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Biomedical subjects

M Carroll

Publications and source records attributed to M Carroll.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2006

Tables for the selection of correct blood pressure cuff size based on self-reported height and weight and estimating equations for mid-arm circumference: data from the US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.

The purpose of this study was to develop practical prediction equations for estimating adult mid-arm circumference (AC) using self-reported height and weight data from NHANES III 1988-1994 and NHANES 1999-2000. Both surveys used a complex sample design to obtain nationally representative data for the US civilian noninstitutionalized population. The analytic sample consisted of 4801 men and 4854 women in NHANES III and 1960 men and 2180 women from NHANES 1999-2000. Self-reported weight, height, and age data from NHANES III were used for model building, and similar data from NHANES 1999-2000 were used for validation. An all-possible regressions procedure by gender was used to derive the mid-AC prediction equations. The final prediction equations for adult mid-AC are (for self-reported weight in pounds and height in inches) for men: AC (cm) = 32.52145 + 0.10975 x (wt)-0.26057 x (ht)-0.03028 x (age), R2 = 0.76; and for women: AC (cm) = 30.22126 + 0.13534 x (wt)-0.34121 x (ht) + 0.09014 x (age)-0.00082565 x (age2), R2 = 0.81. Based on these equations, tables were created to predict mid-AC using self-reported height and weight. Clinicians can refer to our prediction equations and reference tables to determine mid-AC and proper BP cuff sizes.

Adult↗
PubMed2006

Validation of short term recall of mobile phone use for the Interphone study.

AIM: To validate short term recall of mobile phone use within Interphone, an international collaborative case control study of tumours of the brain, acoustic nerve, and salivary glands related to mobile telephone use. METHODS: Mobile phone use of 672 volunteers in 11 countries was recorded by operators or through the use of software modified phones, and compared to use recalled six months later using the Interphone study questionnaire. Agreement between recalled and actual phone use was analysed using both categorical and continuous measures of number and duration of phone calls. RESULTS: Correlations between recalled and actual phone use were moderate to high (ranging from 0.5 to 0.8 across countries) and of the same order for number and duration of calls. The kappa statistic demonstrated fair to moderate agreement for both number and duration of calls (weighted kappa ranging from 0.20 to 0.60 across countries). On average, subjects underestimated the number of calls per month (geometric mean ratio of recalled to actual = 0.92, 95% CI 0.85 to 0.99), whereas duration of calls was overestimated (geometric mean ratio = 1.42, 95% CI 1.29 to 1.56). The ratio of recalled to actual use increased with level of use, showing underestimation in light users and overestimation in heavy users. There was substantial heterogeneity in this ratio between countries. Inter-individual variation was also large, and increased with level of use. CONCLUSIONS: Volunteer subjects recalled their recent phone use with moderate systematic error and substantial random error. This large random error can be expected to reduce the power of the Interphone study to detect an increase in risk of brain, acoustic nerve, and parotid gland tumours with increasing mobile phone use, if one exists.

Case-Control Studies↗
PubMed2005

US demographic trends in mid-arm circumference and recommended blood pressure cuffs: 1988-2002.

Mid-arm circumference (AC) measurement is a prerequisite for the selection of properly sized blood pressure (BP) cuffs and accurate BP readings. This study examined trends in the frequency distribution of mid-AC and corresponding recommended BP cuff sizes using National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) III (1988-1994) and NHANES 1999-2002 data. Both surveys used a complex sample design to obtain nationally representative samples of the civilian noninstitutionalized US population. The sample consisted of 7453 men and 8372 women from NHANES III and 4295 men and 4838 women from NHANES 1999-2002. Mean mid-AC (cm) and associated American Heart Association-defined cuff sizes were assessed. Variables were analysed by gender, age, race/ethnicity, and by hypertension or diabetic co-morbidity. Mid-AC increased significantly between surveys for all age groups; the greatest increase in mid-AC occurred in the 20-39 year age group. Data from NHANES 1992-2002 show that among nonHispanic white and nonHispanic black men aged 20-59 years, the mean mid-AC was >34 cm. Among NHB women aged 40 years and above, the mean mid-AC was greater than or equal to 34 cm. In all, 42% of all men and 26% of all women aged 40-59 years required large BP cuffs. In all, 39% of individuals classified as hypertensive and 47% of self-reported diabetics required a BP cuff greater than the standard adult size. In conclusion, mean mid-AC has increased across many demographic subgroups in the US with implications for the accuracy of BP measurement in clinical practice.

Adult↗
PubMed2004

A study of radiotherapy modalities combined with continuous 5-FU infusion for locally advanced gastrointestinal malignancies.

AIM: We describe the feasibility of combining infusional 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) with intraoperative radiation therapy (IORT). METHODS: Patients with surgically resectable locally advanced gastrointestinal cancers were treated concurrently during surgery with IORT and a 72 h infusion of 5-FU. Patients without previous external beam radiation therapy (EBRT) were subsequently treated with EBRT (40-50Gy) concurrent with a 21-day continuous infusion of 5-FU. Pancreatic, gastric, duodenal, ampullary, recurrent colorectal, and recurrent anal cancer were included. RESULTS: During IORT/5-FU, no chemotherapy-related grade III or IV hematologic or gastrointestinal toxicity was noted. Post-surgical recovery or wound healing was not affected. One of nine patients who received post-operative radiation required a treatment break. During follow-up, there were more complications in patients with pelvic tumours, especially those with previous radiation. Nine patients have had local and/or local regional recurrences, two of these in the IORT field. CONCLUSIONS: Treatment with a combination of IORT and 5-FU followed by EBRT and 5-FU is feasible. However, long-term complications may be increased in previously irradiated recurrent pelvic tumours.

Adenocarcinoma↗
PubMed2004

A single-centre assessment of long-term quality-of-life status after sibling allogeneic stem cell transplantation for chronic myeloid leukaemia in first chronic phase.

A total of 75 patients underwent sibling allogeneic stem cell transplantation (SCT) for chronic myeloid leukaemia in first chronic phase from 1984 to 2000. Of these patients, 51 (68%) were alive at a median follow-up of 98 months (range 34-217 months). Nine (18%) patients relapsed and seven (14%) received donor lymphocyte transfusions. Quality of life (QoL) was assessed cross-sectionally using the EORTC QLQ-C30, a Leukaemia-BMT-specific module and questionnaires on sexual functioning, fertility and late effects. A total of 46 (90%) replied. Scores for Role (P=0.018) and Cognitive (P<0.001) function were significantly lower when compared to an age-adjusted general population. Dyspnoea (P=0.022) and Financial Difficulties (P<0.001) were significantly more common in the SCT group. No difference was found for scores in the Physical, Emotional and Social domains or the overall Global Health Status/QoL. Decreased sexual functioning was found in one-third of respondents. Although most BMT recipients reported a good QoL, a minority have difficulty with reintegration into professional roles and consequent monetary problems. Identified cognitive and sexual impairments highlight the need for long-term access to psychosocial support.

ABO Blood-Group System↗
PubMed2003

Ischaemia-reperfusion is an event triggered by immune complexes and complement.

BACKGROUND: Reperfusion injury is a common clinical problem that lacks effective therapy. Two decades of research implicating oxygen free radicals and neutrophils has not led to a single successful clinical trial. METHODS: The aim was to review new clinical and preclinical data pertaining to the alleviation of reperfusion injury. A review of the literature was undertaken by searching the MEDLINE database for the period 1966-2003 without language restrictions. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Evidence now points to complement and immune complexes as critical players in mediating reperfusion injury. Ischaemia is postulated to induce a phenotypical cellular change through the surface expression of a neoantigen. Preformed circulating natural IgM antibodies are then trapped and complement is activated. Final events leading to reperfusion injury include formation of the membrane attack complex and mast cell degranulation.

Antigen-Antibody Complex↗
PubMed2002

A model for co-expression pattern analysis of genes implicated in angiogenesis and tumour cell invasion in cervical cancer.

To date, numerous genes have been identified which are involved in both tumour neovascularisation (angiogenesis) and tumour cell invasion, and most of them are also expressed to some extent under normal physiological conditions. However, little is known about how these genes co-express in these settings. This study was undertaken to quantitate mRNA levels in normal and malignant cervical tissues of nine selected genes (VEGF(121), VEGF(165), VEGF(189), VEGF-C, eIF-4E, b-FGF, TSP-2, MMP-2 and MMP-9) implicated in the above processes using real-time quantitative RT-PCR. In addition, the Spearman's rank correlation was used to determine their co-expression patterns. The transcript levels for the different VEGF-A splice variants (VEGF(121), VEGF(165), VEGF(189)) were at least 10-fold higher in the cancer cases, with the highest levels in the primary tumours demonstrating lympho-vascular space involvement. The lymphangiogenic factor VEGF-C and MMP-9 were upregulated 130- and 80-fold respectively in cervical cancers. The highest levels of VEGF-C mRNA were found in the lymph-node positive group. The transcript levels for b-FGF were similar in normal cervical tissue and early-stage cervical cancer, however, higher levels were found in the cervical cancers with advanced stage disease. Comparing gene transcript levels between recurrent and non-recurrent cervical cancer patients revealed significant differences (P=0.038) in transcript levels for the angiogenesis inhibitor TSP-2, with the highest levels in non-recurrent cases. Co-expression pattern analysis in normal cervical tissue revealed highly significant co-expressions (P<0.0001) between TSP-2 and most other genes analysed (VEGF(121), VEGF(165), VEGF-C, b-FGF and MMP-2). In cervical cancer, TSP-2 appears only to be highly co-expressed with MMP-2 (P<0.0001). In contrast to normal cervical tissue, we found a highly significant co-expression (P<0.0001) between MMP-9 and VEGF(189) in cervical cancer. The combined application of real-time quantitative RT-PCR and Spearman's rank correlation identifies gene transcripts which are simultaneously co-expressed. Our results revealed a significant co-expression between the angiogenesis inhibitor TSP-2 and most other genes analysed in normal cervical tissue. In cervical cancer, we found a strong upregulation of VEGF-C and MMP-9 mRNA, with a highly significant co-expression between MMP-9 and VEGF(189).

Cervix Uteri↗
PubMed2002

The effect of soft tissue deloading tape on thoracic spine pressure pain thresholds in asymptomatic subjects.

The application of tape to deload soft tissue is used in the management of thoracic spine pain. A reported clinical feature of this treatment is reduced tenderness of the spine during postero-anterior mobilizations. A randomized, single blind, placebo controlled, repeated measures design study was employed to investigate the effects of deloading tape on pressure pain threshold measurements at the level of the T7 spinous process in an asymptomatic group of 24 subjects. Pressure pain thresholds were assessed prior to and following the application of deloading tape, placebo sham tape and no-tape control conditions. All subjects received all three conditions in a randomized order on three separate days. Differences between the pre- and post-measurements were used as indicators of change in a subject's pressure pain threshold. No significant change in pressure pain threshold measurements was found between conditions. In summary, this study demonstrated that deloading tape applied to the level of the T7 spinous process did not significantly change pressure pain threshold measurements in asymptomatic subjects, raising the possibility that any pain relieving effect may well be conditional upon pain being present.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

The TEL/PDGFbetaR fusion in chronic myelomonocytic leukemia signals through STAT5-dependent and STAT5-independent pathways.

The TEL/PDGFbetaR gene, which encodes a fusion protein containing the ETS-family member TEL fused to the protein-tyrosine kinase domain of the platelet-derived growth factor receptor-beta (PDGFbetaR), confers interleukin 3 (IL-3)-independent growth on Ba/F3 hematopoietic cells. TEL/PDGFbetaR mutants have been generated that contain tyrosine-to-phenylalanine (Tyr-->Phe) substitutions at phosphorylation sites present in the native PDGFbetaR to assess the role of these sites in cell transformation by TEL/PDGFbetaR. Similar to previous findings in a murine bone marrow transplantation model, full transformation of Ba/F3 cells to IL-3-independent survival and proliferation required the TEL/PDGFbetaR juxtamembrane and carboxy terminal phosphorylation sites. In contrast to previous reports concerning comparable mutants in the native PDGFbetaR, each of the TEL/PDGFbetaR mutants is fully active as a protein-tyrosine kinase. Expression of the TEL/PDGFbetaR fusion protein causes hyperphosphorylation and activation of signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT5), and this activation of STAT5 requires the juxtamembrane Tyr579 and Tyr581 in the TEL/PDGFbetaR fusion. Hyperphosphosphorylation of phospholipase Cgamma (PLCgamma) and the p85 subunit of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) requires the carboxy terminal tyrosine residues of TEL/PDGFbetaR. Thus, full transformation of Ba/F3 cells by TEL/PDGFbetaR requires engagement of PI3K and PLCgamma and activation of STAT5. Taken together with the growth properties of cells transformed by the TEL/PDGFbetaR variants, these findings indicate that a minimal combination of these signaling intermediates contributes to hematopoietic transformation by the wild-type TEL/PDGFbetaR fusion. (Blood. 2001;98:3390-3397)

Animals↗
PubMed2001

Effects of exposure to event 176 Bacillus thuringiensis corn pollen on monarch and black swallowtail caterpillars under field conditions.

The widespread planting of corn genetically modified to produce Bacillus thuringiensis endotoxin has led to speculation that pollen from these fields might adversely affect nearby nontarget lepidopterans. A previous study of Bt corn engineered with Monsanto event 810 failed to detect an effect of pollen exposure on the black swallowtail, Papilio polyxenes, in either the field or the laboratory. Here, we report results of a field study investigating the impact of exposure to pollen from a Bt corn hybrid containing Novartis event 176 on two species of Lepidoptera, black swallowtails and monarch butterflies, Danaus plexippus. Nearly half of the 600 monarch larvae died within the first 24 h; this and subsequent mortality was not associated with proximity to Bt corn and may have been due in part to predation. Survivorship of black swallowtails was much higher than that of the monarchs and was also independent of proximity to the transgenic corn. However, despite five rainfall events that removed much of the pollen from the leaves of their host plants during the experiment, we observed a significant reduction in growth rates of black swallowtail larvae that was likely caused by pollen exposure. These results suggest that Bt corn incorporating event 176 can have adverse sublethal effects on black swallowtails in the field and underscore the importance of event selection in reducing environmental impacts of transgenic plants.

Animals↗
PubMed2001

Simultaneous measurement of intracellular nitric oxide and free calcium levels in chordate eggs demonstrates that nitric oxide has no role at fertilization.

At fertilization in sea urchin, the free radical nitric oxide (NO) has recently been suggested to cause the intracellular Ca(2+) rise responsible for egg activation. The authors suggested that NO could be a universal activator of eggs and the present study was set up to test this hypothesis. Intracellular NO and Ca(2+) levels were monitored simultaneously in eggs of the mouse or the urochordate ascidian Ascidiella aspersa. Eggs were either fertilized or sperm extracts microinjected. Sperm-induced Ca(2+) rises were not associated with any global, or local, change in intracellular NO, although we were able to detect NO produced by the addition of a NO donor. Furthermore, the NO synthase inhibitor N(G)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester had no effect on sperm-induced Ca(2+) release but did block completely ionomycin-induced NO synthase activation. Therefore, we suggest that the current data provide evidence that NO has no role in the fertilization of these two chordate eggs.

Animals↗
PubMed2001

Cells of the marginal zone--origins, function and neoplasia.

Splenic marginal zone B cells of humans and mice are anatomically positioned with specialized macrophages, dendritic and endothelial cells. Together, they function as the first line of defense against blood borne pathogens with a low triggering threshold for B cells providing a rapid proliferative and antibody response to infections. In humans, B cells with similar cytology and physical relations to follicles are found in lymph nodes and Peyer's patches. However, they also develop in mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) and other sites, such as the thyroid and salivary gland, that normally lack organized lymphoid tissue. Chronic antigenic stimulation at these sites or in response to infection with Hepatitis C provides the milieu for mutations at FAS, API2/ML, TP53 and INK4a/p19ARF and the development of marginal zone lymphomas (MZL) in node, spleen and MALT. Only splenic MZL are seen in mice. A reduced threshold for triggering to proliferation may predispose the marginal zone B cell to neoplasia with mutations in genes regulating apoptosis playing a leading role.

Animals↗
PubMed2001

Adrenomedullin and calcitonin gene-related peptide receptors in the rat adrenal cortex.

The actions of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) and adrenomedullin on steroid hormone secretion from the rat zona glomerulosa are controversial, with reports in the literature of both stimulatory and inhibitory effects. It appears that these results previously obtained may depend on the nature of the receptors expressed by zona glomerulosa cells. The present study was designed to characterize CGRP and adrenomedullin binding in the rat adrenal zona glomerulosa. Specific binding for both peptides was observed, with two CGRP receptor sites found, and a single population of adrenomedullin receptors, but approximately twice the number of adrenomedullin binding sites. Messenger RNA analysis of the candidate genes for CGRP and adrenomedullin receptors revealed an abundance of both CRLR and RAMP1 mRNA, suggesting that these genes encode one of the CGRP receptors in this tissue. Much less RAMP2 expression was observed, however, which suggests that another gene product may account for adrenomedullin binding. There were very low levels of RAMP3 expression, but abundant L1 mRNA present, which may suggest that this rather controversial receptor has a role in the adrenal. The finding of distinct and specific adrenomedullin and CGRP binding in this tissue may account for the different effects these peptides appear to exert on adrenal function.

Adrenal Cortex↗
PubMed2001

The follicular versus marginal zone B lymphocyte cell fate decision is regulated by Aiolos, Btk, and CD21.

Most splenic B cells in mice that lack Aiolos are mature IgD(hi)IgM(lo) follicular lymphocytes, suggesting that maturation signals delivered via the BCR are enhanced in the absence of Aiolos. The enhanced maturation of follicular B cells is accompanied by the absence of MZ B lymphocytes and the downregulation of CD21 expression in follicular B cells, all of which depend on the generation of signals via Btk, which is in epistasis to Aiolos. The inverse relationship between the strength of BCR signaling and MZ B cell development is supported by an examination of MZ B cells in CD21 null mice. These data support the view that antigens (in contrast to "tonic" signals) drive the development of naive B cells.

Agammaglobulinaemia Tyrosine Kinase↗
PubMed2001

Regulation of rat adrenal vasoactive intestinal peptide content: effects of adrenocorticotropic hormone treatment and changes in dietary sodium intake.

Vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) is well established as a paracrine regulator of adrenal function. It is present in nerves supplying the adrenal cortex, although previous studies have found that the amount of VIP in the outer zones of the rat adrenal is not affected by ligating the splanchnic nerve supplying the adrenal gland. The present studies were designed to investigate the mechanisms involved in regulating the VIP content of the rat adrenal gland. This study examined the effects of changes in electrolyte balance and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) administration on the adrenal content of VIP as measured by radioimmunoassay. Rats on a low sodium diet had a significantly increased capsular/zona glomerulosa immunoreactive VIP (irVIP) level, while rats on a high sodium diet had suppressed levels relative to controls. Changes in dietary sodium did not affect inner zone/medullary VIP content. Administration of ACTH caused a decrease in irVIP levels in the capsular/zona glomerulosa portion of the adrenal gland but had no effect on the inner zone/medulla. Analysis of mRNA encoding VIP revealed a large increase in expression of VIP in the sodium-deplete group compared with the control, with no change in VIP expression in the sodium-loaded group. ACTH treatment was found to significantly decrease VIP mRNA levels in the capsular portion. Neither ACTH treatment nor changes in sodium intake affected inner zones/medullary VIP message. These data suggest that VIP in the capsule and zona glomerulosa region of the adrenal cortex is regulated in response to the physiological status of the animal, with changes in capsular/zona glomerulosa VIP correlating with changes in zona glomerulosa function.

Adrenal Cortex↗
PubMed2001

Aldosterone secretion by the rat adrenal cortex is stimulated by the activation of protease-activated receptor 1.

Stimulation of aldosterone by a serine protease, trypsin, was first reported in 1982, although the mechanism of this effect was unclear. Recently, a family of protease-activated receptors (PARs) has been described and four members of the family characterised and cloned, including the previously recognised thrombin receptor. This study investigated whether PARs mediate the action of trypsin on aldosterone secretion. Using intact rat adrenal capsular tissue, thrombin was found to increase aldosterone secretion, and the effects of trypsin on aldosterone secretion were confirmed. Both trypsin and thrombin were shown to activate phospholipase C, as measured by an increase in inositol triphosphate turnover by adrenal capsular tissue. It was also shown that U73122, a phospholipase C inhibitor, attenuated the aldosterone response to trypsin. These effects were consistent with the activation of a PAR. Northern blot analysis revealed the presence of mRNA encoding PAR-1, but not PARs-2, -3 or -4 in the adrenal capsule/zona glomerulosa. Messenger RNA encoding PAR-1 was increased by dietary sodium depletion, consistent with previous reports of an increased response to trypsin after sodium depletion. These data suggest that the actions of trypsin on aldosterone secretion are mediated by PAR-1.

Adrenal Cortex↗
PubMed2001

Autocrine role of adrenomedullin in the human adrenal cortex.

Previous studies from our laboratory have reported that adrenomedullin is synthesised in rat zona glomerulosa cells. In the present studies, it was found that the human adrenocortical cell line H295R expresses the gene encoding adrenomedullin, and that immunoreactive adrenomedullin is released into the culture medium. Furthermore, it was found that secretion of adrenomedullin is regulated by angiotensin II and forskolin. Studies on the actions of adrenomedullin and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) revealed a stimulatory effect of adrenomedullin, but not of CGRP, on aldosterone and cortisol secretion. These data suggest that adrenomedullin is not acting by a CGRP receptor-mediated mechanism in the H295R cell line. Adrenomedullin was also found to increase cAMP production, suggesting that in the adrenal, as in other cell types, cAMP is a second messenger for adrenomedullin action. However, the effects of adrenomedullin were not fully mimicked by forskolin, possibly suggesting a role for an additional second messenger. The presence of mRNA encoding both the putative adrenomedullin receptors, L1 and calcitonin receptorlike receptor/receptor-associated modulatory protein 2 (CRLR/RAMP-2), was demonstrated in H295R cells, but RAMP-1 was not detected, suggesting that these cells do not express the CGRPI receptor CRLR/RAMP-1. Taken together, these data have demonstrated that adrenomedullin is synthesised and secreted by H295R cells. The observed rate of adrenomedullin synthesis suggests that this peptide exerts a paracrine/autocrine effect in this adrenocortical cell line, probably acting through a specific adrenomedullin receptor, to stimulate steroidogenesis and increase aldosterone synthase expression.

Adrenal Cortex↗