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Biomedical subjects

F Dagenais

Publications and source records attributed to F Dagenais.

44 records · Page 3Linked to original sources

Immediate hypersensitivity reactions in the guinea-pig conjunctiva: studies with a second-generation leukotriene D4 receptor antagonist, MK-571.

The role of leukotriene D4 (LTD4) as a mediator of immediate hypersensitivity reactions in the guinea-pig conjunctiva was examined using a potent, second-generation LTD4 receptor antagonist, MK-571 (also known as L-660,711). The microvascular permeability changes in the guinea-pig conjunctiva following challenge with either LTD4 or antigen were measured through accumulation of intravenously administered 99mtechnetium-labeled albumin. Topical application of MK-571 (up to 2 h pretreatment) significantly inhibited the conjunctival responses to LTD4 (ED50 of 18-60 ng/eye) but not to histamine. The responses to a single topical antigen challenge in ovalbumin-sensitized guinea pigs were significantly inhibited (44%) by topical treatment with MK-571, in contrast to the lack of effect previously observed with prototypic antagonists. The inhibitory effects of MK-571 did not involve an action on conversion of [3H]LTC4 to LTD4 and LTE4. Following a second antigen challenge (24 h after the first), MK-571 inhibited the resultant permeability changes by 78%. Specific histamine H1 and H2 antagonists similarly inhibited the responses to the first and second challenges (63 and 74%, respectively). The present study suggests that LTD4 is involved in conjunctival hypersensitivity reactions and that potent LTD4 receptor antagonists may be of therapeutic value in the treatment of allergic conjunctivitis.

Animals↗

Institutionalization of programs in medical education.

Through the use of questionnaires and interview schedules during extended site visits, sixteen programs training residents in non-family medicine primary care were studied to determine what factors contributed to program success -- known as "institutionalization" -- or to program failure. The findings revealed that programs were initiated for either philosophic or pragmatic money reasons. For programs to begin, to continue, and to be institutionalized was due to several contributing key factors. These included the resolution of programmatic differences in regard to goals; development of a substantive quality program; presence of forceful and respected leadership; tangible support of the administration and key academic departments; commitment of the teaching staff; anticipation of potential conflicts; participation of the involved lay and professional community; and the availability of some continued funding. The study also revealed that one program was a complete failure and had to be aborted because none of the key factors were present. The study concluded that the best way for institutionalization to occur is to assure that sound and comprehensive planning takes place. With thorough and anticipatory planning, the conditions essential to program institutionalization can be met more easily.

Internship and Residency↗

A comparison of primary care residents with conventional internal medicine and pediatric residents.

A study was done of 15 residency training programs in primary care (not family practice residencies) to determine how the residents compared with their counterparts in conventional programs. Primary care residents are equally or more clinically skilled and equally or better grounded in the science of medicine. Their clinical research is directed toward different issues, and they are decidedly more psychosocially oriented.

Education, Medical, Graduate↗

Effects of a mouthwash in an irrigating device on accumulation and maturation of dental plaque.

A study was conducted to determine whether there was any advantage in using a commercial mouthwash over water in a pulsating oral irrigating device on dental plaque growth and maturation. The amount of plaque accmulated on the test teeth of human subjects was measured on days 1,3,5,7 and 10 during the experimental period by using the two-tone disclosing dye solution and the Quigley and Hein scoring method. The results showed the value of using the two-tone disclosing dye in visualizing the growth and maturation of bacterial plaque in situ. There was a marked delay in the rate of plaque maturation by the commerical mouthwash delivered by an irrigating device. There were no statistical differences in plaque accumulation between the control and treatment groups for the 10-days test periods.

Adult↗