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Biomedical subjects

M A Fox

Publications and source records attributed to M A Fox.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2006

Hypolocomotion, anxiety and serotonin syndrome-like behavior contribute to the complex phenotype of serotonin transporter knockout mice.

Although mice with a targeted disruption of the serotonin transporter (SERT) have been studied extensively using various tests, their complex behavioral phenotype is not yet fully understood. Here we assess in detail the behavior of adult female SERT wild type (+/+), heterozygous (+/-) and knockout (-/-) mice on an isogenic C57BL/6J background subjected to a battery of behavioral paradigms. Overall, there were no differences in the ability to find food or a novel object, nest-building, self-grooming and its sequencing, and horizontal rod balancing, indicating unimpaired sensory functions, motor co-ordination and behavioral sequencing. In contrast, there were striking reductions in exploration and activity in novelty-based tests (novel object, sticky label and open field tests), accompanied by pronounced thigmotaxis, suggesting that combined hypolocomotion and anxiety (rather than purely anxiety) influence the SERT -/- behavioral phenotype. Social interaction behaviors were also markedly reduced. In addition, SERT -/- mice tended to move close to the ground, frequently displayed spontaneous Straub tail, tics, tremor and backward gait - a phenotype generally consistent with 'serotonin syndrome'-like behavior. In line with replicated evidence of much enhanced serotonin availability in SERT -/- mice, this serotonin syndrome-like state may represent a third factor contributing to their behavioral profile. An understanding of the emerging complexity of SERT -/- mouse behavior is crucial for a detailed dissection of their phenotype and for developing further neurobehavioral models using these mice.

Animals↗
PubMed2006

Osmotic upshift transiently inhibits uptake via ABC transporters in gram-negative bacteria.

ATP-binding cassette transporters from several rhizobia and Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium, but not secondarily coupled systems, were inhibited by high concentrations (100 to 500 mM) of various osmolytes, an effect reversed by the removal of the osmolyte. ABC systems were also inactivated in isolated pea bacteroids, probably due to the obligatory use of high-osmolarity isolation media. Measurement of nutrient cycling in isolated pea bacteroids is impeded by this effect.

ATP-Binding Cassette Transporters↗
PubMed2004

A prospective, randomised, single-blind pilot study to determine the effect of anaesthetic technique on troponin T release after off-pump coronary artery surgery.

Ischaemic damage to the myocardium inevitably occurs during coronary artery surgery. However, the extent of the damage may be influenced by the anaesthetic technique used. The most sensitive and reliable marker of myocardial damage is currently thought to be troponin T. We conducted a prospective, randomised, single-blind pilot study to determine the baseline values of troponin T release after off-pump coronary artery bypass surgery in 30 patients randomly allocated to receive either propofol, isoflurane or isoflurane and high thoracic epidural analgesia. All other treatment was standardised. Patients undergoing emergency surgery and those with unstable angina were excluded. Blood samples were taken at 0, 3, 6, 12, 24 and 48 h after surgery for troponin T analysis. Mean troponin T levels at 24 h were not significantly different between the groups (p = 0.41). These data allows appropriate power calculations for further, large-scale studies to determine the anaesthetic technique that provides optimal myocardial protection.

Aged↗
PubMed2003

Predicting blood pressure reactivity and heart rate variability from mood state following coronary artery bypass surgery.

STUDY OBJECTIVES: Coronary Artery Bypass Graft (CABG) surgery is a common and successful procedure for revascularisation. However, the experience can induce emotional reactions prior to and following surgery. This study aimed to document changes in blood pressure (BP) reactivity and heart rate variability (HRV) following CABG surgery, and to determine the impact of mood state, particularly anxiety and depression upon cardiovascular functioning. METHOD: Twenty-two patients preparing to receive elective, first time CABG surgery were recruited from The Cardiothoracic Centre, Liverpool, UK and psychologically assessed using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HAD), Global Mood Scale (GMS) and the Dispositional Resilience Scale (DRI). BP and heart rate responses were also measured during four conditions: baseline response; laboratory session; ambulatory monitoring; and self-initialised recordings during the ambulatory period. In addition, HRV was measured for 12 h in conjunction with the ambulatory monitoring period. All measures were assessed 1 week prior to surgery and 2 months following surgery. RESULTS: A significant decrease in negative mood and an increase in positive mood were reported following surgery. Forty percent of patients were clinically anxious and depressed prior to surgery although this was reduced to 27% after surgery. Depression was the strongest independent predictor of pre-operative BP and HRV whilst anxiety was most significantly related to follow-up BP reactivity. DBP was most strongly predicted by mood state. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that patients with higher levels of anxiety and depression are at risk of reduced HRV and increased BP reactivity in response to mental stressors. The study also strongly suggests that current patient services should be expanded to acknowledge the role of psychological factors within clinical prognosis after CABG surgery.

Affect↗
PubMed2003

The experience of the intensive care unit in a British Army field hospital during the 2003 Gulf conflict.

Over the last few years the Surgeon General's Department has overseen a major update in equipment scales for medical units in the field; anaesthesia and intensive care. This is to meet the aspiration of the Defence Chiefs, that injured servicemen on active service should receive the same standard of care as available in the United Kingdom. This paper discusses the experiences of the Intensive Care Unit operating within a Field Hospital both during the initial war fighting phase and subsequent peace keeping phase of the 2003 Gulf conflict (OP TELIC). Observations are made on patient activity, treatment strategy, and equipment adequacy.

Female↗
PubMed2001

Photochemistry and spectroscopy of "stable organic radicals": steric and electronic effects in intermolecular photoinduced electron transfer.

The intermolecular reactivities of amino-substituted perchlorotriphenylmethyl radicals 1-3 were studied, with particular emphasis on electron transfer (ET) reactions. The natural fluorescence lifetimes and the rates of the electron-transfer quenching were studied with several electron donors and acceptors. Fluorescence quenching studies demonstrate the importance of the redox potentials of the ET pair on the observed steric and electronic properties.

Journal Article↗
PubMed2001

Empirical and ab initio energy/architectural patterns for 73 nido-6 -carborane isomers, from B(6)H(9)(-) to C(4)B(2)H(6).

Qualitative rules governing carbon and bridge-hydrogen placement permit the prediction of the most stable isomeric structures for the various carboranes. Seventy-three isomeric boron hydride and carborane structures, from B(6)H(9)(-) to C(4)B(2)H(6), were computed at the ab initio MP2(fc)/6-31G level to determine their relative stabilities quantitatively. Specific architectural features, recognized to be unfavorable, were assigned "energy penalty" values that allow the projection of comprehensive thermodynamic stability values via a simple additivity procedure. These values match the ab initio results with surprising precision. Our study includes Siebert's nido-2,3,5-C(3)B(3)H(7) and Wrackmeyer's nido-2,4-C(2)B(4)H(8) nido-6 carboranes, which contain "unusual" CH-B-bridge hydrogens.

Journal Article↗
PubMed2000

Linking public health and the health of the Chesapeake Bay.

The Chesapeake Bay has a profound impact on the lives of all who reside in the 64,000 square miles of its watershed. From crab cakes to sail-boats, drinking water to naval ships, the Bay touches virtually every aspect of life in the region. The Bay has inspired literature, driven the regional economy, and shaped political decision making and development patterns for homes, industry, agriculture, and transportation. As population demands increase and urban boundaries expand into pristine landscapes, the sustainability of the Chesapeake Bay and its resources face unprecedented pressures. Consequently, the public's health also is vulnerable to Bay pollution and other stresses stemming from development activities and widespread growth occurring throughout the Chesapeake Bay watershed. This paper will examine the linkages between the environmental quality of the Bay and the population health status, recommend ways to bridge ecological and human health concerns in the context of the Bay, and finally present a framework for developing a public health report card for the Bay.

Environmental Health↗
PubMed2000

Genetic fingerprinting of grape plant (Vitis vinifera) using random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) analysis and dynamic size-sieving capillary electrophoresis.

Dynamic size-sieving capillary electrophoresis with laser-induced fluorescence detection (DSCE-LIF) was combined with random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) analysis to demonstrate the feasibility of the genetic analysis of grape plant varieties and clones within a variety. Parameters of the genomic DNA extraction process, as well as those of the RAPD analysis, were optimized specifically for this application. Polymorphic DNA fragments were generated for four different grape plant varieties including Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Chardonnay. Relative to slab gel electrophoresis (SGE) with ethidium bromide staining, DSCE-LIF provided superior separation efficiency and detection limits in the analysis of DNA polymorphic bands. Optimal DSCE-LIF analyses were achieved using a 10-fold RAPD sample dilution, hydrodynamic sample injection, and 100 ng/mL of YO-PRO-1 DNA intercalator in the dynamic size-sieving buffer solution. In addition, the reproducibility of both the DSCE-LIF and RAPD analyses were demonstrated.

DNA Fingerprinting↗
PubMed1998

Radiographic and morphologic findings in a previously undescribed type of mesomelic dysplasia resembling atelosteogenesis type II.

The mesomelic chondrodysplasias are a heterogeneous group of dwarfing disorders characterized by shortness of the middle segments of limbs. We report on a 25-week fetus with disproportionate shortness of limbs with an apparently distinct form of mesomelic dysplasia. Radiographic findings at necropsy included ulnar deviation of hands, talipes equinovarus, distal tapering of the humeri, and hypoplastic fibulae, radii, and ulnae. Chondro-osseous morphology showed mild shortness of the physeal columns, overgrowth of perichondral bone, peripheral ingrowth of mesenchymal cells into the physis, and numerous areas of fibrillar degeneration with rings of collagen surrounding the chondrocytes. Ultrastructural findings included a degenerated territorial matrix, pericellular halos of collagen, and dilated loops of rough endoplasmic reticulum in chondrocytes. The radiographic appearance of the long bones is distinct from that of previously described mesomelic dysplasias. The chondro-osseous morphologic findings and the distal tapering of the humerus are somewhat reminiscent of atelosteogenesis type II, but the pattern of matrix degeneration and the presence of inclusion bodies in the chondrocytes distinguish it from disorders of sulfate transport.

Aggrecans↗
PubMed1998

Myocardial ischaemia after coronary artery bypass grafting: early vs late extubation.

The technique of early extubation after coronary artery bypass grafting is increasing in popularity, but its safety and effect on myocardial ischaemia remain to be established. In a randomized, prospective study, patients undergoing routine elective coronary artery bypass grafting were managed with either early or late tracheal extubation. The incidence and severity of electrocardiographic myocardial ischaemia were compared. Data were analysed from 85 patients (43 early extubation; 42 late extubation). Median time to extubation was 110 min in the early extubation patients and 757 min in the late extubation patients. After correction for randomization bias, there were no significant differences between groups in ischaemic burden, maximal ST-segment deviation, incidence of ischaemia and area under the ST deviation-time curve (integral of ST deviation and time). Similarly, there were no differences between groups in postoperative creatine kinase MB-isoenzyme concentrations and duration of stay in the ICU or hospital. Therefore, this study provides evidence for the safety of early extubation after routine coronary artery bypass grafting.

Adult↗
PubMed1998

Measuring and evaluating hospital restructuring efforts. Eighteen-month follow-up and extension to critical care, Part 1.

Increasingly, hospital restructuring is viewed with skepticism because of a lack of systematic and rigorous evaluation of its impact on quality of care. This first article in a two-part series describes comprehensive evaluation of the effects of hospital restructuring on patient satisfaction, nurse satisfaction, costs of care, and clinical quality on four medical-surgical units at a large tertiary hospital. In addition, early application of the model to critical care is described. A quasiexperimental pre- and post-design combined with concurrent control units for selected measures was the overall strategy. The authors conclude that comprehensive restructuring of hospital-based care can take place in a manner that preserves multiple dimensions of quality while decreasing costs. This only can be ascertained, however, through rigorous and systematic measurement and evaluation. Part 2 will detail application and evaluation of the restructuring model in the critical care environment.

Critical Care↗
PubMed1998

Measuring and evaluating hospital restructuring efforts: 18-month follow-up and extension to critical care, Part 2.

Critical care has enjoyed unobstructed growth during the past two decades; however, to remain viable, process and role changes are pivotal to ensuring continued quality, cost-effective, and efficient care. In this article, the second in a two-part series, the authors describe restructuring efforts, inclusive of their measurement and evaluation strategies, within four critical care units at an acute care, tertiary institution. Special emphasis is placed on the process, the authors' observations, and lessons learned to date. Part 1 (September 1998) presented evaluation data of the effects of hospital restructuring on patient and nurse satisfaction, costs of care, and clinical quality in four medical-surgical units.

Critical Care↗