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Biomedical subjects

M Devlin

Publications and source records attributed to M Devlin.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2005

A distinct strategy to generate high-affinity peptide binders to receptor tyrosine kinases.

We describe a novel and general way of generating high affinity peptide (HAP) binders to receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs), using a multi-step process comprising phage-display selection, identification of peptide pairs suitable for hetero-dimerization (non-competitive and synergistic) and chemical synthesis of heterodimers. Using this strategy, we generated HAPs with K(D)s below 1 nM for VEGF receptor-2 (VEGFR-2) and c-Met. VEGFR-2 HAPs bound significantly better (6- to 500-fold) than either of the individual peptides that were used for heterodimer synthesis. Most significantly, HAPs were much better (150- to 800-fold) competitors than monomers of the natural ligand (VEGF) in various competitive binding and functional assays. In addition, we also found the binding of HAPs to be less sensitive to serum than their component peptides. We believe that this method may be applied to any protein for generating high affinity peptide (HAP) binders.

Dimerization↗
PubMed2005

Neutron multiplicity in the fission of 238U and 235U with neutrons up to 200 MeV.

Prompt-fission-neutron multiplicities were measured for 238U(n,f) and 235U(n,f) from 0.4 to 200 MeV. The data are of great importance in connection with accelerator-coupled nuclear reactor systems incinerating actinides. We report that fission induced by 200 MeV neutrons produces approximately 10 more prompt neutrons than fission induced by reactor neutrons. Most neutrons are evaporated from the fission fragments and the prefission compound nucleus, as the preequilibrium emission of energetic neutrons accounts for a maximum of 15% of the prompt neutrons at 200 MeV.

Journal Article↗
PubMed2004

A demographic approach to monitoring the health of coral reefs.

Inshore coral reefs adjacent to the wet tropics in North Queensland, Australia, are regularly exposed to flood plumes from coastal river systems. Changes in the nature of these plumes have been linked to the declining health of coral reefs in the region. The effect of flood plumes on the health of inshore corals was investigated by quantifying aspects of the demography of populations of corymbose and digitate Acropora at three groups of Island reefs along a gradient of exposure and decreasing water quality (High Island >Frankland's >Fitzroy). The size-structures of colonies, the rates of sexual recruitment, and the growth and survival of juveniles, all varied among the Island reefs. Juvenile and adult sized colonies were far more abundant at the Fitzroy Island reefs, than at the High or Frankland Island reefs that were more exposed to flood plumes. Additionally, there were up to eight times as many sexual recruits at the Fitzroy Island reefs, compared with the High Island reefs. However, the rates of growth and survival of the juvenile sized corals at the Fitzroy Island reefs were lower than at the more exposed reefs. The comparatively low abundance of adult corals at the exposed reefs is most likely due to their histories of disturbance from crown-of-thorns and coral bleaching, but the lack of subsequent recovery due to their low levels of larval recruitment. If a stock-recruitment relationship is typical for these groups of reefs, then the low rates of recruitment may be linked to the low density of adult colonies. Alternately, direct or indirect effects of chronic exposure to poor water quality may have resulted in less suitable substrata for larval settlement. We discuss these results and provide examples of how information about population structure and dynamics can be used in simple matrix models to quantify the current and future health of populations of corals under various scenarios.

Animals↗
PubMed2004

A dose-finding and pharmacokinetic study of the matrix metalloproteinase inhibitor MMI270 (previously termed CGS27023A) with 5-FU and folinic acid.

The orally bioavailable matrix metalloproteinase inhibitor MMI270 reduces tumour growth metastasis in preclinical models. We assessed the feasibility and pharmacokinetic interactions of combining MMI270 with 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and folinic acid (FA). Entered into the study were 33 patients with advanced colorectal cancer. They received FA 200 mg/m2 over 2 h followed by 5-FU 400 mg/m2 over 15 min and 5-FU 600 mg/m2 over 22 h on days 1 and 2 of a 14-day cycle. MMI270 commenced with the second cycle at either 50 mg once daily, 150 mg three times daily or 300 mg twice daily. No dose-limiting toxicity was observed at any MMI270 dose level. Ten patients (61%) experienced joint symptoms independent of MMI270 dose, leading to interruption, modification, or discontinuation of treatment in seven patients (23%). MMI270 did not alter 5-FU pharmacokinetics. Six patients had a partial response and seven had stable disease. 5-FU/FA with MMI270 at a dose of 300 mg twice daily is well tolerated. MMI270 has no significant effect on 5-FU pharmacokinetics.

Administration, Oral↗
PubMed2003

Psychological consequences of maxillofacial trauma: a preliminary study.

AIMS: To identify the prevalence of post-traumatic psychological symptoms after maxillofacial trauma and prognostic factors related to poor outcome. METHODS: Thirty-nine patients were assessed within 10 days of injury and 24 again 4-6 weeks later using five standardised self-report measures on each occasion and a short structured interview at the time of initial contact. RESULTS: Specific post-traumatic psychological symptoms were present at initial assessment in 21 patients (54%), with 9 (41%) meeting diagnostic criteria for post-traumatic stress disorder at review 4-6 weeks later. Other psychiatric problems, such as anxiety and depression, were identified by the General Health Questionnaire and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. Characteristics associated with poorer outcome included: a previous history of psychological distress; fear of the unknown, and female sex. CONCLUSION: These findings highlight the adverse psychological effect of maxillofacial trauma both immediately after the event and 4-6 weeks after injury. Proper assessment of injured patients must include psychological aspects and further research is needed to identify the most appropriate response.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2002

Prompt proton decay scheme of (59)Cu.

Five prompt proton decay lines have been identified between deformed states in (59)Cu and three spherical states in (58)Ni by means of high-resolution in-beam particle-gamma gamma coincidence spectroscopy. The GAMMASPHERE array coupled to dedicated ancillary detectors including four Delta E-E silicon strip detectors was used to study high-spin states in (59)Cu. The multiple discrete proton lines are found to probe the wave functions of states in the decay-out regime of well- and superdeformed states.

Journal Article↗
PubMed2002

Quadrupole moments of highly deformed structures in the A approximately 135 region: probing the single-particle motion in a rotating potential.

The latest generation gamma-ray detection system, GAMMASPHERE, coupled with the Microball charged-particle detector, has made possible a new class of nuclear lifetime measurement. For the first time differential lifetime measurements free from common systematic errors for over 15 different nuclei ( >30 rotational bands in various isotopes of Ce, Pr, Nd, Pm, and Sm) have been extracted at high spin within a single experiment. This comprehensive study establishes the effective single-particle transition quadrupole moments in the A approximately 135 light rare-earth region. Detailed comparisons are made with theoretical calculations using the self-consistent cranked mean-field theory which convincingly demonstrates the validity of the additivity of single-particle quadrupole moments in this mass region.

Journal Article↗
PubMed2001

Superdeformation in the doubly magic nucleus (40)(20)Ca(20).

A rotational band with seven gamma-ray transitions between states with spin 2 Planck's constant and 16 Planck's constant has been observed in the doubly magic, self-conjugate nucleus (40)(20)Ca(20). The measured transition quadrupole moment of 1.80(+0.39)(-0.29)eb indicates a superdeformed shape with a deformation beta(2) = 0.59(+0.11)(-0.07). The features of this band are explained by cranked relativistic mean field calculations to arise from an 8-particle 8-hole excitation.

Journal Article↗
PubMed2001

Identification of the I(pi) = 10(+) Yrast rotational state in 24Mg.

Spins and parities of high spin states above the particle-binding threshold in 24Mg were determined with a basis expansion technique using triple and quadruple angular correlations between alpha particles and gamma rays. The first unambiguous identification of a 10(+) state is reported. Located at 19.2(1) MeV, this state decays predominantly by alpha emission, although a candidate gamma-decay branch with a 5.927 MeV transition connecting this 10(+) level to the rotational 8(+) state at 13.2 MeV was identified as well. The corresponding gamma-alpha branching ratio is 7(3)x10(-4).

Journal Article↗
PubMed2001

Prompt alpha decay of a well-deformed band in (58)Ni.

Two excited well-deformed bands have been observed in the semi-magic nucleus (58)Ni. One of the bands was observed to partially decay by emission of a prompt discrete alpha particle that feeds the 2949 keV 6(+) spherical yrast state in the daughter nucleus (54)Fe. This constitutes the first observation of prompt alpha emission from states lying in the deformed secondary minimum of the nuclear potential. gamma-ray linking transitions via several parallel paths establish the spin, parity, and excitation energy of this deformed band in (58)Ni.

Journal Article↗
PubMed2001

Managing a complex river catchment: a case study on the River Almond.

The River Almond catchment in the east central belt rates amongst Scotland's most polluted rivers. This paper describes how shifting forms of economic development in the catchment since the 1860s have affected river quality. A legacy of effects from past land uses has combined with the impacts associated with current land uses to present a substantial and complex management challenge. It is argued that there have been, and still are, scientific, legislative and socio-economic constraints on the abilities of managers to respond promptly to changing patterns of impacts on the river system. This response lag has tended to increase the costs of subsequent remediation, and has consequently supported a downward pressure on the quality standards that are considered 'realistic' by river managers. Conversely, advances in science, the expansion of regulatory powers and resources, and an increase in public interest in the environment has helped to clarify the extent of the management problems in the catchment, and allowed major advances in some areas of pollution management. In an attempt to overcome some of the remaining weaknesses of river management, river managers and interest groups have started to form inter-sectoral and multidisciplinary partnerships. The success of these new groupings is highly contingent, not so much on the competence of their scientific advice, but on the priority given to water protection by the land-use decision-makers involved, and the resources they are prepared to commit to funding rehabilitation.

Agriculture↗
PubMed2001

The 2-minute walk test as a measure of functional improvement in persons with lower limb amputation.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the construct validity and responsiveness of the 2-minute walk test as a measure of function in individuals with lower extremity amputation. DESIGN: The distances walked in 2 minutes were compared with the results on the physical functioning subscale of the Medical Outcomes Study Short-Form 36-Item Health Survey (SF-36) and the Houghton Scale. SETTING: Regional amputee rehabilitation program. PATIENTS: Retrospective data from 290 patients (mean age, 66yr) with unilateral transtibial, unilateral transfemoral, or bilateral amputations. INTERVENTION: Repeated testing. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Distance walked in 2 minutes, SF-36 (aggregated into physical and mental composite scores), and the Houghton score. We also examined the change in the distance before and after a rehabilitation program. RESULTS: The distance walked in 2 minutes showed a weak correlation with the physical functioning subscale of the SF-36 (r = .22, p = .008) and a moderate correlation with the total Houghton score at discharge from rehabilitation (r = .493, p <or= .001). The correlation between distance walked in 2 minutes and SF-36 physical functioning subscale at follow-up was moderate (r = .479, p < .001). There was a significant improvement in distance walked in 2 minutes at discharge and follow-up compared with baseline (mean change +/- standard deviation at discharge, 13.6 +/- 19.9m; at follow-up, 41.2 +/- 34m, p < .001). CONCLUSION: The 2-minute walk test was responsive to change with rehabilitation in persons with lower extremity amputation. In addition, the 2-minute walk test showed adequate correlation with measures of physical functioning and prosthetic use in this population.

Aged↗
PubMed2001

A novel approach to calculation of mean mitral valve gradient by Doppler echocardiography.

The Doppler-derived mean mitral valve gradient (DeltaP(M)) based on the simplified Bernoulli equation requires computerized integration of the Doppler signal and evaluation by a technician with the use of special equipment. We have noted empirically that the DeltaP(M) can be derived by the equation DeltaP(M) = (P(P) - P(T)) / 3 + P(T). Peak (P(P)) and trough (P(T)) pressures are derived from the simplified Bernoulli equation (P = 4V(2)). This equation can be used by the experienced observer to calculate the mean mitral valve gradient without specialized equipment. The purpose of this study is to validate the above empirically derived equation in patients with mitral stenosis. We retrospectively reviewed 41 consecutive studies done at our institution from October 1, 1997, through September 30, 1998, in which mean mitral valve gradient was assessed. Each study was reviewed and the DeltaP(M), P(P), and P(T) were measured for 3 beats by using the software package on an HP Sonos 2500. DeltaP(M) was also calculated with our formula. A linear regression model was used to compare the results of the measured versus the calculated DeltaP(M). The following sub-categories were also evaluated: transthoracic studies (TTE), transesophageal studies (TEE), native valve gradients (NV), prosthetic valve gradients (PV), sinus rhythm (SR), and atrial fibrillation (AF). The results of the regression analysis of the entire population of mean versus calculated DeltaP(M) are n = 41, r = 0.99, P <.001, and standard error of the estimate (SEE) = 0.67. The regression results for the subgroups are as follows: TTE: n = 30, r = 0.99, P <.001, SEE = 0.51; TEE: n = 11, r = 0.99, P <.001, SEE = 59; NV: n = 26, r = 0.99, P <.001, SEE = 0.59; PV: n = 15, r = 0.98, P <.001, SEE = 0.84; SR: n = 23, r = 0.99, P <.001, SEE = 0.58; and AF: n = 18, r = 0.98, P <.001, SEE = 0.82. In conclusion, the simple formula that we have derived is an accurate method for calculation of mean mitral valve gradient, and it is accurate over multiple subgroups. Furthermore, the formula allows visual verification of mean mitral gradient without specialized software.

Aged↗
PubMed2001

Community and connectivity: summary of a community based monitoring program set up to assess the movement of nutrients and sediments into the Great Barrier Reef during high flow events.

The Great Barrier Reef (GBR) system encompasses the largest system of corals and related life forms anywhere in the world. The health of this extensive system, particularly the inshore area, is dependent on the relationship between the GBR and adjacent coastal catchments. The major impact of agricultural practices on the GBR is the degradation of water quality in receiving (rivers) waters, caused by increased inputs of nutrients, suspended sediments and other pollutants. For the past three years, the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA) has been involved with the co-ordination of a river-monitoring program, specifically targeting the sampling of rivers during flood events. Representative sites were set up along two North Queensland rivers, the Russell-Mulgrave and Barron Rivers. This monitoring program is run in conjunction with the Queensland Department of Natural Resources' Waterwatch program. The program involves intensive sampling of first flush, extreme flow and post flood conditions over the two rivers. Extreme flow conditions are sampled over a limited time span (48 hours) with trained volunteers at 4-hour intervals. Concentrations measured in the flood events are dependent on land use characteristic, and extent of flow. Concentrations of dissolved and particulate nutrients are higher if the extreme flow event is part of the first flush cycle. Concentrations of DIN and DIP measured before, during and after a major flood event suggest that there is a large storage of inorganic material within the Barron and Russell-Mulgrave agricultural subcatchments that move over a period of days, and perhaps weeks. This program created a forum in which GBRMPA liased with the Barron and Russell-Mulgrave community about the connectivity existing between the river and the Great Barrier Reef lagoon.

Agriculture↗
PubMed2001

Catchment management and the Great Barrier Reef.

Pollution of coastal regions of the Great Barrier Reef is dominated by runoff from the adjacent catchment. Catchment land-use is dominated by beef grazing and cropping, largely sugarcane cultivation, with relatively minor urban development. Runoff of sediment, nutrients and pesticides is increasing and for nitrogen is now four times the natural amount discharged 150 years ago. Significant effects and potential threats are now evident on inshore reefs, seagrasses and marine animals. There is no effective legislation or processes in place to manage agricultural pollution. The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Act does not provide effective jurisdiction on the catchment. Queensland legislation relies on voluntary codes and there is no assessment of the effectiveness of the codes. Integrated catchment management strategies, also voluntary, provide some positive outcomes but are of limited success. Pollutant loads are predicted to continue to increase and it is unlikely that current management regimes will prevent this. New mechanisms to prevent continued degradation of inshore ecosystems of the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area are urgently needed.

Agriculture↗
PubMed2000

Establishing guidelines for pharmacotherapy trials in bulimia nervosa and anorexia nervosa.

OBJECTIVE: This paper addresses the lack of a standard protocol for pharmacotherapy trials for patients with bulimia nervosa (BN) and anorexia nervosa (AN). METHOD: Twenty-two surveys were sent to established researchers in the field of eating disorders to elicit their opinions regarding medication trials, including baseline laboratory tests, the optimal length/frequency of medication management sessions, and the information that should or should not be included in these sessions. RESULTS: Sixteen of 22 researchers completed and returned the survey. Their answers are the basis of the data presented. DISCUSSION: We propose a battery of screening laboratory tests for both conditions. We suggest 30-45-min initial medication management sessions in both AN and BN trials with 15-min follow-ups to be held weekly for AN subjects, and weekly for 2 weeks, then biweekly for 2 weeks, then monthly, for BN subjects. We also recommend that published trials should include explicit details of medication management.

Anorexia Nervosa↗
PubMed2000

The nutritional needs of the older person.

Older people have particular nutritional requirements that are different from other groups. The nutritional status of many older people is poor in respect of some key nutrients. Older people are at higher risk of malnutrition if they are ill, live alone or have difficulty in eating. Older patients should have their nutritional status and nutritional intake monitored regularly to ensure they are receiving adequate nutrition.

Aged↗