Biomedical subjects

Al M Best

Publications and source records attributed to Al M Best.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2006

Use of an automated, load-distributing band chest compression device for out-of-hospital cardiac arrest resuscitation.

CONTEXT: Only 1% to 8% of adults with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest survive to hospital discharge. OBJECTIVE: To compare resuscitation outcomes before and after an urban emergency medical services (EMS) system switched from manual cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) to load-distributing band (LDB) CPR. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PATIENTS: A phased, observational cohort evaluation with intention-to-treat analysis of 783 adults with out-of-hospital, nontraumatic cardiac arrest. A total of 499 patients were included in the manual CPR phase (January 1, 2001, to March 31, 2003) and 284 patients in the LDB-CPR phase (December 20, 2003, to March 31, 2005); of these patients, the LDB device was applied in 210 patients. INTERVENTION: Urban EMS system change from manual CPR to LDB-CPR. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC), with secondary outcome measures of survival to hospital admission and hospital discharge, and neurological outcome at discharge. RESULTS: Patients in the manual CPR and LDB-CPR phases were comparable except for a faster response time interval (mean difference, 26 seconds) and more EMS-witnessed arrests (18.7% vs 12.6%) with LDB. Rates for ROSC and survival were increased with LDB-CPR compared with manual CPR (for ROSC, 34.5%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 29.2%-40.3% vs 20.2%; 95% CI, 16.9%-24.0%; adjusted odds ratio [OR], 1.94; 95% CI, 1.38-2.72; for survival to hospital admission, 20.9%; 95% CI, 16.6%-26.1% vs 11.1%; 95% CI, 8.6%-14.2%; adjusted OR, 1.88; 95% CI, 1.23-2.86; and for survival to hospital discharge, 9.7%; 95% CI, 6.7%-13.8% vs 2.9%; 95% CI, 1.7%-4.8%; adjusted OR, 2.27; 95% CI, 1.11-4.77). In secondary analysis of the 210 patients in whom the LDB device was applied, 38 patients (18.1%) survived to hospital admission (95% CI, 13.4%-23.9%) and 12 patients (5.7%) survived to hospital discharge (95% CI, 3.0%-9.3%). Among patients in the manual CPR and LDB-CPR groups who survived to hospital discharge, there was no significant difference between groups in Cerebral Performance Category (P = .36) or Overall Performance Category (P = .40). The number needed to treat for the adjusted outcome survival to discharge was 15 (95% CI, 9-33). CONCLUSION: Compared with resuscitation using manual CPR, a resuscitation strategy using LDB-CPR on EMS ambulances is associated with improved survival to hospital discharge in adults with out-of-hospital nontraumatic cardiac arrest.

Aged↗

PubMed2006

Effect of buprenorphine and antiretroviral agents on the QT interval in opioid-dependent patients.

BACKGROUND: Cardiac arrhythmias have been linked to treatment with methadone and levacetylmethadol. HIV-positive patients often have conditions that place them at risk for QT interval prolongation including HIV-associated dilated cardiomyopathy, coronary artery disease as a consequence of highly active antiretroviral (ARV) therapy-associated metabolic syndrome, and uncorrected electrolyte abnormalities. As of February 14, 2006, no cases of adverse events related to QT interval prolongation have been reported in patients receiving buprenorphine, an opioid partial agonist and the newest drug approved for the treatment of opioid dependence. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of buprenorphine/naloxone alone and in combination with 1 of 5 ARV agents (efavirenz, nelfinavir, delavirdine, ritonavir, lopinavir/ritonavir) on the QT interval. METHODS: This study was prospective, open-label, and within-subject in design, with subjects serving as their own controls. In 50 HIV-negative, opioid-dependent subjects, electrocardiogram recordings were obtained at baseline, after receiving buprenorphine/naloxone for 2 weeks, and then following buprenorphine/naloxone plus ARV administration for 5-15 days at steady-state. QTc interval measurements were compared using mixed-model, repeated-measures ANOVA. Recent cocaine use and gender were considered covariates. RESULTS: Buprenorphine/naloxone alone and often in the presence of evidence for recent use of cocaine did not significantly alter the QT interval (p = 0.612). Buprenorphine/naloxone in combination with ARVs caused a statistically, but not clinically, significant increase (p = 0.005) in the QT interval. Subjects receiving buprenorphine/naloxone in combination with either delavirdine or ritonavir had the greatest increase in QTc intervals. CONCLUSIONS: Prolonged QT intervals were not observed in opioid-dependent subjects receiving buprenorphine/naloxone alone. QT interval increases were observed with buprenorphine/naloxone in combination with either delavirdine or ritonavir, which inhibit CYP3A4.

Adult↗

PubMed2006

Determining the limits of orthodontic treatment of overbite, overjet, and transverse discrepancy: a pilot study.

INTRODUCTION: Because of the severity of some malocclusions, it is not always possible to treat them without a combination of orthodontics and orthognathic surgery. However, many insurance carriers have difficulty in deciding whether such treatment should be covered. The purpose of this study was to develop a simple method that can be used by insurance carriers to determine when a malocclusion is not correctable by orthodontics alone. METHODS: Twenty-eight orthodontists independently evaluated 30 sets of pretreatment dental models (10 with overjet from -6 to 12 mm, 10 with overbite from 60% to 100%, and 10 with transverse discrepancies from single tooth to total arch crossbite) to determine whether the conditions were orthodontically treatable. They were instructed to assume that growth was complete and that the treatment would not seriously compromise facial esthetics. RESULTS: It was the opinion of the orthodontists that a positive overjet greater than 8 mm, a negative overjet of -4 mm or greater, and a transverse discrepancy greater than 3 mm were not orthodontically treatable. However, most orthodontists believed that they could treat all overbite patients without surgery. CONCLUSIONS: These data can serve as a simple guideline for helping insurance carriers determine the need for orthognathic surgery.

Feasibility Studies↗

PubMed2006

C-reactive protein levels in patients with aggressive periodontitis.

BACKGROUND: Sera from patients with periodontal infections contain elevated levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) compared to periodontally healthy individuals. Most studies to date have included patients with chronic periodontitis, and few investigators have studied CRP levels in subjects with aggressive periodontitis (AgP). The purpose of this study was to determine the relative levels of serum CRP in AgP patients and periodontally healthy subjects and to examine patients' characteristics that might account for intergroup differences. METHODS: Serum samples were collected from 93 patients with generalized AgP (GAgP), from 97 patients with localized AgP (LAgP), and from 91 healthy controls (non-periodontitis [NP]). Periodontal examination consisted of plaque index, gingival index, probing depth, bleeding index, and attachment loss measurements. Current smoking was assessed by determination of serum cotinine levels by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and serum CRP levels were determined using a high-sensitivity ELISA assay. RESULTS: The three groups were significantly different from one another (P <0.0001). The 95% confidence interval for serum CRP concentrations were as follows: NP, 0.65919 (0.4901 to 0.8869); LAgP, 1.10138 (0.8265 to 1.468); and GAgP, 2.05318 (1.5313 to 2.7538) mg/l. CRP levels in both LAgP and GAgP subjects were significantly greater than those in NP subjects, and levels in GAgP were significantly greater than those in LAgP. Following adjustment of the data for periodontal and demographic variables and current smoking, both mean probing depth and periodontal diagnosis remained correlated with CRP levels. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with AgP have statistically significant elevations in serum CRP levels compared to subjects without periodontitis. Elevated CRP in these subjects might represent a contribution of periodontal infections to systemic inflammation in relatively young individuals.

Adult↗

PubMed2006

Accuracy and consistency of radiographic interpretation among clinical instructors using two viewing systems.

Accurate and consistent radiographic interpretation among clinical instructors is needed for assessment of teaching, student performance, and patient care. The purpose of this investigation was to determine if the method of radiographic viewing affects accuracy and consistency of instructors' determinations of bone loss. Forty-one clinicians who provide instruction in a dental school clinical teaching program (including periodontists, general dentists, periodontal graduate students, and dental hygienists) quantified bone loss for up to twenty-five teeth into four descriptive categories using a view box for plain film viewing or a projection system for digitized image viewing. Ratings were compared to the correct category as determined by direct measurement using the Schei ruler. Agreement with the correct choice for the view box and projection system was 70.2 percent and 64.5 percent, respectively. The mean difference was better for a projection system due to small rater error by graduate students. Projection system ratings were slightly less consistent than view box ratings. Dental hygiene faculty ratings were the most consistent but least accurate. Although the projection system resulted in slightly reduced accuracy and consistency among instructors, training sessions utilizing a single method for projecting digitized radiographic images have their advantages and may positively influence dental education and patient care by enhancing accuracy and consistency of radiographic interpretation among instructors.

Alveolar Bone Loss↗

PubMed2006

Accuracy and consistency of radiographic interpretation among clinical instructors in conjunction with a training program.

There are inaccuracies and inconsistencies of radiographic interpretation among clinical instructors. The purpose of this investigation was to determine if a training program could improve the accuracy and consistency of instructors' ratings of bone loss. A total of thirty-five clinical instructors consisting of periodontal faculty (periodontists and general dentists), dental hygiene faculty, and periodontal graduate students viewed projected digitized radiographic images and quantified bone loss for twenty-five teeth into four descriptive categories. Ratings of bone loss were made immediately before (pretest) and after (post-test 1) initiation of the training program and then again three months later (post-test 2). Ratings were compared to the correct choice categories as determined by direct measurement using the Schei ruler. Overall agreement with the correct choice improved over time (from 64.5 percent to 85.2 percent) with the greatest change from pretest (64.5 percent) to post-test 1 (76.5 percent). Mean and absolute differences improved in three of the four categories, but worsened in one from pretest to post-test 1. This category returned to its original high value at post-test 2. The greatest improvement in consistency among instructors' ratings was seen in one of the four categories, which was "none" (no bone loss). Extension of the training program may further enhance the accuracy and consistency of instructors' radiographic interpretation.

Adult↗

PubMed2005

Passive immunization during pregnancy for congenital cytomegalovirus infection.

BACKGROUND: Currently, there is no effective intervention for a primary cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection during pregnancy. METHODS: We studied pregnant women with a primary CMV infection. The therapy group comprised women whose amniotic fluid contained either CMV or CMV DNA and who were offered intravenous CMV hyperimmune globulin at a dose of 200 U per kilogram of maternal weight. A prevention group, consisting of women with a recent primary infection before 21 weeks' gestation or who declined amniocentesis, was offered monthly hyperimmune globulin (100 U per kilogram intravenously). RESULTS: In the therapy group, 31 women received hyperimmune globulin, only 1 (3 percent) of whom gave birth to an infant with CMV disease (symptomatic at birth and handicapped at two or more years of age), as compared with 7 of 14 women who did not receive hyperimmune globulin (50 percent). Thus, hyperimmune globulin therapy was associated with a significantly lower risk of congenital CMV disease (adjusted odds ratio, 0.02; 95 percent confidence interval, -infinity to 0.15; P<0.001). In the prevention group, 37 women received hyperimmune globulin, 6 (16 percent) of whom had infants with congenital CMV infection, as compared with 19 of 47 women (40 percent) who did not receive hyperimmune globulin. Thus, hyperimmune globulin therapy was associated with a significantly lower risk of congenital CMV infection (adjusted odds ratio, 0.32; 95 percent confidence interval, 0.10 to 0.94; P=0.04). Hyperimmune globulin therapy significantly (P<0.001) increased CMV-specific IgG concentrations and avidity and decreased natural killer cells and HLA-DR+ cells and had no adverse effects. CONCLUSIONS: Treatment of pregnant women with CMV-specific hyperimmune globulin is safe, and the findings of this nonrandomized study suggest that it may be effective in the treatment and prevention of congenital CMV infection. A controlled trial of this agent may now be appropriate.

Adult↗

PubMed2005

Prediction of Feeding Performance in Preterm Infants.

A nonexperimental study with a sample of 95 preterm infants was used to develop a model of feeding performance outcomes (proficiency, percent of prescribed volume consumed, and efficiency) using feeding readiness indicators (morbidity, maturity, behavior state at feeding start, and feeding experience). All readiness indicators were related to each other. In particular, there was a strong relationship between maturity and feeding experience. Morbidity only had an effect on efficiency; the most ill infants were less efficient feeders. Behavior state affects all feeding outcomes in a linear fashion; more awake and alert infants had better feeding performance outcomes. The effect of experience and maturity on the outcomes is more complex because of the relationship between the two. Experience has a greater effect as the infant matures, and as the infant matures, the amount of experience increases. Successful feeding requires maturity as well as experience.

Journal Article↗

PubMed2005

The Self-Directed Learning Readiness Scale: a factor analysis study.

BACKGROUND: The practice of medicine demands that its physician practitioners are self-directed, life-long learners. The Self-Directed Learning Readiness Scale (SDLRS) intends to measure adults' readiness to engage in self-directed learning. PURPOSE: The present study assesses the underlying factor structure of the SDLRS for a sample of entering medical students. METHODS: Over a period of 6 years, 972 first year medical students at the Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine completed the SDLRS. To summarise the inter-relationships among variables, a principal axis factor analysis with oblique rotation was used on the 58 SDLRS items. A series of confirmatory factor analyses using LISREL 8.54 was performed to further examine the measurement model underlying the SDLRS. RESULTS: A 4-factor confirmatory model representing 4 correlated substantive factors and a reverse coding method factor fits these data well. CONCLUSIONS: Medical educators should hold limited expectations of the SDLRS to measure medical students' readiness to engage in self-directed learning. The definitions and theoretical assumptions that inform readiness for self-directed learning should be reconsidered. Alternative approaches to studying self-directed learning should be explored.

Education, Medical, Continuing↗

PubMed2005

Measuring stress and immune response in healthcare professionals following interaction with a therapy dog: a pilot study.

This study investigated the optimal time for measuring stress and immune function in 20 healthcare professionals (19 women and 1 man) following interaction with a therapy dog. A nonclinical sample of healthcare professionals was assigned to 20 min. of quiet rest, and 5 and 20 min. with a therapy dog. Serum cortisol, epinephrine, and norepinephrine were collected at baseline, 5, 15, 30, 45, and 60 min. postcondition. Salivary cortisol, salivary IgA, and blood for lymphocytes were collected at baseline, 30, 45, and 60 min. postcondition. Analysis indicated significant reductions in serum and salivary cortisol. The optimal time for measuring serum or salivary cortisol following interaction with a therapy dog was 45 min., with changes in salivary cortisol reflecting serum cortisol changes. Findings also suggest stress reduction in healthcare professionals may occur after as little as 5 min. of interaction with a therapy dog and warrants further investigation.

Adult↗

PubMed2004

Evaluation of quality-control criteria for microarray gene expression analysis.

BACKGROUND: Development of quality-control criteria to ensure reproducibility of microarray results for potential clinical application is still in its infancy. METHODS: In the present studies we developed quality-control criteria and evaluated their effect in microarray data analysis using total RNA from cell lines, frozen tumors, and a commercially available reference RNA. Quality-control criteria such as A(260)/A(280) ratios, percentage of rRNA, and median size of cDNA and cRNA synthesis products were evaluated for robustness in microarray analysis. Furthermore, precision studies using a reference material were performed on the Affymetrix HG-U133A high-density oligonucleotide microarrays. The same reference RNA sample was examined in 16 different chips run on 2 different days in the four different modules of the Affymetrix fluidics workstation. Fresh and frozen fragmented cRNAs were also compared. An ANOVA model was fit to identify the main sources of variation. RESULTS: Good-quality samples showed >30% rRNA in the electropherograms and cDNA and cRNA synthesis products with median sizes of 2.0 and 3.0 kb, respectively. Precision studies showed that the main source of variation was the day-to-day variability, minimally affecting hybridization exogenous control genes. Altogether, the results showed that the Affymetrix Genechip system is highly reproducible when RNA that meet the quality-control criteria are used (overall P >0.01). CONCLUSIONS: These results confirm the need to establish defined quality-control criteria for sample quality to distinguish between analytical and biological variability.

Analysis of Variance↗

PubMed2004

Proteomic identification of 14-3-3 sigma as a common component of the androgen receptor and the epidermal growth factor receptor signaling pathways of the human prostate epithelial cell line M12.

The epidermal growth factor receptor and androgen receptor (AR) both play major roles in the control of prostate growth. Our hypothesis is that shared downstream components of these two signaling pathways are significant participants in androgen-independent growth. Our first objective was to identify proteins whose activation and/or expression in AR-positive prostate epithelial cells are induced by both epidermal growth factor (EGF) and dihydrotestosterone (DHT). AR expression was induced in a tumorigenic, metastatic subline of the SV40 large T-antigen immortalized human prostate epithelial subline M12 by stable transfection with human wild-type AR cDNA. These M12AR (+) cells with functional AR were treated in parallel with EGF (10 ng/ml) or DHT (10(-8) M) for 24 h before 2D gel electrophoresis and Western immunoblotting with antiphosphotyrosine monoclonal antibody. Coomassie blue-stained spots on a 2D gel run in parallel were aligned with the phosphoproteins on the Western immunoblot, and identified by matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization/time-of-flight mass spectroscopy. The most interesting of the seven proteins that appeared to be phosphorylated by these criteria was 14-3-3 protein sigma. Protein extracted after either EGF or DHT treatment, immunoprecipitated with antiphosphotyrosine monoclonal antibody, and immunoblotted by anti-14-3-3 sigma confirmed phosphorylation of 14-3-3 sigma. Addition of either DHT or EGF to the M12AR(+) cells induced subcellular migration of 14-3-3 sigma and activated a 14-3-3 sigma reporter construct. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed nuclear localization of 14-3-3 sigma in higher Gleason grade prostate cancers relative to benign glands. These findings implicate 14-3-3 sigma in the development of human prostate cancer cells and could provide a new target for intervention in prostate cancer.

14-3-3 Proteins↗

PubMed2004

Prevention of child-to-mother transmission of cytomegalovirus among pregnant women.

OBJECTIVE: To determine if protective behavior prevents child-to-mother transmission of cytomegalovirus (CMV) during pregnancy. STUDY DESIGN: We studied 166 seronegative mothers (94% white women; mean age, 33 years) with a child <36 months of age attending a day care facility. Mothers, either pregnant or attempting pregnancy, were randomly assigned by day care center to either a control or intervention group. Mothers in the intervention group received instructions for hand washing, glove use, and for avoiding types of intimate contact with their child. The control group received no instructions or information about their serologic status or whether their child was shedding CMV. RESULTS: In the intervention group, 7.8% of women (9 of 115) seroconverted, as did 7.8% of women (4 of 51) in the control group. Two independent predictors of maternal infection were (1) a child shedding and (2) a mother attempting pregnancy at enrollment. For 41 women attempting pregnancy at enrollment with a child shedding CMV, 10 of 24 became infected compared with only 1 of 17 women who were already pregnant at enrollment ( P = .008). CONCLUSIONS: For seronegative women who already know they are pregnant, intervention may be highly effective for preventing CMV acquisition.

Adult↗

PubMed2004

Comparison of type 1 and type 2 cytokine production by mononuclear cells cultured with streptococcus mutans and selected other caries bacteria.

A feature of pulpal immune responses is the predominance of type 1 cytokine mRNA under shallow caries and a mixed (type 1/type 2) profile under deep caries. These results prompted an examination of the cytokine profiles induced by bacteria in shallow caries (Streptococcus mutans and Actinomyces viscosus) and deep caries (Lactobacillus casei, Pseudoramibacter alactolyticus, and Prevotella intermedia). All isolates induced interferon-gamma and interleukin-10, whereas interleukin-4 and interleukin-2 titers were low to undetectable. S. mutans was the most potent and persistent interferon-gamma inducer. Differences in interleukin-10 were apparent at low doses but were less dramatic, with L. casei the dominant producer. S. mutans induced substantially more interferon-gamma than interleukin-10 over all doses and time points, suggesting strong type 1 polarization. P. alactolyticus induced significantly more interleukin-10 than interferon-gamma at higher concentrations, suggesting polarization toward type 2. A similar amount of interferon-gamma and interleukin-10 induced by L. casei, A. viscosus, and P. intermedia reflected a mixed profile. A better understanding of pulpal immune response to caries bacteria may enable us to develop an immune system-based pulp therapy in the future.

Actinomyces viscosus↗

PubMed2004

Antibody reactive with Porphyromonas gingivalis hemagglutinin in chronic and generalized aggressive periodontitis.

BACKGROUND: Porphyromonas gingivalis, a black-pigmented, gram-negative anaerobe, is found in periodontitis lesions and its presence in subgingival plaque significantly increases the risk for periodontitis. We have previously shown that patients with aggressive forms of periodontitis that are seropositive for P. gingivalis have less attachment loss than those that are seronegative. This suggests that antibody reactive with antigens of P. gingivalis may be protective and decrease disease severity and extent. Recent studies in the murine abscess model and in the host antibody response in chronic periodontitis patients suggest that antibody reactive with P. gingivalis hemagglutinin may be an important protective antibody response. OBJECTIVES: In this study, we tested the hypothesis that there was a significant relationship between antibody reactive with P. gingivalis hemagglutinin and measures of periodontal attachment loss. METHODS: We determined the immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibody concentration reactive with recombinant P. gingivalis hemagglutinin in 117 chronic periodontitis and 90 generalized aggressive periodontitis patients. We also determined the IgG subclass distribution for antibody reactive with P. gingivalis hemagglutinin. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: We found IgG reactive with P. gingivalis hemagglutinin in both chronic periodontitis and generalized aggressive periodontitis patients. Most of this IgG antibody was of the IgG1 and IgG3 subclasses. Antibody reactive with P. gingivalis hemagglutinin, however, did not have a significant relationship with measures of periodontal attachment loss.

Adult↗

PubMed2004

Locally produced anti-phosphorylcholine and anti-oxidized low-density lipoprotein antibodies in gingival crevicular fluid from aggressive periodontitis patients.

BACKGROUND: Sera from patients with periodontal attachment loss contain higher concentrations of IgG anti-phosphorylcholine (anti-PC) than sera from healthy subjects. Furthermore, a large proportion of plaque bacteria bear PC-containing surface antigens, implicating the oral flora as a source of immunogen for anti-PC. Additionally, anti-PC is cross-reactive with a variety of oral bacterial antigens and human antigens such as oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL). We hypothesized that, if the oral flora is a source of PC antigens, then we should be able to detect local anti-PC and anti-oxLDL production in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF). METHODS: To test this, we collected 66 GCF samples from 15 patients with aggressive periodontitis and examined both the GCF samples and serum samples for their content of IgG anti-PC, IgG anti-LDL, and IgG anti-oxLDL by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. We also determined levels of anti-tetanus toxoid (anti-TT) as a non-oral antigen control. Serum and GCF concentrations of serum albumin (HSA) were also determined for use as a dilution marker. A conservative GCF:serum antibody ratio of greater than 1.5 was considered to be evidence of local antibody production. RESULTS: For the non-oral antigen TT, only one out of 62 samples contained locally produced antibody. Eight out of 64 samples (7 from a single subject) demonstrated local production of anti-LDL. In contrast, 28 out of 66 samples demonstrated local production of anti-PC, and 47 out of 66 samples contained locally produced anti-oxLDL. It was observed that A. actinomycetemcomitans strains containing or devoid of PC could absorb anti-oxLDL from human sera. Although there was a correlation between the ratios of anti-PC and anti-oxLDL (Spearman's rho = 0.35, P = 0.0037), local production of both antibodies was found in only 17 out of 65 samples, indicating that these antibodies are not always reflective of reactivity to the same antigens. CONCLUSION: The local production of anti-PC and anti-oxLDL further implicates the oral flora as a source of antigen that may mediate immune reactions of relevance to cardiovascular and other systemic diseases.

Acute Disease↗

PubMed2003

The crisis in orthodontic education: goals and perceptions.

A crisis in orthodontic education exists today because of a shortage of qualified people seeking to pursue careers in academic orthodontics; 35% of orthodontic graduate programs in the United States report having at least 1 vacant faculty position. Previous studies have identified several factors that contribute to the current shortage. The purpose of this study was to quantify and compare real and perceived differences in income, workload, and other qualitative characteristics between academic and private practice orthodontists. Orthodontic faculty, private practitioners, and residents were surveyed, and their answers were compared statistically. Faculty annual income was less than one half that of private practitioners matched by experience and geography. Faculty reported working an average of 25% more hours per week, and income per hour for full-time faculty was less than one third that of their private-practice colleagues. In addition, faculty perceived that they experienced more stress, encountered more bureaucracy, received less respect, and had a more difficult time achieving board certification than did private practitioners. Despite these findings, both faculty and private practitioners reported high levels of satisfaction in their respective jobs. Orthodontic residents were better attuned to the differences between academics and private practice than were faculty or private practitioners themselves. Residents perceived that it would take an average of 67% longer to pay off their educational debt in a faculty position than in private practice. It is in the best interest of orthodontics to resolve the crisis in education if it is to maintain its well-respected status among dental and medical specialties.

Adult↗

PubMed2003

Genome-wide detection of LOH in prostate cancer using human SNP microarray technology.

Loss of heterozygosity (LOH) of chromosomal regions is crucial in tumor progression. In this study we assessed the potential of the Affymetrix GeneChip HuSNP mapping assay for detecting genome-wide LOH in prostate tumors. We analyzed two human prostate cell lines, P69SV40Tag (P69) and its tumorigenic subline, M12, and 11 prostate cancer cases. The M12 cells showed LOH in chromosomes 3p12.1-p22.1, 11q22.1-q24.2, 19p13.12, and 19q13.42. All of the prostate cases with informative single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers showed LOH in 1p31.2, 10q11.21, 12p13.1, 16q23.1-q23.2, 17p13.3, 17q21.31, and 21q21.2. Additionally, a high percentage of cases showed LOH at 6p25.1-p25.3 (75%), 8p22-p23.2, and 10q22.1 (70%). Several tumor suppressor genes (TSGs) have been mapped in these loci. These results demonstrate that the HuSNP mapping assay can serve as an alternative to comparative genomic hybridization for assessing genome-wide LOH and can identify chromosomal regions harboring candidate TSGs implicated in prostate cancer.

Adult↗