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Biomedical subjects

B Bell

Publications and source records attributed to B Bell.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2004

The nature and course of neuropsychological morbidity in chronic temporal lobe epilepsy.

OBJECTIVE: To characterize the nature and degree of cognitive morbidity in patients with chronic temporal lobe epilepsy compared with healthy control subjects, determine the association between the duration of epilepsy and cognitive morbidity, and ascertain whether there are factors that moderate the association between duration of disorder and cognitive impairment. METHODS: Temporal lobe epilepsy (n = 96) and healthy control (n = 82) subjects were assessed with a comprehensive neuropsychological battery. Test performances were adjusted for age, gender, and education and transformed to a common metric (z scores). Analyses included group comparisons and correlations of duration of epilepsy with cognitive morbidity. RESULTS: Patients with temporal lobe epilepsy exhibited not only worse memory function (p < 0.05) but worse performance across measures of intelligence, language, executive function, and motor speed (p < 0.05). Chronicity of epilepsy was related to worsening mental status (r = 0.42, p < 0.001). This relationship was particularly evident among those individuals with less (r = 0.58, p < 0.001) compared with more (r = 0.25, NS) cerebral reserve, operationally defined by years of formal education. CONCLUSIONS: Neuropsychological morbidity in chronic temporal lobe epilepsy is widespread in nature despite a focal epileptic process. Cross-sectional analyses demonstrate that increasing duration of epilepsy is associated with worsening mental status. Individuals with less educational attainment (low cerebral reserve) exhibit especially poor cognitive function in association with chronicity of epilepsy.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2001

Diode laser assisted transcervical tubal sterilization: an in vivo study in rabbits.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: To investigate the sterilization effectiveness of endoluminal tubal photocoagulation on tubal lumen obliteration. STUDY DESIGN/MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-four female rabbits were subjected to laparotomy and hysterotomy. Endoluminal tubal photocoagulation was induced over a length of 3 cm in the proximal, extramural fallopian tube by using a cylindrical diffusing tip that emitted diode laser radiation at 805 and 980 nm wavelengths. Tubal patency was evaluated by observing patterns of injected methylene blue and/or breeding success rates. RESULTS: Postoperative recovery was uneventful in all animals. Evidence of occlusion of the tubal lumen included a negative methylene blue test in all 12 tubes treated (tubal occlusion rate 100%) and failure to conceive in 17 of 18 uteri (contraception rate 94.5%). Although identical power settings were used, distinctly lower tubal surface temperatures (about 10 degrees C) were obtained with the 805 nm diode laser as compared to the 980 nm diode laser. CONCLUSIONS: The described endoluminal tubal photocoagulation method using a diode laser emitting longer wavelengths (e.g., 980 nm) is suitable for safe and effective sterilization in rabbits and has potential as a new transcervical tubal sterilization method for humans.

Animals↗
PubMed2001

Identification of hTAF(II)80 delta links apoptotic signaling pathways to transcription factor TFIID function.

Apoptotic cell death is associated with altered levels of mRNA expression, yet the mechanisms that coordinate changes in gene expression with activation of the cell death machinery remain obscure. Here, we report the cloning and characterization of hTAF(II)80 delta, a specialized isoform of the general transcription factor TFIID subunit hTAF(II)80. Several distinct apoptotic stimuli induce the expression and caspase-dependent cleavage of hTAF(II)80 delta. hTAF(II)80 delta, unlike hTAF(II)80, forms a TFIID-like complex lacking hTAF(II)31. Elevated expression of hTAF(II)80 delta in HeLa cells is sufficient to trigger apoptotic cell death and selectively alters cellular transcription, including the induction of the target genes gadd45 and p21. These data define a signaling pathway that couples apoptotic signals to a reprogramming of RNA polymerase II transcription.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed2001

Laser transmission through transparent membranes used in cutaneous laser treatment.

BACKGROUND: Some clinicians perform cutaneous laser treatments through transparent membranes to protect themselves and the surroundings from contamination by ejected tissue particles. Transmissibility of these membranes influences the tissue irradiance. OBJECTIVE: We compared the optical transmissibility of 8 membranes. METHODS: In part 1, a Schwartz Electro-Optics Q-switched alexandrite laser (wavelength of 720-800 nm, beam diameter of 3 mm) was directed through 8 membranes. A Molectron JD 2000 Joulemeter Ratiometer obtained measurements of percent loss of laser energy (for calculation of percent transmission) through each. To evaluate other wavelengths used in skin treatment, an SLM Aminco UV-VIS model 2000 spectrophotometer measured variance of transmission over a spectral region from 350 to 900 nm in 4 of the membranes. RESULTS: The samples listed in order of increasing amounts of light energy lost across the membrane as compared with control (direct irradiation) were as follows: (1) Handi Wrap plastic wrap: 7% loss, 93% transmission; (2) glass slide: 8% loss; (3) Bioclusive transparent dressing: 11% loss; (4) Tegaderm transparent dressing: 26% loss; (5) Vigilon dressing without plastic backing: 34% loss; (6) Vigilon dressing with one layer of plastic backing: 37% loss; (7) Acuderm dressing: 41% loss; and (8) OpSite IV: 48% loss. CONCLUSIONS: Transmissibility of the interposed membranes must be considered when determining the dosimetry of light energy required by the target tissue.

Laser Therapy↗
PubMed2000

Population genetics of the STR loci HUMCSF1PO, HUMF13A01, HUMFES/FPS and D12S391 in Asturias (northern Spain).

In order to use genetic loci in forensic identity testing, some population data are needed. This paper presents a report of allele frequency data for the loci HUMCSF1PO, HUMF13A01, HUMFES/FPS and D12S391 in a population sample from Asturias (northern Spain). No deviation from the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium was detected in any of the four markers investigated and there was no evidence of association between the alleles of these loci. Statistical analysis was also carried out to obtain some parameters of medico-legal interest and comparative studies were carried out with other populations studied to date for these loci. The Asturian sample does not differ substantially from other Caucasian and Spanish populations.

DNA Fingerprinting↗
PubMed2000

Evidence that synaptically-released zinc contributes to neuronal injury after traumatic brain injury.

Prior evidence indicates that synaptically-released zinc enters postsynaptic neurons in toxic excess during ischemia and seizures. In addition, prevention of this zinc translocation has been shown to be neuroprotective in both ischemia and seizures. Here we show evidence that the same translocation of zinc from presynaptic boutons into postsynaptic neurons occurs after mechanical injury to the brain. Specifically, using a rat model of traumatic brain injury, we show that trauma is associated with (i) loss of zinc from presynaptic boutons (ii) appearance of zinc in injured neurons, and (iii) neuroprotection by intraventricular administration of a zinc chelator just prior to brain impact. The possible use of zinc chelators for neuroprotection after head trauma is considered.

Aminoquinolines↗
PubMed2000

Comorbid psychiatric symptoms in temporal lobe epilepsy: association with chronicity of epilepsy and impact on quality of life.

Purpose. The goals of this work were to determine: (1) the nature and extent of differences in self-reported psychiatric symptoms between patients with temporal lobe epilepsy and matched healthy controls, (2) the relationship between chronicity (duration) of temporal lobe epilepsy and comorbid interictal psychiatric symptoms, and (3) the impact of comorbid psychiatric symptoms on self-reported health-related quality of life. Methods. Patients with temporal lobe epilepsy (n = 54) and healthy controls (n = 38) were administered the Symptom Checklist-90-Revised (SCL-90-R) to assess the nature and severity of psychiatric symptomatology and epilepsy patients completed the Quality of Life in Epilepsy-89 (QOLIE-89) to define health-related quality of life. Among epilepsy patients the SCL-90-R scales were examined in relation to chronicity of temporal lobe epilepsy as well as the impact of comorbid emotional-behavioral distress on health-related quality of life. Results. Compared with healthy controls, patients with epilepsy exhibited significantly higher (worse) scores across all but one of the 12 SCL-90-R scales. Among patients with epilepsy, increasing chronicity was associated with significantly higher (worse) scores across all SCL-90-R scales and increased emotional-behavioral distress was associated with lower (worse) scores across all 17 QOLIE-89 scales. Conclusion. Comorbid interictal psychiatric symptoms are elevated among patients with temporal lobe epilepsy compared with healthy controls and appear to be modestly associated with increasing chronicity (duration) of epilepsy. This comorbid emotional-behavioral distress is specifically associated with a significantly poorer health-related quality of life, and suggests that quality-of-life research should devote greater attention to the potential impact of comorbid psychiatric distress.

Journal Article↗
PubMed2000

Tubal sterilization by means of endoluminal coagulation: an in vivo study in rabbits.

This study was conducted to investigate the effectiveness and safety of endoluminal tubal coagulation in obliterating the tubal lumen in rabbits. Forty female rabbits were subjected to laparotomy and hysterotomy. Endoluminal tubal coagulation was induced over a length of 3 cm in the proximal, extramural fallopian tube by using a heated stainless steel cannula or a cylindrical diffusing tip emitting argon laser radiation for one to 5 minutes. Tubal patency was evaluated by observing patterns of injected methylene blue and/or breeding success rates. Postoperative recovery was uneventful in all animals. A negative methylene blue test indicated occlusion in 51 of 52 tubes (tubal occlusion rate 98.1%), and a contraception rate of 100% in all 17 uteri in which the tube had been treated. The described endoluminal tubal coagulation method proved suitable for safe and effective sterilization in rabbits and has potential as a new transcervical tubal sterilization method for humans.

Animals↗
PubMed2000

Identity in adolescent survivors of childhood cancer.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate identify formation among adolescent survivors of childhood cancer. Family functioning, perceived emotional support from family and peers, life stress, and anxiety produced by the cancer experience also were examined as they influenced identity development. METHOD: Participants were 52 adolescent survivors and their mothers recruited from a medical center and 42 healthy adolescent counterparts and their mothers recruited from the community. RESULTS: A greater frequency of survivors than their healthy peers was found within the foreclosed identity status. Factors associated with the foreclosed identity status included the cancer diagnosis, symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and family functioning characterized by greater levels of conflict. CONCLUSIONS: Data were interpreted to suggest that the foreclosed identity status may serve a protective function in assisting survivors to cope with the stressors of the cancer experience.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2000

Characterization and predictors of prostate specific antigen progression rates after radical retropubic prostatectomy.

PURPOSE: Detectable serum prostate specific antigen (PSA) after radical prostatectomy indicates recurrent disease and treatment failure. We characterized PSA recurrence after prostatectomy and identified predictors of rapid PSA progression. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 165 patients with detectable PSA after radical prostatectomy to characterize the rate of PSA increase and correlate this rate with the possible predictors of rapid PSA progression known at prostatectomy. RESULTS: For a median of 48 months postoperatively we followed 142 patients with PSA recurrence after radical prostatectomy who received no immediate adjuvant therapy. PSA doubling time was less than 6, greater than 6, 12, 18 and 24 months in 46%, 54%, 18%, 11% and 9% of cases, while time to PSA 50 ng./ml. was greater than 5, 10, 15 and 20 years in 69%, 34%, 22% and 9%, respectively. Univariate and multivariate analyses revealed that rapid PSA doubling time was associated with Gleason secondary grade, Gleason score and time to initial detectable PSA (p = 0.019, 0.031 and 0.0001, and p = 0.043, 0.045 and 0.0001, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: PSA recurrence progresses at a greatly variable rate and many recurrences progress slowly with a long doubling time. Gleason secondary grade and score appear to be predictive of rapid PSA progression. No other pathological features were predictive of rapid PSA progression.

Analysis of Variance↗
PubMed2000

Psychiatric comorbidity in chronic epilepsy: identification, consequences, and treatment of major depression.

The purpose of this article is to review the topic of interictal psychiatric comorbidity among adult patients with chronic epilepsy, focusing specifically on those studies that have used contemporary psychiatric nosology. Five specific issues are addressed: (a) the risk and predominant type(s) of psychiatric comorbidity in chronic epilepsy, (b) adequacy of recognition and treatment of psychiatric comorbidity, (c) the additional burdens that comorbid psychiatric disorders impose upon patients with chronic epilepsy, (d) the etiology of these disorders, and (e) strategies for treatment. Current appreciation for these issues in epilepsy is contrasted to related fields (e.g., primary care, psychiatry, and epidemiology), where considerable attention has been devoted to the identification, consequences, and treatment of psychiatric comorbidity. The issue of psychiatric comorbidity in epilepsy is reviewed with the aim of identifying a clinical and research agenda that will advance understanding of at least one important psychiatric condition associated with epilepsy-namely, major depression.

Absenteeism↗
PubMed2000

Validation of an outcome scale for use in adult psychiatric practice.

OBJECTIVE: To clarify the usefulness, acceptability, sensitivity, and validity of version 4 of the Health of the Nation Outcome Scale (HoNOS), a scale developed to meet the requirement for a clinically acceptable outcome scale for routine use in mental illness services. DESIGN: Patients with a range of mental illnesses were rated on the HoNOS at the beginning and end of an episode by interviews with mental health professionals. SUBJECTS: 934 patients from eight diagnostic categories were rated by 129 mental health professionals at 17 sites; 250 were also rated on a range of comparison scales. OUTCOME MEASURES: Comparison of patients' scores at the beginning and end of an episode using individual item scores, dimensional subscores, and the total score. RESULTS: HoNOS scores decreased by almost 50% between the beginning and end of episodes. They varied with the severity of the setting and discriminant analysis showed that the HoNOS had a moderate level of discriminatory power. Correlation analysis showed acceptable levels of agreement with independent scales, although the accuracy of ratings of some items at the beginning of an episode was affected by information deficits. CONCLUSION: The findings indicate that HoNOS is sensitive to change across time and to differences in illness type and severity, and has a sufficient degree of both construct and criterion related validity to fulfil the requirements of a mental health outcome scale for routine use in clinical settings.

Adult↗