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Biomedical subjects

J Martin

Publications and source records attributed to J Martin.

At least 145 records · Page 8Linked to original sources
PubMed2001

The autism-spectrum quotient (AQ): evidence from Asperger syndrome/high-functioning autism, males and females, scientists and mathematicians.

Currently there are no brief, self-administered instruments for measuring the degree to which an adult with normal intelligence has the traits associated with the autistic spectrum. In this paper, we report on a new instrument to assess this: the Autism-Spectrum Quotient (AQ). Individuals score in the range 0-50. Four groups of subjects were assessed: Group 1: 58 adults with Asperger syndrome (AS) or high-functioning autism (HFA); Group 2: 174 randomly selected controls. Group 3: 840 students in Cambridge University; and Group 4: 16 winners of the UK Mathematics Olympiad. The adults with AS/HFA had a mean AQ score of 35.8 (SD = 6.5), significantly higher than Group 2 controls (M = 16.4, SD = 6.3). 80% of the adults with AS/HFA scored 32+, versus 2% of controls. Among the controls, men scored slightly but significantly higher than women. No women scored extremely highly (AQ score 34+) whereas 4% of men did so. Twice as many men (40%) as women (21%) scored at intermediate levels (AQ score 20+). Among the AS/HFA group, male and female scores did not differ significantly. The students in Cambridge University did not differ from the randomly selected control group, but scientists (including mathematicians) scored significantly higher than both humanities and social sciences students, confirming an earlier study that autistic conditions are associated with scientific skills. Within the sciences, mathematicians scored highest. This was replicated in Group 4, the Mathematics Olympiad winners scoring significantly higher than the male Cambridge humanities students. 6% of the student sample scored 32+ on the AQ. On interview, 11 out of 11 of these met three or more DSM-IV criteria for AS/HFA, and all were studying sciences/mathematics, and 7 of the 11 met threshold on these criteria. Test-retest and interrater reliability of the AQ was good. The AQ is thus a valuable instrument for rapidly quantifying where any given individual is situated on the continuum from autism to normality. Its potential for screening for autism spectrum conditions in adults of normal intelligence remains to be fully explored.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

Matrix composition in opossum esophagus.

The esophagus of mammalian species is organized into mucosa, connective tissue, and muscle, but little is known about the matrix of these layers. We studied by immunohistochemistry the distribution of collagens, fibronectin, versican, and elastin in the smooth muscle segment of the American opossum. Cryosections were exposed to specific antibodies and fluorescent-stained using conjugates of rhodamine or isothiocyanate. Staining was scored by two observers. We found that collagen I was prominent in the submucosa and in the muscular septa; collagen III formed fibrillar meshes in the lamina propria and the submucosa but was virtually absent from the epithelial and muscular layers; collagen IV was restricted to the base of the epithelium; collagen V, in contrast to collagen III, was prominent in epithelium and muscularis mucosae and sparse in muscular septa and submucosa. Fibronectin distribution followed collagen III; it formed layers in lamina propria and submucosa and strands in muscle septa and between individual muscle cells. Versican distribution followed collagen V; it was prominent in large muscle septa and formed thick sheets at the boundaries of submucosa/circular muscle and of circular/longitudinal muscle. We also determined the tissue contents of protein, hexuronic acid, and fibronectin. The mucosal layers exceeded the muscular layers in their content of hexuronic acid and fibronectin but not protein. We conclude that individual layers of the smooth muscle esophagus each have their own characteristic matrix. Lamina propria and submucosa are similar with regard to fiber orientation but lamina propria contains relatively more collagen III (small fibril) and submucosa comparatively more collagen I (large fibril). Nonfibrillar collagen V and versican are particularly prominent specifically on the boundaries between contracting muscle tissue and connective tissue framework.

Animals↗
PubMed2001

Nutritional treatment for acquired immunodeficiency virus infection using an enterotropic peptide-based formula enriched with n-3 fatty acids: a randomized prospective trial.

OBJECTIVE: Dietary counseling and intervention based on application of conventional criteria have been ineffective in preventing the progressive weight loss associated with HIV infection. The aim of the study was to compare the progression of clinical and nutritional indicators during nutritional supplementation with or without an enterotropic peptide-based formula enriched with n-3 fatty acids. DESIGN: Randomized trial. SETTING: Tertiary care. SUBJECTS: Ninety-one patients were screened for the study. Twenty-three did not meet the inclusion criteria, therefore 74 patients were randomized. Of these, 38 were randomized to group I (standard formula) and 36 were randomized to group II supplementation (enterotropic peptide-based formula enriched with n-3 fatty acids). INTERVENTIONS: Group I received standard enteral formula and group II received a enterotropic peptide-based enteral formula. The volume was the same (3 cans/day, 236 ml per can). In both groups enteral supplementation were recommended in conjunction with a registered dietitian under a dietary counseling program based on standard nutrition principles. Patients received a prospective serial assessment of nutrition status, nutritional intake with 24 h written food records, GI symptoms, immune function, anthropometric status and intercurrent health events including infections and hospitalization. These determinations were performed at baseline and at 3 months. RESULTS: Treatment with both supplements resulted in a significant and sustained increase in weight (3.2% in group I and 3.1% in group II); this increase was mostly due to fat mass (12.8% in group I) and (7.5% in group II). Total body water and fat free-mass remained unchanged. CD4 counts remained stable in group I, while a significant increase was detected in group II (576+/-403 vs 642+/-394 cells/mm(3); P<0.05). After the 3 month period CD4 counts remained higher in group II. Hospitalization events (infections) were also followed during the 3 month period. Group II had fewer hospitalizations than group I, but no statistical differences were found. CONCLUSIONS: Oral nutritional supplements for a 3 month period were well tolerated and resulted in body weight gain in HIV-infected patients. Supplement-enriched formula, with peptides and n-3 fatty acids, increased CD4 count.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2001

Megakaryocytic differentiation is accompanied by a reduction in cell migratory potential.

Megakaryocytes (MKs) have been found in the peripheral circulation, suggesting that they can migrate out of the bone marrow. In order to evaluate if megakaryocytic differentiation confers a migratory phenotype, we investigated this property in the haematopoietic cell lines MO7e and UT-7/mpl and in CD34+ progenitor cells before and after induction of differentiation by thrombopoietin (TPO). Migration was studied using a bicompartmental culture system in the presence or absence of a bone marrow endothelial cell monolayer. Preincubation with TPO led to a significant reduction in stromal cell-derived factor-1 (SDF-1)-induced migration of MO7e cells (0.7% +/- 0.08% for TPO-treated vs. 2.6% +/- 0.3% for controls P < 0.05). A similar decreased migratory response was seen with UT-7/mpl cells (7.4% +/- 0.4% for TPO-treated vs. 11.1% +/- 0.01% for controls, P<0.05), although these cells did not migrate in response to SDF-1. CD34+ cells partially differentiated with TPO showed decreased migration following further TPO-induced maturation (13.9% +/- 1.8% for TPO-treated vs. 24.1% +/- 1.8% for untreated, P < 0.05). This reduction was more pronounced in the large MK (> or = 4n) fraction. These results demonstrate that megakaryocytic differentiation is accompanied by a partial suppression of the haematopoietic cell migratory phenotype.

Bone Marrow Cells↗
PubMed2001

Hsp90 chaperone complexes are required for the activity and stability of yeast protein kinases Mik1, Wee1 and Swe1.

The Wee1 protein kinase negatively regulates entry into mitosis by mediating the inhibitory tyrosine phosphorylation of Cdc2-cyclin B kinase. The stability and activity of Wee1 from the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe is critically dependent on functional Hsp90 chaperones. Here we identify two related tyrosine protein kinases, Mik1 from fission yeast and its Saccharomyces cerevisiae homolog Swe1, as Hsp90 substrates and show that the kinase domain is sufficient to mediate this interaction. Morphological and biochemical defects arising from overexpression of the kinases in fission yeast are suppressed in the conditional Hsp90 mutant swo1-26. A subset of all three kinases is associated with the Hsp90 cochaperones cyclophilin 40 and p23. Under conditions of impaired chaperone function or treatment with the Hsp90 inhibitory drug geldanamycin, intracellular levels of the kinases are reduced and the proteins become rapidly degraded by the proteasome machinery, indicating that Wee1, Mik1 and Swe1 require Hsp90 heterocomplexes for their stability and maintenance of function.

Antibiotics, Antineoplastic↗
PubMed2001

Transcranial magnetic stimulation: experience, knowledge and attitudes of recipients.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the experience, knowledge and attitudes of recipients of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) regarding the treatment. There have been no studies of patient views about TMS. METHOD: A 60-item survey was administered by telephone to persons with depressive illness who received TMS at Royal Hobart Hospital, Tasmania. RESULTS: Forty-eight patients were interviewed. About two-thirds also had a history of treatment with electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). Experience and opinions about TMS were generally very positive. Almost three-quarters of interviewees believed TMS had been helpful. The vast majority rated TMS as more acceptable than having, or the prospect of having, ECT. The majority would have TMS again and would recommend it to others. CONCLUSIONS: The mostly favourable experiences and attitudes reported by interviewees will be reassuring to patients, their families and treating health professionals when TMS is being considered.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

The mental and physical health of female sex workers: a comparative study.

OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to compare the mental and physical health, adult abuse experiences and social networks of female sex workers with data previously collected from two large community samples of age-matched women. METHOD: A convenience sample of sex workers were interviewed and completed two well-established questionnaires, the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-28) and the Intimate Bond Measure (IBM). Sex workers were invited to reflect on their experiences of their work. RESULTS: There were no differences in mental health on the GHQ-28 or in self-esteem (measured by an item on the Present State Examination) between the two groups. Neither were there any differences in their assessment of their physical health or the quality of their social networks. Sex workers were less likely to be married and had been exposed to more adult physical and sexual abuse than the comparison group. They were more likely to smoke and to drink heavily when they drank. One-third said that their general practitioner was not aware of their work. A subgroup not working with regular clients or in a massage parlour had higher GHQ-28 scores and may be an at-risk group. Narrative information about the work, particularly its intermittent nature, is presented. CONCLUSIONS: No evidence was found that sex work and increased adult psychiatric morbidity are inevitably associated, although there may be subgroups of workers with particular problems. The illegal and stigmatized nature of sex work are likely to make usual public health strategies more difficult to apply, considerations which should give concern from a preventive health standpoint.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2001

A MAR-like antibody in a DCWe/DCWe person.

BACKGROUND: MAR (RH51), a high-incidence antigen in the Rh blood group system, is absent from RBCs with a double dose of CW or CX or a single dose each of CW and CX antigens, as well as from rare Rh phenotypes including D- - and Rh(null). The MAR antigen is associated with the presence of Ala36 and Gln41 on the RhCe protein. The original example of anti-MAR, described in 1994, was made by a DCWe/DCXe woman. It was possible that the antibody directed against a high-incidence antigen in the Rh system made by a DCXe/DCXe woman (CM) in 1983 was anti-MAR. CASE REPORT: A 52-year-old, multiply transfused, white woman (CJ) with pre-existing anti-c, -E, and -Jk(a) presented for preoperative work-up for her fifth open heart procedure. The strength of the reaction of her RBCs with anti-CW suggested a double dose of CW antigen. Her serum, which unexpectedly was strongly reactive with c-, E-, Jk(a-) RBCs by PEG indirect antiglobulin test, was incubated with E-c-, Jk(a-) RBCs, and an eluate was prepared. This eluate reacted 3+ with E-c-, Jk(a-) RBCs but did not react with Rh(null) (n = 5), - - (3), DCW- (2), Dc- (1), or DCWe/DCWe (1) RBCs. Two related DCXe/DCXe and two unrelated DCWe/DCXe RBC samples were weakly agglutinated. The patient's RBCs were negative with the original anti-MAR but reacted as strongly as the positive control RBCs with the antibody made by the DCXe/DCXe person. CONCLUSION: This is the first example of a MAR-like antibody made by a DCWe/DCWe woman. The specificity cannot be called anti-MAR, because some MAR-negative samples react, albeit weakly. The original anti-MAR, made by a DCWe/DCXe woman, did not react with DCWe/DCWe, DCWe/DCXe, or DCXe/DCXe RBCs. It is apparent that the specificity of "anti-MAR" differs slightly, depending on the CW/CX status of the antibody maker.

Antibody Specificity↗
PubMed2001

Ingested needles in a 3-month-old infant.

This case describes a 3-month-old infant who swallowed multiple straight sewing needles that were removed at laparotomy. A motherhood psychiatric disorder was suspected.

Duodenum↗
PubMed2001

Short-term 17-beta-estradiol administration does not affect metabolism in young males.

We have previously demonstrated that females oxidize more lipid and less protein and carbohydrate during endurance exercise [21]. Several studies in male rats have demonstrated similar metabolic changes after 4 d of 17-beta-estradiol (E2) administration. Our purpose was to study the effects of E2 administration upon substrate metabolism during 90min of cycle ergometry at 60% VO2peak in 11 healthy, young males. E2 was administered in a single-blind, cross-over, randomized fashion for 11 d (100 microg.d(-1) x 3.5d --> 200 microg.d(-1) x 3.5 d --> 300 microg.d(-1) x 4.0 d). Respiratory exchange ratio (RER), VO2, Ve, HR, lactate, and glucose were measured every 30 min during exercise and E2, testosterone TEST, glycerol and triglycerides were measured prior to exercise T = 0 min. Muscle biopsies were taken from the vastus lateralis before and after exercise for glycogen determination. Estradiol treatment resulted in lower plasma TEST (20.8-->7.8 nmol.L(-1), P<0.0001) and higher plasma E2 (168.1 327.3 pmol.L(-1), P < 0.002). Therewere no effects of E2 treatment upon any of the other measured variables including muscle glycogen: (E2 - PRE = 529.3 --> POST = 237.9; PL-PRE = 582.2 --> POST = 262.4 mmol.kg(-1) [dm]). We concluded that short-term E2 treatment increased plasma E2 to female follicular levels in males but had no effect upon lipid or carbohydrate metabolism.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2001

Transplantation of an oversized heart.

In response to the limited number of available donors, the criteria for accepting hearts have been expanded. In a 46-year-old female (160 cm, 56 kg) with a body surface area (BSA) of 1.58 m(2), an orthotopic heart transplantation was performed. She received the heart from a 34-year-old male donor (190 cm, 90 kg, BSA 2.58 m(2)). During transplantation, the obvious difference between the donor's heart and the recipient's pericardium did not cause a technical problem. However, the postoperative course was characterized by severe circulation problems. Due to a hemodynamically significant right heart impression, a consecutive pericardectomy had to be performed. After excision of the left and the right side of the pericardium, the patient returned to a stable condition. The consecutive course was without cardiopulmonary problems and the patient was discharged from the hospital 20 days later. The last twelve-month follow-up showed good cardiac function and excellent physical condition. We conclude that an oversized donor heart can be used for heart transplantation as long as the pericardium is left open and a left and right pericardectomy is performed.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

Lasting impact in families after death from ALS.

INTRODUCTION: ALS severely affects families, who have to cope after the patient's death. There is no information on ongoing needs or concerns of families surviving the death of the ALS patient. We wished to survey these needs. METHOD: We developed a written questionnaire which we distributed at a single point in time to 32 patients' families. All patients had been followed in the McMaster University ALS clinic, and had died months to years earlier from ALS. RESULTS: The response rate was excellent (85%). ALS caused lasting emotional and financial hardship in families, and 37% of respondents felt they were coping poorly, sometimes years after the patient's death. This did not clearly relate to the bereavement period, nor to the physical or financial impact of the disease during life. In most cases the disease led to a strengthening of family ties. However, 15% of chief caregivers felt blamed by in-laws for contributing to the death of the patient; in these cases family ties weakened. Less than half of families were still receiving ALS information, although 75% still wished to. About two-thirds of families had ongoing questions about the disease, and a small number remained concerned that they, or their children, would develop the disease. Only a third of families were actively involved in ongoing fund-raising activities. CONCLUSIONS: It is possible to survey ongoing family needs after the death of the ALS patient. ALS causes lasting impact in surviving family members. There are ongoing needs that could be met by ALS clinics, ALS organizations, and healthcare systems, and opportunities for greater involvement of family members in volunteer activities, awareness, and fundraising. Generalization across other healthcare systems, and comparison with other disease states, could be important.

Aged↗
PubMed2001

The relationship between the quality of life of children with asthma and family functioning.

The quality of life of 84 children with asthma, aged 7-12 years, and their family functioning was assessed using standard questionnaires. A significant relationship was found between children's reports of their quality of life and several key dimensions of family functioning. The results suggest that independent of their frequency, the extent to which asthma symptoms upset and bother children varies depending on the level of the functioning of the children's families. Treatment approaches designed to improve family functioning may reduce the extent to which children are bothered by their asthma symptoms and thus improve their quality of life.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

Small-dose S(+)-ketamine reduces postoperative pain when applied with ropivacaine in epidural anesthesia for total knee arthroplasty.

UNLABELLED: Reduction of nociceptive input through blockade of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors has been reported. We compared the effects of epidural S(+)-ketamine versus placebo on postoperative pain in a randomized, double-blinded study in 37 patients undergoing unilateral knee arthroplasty. After lumbar epidural anesthesia with ropivacaine (10 mg/mL, 10-20 mL), 19 patients received 0.9% epidural saline, and 18 patients received 0.25 mg/kg epidural S(+)-ketamine 10 min before surgical incision. After surgery, patient-controlled epidural analgesia with ropivacaine was provided. During the first 8 h after surgery, visual analog scale pain rating was similar between groups. Twenty-four and 48 h after surgery, patients anesthetized with ropivacaine had higher visual analog scale ratings at rest and during movement (P < 0.05) than patients anesthetized with S(+)-ketamine and ropivacaine. Forty-eight hours after surgery, patients anesthetized with ropivacaine also consumed more ropivacaine (558 +/- 210 mg) (P < 0.01) than those anesthetized with S(+)-ketamine and ropivacaine (319 +/- 204 mg). Adverse events were similar between groups. Patients who received S(+)-ketamine and ropivacaine rated the quality of their pain therapy better than those who received ropivacaine alone (P < 0.05). We conclude that the combination of S(+)-ketamine and ropivacaine in epidural anesthesia increases postoperative pain relief when compared with ropivacaine. IMPLICATIONS: Epidural S(+)-ketamine applied with ropivacaine before surgery is a rational approach to decrease injury-induced pain sensitization. Epidural blockade with an N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor antagonist and a local anesthetic may provide better analgesia in the postoperative period than a local anesthetic alone.

Aged↗
PubMed2001

Manual-Driven group cognitive-behavioral therapy for adolescents with obsessive-compulsive disorder: a pilot study.

OBJECTIVE: Concerns about isolation, compromised development, partial pharmacotherapy response, therapist scarcity, and inadequate cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) adherence led the authors to adapt a CBT protocol to a group format for adolescents with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). A naturalistic, open trial of group CBT for adolescent OCD is described. The authors predicted symptom improvement and format acceptability. METHOD: Over a 1 -year period, 18 adolescents aged 13 to 17 years with OCD received 14-week group CBT based on March and Mulle's OCD in Children and Adolescents: A Cognitive-Behavioral Treatment Manual in four consecutive sessions of five to nine patients. Eighty-three percent had undergone at least one medication trial, and 78% had previous CBT experience. RESULTS: OCD symptoms measured by the Children's Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale improved significantly, both statistically and clinically. Adolescents consistently shared information and designed exposure interventions for themselves and others during sessions. Repeated self-report measures confirmed adolescents' satisfaction with therapy. CONCLUSIONS: This pilot study demonstrates that a manual-based treatment protocol may be exported for clinical use, adaptable for the end-user's needs, and palatable to adolescent patients. Clinical improvement and patient satisfaction justify further investigation in a controlled study.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2001

Changes due to age in the kinematics of trotting Andalusian foals.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of growth on biokinematic characteristics at the trot in a group of 9 Andalusian foals from age 12 to 36 months in order to identify which stride variables change or remain invariable. Biokinematic analysis was performed by using a computer-assisted videography system (25 Hz frame rate). An increase in stride length as well as the fore- and hindlimb stride duration was found. A tendency to increase flexion of the shoulder, elbow and carpal joints was observed while the forelimb fetlock increased its maximal extension. In the hindlimb, most of the differences were exhibited by the hip and stifle joints, which showed a tendency to a lesser flexion with age. However, at landing the extension was bigger. The hindlimb fetlock extended more in older foals, whereas flexion decreased. Significant differences in the maximal extension and flexion instants in the forelimb joints were not detected (except in the elbow joint). The same was found in the angular range of motion (ARM) of the scapula inclination and the shoulder and forelimb fetlock joints. Differences in retraction-protraction angles in both the fore- and hindlimbs were very slight, and ARM values for these parameters were similar in all age groups. It can be concluded that Andalusian horses modified their locomotor pattern at the trot between age 12 and 36 months, particularly up to 24 months, by increasing stride length as well as shoulder, elbow and carpus flexion, while hip and stifle flexion decreased and hindlimb joints were more extended during the stance phase. One of the most striking features was that maximal retraction and protraction angles did not change in foals age 12-36 months in either fore- or hindlimbs. These results could be useful for the prediction of some kinematic parameters of mature horses from data obtained at younger ages.

Age Factors↗