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Biomedical subjects

A Andrews

Publications and source records attributed to A Andrews.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2005

Differential expression of angiopoietin-1 and angiopoietin-2 may enhance recruitment of bone-marrow-derived endothelial precursor cells into brain tumors.

OBJECTIVES: Angiogenesis is necessary for sustained neoplastic development. The angiopoietins Ang-1 and Ang-2 have been implicated in the regulation of this process; recent reports have suggested that a net gain in Ang-2 activity may be an initiating factor for tumor angiogenesis. We examined the recruitment of bone marrow-derived endothelial precursor cells into developing tumor neovasculature, and the spatial relationship between these cells and angiopoietin (Ang-1 and Ang-2) expression. METHODS: For this study T-cell depleted knockout mice (RAG-2/KO-5.2) were lethally irradiated and their bone marrow was reconstituted by bone marrow cells (BMCs) from transgenic mice (C57BL/Ka-Thy1.1) expressing green fluorescent protein (GFP). Rat glioma cells (RT-2/RAG) were then injected into the transplanted animals to form solid brain tumors. The animals were killed and their brains were analysed using immunohistochemistry and fluorescence-activated cell sorting. RESULTS: We found that BMCs migrated preferentially into the tumor when compared to adjacent healthy brain parenchyma. Furthermore, GFP+/CD34+ cells represented up to 8% of endothelial-like cells within the walls of tumor blood vessels. In the tumor, significant colocalization of Ang-2 with GFP+/CD34+ cells was noted (>80%), but colocalization with Ang-1 never exceeded 20%. In normal tissue directly surrounding the tumor, GFP+/CD34+ cells colocalized strongly with both angiopoietins (>75% and >70% for Ang-1 and Ang-2, respectively). DISCUSSION: The relative increase in angiopoietin-2 activity in brain tumors may result in the creation of a pro-angiogenic environment that enhances the recruitment of putative bone marrow-derived endothelial precursor cells into the tumor's developing vascular tree.

Angiopoietin-1↗
PubMed2003

Developing a free supportive care program for cancer patients within an integrative medicine clinic.

The cancer patient's journey not only includes a threat to one's life, but the need to face many medical and emotional challenges. The free Cancer Supportive Care Program (CSCP) within the Center for Integrative Medicine Clinic at Stanford University Hospital and Clinics has been identified as a successful model for helping patients to deal with these challenges. Its programs include informational lectures, support groups, chair massages, exercise, alternative modality classes, a Life Tapes Project, an informational website, and a bimonthly newsletter available free to anybody touched by cancer. Now in its third year, this program benefits from a blending of leadership resources, availability of space, institutional agreement on patient need and funds from private and corporate donations. By presenting the basic premises of the Cancer Supportive Care program and outlining specifics about the program, institutions in various national and international demographic regions may implement similar programs according to their resources and the needs of patients. It is our hope that the CSCP can become a model for the development of similar programs in various parts of the United States and abroad.

Adult↗
PubMed2003

Nurse initiated thrombolysis in the accident and emergency department: safe, accurate, and faster than fast track.

OBJECTIVE: To reduce the time between arrival at hospital of a patient with acute myocardial infarction and administration of thrombolytic therapy (door to needle time) by the introduction of nurse initiated thrombolysis in the accident and emergency department. METHODS: Two acute chest pain nurse specialists (ACPNS) based in A&E for 62.5 hours of the week were responsible for initiating thrombolysis in the A&E department. The service reverts to a "fast track" system outside of these hours, with the on call medical team prescribing thrombolysis on the coronary care unit. Prospectively gathered data were analysed for a nine month period and a head to head comparison made between the mean and median door to needle times for both systems of thrombolysis delivery. RESULTS: Data from 91 patients were analysed; 43 (47%) were thrombolysed in A&E by the ACPNS and 48 (53%) were thrombolysed in the coronary care unit by the on call medical team. The ACPNS achieved a median door to needle time of 23 minutes (IQR=17 to 32) compared with 56 minutes (IQR=34 to 79.5) for the fast track. The proportion of patients thrombolysed in 30 minutes by the ACPNS and fast track system was 72% (31 of 43) and 21% (10 of 48) respectively (difference=51%, 95% confidence intervals 34% to 69%, p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction and administration of thrombolysis by experienced cardiology nurses in A&E is a safe and effective strategy for reducing door to needle times, even when compared with a conventional fast track system.

Emergency Service, Hospital↗
PubMed2001

Genetic perspectives on the serotonin transporter.

The serotonin transporter (5-HTT) is most well known as the site of action of the serotonin reuptake inhibitors, which were initially developed as antidepressants, but now are the most widely used agents in the treatment of many additional neuropsychiatric and related disorders. The discovery that the gene that expresses the 5-HTT possesses a functional promoter-region polymorphism, which is associated with temperament and personality traits such as anxiety and negative emotionality as well as some behaviors, led to many studies examining this polymorphism in individuals with different neuropsychiatric disorders. The subsequent development of mice with a targeted disruption of the 5-HTT in our laboratory has provided an experimental model to examine the many consequences of diminished (in +/-, heterozygote mice) or absent (in -/-, homozygote knockout mice) function of the 5-HTT. The 5-HTT-deficient mice were also crossed with other knockout mice, allowing the study of multiple neurobiologic dysfunctions. As multiple genes are probably involved in the expression of complex behaviors such as anxiety, as well as neuropsychiatric disorders, these more genetically complex mice may more closely model disorders with complex etiologies. Thus, the combination of these comparative human and mouse studies may extend the opportunities to examine genetic alterations from a novel "bottom-up" approach [gene knockout or partial gene knockout in a combinational gene x gene x (yet unknown) gene approach], which is complementary to the traditional "top-down" genetic approach based upon studies of individuals with diagnosed neuropsychiatric disorders and their family members.

Animals↗
PubMed2001

DNA packaging and developmental intermediates of a broad host range Vibrio vulnificus bacteriophage 71A-6.

The structural intermediates in the capsid assembly and DNA packaging pathway of Vibrio vulnificus bacteriophage 71A-6, a rod-shaped double-stranded DNA podovirus, were isolated by ultracentrifugation and studied by electron microscopy, SDS-PAGE and pulsed-field gel electrophoretic analysis. Bacteriophage 71A-6 synthesized rod-shaped capsids (mean length=200+/-8 nm; mean width=47+/-3 nm n=50) during its development. Several host proteins that probably help in the assembly and maturation of the capsids were attached to these capsids as spherical structures. A capsid-DNA or DNA packaging complex that consisted of the mature capsids, DNA and a 42.5-kDa protein was also isolated. The size of the capsids increased in length and decreased in width (mean length=220+/-8 nm; mean width=45+/-3 nm n=50) either during or after the DNA packaging. The capsid fractions contained about 12 phage structural proteins and eight host proteins. At least three proteins were tentatively identified: a 38.5-kDa major capsid protein, a 35.2-kDa tail protein and 42.5-kDa packaging initiator or terminator protein. The size of the bacteriophage 71A-6 genome was determined to be 143.0-kb by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis. The total mass of all the mature phage proteins corresponded to only 14.0% of the coding capacity of phage genome.

Bacteriophages↗
PubMed2001

Evaluation of critical thinking outcomes of a BSN program.

Following a curriculum revision, which emphasized critical thinking, a school of nursing selected the California Critical Thinking Skills Test (CCTST) as a standardized outcomes measure for its bachelor's of science in nursing (BSN) program. Students in three tracks of the program were administered the CCTST on entry into the nursing curriculum and again on exit. Paired t tests for dependent samples were used to analyze pretest-posttest differences of all students (N = 136) in the program. Results for students in each of the three tracks demonstrated significantly improved (P < or = .05) CCTST scores on all subscales and total scores, with one exception. RN to BSN students' scores on the Analysis subscale approached but did not reach significance (P = .058). Implications for evaluation are discussed.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

Cultural impact of Islam on the future directions of nurse education.

In this paper the cultural impact of Islam on the future directions of nurse education is considered. In so doing, Islam is demonstrated as a living and growing religion, transcending almost all races and cultures in many parts of the globe. The historical review of Islam suggests its pervasive impact on almost all aspects of life: affecting both the East and West. In spite of an unjustified negative portrayal of Islam, it continues to grow at what is sometimes perceived as an unprecedented rate, having, it is estimated, one-billion followers, i.e. one-fifth of the world's population. This signals the need for nurse education to take on board curriculum measures to incorporate spiritual and cultural dimensions in the care of Muslim patients. Therefore, curriculum strategies are identified for putting into action educational programmes that address the needs of Muslims.

Cultural Characteristics↗
PubMed1999

The effect of hydrogel dressings on maggot development.

The effect of six different hydrogels on the development of sterile larvae (Lucilia sericata) was examined in a laboratory study. Five of the products had a marked adverse effect on maggot survival but one appeared to facilitate growth of the larvae when compared to control values. These results are consistent with clinical observations that larvae may not survive well in wounds containing residues of some hydrogel dressings.

Animals↗
PubMed1999

Platelet-derived growth factor plays a key role in proliferative vitreoretinopathy.

PURPOSE: The action of growth factors is thought to make a substantial contribution to the events leading to proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR). In this study, the importance of platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) was tested in a rabbit model of PVR. METHODS: The approach was to compare the extent of PVR induced by cells that do or do not express the receptors for PDGF and therefore differ in their ability to respond to PDGF. RESULTS: Mouse embryo fibroblasts derived from PDGF receptor knock-out embryos that do not express either of the two PDGF receptors induced PVR poorly when injected into the eyes of rabbits that had previously undergone gas vitrectomy. Re-expression of the PDGF beta receptor in these cells did not improve the ability of the cells to cause PVR. In contrast, injection of cells expressing the PDGF alpha receptor resulted in stage 3 or higher PVR in 8 of 10 animals. CONCLUSIONS: These findings show that PDGF makes an important contribution to the development of PVR in this animal model. Furthermore, there is a marked difference between the two receptors for PDGF, and it is the PDGF alpha receptor that is capable of driving events that lead to PVR.

Animals↗
PubMed1998

Familial dermatomyositis.

A case of familial dermatomyositis (DM) is reported in a 27-yr-old mother and her daughter aged 2 yr and 8 months. Familial DM is a rare occurrence and has never been reported in a child of < 4 yr old, although isolated cases of DM have been found in infants as young as 1 yr. The mother responded readily to corticosteroids; however, the child proved resistant to steroids and was eventually successfully managed on a combination of methotrexate and prednisolone. Another daughter presented with the dermatological stigmata of DM, but with no evidence of muscle involvement.

Adult↗
PubMed1998

Principal findings from the Washington State cognitive services demonstration project.

In addition to dispensing, pharmacists are ideally positioned to provide cognitive services that are targeted at optimizing drug therapy through identification and resolution of drug therapy problems. The Washington Cognitive Activities and Reimbursement Effectiveness project sought to determine: (1) if pharmacists would respond to a financial incentive by performing more cognitive services, and (2) the effect on drug cost of cognitive services they performed.

Attitude of Health Personnel↗
PubMed1997

Gene structure and 5'-flanking regulatory region of the murine serotonin transporter.

By modulating the magnitude and duration of postsynaptic responses, carrier-facilitated serotonin (5-HT) transport into and release from the presynaptic neuron is central to the fine tuning of serotonergic neurotransmission. The 5-HT transporter (5-HTT) is the prime target for widely used antidepressants, psychostimulants, drugs of abuse and neurotoxins. We have isolated the gene encoding the murine 5-HTT and determined the sequence of all exons including adjacent intronic regions and approximately 3.6 kb of the 5'-flanking regulatory region. The murine 5-HTT gene is composed of 14 exons spanning approximately 34 kb. The single gene transcript after splicing is 2744 bp in length and it contains 186 bp of 5' untranslated region (5'-UTR) and 668 bp of 3'-UTR. A TATA-like motif and several potential binding sites for transcription factors including AP1, AP2, AP4, SP1 as well as CRE- and GRE-like motifs are present in the GC-rich 5'-flanking region. The characterization of murine 5-HTT cDNA and genomic organization will facilitate studies of 5-HT uptake function with molecular pharmacologic and transgenic strategies as well as investigations of its role in quantitative traits and psychiatric disorders.

Amino Acid Sequence↗