Biomedical subjects

J C Probst

Publications and source records attributed to J C Probst.

42 records · Page 3Linked to original sources

PubMed1992

The polymorphic integumentary mucin B.1 from Xenopus laevis contains the short consensus repeat.

The frog integumentary mucin B.1 (FIM-B.1), discovered by molecular cloning, contains a cysteine-rich C-terminal domain which is homologous with von Willebrand factor. With the help of the polymerase chain reaction, we now characterize a contiguous region 5' to the von Willebrand factor domain containing the short consensus repeat typical of many proteins from the complement system. Multiple transcripts have been cloned, which originate from a single animal and differ by a variable number of tandem repeats (rep-33 sequences). These different transcripts probably originate solely from two genes and are generated presumably by alternative splicing of an huge array of functional cassettes. This model is supported by analysis of genomic FIM-B.1 sequences from Xenopus laevis. Here, rep-33 sequences are arranged in an interrupted array of individual units. Additionally, results of Southern analysis revealed genetic polymorphism between different animals which is predicted to be within the tandem repeats. A first investigation of the predicted mucins with the help of a specific antibody against a synthetic peptide determined the molecular mass of FIM-B.1 to greater than 200 kDa. Here again, genetic polymorphism between different animals is detected.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

PubMed1990

An integumentary mucin (FIM-B.1) from Xenopus laevis homologous with von Willebrand factor.

We present a new protein from X. laevis skin termed "frog integumentary mucin B.1" (FIM-B.1) with a general structure similar to FIM-A.1 (formerly "spasmolysin"). The central region consisting of tandem repeats of 11 amino acid residues is probably a target for extensive O-glycosylation, whereas the C-terminal cysteine-rich domain shows pronounced homology with the C1-C2 domains and the C-terminal end of von Willebrand factor. Furthermore, we describe homology with antistasin, an anticoagulant peptide from a leech. We also discuss some implications concerning the evolutionary origin of von Willebrand factor. In situ hybridization studies revealed the expression of FIM-B.1 exclusively in mucous glands of the skin. This is comparable with FIM-A.1 but is in contrast to all other physiologically active peptides, which are synthesized in granular glands.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Clinical feasibility of a free-weight strength-training program for older adults.

BACKGROUND: An emerging trend in the field of gerontology is the recognition that older adults, especially the frail elderly population, can increase their levels of strength and thus improve functional capability. Social acceptance of physical frailty and provision of care and assistance to dependent persons has now turned to helping the frail elderly adults maintain or improve functional independence. METHODS: The purpose of our study was to show the feasibility and effectiveness of a low-cost strength-training program using free weights for increasing strength and functional fitness among older adult volunteers. Participants aged 73 to 94 years were residents of a multilevel care retirement community in Columbia, SC. The strength-training program, led by an instructor, used dumbbells and ankle weights and was conducted in a multipurpose recreation room at the retirement facility. RESULTS: Functional performance measures (timed chair stand, 6-meter walk, stair climb, balance) handgrip strength, and self-assessment of activity level were outcome measures. All 25 participants completed the strength-training program. The average program adherence rate of all participants was 87 percent. No participant injuries or other adverse effects were observed. Functional performance measures improved significantly among program participants, with the greatest improvement in the timed chair stand (33.5 percent improvement) and the stair climb (17.6 percent improvement). CONCLUSION: Free-weight strength-training programs are appropriate for older adults, can be implemented in community settings, and are associated with significant improvement in functional performance.

Activities of Daily Living↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Time and money: effects of no-shows at a family practice residency clinic.

BACKGROUND: When patients fail to appear for scheduled appointments, the flow of patient care is interrupted, and clinic productivity declines. This study investigated the impact of failed appointments on a clinic by measuring time and money lost after taking into account same-day treatment patients (walk-ins). METHODS: Schedule information was retrieved for 4,055 visits over 20 business days. Data were collected on appointment status (show, no-show, cancel, walk-in), time allocated for the appointment, charges for visit, date and time of the visit, and other appointment information. RESULTS: No-shows and cancellations represented 31.1% of scheduled appointments and 32.2% of scheduled time. Rates of failed appointments varied by type of provider, patient demographics, and patient status (new versus established). Walk-in patients replaced 61.0% of failed appointments but only 42.4% of the time blocked for those appointments. Walk-in visits generated 89.5% of the charges associated with scheduled visits. Over the course of a year, total revenue shortfalls could range from 3% to 14% of total clinic income. CONCLUSIONS: Failed appointments pose financial as well as administrative problems for residency practices. Proactive reminder systems are needed to promote patient attendance.

Adult↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Health status of disadvantaged adolescents entering the Job Corps program.

The health status of 2,203 disadvantaged young people entering the Job Corps was studied by reviewing the medical information collected during examinations performed upon entering the Job Corps. The study was conducted from February 1980 through January 1981. The sample records were obtained from eight representative Job Corps centers. The Job Corps is a federally funded residential vocational training program for youths between 16 and 22 years of age. During the study period, 100 Job Corps centers were in operation, serving a population of 38,000 corpsmembers. Long-term, chronic physical disease or disability was not prevalent among the applicants. The most common physical defect, affecting 10 percent of the youths examined, was uncorrected defective visual acuity. Obesity, defined as weight for height 20 percent or more over nationally calculated "desirable" weights, was present in 16.6 percent of the female trainees. In contrast, only 9.6 percent of a national sample of females have weights this high. Anemia, probably caused by iron deficiency, was prevalent among both sexes; sexually transmitted diseases were found to be common, especially among the females entering the Job Corps. Findings from this study were used by Job Corps staff to make changes in the health program as well as to provide instruction to its health personnel.

Adolescent↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Clinical similarities and demographic differences between residency and private practice patients.

BACKGROUND: This study compared the clinical and demographic mix of patients at a family practice residency site in South Carolina to those from other regions and demonstrated the effectiveness of a computerized medical record in facilitating such analysis. METHODS: Patient visits to Richland Family Practice Center (RFP), the outpatient care site for the University of South Carolina School of Medicine, were retrospectively sampled for the period July 1992-June 1993. Data analysis used descriptive statistics and contingency tables. A time test comparing manual and computerized data retrieval was also performed. RESULTS: The patients seen were predominantly female (75.2%) and African-American (68%). RFP treated proportionately more federally funded and minority patients than did community-based physicians. The top five principal diagnoses at RFP were hypertension, diabetes mellitus, general medical examination, normal pregnancy, and acute upper respiratory infection; the top 20 principal diagnoses accounted for 51.3% of all visits. When compared to the top 20 diagnoses for all family and general practice physicians in the southern United States, considerable overlap was present, confirming clinical similarity between patient populations at residency and private practice sites. Computerized data retrieval was faster and more complete than manual data retrieval. CONCLUSIONS: Diagnoses encountered at RFP and reported by other family practice residencies generally parallel those documented in family practice in various geographic regions. However, residencies differ from private practices in that they care for more economically disadvantaged patients. Computerized medical records systems facilitate research within a residency program.

Adolescent↗