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Biomedical subjects

J Lantz

Publications and source records attributed to J Lantz.

13 recordsLinked to original sources

Andreev level qubit.

We investigate the dynamics of a two-level Andreev bound state system in a transmissive quantum point contact embedded in an rf SQUID. Coherent coupling of the Andreev levels to the circulating supercurrent allows manipulation and readout of the level states. The two-level Hamiltonian for the Andreev levels is derived, and the effect of interaction with the quantum fluctuations of the induced flux is studied. We also consider an inductive coupling of qubits and discuss the relevant SQUID parameters for qubit operation and readout.

Journal Article↗

Combination of phenylbutyrate and 13-cis retinoic acid inhibits prostate tumor growth and angiogenesis.

Differentiation-inducing agents, such as retinoids and short-chain fatty acids, have an inhibitory effect on tumor cell proliferation and tumor growth in preclinical studies. Clinical trials involving these compounds as single agents have been suboptimal in terms of clinical benefit. Our study evaluated the combination of phenylbutyrate (PB) and 13-cis retinoic acid (CRA) as a differentiation and antiangiogenesis strategy for prostate cancer. On the basis of previous evidence, common signal transduction pathways and possible modulation of retinoid receptors and retinoid response elements by PB could be responsible for such activities. We assessed the effect of the combination of PB and CRA on human and rodent prostate carcinoma cell lines. The combination of PB and CRA inhibited cell proliferation and increased apoptosis in vitro in an additive fashion as compared with single agents (P < 0.014). Prostate tumor cells treated with both PB and CRA revealed an increased expression of a subtype of retinoic acid receptor (retinoic acid receptor-beta), suggesting a molecular mechanism for the biological additive effect. The combination of PB and CRA also inhibited prostate tumor growth in vivo (up to 82-92%) as compared with single agents (P < 0.025). Histological examination of tumor xenografts revealed decreased in vivo tumor cell proliferation, an increased apoptosis rate, and a reduced microvessel density in the animals treated with combined drugs, suggesting an antiangiogenesis effect of this combination. Thus, endothelial cell treatment with both PB and CRA resulted in reduced in vitro cell proliferation. In vivo testing using the Matrigel angiogenesis assay showed an additive inhibitory effect in the animals treated with a combination of PB + CRA (P < 0.004 versus single agents). In summary, this study showed an additive inhibitory effect of combination of differentiation agents PB and CRA on prostate tumor growth through a direct effect on both tumor and endothelial cells.

Animals↗

Competitive styles in men and women.

Competition is a function intrinsic to current clinical practice. Of the two competitive styles, goal competitiveness is found by both men and women to be more worthy of respect. Interpersonal competitiveness is manifested more by highly competitive women than by highly competitive men, especially in relationships with female co-workers, representing a significant problem for organizations and employees. The styles and their effects are described, their possible sources discussed, additional research outlined, and recommendations proposed.

Competitive Behavior↗

Breast cancer among men: raising awareness for primary prevention.

The American Cancer Society estimated that in 1993 1,000 new cases of male breast cancer would be diagnosed in the United States and 300 men would die from the disease. The clinical picture of breast cancer among men resembles that seen in women, and the development of the disease among men has been attributed to similar hormonal and genetic causes. The mortality rate from breast cancer is also similar, when corrected for chronological age and stage of the disease at the time of diagnosis and treatment. Guidelines for patient education, health screening, and patient support are presented.

Breast Neoplasms, Male↗

A systematic tool to assess urinary incontinence parameters: a closer look at unfamiliar parameters.

The Joseph Continence Assessment Tool, originally published in 1993, is further evaluated in terms of content validity. Nine nurses in practice and 9 nurses expert on the topic of incontinence evaluated each component of the tool as to whether they seemed quite relevant, somewhat relevant, or not relevant. The total results and a discussion of items that seemed somewhat or not relevant are presented.

Humans↗

Age effects on measures of hearing disability.

This study investigated the effects of age on self-perceived hearing disability among young and elderly people with comparable hearing sensitivity. Subjects were young (18-40 yr) and elderly (65-75 yr) listeners with either normal hearing sensitivity or mild-to-moderate sloping sensorineural hearing loss. The Hearing Handicap Inventory for the Elderly was presented to the older subjects and the Hearing Handicap Inventory for Adults was presented to the younger subjects. Statistical analyses revealed an interaction between age and hearing loss, in which younger subjects with hearing loss reported more handicapping effects of sensitivity loss than the elderly subjects with hearing loss. This age effect was not attributed to differences in hearing sensitivity between the young and elderly subjects with hearing impairment.

Adult↗

Collaborative research-academic appointments: the myth and the reality.

The following article is written from the experience of its authors with a collaborative research-academic appointment. Many advantages and disadvantages were found. The disadvantages included the division of time, responsibilities, loyalties, and energy required by two work settings rather than one. When the challenges are met, however, the rewards are many for the institution, its professional staff, its patients, and the researcher. The joint research appointment brings to the institution, clinicians, students of the researcher, and to the researcher a broadening of the professional practice and experience. Opportunities develop that would have been impossible in other situations. The quality of the teaching may improve and the quality of patient care is enhanced. The profession is advanced. The authors conclude that the additional time and effort necessary to maintain a collaborative research appointment are more than compensated.

Faculty, Nursing↗

A community strategic planning process for elder services.

Dynamic changes in population, patient demographics, and healthcare financing mechanisms create shifting service priorities. Strategic planning has become a vitally important skill for nurse executives, who must extend their efforts and influence beyond traditional agency boundaries. The authors present an application of the strategic planning process as it was used to develop recommendations for eldercare services in one southwestern, urban community.

Adult↗

The level and focus of geriatric nursing content in ADN and BSN programs.

The didactic and clinical focus of geriatric curriculum content within both associate (ADN) and baccalaureate (BSN) schools of nursing in California was reviewed. Geriatric nursing content experts confirmed the detail of a geriatric nursing curriculum, then determined which of the content items were basic to both educational levels, and which might be appropriately deferred to programs of baccalaureate preparation. Nurse educators may use the results of this study to guide curriculum development in both depth and breadth of content.

California↗

The creative teacher.

The challenge to adequately prepare students for the increasingly diverse profession of nursing is great. Due to a more heterogeneous population of nursing students, educators have to be more flexible in their approaches to education. As a result, educators are searching for more creative approaches to teaching. The authors examined what makes teaching creative. They identified creative nursing educators and examined their common approaches and strategies.

Creativity↗