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Biomedical subjects

J Bowers

Publications and source records attributed to J Bowers.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2000

Behavioural treatment (biofeedback) for constipation following hysterectomy.

BACKGROUND: Constipation after hysterectomy has been postulated to be due to pelvic nerve damage, but there may be emotional or reversible physical factors of pathophysiological relevance. The aim of this study was to determine whether such constipation is responsive to behavioural treatment. METHODS: Three groups of patients who had completed a course of biofeedback treatment were compared: women with no history of abdominal or pelvic surgery (n = 25), women for whom a hysterectomy had led to no change in bowel function (n = 27) and women who stated that their constipation was precipitated (n = 18) or severely worsened (n = 8) by hysterectomy. Pretreatment and post-treatment details about bowel function and symptoms were assessed using structured interview, and pretreatment whole-gut transit time and anorectal physiology testing were assessed for prognostic relevance. RESULTS: Follow-up after completing treatment was a median of 28 (range 12-44) months. Forty-eight of 78 patients considered that their constipation had improved with treatment; the proportion in each group was similar (P = 0.73). Biofeedback reduced the need to strain, reduced abdominal pain, improved bowel frequency, and reduced laxative use to a similar degree in all three groups. Thirty-three of 53 patients with slow transit considered there was an improvement, compared with 15 of 22 with measured normal transit. Physiological testing did not predict outcome and did not differ between the three groups. CONCLUSION: The majority of patients complaining of constipation induced or worsened by hysterectomy respond subjectively to behavioural treatment, in a similar proportion to those with idiopathic constipation. In contrast to the widely held view that nerve damage is responsible for symptoms, reversible factors are likely to be important in many patients.

Adult↗
PubMed1999

Historical Genetics: The Parentage of Chardonnay, Gamay, and Other Wine Grapes of Northeastern France.

The origins of the classic European wine grapes (Vitis vinifera) have been the subject of much speculation. In a search for parental relationships, microsatellite loci were analyzed in more than 300 grape cultivars. Sixteen wine grapes that have long been grown in northeastern France, including 'Chardonnay', 'Gamay noir', 'Aligoté', and 'Melon', have microsatellite genotypes consistent with their being the progeny of a single pair of parents, 'Pinot' and 'Gouais blanc', both of which were widespread in this region in the Middle Ages. Parentage analysis at 32 microsatellite loci provides statistical support for these relationships.

Journal Article↗
PubMed1999

A mutation in the MSH6 subunit of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae MSH2-MSH6 complex disrupts mismatch recognition.

In yeast, MSH2 interacts with MSH6 to repair base pair mismatches and single nucleotide insertion/deletion mismatches and with MSH3 to recognize small loop insertion/deletion mismatches. We identified a msh6 mutation (msh6-F337A) that when overexpressed in wild type strains conferred a defect in both MSH2-MSH6- and MSH2-MSH3-dependent mismatch repair pathways. Genetic analysis suggested that this phenotype was due to msh6-F337A sequestering MSH2 and preventing it from interacting with MSH3 and MSH6. In UV cross-linking, filter binding, and gel retardation assays, the MSH2-msh6-F337A complex displayed a mismatch recognition defect. These observations, in conjunction with ATPase and dissociation rate analysis, suggested that MSH2-msh6-F337A formed an unproductive complex that was unable to stably bind to mismatch DNA.

Adenosine Triphosphatases↗
PubMed1999

Effects of an Intergenerational Choir for Community-Based Seniors and College Students on Age-Related Attitudes.

The purpose of this study was to examine attitudes of college students and senior citizens towards each other by incorporating successful components of a senior citizens' music program into the "Adopt-A-Choir" program established in a university music education/therapy program. Data collection was accomplished using the Age Group Evaluation and Description Inventory (AGED), providing insight into attitudes classified in 4 domains/evaluative scales: Goodness, Positiveness, Vitality, and Maturity. Subjects ware members of the Senior Singers (n = 15, 15) and music education/therapy students enrolled in the Woman's Glee Club at a local university (n = 15, 12). Results of the pre/post AGED survey warn compared using the Wilcoxon Matched Pairs test, with means increasing significantly for the four domains (p <.02). Gains were greatest for the seniors, suggesting a stronger move from negative to positive attitudes. Though the gains were smaller with the university students, all changes were positive, with one exception: in the "vitality" domain, university student attitude ratings decreased on the continuum for "timid-assertive." Informal predictors further suggested the partnership between seniors and university students was enjoyed by both sets of participants.

Journal Article↗
PubMed1996

Developing culturally sensitive HIV/AIDS and substance abuse prevention curricula for Native American youth.

In 1990, researchers and health care professionals joined with members of several southwestern Native American communities to form an HIV/AIDS and substance abuse prevention partnership. Culturally sensitive approaches to theory-based interventions were developed into highly replicable, structured, school-based and community-based intervention programs. Process evaluations indicated high levels of program acceptance and fidelity. Outcome evaluations demonstrated significant positive preventive intervention effects among participants. This article reports how NAPPASA school prevention curricula were developed and discusses three critical processes in developing these successful curricula: 1) selection of integrative theory to address the multi-dimensional antecedents of HIV/AIDS and substance abuse among Native Americans, 2) use of ethnographic methodology to obtain intensive input from target groups and community members to ensure cultural and developmental sensitivity in the curriculum, and 3) use of process and outcome evaluations of pilot and field trials to develop an optimal curriculum.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1995

The pharmacology of GR203040, a novel, potent and selective non-peptide tachykinin NK1 receptor antagonist.

1. The in vitro and in vivo pharmacology of GR203040 ((2S, 3S)-2-methoxy-5-tetrazol-1-yl-benzyl-(2-phenyl-piperidin-3-y l)-amine), a novel, highly potent and selective non-peptide tachykinin NK1 receptor antagonist, was investigated in the present study. 2. GR203040 potently inhibited [3H]-substance P binding to human NK1 receptors expressed in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) and U373 MG astrocytoma cells, and NK1 receptors in ferret and gerbil cortex (pKi values of 10.3, 10.5, 10.1 and 10.1 respectively). GR203040 had lower affinity at rat NK1 receptors (pKi = 8.6) and little affinity for human NK2 receptors (pKi < 5.0) in CHO cells and NK3 receptors in guinea-pig cortex (pKi < 6.0). With the exception of the histamine H1 receptor (pIC50 = 7.5). GR203040 had little affinity (pIC50 < 6.0) at all non-NK1 receptors and ion channels examined. Furthermore, GR203040 produced only weak inhibition of Na+ currents in SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma and superior cervical ganglion cells (pIC50 values < 4.0). GR203040 produced only weak antagonism of Ca(2+)-evoked contractions of rat isolated portal vein (pKn = 4.1). The enantiomer of GR203040, GR205608 (2R, 3R)-2-methoxy-5-tetrazol-1-yl-benzyl-(2-phenyl-piperidin-3-y l)-amine), had 10,000 fold lower affinity at the human NK1 receptor expressed in CHO cells (pKi = 6.3). 3. In gerbil ex vivo binding experiments, GR203040 produced a dose-dependent inhibition of the binding of [3H]-substance P to cerebral cortical membranes (ED50 = 15 micrograms kg-1 s.c. and 0.42 mg kg-1 p.o.). At 10 micrograms kg-1 s.c., the inhibition of [3H]-substance P binding was maintained for > 6 h. In the rat, GR203040 was less potent (ED50 = 15.4 mg kg-1 s.c.) probably reflecting, at least in part, its lower affinity at the rat NK1 receptor. 4. In guinea-pig isolated ileum and dog isolated middle cerebral and basilar arteries, GR203040 produced a rightward displacement of the concentration-effect curves to substance P methyl ester (SPOMe) with suppression of the maximum agonist response (apparent pKB values of 11.9, 11.2 and 11.1 respectively). 5. In anaesthetized rabbits, GR203040 antagonized reductions in carotid arterial vascular resistance evoked by SPOMe, injected via the lingual artery (DR10 (i.e. the dose producing a dose-ratio of 10) = 1.1 micrograms kg-1, i.v.). At a dose 20 fold greater than its DR10 value (i.e. 22 micrograms kg-1, i.v.), significant antagonism was evident more than 2 h after GR203040 administration. 6. In anaesthetized rats, GR203040 (3 and 10 mg kg-1, i.v.) produced a dose-dependent inhibition of plasma protein extravasation in dura mater, conjunctiva, eyelid and lip in response to electrical stimulation of the trigeminal ganglion. 7. It is concluded that GR203040 is one of the most potent and selective NK1 receptor antagonists yet described, and as such, has considerable potential as a pharmacological tool to characterize the physiological and pathological roles of substance P and NK1 receptors. GR203040 may also have potential as a novel therapeutic agent for the treatment of conditions such as migraine, emesis and pain.

Animals↗
PubMed1994

Non-specific effects of the tachykinin NK1 receptor antagonist, CP-99,994, in antinociceptive tests in rat, mouse and gerbil.

We have examined the antinociceptive activity of the potent and selective tachykinin NK1 receptor antagonist, CP-99,994, and its less active enantiomer, CP-100,263, in a variety of models in rat, mouse and gerbil. Administered systemically to gerbil or mouse CP-99,994 but not CP-100,263 stereo selectively inhibited a caudally directed biting and scratching elicited by intrathecal administration of the tachykinin NK1 receptor agonist, GR73632. In contrast, both CP-99,994 (ED50 = 3 (1-6) mumol.kg-1 s.c.) and CP-100,263 (4 (2-10)), were equipotent at inhibiting acetylcholine-induced abdominal constrictions in mice. Similarly, both enantiomers were also equipotent in reducing formalin-induced licking in gerbil (CP-99,994 (10.1 (5.7-18.6)), CP-100,263 (13.8 (7.8-27.1)) and rat (100 mumol.kg-1 s.c.). Finally, in the spinalised, anaesthetised rat, CP-99,994 dose-dependently and significantly inhibited the flexion reflex evoked by noxious pinch (5.0 (3.3-7.5) mumol.kg-1 i.v.), whereas the less active enantiomer, CP-100,263, was without significant effect when tested up to 30 mumol.kg-1. Our results demonstrate that in the spinal cord, CP-99,994 exhibits a tachykinin NK1 receptor mediated antinociceptive action.

Analgesics↗
PubMed1994

The use of activated clotting times to monitor heparin therapy during and after interventional procedures.

Use of the activated clotting time (ACT) was recommended in the mid 1970s to guide administration and reversal of heparin during cardiopulmonary bypass. As the applications of cardiopulmonary bypass spread, so too did the need for more efficient techniques to assess coagulation status. This led to the development of automated ACT measurements. Today, the importance of coagulation and anticoagulation has been further highlighted by recent advances in the field of interventional cardiology. More and more cardiologists are using in-laboratory bedside coagulation monitoring to assess heparin requirements during interventional procedures such as percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA). This review focuses on the development of anticoagulation monitoring and provides historic information on the clinical use of heparin. The application of ACTs in the catheterization laboratory and in other clinical situations is discussed, along with alternative methods for bedside assessment of coagulation status. No definite guidelines have been established for ACT monitoring during invasive intravascular procedures; thus its role continues to be refined. In the meantime, the ACT appears to be an extremely useful method for monitoring heparin therapy and the adequacy of anticoagulation.

Angioplasty, Balloon, Coronary↗
PubMed1993

Risk assessment for aflatoxin: an evaluation based on the multistage model.

Lifetime cancer potency of aflatoxin was assessed based on the Yeh et al. study from China in which both aflatoxin exposure and hepatitis B prevalence were measured. This study provides the best available information for estimating the carcinogenic risk posed by aflatoxin to the U.S. population. Cancer potency of aflatoxin was estimated using a biologically motivated risk assessment model. The best estimate of aflatoxin potency was 9 (mg/kg/day)-1 for individuals negative for hepatitis B and 230 (mg/kg/day)-1 for individuals positive for hepatitis B.

Adult↗
PubMed1993

Use of the activated clotting time in anticoagulation monitoring of intravascular procedures.

The activated clotting time first came into clinical use in the mid-1970s to guide the administration and reversal of heparin during cardiopulmonary bypass procedures. The explosive growth of cardiopulmonary bypass led to the development of automated techniques for measuring activated clotting times. Recent advances in the field of interventional cardiology have emphasized the importance of the coagulation cascade and the need for the prevention of thrombosis with anticoagulant drugs. The activated clotting time has emerged as an important means of monitoring and guiding heparin therapy during invasive intravascular procedures. This review focuses on the following topics: 1) the development of anticoagulation monitoring techniques; 2) current alternatives in bedside anticoagulation monitoring; and 3) the clinical application of activated clotting times outside surgery. Until prospective studies can establish appropriate "target" activated-clotting-time values for interventional procedures, procedural anticoagulation must be guided empirically. Nevertheless, the activated clotting time is extremely useful in the catheterization laboratory, for monitoring heparin therapy and the adequacy of anticoagulation.

Angioplasty, Balloon, Coronary↗
PubMed1993

Preoperative ultrasound and thallium-technetium subtraction scintigraphy in localizing parathyroid lesions in patients with hyperparathyroidism.

Clinical and biochemical evaluation of patients with hypercalcemia are today extremely accurate in identifying those with primary hyperparathyroidism. Neck exploration by an experienced parathyroid surgeon is equally likely to identify correctly the diseased gland or glands. It has been suggested that recently devised localization techniques may allow the surgeon to limit the extent of the procedure to one side of the neck. The present retrospective study was undertaken to determine the reliability with which two such imaging procedures, ultrasonography (US) and thallium-technetium subtraction scanning (TTSS) localize these lesions by specific site or side. The identity of each patient undergoing parathyroidectomy at a metropolitan medical center was determined by review of the operating room log. From the records of each subject were noted the results of any imaging studies done, the location of lesions found at surgery, and the histologic diagnosis. Accuracy and positive predictive value of US and TTSS were then calculated on the basis of precise and lateralizing localization. Seventy-four patients underwent primary neck exploration during the study period. In 69 patients US, TTSS, or both were performed preoperatively, and among these, data were complete in 65. Ultrasound correctly localized the site of a lesion in 31 of 63 subjects, and TTSS in 25 of 45. Ultrasound correctly localized the side on which the lesion lay in 35 of 62 subjects, and TTSS in 27 of 45. In 29 of 42, one or both studies correctly identified the side on which the lesion lay. In only one of 13 subjects with hyperplasia were all four glands correctly identified as hyperplastic.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adenoma↗
PubMed1992

General practitioners' reported knowledge about depression and dementia in elderly patients.

Previous studies have shown that general practitioners often fail to detect dementia and depression in their elderly patients. The present study aimed to find out how much knowledge general practitioners have of these disorders. The knowledge of 36 general practitioners was assessed and it was found that they had a limited knowledge of the symptoms and signs of dementia and depression. Furthermore, almost 60% of the general practitioners did not know that Alzheimer's disease is the most common dementing disorder.

Aged↗
PubMed1990

General practitioners' detection of depression and dementia in elderly patients.

In a study of 11 general practitioners' detection of dementia and depression in 101 elderly patients it was found that general practitioners were more accurate in their detection of dementia than depression. The general practitioners did not identify 12 of the 15 patients assessed as depressed by a Diagnostic Interview for Depression, but their assessments of dementia corresponded quite well with the results of dementia tests. The general practitioners' knowledge of the symptoms and signs of dementia and depression was limited. If the patient talked to the general practitioner about feeling depressed, sad or irritable, the depression recognition rate increased.

Activities of Daily Living↗
PubMed1989

Effect of ranitidine on gastroduodenal mucosal damage induced by nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs.

The effect of ranitidine in preventing mucosal damage caused by nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) was evaluated for eight weeks in a prospective study of 144 patients requiring NSAIDs. Patients with normal endoscopic findings were randomly assigned to receive either ranitidine 150 mg twice daily or placebo for eight weeks, along with either ibuprofen, indomethacin, naproxen, sulindac, or piroxicam. Duodenal damage was significantly less in the ranitidine group compared with the placebo group by weeks 4 and 8 (P less than or equal to 0.01). Duodenal ulcers did not develop in any patients on ranitidine (0/57) compared with 4/49 patients (8%) on placebo (P = 0.02). No significant difference was found between treatment groups with respect to gastric damage; 6/60 (10%) in the ranitidine group compared with 6/50 (12%) in the placebo group developed gastric ulcers. These findings suggest that acid suppression is of greater importance for mucosal protection in the duodenum than in the stomach, where other defense mechanisms may be operative. While ranitidine is an effective prophylaxis for NSAID-induced damage in the duodenum, further studies are needed to define specific risk groups and to assess the potential usefulness of more complete acid suppression in preventing gastric mucosal damage.

Adult↗
PubMed1987

The ovulated ovum of the horse: cytology of nonfertilized ova to pronuclear stage ova.

Fertilization and early development in the horse were studied by recovering oviductal ova at various times after postovulatory mating. Ova collected between 7 and 22 h post coitum (pc) were examined for evidence of fertilizing sperm, cellular changes accompanying fertilization, and pronuclear development. Five ova collected between 7 and 9 h pc contained a marginal metaphase plate, but had no indication of sperm components; three of these, however, showed reduced numbers of cortical granules. Two activated ova (10 and 14 h pc) were in telophase of the second meiotic division, following incorporation of the fertilizing sperm. The fertilizing sperm was situated in a slight elevation; the nucleus was expanding but lacked a nuclear envelope. The pronuclear stage in the horse began as early as 12 h pc, and lasted at least until 21 h pc. Sperm tail remnants were seen in 5 of 7 pronuclear-stage ova, although the crowding of the cytoplasm with clusters of lipid and vacuoles made discerning sperm tail remnants difficult. The spindles of the metaphase stage of the second meiotic division were oriented radially, that is, at right angles to the cell surface, in all but one ovum, so this orientation is not a response to fertilization.

Animals↗