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Biomedical subjects

M Daniel

Publications and source records attributed to M Daniel.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources
PubMed2001

Transforming growth factor-beta1 in the cerebrospinal fluid of patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage: titers derived from exogenous and endogenous sources.

Transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1) is a fibrogenic cytokine that is involved in postinjury repair and is implicated in the etiology of postsubarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) chronic communicating hydrocephalus. TGF-beta1 was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbant assay (ELISA) in sequential samples of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in 11 patients with hydrocephalus after SAH; levels were seen to be biphasically elevated and sources were investigated. TGF-beta1 levels were compared with albumin levels that estimated CSF blood content. Control samples from nonhemorrhagic hydrocephalics were tested similarly. Mean total TGF-beta1 levels were elevated to 4400+/-3435 (+/-SD) pg/mL greater than control levels of 97+/-42 at 1 to 2 days posthemorrhage. Thereafter, levels fell to 714+/-401 by 5 to 6 days posthemorrhage, then rose to a second peak of 1667+/-774 at 9 to 10 days posthemorrhage, remaining significantly increased until 19 days posthemorrhage (P = 0.007). The first peak probably derived from extravasated platelets and correlated with increased albumin levels in the CSF. The second TGF-beta1 peak rose greater than CSF albumin levels that had stabilized at this time, and thus was attributed to a tissue-specific response rather than a re-bleed. TGF-beta1 was detected in the choroid secretory epithelium from controls, but levels were greater in SAH patients at 10 to 12 days posthemorrhage. The authors conclude that the elevated levels of TGF-beta1 in CSF after SAH are derived initially from blood and later from endogenous sources such as the choroid plexus.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

CALM-AF10 fusion gene in leukemias: simple and inversion-associated translocation (10;11).

A translocation (10;11)(p12;q14) was observed in two children, one with acute eosinophilic leukemia and the other with acute T-cell lymphoblastic leukemia. The presence of CALM-AF10 fusion was ascertained by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) analysis. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) analysis showed that AF10 gene splitting was associated with partial inversion of chromosome 11 in the first patient. In addition, FISH analysis also determined the orientation of the CALM gene, 5' telomere to 3' centromere on 11q.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2000

Removal of linear alkylbenzene sulfonate from a small Yorkshire stream: contribution to GREAT-ER project #7.

An in-stream removal experiment has been carried out in Red Beck, a small stream which receives effluent from Shibden Head Sewage Treatment Works. This trickling filter works serves a purely domestic population of 9408 but is scheduled to be closed, and the flows diverted to another works, as part of Yorkshire Water's continuing capital investment programme. An anionic detergent, linear alkylbenzene sulfonate (LAS), boron, and standard water quality parameters have been measured at seven sites downstream of the effluent discharge point. Time of travel has been measured by detection of a fluorescent dye added to the effluent sampling chamber, and the increase in flow as the river proceeds through the catchment has been determined from current flow measurements, and from boron dilution data. Assuming a first order removal mechanism, the overall half-life for LAS removal is just over 2 h (2 h 14 min). Faster removal takes place in the upper portion of the stream, and removal over the last five sampling points is somewhat slower, with a half-life of 2 h 40 min. This removal may comprise both primary biodegradation and the deposition of suspended matter to which the surfactant has been adsorbed. There was no significant difference in the removal half-lives of the individual alkyl chain length homologues.

Alkanesulfonic Acids↗
PubMed2000

The use of measured boron concentration data from the GREAT-ER UK validation study (1996-1998) to generate predicted regional boron concentrations

The concentrations of boron in the Aire and Calder which have been measured in order to validate the GREAT-ER model have been used to derive a predicted environmental concentration (PEC) for boron in the Aire catchment in Yorkshire. The data have been obtained from 33 sites, with monthly sampling over a 2-year period. The 90th percentile of the means of measured concentrations (242 microg l(-1)) is higher than the 90th percentile predicted by the GREAT-ER model (186 microg l(-1)), if river stretches are normalised by their flow volumes, and unpolluted headwaters are included in the catchment averaging procedure. However, if the river stretches are normalised by the length of the respective stretch, and unpolluted headwaters are included, a lower regional PEC of 28 microg l(-1) is obtained. If normalisation by stretch length is appropriate for regional risk assessment, then the 90th percentile of the means of the measured data will overpredict the regional boron concentration in a catchment such as the Aire, with a low natural level of boron in the headwaters. Monitoring data for boron in the effluents from sewage treatment works in the Aire catchment, and for boron in the Went and Rother catchments, with a higher background boron level, are also given.

Journal Article↗
PubMed2000

Effectiveness of a community-directed 'healthy lifestyle' program in a remote Australian aboriginal community.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the sustainability and effectiveness of a community-directed program for primary and secondary prevention of obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular disease in an Aboriginal community in north-west Western Australia. METHOD: Evaluation of health outcomes (body mass index, glucose tolerance, and plasma insulin and triglyceride concentrations) in a cohort of high-risk individuals (n = 49, followed over two years) and cross-sectional community samples (n = 200 at baseline, 185 at two-year and 132 at four-year follow-ups), process (interventions and their implementation) and impact (diet and exercise behaviour). RESULTS: For the high-risk cohort, involvement in diet and/or exercise strategies was associated with protection from increases in plasma glucose and triglycerides seen in a comparison group; however, sustained weight loss was not achieved. At the community level, significant reductions were observed in fasting insulin concentration but no change in prevalence of diabetes, overweight or obesity. Weight gain remained a problem among younger people. Sustainable improvements were observed for dietary intake and level of physical activity. These changes were related to supportive policies implemented by the community council and store management. CONCLUSIONS: Community control and ownership enabled embedding and sustainability of program, in association with social environmental policy changes and long-term improvements in important risk factors for chronic disease. IMPLICATIONS: Developmental initiatives facilitating planning, implementation and ownership of interventions by community members and organisations can be a feasible and effective way to achieve sustainable improvements in health behaviours and selected health outcomes among Aboriginal people.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

Short-chain fatty acids produced in vitro from fibre residues obtained from mixed diets containing different breads and in human faeces during the ingestion of the diets.

It was studied whether the type of bread (i.e. a low-fibre wheat-rye mixed bread and coarse or fine wholemeal rye bread) either as part of a diet or alone, had an influence on the short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) produced during in vitro fermentation. Fermentation substrates were dietary fibre residues obtained from diets and breads. In addition, it was investigated whether the faecal SCFA pattern in the inoculum donors, who ingested the experimental diets, could be predicted by in vitro fermentation. Yields of SCFA in vitro were 0.51-0.62 g/g fermented polysaccharide. In vitro, the molar ratios of butyrate were higher for the two high-fibre diets containing coarse or fine wholemeal bread than for the low fibre diet containing wheat-rye mixed bread; the difference was significant for the coarse (P < 0.01), but not for the fine bread diet (P = 0.0678). The coarse wholemeal bread alone produced a higher molar ratio of butyrate than the fine wholemeal bread (P < 0.05) and the wheat-rye mixed bread (P < 0.01). Ingestion by the inoculum donors of the diets containing wholemeal bread led to higher faecal butyrate ratios (molar ratios: coarse bread diet 19.6, fine bread diet 17.7) compared with the wheat-rye mixed bread-containing diet (14.9), but the differences between the diets were not significant. For the diets investigated, there were no significant differences between faecal and in vitro SCFA patterns.

Acetates↗
PubMed1999

Amino acid sequences of two high-potential iron-sulfur proteins (HiPIPs) from the moderately halophilic purple phototrophic bacterium, Rhodospirillum salinarum.

The amino acid sequences of two very different high-potential iron-sulfur protein (HiPIP) isozymes have been determined from the moderately halophilic purple phototrophic bacterium, Rhodospirillum salinarum. Iso-1 HiPIP, which is monomeric and contains 57 amino acid residues, is most similar to the Thiobacillus ferrooxidans iron-oxidizing enzyme (45% identity and a 6-residue deletion). On the other hand, iso-2 HiPIP, which is isolated as an oligomer, contains a peptide chain with 54 amino acid residues. It is the smallest reported to date and is only 31% identical to iso-1 HiPIP. A massive deletion of 17 residues is found at the N-terminus, such that only 2 residues remain prior to the first cysteine. Iso-2 HiPIP also has a 12-residue insertion and a 5-residue deletion. Prior to this study, there were only 2 absolutely conserved residues (Tyr 19 and Gly 75, Chromatium numbering) in addition to the 4 iron-sulfur cluster binding cysteine residues among the 13 HiPIPs sequenced to date. We found that Tyr 19 is absent in iso-2 HiPIP along with the entire N-terminal loop. Moreover, Gly 75 is substituted in both R. salinarum HiPIPs. These characteristics make the R. salinarum HiPIPs, and especially iso-2, the most divergent yet characterized.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1999

[Nerve palsies in a soldier with penetrating injuries following prolonged use of limb tourniquets].

Nerve paralysis following the use of tourniquets, regular or pneumatic, for limb surgery is rare. We describe a 19-year-old male soldier who had tourniquets applied for 3 1/4 hours to his arm and both legs due to penetrating injuries. As a result, he suffered palsy of the radial nerve and both common peroneal nerves. Nerve palsy in such cases has not been described in the literature. It is not clear whether the cause is direct mechanical pressure on the nerve, nerve ischemia, or a combination of both. We recommend that tourniquets should not be used continuously for more than 2 hours. If evacuation of the injured is delayed, the medical team should consider loosening tourniquets for short intervals or changing for a pressure bandage. This is providing the patient's condition is stable and bleeding does not start again on release of the tourniquet.

Adult↗
PubMed1999

Glycated hemoglobin as an indicator of social environmental stress among indigenous versus westernized populations.

BACKGROUND: This study assessed whether glycated hemoglobin concentration, an indicator of psychogenic stress, differs between indigenous populations and non-indigenous reference groups. METHODS: Multivariate and stratified analyses were undertaken of cross-sectional data from multi-center community-based diabetes diagnostic and risk factor screening initiatives in Canada and Australia. Population groups were Australian Aborigines (n = 116), Torres Strait Islanders (n = 156), Native Canadians (n = 155), Greek migrants to Australia (n = 117), and Caucasian Australians (n = 67). Measurements included fasting glycated hemoglobin (HbA(1c)) concentration, fasting and 2-h post-load glucose concentrations, body mass index, waist-to-hip ratio, and demographic variables. RESULTS: Mean HbA(1c) concentrations were greater for indigenous groups than for Greek migrants and Caucasian Australians (P < 0. 0001). The covariate adjusted indigenous versus non-indigenous difference (95% CI) was 0.90 (0.58-1.22) percentage units, 18.2% higher for indigenous people. Stratified analyses indicated greater HbA(1c) for indigenous than for non-indigenous persons with normoglycemia (P = 0.009), impaired glucose tolerance (P = 0.097), and diabetes (P < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: HbA(1c) concentrations are greater for indigenous than for non-indigenous groups. Social changes, low control, and living conditions associated with westernization may be inherently stressful at the biological level for indigenous populations in westernized countries.

Acculturation↗
PubMed1999

Incidence of Borrelia garinii and Borrelia afzelii in Ixodes ricinus ticks in an urban environment, Prague, Czech Republic, between 1995 and 1998.

The presence of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato and its individual genospecies was determined using a single-step polymerase chain reaction in a total of 779 Ixodes ricinus ticks collected from an urban park in Prague, Czech Republic. The incidence of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato was 9.2% in 1995, 3.4% in 1996, 4.5% in 1997 and 2.8% in 1998. The Borrelia garinii to Borrelia afzelii ratio was 1.4:1 and it did not differ significantly throughout the study period. Borrelia burgdorferi sensu stricto was not detected. Borrelia garinii/Borrelia afzelii coinfection was found in 5.7% of positive ticks. The results indicate it is possible for the urban population to come in contact with the causative agent of Lyme disease in an urban park.

Animals↗
PubMed1999

Effectiveness of community-directed diabetes prevention and control in a rural Aboriginal population in British Columbia, Canada.

This report presents the process and summative evaluation results from a community-based diabetes prevention and control project implemented in response to the increasing prevalence and impact of non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) in the Canadian Aboriginal population. The 24-month project targeted the registered Indian population in British Columbia's rural Okanagan region. A participatory approach was used to plan strategies by which diabetes could be addressed in ways acceptable and meaningful to the intervention community. The strategies emphasised a combination of changing behaviours and changing environments. The project was quasi-experimental. A single intervention community was matched to two comparison communities. Workers in the intervention community conducted interviews of individuals with or at risk for diabetes during a seven-month pre-intervention phase (n = 59). Qualitative analyses were conducted to yield strategies for intervention. Implementation began in the eighth month of the project. Trend measurements of diabetes risk factors were obtained for 'high-risk' cohorts (persons with or at familial risk for NIDDM) (n = 105). Cohorts were tracked over a 16-month intervention phase, with measurements at baseline, the midpoint and completion of the study. Cross-sectional population surveys of diabetes risk factors were conducted at baseline and the end of the intervention phase (n = 295). Surveys of community systems were conducted three times. The project yielded few changes in quantifiable outcomes. Activation of the intervention community was insufficient to enable individual and collective change through dissemination of quality interventions for diabetes prevention and control. Theory and previous research were not sufficiently integrated with information from pre-intervention interviews. Interacting with these limitations were the short planning and intervention phases, just 8 and 16 months, respectively. The level of penetration of the interventions mounted was too limited to be effective. Attention to process is warranted and to the feasibility of achieving effects within 24 months.

Adult↗
PubMed1999

Mosaic pattern of Borrelia infection in a continuous population of the tick Ixodes ricinus (Acari: Ixodidae).

An array of 12 20 x 20 m quadrats in a mixed forest near Poteply, Central Bohemia, Czech Republic, was investigated for the abundance and spatial distribution of host-questing Ixodes ricinus nymphs and their infection with borreliae. Tick densities were estimated by flagging and their borrelia infection status was determined by direct immunofluorescence. While the tick population appeared to be continuous and homogeneous based on quadrat counts, their infection with borreliae evinced a mosaic pattern. The nymphal infection rates ranged between 1.6 and 10.5% (mean = 6.0%) with significant differences between adjacent quadrats. Home ranging of small rodents (Apodemus flavicollis and Clethrionomys glareolus) inhabiting the forest seems to be responsible for the spatial pattern of borrelial infection.

Animals↗
PubMed1999

A simple in vitro method for the evaluation of an ultrasonic nebulizer for drug delivery to intubated, ventilated patients and the effect of nebulizer and ventilator settings on the uptake of fluid from the nebulizer chamber.

Little is known about the performance of ultrasonic nebulizers during different ventilation patterns when these nebulizers are used to deliver drugs to intubated, ventilated patients. A method that enables the performance of an ultrasonic nebulizer to be evaluated is described. We used an in vitro model to examine the performance of the DeVilbiss Ultra-Neb 2000 ultrasonic nebulizer under positive pressure ventilation. Performance was measured at different rates of nebulization and under changing conditions of positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP), inspiratory flow rate, inspiratory time and minute volume. The volume of saline nebulized was unchanged by variations in positive end expiratory pressure from 0 to 5 cm to 10 cm H2O, in minute ventilation and in inspiratory flow rate. An increase in the inspiratory time resulted in an increase in the volume of saline nebulized and this volume was greater as the power setting of the nebulizer was increased. We conclude that ultrasonic nebulizers may be affected by different patterns of ventilation and that this simple in vitro assessment of nebulizer function in an intensive care setting may be of value prior to nebulizer use.

Aerosols↗
PubMed1999

Variation by body mass index and age in waist-to-hip ratio associations with glycemic status in an aboriginal population at risk for type 2 diabetes in British Columbia, Canada.

BACKGROUND: It is unclear whether obesity and age modify or confound relations between abdominal adiposity and metabolic risk factors for type 2 diabetes. OBJECTIVE: Our objective was assess the consistency of relations between abdominal adiposity and glycemic variables across discrete categories of obesity and age. DESIGN: We performed a stratified analysis of prevalence data from a rural screening initiative in British Columbia, Canada. Subjects were Salishan Indians, all healthy relatives of individuals with type 2 diabetes [n = 151; age: 18-80 y; body mass index (BMI, in kg/m2): 17.0-48.2]. We measured waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) (2 categories); insulin, glycated hemoglobin (Hb A1c), and 2-h glucose concentrations (2 categories); and BMI (4 categories). BMI and age-specific odds ratios (ORs) and 95% CIs were calculated. RESULTS: WHR-glycemic variable relations were not consistent across BMI and age strata. Risks associated with high WHR were: for persons with BMIs from 25 to 29, elevated insulin (OR: 6.71; 95% CI: 1.41, 34.11) and Hb A1c (OR: 16.23; 95% CI: 2.04, 101.73) concentrations; for persons aged 18-34 y, elevated insulin concentrations [OR: indeterminate (+infinity); 95% CI: 1.89, +infinity]; and, for persons aged 35-49 y, elevated Hb A1c (OR: +infinity; 95% CI: 3.17, +infinity) and 2-h glucose (OR: 9.15; 95% CI: 1.74, 59.91) concentrations. CONCLUSIONS: WHR discriminates risk of type 2 diabetes in overweight but not obese individuals. Abdominal adiposity is associated with elevated insulin concentrations in younger age groups and with impaired glucose control in middle-aged groups, suggesting metabolic staging by age on a continuum from insulin resistance to impaired glucose tolerance.

Adipose Tissue↗
PubMed1999

Diabetes incidence in an Australian aboriginal population. An 8-year follow-up study.

OBJECTIVE: To examine prospectively the association between age, BMI, and subsequent incidence of type 2 diabetes in Australian aboriginal people. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: We performed a stratified analysis of incidence data from a community-based longitudinal study. Measures included fasting and 2-h postload glucose concentrations, and BMI, stratified into four categories. Subjects were 882 male and female participants in diabetes screening initiatives in two remote Australian aboriginal communities, free from diabetes at baseline, ages 15-77 years. RESULTS: There were 46 incident cases of diabetes over 2,808 person-years of follow-up. BMI modified strongly the sex- and community-adjusted association between age and diabetes incidence (P < 0.001). Adjusted for age, sex, and community, the population diabetes incidence rate was 20.3 cases/1,000 person-years, with BMI-specific rates of 10.7-47.2 cases/1,000 person-years, and relative risks (95% CI) for BMI strata beyond the reference category (< 25 kg/m2) of 3.3 (1.5-7.0), 2.7 (1.1-6.8), and 4.4 (1.7-11.6), respectively. The population's attributable risk (95% CI) associated with BMI beyond the reference category was 70.1% (58.1-82.4). CONCLUSIONS: BMI-specific diabetes incidence rates in Australian aboriginal people are among the highest in the world. Diabetes incidence in the lowest BMI category (10.7 cases/1,000 person-years) is two to five times greater than corresponding rates for non-aboriginal populations. An urgent need exists to prevent weight gain associated with diabetes. Further study is required to determine for aboriginal people an optimal range of BMI, likely lower than that suggested for non-aboriginal populations.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1999

Tick-borne encephalitis and Lyme borreliosis: comparison of habitat risk assessments using satellite data (an experience from the Central Bohemian region of the Czech Republic).

The vegetation types have been used as the indicators of an ecosystem suitable for high incidence of Ixodes ricinus ticks and their hosts, for the circulation of tick-borne diseases pathogens and, accordingly, for the existence of natural foci of these infections, namely tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) and Lyme borreliosis (LB). The method of remote sensing offers a suitable solution to this problem. We attempted to prepare the habitat risk assessment maps on the territory (11,500 km2) of Central Bohemia (Czech Republic) using Landsat 5 TM imagery. Nine forest classes have been recognized in the satellite data and further identified in a field checking botanical survey. Beside the conclusions dealing with the importance of different plant types for I. ricinus occurrence, also the epidemiological TBE and LB maps based on human cases contracted in the territory under study were exploited for the evaluation of particular forest classes significance, and for the comparison of results achieved. Apart from a general pattern of risk gradation from coniferous to deciduous wood types, both TBE and LB data suggest a specific position of the heterogeneous deciduous wood class (including mainly young deciduous stands and stand ecotones with highly heterogeneous structure). Epidemiological significance of the other particular forest classes was assessed by the degrees of positive class-to-risk associations (see Table 1 and 2).

Animals↗
PubMed1999

[Single-step polymerase chain reaction in the detection of Borrelia burgdorferi and the genome species in the Ixodes ricinus tick].

The objective of the work to introduce screening PCR into the diagnosis of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato in the vector selection of the most suitable primer, derived from chromosomal DNA and detection of different genome species. The sensitivity of primers, described in the literature (LD, 16S, Wk, 5S-23S) was tested by different amounts of DNA strains of borrelias. The most sensitive primer--LD was used for detection of borrelias in the vector. Ticks were collected in municipal parks from 1995-1997. A total of 635 ticks were examined. The positivity of the group differs in individual years: 9.2% in 1995, 3.4% in 1996, and 4.5% in 1997. Adult ticks were markedly more infected than nymphs. Borrelia garinii prevails at the site, Borrelia burgdorferi sensu stricto was not detected so far. Mixed infection with Borrelia garinii/Borrelia afzelii was found in 1997 in one sample (female ticks). PCR is a sensitive and specific method suitable for assessment of the herd immunity of ticks with borrelias. It makes it possible to differentiate with a relatively high sensitivity individual genome species of Borrelia burgdorferi in the vector. Before its use the sensitivity of the reaction must be tested in the presence of tick DNA.

Animals↗