A second series of cardiac transplants was initiated in July of 1982 after the introduction of the immunosuppressant drug, cyclosporine. By August of 1984, 30 patients had undergone orthotopic cardiac transplantation for end-stage cardiac disease. Of the patients in this series, four have died of rejection, two of infectious complications, and one of an unknown cause. The remainder have all returned to Class I New York Heart Association (NYHA) cardiac status. All patients were reviewed in detail for suitability of cardiac transplantation and presented to a cardiac transplant review board. All transplanted patients were functional Class IV. Donor hearts were obtained locally or by long-distance procurement. Ten of the hearts were obtained from an average distance of 250 miles from Houston. Donors ranged in age from 16 to 37 years. Requirements were normal cardiac function with minimal use of inotropic support, no history of cardiac disease, absence of cardiac arrest and absence of active infection. Although only one of the patients in the initial group of transplants survived 1 year, to date there have been 11 survivors for more than 1 year in the current series. Advances in cardiac transplantation have resulted in an improved prognosis for the terminal cardiomyopathic patients requiring transplantation. The use of cyclosporine, an immunosuppressant that spares the nonspecific immune system, has been helpful in allowing patients to survive infections. The use of the drug must be carefully monitored, however, because of its numerous toxicities.

Journal Article↗
PubMed1984

Evolution of the Texas Heart Institute Distant Organ Procurement Program.

Between August and December 1983, the Texas Heart Institute Transplantation Service performed 10 cardiac transplants. All hearts were removed at outside hospitals and transported to the Heart Institute. Adequate return of cardiac function occurred in all groups after ischemic times of 58.5 minutes for hearts procured within Houston (range, 56-62 minutes) and 152 minutes for those procured in other cities (range, 130-179 minutes). Eight of the transplant patients are alive and well following operation. Distal procurement has more than doubled the number of suitable organs, and offers considerable potential for expansion of the transplant program.

Journal Article↗
PubMed1989

Hot-tip laser angioplasty: a review of the Texas Heart Institute experience.

At the Texas Heart Institute, from October 1986 to October 1988, laser thermal angioplasty was used in conjunction with balloon angioplasty for treatment of 201 atherosclerotic vascular lesions in 162 patients. All patients had significant symptoms or impending limb loss. Most of the occlusions (148) were located in the superficial femoral artery; the clinical success rate in those cases was 80%. Similar success rates were noted in 25 iliac occlusions (77%) and 16 popliteal occlusions (88%). A small number of tibial vessels were also reopened successfully. Analysis of the results showed a correlation between success rates and lesion length. The success rate dropped from 79% for occlusions that were 10 cm and shorter, to 56% for occlusions ranging from 11 to 20 cm, and to 55% for occlusions longer than 20 cm. The incidence of perforations in most laser series is reflective of operator experience. Perforations occurred in 19 of 90 vessels (21%) in the 1st year of our experience and in 3 of 111 vessels (2.7%) in the 2nd year. Other complications included groin hematomas in 2 patients and embolization to the trifurcation vessels in 4. One patient died 8 hours after the procedure of complications unrelated to laser angioplasty. The safety and efficacy of "hot-tip" laser recanalization in the peripheral vasculature have been proved in early clinical experience. Some preliminary investigations have shown that laser-probe applications may be feasible in the coronary vasculature as well. Future applications of laser systems will depend on their proven ability to reduce restenosis rates and to reliably recanalize totally occluded vessels.

Journal Article↗
PubMed2006

The transition from open to endoscopic saphenous vein harvesting and its clinical impact: The Texas Heart Institute experience.

Open saphenous vein harvesting can be associated with wound complications, incision pain, prolonged convalescence, and poor cosmetic results. Endoscopic vein harvesting has been widely used for prevention of these problems. We compared outcomes of open and endoscopic vein harvesting for coronary artery bypass grafting at the Texas Heart Institute. We retrospectively analyzed data from 1,573 consecutive coronary artery bypass procedures performed at our institution during a 20-month period. Each procedure included saphenectomy by endoscopic vein harvesting (n = 588) performed by physician assistants, or by traditional open vein harvesting (n = 985) performed by physicians or physician assistants. The primary outcome variable was the incidence of postoperative leg infections. Both groups were similar in terms of preoperative risk factors. After surgery, leg wound infections were significantly less frequent in the endoscopic vein harvesting group (3/588, 0.5%) than in the open vein harvesting group (27/985, 2.7%; P < 0.002). The most common organism involved in leg infections was Staphylococcus (20/30, 66%): S. aureus was present in 14 of 30 infections (47%). Open vein harvesting was the only significant independent risk factor for leg infection. We conclude that endoscopic vein harvesting reduces leg wound infections, is safe and reliable, and should be the standard of care when venous conduits are required for coronary artery bypass grafting and vascular procedures. Although the transition from open to endoscopic vein harvesting can be challenging in institutions, it can be successful if operators receive adequate training in endoscopic technique and are supported by surgeons and staff.

Aged↗
PubMed1991

Renal transplantation in children: experience of 23 years at the children's renal center of the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston.

This report describes a 23-year experience with renal transplantation in infants, children, and adolescents at the Children's Renal Center of the Division of Pediatric Nephrology at The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston. One hundred ninety-four transplants have been performed in 162 persons. Patient and graft survival is illustrated and is similar to that from other US centers. The data suggest an enhanced graft survival in transplants from living, related donors and from cadaveric donors after introduction of cyclosporine A as the primary immunosuppressive agent. The data for infants and small children are similar to that reported for adolescents and adults. Thus, all infants, children, and adolescents with chronic renal failure are potential candidates for renal transplantation. The timing of the transplant appears more critical than in the adult due to the need to consider growth and developmental milestones as well as the level of renal function. It is recommended that the counsel of a pediatric nephrologist be sought early in the course of any renal disease where progression to end-stage renal disease is probable.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1991

Abuse of elders: a review for Texas physicians.

Abuse of elders is a widespread but largely invisible problem in the United States. This problem and its detection, management, and prevention are described. Specific attention is directed toward risk factors for abuse and toward suggestive signs and symptoms. Texas laws and the physician's responsibility for reporting and intervening in cases of elder abuse are discussed. Strategies for intervention and prevention are outlined.

Aged↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Modification of membrane permeability measured by Texas-Red during cell cycle progression and differentiation.

Membrane permeability is a critical parameter which must be assessed in the course of new potential anticancer drug studies. Flow cytometry allows us to monitor the permeability status of living cells through the measurement of fluorochrome retention; conventionally this is done using fluorescein diacetate or Hoechst33342. In the present study we show that Texas-Red (TR) can be advantageously used for the same purpose because: (i) it possesses fluorescence spectra compatible with the simultaneous use of various fluorochromes; (ii) staining is rapid; (iii) it is a viability marker. TR uptake is realized through an active, energy dependent transport across the membrane. This new technique was applied to exponentially growing HL60 and their differentiated counterparts. We show that membrane permeability varies throughout the cell cycle progression and during differentiation. We also show that TR uptake is different between sensitive and cytotoxic drug resistant cells. This technique could be used, in anticancer pharmacology, to correlate phase specificity of cytotoxic drugs with membrane permeability, to understand better the mechanism of action of differentiating agents, and to document the apparition of resistant clones within populations of cells.

Azides↗
PubMed1987

Simulated grading decisions of allied health educators: a survey of Texas faculty.

Using simulated student data, this study investigated the grading decisions and future performance expectations of faculty members from allied health programs in Texas. These randomly selected faculty members evaluated linear and nonlinear grade profiles and formed expectations of students' future performances based on these grade profiles. Results indicated that student grade-performance patterns were differentially related to assigned grades and future expectations. Factors related to overall grade assignment included mean performance level, slope of academic performance (ascending, descending), and time of performance change (early, late). Two potential grading biases were suggested (age, sex of faculty), particularly for ascending performance patterns. Other faculty characteristics were unrelated to grading decisions and expectations.

Achievement↗
PubMed1985

The new library building at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio.

The new University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio Library opened in June 1983, replacing the 1968 library building. Planning a new library building provides an opportunity for the staff to rethink their philosophy of service. Of paramount concern and importance is the need to convey this philosophy to the architects. This paper describes the planning process and the building's external features, interior layouts, and accommodations for technology. Details of the move to the building are considered and various aspects of the building are reviewed.

Facility Design and Construction↗
PubMed1983

Observations on the Texas Star-SR avirulent A-B+ mutant candidate cholera vaccine.

Comprehensive controlled vaccine trials have revealed that neither conventional cholera vaccines nor cholera toxoid administered parenterally are effective in inducing durable immunity against cholera. The only truly effective means of immunization against cholera as yet demonstrated conclusively only in volunteers, are (a) recovery from the disease itself and (b) that observed following oral administration of living attenuated mutants. In both instances, the host is presented with a consortium of vibrio products at the important local level. Studies in our laboratory have resulted in the isolation from cholera vibrios of a soluble haemagglutinin (HA), which has inherent protease activity, and which appears to participate in adherence of the vibrios to the intestinal epithelium. Current observations indicate that this HA/lectin/protease (a) is produced in both a cell-associated and a soluble form in vivo and (b) that it hydrolyzes fibronectin, secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA), and mucin, three host proteins which may be significant in specific and non-specific resistance. The Texas Star-SR mutant has been shown to have a mild side effect in volunteers in that, independent of the dose administered about 20% of the recipients manifest one or a few non-inconveniencing loose movements. It is possible that the mere act of intestinal colonization may alter fluid transport in the gut and that this could be a model for other diarrheal disease.

Cholera↗
PubMed1995

Cold water immersion simulations using the Wissler Texas Thermal Model: validation and sensitivity analysis.

BACKGROUND: Wissler's Texas Thermal Model (TM) has been used to simulate the effects of thermal stresses on individuals under a variety of conditions. As part of a U.S. Navy effort to develop integrated protection garments, TM was modified to predict tolerance to cold water immersion (CWI) with garments with clo values less than 0.1 (15). METHODS: With these modifications, TM predictions were validated using experimental data obtained from 39 males and females during anti-exposure suit CWI assessments. Data analyses were based on changes in rectal (Tre) and various skin temperatures (Tsk). A sensitivity analysis was also performed to determine which TM parameters were most affected during simulated CWI. The condition tested was head-out immersion in 4.4 degrees C water by a 72.6 kg man (10 mm mean skinfold thickness). RESULTS: For most of the subject pool, the estimated change in Tre, chest, thigh, calf, and arm temperatures were not statistically different from experimental values. However, TM predictions were less accurate with respect to female responses. Based on thermal end points, TM predictions indicated that the following body segments were most sensitive to changes in insulation level (ordered from most to least important): chest and abdomen, leg, head, and arm. The physical parameters mean skinfold thickness, basal metabolic rate, body weight, and exercise metabolic rate had the most impact on TM predictions. CONCLUSIONS: The relative benefit of increased insulation on individual body segments was identified to aid garment design. Further, the relative importance of model physical parameters was identified so that judicious initial conditions could be selected to ensure that only garment design changes would be reflected in model predictions.

Abdomen↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[The TRIG (Texas Revised Inventory of Grief) questionnaire. French translation and validation].

Bereavement and mourning are normal reactions to the loss of a loved one, characterized by specific ideas, affects, and behavior, evolving spontaneously towards resolution. This syndrome, classified as a non mental disorder (DSM IV), resembles depression. Up to now, there was no instrument for an objective assessment. The general objective of this work was to present the french version of the Texas Revised Inventory of Grief, or TRIG (Faschingbauer, De Vaul & Zisook, 1981), designed to evaluate the intensity of the reaction to the loss of a loved one. Our population is composed of 154 adults of the general population (74 females and 80 males) of the age of 25 to 35 years. A principal component analysis gave us a general factor of grief (28% VT) which gathers emotional reaction to the bereavement. The factorial analysis with Varimax Rotations confirmed the existence of two specific types of grief. These are "past behavior" (reaction at the time of loss) factor (37% VT), "present feelings" (at the time of assessment by TRIG) factor (31% VT). Furthermore, another factor of "related facts" (32% VT) appeared to be in relation with the aptitude of coping. These results allowed us to construct a valid questionnaire of 25 items measuring 3 types of bereavement reactions.

Adaptation, Psychological↗