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Calmodulin-binding proteins are developmentally regulated in gametes and embryos of fucoid algae.

Calcium-binding proteins and calmodulin-binding proteins were identified in gametes and zygotes of the marine brown algae Fucus vesiculosus, Fucus distichus, and Pelvetia fastigiata using gel (SDS-PAGE) overlay techniques. A calcium current appears to be important during cell polarization in fucoid zygotes (K.R. Robinson and L.F. Jaffe, 1975, Science 187, 70-72; K.R. Robinson and R. Cone, 1980, Science 207, 77-78), but there are no biochemical data on calcium-binding proteins in these algae. By using a sensitive 45Ca2+ overlay method designed to detect high-affinity calcium-binding proteins, at least 9-11 polypeptides were detected in extracts of fucoid gametes and zygotes. All samples had calcium-binding proteins with apparent molecular weights of about 17 and 30 kDa. A 17-kDa calcium-binding protein was purified by calcium-dependent hydrophobic chromatography and was identified as calmodulin by immunological and enzyme activator criteria. A 125I-calmodulin overlay assay was used to identify potential targets of calmodulin action. Sperm contained one major calmodulin-binding protein of about 45 kDa. Eggs lacked major calmodulin-binding activity. A 72-kDa calmodulin-binding protein was prominent in zygotes from 1-65 hr postfertilization. Both calmodulin-binding proteins showed calcium-dependent binding activity. Overall, the data suggest that the appearance and distribution of certain calcium-binding and calmodulin-binding proteins are under developmental regulation, and may reflect the different roles of calcium during fertilization and early embryogenesis.

Autoradiography↗

Physician and clinic charges for diagnosing growth hormone deficiency.

Physician and clinic charges for diagnosing growth hormone deficiency (GHD) in children are not generally known, whereas the charges for purchasing growth hormone (GH) are known. We recently surveyed the charges submitted to third-party payers for diagnosing GHD in five pediatric endocrine clinics throughout the United States: the Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Health Science Schools of the State University of New York at Buffalo, Oregon Health Sciences University, and the University of Chicago. The financial data analyzed included charges for physician services and for GH testing. Different approaches to the medical examination of children with suspected GHD at these clinics prevented any comparison of physician or GH testing charges. However, the charges for diagnosing GHD could be determined for each pediatric endocrine clinic if the methods of examination were not considered. Contractual adjustments, net revenues, costs, and net margins were not surveyed. Subjective comments from the study sites suggest significantly reduced reimbursement amounts. We conclude that the total charges for diagnosing GHD submitted to third-party payers at these institutions averaged $1719.

Child↗

Near infrared light absorption in the human eye media.

Available literature on the spectral transmittance of the eye media in the infrared (IR) is insufficiently accurate to estimate the deposited doses, e.g. in view of light damage risks. Analysis of the data of Boettner and Wolter [Investigative Ophthalmology and Visual Science, 1, 776-783 (1962)] for cornea, anterior chamber, lens and vitreous separately, shows that they can be explained on the basis of the pure water content. The transmittance spectrum of Geeraets et al. [Archives of Ophthalmology, 64, 606-615 (1960)] for all eye media combined is found to be impossible. It is concluded that in the near-IR, light losses in the eye media are best estimated with the absorption coefficient for pure water. A table is given from 700-2500 nm in steps of 10 nm.

Anterior Chamber↗

Measuring risks in humans: the promise and practice of epidemiology.

Epidemiology has been considered the fundamental science of public health policy. The use of epidemiologic data in environmental health policy has been limited particularly in the environmental regulatory arena. Epidemiologic risk assessment (ERA) is different from risk assessment and the interplay between the two has led to some misconceptions over the promise and practice of epidemiologic data. The current risk assessment process was designed in a time when the need for regulation was great and the epidemiologic information was sparse. There was little time for the consideration of conducting specific studies to improve the information base for environmental health policy. Animal bioassays could be conducted under standardized protocols within defined time periods. The limitations and uncertainties of animal studies also became standardized and risk assessors became comfortable with their models of extrapolation. As the cost of regulations have grown, the economic realities of regulating with little or no data to support actual public health benefit have become a political and legal liability. Major among epidemiology's advantages is that the information is of direct relevance. The majority of epidemiology data are observation and whether the number of studies is broad enough, the data can be generalized to major segments of the population. The uncertainties in animal-based risk assessments are likely to be greater than the uncertainties associated with epidemiologic studies. Another advantage is the range of extrapolation is often smaller. Another advantage is that epidemiologic data include the genetic diversity and variability in other endogenous factors inherent in human populations. The homogeneity of animal studies has often been cited as an advantage but is unrepresentative of the heterogeneity of the human race. Epidemiology does have its limitations. A major limitation is the time needed to obtain a database sufficient for policy-making purposes and the resources needed to conduct the research to develop the database. This has often prompted the conduct of poorly designed studies, forced the use of data collected for other purposes or improper use of existing data. Four situations where epidemiology should be pursued are discussed. Once an environmental health decision has been made, epidemiologic studies should be considered for documenting the reduction of exposure and therefore disease in the population. This traditional use of epidemiology has rarely been applied in the environmental health arena. A final consideration on the use of epidemiologic data is the need to provide a sense of perspective to set priorities in the larger context of public health priorities. The role of environmental pollutants in causing disease may in some cases be minor in comparison to other risk factors and needs to be considered in setting environmental regulations.

Epidemiologic Methods↗

Drug related deaths in the Strathclyde region of Scotland, 1995-1998.

The misuse of drugs, both illicit and prescribed has increased dramatically in the west of Scotland over the last few decades. Consequently, the number of drug related deaths has risen as a direct result. Since, discrepancies exist between data collected by the Department of Forensic Medicine and Science, University of Glasgow and official statistics, this project, was funded to investigate all known drug related deaths that occurred within the Strathclyde region of Scotland in an effort to improve the accuracy of statistics and the dissemination of information pertaining to them. Changes in medical treatment, legislation and patterns of drug taking were noted and the effects of these on the year-by-year death tolls evaluated.

Adolescent↗

Nursing informatics. Issues for critical care medicine.

The demands of today's health care arena have forced the issue of automation and computerization. Nursing, as the major stakeholder in the collecting, managing, processing, transforming, and communicating of information regarding the patient, has developed a new approach to these tasks. Nursing informatics, which is the application of computer science and information science, is being used to manage and process the data, information, and knowledge necessary in the discipline. Although still in its infancy, nursing informatics has started to have a major effect on health care information gathering and clinical practice despite the multiple barriers to its advancement. Critical care is a data-rich environmental that can benefit from better management and processing of the data derived from the critically ill patient. Nursing and medical informatics joining together to organize the data, coupled with the introduction of good DSS and the addition of information retrieval systems at the bedside and the on-line medical record, will have a positive effect on the critical care environment and on the critical care patient outcomes.

Critical Care↗

A Comparative Study of Self-organizing Clustering Algorithms Dignet and ART2.

A comparative study of two self-organizing clustering neural network algorithms, Dignet and ART2, has been conducted. The differences in architecture and learning procedures between the two models are compared. Comparative computer simulations on data clustering and signal detection problems with Gaussian noise were used for investigating the performance of Dignet and "fast learning" ART2. The study shows that Dignet, with a simple architecture and straightforward dynamics, is more flexible with the choice of different metrics for the measure of similarity. The system parameters in Dignet can be analytically determined from a self-adjusting process; moreover, the initial threshold value used in Dignet is directly determined from a lower-bound of the desirable operational signal-to-noise ratio. Simulations show that Dignet generally exhibits faster learning and better clustering performance on statistical pattern recognition problems. A simplified ART2 model (SART2) is derived by adopting the structural concepts from Dignet. SART2 exhibits faster learning and eliminates a "false conviction" problem that exists in the "fast learning" ART2. The comparative study is benchmarked against statistical data clustering and signal detection problems. Copyright 1997 Elsevier Science Ltd.

Journal Article↗

Introspection and cognitive brain mapping: from stimulus-response to script-report.

Cognitive science has wholeheartedly embraced functional brain imaging, but introspective data are still eschewed to the extent that it runs against standard practice to engage in the systematic collection of introspective reports. However, in the case of executive processes associated with prefrontal cortex, imaging has made limited progress, whereas introspective methods have considerable unfulfilled potential. We argue for a re-evaluation of the standard 'cognitive mapping' paradigm, emphasizing the use of retrospective reports alongside behavioural and brain imaging techniques. Using all three sources of evidence can compensate for their individual limitations, and so triangulate on higher cognitive processes.

Journal Article↗

Solvent abuse in pregnancy: a perinatal perspective.

OBJECTIVE: To review the scope and sequelae of solvent abuse in women presenting to a Manitoba teaching hospital. METHODS: Fifty-six patient charts with a diagnosis of solvent abuse in pregnancy were identified through computer search in the medical records of Winnipeg Health Sciences Centre, General Hospital. These charts were reviewed and data obtained from birthing records and associated pediatric charts. RESULTS: Renal tubular acidosis was diagnosed in three patients (5.3%). Two patients (3.6%) had adverse neurological sequelae. One patient was diagnosed with brain damage, including expressive aphasia. Twelve patients (21.4%) delivered preterm infants. Nine infants (16.1%) had major anomalies. Seven infants (12.5%) had fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS)-like facial features. Six neonates (10.7%) had hearing loss. CONCLUSION: Substance abuse in pregnancy is associated with severe maternal and neonatal sequelae. Physicians must be aware of this increasing problem in the obstetrical population and assistance should be offered to each woman, ideally before a woman becomes pregnant, but at least at the first contact a pregnant woman makes with the health care community.

Acidosis, Renal Tubular↗

Exposure to emergency contraception in an undergraduate medical curriculum.

OBJECTIVES: To determine senior medical students' exposure to lectures and clinical experiences on emergency contraception (EC). METHODS: Ninety third-year medical students at the University of Western Ontario (UWO) were surveyed at the end of a year of clinical clerkship. The survey assessed exposure to contraception, EC, and other reproductive health experiences over the preceding 3 years of medical training, as well as personal opinions about the availability of family planning services. Survey data were analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS 10.0) software. RESULTS: Seventy-three medical students (47% female) completed the questionnaire, giving a response rate of 81.1%. Classroom teaching of EC was reported by 71.2% of the cohort. Only 16.9% had counselled women about EC themselves; 33.8% had not been exposed to it at all in a clinical setting. A majority of students (92.5%) stated they would provide services for contraception, but only 7.5% felt such issues were well addressed in the undergraduate medical program. CONCLUSION: Undergraduate medical trainees at UWO perceive that the subject of contraception in general and EC in particular are not well addressed.

Adult↗

Clinical trials. A place for randomization in the interval between the end of recruitment and availability of results.

There is a time delay between the final recruitment of patients to a randomized controlled trial and the publication of results. The practical options available to decision makers during this gap can be listed according to whether all treatments are already widely available or whether at least one has been restricted to the trial. When the treatments are already in widespread use, the options are simply either to stop randomizing or to continue. When one trial treatment is restricted, there are further options: a) withdraw the restricted treatment altogether, pending the final analysis; b) continue to offer randomization, with a view to providing further data should these be needed; or c) make the intervention widely available to patients who would have previously been eligible for the trial. In this paper, we discuss the relative advantages and disadvantages of each option and discuss their attendant ethical implications. In particular, we suggest that continuing randomization is an option worthy of serious consideration. Randomizing patients acts as a "hedge" against the need for more data, given that sample size calculation is an inexact science. However, patients must be made aware of the basis on which randomization is offered.

Decision Making↗

Crystallization of isoelectrically homogeneous cholera toxin.

Past difficulty in growing good crystals of cholera toxin has prevented the study of the crystal structure of this important protein. We have determined that failure of cholera toxin to crystallize well has been due to its heterogeneity. We have now succeeded in overcoming the problem by isolating a single isoelectric variant of this oligomeric protein (one A subunit and five B subunits). Cholera toxin purified by our procedure readily forms large single crystals. The crystal form (space group P2(1), a = 73.0 A, b = 92.2 A, c = 60.6 A, beta = 106.4 degrees, one molecule in the asymmetric unit) has been described previously [Sigler et al. (1977) Science (Washington, D.C.) 197, 1277-1278]. We have recorded data from native crystals of cholera toxin to 3.0-A resolution with our electronic area detectors. With these data, we have found the orientation of a 5-fold symmetry axis within these crystals, perpendicular to the screw dyad of the crystal. We are now determining the crystal structure of cholera toxin by a combination of multiple heavy-atom isomorphous replacement and density modification techniques, making use of rotational 5-fold averaging of the B subunits.

Cholera Toxin↗

New developments in the theory of the diffuse double layer.

The role of ion size effects in determining diffuse layer properties is considered. Monte Carlo data relevant to this question are reviewed. Then the integral equation approach to the problem is considered with an emphasis on attempts to derive an analytical equation for the potential drop across the diffuse layer. An empirical model for ion size effects is described that allows one to estimate not only the diffuse layer potential drop but also the diffuse layer capacity, the ionic surface excesses, and the potential distribution in the diffuse layer. It is demonstrated that the resulting model can easily be applied by experimentalists to the analysis of experimental data for double layer phenomena in electrochemistry and colloid science.

Journal Article↗

The survival and clinical performance of resin-based composite restorations used to treat localised anterior tooth wear.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the clinical performance of resin-based composite restorations placed at an increased vertical dimension when used to manage localised anterior tooth wear. DESIGN: A retrospective analysis of cases treated at a single centre. SETTING: UK Hospital setting in the year 2000. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Two hundred and twenty five restorations placed in 31 subjects were included. Assessment was made following examination of study casts and projected slides. Modified United States Public Health Services criteria were used and data analysed using the software Statistical Programme for Social Sciences (SPSS). Survival analysis was carried out at two levels, major failure only and all types of failure. Kaplan-Meier survival plots were produced against different variables and modes of failure were also noted. RESULTS: Major failure requiring replacement of the restoration was uncommon within the first five years. Minor failure requiring repair or refinishing presented mainly as wear, marginal discolouration or marginal fracture. Median survival was 4 years 9 months when all types of failure were considered. The restorations have good appearance and are well tolerated. CONCLUSION: Placement of resin-based composite restorations at an increased vertical dimension to treat localised anterior tooth wear, has good short to medium term survival. The technique is conservative and relatively easy to maintain.

Adolescent↗

An exploration of the relationships between uncertainty, psychological distress and type of coping strategy among Chinese men after cardiac catheterization.

The experience of cardiac catheterization (CC) has included feelings of uncertainty, stress, fear and anxiety in many patients. However, conflicting findings from previous research have been reported. Chinese patients who undergo CC may experience psychological distress in a different way to other cultures as a result of traditional beliefs. Moreover, little research examining the impact of CC among Hong Kong Chinese has been carried out. Therefore, the aim of the study was to explore relationships between uncertainty, psychological distress and coping strategy in Chinese men after CC, using Mishel's model of uncertainty in illness as a framework. A convenience sample of 27 men hospitalized for cardiac catheterization participated in this study using a descriptive, correlational research design. Ethical approval was obtained from the Ethics Committee of the Medical Faculty at the Chinese University of Hong Kong and from the Executive Committee of the hospital. Participation was on a voluntary basis with patient confidentiality assured. Self-report questionnaires included Chinese versions of Mishel's Uncertainty in Illness Scale (MUIS), the Profile of Mood States (POMS), the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) and the Chinese Coping Scale (CCS) for data collection. Data were analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences. High mean scores for uncertainty (mean=101.4, SD=11.49) and variables measuring psychological distress (mood disturbance mean=36.6, SD=33.6, state-anxiety mean=39.1, SD=8.95, trait-anxiety mean=43.7, SD=8.1) among these participants suggest that Hong Kong Chinese men experience uncertainty and psychological distress when undergoing cardiac catheterization. Strong relationships between uncertainty and mood disturbance (r=0.57, P=0.01), trait-anxiety and mood disturbance (r=0.65, P=0.01) and state-anxiety and external coping strategies (r=0.50, P=0.05) were found. These findings suggest that relationships between uncertainty, psychological distress and external coping strategies exist in Chinese men hospitalized for cardiac catheterization. Moreover, these findings may help nurses' design culturally specific interventions for their patients.

Adaptation, Psychological↗

Work of art dialogues: an educational technique by which students discover personal knowledge of empathy.

The visual art programme was an approach used to facilitate students' discovery of personal knowledge of empathy. The research programme constituted the first phase of an existing theory course in empathy. It involved a visual-verbal-writing process in which a reproduction of Edvard Munch's The Sick Child was studied and interpreted with a focus on personal knowledge of empathy. Data were collected from two university colleges of health sciences in Sweden during a period of 4 years (1995-1998). Student nurses (n = 428) in the undergraduate programme served as the study population. In the first stage, the students worked alone on written reports. Then, in small-groups, they discussed whether the picture facilitated the discovery of a personal knowledge of empathy. The results showed that the visual art programme stimulated the students to discuss and write about empathy. The ambiguity in the painting and the relaxed study situation was favourable to the students' discovery of their personal knowledge of empathy.

Child↗

A discussion of the value of cross-cultural studies in search of the meaning(s) of suicidal behavior and the methodological challenges of such studies.

The main purposes of this study was to test the psychometric properties of a questionnaire on attitudes towards suicide in a cross-cultural setting, and to discuss the value of cross-cultural studies in the search of meaning(s) of suicidal behavior as well as the methodological challenges encountered in such studies. Data on attitudes towards suicide among health and social science students from Norway and Uganda were employed to illustrate the points made. Both exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses showed different factor structures in the two countries. Whether this result is due to different latent variables indicating differences in meaning(s) of suicidal behavior between the two countries or lack of reliability and/or validity of the instrument is discussed.

Adult↗