Biomedical subjects

K B McCann

Publications and source records attributed to K B McCann.

3 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2003

The effect of bovine lactoferrin and lactoferricin B on the ability of feline calicivirus (a norovirus surrogate) and poliovirus to infect cell cultures.

AIMS: To characterize the effect of bovine lactoferrin and lactoferricin B against feline calicivirus (FCV), a norovirus surrogate and poliovirus (PV), as models for enteric viruses. METHODS AND RESULTS: Crandell-Reese feline kidney (CRFK) cells were used for the propagation of FCV and monkey embryo kidney (MEK) cells for PV. The assays included visual assessment of cell lines for cytopathic effects and determination of the percentage cell death using MTT [3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium] dye reduction assay. Incubation of bovine lactoferrin with CRFK cells either prior to or together with FCV inoculation substantially reduced FCV infection. In contrast, the interference of lactoferrin with the infection of cells with PV was demonstrated only when lactoferrin was present with cell lines and virus for the entire assay period. Using indirect immunofluorescence, lactoferrin was detected on the surface of both CRFK and MEK cells, suggesting that the interference of viral infection may be attributed to lactoferrin binding to the surfaces of susceptible cells, thereby preventing the attachment of the virus particles. Lactoferricin B, a cationic antimicrobial peptide derived from the N-terminal domain of bovine lactoferrin, reduced FCV but not PV infection. CONCLUSION: Lactoferrin was shown to interfere with the infection of cells for both FCV and PV. However, lactoferricin B showed no interference of infection with PV and interference with infection for FCV required the presence of lactoferricin B together with the cell line and virus. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: An in vitro basis is provided for the effects of bovine lactoferrin and lactoferricin B in moderating food-borne infections of enteric viruses.

Animals↗

PubMed1998

The reduction of chronic nonspecific low back pain through the control of early morning lumbar flexion. A randomized controlled trial.

STUDY DESIGN: Eighteen-month, randomized controlled trial with partial crossover. OBJECTIVES: To test the hypothesis that the control of lumbar flexion in the early morning will significantly reduce chronic, nonspecific low back pain. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Previous studies have indicated an increased risk of low back pain with bending forward in the early morning, primarily because of increased fluid content in the intervertebral discs at that time. METHODS: After 6 months of recording baseline data, 85 subjects with persistent or recurring low back pain were randomly assigned to treatment and control groups. The treatment group received instruction in the control of early morning lumbar flexion. The control group received a sham treatment of six exercises shown to be ineffective in reducing low back pain. Six months later, the control group received the experimental treatment, Diaries were used to record daily levels of pain intensity, disability, impairment, and medication usage. RESULTS: Significant reductions in pain intensity (P < 0.01) were recorded for the treatment group, but not for the control group (point estimate, 33%; 95% confidence interval, 11-55%). After receiving the experimental treatment, the control group responded with similar reductions (P < 0.05). Significant reductions also were observed in total days in pain, disability, impairment, and medication usage. CONCLUSIONS: Controlling lumbar flexion in the early morning is a form of self-care with potential for reducing pain and costs associated with chronic, nonspecific low back pain.

Activities of Daily Living↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Beyond training: organizational performance management techniques.

Performance management is a branch of behavioral science that, in part, addresses the reasons workers return to bad or dangerous work habits despite training to the contrary. This chapter details the use of performance management techniques in health and safety training programs. An extensive table describes 44 studies that have incorporated performance management safety interventions.

Accidents, Occupational↗