Biomedical subjects

J Long

Publications and source records attributed to J Long.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources

PubMed2000

[Repairing severe deep burn wound with transplantation of the latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap].

OBJECTIVE: To repair the deep wound caused by high voltage electric injury and hot mangle injury with the latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flaps. METHODS: Latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flaps were applied to repair deep burn wounds in 26 cases in which 25 were island flap transposition and 1 free flap transplantation. RESULTS: The biggest flap in this group was 40 cm x 20 cm. All flaps survived but one exception with tip necrosis of the flap. Reconstruction of the Achilles tenden was satisfactory. CONCLUSION: Latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flaps are the ideal choice for repairing local severe deep burn wounds.

Adult↗

PubMed2000

[Study on the production of beta-mannanase by Bacillus M50].

Bacillus sp. M50 produced beta-mannanase efficiently in the medium composed of 4% konjac powder, 1.0% (NH4)2SO4 and 0.35% Na2CO3. Fermentation of beta-mannanase by Bacillus sp. M50 has been carried out in 100 L tank. The temperature, ventitation quantity and agitation speed were 30-32 degrees C, 1:0.75 vvm and 220 r/min respectively. the fermentation cycle was 28 h and the highest beta-mannanase activity was 330 u/mL. The optimal temperature and pH for beta-mannanase reaction were 50 degrees C and 6.0 respectively. It was stable at pH 4.0-7.0 and below 50 degrees C. The activity of the enzyme was strongly inhibited by Fe3+, Al3+, EDTA, Hg2+ and slightly stimulated by Ba2+, Mn2+. Treatment of ramie-fibers with crude enzyme preparations from Bacillus sp. M50 showed a good degradation for hemicellulose of ramie-fibers residues.

Bacillus↗

PubMed1999

Robust B cell immunity but impaired T cell proliferation in the absence of CD134 (OX40).

CD134 (OX40) is a member of the TNF receptor family that is expressed on activated T lymphocytes. T cells from mice that lack expression of CD134 made strong responses to a range of challenges, but they showed impaired proliferation in response to direct stimulation through the TCR with monoclonal anti-CD3epsilon Ab. CD134-deficient mice controlled infection with Leishmania major, Nippostrongylus brasiliensis, and Theiler's murine encephalomyelitis virus, and they made overtly normal Ab responses to a variety of antigens. Thus, CD134 is not essential for many T cell responses in vivo, nor is it required for the provision of help to B cells. Nonetheless, a subtle role in the regulation of T cell reactivity is suggested by the effect of CD134 deficiency on in vitro T cell responses.

Animals↗

PubMed1999

Determination of 4-demethoxy-3'-deamino-3'-aziridinyl-4'-methylsulphonyldaunorubicin+ ++ and its 13-hydroxy metabolite by direct injection of human plasma into a column-switching liquid chromatography system with mass spectrometric detection.

A selective, sensitive and fully automated column-switching LC system using direct injection of human plasma followed by mass spectrometry (MS) detection was developed and validated to determine the concentrations of 4-demethoxy-3'-deamino-3'-aziridinyl-4'-methylsulphonyldaunorubicin++ + (PNU-159548) and its 13-hydroxy metabolite (PNU-169884). A 50-microl human plasma sample was directly introduced into a C4-alkyl-diol silica clean-up column separating analytes from proteins and polar endogenous compounds using water and methanol as the mobile phase. The fraction containing PNU-159548 and its metabolite was back-flushed and transferred to the analytical column. The compounds were separated using a Zorbax SB C8 column (150x4.6 mm, 5 microm) under gradient conditions with the mobile phase containing acetonitrile and 2 mM ammonium formate, pH 3.5. MS detection was by atmospheric pressure ionisation with multiple reaction monitoring in positive ion mode. Linearity was demonstrated over the calibration range of 0.051-10.291 ng/ml for PNU-159548 and 0.104-10.434 ng/ml for PNU-169884. The assay was validated with respect to accuracy, precision and analyte stability. On the basis of the validation data, the developed analytical method was found to be suitable for use in Phase I clinical studies.

Antibiotics, Antineoplastic↗

PubMed1999

A double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of fexofenadine HCl in the treatment of chronic idiopathic urticaria.

BACKGROUND: Symptoms of chronic idiopathic urticaria (CIU) include relentless itching and painful wheals, which can be physically and psychologically debilitating. Half of all patients with urticaria have angioedema, which is often disfiguring. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of fexofenadine HCl for the treatment of CIU symptoms. METHODS: In this 4-week, multicenter, placebo-controlled study, 439 patients with moderate to severe pruritus and urticaria received 1 of 4 oral doses of fexofenadine HCl (20, 60, 120, or 240 mg twice a day) or placebo. Patients reflectively assessed (over the previous 12 hours) the severity of pruritus, the number of wheals, and the interference with sleep (7 AM) and normal activities (7 PM) due to urticaria. Efficacy measures included a change from baseline of daily mean pruritus score (MPS), daily mean number of wheals (MNW) score, daily mean total symptom score (MTSS) (ie, the sum of the wheal and pruritus scores), and mean interference with sleep and daily activities due to urticaria. RESULTS: All 4 doses of fexofenadine were statistically superior to placebo (P </=.0238) for MPS, MNW score, and MTSS. Patients receiving fexofenadine HCl also experienced significantly less interference with sleep and daily activities than patients receiving placebo (P </=.0001). Efficacy results were similar in the 60-, 120-, and 240-mg groups and were quantitatively better than those in the 20-mg group. Adverse events were mild and occurred with similar incidence in all treatment groups. CONCLUSIONS: Fexofenadine HCl is well tolerated and is statistically superior to placebo in reducing signs and symptoms of CIU and in ameliorating interference with sleep and daily activities due to urticaria. Doses of 60 mg twice a day or greater are most effective.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1999

The efficacy of narrowband ultraviolet B phototherapy in psoriasis using objective and subjective outcome measures.

The efficacy of narrowband ultraviolet B (UVB) was assessed in 100 consecutive patients with psoriasis by quantifying disease severity using objective (Psoriasis Area and Severity Index, PASI and Dermatologists Global Assessment, DGA) and subjective (Psoriasis Disability Index, PDI) measures. The median pretreatment PASI, DGA and PDI were 5.7 (interquartile range, IQR 4.5-8.35), 7 (IQR 6-9) and 42 (IQR 29-63.5), respectively. At 3 month follow-up, the PASI, DGA and PDI had fallen to 2.7 (IQR 1.1-3.5), 3 (IQR 2-5) and 30 (IQR 21-50.5), respectively (P < 0.001). A small group of patients continued to score highly on their PDI despite being clinically clear or having minimal disease, possibly representing chronic disability behaviour. Patients exhibiting this may require more intensive supervision. In most patients, symptoms of itch and pain improved or disappeared (70% and 75%, respectively). Side-effects were reported in 18%. Narrowband UVB phototherapy is safe and effective for psoriasis. Symptoms and subjective quality of life measures improved significantly. Both objective and subjective measures should be used when evaluating the efficacy of a treatment for psoriasis.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1999

CardioWest total artificial heart: a retrospective controlled study.

The CardioWest total artificial heart (TAH) is a pneumatic device that is used as a bridge to heart transplantation and the only TAH available that totally replaces the failing ventricles. It has been utilized in selected centers in the U.S.A. with approval from the Food and Drug Administration. Strict criteria have been developed to select candidates to be bridged with the TAH. The patient must be a heart transplant candidate of age >18 and <59 years with a body surface area (BSA) > or = 1.7 m2, cardiac index (CI) <2.0 L/min/m2, and 2 inotropic agents or 1 plus an intraaortic balloon pump (IABP). A total of 24 heat transplant candidates (Group A) met the entry criteria and underwent placement of the TAH between January 1993 and July 1996. Group A consisted of 23 males; 16 patients had an IABP. The control group (Group B) consisted of 18 heart transplant candidates who met the TAH entry criteria but never received a TAH. Group B consisted of 15 males; 14 patients had an IABP. Preimplantation pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) (Wood units), serum creatinine (mg/dl), and total bilirubin (mg/dl) were determined in both groups. The mean values for Groups A and B were, respectively, age: 47 and 47 years, BSA: 2.01 and 1.93 m2, CI: 1.5 and 1.8 L/min/m2, PVR: 2.88 and 2.47 Wood units, creatinine: 1.5 and 1.6 mg/dl, and bilirubin: 1.8 and 1.4 mg/dl. In Group A, 1 patient died on the TAH, 1 patient died after transplant, and 22 patients reached transplant and were discharged home for a survival rate of 91.7%. In Group B, 10 patients died while waiting for a heart transplant. Of the 8 patients transplanted, 7 survived and were discharged home for a survival rate of 38.9% (p = 0.0003). In summary the CardioWest TAH provided an excellent and successful method of bridging patients to heart transplantation with a reasonable risk.

Female↗

PubMed1999

Primary and secondary barriers to physically active healthy lifestyles for adults with learning disabilities.

PURPOSE: Evidence shows that those with a learning disability are typically amongst the most inactive and sedentary members of the population, yet few studies have focused on the determinants of physical activity. The aim of the present study was to establish whether a group of 24 adults with mild and moderate learning disabilities receive adequate support to be able to make choices to lead a physically active lifestyle. METHOD: A descriptive study was used based on interviews with 24 adults with learning disabilities (mean age of 34 years) triangulated by day time and residential care workers. Participants volunteered from two residential homes and one social education centre (SEC) in a city in the North of England. RESULTS: The participants face a set of primary barriers that prevent them from having a choice to adopt the Department of Health's recommendations for physical activity. Identified barriers included: unclear policy guidelines in residential and day service provision together with resourcing, transport and staffing constraints; participant income and expenditure; and limited options for physically active community leisure. CONCLUSIONS: These are barriers that are widely acknowledged and understood by day and residential staff and participants in the study, but are arguably poorly understood by policy makers, health promotion agencies, commissioners and providers of learning disability services. The current lack of resources and inadequately specified responsibilities associated with community care deny many people with learning disabilities real choices to live a physically active healthy lifestyle.

Adult↗

PubMed1999

Ancestral Asian source(s) of new world Y-chromosome founder haplotypes.

Haplotypes constructed from Y-chromosome markers were used to trace the origins of Native Americans. Our sample consisted of 2,198 males from 60 global populations, including 19 Native American and 15 indigenous North Asian groups. A set of 12 biallelic polymorphisms gave rise to 14 unique Y-chromosome haplotypes that were unevenly distributed among the populations. Combining multiallelic variation at two Y-linked microsatellites (DYS19 and DXYS156Y) with the unique haplotypes results in a total of 95 combination haplotypes. Contra previous findings based on Y- chromosome data, our new results suggest the possibility of more than one Native American paternal founder haplotype. We postulate that, of the nine unique haplotypes found in Native Americans, haplotypes 1C and 1F are the best candidates for major New World founder haplotypes, whereas haplotypes 1B, 1I, and 1U may either be founder haplotypes and/or have arrived in the New World via recent admixture. Two of the other four haplotypes (YAP+ haplotypes 4 and 5) are probably present because of post-Columbian admixture, whereas haplotype 1G may have originated in the New World, and the Old World source of the final New World haplotype (1D) remains unresolved. The contrasting distribution patterns of the two major candidate founder haplotypes in Asia and the New World, as well as the results of a nested cladistic analysis, suggest the possibility of more than one paternal migration from the general region of Lake Baikal to the Americas.

Asia↗

PubMed1999

Intensity and continuity of services and functional outcomes in the rehabilitation of persons with schizophrenia.

OBJECTIVE: The intensity and continuity of services delivered to individual clients in a community-based psychosocial rehabilitation program were examined in relationship to functional changes in the clients that occurred during the first 12 months of the program. METHODS: Subjects were 41 clients with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder who were admitted to an intensive psychosocial rehabilitation program. Measures of clinical and psychosocial functioning were derived from client interviews administered at baseline and six and 12 months later. Measures of service intensity and continuity came from data gathered daily by staff over 12 months. RESULTS: The results supported the hypotheses that greater intensity and longitudinal continuity of services are related to more client improvement as indicated by reduced rates of hospitalization and improved psychosocial functioning after both six and 12 months. Although clients' symptom levels increased over time, a significant relationship was noted between service intensity and continuity and better symptom outcomes after 12 months. Multiple regression analyses indicated that an average of 22 percent, and as much as 28 percent, of the change in clinical and functional outcomes after 12 months of rehabilitation was explained by the intensity and longitudinal continuity of services. CONCLUSIONS: Clients who received more contact hours with staff and who had fewer gaps in service delivery achieved greater rehabilitative improvement in social, work, and independent-living domains and had fewer days of hospitalization. Based on these findings, clinicians, administrators, and researchers can assume that the intensity and longitudinal continuity of services are important to achieving rehabilitative outcomes in some community-based psychosocial rehabilitation models.

Adult↗

PubMed1999

Intravesicular formaldehyde instillation and renal complications.

Intravesicular formaldehyde has been used for intractable hemorrhagic cystitis since the late 1960's. Initial reports described few complications, but in the 1970's both ureteral as well renal parenchymal damage were reported in the urology literature. This has been less appreciated by nephrologists perhaps related to the paucity of reports in the nephrology literature. Although the pathogenesis has not been rigorously studied ureteral toxicity may be secondary to intense edema, inflammation and subsequent fibrosis induced by the formaldehyde; while renal tubular injury may be secondary to systemic absorption of formaldehyde. Ureteral reflux as well as dosage of intravesicular formaldehyde seem to be risk factors for acute renal failure. We describe a case of acute renal failure secondary to intravesicular formaldehyde and review pathogenesis as well as potential prophylactic measures to prevent this complication.

Acute Kidney Injury↗

PubMed1999

[Expression of TGFb1 and its mRNA in liver tissues of patients with chronic viral hepatitis].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the relationship between expression of transforming growth factor beta 1(TGF beta 1), TGF beta 1 mRNA in liver tissue of patients with chronic viral hepatitis and degree of liver fibrosis. METHODS: TGF beta 1 protein was detected in 45 patients by immunohistochemistry and TGF beta 1 mRNA was detected in 21 of the 45 cases by in situ hybridization. RESULTS: TGF beta 1 protein was 88.89%(40 of 45) positive in their liver tissues and was mainly distributed in interstitial cells, portal areas and the areas where fibrosis actively occurred, and the expression of TGF beta 1 protein was positively correlated with degree of liver fibrosis(r = 0.73, P < 0.05). TGF beta 1 mRNA was 80.95%(19 of 21)positive in their liver tissues. Positive stains were not only detected in sinusoidal cells and mononuclear cells, but also in some parenchymal cells. CONCLUSIONS: The expression of TGF beta 1 correlated closely with liver fibrosis of viral hepatitis. Not only interstitial cells, but also parenchymal cells in liver might participate in the fibrogenisis by producing TGF beta 1.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1999

[The influence of Millard-lip-repair on maxillary growth: an experiment study in rabbits].

OBJECTIVE: To study the effects of the cheiloplasty(Millard rotation-advancement lip-repair) on the maxillary growth. METHODS: Thirty Japanese white rabbits were randomly divided into three groups, Group I (unoperated control group), Group II (unrepaired control group) and Group III (repaired with Millard-lip-repair). All the animals were sacrificed and measured on the clean slulls directly at 26 weeks postoperatively (30 weeks old). RESULTS: It was found that Group III (Millard repair group) had the anterioposterior growth disturbance of maxilla than Group I and II, while the height of maxilla and width of posterior dental arch were larger than that of the two control groups for compensation, and the nasal septum of Group III deviated to the cleft side. CONCLUSION: Millard-rotation-advancement lip-repair operation has inhibitory effects on maxillary growth.

Animals↗

PubMed1998

Use of liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry for the quantitative and qualitative analysis of an antipsychotic agent and its metabolites in human plasma and urine.

The use of liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS-MS) for the quantitative analysis of an 'atypical' antipsychotic agent in human plasma is described. The method uses atmospheric pressure chemical ionisation, and offers increased sensitivity, selectivity and speed of analysis over an existing high-performance liquid chromatography method using fluorescence detection. This method enabled same day turn around of results for in excess of 100 samples, including sample preparation, data acquisition and processing. LC-MS-MS was also used to detect and characterise known and unknown in vivo metabolites of the drug in human urine and plasma, using electrospray ionisation.

Antipsychotic Agents↗

PubMed1998

The CardioWest total artificial heart bridge to transplantation: 1993 to 1996 national trial.

BACKGROUND: We performed a controlled study of a total artificial heart in bridge to transplantation. We hypothesized that the CardioWest total artificial heart used in a selected population of decompensating cardiac transplantation candidates would result in improved survival compared with matched controls. METHODS: The CardioWest trial started in 1993 in six United States institutions under an investigational device exemption from the Food and Drug Administration. Four centers contributed 27 implant and 18 matched retrospective control patients. RESULTS: Of the implant patients, 25 (93%) received a transplant, 24 (89% of the total, 96% of those transplanted) were discharged and are currently surviving. In the control group, 10 patients died awaiting transplantation, 8 received a transplant, and 7 were discharged with 6 surviving (p = 0.00001). All adverse events were documented with respect to time. Thirteen serious adverse events occurred, 11 of which occurred in the 2 patients that died during implant. CONCLUSIONS: In a selected group of patients with endstage heart disease, use of the CardioWest total artificial heart is lifesaving. When compared with the series of matched retrospective controls, a significant improvement in survival was found in the CardioWest implant group.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1998

Voice problems and risk factors among aerobics instructors.

Fifty female and four male aerobics instructors completed a questionnaire pertaining to vocal problems and variables that could indicate an increased risk for developing problems. The questions concerned teaching experience, physical data regarding instructional facilities, method of voice projection, music volume, history of illness, allergies, voice loss, hoarseness, smoking habits, and knowledge of vocal hygiene. The results showed that a significant number of instructors experienced partial or complete voice loss (44%) during and after instructing, as well as increased episodes of voice loss, hoarseness, and sore throat unrelated to illness since they began instructing. Significant variables associated with voice problems included sore throat and hoarseness following instruction, and shouting to cue the participants. It was also found that very few instructors in this study had any knowledge of vocal hygiene techniques.

Adult↗

PubMed1998

Profile of pediatric bicycle injuries.

BACKGROUND: Bicycle injury data from local communities are important for developing injury prevention and control programs. This study represents the efforts of one community trauma center to describe bicycle injuries. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective analysis of bicycle injury data from hospital charts, emergency medical services reports, and medical examiner reports. The review encompassed a 4-year period. The study sample included 211 trauma alert patients, ages 1 through 15 years, who were treated for bicycle-related injuries at our level II pediatric trauma center. RESULTS: Bicycle injuries accounted for 18% of all pediatric trauma alert patients. The mean age of injured children was 10 years, and 79% were males. Bicycle-motor vehicle collisions caused 84% of injuries. Only 3 children (1.4%) wore bicycle helmets. Resulting injuries included external wounds (86%), head injuries (47%), fractures (29%), and internal organs (9%). Six children died. CONCLUSIONS: Bicycle injuries are a significant cause of mortality and morbidity for children in our community. Use of safety helmets by child bicyclists is inadequate. The data from this study can be used as a baseline in testing the effectiveness of local and state interventions, including new legislation mandating helmet use by children in our state.

Accidents, Traffic↗

PubMed1998

Daily physical activity in adults with mild and moderate learning disabilities: is there enough?

PURPOSE: Whilst the health benefits associated with regular physical activity are well known, little objective evidence exists regarding the activity profiles of adults with mild and moderate learning disabilities. The aims of the present study were to establish 7 day physical activity profiles for 24 adults with mild and moderate learning disabilities and to compare them with the general population and current Department of Health recommendations for physical activity. METHOD: A descriptive study was used, based on interviews with 24 adults with learning disabilities (mean age 34 years) triangulated by daytime and residential care workers. Participants volunteered from two residential homes and one social education centre (SEC) in a city in the North of England. RESULTS: The physical activity profiles show that the participants led sedentary lifestyles that were more exaggerated than those of the general population. Twenty-two participants (93%) performed significantly less than the minimum daily levels of physical activity recommended by the Department of Health. CONCLUSIONS: Few adults with learning disabilities can choose to walk to work, go for a run or visit the local swimming pool without adequate support. This study suggests that there may not be enough moderate or vigorous physical activity choices available in day and residential care settings to empower adults with mild and moderate learning disabilities to meet the minimum recommendations of the Department of Health. Hence some people with learning disabilities have no alternatives to a sedentary lifestyle and the health risks associated with physical inactivity.

Adult↗