Biomedical subjects

J Rooney

Publications and source records attributed to J Rooney.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2002

Adjunctive effects to non-surgical periodontal therapy of systemic metronidazole and amoxycillin alone and combined. A placebo controlled study.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Several studies have reported adjunctive benefits to scaling and root planing (SRP) of systemic amoxycillin and metronidazole in the treatment of periodontal diseases. To date no comparisons have been made of these antimicrobials alone or in combination. The aim of this study was to compare the adjunctive benefits to SRP of amoxycillin and metronidazole alone and combined. METHODS: 66 subjects <46 years of age with advanced chronic periodontal disease participated in this randomised, double blind, 4 parallel treatment group designed study. All subjects received quadrant SRP and then were prescribed amoxycillin capsules (250 mg) and metronidazole tablets (200 mg) (AM) or lactate capsules and metronidazole (PM) or amoxycillin and calcium lactate tablets (AP) or lactate and calcium lactate (PP). All medication was 3 of each per day for 7 days. Subgingival plaque samples were obtained and probing depth (PD), loss of attachment (LOA), bleeding on probing (BOP), suppuration (SUPP) and plaque (DEP) were recorded pre-treatment, 1, 3 and 6 months post-treatment. RESULTS: Final group sizes were: AM=15, PM=16, AP=16 and PP=15. PD improved in all groups. Treatment effects were highly significantly different and always greatest in the AM and least in the PP groups. Benefits of PM and AP over PP were also noted. LOA improved in all groups and showed the same highly significant treatment differences, again favouring AM. BOP improved in all groups, particularly in AM compared to the other groups. SUPP improved in all groups and was virtually eradicated in AM with differences among treatments highly significant. DEP changed little in any group and there were no significant differences among groups. Microbiological data showed significant differences in favour of AM compared to PP and PM for total aerobes and anaerobes at 1 month. P. intermedia counts were always lower in active groups compared to PP and reached significance for AM and AP at 1 month and AM and PM at 3 months. CONCLUSION: The significant differences among treatment groups and the overall trend in the data, in line with other studies, support the considerable adjunctive benefits to SRP of amoxycillin and metronidazole combined in the treatment of advanced chronic periodontal disease.

Adult↗

PubMed2002

Repetition of an unusual stress fracture in an anorexic man: a case report.

Stress fractures of the fibula commonly occur distally in runners, whereas stress fractures of the proximal fibula are uncommon and typically occur in jumpers. Furthermore, it is rare for a stress fracture to be repeated in the same bone. We report a case of a repeated stress fracture of the proximal fibula in a male runner with abnormal gait that primarily involved excessive pronation. Unusual risk factors in this case were anorexia nervosa and use of an inhaled corticosteroid. The patient was treated conservatively, and healing of the fracture was completed at 12 weeks.

Adult↗

PubMed2000

A randomized trial of interferon alpha therapy for HIV type 1 infection.

The immunologic and virologic efficacy and safety of interferon a (IFN-alpha) administered in combination with zidovudine (ZDV) and zalcitabine (ddC) was evaluated in HIV-infected subjects with CD4+ cell counts between 300 and 500 cells/ml and no more than 14 weeks of prior antiretroviral therapy. A total of 256 subjects enrolled in an open-label, randomized controlled trial. Subjects were randomized equally into treatment groups. All subjects received ZDV and ddC, while half also receive IFN-alpha (3 MU subcutaneously every 24 hr). At 48 weeks the median average area under the curve minus baseline (AAUCMB) for plasma HIV-1 RNA for the two-drug group was -0.68 versus -0.75 log10 copies/ml for the IFN-alpha group (p = 0.046). Mean HIV-1 RNA changes from baseline to 48 weeks for these groups were -0.65 and -1.12 log10 copies/ml, respectively (p = 0.010). The median AAUCMB for CD4+ cell count for the two-drug group was 28 versus -1 cells/mm3 for the IFN-alpha group (p = 0.011). Neutropenia, anemia, and drug intolerance were more common in the IFN-alpha group. This study demonstrates that IFN-alpha inhibits HIV-1 replication but attenuates the CD4+ cell response to dual therapy with ZDV and ddC.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2000

Temperature dependency of quantitative ultrasound.

Quantitative ultrasound (QUS) parameters are temperature dependent. We examined the effect of temperature on QUS using Lunar Achilles+ and Hologic Sahara units. In vivo studies were performed in a cadaveric foot and in 5 volunteers. QUS scans were performed in the cadaveric foot, using both machines, at temperatures ranging from 15 to 40 degrees C. To assess the effect of change in water bath temperature in the Achilles+, independently of foot temperature, 5 volunteers were studied at water temperatures ranging from 10 to 42 degrees C. In the cadaveric foot there were strong negative correlations between temperature and speed of sound (SOS) but a moderately positive correlation between temperature and broadband ultrasound attenuation (BUA). Stiffness and the Quantitative Ultrasound Index (QUI) in the cadaveric foot showed strong negative correlations with temperature, reflecting their high dependence on SOS. In the 5 volunteers, in whom foot temperature was assumed to be constant, there was a small change in Stiffness in the Achilles+, with variation in water temperature. In conclusion, while there are opposite effects of temperature on SOS and BUA in vivo, there is still a significant effect of temperature variation on Stiffness and the QUI. This may have clinical significance in particular subjects. The precision of QUS may be affected by temperature variation of the environment or of the patient's limb. Instruments utilizing a water bath may be able partly to compensate for changes in environmental temperature, but standardization of water bath temperature is crucial to maximize precision.

Body Temperature↗

PubMed2000

Rapid identification and differentiation of Bartonella species using a single-step PCR assay.

Five species of Bartonella have been reported to infect humans and cause a variety of diseases that can be difficult to diagnose. Four species of Bartonella have been reported to infect cats and dogs, and two of these species are considered to be zoonotic pathogens. Diagnosis of Bartonella infections is hampered by the slow, fastidious growth characteristics of Bartonella species. We report on the development of a single-step PCR-based assay for the detection and differentiation of medically relevant Bartonella species. PCR-mediated amplification of the 16S-23S rRNA intergenic region resulted in a product of a unique size for each Bartonella species, thereby allowing differentiation without the necessity of restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis or sequencing of the amplified product. The ability of the single-step PCR assay to differentiate between Bartonella species was determined with characterized isolates and blood samples from animals known to be infected with either Bartonella henselae, B. clarridgeiae, or B. vinsonii subsp. berkhoffii. The sensitivity of the single-step PCR assay relative to that of in vitro culture was determined with blood samples from B. henselae-infected cats. B. henselae target DNA was amplified from 100% of samples with greater than 50 CFU/ml and 80% of samples with 10 to 30 CFU/ml. The single-step assay described in the report expedites PCR-based detection and differentiation of medically relevant Bartonella species.

Animals↗

PubMed2000

Exposure in difficult total knee arthroplasty using coronal tibial tubercle osteotomy.

Exposure in a total knee arthroplasty can be challenging regardless of whether it is a difficult primary or a revision. Various techniques both proximal and distal to the patella have been described and implemented to gain exposure and improve knee flexion. When patella eversion is not possible due to previous surgery or severe preoperative knee flexion contracture, a coronal tibial tubercle osteotomy may be utilized. We present successful results utilizing the coronal tibial tubercle osteotomy procedure. The technique involved in this series is based on that described by Whiteside. It involves the development of a long lateral musculoperiosteal flap incorporating the tibial tubercle and anterior tibia, and leaving the proximal tibial cortex intact. This is extended along the tibia distally for 10 cm. It finishes by gradually osteotomising the anterior surface of the tibial crest. The tubercle is reattached with wires at the end of the procedure. This technique minimizes complications that have been associated with the tibial tubercle osteotomy. The 10 knees in 9 patients, who had total knee arthroplasty with a coronal tibial tubercle osteotomy, were reviewed pre and postoperatively. All knees were assessed using the Hospital for Special Surgery knee score (HSS). The scores averaged 43.6 preoperatively (range, 29 57) and 79.2 postoperatively (range, 67 90), and the mean range of motion was 59.5 degrees preoperatively and 78.0 degrees postoperatively. There were no cases of extension lag. Fixed flexion deformity was present in 3 cases postoperatively. Average time to union at the proximal and distal ends of the osteotomy was 8 and 24 weeks respectively. There was no evidence of nonunion and no other significant complications occurred.

Journal Article↗

PubMed1998

Secure units. Safety measures.

More than 20 years after the publication of the Butler report which led to the establishment of medium-secure units, many of its recommendations have not been implemented. There is still a shortage of beds in medium-secure units. A survey of 18 of the 25 units in England and Wales has revealed wide variations in size as well as staffing ratios. National leadership and more coherent planning is needed.

Data Collection↗

PubMed1996

In vitro antiviral activity of 141W94 (VX-478) in combination with other antiretroviral agents.

141W94 (VX-478) is a novel HIV-1 protease inhibitor with an IC50 of 0.08 microM against HIV-1 (strain IIIB) and a mean IC50 of 0.012 microM against six HIV clinical isolates. 141W94 was synergistic on the basis of isobologram analysis with each of the following reverse transcriptase inhibitors: AZT, 935U83, 524W91, 1592U89 and ddl, 141W94 was also synergistic with saquinavir and additive with either indinavir or ritonavir. Resistance to 141W94 has been reported in vitro passage experiments. The binding of 141W94 to human alpha 1-acid glycoprotein was relatively weak (Kd = 4 microM) and the off-rate for the drug is very fast (> or = 100 s-1). Only a 2-fold reduction of in vitro antiviral activity was observed in the presence of 45% human plasma. No serious drug associated adverse experiences were reported in a Phase I placebo-controlled, single-dose escalation, pharmacokinetic and safety study. The average concentration of 141W94 at 8 and 12 h after single doses of 900 and 1200 mg, respectively, was in excess of 10 times the IC50. As 141W94 is synergistic with a variety of anti-HIV-1 agents and exhibits a unique cross resistance profile compared to other protease inhibitors, 141W94 is considered a good candidate for combination therapy.

Carbamates↗

PubMed1995

A comparison of immediate with deferred zidovudine therapy for asymptomatic HIV-infected adults with CD4 cell counts of 500 or more per cubic millimeter. AIDS Clinical Trials Group.

BACKGROUND: The clinical benefits of zidovudine remain unproved in patients with asymptomatic human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection when CD4 cell counts exceed 500 per cubic millimeter. We compared zidovudine therapy given immediately with deferred therapy in such subjects. METHODS: Beginning in 1987, subjects with asymptomatic HIV infection and 500 or more CD4 cells per cubic millimeter were randomly assigned to receive placebo or zidovudine (either 500 or 1500 mg per day, starting immediately). In 1989, the study was modified so that open-label treatment with 500 mg of zidovudine per day (deferred therapy) was offered when CD4 cell counts fell below 500 per cubic millimeter. The study end points included overall survival, survival free of the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), toxic effects, and changes in CD4 cell counts. RESULTS: There were 1637 subjects who could be evaluated: 547 in the deferred-therapy group, 549 in the group receiving 500 mg of zidovudine immediately, and 541 in the 1500-mg group. The subjects were followed for up to 6.5 years (group medians, 4.8, 4.8, and 4.9, respectively). There was no significant difference in AIDS-free survival in the deferred-therapy group as compared with the low-dose or high-dose groups (81 cases of progression to AIDS or death vs. 81 and 74, respectively; P = 0.95 and P = 0.13) or in overall survival (51 deaths vs. 47 and 46; P = 0.25 and P = 0.16). The decline in CD4 cells was slower in both immediate-therapy groups than in the deferred-therapy group (P < 0.001 for both). Adverse effects were uncommon, and before the study modification their incidence was similar among the treatment groups, but severe anemia and granulocytopenia were more frequent in the 1500-mg group than in the deferred-therapy group (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: In asymptomatic, HIV-infected adults with 500 or more CD4 cells per cubic millimeter, treatment with zidovudine slows the decline in the CD4 cell count but does not significantly prolong either AIDS-free or overall survival. These results do not encourage the routine use of zidovudine monotherapy in this population.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗

PubMed1995

Pressure ulcer pain: assessment and quantification.

A cross-sectional study design was used to document perception of pressure ulcer pain in 132 patients in an acute care setting. Subjects were evaluated by means of the Folstein Mini-Mental State Examination, Beck's Depression Inventory, the Faces Pain Rating Scale, and the Visual Analog Scale for pain intensity. Charts were reviewed for demographic data and related medical treatments. The group comprised 44 subjects (33.3%) who were able to respond to the evaluation instruments and 88 subjects (66.7%) who were unable to respond to the evaluation tools. Forty-one percent of the respondents denied pressure ulcer pain and 59% reported pain of some type. According to the Faces Rating Scale, 32% of this group reported no pain and 68% reported some degree of pain. The respondents included 48% who scored below 24 on the Folstein Mini-Mental State Examination, indicative of cognitive impairment, and 52% who were found to be cognitively intact, with scores of 24 or above. Only 2% (n = 3) were given analgesics for pressure ulcer pain within 4 hours of the interview.

Adult↗

PubMed1995

In vitro comparison of selected triple-drug combinations for suppression of HIV-1 replication: the Inter-Company Collaboration Protocol.

Ten different three-drug combinations have been analyzed for their ability to prevent HIV-induced cytopathic effects (CPEs) in a continuous human T-lymphoblastoid cell line. Agents acting at the same as well as at different sites in the HIV-1 replicative cycle were used. Each compound was analyzed at peak and trough plasma levels achieved in monotherapy and in the presence of HIV-1 strains 3B and MN at a viral inoculum varying from 1 x TCID50 (50% tissue culture inhibitory dose) to 1,000 x TCID50. Using a viral inoculum of 10 x TCID50 HIV-1 3B, it was determined that triple-drug combinations had greater antiviral activities than the corresponding double-drug combinations, which had greater antiviral activities than zidovudine (AZT) monotherapy. The most consistent triple-drug combination, demonstrating superior activity at all concentrations of virus, was AZT + dideoxyinosine + lamivudine which reduced the AZT IC95 (95% inhibitory concentration) by 208-, 57-, 133-, and 25-fold at of 1,000, 100, 10, and 1 x TCID50 HIV-1 3B, respectively, as compared with the IC95 for AZT monotherapy. For all antiviral regimens tested, higher viral inoculum resulted in less inhibition of viral replication and a higher IC95 for AZT. This observation argues for therapeutic intervention at an earlier stage in HIV infection, when viral burden is lower.

Antiviral Agents↗

PubMed1995

Inter-Company Collaboration Combination Trials. Clinical Trial Subcommittee of the Inter-Company Collaboration for AIDS Drug Development.

The Inter-Company Collaboration for AIDS Drug Development (ICC) represents a collaborative effort among member companies to facilitate the conduct of clinical trials on AIDS drugs. One of the goals of the ICC is to expedite the development of combination antiretroviral therapy through data and compound sharing. Recently, the ICC formed a consensus master protocol to evaluate rapidly the safety and efficacy of triple-drug combinations of antiretroviral therapy for treatment of HIV-infected patients. This concept builds upon historical work with combination chemotherapy that resulted in treatments to successfully control chronic immunosuppressive, infectious or malignant diseases, such as tuberculosis, leprosy, childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia, and Hodgkin's lymphoma. Because of limitations on potency and the continuing emergence of drug resistance seen with use of currently available antiretroviral agents in monotherapy and two-drug combination regimens, triple-combination regimens should represent a more promising approach to maximize antiviral activity, maintain long-term efficacy, and reduce the incidence of drug resistance. The ICC master protocol is a randomized, controlled, double-blind study with a treatment duration of 52 weeks. Patients eligible to enroll in this study must have documented HIV infection, with CD4 counts between 200 and 500 cells/mm3, and no history of antiretroviral therapy. The first four triple-drug combinations will be evaluated in two trials. These regimens have been selected based on encouraging data from laboratory and clinical studies. Each ICC trial will consist of three arms, with 75 patients per arm. Protocol ICC 001 will include AZT + zalcitabine (ddC) + saquinavir, AZT + ddC + nevirapine, and AZT + ddC as the control arm.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Antiviral Agents↗

PubMed1995

Rapid screening of antiretroviral combinations.

Increasing evidence supports the view that therapy with combinations of antiretroviral drugs provides greater and more sustained benefits in the treatment of HIV infection than either monotherapy or sequential therapy. As the number of licensed and developmental antiretroviral agents grows, in vitro analysis is increasingly being used to aid in the selection of effective combinations. An assay has been designed to ascertain the inhibitory action of drug combinations on HIV-infected MT4 cells, allowing rapid evaluation of those that may be of use in the clinic. Manipulation of this system also provides data on the efficacy of drugs under conditions of high viral load and against resistant strains, providing valuable information for the treatment of antiretroviral-experienced patients with advanced disease.

Antiviral Agents↗

PubMed1994

A laboratory investigation of the bactericidal effect of a NdYAG laser.

Laser irradiation produces bactericidal effects which may be of use in dentistry. The aims of this study were to investigate the effect of pulsed NdYAG laser irradiation on bacteria in a laboratory model, in the presence and absence of a black dye, Suomi ink. The experiments were carried out in small capillary tubes containing a measured volume of Enterococcus faecalis broth culture. This model simulated the number of organisms that could be expected to occur in an infected root canal. Laser irradiation was delivered from a NdYAG laser via a 320-microns fibre. Powers of 0.3 to 3.0 W were used for 20 to 60 s. Controls received no irradiation. The effect of the black dye was investigated by the addition of a fixed volume to the culture before lasering. The treatments were evaluated for bactericidal effect by comparing the number of viable bacteria remaining in the irradiated and the control specimens. At energy doses of 54 J and above, without black dye, a reduction of 10,000-fold or greater occurred. A similar reduction was achieved at energies above 25 J when black dye was added. These results indicate the energy levels which should be investigated to assess the potential role of the NdYAG laser in endodontics.

Colony Count, Microbial↗

PubMed1994

Severe cystic pulmonary disease associated with chronic Pneumocystis carinii infection in a child with AIDS.

A 3-year-old HIV-positive boy developed Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (PCP) resulting in chronic interstitial pulmonary disease, which persisted for the following 3 years; he was essentially asymptomatic and the lung findings had therefore been attributed to lymphocytic interstitial pneumonia (LIP). He subsequently developed extensive cystic pulmonary disease, documented by CT, leading to recurrent pneumothorax and severe pulmonary insufficiency. Lung biopsy revealed chronic PCP infection associated with extensive pulmonary fibrosis and calcification. This case suggests that Pneumocystis carinii may cause chronic progressive pulmonary fibrosis with cyst formation and respiratory failure.

AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections↗

PubMed1994

Primary biliary cirrhosis. Sole presentation with rampant dental caries.

A 55-year-old woman was referred by her general dental practitioner for management of rampant dental caries of recent onset. Examination revealed a very dry mouth, angular stomatitis, and multiple carious lesions. Labial salivary gland biopsy showed features consistent with Sjögren's syndrome. Hematologic investigations showed antimitochondrial antibodies at a titer of 1 in 320, highly suggestive of primary biliary cirrhosis that was confirmed by liver biopsy.

Autoantibodies↗

PubMed1990

Efficacy of one or two doses of Ty21a Salmonella typhi vaccine in enteric-coated capsules in a controlled field trial. Chilean Typhoid Committee.

Typhoid fever remains an important public health problem in many areas of the world and an effective, non-reactogenic vaccine would be useful to control this disease. An attenuated Salmonella typhi strain (Ty21a), which has shown promise in previous trials, was evaluated in a controlled field trial in Santiago, Chile. In this trial, 82,543 schoolchildren were randomly assigned to receive one or two doses of Ty21a vaccine in enteric-coated capsules or placebo. The enteric-coated vaccine formulation was well tolerated and practical for mass oral immunization. In the first two years of surveillance, 213 cases of bacteriologically-confirmed typhoid fever were found in schoolchildren participating in the trial; annual rates in the placebo group were 139 and 227 per 100,000. Vaccine efficacy in the first two years after vaccination was 59% for two doses and 29% for one dose; no efficacy was found 3-5 years after vaccination. These results indicate that it will be necessary to identify a vaccine formulation and schedule for Ty21a S. typhi that is practical and provides high level protection for greater than 2 years.

Administration, Oral↗

PubMed1989

In vivo sealing ability of calcium hydroxide-containing root canal sealers.

It was the purpose of this study to determine the sealing ability of 2 commercially available calcium hydroxide-containing root canal sealers, CRCS and Sealapex. One hundred sixty single-rooted human teeth were used. The clinical crowns were removed and the roots were cleaned mechanically and by immersion for 24 h in 5% sodium hypochlorite. The root canals were then instrumented to size 80 at the apical foramen and the roots were sterilized by gamma-radiation. Under aseptic conditions the root canals were filled with a gutta-percha master cone size 70 and Sealapex (48 roots), CRCS (48 roots), and a zinc oxide-eugenol type sealer, Roth 801 (50 roots). The coronal aspects of the root canals were then sealed with zinc oxide-eugenol cement. In order to bring the roots and root filling materials in contact with tissue and tissue fluids, the roots were implanted subcutaneously in rabbits for 90 days and 1 year. Leakage as demonstrated by penetration of India ink was evaluated using a stereomicroscope. The best results were obtained with CRCS. Significantly less leakage occurred with both calcium hydroxide-containing sealers than with the traditional zinc oxide-eugenol sealer.

Calcium Hydroxide↗