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J M Friedland

Publications and source records attributed to J M Friedland.

5 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1994

p53 mutations in human bladder cancer.

Mutations in the tumor suppressor gene p53 play an important role in carcinogenesis and tumor progression. To assess the status of p53 from genomic DNA from bladder cancer samples a two stage polymerase chain reaction was employed. The technique provided material for subsequent detection of mutations by Single Strand Conformation Polymorphism (SSCP) analysis followed by DNA sequence analysis. SSCP analysis of exons 5 to 9 of p53 was performed using fragments from PCR end-labeled with 32P followed by autoradiography using an electrophoresis system with temperature control. This SSCP method improved resolution of mutations in exons 5, 7, and 8 and the sharpness of bands in exons 6 and 9. Bands with altered migration patterns were excised from the dried SSCP gels, reamplified by PCR, and sequenced. Mutations in conserved exons 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9 of the p53 gene were analyzed from bladder tumor biopsies. Our results are consistent with the literature in that mutations in p53 are predominantly found in high grade bladder cancer (Odds Ratio = 4.05, Fisher Exact P = 0.104); however, the results were not statistically significant due to small numbers. Eight of 35 (23%) tumor samples examined showed mutations in p53 (including two double mutations). Six of 13 (46%) grade III and IV tumors had p53 mutations vs. 2 of 17 (12%) grade I and II tumors. Normal individuals carried no p53 mutations. We found no correlation between pack years of smoking and mutation in p53. The spectrum of mutations confirmed a high proportion of G:C C:G transversions as well as the occurrence of double mutations.

Autoradiography↗
PubMed1993

Methodologic issues in risk communications to workers.

Until the late 1980s, epidemiologists in general did not individually notify subjects of the results of epidemiological studies. Now that they are beginning to do so, the question arises of how best to notify those involved. In general, the methods, the processes and the policies related to effectively communicating risks to workers have not been thoroughly examined in the scientific literature. This is especially true in situations where workers have already experienced the exposures that led to increased risks for disease. The recent increasing numbers of notifications have raised several methodologic issues, which are examined in terms of: (1) the content of notification, (2) the process of notification, and (3) the evaluation of the impact and effectiveness of notification. Too often in the discussion concerning notification, attention is paid to the content but the process and evaluation are rarely considered. The potential impact and effectiveness of notification have been raised as reasons for or against notification, but rarely has there been a concerted effort to evaluate a notification in this regard. This workshop was designed to address all these issues. The ultimate goal is to improve communications for workers.

Communication↗
PubMed1989

Condom sales at public universities in California: implications for campus AIDS prevention.

Public health officials have called for increased use of condoms to protect Americans from sexually acquiring human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. To investigate the availability of condoms for sale on college campuses, we asked student union directors and bookstore managers from all 28 public universities in California, with a combined enrollment of half a million students, to complete a detailed questionnaire in August and September 1987. Two thirds of the campuses reported having condoms for sale in either their bookstores or convenience stores; one third said condoms were available in the men's and women's restrooms in their student unions. On most campuses, sales were instituted in the past year in response to the AIDS (acquired immune deficiency syndrome) epidemic. However, very few campuses provided AIDS education at the point of sale, and condoms were not easily available outside of store hours. Respondents felt that the most important obstacles to increasing the distribution of condoms on campus included concern about presenting a negative image of the university and the low priority assigned to this issue by the university administration and others on campus. This study suggests that although condom availability has improved in the past year, the opportunity exists at most California public universities to increase the distribution of condoms and improve associated AIDS-related health education efforts.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Assessment of the excess risk of Salmonella dublin infection associated with the use of certified raw milk.

The risk of serious illness attributable to infection with Salmonella dublin associated with the consumption of certified raw milk in California was evaluated. Data were derived from case reports of S. dublin isolations from persons in the State of California during the period 1980-83 and from production figures for raw milk from the major supplier. It is estimated that more than one-third of reported S. dublin infections in California in the first 4 years of this decade were attributable to raw milk consumption. Among raw milk consumers, it is estimated that more than 95 percent of reported S. dublin infections were acquired from raw milk; this proportion corresponds to a rate of reported S. dublin infections acquired from raw milk in the range of 8 to 35 cases per 100,000 users per year. It appears that immunocompromised persons are at exceptionally high risk of becoming seriously ill or dying from S. dublin exposure, and therefore raw milk is a particular health hazard for such persons.

Aged↗